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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!
After snagging at the pods near the Suvahasi, and any meetings that needed to be attended, the Sword took to the skies. It’d be a long stretch of mileage from the desert to where he wanted to go, but his thunderbird form was a comfortable wave of movements over thermals and rushes of plumage; an opportunity to expand into some molds of liberation, deliverance, and freedom when he had the chance - the surge of the wind, the power of his endeavors. And eventually, he’d arrive to the outer portions of the Barrows, bordering upon the range of void infestation on the other side.
Swooping downwards, he landed and shifted, snagging at the bag of holding that had once been clutched in his talons. Placing it along his shoulders now instead, his long strides swept along the range, attempting to find a decent location.
In between two of the narrower barrows, he crouched, beginning to unfurl his Mastered Earth, parting over soil, loam, and terrain, intentions clear and precise.
think about this you have the ability to survive anything
As he made his way over the hills, Zavien pictured the landscape overlayed with snow and colorful presents. A flurry of people rushed across the land, running from a giant abominable snowball. He even seemed to recall a dog running towards the intimidating creature. The memories were so vivid that he nearly looked up to watch for a barrage of snowballs.
Appreciating the warmer Flowerbirth sunlight, he made his way across the green meadow, hoisting his shovel over his shoulder and humming a tune offensively off key. A bright smile played across his face and he closed his eyes to take a deep breath of the floral life. With the way it calmed his senses, he absently wondered if there was any - what did Lena call it again? For some reason, the name was escaping him, leaving the image of the fluffy purple swords and the letter 'L'. Leaves? No. Those were usually green. Lumber? No. That was brown. Liver? That felt closer, but he thought he recalled that being a science-y term. Lunch? Definitely not. Stomach, stay out of this. Sighing, he determined to think about it later, or ask her when he saw her next.
Distracted, he was only pulled from his thoughts by a large shadow that flew overhead. Zavien lifted his eyes to follow the figure curiously. And when the winged creature shifted into the figure of a friend, a gasp of excitement preceded a large smile. Jogging the distance between them, he waved an arm emphatically. "Deimos!" When he finally stopped next to the man, he was panting slightly but grinning from ear to ear as he noted the shifting of the dirt. "What a coincidence! Are you planting your seed thing here too?" Having a friend nearby would make the time pass so much faster!
reflect heavenly truth, the imagination not least.
Still tending to the unfurling soil around him, the sound of his name being called should’ve been familiar by now. But it always seemed to catch him slightly off-guard, and as he shifted to glance over his shoulder, he saw the shape taking form wasn’t a newcomer or foreign at all, but the outline of a known Dragoon. “Zavien,” he rumbled in return at first, not bothering to ask what the Stormbreaker was doing here. His next question eluded to the notions anyway, and he gave a snort, returning to tend to the dirt and loam at hand. “Yes.”
Jutting his jawline towards the surroundings, where the void infested lands might’ve touched and snagged along the terrain and territory of King’s End, he shrugged his shoulders, and then made the earth shudder and undulate under his hands, watching as it unraveled further. “Thought it might be helpful here.” Pausing temporarily, because he wasn’t certain of the younger man’s pursuits and abilities, his inquiry was kept light and variable. “Do you have experience planting?”
think about this you have the ability to survive anything
Zavien wasn't bothered by the Warden's lack of enthusiasm, familiar with his personality at this point, he more than made up for the stoicism with his own jubilant attitude. His huge grin and moderately fidgeting stance alluded to his excitement at the run-in. He glanced in the direction of the encroaching Void, nodding his head in understanding. Obviously, he'd had a similar thought. With Stormbreak being in the literal sky it was a little easier to protect it from the Void without needing the seed. He thought he'd use it elsewhere.
The question about skills had him shaking his head emphatically. "Absolutely not. I can't even remember the name of the purple flower Lena told me about. I know it started with an 'L' and helped with relaxation." His loud laugh accompanied the following good-natured shrug. He didn't know if Deimos had ever met Lena, but it didn't change the fact that he had no idea what he was doing when it came to planting. But how hard could it be? Dig a hole, place the seed, then let it grow. Right?
Considering the large man, he fired back the same question, "Do you have any experience planting?" His movements showed that he had the means to do so, his magic making it easy enough, but what did Deimos know about the rest of the process?
reflect heavenly truth, the imagination not least.
Deimos often reserved his enthusiasm, but took no issue with the bountiful fringes of Zavier’s exuberance, still carefully tending to the soil and seed. His careful and meticulous notions figured it’d be an easier time for the plant to grow if he tended with a more scrupulous air. The Dragoon’s comment earned a pause and arch of his brow though, along with the slightest of smiles. ”Lavender?” There’d been some moments in his life where the same herb had come into significant play.
But then the inquiry volleyed back to him, and he allowed a laugh. ”My wife is the expert. I just use my magic.” Which had taken him quite far, but he wouldn’t readily admit to any jurisdiction and healthy sagacity over the realm.
think about this you have the ability to survive anything
His eyes lit up a brilliant green. "Lavender! That's what it's called!" At least now he could show his face to Lena without embarrassing himself again. Zavien laughed loudly. "I couldn't have come up with the name even if my life depended on it. I kept thinking 'fluffy purple swords.'" Shaking his head, he sagged his shoulders. "Thank you for saving me a lot of future strain trying to remember it." He'd already started to get a headache and the tension was immediately released as he vowed to commit the name to memory (spoiler alert: it doesn't work).
As the Sword brought up his wife, Zavien gave him a warm, glowing smile. Finally, something good to talk about. "Evie, right? How are she and the new baby?" There were few in all of Caido who hadn't heard of the power couple, but Zavien hadn't had a chance to meet them or talk with Deimos about his family. Although that wasn't surprising considering the chaos of the world. In fact, he'd been consumed with schemes of his own recently, trying to better the world in whatever little ways he could. Even if that meant digging a hole in the middle of nowhere with a strange golden seed from a randomly appearing tree. With that in mind, he picked a clear patch of dirt nearby to plunge his own shovel down, waiting to hear about the happy trio.
reflect heavenly truth, the imagination not least.
“Of course,” he nodded, but shook his head in turn with the slightest of smiles tucked in the corners of his mouth. Amused, perhaps, by Zavien’s lack of discomfort – a very liberating sort of individual. He watched as the Dragoon began to dig, and went nothing seemingly went awry, kept himself committed to his own task.
The inquiry about Evie and his family didn’t ruffle any feathers, but seemed to ease the tension away from his shoulders. “They are well. Erebos is growing like a weed,” not to be surprising, he supposed, given the Sword’s daunting height. “Evie just helped in ridding Halo of a giant void ursur,” which was said with every amount of pride in his voice, even if the circumstances left him apprehensive and filled with trepidation. Perhaps the same could be said about many situations lately.
Calculating and tilting his head, he pondered over the weight of effects going on in Stormbreak, given the leader. “Have you had anything void-related besides the usual flora and fauna?” Or did Dahlia’s presence and reign simply keep it all away?
think about this you have the ability to survive anything
The planting analogy had Zavien chuckling. "But I'm sure he's the cutest little weed!" Although he'd interacted with a lot of kids in the lower sections of Stormbreak, he hadn't been around many babies. Most of his acquaintances were with the ones who could already walk (for the most part) and talk. With that in mind, he asked, "How long until you think he'll be beating you in the sparring ring?" His smile was evidence enough of his jesting, but he still wondered at how Deimos would train the little one. The Warden obviously valued self-defense and weapons skills as shown by their sessions together, yet he was curious about whether he would force the practice on his son.
On the other hand, his wife was clearly more than capable of handling herself. Eyes wide, Zavien laughed loudly in disbelief. "Wow! Remind me not to piss her off." He didn't think he'd stand a chance against such a powerful foe (ursur or woman) and he shook his head at the thought. The overwhelming pride on Deimos's face made him smile warmly. "It sounds like you got really lucky to find Evie."
The next topic wasn't quite as enjoyable and he flinched at the thought of recent events, including Dahlia's surprise 'help' finding Mr. Matas. Plus, after seeing how normal Everest looked even though they suspected him of being infected, Zavien was hesitant to fully trust anyone. However, he and the others had agreed that they should put in the extra effort to strengthen the ring before Safrin completed it. And with Deimos's position as a strong hybrid and an important leader, he might be able to help them. Praying that Koa and Lena didn't kill him, Zavien paused his digging to run a nervous hand through his hair. "Not really. A few here and there... but some of us are taking precautions to help identify infected flora, fauna,... and people." He let the words sink in, trying not to rush the topic too quickly.
reflect heavenly truth, the imagination not least.
Maneuvering more of the soil under his powers, he figured he’d carved a decent amount aside for the pod, and began to place it neatly amidst the terrain. At Zavien’s initial response, he snorted, but grinned too, much more laidback and boyish, rather than strained. “Yes, though I am biased.” Though he wouldn’t be listing off every single thing the infant conducted that was a milestone or simply amusing or earth-shattering, the segments of impending growth and skills had him shaking his head. “A while yet. And that will depend on if he is willing.” It went without saying that the Sword honored and cherished self-defensive parameters easily and efficiently; he proposed multitudes, even the healers, should have a way of protecting themselves. But he also never forced anyone into such actions.
Evie caused another bout of laughter, because the statement was true, and he admired her all the more for it. “She is formidable,” with a wry grin to follow, as if he wouldn’t want it any other way. Applying some water incantations along the pod and soil, the other notion followed suit, and he nodded, in full agreement. “Yes, I am.” But they hadn’t been ships passing in the night, nor lovelorn seekers; it had been an alteration after years apart and time spent growing, healing, and mending themselves. Finding one another after so much anguish had been another blessing altogether. “We were friends for years before.”
The other shifting topics gave him pause though, because for all the times he’d been in Stormbreak, there hadn’t seemed to be any more cause for concern than the usual regional landscape. Dahlia’s influence likely made it so, but even then it was only by broad presumptions and suspicions. “A wise move,” he granted – with some ability to pierce through who was already infected, they might be able to do something about it. “We have been given some methods of trying to claim the infested lands back as well.” And he arched a brow, waiting to see Zavien’s reaction.
think about this you have the ability to survive anything
The unrestrained laugh was enough to make Zavien's day. It was nice to see the Warden loosen up. So, with a huge grin, he said, "Being your son, I'm surprised he wasn't born with a sword already in his hand." Some kids may turn out to be the opposites of their parents, but Zavien had a suspicion that Deimos's genetics were too strong to deny. Chuckling at the idea, he gave his friend a jesting wink. There was no doubt in his mind that the man would love the boy no matter what he chose to pursue. The pride he showed couldn't be tainted by that kind of disappointment.
Zavien could see the love written plainly on Deimos's face and he couldn't help but smile. "That's really admirable." Although he kept digging, he let his eyes meet the Warden's, kind and encouraging. "I hope you have many more years of happiness together." They were a beautiful couple that gave the future a more optimistic hue despite the purple tinges. As long as people like them continued to live and love, Zavien would persist in trying to protect Caido.
Curiosity had him lifting his head from his work. If there was a new way to fight against the Void, he was more than interested. His beaming smile said just as much while his voice raised in volume. "That's great! What methods? And please let me know if you ever need an extra set of hands!" The offer was genuine. Even though he was aware of his own limitations, as he was sure Deimos was, he wanted to help in any way possible. That included getting Safrin's quest done. He glanced away before asking, "In the meantime, do you have any plans to visit Starfall?" As he waited for an answer, Zavien's inexperienced eyes determined that his hole was deep enough and he paused to lift the golden seed from his pocket.
reflect heavenly truth, the imagination not least.
The Sword snorted at the reply, giving way to the fundmentals of humor rather than the tempest brooding and brewing in his chest. “Not yet – though I have one ready for him. And I did make a rattle in the shape of a blade.” Figuring that counted for something; he shrugged, heeding the remains of the soil and water necessary for the task to be completed. He swallowed down other portions threatening to burst at Zavien’s other semblances; because despite wanting those exact things, the future remained very uncertain. “Thank you.”
Listening to the Dragoon settle into the thought of assisting was better – maybe – because at least his mind could warp into necessities and assistance in fighting the newest plague. Sensing no lie from the man, as the talisman pressed against his chest gave no indication of one, he created a piece of parchment and charcoal, beginning to neatly outline the details. “I received these instructions from Safrin,” to verify the motions and notions. “But for the most part, we need to be retrieving these flowers from Frey’s Breath,” and he even drew one alongside the description of Rae’s Lilies, before passing it over for Zavien’s perusal and inspection.
The question thereafter gave him pause, and he sifted one more portion of soil over the top of the planted pod. “Yes.” Unfortunately went unsaid; but a group of them planned to venture forth and try something, when the opportunity was granted.
think about this you have the ability to survive anything
Zavien laughed at the mental image of a rattling sword. It was almost as funny as fuzzy purple swords. Shaking his head, he smiled. "That sounds perfect. He'll be a master in no time!" Although, hopefully he upgraded to a real sword by that point. He didn't think a rattling weapon would be very intimidating.
Taking the paper, Zavien studied the sketch of 'Rae's Lillies,' noting the white petals. "So you want me to gather some of these flowers? Seems easy enough." He may not be good at herbology? plantology? botany? whatever, but he was great at finishing tasks, especially retrieval assignments! However, curiosity had him asking, "What are they for?"
At Deimos's confirmation, Zavien began to fill in his own hole, letting the dirt cover the seed within. "Would you mind bringing this with you when you go?" Pausing, he presented the dark blue ring that had been on his finger. "Safrin has offered to make the item stronger if we can bring it to Starfall, but I fear that my visit would end with my permanent residence there." His hand came up to his hair as his face contorted in a moderate grimace. Again, he didn't ignore his own weakness, and who knew what lay on the infested island?
reflect heavenly truth, the imagination not least.
Nodding at the summation of the flower portion of the options given, he pressed back any other loose portions of soil, before going further into explanations. “You are more than welcome to gather a group together to accomplish the remaining options too,” but it’d be long and arduous, and the Sword wasn’t certain if they’d have that sort of time between them all. “But we thought the lilies might be enough for now.” A head start, without need of getting anyone else mauled or maimed in the process. “In the past, we have used them to heal people from various diseases.” He'd been amongst the affected and inflicted, and had no urgency to repeat the process of infestation either. “So likely, they can do the same for the infected regions.”
The other inquiry gave him pause – because he hadn’t expected it at all. Brows furrowing, upon inspection and perusal and treating it with quiet contemplation and meticulousness, several other questions of his own framed through his mind. “What is it for?” He rarely balked at most Safrin-affiliated things, but he also didn’t want to be caught in something he may want to avoid.
Zavien’s following statement yielded something of his own vulnerabilities too – because there was a chance Deimos wouldn’t make it back either. It wasn’t a notion he’d openly discussed, save for with Evie, and even then, after what they’d been through, it didn’t ease any ongoing tensions and trepidation. He didn’t glance at the Dragoon, and instead at the object, holding it neatly between his fingers. “And what if I do not return?” What of their ring then?
think about this you have the ability to survive anything
Scooping the last shovel of dirt into the hole, he used the flat of the spade to pat the soil gently then leaned on his own tool to give his full attention to Deimos. When he mentioned gathering other people, Lena immediately came to mind. With her knowledge of plants, and overall enjoyable company, it would make quick work of the assignment. Even the purpose seemed like something she would be excited to assist with. Zavien smiled and nodded, already making plans to ask her. "I think that's more than reasonable."
Rotating the ring in his finger, he watched the sunlight flicker off the studded stars. "Once it's completed, it will be able to detect Void infected flora, fauna, and people." He understood the Warden's hesitance, but hoped he'd be receptive to the mutual desire to identify and cure any of the Void's influence. Looking up, he kept the offer open.
On the depressing topic of death, he gave a low chuckle and an accompanying grimace. "If you don't return, I think the ring will be the least of our concerns." Thoughts of his widowed wife and fatherless son flashed through his mind as much as the loss of a formidable fighting force. If Starfall claimed the Sword, Zavien didn't know if they would survive this invasion, but he put on a brave smile of encouragement. "Luckily, I doubt we'll have to worry about that."
reflect heavenly truth, the imagination not least.
