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!
Hearing the Hadama's explanation has Zavien relaxing slightly. If it's just observing, that can't be too bad, right? It helps that Ronin's name is dropped. His encounter with the man in Stormbreak was good-natured and gave Zavien the impression that he and his companions could be trusted. Although that doesn't mean that Hadama is one of those people...
Reassessing the merman with close inspection, he finds no warning signs. From the friendly face to the open communication, his gut tells him that Hadama can be trusted - and his gut has rarely been wrong. So Zavien hesitantly smiles and steps closer to the shore. "I don't suppose there could be any harm in that, although I would prefer that you inform me as to your intentions with the information." His tone is cautious and speculative. If he is going to risk attracting the attention of Stormbreak's unsavory new management, he wants to know what the overall scheme is. Aimless "scouting" won't help anyone. "It would also help to know what kind of facts may be most pertinent."
At this point, Zavien is becoming slightly paranoid and checks the shoreline for inconsistencies. Spotting none, he adds, "And how I would get them to you."
Hadama inclined his head in acknowledgment of Zavien's questions - and at how much he had changed since the coming of the void-touched to Caido and the catastrophe of Starfall. There had been a time when he would have refused to consider the use of a spy - or a scout, if one wished to give the word a more civilized veneer - for any reason. But he was a pragmatic man at the end of the day, and his duty towards his people was stronger than his pride.
"For now, to learn more about the spread of the Void in an area under the Family's protection. And what their intentions are in Stormbreak." There was so much they didn't know still that almost any information was important at this point. "If the pace of infection is faster there. And if there are announcements posted that are not... shared... by their Speaker." The mention of the strange voice in their heads caused a flicker of jerky movement from his tail and a tension in his jaw for a moment, but he took a calming breath and soothed it away. "And if you can find any news of Sohalia." Stormbreak's previous ruler, the young Heart who had vanished just before Dahlia had taken the conveniently-empty throne.
He rested his hands on a broad stone half out of the water, keeping his emerald eyes and attention courteously on Zavien. He spoke slowly, choosing his words with thoughtful care. "I intend to share the information with the other regional leaders. And hope that we will be able to devise plans to defend against or overcome this... invasion... of our world."
The request seems practical enough. Void. Inconsistencies. Sohalia. Some information will be easier to obtain than others. The Void is beginning to flourish and he fears that it will spread quickly while he hasn't heard the name of their lost leader in an embarrassingly long time. It's a mystery that he's ashamed he hasn't pursued earlier. To think that he claims to be protective of his home, but not its missing ruler.
Zavien nods in understanding of their common purpose. He takes a moment to officially consider the proposal. Even if he agrees to "scout" for Hadama, he can always back out if things get too dangerous, but who isn't in danger right now? What risk is too large in comparison to the fate of Caido? Would he be able to face the people of Stormbreak with a clear conscience, knowing that he could have made a difference? With each question, he comes to the same conclusion. No. He can't do nothing.
His own green eyes meet Hadama's with determination. "I'll do it. Just tell me how to send the details." The decision spoken aloud, a cosmic shift is felt in his chest, an alignment with the rebels against the overpowered invaders. He just hopes it's enough.
This was not the conversation that Hadama had been expecting to have today, in truth. But he was not one to look a gift seahorse from the gods in the mouth. The Breaker seemed earnest and sincere in his desire to help, and not so foolish as to risk himself for some fleeting glory.
Still, it did not hurt to be certain.
"Do not put yourself in danger," the Tidebreaker rumbled, his voice as low as distant summer thunder with a note of caution in his voice. "It is enough to keep your eyes and ears open." As for the way in which they should communicate going forward...
King he might be, and therefore required to learn the fine art of politics as a result, but Hadama was not inclined to cloak and dagger games by nature. He had a co-ruler far more adept at such measures, but since Flora was not here he subsided into thought. "Hmm. If you will travel outside of Stormbreak, then you may give news to Maea." It was not unusual for the Ancient to come to Torchline to warm up, especially in Deepfrost. "Or Dragoon Koa." Which would be news to the recently-returned young man, but Hadama trusted his loyalty to Sohalia and Stormbreak above Dahlia and the Void. "If not... find a courier to deliver messages by hand." There was no indication that the usual ravens weren't getting through, but with Starfall so near to Torchline the Tidebreaker was wary of how easy it would be to interfere with the usual mail delivery.
Overall, what Zavien is understanding from Hadama is that he has all the power here - in addition to all of the risk. And he accepts it completely. As the weakest of people attempting to "Save the World", Zavien is willing to do whatever he can to help the cause. Nodding his head in resolved agreement, he gives Hadama one last determined smile. "It sounds like I have a lot of work to do and many options to consider. Maea was already recommended, so you may find her reaching out to you at some point." The implication is clear that he plans to find an abundance of intel to pass along. Even if he has to work himself ragged, he will succeed. After his mom passed, he vowed to protect those he cared about - and Zavien has decided that he cares about the people of Caido, whether they want his assistance or not.
Seeing the sun beginning to set in the horizon, he lets the orange glow illuminate his smile as it flashes to Hadama. The man still glitters with obvious allure that makes him take a second glance before ending their conversation. "It has been a pleasure meeting you today, Hadama. I feel that it has been very... informative. I look forward to our next encounter." Zavien waves a polite goodbye and walks away, already analyzing his first steps for when he returns to Stormbreak. Perhaps his wish did come true...
