if I cross the line

NIKI

Niki raises his eyebrows, curious. "An assassin? Shame I did not complete my apprenticeship - perhaps we might have had a working relationship." Because undertaker... and the bodies... and the assassinations... you get it. As for his own situation, he wrinkles his nose good-naturedly and waves her off. "There are limited options for someone with my physical disadvantages in a place dominated by trees," he says. "This was the best fit for me. I do not resent it." Though there is a lingering darkness in his eyes that he promptly blinks away.

Tilting his head to listen as Theea continues, Niki lets out a soft sigh and nods to her. "There is a fine line between taking care of ourselves and ensuring it does not harm those who depend on us," he agrees. "I am sorry, that things have been difficult. I suppose it is quite nice to have struck out on your own? Aside from the rain and getting lost of course."

Blinking up as the sky suddenly clears - if not from the rain, then because they are briefly out from under the canopy of Ludo's Woods - Niki treats it as a good omen for their lighter conversation. "I do not know if it will be hosted at the Greatwood this year, but that should not stop you from going," he agrees with a smile. "I did not make a lantern though, no. I may pay my respects, but there is no one I am close enough to that I would want to see again from Mort's halls."

my body's on the line now, I can't fight this time now
I can feel the light shine on my face

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!