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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!
The wind is at your back, the world is at your feet
Nova dove diligently into her work, fingers moving deftly to compile gorgeous arrays of ethereal lanterns that she knew her mom would appreciate. She was completely in her element, gentle hums replacing any strict lines of thought or concentration. Instinct guided her hands, letting her visions come to life in barely any time at all. Before she realized it, her job was finished, and a soft pout began to form on her lips, disappointed that her project was done.
That's why Hadama's question was immediately met with an abundance of enthusiasm and incorrect phrasing as her face lit up. "I'd hoped you'd never ask!" And without a care in the world, she got started, lighting each colorful lantern with bright lights. Once they were sparkling to show off their artistic cutouts and crystalline glass designs, Nova gathered them in her arms and began to disperse them about the shrine, making sure each one got to shine in its own right. As she made her way skipping through, she was followed by the glow of lanterns and her happy humming, her pink and green hair flapping behind.
Hadama may have wielded a broom with more diligence than skill, but he did so with his usual attention to detail that ensured no speck of dead void vine or damaged lantern scrap remained. Doing so in the dark was a bit of a challenge, but as Nova hung her lanterns the shrine platform bloomed with light that chased away the shadows without obscuring the stars. Supplicants would find their way to the altar filled with flashes of color, intricately laced shadow designs, and the warm welcome which the goddess was known for bestowing upon her favorite faithful.
Their lights revealed an increasingly sparkling platform as Hadama worked, and Sah used his lupine strength to haul away the debris that was gathered for him. The choice of tarp and rope allowed him to take larger loads so he needed to make fewer trips, and four steady feet kept him from slipping on the stairs that led up and down the great tree. Between the King and the hunter they soon had the last evidence of Void presence banished from the environs of the shrine, and Hadama looked over their handiwork with quiet satisfaction and pride in his fellow volunteers that filled the Attuned bond.
"We have done well," he affirmed, bowing to both Sah and Nova with a twinkle in his eye. "Will you join me in leaving the first offerings to Safrin here?" It was his final request, and one that they were free to turn down if they needed to leave for elsewhere. For himself, Hadama headed down into the Village for one last trip to find some offerings worthy of his goddess.
Optional final round!
You can say your farewells, or bring an offering to spruce up the shrine :)
Sah shifted back with a grin, "I'd love to." He followed Hadama to the village to peruse their wares for something worthy of his goddess. One of the Fae merchants was selling jewelry, and an especially beautiful bracelet caught his eye. In the light of a nearby lantern, it shimmered almost like stars. Trading for it with a decadent fur, the hybrid quickly returned to the shrine and placed his offering.
As he finished an accompanying prayer, he turned to the others. "Should we get something to eat at the village? I saw a few restaurants down there that smelled especially tasty." The Wild Thunder felt at ease with his current company and wouldn't mind extending their time together. It would also be a lie to say that he wasn't curious to hear more about what Nova had been up to since they'd hunted together.
The wind is at your back, the world is at your feet
Her hand released the last lantern, admiring her work as it cast a beautiful glow over the freshly cleared shrine. It made her smile, bouncing on her feet again as she made her way to the others in time to hear Hadama's question. "Oooh! I know just the thing!" While she'd been out collecting materials for her lantern, Nova hadn't been able to resist the urge to shop for shiny objects. In particular, a crystal flower had glittered in a shop window, sparkling colors catching the light. Although she'd originally intended it for herself, she supposed Safrin would appreciate it just as much.
Pulling the delicate art piece from her bags, she set it amongst the other offers, humming lightly as she sent up a prayer to her mother. Surprisingly, her prayer was answered immediately as Sah proposed food. "Sure! I would eat!" She leapt towards the stairs, ready to lead the way towards wherever her nose guided her. Despite the activities of the day, her energy still overflowed like the endless arch of a rainbow.
With Sah, Hadama went down into the Village to seek a suitable gift. Like Nova, he already had an idea of what he wanted, but he had not had the opportunity to buy it yet. While the Halovian headed for the jewelry sellers, the Tidebreaker moved towards the florists. Knowing what he wanted and finding it, however, were two different things and it took a few shops before he was able to make his purchases and return to the Observatory Shrine.
The bracelet and crystal flower were already glittering on the altar by the time he returned with his arms full. In each arm he carried a potted plant: night-blooming lilies with glorious moon-white flowers. He placed the pots on either side of the altar and then stood back to survey the scene. The shrine was beautiful, clean and refreshed, with the nightmare of the Void's presence completely scrubbed from its premises.
Sah's suggestion was a welcome one after all their work, and Hadama inclined his head on the heels of Nova's enthusiastic agreement. "Indeed. It will be my treat," he informed his helpers with a sly smile hiding in his eyes, happy to provide delicious compensation for all their efforts.
~Fin
