From being an Abandoned who had rarely left the Hollowed Grounds, to embracing the call of adventure, to dying and being reborn first as an Ascended and then as an Ancient, Maea has gone through quite the amount of changes in her life. One thing remains common, though, in her attempts to find out just where she belongs; she’s always had a craving for knowledge which has brought her to so many places and to meet so many people here in Caido. We can’t wait to see what else is in store for her!
Congratulations, Maea!
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!
There is love inside this madness We are walking on the moon
Leafchange was young when Sohalia and her small envoy from Stormbreak arrived in Halo, there to spread the news of their soon-to-be-open-to-Abandoned status. There was a nip in the air that hadn't been there when Soh had visited Halo only a few short weeks before, and she shivered a little in the parka she'd brought with her as she worked to set up the small get together she'd organized to spread the news. She'd written ahead of time to ask Halo's leadership for their permission to host such an event, and she looked forward to seeing Deimos again. His response to the announcement of her leadership had been very kind.
She'd taken up a little piece of Snowcloak to set up a long table of food alongside smaller tables where people could sit and chat. She wanted to mingle with some of Halo's residents while she was here, to cement a friendship between their regions that she hoped would only grow stronger over time. It was her intention that after her announcement, she and her friends from Stormbreak could share time to discuss with Halo's inhabitants what the changes in Stormbreak would mean. Perhaps they would establish new friendships, all the better to welcome newcomers back home.
With everything set up, it only remained to welcome guests to the event. Soh waited with a friendly smile for people to begin to arrive.
------
This is a mini-event announcing that Stormbreak will be opening to Abandoned in the near future! Come on in, grab a bite to eat, and hang out with friends from Stormbreak while we await Soh's official announcement!
Though I don't believe in magic I believe in me and you
Halo was a formidable part of the world, filled to the brim with determined, stalwart individuals. Some had magic. Others didn’t. But it’d become a refuge for those imparted with incantations, and the way Stormbreak had, over the time barriers had fallen, maintained its restraints upon those individuals hadn’t gone unnoticed.
Though, it seemed that was going to change.
Not one to refuse such a statement, Deimos had obliged the request the Luminary had made – to come speak amidst the Citadel’s citizens, and hopefully see where these things were going.
So he arrived soon after the Stormbreak contingent, extending his own measured greetings, eyes narrowed in study, eternally ready for something. Approaching Sohalia, he gave a nod. “Congratulations again. Welcome,” before taking his place amidst the crowd nearby, steady and constant, intending to catch the eyes of his own public and gauge reactions.
you're all bronze and bite all venom and fistfight
and sweetest in the gale is heard and sore must be the storm
Lena had never been to Halo, and spent a multitude of time preparing for the journey. Finding the thickest parka she could, along with mittens, proper pants, and a hat, she’d inhaled a long breath and joined Sohalia and their brethren to the sights of summits and snow. More than once she’d gasped at the strong, sturdy buildings, the glow of luxere antlers in the distance, and the inclinations of so much ice.
But there were other things to tend to – even if she suddenly yearned to go investigating along the Sea of Glass, or the Tundra, for any state of flora and fauna she’d yet to see within the Celestine. There were more practical matters afoot.
So she stayed by the Luminary as others began to mill and gather around, quiet, calm, with a small, welcoming smile on her features, ready for something to begin. “Let me know if you need anything,” she whispered to Sohalia with a wink. Just in case.
that could abash the little bird that kept so many warm
My days end best when this sunset gets itself Behind that little lady sitting passenger side
If anyone is invested in this idea, it's Evie and Deimos. Given they have been barred from Stormbreak since she was born and he arrived in Caido, they undoubtedly have their own biases, but Evie likes to think that anyone who disagrees is merely showing their bigoted hand. It had taken her most of her life to dismantle and discard her ingrained self-hatred and internalized prejudiced, and now she can't imagine forcing others to hide away who they truly are. Sohalia may be very young to be leading in her eyes, but if it means progress, Evie will take anything.
Wanting to give her congratulations separately, Evie doesn't wade through the growing crowd with Deimos at her side, but she knows she'll return to him once she's done. Sohalia had been present the day she found Micah, who - much larger now - hangs like a scarf around her neck, florescent rosettes contrasting with Evie's vibrant hair. "Deimos wrote the response to your letter, but I wanted to give my congratulations personally. We're glad to have you in Halo." Happy to host any kindhearted traveler even without the premise of a meeting. Turning away, she provides a wink and a cheerily whispered 'good luck!' before finding her beloved in the crowd and moving to his side.
It's much less picturesque without her catching the light The horizon tries but it's just not as kind on the eyes
07-12-2023, 01:37 AM (This post was last modified: 07-12-2023, 01:38 AM by Sah.)
I have never feared the storm
Sah had heard the rumors, heard the confirmation that there were official visitors from Stormbreak. And yet the Abandoned would not believe the whispers until there had been loud, official confirmation. Not with what he knew of Stormbreak's history and not with his own life possibly being at risk should it all be lies and he steps foot on the other region's soil.
Yet, the Abandoned remained hopeful. If Abandoned were allowed to enter, perhaps he could convince Soleil to take a trip with him? It might just be the only region where she'd have more first-hand experience then him. Sah figured his daughter would enjoy the role as a tour guide.
Arriving on time, the Wild Thunder nodded at Sohalia with a warm smile, "Welcome."He knew little about the Heart of Stormbreak, having only met her briefly on one occasion. But Sah had only heard positive things so far.
I am a shadow, I am cold, and now I seek for warmth
As the Academy's Headmistress, Hotaru has a deep and personal investment in the outcome of Stormbreak's efforts, so of course she is in attendance. She's admittedly surprised Sohalia is the one at the front given she'd just met the girl and found her rather airheaded and young, but Hotaru has always been rather critical of leaders. So long as the defenses come down, it's not her region and therefore not her problem.
Instead of speaking to her directly she merely smiles and inclines her head from a small distance, clearly supportive and acknowledging they know each other, but holding back since she wants to be rather formal with these proceedings. For now she will merely watch and wait, ready to interject, question, and interrogate if needed. Right now she cannot afford to be kind.
HOTARU
Hotaru has a passive magic that makes her glow with an internal golden light; it makes her appear youthful and her hair seems to look like moving sunlight. Can only subtly illuminate dark spaces.
Sohalia was a leader now? Tal slouched into the meeting, torn between a scowl and a grin as he headed over to the table where his friend waited. "This is how I find out you've gone all fancy now?" he mock-growled, but he couldn't keep up the facade and soon leaned in for a gruff hug. Before he pulled back he whispered: "Go get 'em, tiger," in her ear before giving her a wink.
He felt the back of his neck redden at the display of affection, but hail, there weren't any laws about hugging his friends in public. Boreal crooned her own greeting, sniffing eagerly at Soh's pockets until Tal caught hold of a horn and exasperatedly towed her towards the snack table to load up a plate and filch a few treats for his companion.
Given their last conversation he had a pretty good idea of how things were going to go, so he found a nice quiet corner back near Sah and settled in to watch the show. He freed his hand long enough to give Lena a wave and then tucked into the snacks.
It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive
There was no way that Anna was allowing Lena and Sohalia to go to Halo alone. The dragoon did not trust the newly appointed leader, nor the caretaker, to be paranoid careful enough to avoid the dangers she might. So, she went with them. Samael circled them mostly in flight during their travels, his keen eyes watching carefully.
With a fairly easy set of travel, Anna calmed some. She calmed even more when the people of Halo seemed to come without all of the distrust and iciness they were rumored to harbor deeply. Taking a breath, the dragoon and her dragon waded at the edge of the crowd and scanned continuously, making sure no harm would come to her matriarch or her companion.
But those who can best manage change
Anna
Let our blades shine with Justice
Let Valor our hearts sing.
Let all who seek protection
Find it 'neath the Dragoon's Wing.
With twins bundled carefully for the weather, Noah made his way towards the crowd clearing in a particular part of Snowcloak, with the sled gliding easily over packed snow and ice. His Sentinel’s Jacket kept him perfectly warm as the autumn winds bit at his cheeks, but he made sure his twins were going to stay warm in their sled. He pulled the thick, ursur covering over his twins higher to keep the wind off their tiny heads. They snoozed quietly with full, content bellies.
Noah settled in near the front of the crowd, choosing a familiar shoulder to stand beside, and lifted his hand to wave at Lena gently. He pointed down towards the twins in the sled now settled between him and Hotaru. He looked around, noticing Sah. He was happy to see the man again. He had been so busy the last few seasons that Noah hardly had any time with him at all.
i'd fashioned my own cross been crushed by its weight there's no stronger message than dirt in your face
There is love inside this madness We are walking on the moon
Soh was unprepared for the number of kind welcomes that she would receive, and she smiled shyly at each person - Deimos, Evie, Sah - with a word of thanks for their kindness. Talyson drew a laugh from the young woman, and she hugged him fondly in return before sneaking Boreal a treat from her pocket - something she'd long since gotten in the habit of keeping for her dragon friends. As everyone arrived and began to settle, Soh was glad for Lena and Anna's companionship. She smiled at her friends before taking a deep breath and stepping forward, taking center stage, as it were.
"Thank you all for the warm welcome," Soh said smoothly, silently thanking the gods that she had no fear about public speaking. "It is a pleasure and a privilege to join you as the Heart of Stormbreak. We come bearing news that we hope will be welcome: we are in the process of completing a quest to open Stormbreak's borders to Abandoned for the first time. We wanted to share this news with you all personally and invite you to visit us just as soon as our quest is complete. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have."
Though I don't believe in magic I believe in me and you
The Sword’s keen gaze meandered from person to person in the crowd; constantly observing and watching, in case of any dramatics. Meetings from prior years, especially those in Helovia and the Basin, rarely went smoothly, especially if there were notions from other lands. But thus far, the citizens of Halo had remained pleasant and willing to listen, so he permitted a small smile towards those of Stormbreak, and Evie, before taking in and absorbing the information himself.
And it sounded simple, but Caido had always been anything but. Considering the way some places had undermined and snagged at abilities, like Sunjata’s refuge, he had to wonder if this would be the same thing in Stormbreak – Abandoned stripped of their powers as soon as they stepped or crossed any thresholds; leaving notions of vulnerability. Unaware of the circumstances surrounding such particulars, since he’d never been allowed anyway, when Sohalia asked for inquiries, Deimos asked. “How will it work?”
you're all bronze and bite all venom and fistfight
I am a shadow, I am cold, and now I seek for warmth
It's a pleasant comfort when Noah settles alongside her, twins in tow peacefully sleeping away, and Hotaru spares a loving smile for them. Their presence only encourages her to keep things civil - not that she expects much dissent to come from Halo as a region. Her own tongue will likely be the sharpest in the crowd.
Deimos' question reminds her of enchanted doors and loopholes, and the death of her best friend. It's a question she dearly wants to know the answer to, so she's glad he asks it first, allowing her to indulge in what she considers to be a far more important question.
"How do you intend to combat the long-held anti-Abandoned sentiment in your region?" Now that she has the floor, Hotaru opens both arms in a sweeping gesture, wanting the gravity of her question to be clearly translated. "Regardless of whether you spearheaded this decision or it was voted upon, Stormbreak as a whole allowed anti-Abandoned sentiment to become a daily, accepted occurrence for years. What will you do to protect those brave enough to visit?" Or would the Dragoons merely turn a blind eye? Hotaru will not see Abandoned step foot on Stormbreak's soil, optimistic and hopeful, only to be harmed in far more personal ways by the prejudiced citizens surely hiding out like cockroaches in Sohalia's flock.
HOTARU
Hotaru has a passive magic that makes her glow with an internal golden light; it makes her appear youthful and her hair seems to look like moving sunlight. Can only subtly illuminate dark spaces.
Sah smirked at Talyson's reaction and raised a brow at the other man as the courier joined those gathered. That was certainly a tidbit to tease the man about later. But for now, the Wild Thunder listened as Deimos and Hotaru brought up valid concerns regarding the transition.
He added his own question onto theirs, "Going off of what the others have said, will there be any restrictions on Abandoned who enter Stormbreak? Either in magic use or where within the region we can go?" Limits might be able to keep some manner of peace between those who were prejudiced against Abandoned and those who weren't so blind. But the Abandoned needed to be able to defend themselves regardless of if their magic use made narrowminded or individuals upset.
It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive
The dragoon kept her eyes shifting over the crowd. Some spoke, and Anna knew some of them only by name, rumor, and tale. Deimos, the Resurrected Sword, was one she knew only as a devotee of Safrin and yet a destroyer of the Voice's prison. She didn't know the details of his history and his involvement, only a vague understanding that he had been born of another world and helped "free" the Hollowed Grounds. Her eyes settled on Sohalia briefly, her face calm and projecting the confidence the young matriarch would need.
Samael shifted at Anna's side as her mind clouded with the thoughts. Though she remained as impassable as the Fangs they had flown over, the dragoon lifted her chin some. While it wasn't her place to say anything, she wanted to. But duty and honor had a deeper hold on her tongue, and so she merely watched Hotaru with icy amber eyes.
Was the woman as ambitious as the Voice? What was she doing to keep the mages in their place? How was she making sure the people who had the abilities to alter what was so deeply ingrained within the very atoms of Caido stayed within the natural boundaries, the hierarchy of gods and heralds and men? Her jaw feathered some, and Samael groaned, but Anna pressed him to silence over their bond.
But those who can best manage change
Anna
Let our blades shine with Justice
Let Valor our hearts sing.
Let all who seek protection
Find it 'neath the Dragoon's Wing.
