success is no accident

NIKI

It's admittedly a rarity to find Niki out in the middle of the Wildwood when he isn't actively travelling somewhere, but rest assured, this outing is far from without purpose. The boy had noticed the bones and withered flesh a day or so ago whilst en route to the Sidhe Village, and he'd placed his trust in the woods today when setting out to see if he might find them again. The woods, evidently, have come through, and here he stands gazing down at the withered corpse of what had once been a small black bear.

Tilting his head and tapping the side of his thumb against the top of his cane, Niki feels almost absurd for trying it. But there's a small and secret part of himself that feels thirsty for the urge to succeed, and so with a long, deep breath, he steps back from the corpse and raises his free hand.

His magic suffuses the air with something cold and eerie, a sickly green light igniting round the bones and scraps of flesh, before they start to quiver. Niki's jaw feathers with concentration, his hand beginning to close into a slow fist. And although its clumsy, the movements jittering and unsteady, what's left of the bear starts to wobble to its feet.

stay your pretty eyes on course
keep the memories of who i was before

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

SUNJATA

i'm drowning in all these voices in the sea
and meeting all my vices in the ring

He’d departed from the little spot he’d stayed in once defeating the banshee specifically so he could find his way back toward Niki’s home. Upon arriving, however, he’s found that the other man isn’t home – and with that brief crimp in his plans it leads him to wander out and about through the trees of the Greatwood and grateful for their shade with the heat that bears through all of Caido thanks to Tanau.

He comes up eventually on the other side of where the necromancer is, however, so all he sees admittedly is the carcass of the bear as it starts to wobble to its feet, jittery and unnatural and it puts him immediately on edge, not sure what the fuck’s going on. Water is conjured at his fingertips, a ribbon that weaves between them as he slips through the trees and focuses his attention on the bear to see what it might do next when he spots Niki upon his slow and careful round.

He’s smart enough to not immediately react to the bear, though, given that it looks like Niki’s deep in concentration and with it, Sunjata watches for a few moments longer before he emerges, banishing the water with a few flicks of it leaving his fingers. “Niki?” He calls out as he emerges from the tree line where he’d hidden, eyeing the bear to make sure it doesn’t decide to randomly rush toward him, before his steel gaze falls on the Abandoned.

so step inside, i ain't afraid to bleed
there ain't a casket strong enough for me

NIKI

This deep out in the woods, Niki is confident that he's unlikely to be interrupted, but of course that doesn't take into account the possibility that someone might be looking for him and that the Greatwood might magically make it happen. Regardless, his concentration is such that he wouldn't have sensed Sunjata coming even if he'd been clomping through the undergrowth with bells on his boots, and as he sneaks out into the open the necromancer is just getting to grips with his new bear companion.

He's got it moving more or less naturally now - as naturally as a corpse with only bone and shreds of flesh can move in any case - and it has walked in a slow pass around him when his name hits the air. The spell breaks with all the dry finality of a twig snapping; the bear collapses in on itself immediately, at the same time as Niki almost jumps out of his skin, and he's panting from both the surprise and the exertion as he flinches around to face the source of the call.

Which is when he spots Sunjata, of course, and he has to keep his breath from skipping in his throat as his gaze lands on Frey's Favourite Sex Symbol. "Sunjata," he breathes, looking dizzy now, and it's only half because of the Flood. "Gods, sorry, I was not..." Expecting company, expecting my magic to work, prepared to see you - take your pick, Jata.

stay your pretty eyes on course
keep the memories of who i was before

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

SUNJATA

i'm drowning in all these voices in the sea
and meeting all my vices in the ring

It gets into motion, as Sunjata keeps his attention on it. The bear is well past its prime, though, a mixture of bone and scraps of flesh that cling to it stubbornly despite its movement. It’s actually marvelous if he had the time to sit there and think about it. But its when he lands his attention on Niki and steps out to make himself known, still a touch on edge about the bear brought back to life, that Sunjata’s attention absolutely abandons it for Niki’s surprise.

The bear collapses and gods, it looks like Niki might too, which has him stepping over a bit faster – reaching out to try and steady him should the other man allow. “Hey, it’s okay.” He says, unsure which way the abandoned wanted to answer that statement. “That was pretty cool, actually.” He laughs a little awkwardly as he looks back toward the heap that is the bear and giving Niki a moment without the Flood’s gaze immediately on him.

When his attention swings back around, though, they’re close enough now he can see the bags under his eyes, the way he seems absolutely exhausted but trying to continue on despite it. “Are you okay?” He asks as he focuses on him more fully, taking him in.

so step inside, i ain't afraid to bleed
there ain't a casket strong enough for me

A faint rustle passes through the canopy as something small and quick darts from branch to branch. A Spriggan flits through the leaves, barely visible except for the brief flicker of movement it leaves behind.

It pauses just long enough to peer down before darting away again, nimble and curious, clearly more interested in movement than confrontation. Leaves tremble in its wake as it hops and glides with effortless agility.

The Spriggan remains above, weaving through the branches with playful ease, unlikely to come closer unless something truly captures its interest.

---

Spriggan Areas Found: Greatwood — Uncommon Spriggans are tiny woodland folk no larger than a human palm, their forms a delicate blend of insect and plant. Thin, twig-like limbs extend from a bark-textured body, moss and lichen clinging naturally to their frames. Their translucent wings—resembling petals or leaves—whisper softly when they flit through the undergrowth. Faces are expressive yet plant-like, with fine antennae and gem-bright beetle eyes that glimmer in dappled light. Shy but curious, Spriggans are often glimpsed darting between branches or peering from knotholes. Folklore holds that those blessed by a Spriggan’s visit find their fortunes improved, though they are known to vanish without warning. Challenge Rating: Easy | Mythical HP: 38 | To Hit: +26 | Dmg: 9 Movement: Walk 15 ft.; Fly 40 ft.; Climb 20 ft. SPECIAL SKILLS Earthen Spirit: Corporeal but tied to the natural magic of the land; Nature’s Whisper: Able to subtly influence small plants, causing blossoms to open or vines to curl; Uncatchable: Near-impossible to snare unless they choose to linger; Fortune’s Touch: A brief landing on a person or object is said to draw luck to it

TRAITS Tiny Stature: No larger than a human palm, able to slip through the smallest gaps; Woodland Camouflage: Bark-like skin and mossy colouring make them nearly invisible in forests; Expressive Features: Faces convey clear emotion despite plant-like form; Lightfooted Flight: Delicate wings carry them quickly with minimal sound; Luck Bringers: Said to bring good fortune to those they favour ACTIONS Dart and Distract: Flits rapidly around a foe’s head, drawing their attention and breaking focus; Pollen Puff: Releases a harmless burst of golden pollen that clouds vision briefly; Wing Flurry: Beats wings rapidly to stir leaves, dust, or petals into a visual cover;

NIKI

Leaning heavily on his cane and still feeling a bit unsteady despite it, Niki is about to see if he can find a tactical tree to lean against when Sunjata is suddenly in his space, radiating warmth and smelling of fresh coffee. And gods if he weren't already so close to passing out it might have been embarrassing, the way he feels his cheeks heat up, but he can't deny that the assistance is appreciated. "It is new," he confesses, taking a long, deep breath and glancing at the pile of bones leftover from the bear.

"Being able to bring back something so complex, I mean," he continues, blinking a few times to try and clear the dizziness away. "I am glad you... enjoyed it?" He smiles, a small and self-deprecating thing, before nodding to the Flood. "I should be, thank you," he says. "I did not realise it would take so much out of me. I will be alright." Straightening up a bit at last, he sweeps his dark hair back out of his face.

"What brings you to the Greatwood?" he asks, glancing up briefly as he spots a spriggan flitting through the branches, but it doesn't hold his attention for very long.

stay your pretty eyes on course
keep the memories of who i was before

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

SUNJATA

i'm drowning in all these voices in the sea
and meeting all my vices in the ring

His brows lift to hear that the magic is new – wondering briefly and for a second if it’s something the necromancer’s had some amount of experience with for the way he looked so confident in his concentration to get everything moving exactly how it should. It’s about then when the answer comes that it’s just increased in power, something Sunjata nods to with a soft sound. “I did. Once I realized it wasn’t out to get me, of course.” He teases, his lopsided smile growing a touch more.

As Niki assures him he’ll be alright, though, he remains close in case he does need that moment to rest against something tall like a tree and lets him go. “I’ve got water if you need it.” Either magical or in a flask on his belt.

As for why he’s here, though? He looks away from Niki with a small shrug, noting the spriggan that flits through the branches before he’s answering. “Oh, y’know. Killed a banshee, then thought I’d come and see you to catch up a little and tell you that I don’t really need that box we made together after all.” His nose wrinkles a little as he looks back to the other man. “At least not for the purpose I was originally gonna use it for. Just haven’t figured out what else to do with it yet.” Maybe it would come to him. Maybe it wouldn’t. Who knows.

so step inside, i ain't afraid to bleed
there ain't a casket strong enough for me

NIKI

Niki laughs breathlessly at that. "I would have needed to know you were there for it to be out to get you," he points out. And even then, Niki has never used his magic for violence (yet), but even he can't deny that to be able to animate something like a bear, all lumbering strength and powerful jaws; it had made him feel good. Taking another few breaths to make sure he's more solid on his feet, it doesn't take the points of heat from his cheeks, but he does feel a little more in control of his senses.

"If you do not mind," he says with a bashful smile about the water. "I may have underestimated how hot it can get in the Greatwood at Longheat." Especially when he's deciding, apparently, to flex his arcane power to the point of exhaustion.

Finally straightening up enough to glance up at Sunjata properly, his eyebrows raise to hear the purpose of the other man's visit. "A banshee?" he repeats, sounding unashamedly fascinated. "I have only ever heard rumours about them. Was she wandering, or by one of the branches of the river?" he wonders.

As for the box and it's use, he swallows back the realisation that he's kept it safe and tucked away in his workshop all this time, just in case the Flood came back for it. (He hadn't expected him too after so long, honestly). "Oh," he says. "Well... it is a box," he points out. "They do not lack uses. So if you change your mind, it is at the house."

stay your pretty eyes on course
keep the memories of who i was before

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

SUNJATA

i'm drowning in all these voices in the sea
and meeting all my vices in the ring

“Fair enough.” Sunjata hums the laughter with a shrug of his shoulders, spying the way Niki’s cheeks seem to cool off. After a few more moments, with the answer of sharing his water, the Flood’s smile widens a touch, crooked as it is with the scar that bisects the muscle there. “Yeah, it’s pretty intense.” He agrees, never having been more grateful for the passive magic to make him smell good to everyone just in case he sweated a bit too much to where it wasn’t the case anymore despite his best attempts.

He snags the flask from his belt, handing it over and cooling the water once he pops the cap off with a flare of his water magic. Letting Niki take as much as he likes – it isn’t like Sunjata can’t refill it on a whim – does he hear the question about the banshee. “She was by the Cataract.” He hums, recalling the watery mess he’d left behind with him and Melita and Jack’s water attacks aimed at her. “Oh, that reminds me.” He mutters half under his breath, reaching into his pocket to pull out the hEAR earring and the matching, non magical one he’d had made so that nobody knew which was which. Slipping the silver pieces into his earlobes, he looks back at Niki to answer him about the box.

“Well I.. Was engaged and wanted to use it for the wedding.” He admits, shaking his head a little. “But seeing as that isn’t happening anymore, I’ve gotta figure out a good way to use it that won’t make me think of that.” He admits with a soft shrug. He doesn’t look at Niki while explaining it, content to keep his emotions to himself, but toward the end he glances back toward the abandoned with a small smile and a mask set perfectly in place. “I shouldn’t be bugging you with my problems, though. You want some company getting home? Or did I interrupt you from something else?”

so step inside, i ain't afraid to bleed
there ain't a casket strong enough for me

NIKI

"They say it is because the woods are more humid. I have never been to the Oerwoud but I imagine it is even worse there during this season," Niki says, glancing around at the rich canopy of leaves overhead. They keep the heat in and spill moisture into the air, but he supposes they also keep the worst of the sun's rays. "Ah, thank you," he says, accepting the flask and taking a long, slow drink from it, sighing in clear relief as he hands it back. "Perhaps I will keep my experiments closer to home from now on," he decides.

As for the banshee, he nods, both interested and yet unsurprised to hear the location, though he does tilt his head as the reminder of the wailing woman has Sunjata withdrawing... earrings? from his pocket. "...Do banshees not like jewellery?" he asks, feeling a little stupid for it but nevertheless unable to draw a more logical conclusion.

His eyes widen a fraction when the Flood starts to explain about the box, it's (former) purpose and everything that comes along with that, Niki wincing in sympathy. "I am so sorry to hear that - I did not know that was what you were planning to use it for," he murmurs, rubbing the back of his neck. "For the record, though, you are not bugging me, but you do not have to talk about it if it is a painful subject. The box, though... it does not have to even remain a box, if you would like to turn it into something else." The joys of metalwork, right?

"I would not mind the company if you do not have any other plans. I came out here to find... that." Niki gestures to what's left of the bear. "I consider the work a success, so that is all I needed."

stay your pretty eyes on course
keep the memories of who i was before

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

SUNJATA

i'm drowning in all these voices in the sea
and meeting all my vices in the ring

“That makes sense. It’s hot in King’s End but not as sticky.” He frowns – meaning the humidity – something that came and went in Korofi as the year progressed between flooding and the dry wildfire seasons. It never seemed to pick a perfect middle ground, unfortunately. Nodding to the thanks about the flask, he snorts a little at the follow up. “Maybe wait til the weather gets a little easier?” He suggests – though he isn’t in the mind of telling Niki what to do.

As for his earrings, he shakes his head once he gets them in. “No, no. One of them is a hEARs. Helps me hear whispers and stuff. Worked better when I ran the bar in the Grounds, but I’ve gotten so used to wearing it constantly it almost feels weird having it out.” Like his hearing is wrong without the extra little boost to the quieter parts of their environment.

The explanation comes surprisingly easy, though, perhaps because he knows the abandoned isn’t one to pry despite not knowing him all that well. He hadn’t pried much last time he’d shown up an absolute wreck after being healed from the infection, so he’s sure that this might follow a similar result.

He’s correct, thankfully. “It is and it isn’t.” He admits after a moment, over whether or not it was a painful subject. It was, because gods was he fucking cursed for everything. It wasn’t, because at least this way he knows he’s alone and doesn’t have to hang on the threads of false hope that everything would go back to normal. There isn’t a normal, now, just a survival mode to figure out what to do next.

“I don’t have any other plans.” He answers as he thinks about what else they could turn the box into. Gesturing for Niki to lead the way, Sunjata joins him at his side, his steps measured to not rush Niki but to step alongside him at his pace. “I like the idea of not making it a box. What other kind of things could we do?” He asks, trying to think even despite the fact that he wasn't the most creative man.

so step inside, i ain't afraid to bleed
there ain't a casket strong enough for me

NIKI

"Perhaps," Niki says with a boyish smile. "It is not often I come across suitable subjects to practice, though. So I have to take what I can get." Perhaps if he were more athletic or used to prowling through the woods he could go hunting for specimens to work with, but until then it's whatever he can find on his travels. Even so, Sunjata does have a point, and as he does start to lead the way back to the trail, the going is slow at first.

Once they're back on more well-worn ground he finds it much easier at least, and he hums his curiosity as the Flood explains about his earring. "So you can hear this?" He whispers the question almost completely under his breath, head tilted expectantly as if certain Sunjata would have missed it.

It is and it isn't. Niki's smile is one of sad understanding, despite knowing nothing practical about romance, relationships or their endings. It's enough to connect the dots and guess at the complicated feelings involved.

"I do not believe you," he jokes to the Flood as he confesses not to have any other plans. "Demigods are always busy with things, are they not?" But as he asks about the box, the necromancer immediately considers the options. "You could turn it into an ornament," he says, "or a sculpture. Or you could repurpose it into a candle holder or even a windchime." Or just bash it to pieces honestly, if that feels best to Sunjata.

stay your pretty eyes on course
keep the memories of who i was before

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!

SUNJATA

i'm drowning in all these voices in the sea
and meeting all my vices in the ring

“That makes sense.” Sunjata hums, wondering whether Niki was the type to wait and wander for subjects to potentially try to reanimate – and partially, selfishly wondering why he hadn’t decided to take the trip to King’s End with all the things there he could potentially practice on. But he keeps those thoughts to himself as they find the smoother path, glancing over at Niki to hear the muttered hum under his breath.

His lips quirk into a small and amused smile. “Like you’re talking right in my ear.” He hums to him, his accent thicker here as he playfully lets it drawl. It isn’t long before the dappling light filters in for the path that widens and makes it less shadowed, but it does increase the amount of heat and loosens some of the humidity.

Glancing back at the Abandoned to hear the joke, he huffs a laugh and shrugs his shoulders. “Eh not really. Not unless there’s some big threat. But I’ve already taken care of that so nowwww I get to just hang out.” Exhibit A: killing a banshee means he gets to do whatever he wants, unless someone channels him, which truth be told he hopes doesn’t happen right this second.

Listening instead for the options of what it could be made into, he latches onto the idea of a candle holder as opposed to everything else – perking up almost immediately. “A candle holder sounds nice.” He admits, looking up for a moment as the sun paints his face, darkening his freckles and brightening the storm clouds of his eyes but darkening the bags beneath them. "Maybe we can add a little filigree to it?" He suggests, something almost nostalgic in the question he asks.

so step inside, i ain't afraid to bleed
there ain't a casket strong enough for me

NIKI

"Like I'm-- oh gods, sorry," Niki says immediately, voice returning to its usual volume even as free hand comes up to cover his mouth, like he might stop from any further faux pas. His cheeks flush further too which, along with the increase in heat, has him focused very thoroughly on the path in front of them, fingers growing tight around his cane as they walk.

Listening to the Flood while he waits for his core temperature to drop back to something less volcanic, Niki's hand slowly drops from his lips and he huffs out a soft laugh, shrugging to the other man. "That is a good point," he says. "The Crimson Cataract is quite a popular destination in Longheat. I bet a lot of people will be happy there is not a banshee lurking nearby any more." Not to mention it's the site of Frey's shrine, so technically Sunjata has just done his god's business too.

Having merely been listing things to make conversation, Niki doesn't expect the other man to actually take him up on one of the suggestions, and it disarms him into a warm smile. "Sure," he says, both of the candle holder and the filigree. "We could remove the box lid, flip it upside down to create the holder, use the lid to create decorations and add filigree as a finishing touch. It will not be the most elegant piece, but it will not be a box any more."

stay your pretty eyes on course
keep the memories of who i was before

Code blatently stolen from queen of codes, Sky!