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a born-again wildcard - Printable Version +- Court of the Fallen (https://cotf-rpg.com) +-- Forum: Out of Character (https://cotf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=26) +--- Forum: Important (https://cotf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=27) +---- Forum: Archives (https://cotf-rpg.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=38) +---- Thread: a born-again wildcard (/showthread.php?tid=12710) |
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a born-again wildcard - Flora - 04-03-2026 Flora would normally not leave Kaisel’s orbit so quickly, but the room has already begun to pull at her in a dozen different directions at once, voices and colour and movement catching at her like hands at silk. After a few circuits, she's able to make a beeline towards Niki, her path all easy sway and sparkle, sequins catching the light with every step like she’s dragging a trail of tiny, celebratory fireworks behind her. By the time she reaches him she’s already smiling, not the polite sort either but the kind that lands fully and stays there, bright and a little bit mischievous, her gaze flicking over him once before settling with clear approval. [say]"I like your sweater,"[/say] she announces, as if this is breaking news and she’s the authority on it, her tone warm and teasing all at once, the compliment delivered with a small tilt of her head that makes her curls slip just enough to frame her face in a way that looks entirely accidental and very much isn’t. There’s a quick shift then, the smile softening just slightly as something more genuine threads through it, her hands lifting in a small, animated gesture as if she’s about to confess something mildly scandalous instead of perfectly normal. [say]"And the tea you sent? It was delicious,"[/say] she adds, the words bright but sincere, though the softness doesn’t last long before it tips right back into something more playful, her eyes widening with exaggerated curiosity as she leans in just a fraction, conspiratorial without bothering to lower her voice. [say]"So?"[/say] she presses, drawing it out with a grin. [say]"Moving???"[/say] RE: a born-again wildcard - Nikandr - 04-03-2026 After the initial flurry of surprise and celebration, Niki has taken himself away to be the wallflower he was always meant to be. It's as much a safety mechanism as it is his preference, and as Flora starts to dazzle her way towards him it will be to see him gazing at one of the signature cocktails currently in his hand, trying to calculate the ratio of sugar to pure booze. Her voice has his slate blue eyes flicking up to her face, expression immediately brightening into a smile. [say]"You do? I was informed that it is meant to reflect the colour of your eyes,"[/say] he says of his sweater, gesturing to it. [say]"You will have to be the judge, though."[/say] His smile softens and he raises his glass to her. [say]"Happy Birthday, Flora. I am glad you enjoyed the tea - I was worried you did not receive the letter."[/say] #leftonread But then she's glittering in closer, Niki letting out a soft laugh and nodding his confirmation. [say]"Moving,"[/say] he says. [say]"Apologies that it is not to Torchline, but I thought King's End would be close enough nearby. I have heard it is very haunted."[/say] RE: a born-again wildcard - Flora - 04-03-2026 Flora tips her head with a soft, approving hum as her gaze flicks once more over the sweater before returning to his face. [say]"That’s pretty close,"[/say] she says, her lashes fluttering in an exaggerated little sweep to emphasize the colour. At the mention of the letter, her lips pressed together as she lets out a small, theatrical huff. [say]"Okay, I’m sorry,"[/say] she says quickly, lifting one hand as if to physically intercept whatever mild judgment might be coming her way, though her eyes are already bright with apology rather than actual concern. [say]"Things have been crazy here,"[/say] she adds, the excuse tumbling out with the sort of earnestness that might almost pass for responsible if not for the way she immediately leans in, dropping her voice just enough to turn it into something conspiratorial instead of defensive. [say]"My ex-boyfriend just randomly showed up in Torchline,"[/say] she confides, brows lifting as if that alone should explain everything, which, to be fair, in her mind it absolutely does, [say]"so I’ve been on high alert about it and completely lost track of time."[/say] Catching the way he says moving, not moved, her grin returns as she reaches for a drink from a passing tray held aloft by a spirit, fingers closing easily around the glass before she turns back to him with a small tsk under her breath. [say]"I literally live in a haunted house and you still chose haunted hills,"[/say] she mutters, feigning annoyance, though the look she gives him is openly warm. [say]"It’ll be really nice having you closer, though."[/say] She lifts her glass a fraction, then adds, [say]"Can I help with the move at all?"[/say] RE: a born-again wildcard - Nikandr - 04-03-2026 [say]"Then I will consider my brief shopping trip a success,"[/say] Niki says with a satisfied smile. [say]"It may shock you to learn that I did not own a startlingly aqua sweater before today. I know - baffling."[/say] Tutting at himself, he lifts the cocktail at last to take a healthy sip of it, only to immediately regret the decision. [say]"Gods that is strong,"[/say] he wheezes, holding it away as if proximity might help at this point. His smile is easygoing as she starts to apologise, and it's not just because he's trying to control the way his throat and chest are suddenly on fire. [say]"You are queen of a region and your engagement was broadcast across the stars. I did not expect you to be focused on your correspondence,"[/say] he begins, but as she leans in like she's sharing a secret, Niki has known Flora long enough to know when gossip is incoming, and he widens his eyes appropriately at the news. [say]"That does sound like potential rain for your various parades,"[/say] he agrees. [say]"Hopefully you do not lose track of time tonight, though. Everybody is here to celebrate you."[/say] Gesturing around at the party, if the potency of the drinks keeps up like this, they might eventually all be here to celebrate anything, but for now it's decidedly Flora. [say]"The haunted hills have ambience,"[/say] he protests. [say]"And besides, it was almost the Hollowed Grounds, which is not at all closer to you."[/say] He raises his eyebrows at her pointedly, as if to tell her to take the win where she can get it. [say]"And I appreciate it, but I think I am pretty much there with the move. I am hoping to be there well before Deepfrost. Sunjata is helping, believe it or not."[/say] RE: a born-again wildcard - Serendipity - 04-03-2026 A broad shadow passes lazily across the sand, soft-edged and slow-moving, despite the absence of clouds overhead. Looking up reveals the source: a single Cloud Manta drifting through the air above, its vast, translucent body undulating as though swimming through an invisible sea. It moves with an almost playful ease, banking gently as it catches unseen currents, its long fins trailing wisps of vapour behind them. Every so often it dips lower, close enough that the air stirs faintly beneath it, before rising again in a wide, looping arc. There is no urgency to its movements, only a quiet curiosity, as though it is enjoying the simple act of being seen. After a time, the Cloud Manta begins to climb, its pale form thinning against the sky until it becomes little more than a suggestion of motion. Whether it lingers overhead or drifts on beyond sight is impossible to say, its presence as fleeting and gentle as a passing breeze.
RE: a born-again wildcard - Flora - 04-03-2026 Flora flashes Niki a mischievous but adoring smile, one brow lifting as she inhales sharply in mock surprise. [say]"Gasp, you didn’t?"[/say] she says, bouncing her eyebrows at him before letting her gaze sweep over the sweater again with clear approval. [say]"Well, you do genuinely look good in it,"[/say] she adds, the compliment landing easily before her eyes narrow just slightly with a knowing tilt of her head. [say]"Honestly? It would make a very good date outfit."[/say] At the mention of rain on her parades, she lets out a soft laugh, quick and a little too real beneath the surface. [say]"Honestly, I’d take screaming rain over the rain Jack brought with him,'[/say] she says, the humour sitting right on top of something sharper, though she doesn’t linger there long enough to let it settle. Her eyes roll, fond and exaggerated, as he defends his choice, and she tilts her head the other way now, considering him with a crooked sort of amusement. [say]"Oh? You planning on doing much hiking to see that ambience for yourself?"[/say] she asks, the tease gentle, her grin already softening it before it can land too sharply, and she gives a small nod a second later. [say]"But yes, it’s definitely closer. I’ll give you that."[/say] At the mention of Sunjata, her brows lift, surprise flickering across her face as her gaze shifts briefly in his direction before returning to Niki. [say]"Oh? That’s good,"[/say] she says at first, but the brightness eases just slightly as she leans in, her voice dropping into something quieter. [say]"I'm actually kind of surprised to see him here,"[/say] she admits, glancing back once more before adding, softer still, [say]"he just broke up with my mom and called off their engagement, and my mom is staying here, so.."[/say] Her gaze drifts briefly toward one of the wide windows, catching on the slow, sweeping shadow of a cloud manta gliding overhead before she looks back to Niki again with a shrug. RE: a born-again wildcard - Nikandr - 04-03-2026 [say]"Well, between us you are the fashion expert and so I am inclined to believe you,"[/say] Niki says with a smile, daring to take another sip of his cocktail and seeming relieved that it doesn't try to bite his head off this time around. (Granted, that does mean he's likely to be in his cups before Flora ever leaves his company, but then this is Torchline and it is a party, so whatever). Her mention of a date brings the sort of pink to his cheeks that he's certain she knew it would, and he reaches out to gently thwack her leg with his cane. [say]"Sorry, I tripped,"[/say] he drawls, taking another healthy swallow of his drink. Following her gaze briefly up towards the cloud manta overhead, were it not for stormy Jack and his rainy parades, Niki might have asked about the ethereal creature. Alas, another thing the Captain has ruined without ever actually being present. [say]"Is he still here?"[/say] he asks of Jack. [say]"Perhaps it was just a quick trip."[/say] And now he's gone again, not planning on darkening Torchline's doorway for another few seasons. Tsking in response to her tease, Niki draws himself up to his full and unassuming height - though it does put him an entire two inches taller than Flora - and offers her an indulgent smile. [say]"The ghosts will carry me,"[/say] he informs her, as if he's now an expert on King's End and the best ways to get around its hilly expanses. Following her gaze to Sunjata - he's difficult to miss with his height, and of course the necromancer had clocked him the moment he'd walked in for a multitude of reasons - his frown is something soft and thoughtful. [say]"Perhaps he wanted to show you that he still cares about you?"[/say] he says slowly. [say]"I heard about what happened, but I did not realise that your mother was staying here."[/say] He winces - it sounds like an accident waiting to happen, in truth. [say]"Well, when I am moved in, would you like to conduct a housewarming seance with me? You can invite Kaisel - I am sure he will be very normal about it all."[/say] RE: a born-again wildcard - Flora - 04-03-2026 Niki's cane taps her leg and Flora's jaw drops open instantly, surprise flashing bright before it melts into something far more delighted, her grin turning sharp and fond as she fixes him with it. [say]"On second thought, I think all those compliments are going to your head,"[/say] she says, tone light and teasing, though the look she gives him carries a clear sort of approval, like she’s quietly, genuinely pleased to see him lean into it. At the mention of Jack, her nose wrinkles and she gives a small shrug, one shoulder lifting as if the answer barely matters even as it clearly does. [say]"I haven’t seen the Ark for a few days now,"[/say] she says, the words casual, before her mouth presses just slightly as she exhales. [say]"Not that that means anything."[/say] When the necromancer draws himself up, the queen doesn’t hesitate, slipping in close with an easy sort of confidence, one arm curling around his waist as she leans lightly against his side like he'd been making room for her instead of trying to make a point. [say]"Oh I seeeeeeeeeeee,"[/say] she drawls, lashes fluttering up at him again, the gesture exaggerated but warm, playful without any real bite. Her head tips just enough to rest against his shoulder as the conversation shifts, her expression softening into something more curious. [say]"Oh, he told you about that?"[/say] she asks, a hint of surprise threading through her voice before she lifts her glass and takes a long sip, unfazed by the strength of it as she swallows easily. [say]"Of course,"[/say] she adds a moment later, glancing across the room to where Kaisel stands and sending him a quick, conspiratorial wink before looking back to Niki. [say]"If there’s one thing you can count on Kai for, it’s his very measured reactions to things,"[/say] she says, the last part tipping into a quiet snicker. RE: a born-again wildcard - Nikandr - 04-03-2026 [say]"Do you think so?"[/say] Niki asks as though he hasn't just attacked the birthday girl's shins with his cane. [say]"Perhaps you ought to put me through a compliment drought and see if it makes me retreat back into my shell."[/say] It won't, and Flora can only blame her friendship and affection for Niki being comfortable enough to subject her to his wicked sense of humour. [say]"Mm, well,"[/say] he says of the Captain, giving the party a quick and appraising glance, [say]"he does not seem to be here, and tonight is not remotely about him. But we can always give Astaroth his description if you like?"[/say] The butcher is here as an attendee and not as security, he knows, but if the muzzle on his face or the way he's glaring daggers at everyone in close proximity is anything to go by, that hardly matters. Letting her settle against his side with an ease that would have once had him awkward and tongue-tied, Niki instead takes another sip of his cocktail and hums his agreement about Sunjata. [say]"It was due to circumstance,"[/say] he explains. [say]"I think he must be cursed, you know. Every time I run into Sunjata he appears to be having a bad time."[/say] Cursed, clinical depression, who's to say really? Following her gaze to Kaisel with a soft chuckle, Niki offers a shrug that's much more measured than any of the soldier's reactions. [say]"Well, he did a great job on the party,"[/say] he admits freely. [say]"Did he really manage to keep it a surprise, or did you have an inkling?"[/say] RE: a born-again wildcard - Flora - 04-03-2026 Flora's grin turns sharp and wicked at that, eyes lighting with something bright and delighted as she tilts her head at him. [say]"Or I could start insulting you and see if we get results faster?"[/say] she counters, the threat entirely unserious, the sparkle in her gaze giving her away long before the softness at the corners of her mouth does. At the suggestion of Asta being let loose on Jcak, she lets out a laugh that slips easily into something almost indulgent, her shoulders lifting as she exhales. [say]"Gods, I’d love to see Asta tear into him,"[/say] she says, the image clearly appealing, before her expression softens into something more wistful, like it's a delicacy she'll never be able to taste. Then again, knowing what she did about Jack, she'd never actually subject any of her friends to him willingly. As for Sunjata, she laughs again, lifting her glass for another easy sip. [say]"You don’t know the half of it,"[/say] she says, shaking her head slightly. [say]"I’m pretty sure my dad dream-killed him one time, then maybe almost killed him another time?"[/say] Her hand lifts then, the one with the engagement ring catching the light as she angles it just enough to draw attention to one of her other gold rings. [say]"I have a truth ring,"[/say] she says simply, as if that explains everything. [say]"So yes, I knew he was absolutely keeping something from me."[/say] Her grin returns as she looks up at him, fingers idly ticking along his side for emphasis. [say]"Oh, and he hella talks in his sleep and kept mumbling something about it. Also something about a glass onion? But I haven't quite figured that one out yet."[/say] RE: a born-again wildcard - Nikandr - 04-03-2026 [say]"You could,"[/say] Niki says, sounding altogether very reasonable about it and smiling over the rim of his cocktail glass. (He's starting to quite enjoy it now, and it has everything to do with the potency of the liquor in the drink). [say]"Though I must ask what results you are hoping to get."[/say] Will insulting him send him back to his polite and boyish exterior? Or will it just make him quicker to smack Flora with his cane? Time will tell. Letting his gaze settle on Asta for a moment and turning over the idea of him being set loose on anyone daring to interrupt Flora's birthday, whether or not Niki agrees with the premise, the fact that it would make the Doubletake happy is enough, right now, to consider it. [say]"Perhaps someone will surprise you with it for a present,"[/say] he suggests. There are Ancients in attendance, after all. Her laughter accompanied by the words dream-killed and almost killed means it takes a couple of seconds to properly arrange itself in Niki's mind, the necromancer frowning suddenly down at Flora. [say]"What? Gods,"[/say] he blurts when he finally realises what she's said. [say]"That is awful."[/say] Still, he'd shown up for the party, so... good job at coping? Sort of? Already starting to feel pleasantly fuzzy around the edges, Niki is drawn in by the sparkle against Flora's fingers, raising his eyebrows at the truth ring in question. [say]"So you are saying that all this time you have known whenever I am telling an extravagant lie?"[/say] He sighs. [say]"Well, that is disappointing. Ah, but I think I do know what the glass onion is about. I am sworn to secrecy, though."[/say] RE: a born-again wildcard - Flora - 04-03-2026 Flora only hums at that, the sound thoughtful and entirely unhelpful as she tilts her head, lips curving just slightly. [say]"If I tell you, it’ll make the experiment biased,"[/say] she says, as if this is a perfectly reasonable boundary to set while actively threatening him with insults. At his reaction, she glances up at him, then shrugs lightly against his side, unbothered. [say]"Oh, well, it was years ago now,"[/say] she says easily. [say]"I was just agreeing with you. Stuff like that always seems to be happening around Sunjata."[/say] Her grin sharpens at his question about the ring, and she gives him a look that is all knowing mischief, her tone turning pointedly emphatic. [say]"Oh yes, every time you’ve blatantly lied to my face, I’ve absolutely known about it,"[/say] she says, leaning just enough into the sarcasm to make it obvious that even without her ring she'd know that Niki wasn't the lying type. But the moment he mentions the glass onion, everything else drops away in an instant, her mouth falling open in dramatic, scandalized disbelief as she pulls back from him so she can face him properly. [say]"No, you have to tell me,"[/say] she insists immediately. RE: a born-again wildcard - Nikandr - 04-04-2026 [say]"How dare you use my own logic against me,"[/say] Niki says with a huff, though the playful curl of his lips around his drink suggests that he isn't at all upset at her response. It's exactly the sort of thing he'd have said in fact, and he's got a feeling Flora knows that as well. As for Sunjata, the necromancer's brow furrows but he says nothing further on the subject, instead storing away the Heartless and his bad luck for another time. Instead, he gives a solemn shake of his head at the knowledge that he hasn't at all been the accomplished liar he'd imagined, glancing skeptically down at her hands. [say]"Are there any other rings I should be wary about?"[/say] he wonders. [say]"Do you have one that trips people up? Must I watch my step even more than usual?"[/say] Ah, but then the Matter of the Glass Onion swerves front and centre, and Niki is already holding his hands up and stepping back as if to dismiss anything he's just said about it. [say]"I certainly do not,"[/say] he insists right back. [say]"Not even to the birthday girl. I am not one to ruin a surprise, and you will find out for yourself soon enough."[/say] RE: a born-again wildcard - Flora - 04-04-2026 Flora lets out a soft, indignant little huh! at that, chin tipping up just slightly as if in offense, though the curve of her mouth gives her away almost immediately. [say]"Guess we’re both rubbing off on each other, huh?"[/say] she says, the words light and easy, her lips twisting into something that sits right between mischief and fondness. At his question about the rings, she only lifts her hand between them, waggling her fingers in a way that makes the gold catch the light without offering anything useful at all, her shoulders rising in a deliberately vague shrug. [say]"I’ll never tell,"[/say] she says, entirely unbothered, before her smile sharpens just a touch. [say]"But honestly? Watching your step is probably good advice anyway, so.."[/say] When he actually takes a step back, hands up like he’s trying to physically distance himself from the information he’s just dangled in front of her, Flora immediately steps forward again to close it, not about to let him get away that easily. [say]"Oh, so it is something birthday-related then,"[/say] she says, quick and triumphant, like she’s just caught him in something undeniable. [say]"Good to know, good to know,"[/say] she adds, narrowing her eyes at him in playful suspicion, her grin already threatening to break through it. [say]"Another drink?"[/say] She asks suddenly, placing their (nearly) empty glasses on a tray and snaggging two more as they float by. |