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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 sparkling sunlight through the spray of water is enough to make Nova giggle in delight. Running ahead of Caly, she swings her arms out to embrace the misty downfall of the droplets, giving her hair a starlet sheen. The rainbow stones beneath her bare feet are warm and smooth. She immediately thinks that all roads should look just like this. Wouldn't the world be so much nicer?
Skipping around in a circle, she looks to her sister, eyes bright with pure wonder. "Isn't it wonderful?! It's like every color exists in this one spot!" Twirling again, she lets her eyes take in all the shades. Despite having not explored much yet, she's already decided, this is her favorite place. She could spend hours just admiring the multitudes of shining shades, trying to count each new one she spots.
Nova sprints back to Caly, taking her hand with an abundance of energy manifested in the shuffling of her feet. "I think this is the perfect place to let loose! Don't you think?"
don't talk 'bout me like how you might know how i feel top of the world, but your world isn't real
From this distance, the sparkling sunlit water that streams down along the rainbow road glitters in rainbow hues as well — vibrant and stunning and everything that Caly had ever wished her experience on Caido might be. She, too, is barefoot, but she wears a silver and gold sundress that fits her form perfectly as she giggles with her shoulders hunched as Nova takes the lead.
“I’m pretty sure it does!” Each and every color amongst the roads glitter in the vibrant sunlight and the warmth of Longheat in Torchline. She stretches back up, arms above her head before her sister is darting back toward her and she snickers, letting her take her hands and drag her along, grinning affectionately. “Eeee! You mean like..” She squeals, before pinning her sister with a too wide gaze.
Her hands leave her sisters so Caly can strike a playful pose — one that melts into the vibrant white hue of her tide jaguar shift, the rosettes of the shift glittering in gold and white hues, bioluminescent like starlight.
Her sister's excitement is palpable and Nova watches in anticipation as her petite body shifts into a powerful Tide Jaguar. It's white and gold coloring aren't necessarily what she'd read was common for the region, but for Caly, it just wouldn't have been right any other way.
Giving her own giggle, she strikes her own powerful pose, a sly grin on her face as she too transforms into a Tide Jaguar. However, unlike her sister, her fur is pitch black, covered in a literal rainbow of vibrant glowing rosettes. She takes a moment to admire her reflection in a puddle, tilting her head in an endearing inspection of her wet nose and rounded ears framing her signature dark blue eyes that glittered like stardust. Letting her tongue fall from her mouth playfully, she looks to Caly again, her lips curving in a feline version of a smile before she splashes into the puddle. She then takes off into the mist, gallivanting like a cub, snapping her jaws at the spraying water as laughter rings through her mind.
don't talk 'bout me like how you might know how i feel top of the world, but your world isn't real
Their energy feels like a rubber band, the way it bounces and flits between the both of them over and over again – infecting and brightening what might otherwise be a relatively mundane experience. The two of them are like fireworks, drawing light and excitement (and the occasional explosive, given Nova’s nature), to the series of first experiences they endure.
Just like this, as Calypso strikes her pose and abandons her human form for that of a melanistic tide jaguar, opposite of Nova’s in many ways yet perfectly reflective of the two of them. And she watches with bright golden eyes to see her sister’s shape shift as well – until they’re both clad in fur and splashing all over the rainbow road.
Her own laughter meshes with Nova’s through the attuned bond and the jaguar finds herself chasing after Nova into the mist – only with eyes for her sister as she bounces over quickly and nuzzles her head in against the soft flank of her sister’s. Look at all of this... She says, smashing a pale and now soaked paw down onto a particularly shiny rock – one exhibiting a look that screamed mother of pearl. It’s like you and me! With that extra sheen of gold throughout the opalescent rainbow, Calypso shoves her nose into the water to try and get a closer look as the ripples warp the view.
Nova nuzzles her sister back in a moment of pure bliss. The world just seems right when she stands amongst the vibrant colors of the Rainbow Road, her sister at her side. Like they can take on the world, no matter what it may throw at them. Like they can change the world in a blaze of gold and rainbows. It makes her heart race with excitement for what the future holds.
Giggling at her sister's words through the bond, she gets her own head closer to the opal. You're right! It is! It's like a perfect fusion of them. A shift of the light casts one side in a pure glistening white while the other ripples with iridescent rainbows. When she shoves her own head in the water to get a closer look, it takes a silvery sheen that blends to the shadows beneath the stone. And look! There's Vespy, too! Her laughter feels funny flitting through the bond as she holds her breath beneath the water's surface, only making her devolve into further laughter. It just feels so natural. Their minds had been so intertwined when they'd been with Safrin. While shifted with her sister, it was like they'd never been apart.
She lifts her head from the water before pushing her paw in to fish out the stone. We should definitely take it home with us. As it tumbles up, its smooth surface rubbing against the pads of her paws, Nova looks around for any other stones that catch her eyes. Maybe they would start a collection! While her eyes search, she asks Caly, Do you think other places have fun rocks like this?
don't talk 'bout me like how you might know how i feel top of the world, but your world isn't real
If asked, she absolutely would say they could take on the world and change it into hues of gold and rainbow. And as she peers at the rock below the surface, holding her breath, her shoulder brushes by the dark rainbow hued pelt of her sister’s as Nova also peers into the rippling water at the rock.
She can feel the amusement before she pulls back to grab a breath of air before shoving her face back into the water to see as it shifts and changes to match their brother too — and her delight through the attuned bond knows absolutely no bounds.
She moves to let her sister fish out the stone while her tail wags contently behind her, shaking out the water that has collected on the fur on her nose, droplets flinging from long pale whiskers. He’s going to love it. Maybe we should try to find some more and we can make matching jewelry? She suggests, winking a golden eye at her sister before splashing and running down the Rainbow Road in search of more as she contemplates the question.
Maybe! Won’t know until we get there though, huh Nova? Comes the vibrant laugh that lilts through the bond. But it does give her an idea to ask around and see, if only for a destination spot for them to visit.
When the stone finally rolls out of the water, Nova takes it in her mouth delicately. She doesn't want to lose or break it, so she decides to hold onto it until they find someplace safe to keep their collection. Bounding after her sister, her tail waves behind her, flicking excitedly. Ooooh. I like that idea! Maybe some fun necklaces or bracelets? Designs have already started flooding her mind. Vespy would probably like a ring, but would they be able to find a stone that small? He might have to accept a necklace instead. They could still make it cool for him. But first, they have to find more.
Nova nods her head vehemently in agreeance with Caly's words, eyes twinkling with dreams of seeing the world. I guess that'll be the fun of it! Skipping (as much as a jaguar can) through the puddles, she spins to watch another geyser throw a rainbow over their heads. Through the sprinkling water, she catches sight of Stormbreak's floating city in the distance, amazed at the powerful display of magic. Hey Caly? Where are you looking forward to traveling most? The books and files they'd read gave them an idea of what things were like, but Nova wonders what area might have intrigued her sister the most. Halo's pristine white fields of snow? Or the animals in Stormbreak's Celestine? Or the lively city atmosphere of the Hollowed Grounds? There are so many incredible places to explore! They just have to hope Vesper loosens the leash long enough to let them see it all.
She comes to a skidding halt that sprays more water into the air when she finally spots another opalescent stone. Oh! Found one!
don't talk 'bout me like how you might know how i feel top of the world, but your world isn't real
Bracelets are a cute idea! Calypso chimes, her voice lilting with the golden warmth that accompanies a sunset. She, too, thinks about all of the options, and maybe decides that something fit for all three of them in their own style with the same kind of gem might be the best option. Matching stones, as opposed to the jewelry itself.
Unfazed by the splashing of her sister as she skips down along with her, the young woman’s golden gaze is faced downward, seeking out a particular stone in and amongst the beauty that sits below the surface. Only when her name is called does she pop her head up, ears perked toward her twin. I think… Halo. She floods the bond with longing thoughts of a Halo sunrise, gold and white and blue.
Stunning and beautiful. Where would you wanna go, Nova? Shs asks with utmost curiosity, even as the next stone is found, causing her to dart over to see it and bob her fuzzy head in approval. Yes! Oh, oh! I think there might be some more over here? Bounding over behind the geyser, fur twitching and rippling as the mist catches along golden rosettes, she sticks her nose into the water and plucks a smaller version with a black line streaked through it — perfect for a ring for Vesper. How’s this one?
Sounds good to me! We can make yours gold and mine will be silver! The image of twisting metal and glittering star designs flashes through her mind (think this but with stars), a mirror pair that will keep them forever linked. Not that they need a physical reminder of that, but she likes the idea of having something to smile at when they're apart. It brings about a feeling of sisterly affection that floats through the bond like a gentle breeze of white roses.
Giggling at the obvious answer, Nova shakes her head. That doesn't surprise me at all. Caly's stunning white fur shimmering with fading sunlight and golden rosettes? It was sure to make artists swoon with delight. Me? I read that there's a really colorful bonfire in the Hollowed Grounds. I'd love to see it! Her own mind flashes full of glittering rainbows and dangerous heat lifting towards the starry sky. It's an exciting thought as she skips over to the opal she'd seen. It looks nearly identical to the first in size and shape, yet it has a slight gold shimmer to it that makes her smile.
Collecting the second stone in her mouth, she trots up to Caly, glancing down at the discovery. Oooh. I think that's perfect! I can probably set it into a nice silver band for a ring. Maybe she'll even be able to put a black stripe inlay along the side. He'd have to like that, right?
don't talk 'bout me like how you might know how i feel top of the world, but your world isn't real
There’s nothing but the warm breeze of sisterly affection between them – almost as tangible as the rocks they step across and the opals they pluck from the bottom of the little river. Hearing her sister’s giggle flit through the bond is a perfect addition to the duo, though, and sunshine splashes against the attuned bond in delight as she hears that it hadn’t surprised Nova one bit to hear that she’d want to visit Halo.
Is there really? She asks, thrumming with curiosity as she tries (and fails) to imagine a bonfire just as grand and as colorful as the one that Nova has in mind. It’s no matter, though, because soon she’s spotted the opal in question and her pale tail, ringed with gold, waves excitedly behind her as she makes room for her sister to offer her opinion.
She boldly sits in the water and puffs out her chest with pride, letting the tide jaguar instincts overcome her for a moment as she nods her head, ears perked despite it being a mental link between them to hear her sister speak. He’d love the silver. Maybe we can pair it with something black and smokey? She suggests, unknown to her that her sibling is already imagining precisely that.
Bouncing at the thought of the bonfire, Nova splashes into another puddle. Yes! It looks huuuuge! We'll have to go together. I'm sure there'll be plenty of glittering gold accents around the flames! Although, she gets the feeling that the two of them could find the light in any place they visit. There isn't any place in Caido that the colorful gems of the world will be able to hide.
She almost drops the stones at Caly's words, pleasantly shocked. I was actually thinking the same thing! Great minds are the same! Totally unaware that the phrase doesn't go that way, Nova giggles, setting down the other two stones to look closer at the opal with a black streak in it. I think a nice silver band with a line of black down the middle would fit his aesthetic perfectly. As the ideas continue to flow forward, a spark flies down the Attuned bond and she spins her head to look at her sister. Caly! We should ask mom to make them magical! We could use them to find each other anywhere in Caido! Already running with the idea, she rambles on, Maybe it will make Vespy more comfortable with us exploring if we can call him when we need help. I can't see how mom would be against that. We should definitely ask her. Then, not only would they be super fashionable, they'd be useful too! As she speaks, Nova paces through the water, nodding her head as she lets the words and ideas flood through the bond.
11-01-2024, 03:02 PM (This post was last modified: 11-01-2024, 03:03 PM by Calypso.)
don't talk 'bout me like how you might know how i feel top of the world, but your world isn't real
Of course I’ll go with you, Nova. Caly chimes with a bright, bubbling laugh through the attuned bond. You think I’ll let you go and have all the fun on your own? The jaguar’s pale nose wrinkles playfully toward her sister, affection bleeding through the bond like a rubber band – back and forth.
Snickering in response to Nova’s own giggles, the white and gold jaguar bobs her head in agreement – not needing to mention the fact that they were two thirds of their triplet duo, and often times would think the same about many different things. And for this gift to be for the last one-third, of all brotherly love, she almost puffs out her chest to hear that Novas thoughts mimic her own too – especially as she casts the bight gaze of her sister’s in this feline form.
Making them magical is a thought she hasn’t had before, and her head nods excitedly, bobbing enough that water droplets fling from where they’d clung to her whiskers. Between us, I think there’s lots we can get away with that mom’s not against. Vespy might be harder to convince. But I love it! Her voice flickers like gilded thread down the connection between them, wrapped in the soft chime of laughter again.
Once Nova’s started pacing in the water, though, Caly dips her head back in to collect the opal for Vesper, before she’s lifting her head up to blink her gilded gaze at her sister. Should we get an opal for mom, too? That’s what all the followers did, wasn’t it? Brought her beautiful offerings that she would appreciate?
She giggles at the confirmation of her assumptions. Although they may travel separately at times, Nova has no doubt that they'll still find excuses to spend most of their time together, especially when sparkles and colors are involved. Of course not! It wouldn't even be fun without you! Her shoulder bumps against her sister's, pure loving affection bursting within.
Her ears flick as Caly sprinkles her with more water. It sends her laughter escalating through the bond, especially as they agree on their brother's overprotective nature. You can say that again! She shakes her head to spray her own water from her fur, sure that it will fall onto her sister in playful repayment. Despite the feline features, a grin splits across her face, the giggles continuing without breaking.
At Caly's suggestion, Nova pauses her pacing, ears perking and tail flicking. Oh! That's a good idea! We can get her an opal, plus some other colorful stones! She doesn't know whether Safrin will expect her children to follow all of the usual traditions, but she does think that their mom would love to be included in the fashion coordinated fun. Picking the opals back up in her mouth, Nova starts searching around for another opalescent stone to add to their collection. We should go straight to the shrine after this!
don't talk 'bout me like how you might know how i feel top of the world, but your world isn't real
Good! Caly chimes back through the bond, as if it was all the threat needed that despite the fact they were their own people – they were still attached far closer than most siblings. Whether that’s because they’re all triplets or simply because they come from Safrin… well, it’s anyone’s guess.
Nose wrinkling and playfully evading as much as she can for the repayment of the water that sprinkles down onto her, the white tide jaguar’s tail flicks playfully as she collects the stones and offers her thoughts to whether or not they should include their mother with the idea of making these opals far more than just statement jewelry pieces. I bet she’d want something blue or… lilac? They’d seen their mother in a multitude of hues, but something about a deep blue and lilac purple always seemed to make Safrin shine that much brighter. And it’s a memory that has Caly’s heart suddenly longing with missing their mother so much so that as Nova starts the search for more stones and makes the suggestion of seeing her sooner rather than later, the young pale jaguar nearly leaps at the opportunity. Yes!
She does hop to it, then, seeking out any kind of stone or gem hidden within the geyser’s warm and wet roads for anything of interest for their mother – finding a deep purple painted rock that she collects along with the opal already collected in her jaws. Let me know if you find anything! She chimes back toward Nova, pausing in her search to see how well her sister was fairing.
