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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!
Zen would be heading for Halo tomorrow and today was his last opportunity to meet Nova. Vesper and Calypso had had very different reactions to meeting him. The Demi-god could only hope that his final sibling was happy to meet him. Or at least neutral with room to work with.
After some investigation, attempting to ask around without being too obvious, he'd tracked her down. Walking along the rainbow road, Zen scanned the area for a familiar face. Spotting Nova further down, Zen took long strides until she was within the range of his magic. Coming to a stop, he willed stars to form in front of his sister. Blues and purples swirled together, the edges gleaming white as letters formed. (Hi, Nova.)
It was comforting to use her magic, to remind herself that it wasn't gone, no matter how many times she may remember that horrid nightmare. Feeling it tingling in her veins wasn't enough, Nova had to see that it was working, to watch as the water at her feet rippled, or the air around her head flutter the blonde and blue strands, or the rocks by her hands rattle against each other, or see the glitter of starlight beside her - Wait. Was that her?
Nova looked up from her reclined seat, her orange and green dress shifting beneath her star-bleached jean jacket as she spotted a figure towering above her. She also noticed that the stars spelled out words, in particular, her name. Gasping, she reached out to see if they were real or illusions, but they were just out of reach.
Shifting her focus back to the man, Nova gave a bright smile. "Oh! Hi! Do I know you?" It certainly felt like she should know him, and he knew her name. His eyes felt familiar, although their silvery glow was different than anything she'd seen before. It felt like -
Her own blue eyes widened, her body wiggling with excitement as she rushed to stand. "Oh wait! Are you our new sibling?!"
A small grin stretched across Zen's face as Nova reached for his magic, not unlike a cat. Her curiosity was endearing, and he made sure that the stars brightened for her before dissipating in the wind.
She then turned to him, and the Demi-god saw when things clicked in her mind. Apparently, Nova had already been made aware that she had a new sibling coming. And much to his relief, she seemed happy about it. Her genuine excitement over meeting Zen had his eyes softening as he internally melted. He wasn't sure what he'd been expecting from his final sibling, but this encounter was already turning out better than he could have hoped.
The stars burst into existence again, hovering in the air beside him as they cast a gentle light on the duo. (Yes. I'm Zen.)
Finally standing, Nova bounced on the balls of her feet, a light giggle bubbling from her chest as she beamed up at her new brother and his starry words. "I like to meet you, Zen! I'm Nova!" Although he already knew that. Reaching out another hand to the glittering words, she rocked onto her tippy toes. "I like your stars! They're very pretty!" Wondering if she could do something similar, Nova tried to ask the overflowing bundle of questions she had in a spattering of her own stars. Sadly, her illusion magic was still a work in progress, and her 'star words' looked more like a jumble of shimmery air.
A small pout passed her lips before Nova was already moving on to Zen. Her smile was near blinding, a gleam in her eyes as she rapid-fired questions. "Did you just get here? How are you liking it? How's mom? Have you met Vespy and Caly yet?" She might have continued, but she had to take a breath at some point, and her curiosity was simmering as she waited to hear his responses.
04-09-2025, 09:41 AM (This post was last modified: 04-09-2025, 10:39 AM by Zenith.)
Bask in the Light of the Stars
Nova seemed incapable of keeping still, energy practically vibrating off of her. it was endearing and Zen's eyes softened as he 'spoke'. (It's nice to meet you too. Thank you.) Lips twitching, he watched as Nova attempted to replicate his magic with her own. It wasn't a bad first attempt though he wasn't sure just what magic she was using to create hers. Maybe illusion magic?
Her barrage of questions was difficult to keep track of, but the Demi-god did his best to answer all of them. His stars reformed, their blue matching Nova's hair, (Yes. It's different. Good.) Zen paused, contemplating for a moment over her last inquiry. (Yes. I don't think Vesper likes me.) Calypso seemed to still be deciding what to think of him, but she hadn't been abrasive when they spoke. Not like Vesper. Zen wasn't unconvinced that the other Demi-god hadn't been doing a threat assessment on him. Though to be fair, Zen wasn't sure if he liked Vesper either. The inquiry into his 'lack of a tongue' had had him nearly grinding his teeth to suppress his anger.
Nova couldn't help the laugh that burst forth like starlight as she rocked forward onto her toes. "Don't let Vespy bother you. He's a bit broody and serious, but he's a big softy at heart." At least to her and Caly. As for Zen... she couldn't necessarily say that her brother would accept him the same way. A 'threat assessment' was most certainly accurate, ensuring that their new sibling didn't pose a risk to their own place in the world. However, that was the farthest thing from her mind.
Her head tilted as she looked to the stars again, liking how they matched the streak of color in her hair. Smiling, Nova didn't think about how rude it may be to ask before the question was tumbling from her mouth. "Why do you use stars to talk?" There was no judgement, just curiosity brimming in the sparkling blue of her eyes, all innocence and excitement.
(Alright.) Zen didn't buy it, but he wasn't going to argue the point. Or the different between a fellow triplet and an unexpected sibling.
Unlike Vesper, who's question had been callus and borderline mocking, Nova's was innocent and genuine. It was clear that she was simply curious and unaware of how grating the question might potentially be. Zen gently tapped the knuckles of one hand against her forehead. His stars brightened, betraying his underlying humor. (That's rude to ask.) Still, he silently sighed as his hand dropped, letting his stars shift and darken as he gave his sister an honest answer. (I don't like how speaking feels.) So used to the quiet hum of the stars, the vibrations of Zen's own voice felt abrasive in his chest. It was unpleasant and as he had the other means to communicate, it felt unnecessary.
The stars reformed, taking on a purple hue, (It's a secret. Please don't tell anyone.) The Demi-god had a feeling that word would eventually get back to the other triplets. Even if he'd rather it didn't, as long as it didn't stretch further, he wouldn't be upset.
Feeling properly chastised, Nova rubbed a hand over her forehead, a frown marring her features as she mumbled, "Sorry." However, the moment didn't last, her eyes widening as his stars shifted to reveal his reasoning. She brightened all over again, her smile showing no traces of having been scolded. "That's fair. I like using the Attuned bond. It feels a lot like when we were with mom." There was also the matter of Vespy being a telepath and all, but she's nOt sUpPosED to TaLk aBoUt thAt.
Nova jumped a little at a thought. "Although it's a lot more fun to laugh down here!" She giggled, partly because she'd thought it was funny and partly to show Zen how fun it could be, the sensation bubbling in her chest and spreading through her body like a delightful shiver. Her head tilted curiously. "How do you laugh?" Because he couldn't not laugh, right?!
Straightening to attention, she gave him a determined nod of her head. "Don't worry! Your secret's with me!" She might have forgotten the word 'safe,' but Nova still placed her hand over her heart like it might be stored there under lock and key, a bright grin on her face.
04-10-2025, 10:38 PM (This post was last modified: 04-10-2025, 10:39 PM by Zenith.)
Bask in the Light of the Stars
Zen easily accepted Nova's apology, amused by how quickly her mood and attention could shift. Her easy acceptance of his preferences made something warm swirl in his chest as he nodded. (I haven't used it yet. I think I'll like it.) The Demi-god had only been in Caido for a few days and had yet to shift. But he could feel the tiger beneath his skin itching to explore. To hunt.
The Demi-god was pulled from his musings at the unexpected question. Brow furrowing, he considered it for a moment before finally shrugging. His stars were a paler color, almost hesitant. (I don't know. I never have.) There were certainly things that he'd seen from the stars that entertained him. But with how focused Zen had been on learning and absorbing all the knowledge he would need; everything had been seen through a critical eye. He hadn't laughed.
Nova's enthusiastic agreement had the Demi-god cautiously hopeful that his secret truly was safe with her. The stars that formed were bright, pulsating with warmth. (Thank you.) As Nova placed her hand on her heart with a bright grin, Zen found himself smiling softly. Yeah. He'd kill for her in a heartbeat.
Apparently, Zen hadn't tried multiple things since coming down to Caido, and Nova was aghast. She shook her head vehemently, her hands waving as if she might swipe the stars from the air. "Oh no no. We can't have that." She'd laughed the moment she stepped down, skipping and giggling down the coast as she set out to explore her new home, and yet her new brother had never laughed?! It was unacceptable.
Nova tapped a finger against her chin, considering the possible course of actions. "Maybe we could try jokes... do you like jokes?" She glanced up at him with curiosity, but whether he did or not, she only waited long enough to think of something she'd heard once. Her face brightens as she jumps with excitement. "Oh oh! How do cats always get what they want?" She paused for barely a second, her body humming with anticipation before bursting out, "They have amazing purrsistence! Or maybe it was purrserverance...?" A little confusion passed her features as Nova couldn't recall the exact word, but it didn't seem to matter when she plowed on. "Or maybe they're just good at getting away with feline-ys." Her eyes brimmed with humor, trying to contain her own laughter as she said, "I've heard they're trained in paw-tial arts, so I'm sure telling them 'no' only ends in cat-astrophe..."
She waited a moment to see if Zen got the joke(s) before being unable to contain herself anymore. Giggles busted forth from her chest, full-body and infectious. "Get it?! They're all words that have to do with cats!" As if it wasn't clear enough without her explanation, or her laughter, or the dramatic pronunciations she'd used. Either way, her smile was blinding, her small form trembling with the force of her own amusement, curious to see if Zen might join her in the hysterics.
Zen shrugged, highly amused and somewhat touched at how distressed Nova seemed to be about this. She proceeded to bombard him with what he quickly realized where a flurry of puns. About cats. How fitting. He'd have to show his sister some time how relevant her choice of subject was.
Before the Demi-god could use his magic to respond to her question, Nova was already explaining the jokes. And quite possibly laughing herself sick.
Zen didn't join her in laughter, he but the wide smile on his face said enough. Pausing for a moment, he raised a brow. Calling forth his stars once more, this time an intentionally obnoxiously neon and glittery blue, they showed only one word. (Purrfect.)
It wasn't laughter, but Nova was proud of the wide smile that spread across Zen's face, her own beaming expression across her star freckled face. His bright and starry word only served to worsen her fit of giggles as she smacked his arm playfully at the joke. "See! You get it!" Although how anyone could not get it after her impressive 'explanation' would be anyone's guess.
When her hysterics finally settled, Nova leaned forward, pointing an accusing finger up at him. "I'm determined to make you laugh one of these days, but I think your smile is pretty regardless." There's a stubbornness to her tone, proof that - like all her siblings - he was stuck with her now, in all her glittery chaos. Only death would make enough distance for him to escape, and even then, she might just ask Remi to send him a punny message.
Zen's eyes crinkled as his joke had had the desired effect. The playful contact after was a welcome surprise and the Demi-god's eyes softened. Yes. This is exactly what he had wanted. A positive relationship with his siblings. Even if only one of them seemed to have accepted him so far.
Eyes squinting to settle on Nova's finger, the Demi-god's grin settled into a smirk at her challenge. His stars returned to their normal brightness and less eye-burning hues, (I look forward to it.) Zen honestly wasn't sure what his sister could do to make him laugh. Her attempts would surely be amusing though. And even if not, it'd give the Demi-god more time to bond with her.
Her grin was terrifying in its certainty, almost a threat in its charming brightness. "Good, because you don't have a choice anyways." She flicked the blue strands of hair in a dismissive manner, already plotting how she'd make Zen laugh. Maybe more jokes? Or tickling? Maybe he was more of a 'watch people fall' kind of person? Whatever it was, Nova was determined to find it.
As if a large bell had sounded in her head, a realization struck, her body hopping to attention. "Oh! I was supposed to meet Caly for lunch!" They'd made plans yesterday, and based on the angle of the sun, she was late. Shrugging her shoulders, she was already moving past him, an excited wave scattering the starlight. "Sorry, Zen! I'll be you around!" With that brightly ominous farewell, Nova swirled to leave, a giggle and a puff of glitter preceding her departure.
