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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!
Her eyes narrowed dangerously to hear that they'd been beating on women who were just doing their jobs (unaware that it was Maea herself). If anything, it solidified her opinion on the matter. "Well, most people who are tortured had it coming. If he picked a fight with Asta after assaulting women in a brothel, he should've known what he was getting into." The dangerous appearance was obvious from the sharpened teeth to the towering height.
Taking a slow sip of her scotch, she shrugged her shoulders. "I prefer torture for information over punishment, but to each their own." Just as she and Asta had a right to their methods, Maea had a right to her opinions. Thal leveled her with an unbothered look before sighing. "I can see where you're coming from. It's not necessarily something I agree with." Neither the cannibalism or torture. She glanced to the crackling fire then back to Maea with another unbothered shrug. "But I also don't care what he does. He's not hurting me or anyone I care about, so why should I? It's not like he's making me watch or join." And she wouldn't stop her from leaving because of it.
I feel it in the wind, my dear The sun is gonna reappear
Taking up a pie, Maea picked it apart without really eating much. She'd found a savory one, and as the crust broke open a rich aroma of meat and onion filled her nose. It didn't really tempt her though, and no doubt Hadama would reproach her with those expressive eyes of his if he saw what she did with food... but he was not here. Nor would anything change if he was.
"I grew up learning that nothing is more precious than life," she mumbled. "I believed it, even though I personally gravitated more to Ludo than the other Heralds. For the better part of my life it was the one truth that all adhered to. It wouldn't have been possible to survive here otherwise." Beneath the dome, isolated from the world, struggling to get by as areable land depleted year by year. If they didn't help each other out, everyone would die. "Even though I've been made Ancient now, I can't just drop that sentiment. Nor do I really want to. Perhaps I care too much about things like these - the cannibalism, the torture and execution without so much as a mock trial - but I can't help but feel it's a slippery slope. Keep it up, and one day someone will die who shouldn't have. That's when the pitchforks come out, and the torches, and the witch hunt begins." Picking out a piece of meat, she chewed it slowly; it tasted like cardboard, despite the mouthwatering scent. "Maybe that man got what he deserved. I'm not saying he shouldn't have been punished for his actions. It's just... the method. The arbitrary decision to kill - the fact that cannibalism supposedly isn't allowed, but Astaroth faced zero consequences for breaking his own rules. Breaking his word – "
Breaking off, Maea shook her head, the wide curve of her horns enhancing the motion. Making it sharper than perhaps intended. It hurt, she realized, to find herself truly alone with her concept of justice. It was a small token of relief that Thalassa didn't share the habit, and she couldn't really demand that she change her stance... It just left Maea feeling cold, and disappointed. Truly the odd one out.
She watched Maea pick apart the pie, taking a bite of her own as she listened to her ramble on about her opinions. The viewpoint didn't surprise her, and Thal could see why it'd influenced her decision. However, that didn't mean she agreed.
Stretching out her legs, she crossed her arms in a way that kept her glass available. Her own eyes became distant as she thought about her recent years climbing the pirate's hierarchy. Somewhat distracted, she said, "My personal experiences have shown me that only the strong - or those with powerful connections - survive." Looking back to Maea, she showed no remorse. "If someone's stupid enough to piss off the wrong person then that's on them." Perhaps it was the Darwin in her, but in her line of work - and as a hunter - she couldn't afford to be weak. Others wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of her weaknesses.
Thal took another deep sip of scotch. "I can't speak for Asta or his decisions. I just can't say I care." She shrugged her shoulders again, letting Maea decide whatever she would about her.
I feel it in the wind, my dear The sun is gonna reappear
Hard and swift and no nonsense was Thalassa. When they first met it had appealed to Maea, finding such directness refreshing. Unfortunately it also meant that no sympathy or support would be had if the captain didn't agree with something. This time it left Maea standing alone with her beliefs, made to shoulder the weight of them entirely on her own.
"I see. Well, that's part of the reason I'm moving, at any rate. I also got in a fight with Asta - a physical one - and I made some grave mistakes in how I handled it. After, Danta banned me from the Last Whisper, and we're not on speaking terms. My fault; I couldn't drop the matter, and it got completely out of hand." Despite speaking matter-of-fact, there was no concealing the shame she felt about what she'd done. It didn't help that she had meant well - the fact that Asta left with bruises proved beyond all doubt that she had no business playing at being a healer, or therapist, or even a friend. She'd failed him trice over - the best she could hope for was to be paid back in kind some day.
To hear that she'd fought physically with Asta was a surprise. Maea had barely been willing to fight her when she asked. Which meant it must have been quite the disagreement. That didn't mean things couldn't be resolved. Shrugging her shoulders, she refilled her glass before leaning back again. "Well, we've gotten in plenty of fights - nearly killed each other - but look at us now." Her smile was playful, trying to lighten the mood. She suddenly missed the laughter for minutes ago. "Maybe you just need some time, or to talk it out." Or fight it out, apparently.
After having met with the two men only recently, she wondered how things would work out. They were very protective of each other, and equally as stubborn as Maea. Thal liked all involved, but she had no desire to get in the middle, so she tried to change the topic with a tilt of her head. "So now you're moving to Torchline."
I feel it in the wind, my dear The sun is gonna reappear
Looking a bit doubtful, the pale little woman nevertheless nodded. "Perhaps. I hope so. Despite everything, I... still like them both. I wish I could write them off as monsters and leave well alone, but I've seen that's not true." She sighed. "I've offered to make amends. The ball is in their court now; whether Asta wants to have anything to do with me, is up to him." She had lost the priviledge of approaching him.
Sensing the attempt to shift to a different topic, Maea took an actual bite of the crumbling pie, washing it down with more spirits.
"Now I'm moving to paradise," she confirmed, making an effort to brighten along with Thal's tone. "Actually look forward to it. Making new habits, meeting people, finding something else to do... I think it will be good." The optimism was genuine; hope was brightening eyes so often clouded and dull these days, shoulders straightening. "I hope you'll come visit once I have someplace permanent to stay."
At least Maea didn't seem to hold too much animosity regarding the issue. Even if they couldn't agree on the matter, maybe there was still hope for reconciliation. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Then I suppose we'll just have to wait and see." Only time would tell how everything would play out, and whether Thal would eventually get pulled into the fray.
Torchline was an easier topic. She smiled, raising a glass in genuine toast. "Of course I will." In all honesty, she wouldn't be able to stay away from Torchline long. It was where she did most of her business, meaning she'd have to be back at the tropic land every few weeks anyways. Getting to see Maea might just be an extra perk.
She took another sip of scotch, eyes drawn to the window as another bolt of lightning lit up the tree line. Between the hues of orange and blue, something more sinister and purple caught her attention. Her eyebrows furrowed as she turned more serious. "I think there's something outside."
I feel it in the wind, my dear The sun is gonna reappear
Her smile widened into a pleased grin that brightened her whole demeanor. About to say something, she was interrupted by the lightning and Thalassa's shifting attention. Leaning closer to the window, Maea squinted against the overcast gloom, waiting for another flash to light up the landscape...
"There! I see it too." Scowling at the purple, she half rose from the chair. "Something Voidy, I'd say. Can you make out what it is?" Depending on the answer, they might need to do something about it. Those creatures were vicious, and multiplied way too quickly.
Standing, she made her way closer to the window with glass in hand. As another flash of lightning struck, the dark purple branches of something being illuminated amongst the trees. She squinted, trying to see it better through the shadows, but the overcast weather made it difficult and light rain began to fall, further obscuring her vision.
Thal shook her head. "I'm not sure. Maybe a Void Tangleweed? Or a Wickerwoman." The second option was not nearly as enticing, reminding her of their time in Suvahasi. She ignored the feeling, shrugging her shoulders. "Maybe it will leave on its own." Their fire wouldn't do any good in the rain, and she wasn't eager to be at such a disadvantage against whatever it was.
I feel it in the wind, my dear The sun is gonna reappear
Neither option sounded fun. Inclined to expect the worst, Maea kept staring at the figure until her eyes stung and burned. It made her no wiser; the thing was just a little bit too far away, and the flashing light made focusing difficult.
"Want to take a closer look, just to be safe? If we fly, it shouldn't be able to reach us." Lightning might be the worse danger, but... "I'm not comfortable taking chances. Especially if it's a wickerwoman. It might come back after I leave." Could she draw it off, make it follow her cart? The idea of having it stalk after her all the way to the Landing was not fun, but better than leaving Thalassa to face it alone.
If it was a wickerwoman. It could be a tainted deer too, for all they knew.
Another flash didn't help solve the mystery, and Thal let out a defeated sigh. "If you think it's necessary." She didn't love the idea of wandering out in the cold for something that would probably leave without them intervening, but she could understand why Maea may be reluctant. Some of the Void creatures were smart, and Thal hated the feeling of being hunted. That meant they were going out there.
Turning away from the window, she fastened her cloak over her shoulders. "My flying shift isn't exactly subtle. Maybe we'll scare it off." She took a large gulp of her drink to heat her insides before opening the door. Thal gestured for Maea to follow as she stepped out into the rain at the same moment another flash of lightning broke out over the sky, outlining her frame in the doorway.
I feel it in the wind, my dear The sun is gonna reappear
She did, yes. Very necessary. Without preamble Maea shrugged on her coat and followed on the captain's heels. "Let's hope so."
Once outside she made sure the door was properly closed against uninvited guests, and shifted into the Gore Crow. In the gloom her colorless feathers seemed almost to glow, shimmering in the electrical lightshow as the took to the sky. She wasn't subtle either. It was the eternal disadvantage of having albinism. In most cases the coloration carried over to her shifts, and by now she had resigned herself to being distraction or decoy in combat situations. Stealth simply wasn't an option.
Waiting for Thalassa to join her, the corvid angled her wings and veered off towards the tree. The lightning made her nervous; was it better to fly high up or near the ground? Did it make a difference? The pace she set was fast and direct - though likely it wouldn't be hard for the lyvern to catch up or overtake her if she wished.
Confirming that the door was closed, Thal shifted into her lyvern form to follow behind Maea. As expected, she caught up easily, the large flap of her wings pushing the rain in odd directions. It luckily fell of her scales with ease. However, the droplets splashed across her vision, making it difficult to spot the purple glow beneath them.
It took her a minute, but when she dipped down closer to the trees outside her window, the Void creature became noticeable amongst the shadows. Thal gave a swing of her head to indicate what she'd seen. She hovered above the figure, trying to keep her eyes on its movement. Whether it had been spooked or not, it began moving away from her apartment and deeper into the woods. Giving a low grumble to Maea, she followed.
"If I could fly I would never come back", you said
Times like these the envied the attuned their ability to commuicate mind to mind. Intrusive and revealing though it might be, it was far more practical than the gesturing and grunts they had to resort to.
Battered by the errant winds Thalassa created, Maea pushed herself up to fly above her instead. After finding a spot just ahead of the beating wings, she followed easily as the course was set for the woods. Was it running away? The lacking visibility was getting on her nerves, and to her dismay she realized that the rain was quickly soaking her feathers. Neither goose not dragon, her plumage was not made to be waterproof; suddenly they were working towards a deadline.
Emitting a sonorous caw of distinct displeasure, the put on a burst of speed. Just as the shadow figure darted in between treetrunks, she finally got a better look at it. For a single moment she made out warped limbs, dully glowing purple veins and the outline of a face, covered in bark and twisted into a snarl. It swiped after her with sharp fingers made from thorns, and hissed when it couldn't reach her. Then a glance up at the lyvern made it hiss, and disappear in among the trees.
Maea did not like that at all. Didn't void stuff usually attack without hesitation? That this one did not made her skin crawl, and she circled back to Thalassa.
"S.Topp," she croaked, trying to form words with the rich vocal register of the crow. "T.aaalk."
