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Character of the Season
Frail in body but dangerously quick of mind, Nikandr is the sort of character who proves that curiosity can be just as perilous as any weapon. A necromancer, inventor, and problem-solver with more ambition than self-preservation, Niki approaches the world like a puzzle box begging to be opened, even when what’s inside has teeth. Blunt, dry-witted, fiercely independent, and carrying a history best left partially buried, he has a knack for making even failure feel fascinating. Whether he’s raising the dead, moving across Caido to King's End, or experiencing a hangover for the first time, Nikandr brings a wonderfully strange spark to Caido, and we can’t wait to see what trouble his brilliant mind wanders into next.
Congratulations, Niki!
Credits
Court of the Fallen was created in October of 2018 by Odd, Honey, and Crooked.
OG Skinning provided by Kaons, with functionality and many custom plugins made by Neowulf!
And when that sky rains fire on you And you're persona non grata
The tundra outside of the Citadel walls was harsh and unforgiving at the best of times, which was why Nina never set foot onto the ice without requesting a blessing from the First Flame. Just this morning, she had meditated in the firelight, eyes closed against the flame's brilliance, accepting the luck that she firmly believed flowed from the sacred fire. And when she passed through the walls and out onto the tundra, it was with the confidence of someone who had done so a thousand times before - this despite the fact that she rarely ventured outside of the Citadel, and never beyond Halo itself.
Ember bounded alongside her, bouncing from snowdrift to snowdrift and seeming to revel in the way the ice sizzled beneath its flames. The little fire sprite was a beacon in the snow, but no sooner had the gates closed behind them than its bonded was calling upon her own fire magic, lighting up the surrounding ice with a brilliant display of flames meant both for play and warmth. The more Nina used her magic, the warmer she stayed, and even at the height of Longheat, that was an important factor to consider out here.
Fire rippled out from the Keeper in waves, becoming little figures of dragons and ursurs and luxere as she walked, whistling quietly to herself. Ember leapt through the flames, spitting and hissing in a way that sounded very much like a campfire crackling merrily in the snow. And together, the two walked - no goals, no destination, just for the joy of exploring the world beyond the Citadel walls and playing with fire in peace.
I'll tell you how I've been there too And that none of it matters
She hummed to herself, clutching her new bag close as she thought of the spear within and the expression her sister would make when she gave it to her. She imagined shock and delight and the usual golden hue of her sister's emotions that would blossom in her chest, a moment even better than this, with her blue and blonde hair caught in the breeze and her head raised high to embrace the feeling of sunlight on her starlit cheeks. A grin spread across her face when the mixture of heat and chill swirled like a tempest through the sparkles hanging in her proximity. It took her a moment to realize it wasn't entirely natural, to catch the glitter of fire on snow.
Glancing around, she spotted a woman nearby, animals made of light and flame bounding over the icy surface. Nova gasped with delight, bouncing in place like a glittery ball about to combust. "Ooh! That's pretty! I wanna try!" Whether the woman could hear her or not, Nova called upon her own magic, however, she didn't pick a zoo of adorable little creatures. No. Nova formed a larger-than-life figure of a phoenix.
The bird's fiery wings flickered in a myriad of colors, a rainbow rippling with its every movement. Illusion magic leant its power to the beak, talons, and intelligent eyes, but the heat was all fire, melting the snow at its feet where it stood towering next to her.
Nova giggled, clapping her hands as she admired her own handiwork.
And when that sky rains fire on you And you're persona non grata
It took Nina a few moments to realize that she was no longer alone out on the ice; indeed, it was Ember who called her attention to the blonde woman who had summoned her own flames, crafting a gigantic phoenix from the fire. The elemental popped and crackled, zooming from its position beside Nina's right heel towards the stranger, all excitement and friendly hissing. Nina followed at a more sedate pace, keeping an eye on the stranger in case she decided that Ember was a threat. The Keeper was not above protecting her companion by any means necessary, no matter how much of a menace the little fire sprite tended to be.
"The phoenix is beautiful," Nina called as she came into range, her own fire gathering and coalescing into a large ball before her before exploding outward, no longer limited to small animals but pulled and arranged into an intricate floral design not unlike ivy climbing a wall. "My companion will not harm you," she added. "But it does like fire, and it may try to play."
I'll tell you how I've been there too And that none of it matters
She hadn't expected some of the fire to break away in the form of a tiny, living flame. A small gasp escaped her, pink tassels rippling as she started forward. "Wow! You're so CUTE!" Eyes widened, she hesitated a moment, recalling recent experiences that had her doubting whether it was too much, whether she was too much.
When the compliment reached her, Nova realized she'd frozen in the middle of the ice, staring at the fire elemental. She blinked, looking to the woman in a momentary daze before her bright personality fell back into place. "Oh! I like to play!"
Pasting a beaming smile on her face, Nova guided her magic to give it new form. The fire split into small ribbons of various colors that spun and rippled through the air, coiling playfully near the companion, teasing and eager to start a game of tag.
And when that sky rains fire on you And you're persona non grata
The stranger was exuberant, matching Ember's energy with a precision that left Nina snorting a laugh. "Do not encourage it," she said wryly; all the while, Ember danced and bounded and flickered around the young woman, clearly unbothered by its bonded. "It will be your friend for life, and I am not sure you want that."
There was a beat of silence, and Nina wondered if perhaps she had said something wrong or scared the young woman in some way - if she had a random ball of fire bouncing around her like an exuberant puppy, it might have given her pause, after all - but then the stranger brightened, guiding her flames into ribbons that enticed Ember into play. Hissing and spitting excitedly, the fire sprite glided after one such coil. For her part, Nina pulled her fire designs back, crafting little balls of fire in midair that she could toss towards her companion. The elemental dodged each ball, all the while tracking the stranger's flames, trying to pounce on them like a playful cat.
I'll tell you how I've been there too And that none of it matters
Nova giggled at the playful elemental, spinning to watch it move. She didn't understand how someone wouldn't like the bouncing spirit, the energy ping-ponging between them as she giggled. "Of course I want that! Friends are awesome!" Especially ones who could appreciate how much fun she is! (Which didn't seem to be many right now.)
Her ribbons spread, winding across the ice and snow in a beautiful dance of colors. They tease and tag, making a game by joining with the fireballs of the woman, leading and diverting and distracting with tendrils of glittering flames.
Giggling at a particularly exciting jump, Nova asked across the way, "What's their name?"
And when that sky rains fire on you And you're persona non grata
Ember crackled merrily as it chased the ribbons of fire. Sometimes it managed to grasp an end, seeming to devour the flames; other times, it missed, and the snow where it landed hissed and spit as it melted, reforming into little spots of ice nearly as soon as the fire elemental moved on.
Nina watched all of this unfold, bemused by the stranger's enthusiasm. "Ember," she replied, continuing to toss balls towards the fire sprite. "And I am Nina." There was a pause, during which Ember continued to play, and then Nina remarked, "You are not from Halo." It was not accusatory or judgmental; it was simply a statement of fact, and perhaps an invitation for the young woman to say more, should she wish to do so. "Or, if you are, I have not seen you visit the First Flame."
I'll tell you how I've been there too And that none of it matters
A pink thread of fire twirled around the elemental, elegant and playful. It's like a playful handshake, greeting the companion with light and color that was almost as bright as Nova's chiming voice as she said, "Hi Ember! I'm Nova!" More interested in the companion, she didn't extend the same introduction to Nina, even as she diverted her attention back to the woman.
"Nope! I live in King's End!" At least for the moment, although she'd be in the Greatwood before the end of the season, and who knew how long that one would last. It was all very confusing, and Nova would be the first to admit she wasn't pleased with the arrangement.
But something else caught her attention, head tilting curiously as she blinked. "What's the First Flame?" she asked, feeling like she might have heard of it, but unable recall how or why it was important.
And when that sky rains fire on you And you're persona non grata
The next thread of fire to taunt the elemental was pink, and Ember vibrated excitedly, hopping and spitting as it chased along. Seemingly more interested in Nova's flames than the girl herself, the little fire sprite bounced along, having the time of its life. Nina watched with amusement, ceasing in her fireball-throwing to simply watch the exchange, utterly bemused. Never had she met anyone quite so keen to play with her wayward companion, and it was perplexing, to say the least.
"I welcome you to Halo," Nina said. She'd heard of King's End, though she had never been herself. And she might have asked more about the faraway region had Nova not inquired about the First Flame. Nina's face lit up. "It is the first flame to have been lit in Halo. It has burned for generations, keeping our people safe and warm."
I'll tell you how I've been there too And that none of it matters
Giggling at Ember's enjoyment of her pink ribbon, Nova twitched her fingers, shifting the ribbon into a blue butterfly, fire trailing behind it as she guided it to brush against the elemental. Like a kiss on the cheek, it flew past, tempting the companion to follow as it danced across the snow-covered ground.
Having been to Halo plenty of times, she ignored the welcome in exchange for another giggle and adjustment of her magic, only turning back to the conversation when Nina began to explain the First Flame. Her face lit up, curiosity and intrigue drawing her closer with a light bounce. "Woah! That's old!" Nova continues to let her magic flow, but her attention is clearly on Nina now, her body leaning forward as she asks, "How has it burned for this long?! Is it magic?!"
And when that sky rains fire on you And you're persona non grata
Ember continued its flaming dance across the snow, but Nina was focused on Nova now, more than prepared to share what she could about the First Flame. This, after all, was her life's work, her calling: to introduce as many people as possible to the sacred flame and spread its blessings to those who were worthy. Nova's excitement brought a smile to Nina's face, doting and pleased, and she continued on with her explanation. "It is not magic, although its origin remains debated. Some say the Flame was started by magic, others by mundane means. But it has remained burning all this time through the work of the Keepers. Most of us do have fire magic, however."
Ember chose that moment to leap into a particularly large bank of snow; sizzling filled the air as the drift melted around the fire elemental, leaving a gaping hole through which it popped out a moment later. Nina snorted, then turned her dark gaze back to Nova. "I would be happy to show you, if you are interested," she offered. "It is not far."
I'll tell you how I've been there too And that none of it matters
Her magic continued to play with Ember, fed by Nova's subconscious as she puzzled through what Nina was saying. Blonde and blue hair cast around her features as she tilted her head, curiosity flowing off her in waves. "What's so special about it? What's it for? Is it pretty?" The woman's already said that it's not magical, so why would people spend decades caring for something with no power or use?
Nova looked to the sound of sizzling snow, giggling as the companion vanished into the center of the snowbank. The flames under her control hovered, waiting for their playmate to reappear, and when the living flame burst out from her hiding place, she was met with a rainbow of fire and illusion magic that spun up towards the sky in a cyclone of color.
The sound of her laughter was bright as sunlight catching diamonds, flowing easily into her answer to Nina. "Sure!"
And when that sky rains fire on you And you're persona non grata
Ember continued to bounce and play as its bonded stared at Nova, bemused. She'd already said that the First Flame had burned for generations, and yet that was not enough reason for the young woman to think it spectacular? "It is a symbol," she explained, attempting to remain patient. "Of how Halovians have overcome the elements to survive, and even thrive, in the tundra. It is a representation of endurance against the cold and the promise that Halo will not fall to its frigid environment."
At a sharp whistle from the Keeper, Ember reluctantly began to return to its bonded's side, though she continued to play with any lingering ribbons offered by Nova. "At present, Halovians - and the occasional outsider - seek out the First Flame to receive its blessing before hunts or long journeys and to offer thanks for a safe return." As for whether it was pretty, Nina cocked her head to one side. "I believe that it is beautiful."
And then she gestured towards the path back to the Citadel, where she could show Nova and the girl could see for herself.
I'll tell you how I've been there too And that none of it matters
Symbolism was too boring and obscure for Nova, the long explanation of the First Flame's seeming importance getting lost in the distracted movement of her magic. In her mind, it was just a really old fire, one that people kept burning for some odd reason, apparently thinking it would bless them or something when it had already proven it wasn't magic.
Doubtful, Nova tilted her head, her fire magic dissipating into the air. "Hm. Okay."
And then Nina claimed the fire was 'beautiful' and she puffed her chest. "I'll be the fudge of that!" She wasn't sure why anyone would associate the sweet treat with determining value, but she was confident that only she could be the decider of what's beautiful, and as she followed behind Nina, it was with her head held high, certain of her expertise in all things bright and pretty.
