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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!
Strike hands with me. The glass is brim. The dew is on the heather.
Not many people know about the White Hart's amazing breakfast menu. Sure, it's popular for late night wine and beers, but it also happens to have amazing pancakes, waffles, omelets, and all other forms of early morning sustenance. Zavien particularly enjoys the bacon and egg sandwich, obviously with extra bacon. And after getting absolutely pummeled, the Dragoon thinks that a hearty meal is just what they need to gather their strength.
The cozy atmosphere seems much more welcoming in the little daylight that filters through the tall windows, lighting the abundance of antler decor and the familiar scattering of regulars in their usual seats. Claiming a table in the middle of the large room, he takes a seat, smiling at Koa. "Ugh. I am starving. I think I could eat about four dozen eggs. What are you thinking about getting?" Zavien's laugh flows freely as he leans back, already exhausted from the day that has only just begun.
And love is good, and life is long, and friends are best together.
Koa's been quiet on the walk over, largely because he's worried if he starts talking about anything he will burst like a dam. Now as he slides into the seat across from Zavien the young man remains preoccupied, only catching the tail end of the comment about eating far too many eggs. "Hmm?" Blinking a moment, he pulls his focus back to Zavien, a chagrined half-smile crooked on his face. "Oh, sorry. Not sure yet," Koa replies distractedly, fidgeting with the wound-up boxing wraps on the table before him.
"Hey, Zav, about earlier..." Exhaling, Koa shakes his head, still frowning down at the lengths of fabric which he has begun to anxiously unspool. "That shit I said about rank? That wasn't cool." Finally looking up at his friend, the young Dragoon meets Zavien's eyes, his expression earnest and sincere. "You're one of the best Dragoons - and people - I know, and I hope you never feel like you don't deserve to be here. And if I say shit that suggests otherwise again, you have my full permission to punch me right in the face."
Strike hands with me. The glass is brim. The dew is on the heather.
Although he still feels the faint sting of the words, Zavien doesn't hold an ounce of blame or animosity in his bones. Instead, his smile is soft and kind, nonetheless thankful for Koa's apology. "Thank you, but don't even mention it. I know you didn't mean anything by it." He waves a hand as if the action could push the events of the morning into a forgotten place, already letting it roll off his back.
A familiar waiter makes his way to them. If his friend is ready to order, he lets him, but otherwise, Zavien puts in the request for two of his usual, a few cups of coffee, and an extra side of bacon. Meanwhile, he watches every movement across the table, concern building at the odd nervousness.
Koa is still very obviously distracted, and he resists the urge to wave a hand in front of the distant glaze of his eyes. Instead, he leans forward, pointing at the place where his friend's hands fidget. "What's up with those gloves, anyways? I seem to remember a split lip, but I don't see one anymore. And they helped heal me during that fight with that Shadow Serpent, right? Is that their primary function?" Maybe starting off the conversation with something other than the real issue will help soften the Dragoon up, and weapons always seem like a safe bet to get guys talking.
And love is good, and life is long, and friends are best together.
Not being particularly picky, Koa is happy to let Zavien take the lead on ordering their meal. Time was the younger man would be frequently spotted among the Hart's breakfast crowd - usually after staying out all night fighting - but these days it's rare for him to find the time for a sit-down morning meal.
Also, the last time he was here he was kicked out for a drunken brawn. So maybe best to lay a little low, at least until that shame wears on.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, actually-" Perking up a little bit, Koa shoves the wraps across the table to Zavien. "Here, put them on. Ludo made them for me, though Safrin is going to strengthen them up. But basically they make it so when I hit people it can heal me. Or whoever's wearing them." Sliding from his seat, Koa kneels beside the table, offering Zavien his shoulder to strike. "Here, try it out. Seriously - it'll make us both feel better." He smiles up at his friend wryly, something pleading in his tired eyes.
Strike hands with me. The glass is brim. The dew is on the heather.
It's fascinating to see how all guys are the same when it comes to talking about weapons and war, perking up immediately. It makes him smile as Zavien accepts the wraps, inspecting them closely before he puts them on. He's tracking everything Koa says until the man kneels on the ground before him, a pleading look in his eyes. The image almost breaks his heart and he has to keep the pity from his face. Instead, he laughs lightly, clasping the Dragoon on the shoulder with the wraps. "Koa... I thought we already established that I'm not going to hit you?" Even if it will heal the bruises popping up around his arms and abdomen, Zavien has always been one to enjoy the ache. It reminds him of the hard work that went into earning them. Plus, he is also very against hitting friends when they're already hurting so much.
Feeling that the matter is closed and settled, he leans back in the chair, slowly unwrapping his hands. "They sound pretty useful though. And they definitely came in handy against that Shadow Serpent." His smile is bright as he leans forward to hand them back. "Thanks for letting me borrow them. You're a good friend."
And love is good, and life is long, and friends are best together.
11-12-2024, 02:18 PM (This post was last modified: 11-12-2024, 02:20 PM by Koa.)
// one fine day you'll look at me //
"It's not like that, though," Koa protests, though he suspects this is a losing battle. "You don't even have to hit hard. Just, like---" Reaching up from his kneeling position, he boops a friendly punch to his arm. "See? C'mon, it'll make us both feel better." He won't push the issue if Zav continues to refuse, but he will feel bad about it.
Anyway, moving on. Distracted as he has been, Koa starts back to focus at the good friend comment, scoffing a wry half-laugh and shaking his head. "Not today I wasn't." Koa returns to his seat with a sigh, weary and resigned as he meets Zavien's eye. "But you were- way better than I deserve. I've been having a rough couple weeks," he admits, as if that was some sort of revelation (it's not).
Inhaling sharply, Koa pushes suddenly forward, as though he might through sheer force of will leave all the gloom behind. "Anyway, though," he begins with raised brows and slightly too much volume, "What's new with you? Any updates on the Lena front?"
Strike hands with me. The glass is brim. The dew is on the heather.
He really doesn't want to hit his friend, but Koa looks so desperate that he finds it hard to resist the plea. Sighing very loudly, Zavien comes up with a satisfactory compromise. While one hand is partially unwrapped, the other is still covered, so he reaches forward without an ounce of enthusiasm. And flicks Koa in the forehead. The 'hit' activates the healing, his bruises vanishing in an instant. He raises an eyebrow as he finishes removing the wraps to hand them back. "You really weren't kidding." Not that the strike has made him feel any better (it wasn't necessary to begin with), but hopefully it's enough for his friend.
Ignoring the compliment, he focuses on the way Koa seems to be putting himself down. It makes his eyes narrow disapprovingly. "Hey. Just because you're having a rough few weeks doesn't make you a bad friend, it makes you human. Sometimes you just need to get the frustration out." He gives a large smile of open invitation. "And I'm always willing." For spars, venting, or confiding. Which nearly has Zavien asking about the reasoning for Koa's most recent frustrations before the attention is suddenly turned back on him.
The question catches him off guard, causing a startled cough and sheepish smile. He runs a hand through his hair and glances away, chuckling. "Ummm, yeah... About that... We're kind of... dating now." His admission brings a bright blush to his cheeks, accentuating the excited grin of new romance glow. Then he becomes worried that Koa might think he'd been keeping it a secret, and Zavien waves his hands hurriedly. "It only happened about a week ago, so it's really new. I hadn't had time to tell you yet, and you looked so distracted..." He falls silent, trying to gauge Koa's response.
And love is good, and life is long, and friends are best together.
"Thanks, man. That means a lot." Sincerely grateful as he is, Koa feels he's used up enough of Zavien's endless support and kindness for one day - which is why he's so quick to change the subject, offering his own friendship in kind.
And the tactic pays off, with a revelation that has the younger man's eyes bulging widely, surprise quickly followed up by an almost triumphant grin. "About fucking time!" Koa crows loudly, planting his palm upon the table and leaning forward toward his friend. He's quick to wave away the apologies, far more invested in hearing the details of this new romance. "Dude, none of that. I'm never too distracted to hear about your life."
It'd be a lie to say he isn't hurt, of course. That hearing about a blossoming romance doesn't heighten the ache of Koa's loneliness, reminding him acutely of what he doesn't have. Yes, it stings more than a little to see the warm delight on Zavien's features. And yes, he would have liked to be able to respond with his own good news. But his happiness is genuine despite his own heartache, and the green surge of envy in his throat is easy enough to swallow down.
"Tell me everything. How'd you ask her? What'd she say?" With a shit eating grin he leans back in his chair, arms crosses smugly against his chest. "Y'all better name a kid after me. You're welcome, by the way."
Strike hands with me. The glass is brim. The dew is on the heather.
Koa's sudden exclamation jolts Zavien, and the server who finally brings along their breakfast. He gives them both a crooked grin of embarrassment before thanking them for the food. At least his friend is seeming like his old self, all smiles and loud outbursts. He can't help but smile along as he shrugs his shoulders and grabs a piece of hot bacon. "Well, she suggested dinner, and I suggested a date instead." There's a hint of pride in his voice despite the questionable status of 'who asked who.' "After dinner, we both admitting to liking each other. And now we're here." Zavien takes a bite, pushing aside the nerves to enjoy the fact that Lena is his girlfriend now, completely unaware of Koa's own internal romantic melancholy.
The next possibly unintentional implication is enough to send the Dragoon into a tailspin, green eyes widening. "I-I don't think- I'm not even sure- We haven't- " He turns the brightest red physically possible by humans, ears and cheeks aflame. Zavien tries to snap his mouth closed to keep from embarrassing himself further, instead focusing on the food before him as he mumbles out, "Your advice was helpful. Thank you." Not that he knew exactly how 'helpful' Koa had actually been, otherwise, he might not have been considering another area of advice from the man.
And love is good, and life is long, and friends are best together.
Honestly, it doesn't much matter to Koa which of them did what asking: all he cares about is that they're together, and it's 100% because of him.
Ok, maybe 90%. The lovebirds deserve some credit, after all.
The joke about children has the desired effect, Koa's grin widening enough to hurt his cheeks as Zavien turns an impressive shade of red. A warm laugh rumbles from the Dragoon's chest, merry an unabashed and entirely good-natured, and honestly, when was the last time he felt so light or free? Catching his breath at last, the Dragoon shakes his head and waves a dismissive arm. "I mean- not yet, obviously. But I'm a patient guy."
"You're welcome," Koa repeats after swallowing, genuine and far more subdued. "Seriously- I'm so happy for you, Zav." Another bite, this time eaten slower as he thinks about the future that Lena and Zavien have in store - the one he and Flora don't. Koa's smile is bittersweet and crooked as he swallows down his bite. "Things... didn't work out, with me and Flora. So no double dates."
But he doesn't want to ruin the mood with his bad news, and so he soldiers on with a smile. "But don't think that'll keep me from third wheeling on you two. I'm harder than that to shake."
Strike hands with me. The glass is brim. The dew is on the heather.
The laughter only makes Zavien somehow more red as he ducks his head from any nearby spectators, but it also makes him smile more, happy to see his friend so unburdened. Running a hand through his hair, he mumbles under his breath, "You might have to wait a long time." Despite the words, he flashes Koa another sincere look of appreciation. "Thanks, Koa." For the advice, for the shared excitement, for being a good friend.
All the sappy warm feelings are interrupted by the next confession. He suddenly feels very guilty. He'd sat here basking in the glory of his new romance when his friend was suffering from heartbreak. His head shook and shoulders fell at the news, grief on his face. "Aw man. I'm sorry, Koa. I'd really hoped things would work out." Always the fixer, Zavien tries to think through everything. It's like all his previous concerns had come back and he has to stop himself from asking: Did she picked the 'other guy'? Because if so, that makes things even worse than a refular break up and he seriously hopes Koa doesn't hold any self-blame for the way things played out. It makes Zavien all the more motivated to look at the positive side of things, like eventual double dates. "Not yet, but I know there's someone out there for you. You're a catch, remember?" His smile is wide and sincere, willing his friend to believe the truth in his words. He sure as hell believes them.
"Until then, you're more than welcome to join us anytime." He isn't sure how Lena will like having an audience, but that doesn't matter when looking at the ache in his friend's eyes. They'll work something out. Koa's practically family after all.
And love is good, and life is long, and friends are best together.
"Nah, I'm done with love." It's said with all the melancholic certainty of a young heart, Koa waving a dismissive hand. "I'm gonna be an old bachelor general surrounded by dragons, and you knit what? I'm cool with that." And he is, he really is- or so he needs to believe.
He really shouldn't tease so so much, but gods if Zavien doesn't make it easy. Youth and years in the proximity of soldiers and a lasting friendship with Mateo have given Koa little in terms of guardrails, as time has repeatedly shown.
Lifting up his coffee cup, he waits for Zavien to fill his mouth before smirking a reply. "Oh? I can join anytime? How generous." The tone leaves no room for interpretation on just what he's insinuating, and Koa's eyes sparkle as he takes a steady sip, playful as he waits to see if Zav spits out his food.
Strike hands with me. The glass is brim. The dew is on the heather.
He shrugs his shoulders indifferently, although Zavien highly doubts that. Koa may feel like he's done with love, but he didn't think love was done with him. But for now, if his friend needs to believe that love is hopeless, then that's what he'll let him 'believe.' Swallowing another bite of food, he gives his friend his own teasing smile. "Well, if you ever decide that dragon scales are a little too hard to cuddle at night, I'd be happy to act as a wingman." Not that he's very skilled in the area, but sometimes sincerity can do wonders.
Koa doesn't have to wait long, although it's more of a coughing fit than a spit. Zavien's blush returns in full force as he punches his chest to keep from choking. There's a mixture of laughter somewhere in there, but it's hard to tell over the forceful pounding. His eyes are watering as he tries to gather himself enough to respond. When he's finally able to speak, it's a raspy and hoarse chuckle. "Okay okay. Maybe not any time, but we'll make plans." Which didn't involve the couple becoming voyeurs. Just when he'd thought that his face had gone back to a regular hue, it's flushing brightly again at all the insinuations that he hasn't even begun to explore with Lena. Looking back at Koa, he gets the feeling that he better get used to the flaming heat of his cheeks, even as he breaks out into his own smile.
And love is good, and life is long, and friends are best together.
It may not be a spit-take but it's pretty close, and Koa feels a triumphant surge as his friend turns a vibrant shade of red. "Hey, hey, don't die on me!" he laughs, pushing a glass of water toward Zavien as the other Dragoon continues to cough. It's fine, don't worry - Koa's got enough combat medic training to know that coughing means there isn't active asphyxiation, and Zav won't be dying of anything except embarrassment, maybe.
Ah, but that's probably enough for one morning, and Koa is ready to relent. Swallowing another bite, he flashes Zavien a crooked smile. "Lena's lucky. You both are. You guys are perfect for each other." And he's happy for them, genuinely. For all his postured masculinity, Koa is a romantic at heart. Seeing the way his friend lights up soothes some of the sting on the Dragoon's heart.
"Alright, so. Tell me more about these dates." For the rest of the breakfast Koa will continue to gently needle information from his friend, and when the time comes for them to part it's Koa who initiates the enthusiastic hug, broad arms tightening around Zavien gratefully. "Thanks again for today, man. Next spar, you can pick the weapon. And I won't be as much of a shit."
