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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!
But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time
At first, it had just been a joke, a giggling idea shared between friends.
Then it had morphed into something greater, growing in Noe’s mind until she stood in Pacifist Plaza, trestles and tables surrounding her, the cloths draped across them flowing in the cold Deepfrost breeze. On the tables were all sorts of food items, all collected in the name of creating tacos. One section was for savory tacos - featuring various meats and vegetables and sauces - while the other was for dessert tacos, with shells sweetened with cinnamon sugar and sauces made from chocolate and caramel. Personally, Noe was inclined to start with the dessert table, but she supposed that the actual dinner tacos would be good, too.
Atop her head was a wildly elaborate hat. It was bright pink and decorated with various feathers and gems, all of which combined to give the impression of a flamingo. It matched her sweater, which she’d chosen specifically to complement the hat, and her shoes, which were heels more suited to summer than winter, but she didn’t care. She wore them anyway, adding a few inches to her height.
With the event set up and notices posted, she made her way to stand beside Lena. This had all seemed like a good idea at the time, but now a shiver of apprehension ran up the girl’s spine. ”Do you think anyone will come?” she asked, glancing about at their spread. Maybe she’d gone a little overboard with the food and decor, but at least it had been fun.
Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time
Vox arrived—though whether he strolled, hovered, or gently vibrated into existence was anyone’s guess—with the biggest grin arranged across his multitude of teeth. He gave a broad wave to the gathering crowd, each limb (and sub-limb and sub-sub-limb) doing its best to mimic the gesture. If some folks looked vaguely uncomfortable, well, that was probably just the wiggling in their peripheral vision.
Bedecked in what might best be described as “intentional clothing,” Vox made his way toward the tables. The bright pink flamingo hat perched atop Noe ’s head caught his many-eyed interest immediately, and for a moment he contemplated finding a similar piece of headgear to “blend in.” Instead, he set down his own bounty of taco “enhancements” with gusto: a jar of deep-fried sea air that hissed softly when opened, a stack of caramelized laughter (freshly cackled that morning, if the swirling purple glaze was any indication), and an assortment of pickled…somethings. The label read “Pickled Starwhale Dreams,” but it could just as easily have been “Pickled Ghostwhale Regrets.”
“Greetings, my delightful two-legged taste-testers!” Vox declared, flashing his well-practiced smile. “I’ve heard these taco things need fillings, and I’ve brought the best I could salvage—er, acquire.” He flexed a set of cuticles proudly, as though they were proof of his culinary generosity. “Please, sample away! I’m told a dash of cosmic confusion really brightens up the palate.”
With his teeth all properly aligned—he’d checked thrice—Vox slithered a little closer to admire the sizzling meats and cinnamon-sugar shells. His ocular appendages flickered curiously, analyzing every sauce and garnish with childlike wonder. For a moment, he vibrated with pure delight, or perhaps just tried to stand still and failed.
Everest wasn't normally one for social gatherings, but having read about the "taco party" a few days prior, it was all he (read: his stomach) could think about such that he was helpless to do anything but attend.
With his hands shoved deep into his pockets to keep them warm and away from the chill in the air, Everest tucked his chin into the collar of his coat as he made his way toward the plaza. He could have made it to the gathering by scent alone even without using his attuned senses, such were the smells rising up from the various tables that Noa had erected.
"Hey Noe," pulling out a hand to wave at the engineer, Ever immediately replaced it in his pocket before eyeing the spread.
Which of course turned into eyeing Vox. "Err, hello again Vox." Just because he was a FrIEnD oF ThE FaMIlY, it didn't stop the hairs on his arms from standing on end when he got close to the other...man? Clearing his throat and glancing back to Noe, the aviator's smile returns. "This all looks amazing. I hope it tastes half as good as it all smells."
even if i had to lose you to know you, i'd still be that temporary phase that you grow through
Hell, even being a part of the Family didn’t mean that Vox didn’t still make one feel fuzzy and static-y if looked at for too long.
As such, Pierce is also on the heels of Vox and Everest, friends and family as they were, eager to sample the spread of the tacos.
Sure, his face might be posted everywhere else in Caido, but honestly the bruiser could care less. He almost dares anyone to try, such is the ease of which the bulk of a man drifts toward the tables, acknowledging Noe and Lena as he runs a finger along the edge of the table that Vox settles in front of. “’fraid I didn’t come with a hat. Don’t suppose you got extras?” He asks, flashing the women and Everest a bright smile.
Don’t get him wrong, he’s excited to try the tacos, but it’s a crazy hat party too wasn’t it? He wants to fit the part before he dives in.
Lena would never be one to turn down an opportunity for rapport, good will, generosity, and simply a little bit of fun – and so with the plans in place, the ladies could implement their tables worth of food amidst the Plaza. She spent her time making sure each and every category was organized, for those who cared or needed allergy selections, and with some other décor. Including her own large hat adorning her head. “I hope so,” she whispered back to Noe, with a keen smile on her features. If anyone didn’t, then that would be mean far more food for them – though the Caretaker would probably be inclined to make to-go bags for her friends who couldn’t make it.
And they weren’t to be disappointed – though, perhaps…startled would be the word for it, when Family members showed up. Her eyes widened in a substantial amount, especially at Vox (recognized through the announcements framed within their heads) and Pierce (face plastered across notice boards).
Reputations preceeded them, but so did Lena’s, so she offered that same brave grin instead of melding and molding into the fractious, anxious edges and fringes she was beginning to feel. “Welcome. Thank you so much for bringing something,” granted to Vox, though what was being offered…was a tad out of the ordinary. Perhaps those far more steadfast than she would opt to try.
She addressed Everest too with her grin and fortitude. “Grab a plate!” As for the extra hats…she grabbed a stack from under the table. “Here you go,” she presented to Pierce, ignoring the way her hands shook, before placing the multitudes on the dessert end, in case others needed the same.
With Sol trotting along next to him, Zavien's mood was full of positivity and excitement for the taco party. Anything involving food and friends was always a good time. At least that's what he thought... Shifting the comically large cowboy hat on his head, he felt his ring warm against his hand. A quick glance around showed Everest amongst those present. He couldn't say exactly what emotions he was feeling as he looked upon the aviator. The man hadn't done anything against him personally, but just the knowledge that he was infected made him hesitant to label him as a friend. And seeing the company around him, Zavien felt validated with those concerns.
His emotions quickly shifted to ones of worry and concern as he spotted Noe and Lena standing amongst the suspiciously off appearance of Vox and the outright criminal face of every warning poster in Caido, Pierce. The Dragoon's feet were swift, Sol trailing a little more hesitantly behind him as he made his way to the Caretaker's side. Placing a gentle hand on her shoulder - whether to reassure her or him, he wasn't sure - he gave her a bright, unburdened smile. "Sorry I'm late. Can I help with anything?" She seemed to be concealing any nerves admirably and he took strength in that as he turned to the violet visitors. Looking towards the others, Zavien kept his smile as comfortable as he could, despite the way Vox made his skin slither along with his movements. "Nice to see you, Noe, Everest." Tilting his head, he tried to keep his tone light as he addressed Pierce and Vox. "I don't believe I've met either of you." Although his body tried to resist, he offered out a polite hand towards them. "I'm Zavien."
I learned that in suffering, we find the true measure of our strength.
But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time
For some entirely unknown reason, Noe hadn't been expecting the Family to show up to their little taco party. She knew they were around, of course - who wouldn't, after Dahlia had taken over Stormbreak? - but she'd rather imagined that they would be far too busy for such a silly little affair. So when Vox appeared and spoke, and she recognized the voice that had been in her head too many times, she did her best not to shrink away from the... creature. After all, there were appearances to keep up, and gods knew she didn't want to offend them.
"Thank you," she said, echoing Lena's sentiments and even going so far as to offer Vox a small smile. "Please feel free to create your own," she added, waving at the tables set up nearby and then bustling about, adjusting this and that to make room for the... shall we say interesting assortment of goodies that the eldritch creature had brought.
Everest appeared, and Noe offered a more genuine smile to the aviator. "Hey, Everest. Welcome. Make yourself at home!" Hopefully the man would steer clear of the items that Vox had brought. How exactly did one pickle a starwhale dream? Noe wasn't sure she wanted to know.
As Lena assisted Pierce and Zavien made his way over, Noe shrank into the background, watching the food and refilling what needed refilling as it dwindled, fiddling with this and that to keep herself busy. She'd never hosted anything quite this big before, and the appearance of the Family had her a little more nervous than she might have been otherwise.
Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time
Nerves can be good things as well as bad, and let it never be said that the Family do not try to make an effort when it counts. Whether or not that effort will be appreciated is another matter entirely, and not one Dahlia is particularly worried about.
The Reaper arrives on a pair of pretty black boots that seem to defy the icy cobblestones, clicking softly, her dark coat whispering about her legs and her wine coloured scarf knotted snugly at her neck. With her curls left to tumble freely about her shoulders (and with a fascinator in place adorned with a dainty little tophat for good measure), she is as ready to attend the celebrations as the rest of her kin.
"How kind of you, Vox," she purrs to the voice of their Family without getting too close, lest his mere presence ruffle static through her hair. Linking her arm companionably with Pierce, she gestures to the spread. "I cannot say I have ever tried anything like this. I daresay I will need to go back for seconds."
Inclining her head towards Noe and Lena with a decadent smile showing small, white teeth, Dahlia steps forward to make herself a snack.
Vox drifted across the plaza, limbs (or tentacles, or something equally wiggly) poised in a show of excitement. With a flash of too-white teeth, he zeroed in on Noe, who was busy adjusting trays of shells and sauces on one of the tables. "My dear Noe!" he exclaimed, voice humming like radio static. Without preamble he swooped forward, wrapping what looked like arms around her. It might have been a hug—until his body seemed to slip and spark right through hers, like a current searching for a ground. A faint, electric crackle danced across her coat, disappearing almost before anyone could blink.
Pulling back as though nothing unusual had happened (that was how you gave someone a hug, right?), Vox flexed his fingers—or were they filaments?—and gave her a sweet smile. "So lovely to see you in the flesh," he said, no trace of irony in his tone. Then, pivoting on a heel that hadn’t existed a moment before, he made a beeline for the taco spread.
Grabbing the nearest shell, Vox proceeded to fill it with an unholy combination of dessert sauces, random shredded vegetables, and—was that pickled stardust? "A bit of sweet, a bit of…whatever this is," he mused aloud, sprinkling something labelled Rumored Hel Snips on top. He held his culinary creation aloft for the group to see, wearing a grin that suggested he expected applause.
Then, without hesitation, he took a massive bite—his eyes (all of them) widening in delight. "Mmm! Tastes like a lullaby performed by squeaking door hinges," he declared happily, glancing at Dahlia. "You should try it!"
But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time
There was an excited exclamation, and then Noe was swept up (?) into what some might call a hug, but was in actuality a strange sort of momentary merging; when Vox emerged, Noe blinked once, then twice. Why had she been so nervous before? There was nothing to fear here. So she smiled. "Aw, thanks, Vox," she said. Honestly, the little creature was kind of cute.
Then Dahlia appeared, and Noe stepped up to greet her. "Welcome," she said smoothly, returning the Reaper's smile with her own utterly fearless one. "There's savory tacos over here, and then dessert tacos over there, if you're so inclined. I'm rather partial to those, myself, but there's plenty to go around, so help yourself!"
With that, Noe set about making her own taco, indeed opting first for a dessert one. Taking a chocolate soft shell, she piled it high with whipped cream and caramel. She briefly hovered in front of Vox's caramelized laughter, but she couldn't quite bring herself to open the jar. Instead, she rolled up her taco and went to stand with Everest once more. "This is nice," she said easily, taking a bite of her taco. "How've you been?"
Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time
Flashing a grateful grin toward Lena as the hats are offered, he takes his time choosing one – settling on a comically small bowler hat that he puts into place on his head. Bright green with clashing purple adornments, nestled into the spray of curls, the bowler hat was quite amusing, he’s sure. But with a face splattered everywhere else in the world, he supposes there’s no use in hiding. Besides, he’s in Stormbreak for Family business anyway, might as well have some fun.
“Thanks.” He says as he turns to appraise the newcomer, an unfamiliar face – taller than he is and brawny as well, but far less than he is. Not that Pierce is worried, of course. He’s here for the tacos, after all. The shakiness in which they serve him is just a bonus. And as Zavien introduces himself, he plucks that name away for later, extending his own to shake Zavien’s in a strong and firm handshake. “Pierce.” He says, as though the man before them didn’t know who he was, despite how he knew the information had likely been spread.
At any rate, Dahlia is soon there to alleviate any tensions, and with her arm in his the bruiser seems to brighten. “I was thinkin’ thirds.” He teases, before he makes a whistling sound as Noe explains the types of tacos on display. “I’m now thinkin’ dessert tacos first?” He suggests to Dahlia with a playful note to his deep baritone of a voice, already utilizing his strength to drag the Reaper along with him to that table, pedantically and playfully sticking his tongue out at Vox as they pass by his own display.
At the hand on her shoulder, Lena nearly jumped out of her skin – restless, on edge, eternally nervous in the face of so many Family members – only to sigh in relief and offer a warm, welcome smile at Zavien. Once polite introductions were placed, she attempted to drift, with him alongside, further down the table, perhaps…away from the multitudes going on. “Grab a plate?” Handing one to Zavien anyway, she’d like to equally fade into the background – the notions of hosting those most dangerous to them losing its appeal rapidly.
On pragmatics, she avoided Vox’s offerings, and went to meander through the hard shells, beef, and toppings – her smile barely indicating her desperate need for escape.
Feeling Lena flinch, he tried to keep his touch a reassuring pressure of support. Despite being in the lions' den, she wasn't alone. They'd face it together. Although what 'it' was, was still to be seen.
Zavien kept his smile polite, taking note of the Pierce's own physicality as well, but not feeling nearly as confident. The only thing that filtered through his brain was caution and he was grateful as the man stepped away. The Dragoon's usually relaxed demeanor was riddled with the tense calculated movements indicative of a battlefield. Every sense took stock of the events. From the peculiar additions to the taco bar and Dahlia's appearance, to the strange 'embrace' (???) between Vox and Noe. As he was nodding a respectful greeting to their 'leader,' the ring on his finger warmed further as he heard Koa's sister THANK the mass of shifting nightmare fuel. At first, confusion filtered across his mind as he tried to puzzle out what in the hell was happening. Was the ring broken? Everest hadn't stepped any closer. But as pieces began to fit into place, Zavien had never wished to be an Attuned more than this very moment. Every fiber of his being screamed to tell Lena - to warn her - yet all he could do was smile like nothing was wrong. And he wasn't even doing that well.
Looking down at the offered plate with a momentary blank expression, he let his hand drop to hers. His voice was so dampened by effort that it sounded monotonous, a slight tremor to the smile he gave her. "Thank you." Grasping her hand 'lovingly' over the plate like any affectionate couple might do, he willed her to feel the heat of the ring on his finger and understand. Even as he released her hand, he didn't break their contact, keeping a touch on her lower back as he followed her to the regular food options. "You guys have really outdone yourselves."
I learned that in suffering, we find the true measure of our strength.
With her senses already heightened into the overly apprehensive, Zavien’s hand on hers wasn’t so much a surprise, as the warmth and pulse of the ring. Her eyes widened, darting around, before realizing it was likely in response to Everest; the thought not even registering upon anyone else. “Thank you,” she obliged in return, beginning to step away from the long table of offerings, and sidling away from the group to a small one nearby, with seats for two on either side of the metal surface. “Here should be nice, hm?” Away from the crowd but capable of seeing anything happening.
A myriad of questions settled upon her tongue, but she knew she couldn’t ask them here. Not now.
