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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!
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy life.
"Hmm. They sound very protective. Have you met any of them?" In particular, she wondered about the woman who had sent her the letter, Dahlia. However, she also wondered what the voice in her mind was like, Vox.
She smiled as Noe hooked arms with her. Elizabeth liked this girl. Letting out a comfortable laugh, she secured the linking of their arms. "That sounds fantastic. Luckily, I have nowhere to be for the time being." And brothels didn't bother her one bit. It wasn't her usually kind of company, but she wasn't as judgmental as some people about the profession. She shifted her few bags to the crook of her arm, walking in step as they left Noe's house behind. "Just let me know if you have plans. I'd hate to overstay my welcome." Her smile was warm and sincere in conjunction with the excitement swirling in her eyes.
But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time
”Oh, yeah!” Noe said. ”Lena and I hosted a taco party last season, and Dahlia and Pierce and Vox came.” She leaned in to Elizabeth, as though sharing a secret. ”Vox is my favorite. He took me to Starfall, and we got to explore!” And it had been a fascinating trip, to say the least. She’d only thought she might die a few times in the stormy seas surrounding the island, but once they were there, she’d seen things she never would have dreamed of.
Noe grinned as Elizabeth accepted her invitation. ”Perfectttt,” she trilled. ”And no worries - I finished up my errands, so I’m free the rest of the day!” She led them down the street and out of the residential area, turning back towards Pacifist Plaza. ”So, like, what is there to do for fun in Halo?” she wondered, sneaking a glance at Elizabeth. She had no reason to dislike the region, but nor did she know enough about it to have a strong like for it.
Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy life.
"Oh! Tacos are fun!" Although she was much more interested in the other fun tidbits. Eyes widening, she didn't hide the wonder that spread across her features. "Wow! I've only seen Starfall in a vision. It looked like there was something or somethings... incubating there." At least she and Tal had agreed as much. Tilting her head, she asked, "Did you notice anything like that?"
Happy to hear that her tour guide didn't need to rush off anytime soon, Elizabeth smiled. On the topic of Halo, she pursed her lips in thought. "Not much, honestly. We have the hot springs, and you can always do anything snow related: ice skating, snowball fights, snowmen and ice sculpture making, etcetera. Otherwise, we're a close-knit community that watches out for each other to survive in the brutal environment." She wasn't really 'selling' it, but she also had a very specific reason for staying that not many people understood. Shrugging her shoulders, she said, "I stay for the people." They were a unique population that intrigued her, giving her plenty to observe and study.
But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time
Noe preened at the look on Elizabeth’s face at mention of Starfall. As far as she knew, not many people had been, and she was one of the select few. ”It was super neat,” she told Elizabeth. ”Although, I guess you wouldn’t like it much if you don’t like purple,” she added with a laugh. As for something incubating, she pursed her lips. ”Mm, not that I recall,” she said. ”But the island is huge, so I guess there could be something like that somewhere.”
The streets widened and vendors reappeared alongside them, crying their prices and trying their best to get passersby to stop at their booths. A cloth merchant caught Noe’s eye, and the girl slowed momentarily as she looked at a few pretty, patterned silks for sale, but ultimately continued on her way. She was on a mission, after all, and as a tour guide, she had better things to show Elizabeth than the market!
”Yeah, people are important,” Noe agreed. In all honesty, she’d contemplated leaving Stormbreak for Torchline more than once, especially when Jude still lived there. But now all of the people she cared about were here, and she knew she couldn’t leave them.
Heading to the north of Pacifist Plaza, the pair entered into the Silk Houses district. True to its name, silks hung from windows high above, draping across the walkway in a pretty display. Even in the middle of the day, the bars and tap houses were busy, and the brothels even busier - though not so busy that some of their prettier workers couldn’t linger outside doors, enticing passersby into their buildings. Noe largely ignored them. Her and Elizabeth’s destination was a bit further along.
Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy life.
It was disappointing to hear that Noe hadn't seen anything similar to her vision, but Elizabeth found her description interesting, nonetheless, giving her a soft smile. "I happen to like purple quite a bit." At least as a color. She hadn't quite decided on the whole 'Void' and 'Family' part now associated with it. Deciding to be a little bold, she asked, "Maybe we could visit it together sometime?" If only to study the island or creatures, Elizabeth wouldn't mind seeing Starfall (as long as it was safe).
Pausing to look at the gorgeous silks with Noe, she had to speed to catch up again. She looked around at the wide variety of people milling the streets, eyes catching on the scantily clothed workers outside what she assumed to be brothels. Her eyes didn't linger on them long, offering a quick glance and smile of appreciation before continuing on her way. Looking to her guide, she asked, "So, where are we going first?"
But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time
Noe had been like Elizabeth once, wary of the Void and the Family and their violet takeover. Now, however, it just made sense. If one was a Friend of the Family, they could go where they wished and do what they wished - like visit Starfall - without even a hint of a problem. ”Oh, sure,” she said, cheerful in the face of Elizabeth’s interest. ”Oh, maybe Vox could take us! I think you’d like him. Just, you know, be prepared for an interesting boat ride to get there,” she added, thinking of her perilous journey to Starfall with a mixture of resignation and fondness.
They turned down another street, leading away from the brothels, a variety of bars and tap houses surrounding them. ”The White Hart,” Noe said decisively. ”It’s the best bar in Stormbreak. If you want to try any drinks, theirs are the ones to check out, and if you want to people watch? You’re sure to see something interesting going on.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. ”You can learn a lot from listening. The people in the White Hart know everything that goes on in Stormbreak.”
Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy life.
Smiling at Noe's enthusiasm, Elizabeth couldn't imagine the Family being that bad if this girl was singing their praises. "That sounds nice. Maybe next time I'm in Stormbreak." Perhaps while she's taking something for Halo's quest. If what Noe said was true, there might be a logical way to come to an agreement with Vox or Dahlia - if they were as pleasant reasonable as she made them seem.
Her ears perked as they talked about the White Hart. Drinks didn't really interest her (at least not the alcoholic kind), but if it had as many people as it sounded, Elizabeth got the feeling that she'd be more than entertained. Her eyes glittered with curiosity as she asked, "Oh? Anything interesting?" If not politic secrets, maybe petty drama.
But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time
Unaware of Elizabeth’s plans and misgivings, Noe was content to accept that her new friend might be willing to take the trip to Starfall. Not many were, fearing its inhabitants, but to Noe, they were no more dangerous than anything else in Caido. In fact, she rather thought that there were scarier things native to their world, but that was neither here nor there.
”Well, last time I was here, I heard this rumor about a duel that was meant to take place over someone’s lover. I guess they were jilted at the altar or something, and they wanted retribution.” Just the juicy kind of gossip, nothing of particular note - unless you lived in Stormbreak and knew its inhabitants. Then it was fascinating.
They arrived at the White Hart, slipping through the doors boasting a massive rack of luxere antlers and into the dark interior. Noe led Elizabeth through the room, less crowded at midday than it was at night, and to the bar, where she ordered a tequila sunrise. Then she leaned against the bar to wait for her drink, scanning the room for a booth where they might sit undisturbed.
Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time
Take a step back, evaluate what is important, and enjoy life.
"Oooh. That does sound juicy." It sounded more like a medieval romance novel that she might pick up. It was just missing the usual spice that she had found herself reading more and more. It wasn't something she was necessarily proud of - especially when Hadama had teased her about it - but she couldn't help it. She was a little starved for that swooning kind of love.
Walking into the White Hart, Elizabeth took survey of the area, enjoying the low hum of people inside. It was absolutely perfect for people watching, just melting into the crowd to overhear or watch the interactions amongst the customers. She could already see a few that interested her, and as she followed Noe to the bar, she caught some of their words here or there. Ordering herself a fruity drink that hopefully wouldn't get her too buzzed, Elizabeth spent the afternoon chatting and gossiping with Noe about the things they noticed about the people around them.
