candlewax & polaroids on the hardwood floor
LongNight makes Flora’s house feel smaller despite the size, like the shadows have pushed the walls in closer, blurring the line between safety and the endless dark beyond the glass. Still, the kitchen glows with a gentle amber light thanks to a handful of candles and the soft, steady flicker from the stove as water hums toward a boil. She’s barefoot on the cool tile, curls pulled into a messy knot, sleeves of an oversized sweater slouched past her hands as she leans against the counter and waits for the kettle to sing. The whole place smells faintly of honey, citrus peel, and the salty air seeping through the cracks in the shutters.
Elsewhere in the house, in a workshop that smells like salt and iron and smoke, sits a small parcel, wrapped in navy paper and tied with gold silk on the worn worktable. It isn’t large—no bigger than a ring box—but Flora’s smile had been almost conspiratorial when she sealed it up.
Inside rests a ring of silver, etched in impossibly fine filigree, its patterns so delicate they catch the light like water. The enchantment woven through it is quiet but sure: when worn and willed, it will summon Niki’s cane straight into his hand, no matter the distance between them. Not a new cane—she’d known he didn’t want one—but his cane, repaired and polished until the wood gleams as if freshly carved, the handle smooth again beneath his grip. He'd had to go for nearly a week without it, which ruined the surprise and made things inconvenient for the necromancer, but Flora hoped she'd forgive him.
The attached note reads, For when you're far from Wildering House and me, and don't have the spirits to lend a hand. Happy Birthday, xoxoxoxo .
Niki has received:
Cane Ring | A ring that will summon Niki's cane to his hand regardless of distance.
Elsewhere in the house, in a workshop that smells like salt and iron and smoke, sits a small parcel, wrapped in navy paper and tied with gold silk on the worn worktable. It isn’t large—no bigger than a ring box—but Flora’s smile had been almost conspiratorial when she sealed it up.
Inside rests a ring of silver, etched in impossibly fine filigree, its patterns so delicate they catch the light like water. The enchantment woven through it is quiet but sure: when worn and willed, it will summon Niki’s cane straight into his hand, no matter the distance between them. Not a new cane—she’d known he didn’t want one—but his cane, repaired and polished until the wood gleams as if freshly carved, the handle smooth again beneath his grip. He'd had to go for nearly a week without it, which ruined the surprise and made things inconvenient for the necromancer, but Flora hoped she'd forgive him.
The attached note reads, For when you're far from Wildering House and me, and don't have the spirits to lend a hand. Happy Birthday, xoxoxoxo .
Niki has received:
Cane Ring | A ring that will summon Niki's cane to his hand regardless of distance.
