From Attuned to Ascended to Ancient, Kiada Njovu-Reyes has been reborn several times throughout her short life, but her fighting spirit has never once been diminished. With beauty, grace and a quick wit, Kiada is the whole package wrapped in an infectious smile. Recent endeavours have found her in the heart of the Hollowed Grounds, aiding the region and bettering it for her new Ancient kin, and whatever she does next, we know it's sure to pack a punch.
Congratulations, Kiada!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
Skinning and hosting by the epically talented Kaons, and functionality fanciness by the coding magic of Neowulf. If you ever see either of them around, make sure to show them some love!
As Noah was released from his harness he instantly shifted, taking back the poise and agility of his human form. He followed after Cordelia, making sure to stay far enough back that the woman did not drop any of the logs on him. They didn't need to deal with that setback today. while Zuriel was here and, from Noah's experience, always ready to heal, he knew it would take away precious time they needed to set up this camp officially before the true harsh winds of winter set in.
"At least we will see where they stand, as Deimos said." Noah solidified the own thought in his head. Some part of him thought their humanity might show through at the loss of someone's home and the overarching fear for the safety of their family at the hands if those Isla and Bastien oversaw...but the other part of him feared they had no humanity left. Noah grabbed two of the smaller, younger trees, that he was able to stick under his arms and pull down to where they could get started cutting and laying. He repeated for as many as he could manage on his own, and gestured with his chin for Deimos' help for those he couldn't.
---
Noah brings down some trees!
ache first, but then let the cuts close spit out the blood
Logs rolled out while machinations continued to form – lifting his head briefly to Cordelia, arching a brow as it was clear calculations were rendering in the scope of his mind again. “Would it be best to come from you – as a concerned citizen? As someone who was impacted by the violence?” Instead of either the Sword or the Sentinel, given their prior movements? It was a question voiced out-loud for the rest of them, uncertain which path would be best – but Cordelia would be considered far more of a neutral party than either of the two men.
Maneuvering the wood, settling back into his work, intending to at least complete this portion before the sun went down, they clambered back and forth over a series of rallying efforts. Eventually, the lumber was ready to be laid out, cut and split apart, taken into strides of shelter expanse. “All right,” he murmured, furrowing his brow, glancing over what they had. “Can you hold these steady,” and he indicated a few logs with his hands to both of them, “and I can piece them together.”
--
Hold the logs down and we’ll get these floors done!
watch your body pull itself back together then let your soul do the same
She didn't know if it would be best. If her thoughts, feelings, and concerns would reach Bastien or Isla in a way that urged them to consider what had been done to Halo. Would they simply fall on deaf ears? Would she be told such things didn't matter? Cordelia couldn't say for sure, but they were right in the fact that they would know where they stood once and for all. The Attuned's unease for the situation was like static along the bond and she tried to channel that into hard work. Her muscles aching and protesting their use for such raw strength. "I'll do it. Whether they listen or not will be an answer in itself." She finally agreed, drawing in an icy breath that made her lungs ache, hopping down from the sleigh to assist the two men.
Cordelia shifted into position, mirroring Noah so she could keep the logs in place while Deimos worked. There were new callouses forming on her hands and she could tell that she'd be sore tomorrow, but there was still plenty more work to be done.
Cordelia helps hold the logs steady!
Cordelia Limore
'Cause they got the cages, they got the boxes and guns They are the hunters, we are the foxes and we run
Having moved down with the logs as they each placed them where they needed to be, Noah nodded. "So it is decided, then." Part of his heart hoped that Isla and Bastien would see reason and hold the ascended accountable for their actions. The other part....almost knew better. If Wessex was a representative of her race, then ties and friendship meant nothing to her. Noah had been her friend. Noah had helped her. She did not care. She acted out of violence and selfishness all in the name of herself, her people, and the Voice. It was vile. Noah had no high opinion of the woman. She was a betrayer as Morgan was.
Letting his thoughts consume him, the hunter was less careful than he should have been. He took place near Cordelia to hold the wood steady, but as he did so his hand slipped and as she placed a board where it needed to be it was also where his hand was. Hissing and pulling it back, Noah mumbled a "Sorry." before shaking it all from his head, however, Noah focused on what was in front of him. He used his other hand to help hold the boards in place, while the other throbbed against his chest.
---
Noah helps hold boards steady but also crushed his hand a little. Ouch.
ache first, but then let the cuts close spit out the blood
The acceptance given and noted, another manifestation soon to come to fruition, the Sword nodded, extended his gratitude. “Thank you,” came on a low rumble, and then they could adhere to their precision. All was well until it suddenly wasn’t – his eyes lifting to Noah and the hand that had somehow become pinned between the wood. “Do you need Zuri?” The unicorn was only some distance away, her attention riveted to the pinpoint of pain too.
Thereafter though, as the sun lowered and dusk began to haunt, the three separate floors had been completed. Perhaps not the best, given circumstances, but enough to be sturdy and suitable. “There. We can be done here for the day.” Likely all of them would be aching and sleep well simply due to the hard labor and impending exhaustion – and he started pulling together some of the fruit he’d gathered from the Oerwoud, ensuring there was some matter of refreshments. “Tomorrow we can try and tackle the walls.” And then he jutted his chin, insinuating Noah get his hand looked at by his companion, before they adjourned for the evening.
--
The following morning the Sword awakened bright and early, setting out for the shelters. He glanced at the newly-fallen snow over the ramparts, but quickly removed the fresh powder with a few Air enchantments, bolstering it all away until there were only the bare bones from before. Stretching a few times, he got to work – rendering a small pot of hot tea on a manifested, newly-created table, with a few other meat provisions on it, before dragging more of their logs over, intending to get started on the first wall.
--
The floors are done, Noah can get his hand healed if he’d like, and it’s a new day! Time to work on the walls!
watch your body pull itself back together then let your soul do the same
The decision is made and while Cordelia is still unsure it is the best use for her, she's willing to give it a try if her compatriots think it wise, but those thoughts are quickly pushed away in favor of the work at hand. "Of course." She murmured, shifting to join Deimos in the new task, offering a small smile to Noah as he joined her as well. It seemed he wasn't the only one distracted and with that distraction came injury. Placing a board down directly on his hand wasn't the plan and she winced as if the pain was her own, brows knitting together and a grimace tugging on her features, "I'm sorry!" She said at the same time he did, cheeks flushing deeply as she ducked her head, jaw feathering.
After hours of work, they finally came to a stop and Cordelia was grateful for this. She needed to rest. Her muscles ached and there were blisters forming on her palms from the work done today. The Attuned was more than willing to retire to her small tent for the evening, bundled in furs and her coat, trying to keep warm as the snow fell outside.
---
The morning came and with it new aches. Her muscles scream in protest as she forced herself out of bed, joining Deimos at the small table he'd created, grabbing something quick to eat while she slowly came into herself in between sips of tea. There was plenty of work to be done and she quietly followed his lead. She'd helped build many structures in her time and one of the most important things for fighting against cold was insulation. "Might help to have some moss and the like to stuff between the logs. Help keep the heat in."
Cordelia suggests finding moss or other material to lay between the logs as they make the walls to help keep heat in.
Cordelia Limore
'Cause they got the cages, they got the boxes and guns They are the hunters, we are the foxes and we run
His hand throbbed as he held it against his chest. Without fail, there was Zuriel, ready to bring him healing. The unicorn was probably exhausted of him at this point, with the amount of times she had used her gift to bring sinew and muscle and skin back together. Even in the short amount of time they had known each other, Noah had managed to get himself into a few situations that utilized her well. He was thankful for her. Finishing up his task and moving towards the unicorn, the hunter held his hand out to her. With the healing came a tingling sensation before it was totally back to normal. Despite the focus being on his hand, he felt a renewed vigor within his chest from the work of the companion. "Thank you," He pressed the hand against her shoulder, a soft smile breaking his cold features.
---
The night was easy to survive for him, even without the finished structures. As the sun lifted, as did the massive bear's head. Snow had covered him as he and Eira curled next to each other. Grunting, the polar bear stood and shook the snow off of his back. Eira grumbled some, deciding it was better to stay tucked away in the small bed of snow she was curled in. Shifting to take on his human skin once more, Noah closed the distance between him and his friends. He smiled to each of them, reaching readily for a cup of tea and taking a few sips without hesitation. It was the perfect temperature, and it warmed his chest and belly. "Cordelia's right. I can gather some insulation." He took a final slug of his tea before shifting down to his lynx form and bounding out of their make-shift camp in search of moss.
---
Noah goes to search for moss and different insulations!
ache first, but then let the cuts close spit out the blood
Grabbing hold of another log, and motioning it towards the first shelter, Deimos tilted his head, permitting a vague smile to flicker over his features, in accord and agreement with Cordelia’s notions. “Certainly. Snow moss would do well, especially if we want it to be quiet.” It’s what they’d used in LongNight’s passed – and even if there weren’t any monsters supposedly plaguing the world again, the old habits still felt better than nothing at all. Perhaps the Sentinel would be successful in finding some out here, and then they’d benefit from all the potential effects. “While Noah is busy, we can at least move the logs to where we want them.” Step by step, piece by piece, placing his gloved hands over the timber, and waiting for Cordelia to come and grab the other side – rally after rally, movement after movement.
The Sentinel would find himself fairly successful, with little patches of the snow moss laden in between brush and underneath mounds of snow. But there wouldn’t be enough on the initial search. He had some options to consider: go further, taking a longer time, in search for more of the flora, rush back, bringing what he had, or consider another source.
--
Deimos and Cordelia can move the logs to start positioning them for the walls!
Noah has found some snow moss. He can keep on looking, return back to the camp, or consider other option!
watch your body pull itself back together then let your soul do the same
Her idea is received with a small smile from Deimos and a confirmation from Noah, sending a surge of warmth through her and along the bond, rallying the woman to continue on in their goals. Cordelia finished off the last of her tea, shoving one more hunk of dried meat into her mouth before she's moving to join Deimos, casting a longing look towards Noah before he's disappearing into the surrounding wood.
With her help, they manage to move log after log, stacking them slowly and building up the walls slowly but surely. The snow moss will help with the warmth and the sound, helping to keep their shelters insulated and quiet. Just what they need even if there weren't monsters to worry about during Longnight.
Cordelia helps Deimos carry logs and stack up the walls!
Cordelia Limore
'Cause they got the cages, they got the boxes and guns They are the hunters, we are the foxes and we run
As the hunter searched and stuffed the moss into all of his pockets, Noah frowned. He stood there for a moment, taking mental inventory of all that he had stuffed in his pockets. It surely was not enough even to help insulate one of the buildings. Frowning, Noah put his fists on his hips for a moment. He turned his head and looked over his shoulder, brows furrowed as he watched his companions toil away at their hard work.
He hesitated briefly, turning the decision over and over. He wanted to look for more snow moss, but he knew they needed to get the structures up before dark. At this point, he was worried it would take them twice as long if he furthered his ventures. Shifting into reindeer skin, Noah trotted back to his friends. Human legs then carried him back to them, helping hoist a board with Cordelia. "I didn't find much, I am sorry." He said after helping, pulling the moss from his pockets and making a pile of what he had gathered.
---
Noah decided to take what he had and head back to Deimos and Cordelia and help with the walls.
ache first, but then let the cuts close spit out the blood
Deimos didn’t miss the longing look cast the Sentinel’s way – a very subtle arch to his brow following before muffling the low rumble of laughter. Instead of addressing it, because it wasn’t any of his business, he and Cordelia carried on with stacking the walls. Foot by foot and inch by inch, the logs were placed in accordingly, and more than once he had to wipe the sweat away from his neck, his head, despite the chilling temperatures.
At Noah’s return they could step back for a moment; the Sword taking the opportunity to grab more of the refreshments, and glancing at the stock Noah had snagged of the snow moss. The amount was disappointing, though that wasn’t the latter’s fault. Perhaps it’d been already picked over by others, or didn’t grow as rich here. “Thank you for trying,” and he patted the man on the shoulder, before crouching and picking up a piece. “Maybe I can send Belial to search for more.” The peryton was always eager to help – and his swift, keen abilities might be beneficial.
Ardent and in earnest, the companion bounded over at the request, sniffing at the plant. Erupting in a flurry of motions later, the little beast hastened onward, and Deimos shrugged. “We will see.”
As for the remains? “We can take another break, and then start finishing up the walls. That will be enough for today.” Though Cordelia and himself had already wrapped up one – and the snow moss could be snuck in whenever they could obtain it.
--
Deimos sends Belial to find more snow moss.
Cordelia and Deimos have finished one of the shelters’ walls – only two to go! Take a break and we’ll keep trucking to finish up the others!
watch your body pull itself back together then let your soul do the same
Cordelia doesn't miss the arch of his brow or the quiet rumble of laughter. Her cheeks flush pink and she huffed, shooting Deimos a look as if daring him to say something, but she can't help the small smile that curled on her lips despite herself. Perhaps it was more obvious than she thought. Not that the Sentinel seemed to notice. Figures. Still, there was work to be done and while she kept an eye out for Noah's return, her attentions were steadily consumed by the task at hand, working until her muscles threatened to give out with fatigue.
"If others have collected it they would have gotten everything in the easier to reach places. Belial might be able to find some in spots others overlooked." Cordelia suggested softly, giving Noah a reassuring smile as she poured him another cup of warm tea, offering it to him before tending to one of her own. The Attuned shifted between sips of tea and nibbling on a bit of dried fruit, trying not to shiver in the cold as she flexed numb fingers, pursing her lips at the worn spots forming on her gloves.
Once their rest was over, Cordelia pushed herself back to her feet, moving to get to work once more. She was tired and cold and wanted nothing more than to take a hot bath, but that didn't seem to be an option for her right now. It likely wouldn't be for some time. Her thoughts wandered as she set back to work, following Deimos's instructions for completing the next part of construction for the day.
Cordelia wishes silently for a hot bath and continues to work after taking a little break.
Cordelia Limore
'Cause they got the cages, they got the boxes and guns They are the hunters, we are the foxes and we run
Noah nodded along at Deimos idea of sending Belial. "Eira can go as well." It is her name spoken only that has the companion gliding down from the tree she had taken shelter in, one of the sparse few in the area of their shelters. She chirped and headed off after the peryton, her bulky white fluff nearly disappearing against the white of the snow.
Having not worked on the last physically difficult task, Noah only took a few sips of the tea Cordelia prepared for him before getting back to work. He knew they would take time to rest, but Noah still had stamina to move forward with the project. He moved what he could on his own, sweat beading on his forehead and running down his neck. He shifting and lifted boards and logs until his back groaned at him, the muscles in his legs moaning alongside it. His body was a chorus of aches, but the work was necessary.
---
Noah doesn't take a break and keeps working on the next building!
ache first, but then let the cuts close spit out the blood
Deimos didn’t begrudge the Sentinel his lack of break – understanding the draw of persistence and fortitude. But sometimes a break was necessary, especially in laborious conditions, where the slightest, tired mannerism could spell multitudes of problems, issues, and danger.
But for what it was worth, they were all successful. Power, control, might, and dominion, all working within their abilities to forge the walls. Before long, each shelter had its forms, structures, and barriers. And each exhausted soul could take a breath, be proud, of their accomplishments. Deimos dusted his hands off, surveying the scene. “These look good,” and then had to laugh as the companions came flying in, their mouths full of snow moss.
Stuffed away and insulated in the partitions of wood, it’d keep the movement and motions within each shelter quiet and unsuspecting. “There. Another rest this evening, and tomorrow we can tackle the roofs.”
And once more, they could all disperse to their temporary clusters and cloisters.
--
Bright and early, the sun barely risen, the Sword had already snagged at the particulars they’d need. More wood materials, more planks, more nails, more tools – glancing over proportions until they’d be deemed adequate. While awaiting the rest of the flock, his magic created several ladders, so they’d be able to work in solidity and cohesion, quickly, efficiently.
Breakfast was provided, steaming by the fire in the middle of their little encampment, while he worked out a diagram, placing chimney sanctions within his outline. When the rest had assembled, he showed them particulars, waiting for any other choices and decisions. “What do you think?” No thatching; pure slabs of logs and cabin-like proportions, not wanting the risk of potential fire and flame simply by way of needing it for the winter’s chill.
--
Walls are done! Snow moss has been found! Another day down, and now we need to tackle the roofs. Take a look at the diagrams and then we’ll get to work.
watch your body pull itself back together then let your soul do the same
