Tempered Rage

"We are only haunted by the things we refuse to accept" - Bridgett Devoue Nikolai was furious, so overcome with a rage beyond any he had ever experienced. His fists trembled at his sides, split knuckles slowly dripping blood onto the earth beneath his feet as he stalked forward. He was sure a few of his knuckles were at least minorly fractured, the force behind the punch had been no joke. But his bastard of a father's jaw had been broken so the pain was worth it. How dare that son of a bitch say such things? That was Nikolai's mother. The man's wife! The Accepted felt a snarl tear it's way out of his throat. If that man was so against his wife Ascending, well, guess he'd just have to suffer alone as his son Ascended too. Nikolai stalked through the Grounds, his eyes scanning the few people around until his eyes landed on his target. An Ascended. He vaguely remembered seeing them around before but couldn't recall the man's name. Regardless, it didn't matter. Nikolai didn't need the man's name to get what he wanted. He marched over without hesitation. "How do I Ascend?" The question was snarled out of a split lip still sluggishly bleeding. nikolai "Resilience is born even when we feel like we are dying" - Alex Elle

fight, because you don't know how to die quietly

Nobody around here was the same as when he had left it. Only one person was and Varus wasn’t sure where his friend had gone off to, but without the need for sleep, he’s found simply watching those mill about, back resting against the wall with his leg hitched up, boot pressed against the wall as well, before his gaze catches sight of a boy with what appears to be some sort of fire going on within him.

And oh good! The kid is stalking over to him.

The question is aired and Varus raises a dark brow at the kid, scanning him over for the blood that drips, subconsciously searching for any other wounds before a heavy sigh leaves him. How’d he know he was Ascended? He sums it up to the missing arm.

He pushes himself off the wall, casting a glance up at the kid that’s surprisingly tall and yet not being deterred by it. “You go to a shrine of the Voice and ask her.” He supplies easily, shoulders pulling back as he regards Nikolai. “You looking to Ascend right now, kid?” His blue gaze scans the kid again, awaiting the answer before deciding whether he’d be abandoning his people watching plans.

VARUS

"We are only haunted by the things we refuse to accept" - Bridgett Devoue Nikolai gave a quick nod in response. "Right now. Where's the nearest shrine? Do I need to bring an offering or something?" Each word coming out sharper then the last , the young man's anger boiling under his skin like rolling lava. Even standing still just to speak was making it worse. He needed to act, not chit chat. He needed to Ascend now. Nikolai knew that many would consider this decision a rash one built off of anger and rebellion. And it was on some level. However the Accepted wasn't that impulsive. He had debated this choice, quickly, but still debated. And Ascending was what he wanted. Not just to spite his father, not just to support his mother, but for himself. He wanted this. nikolai "Resilience is born even when we feel like we are dying" - Alex Elle

fight, because you don't know how to die quietly

So many questions right off the bat, but at least it was something that could be done quickly, now that he has confirmation that the kid means right now, right now. So he shakes his head to the Accepted, flashing a bright fanged grin. “Nah. She’s not like that. You wanting to Ascend is more than enough.” He tips his head toward the boy, before he’s pushing off from the wall and gesturing with his one hand. “C’mon, there’s one near here.”

The walk shouldn’t take too long but Varus does decide to start some idle chatter, easy warnings. “You’re gonna wanna stay out of the sun for a while after. Oh, and make sure you’re going to a New God shrine to reup on your fluid. The Old Gods aren’t our biggest fans.” Flashing another crooked smirk Nikolai’s way, he guides the boy toward the Atheneum.

“You got a name, kid?”

VARUS

"We are only haunted by the things we refuse to accept" - Bridgett Devoue Nikolai followed Varus without complaint, eager to make progress towards his goal. Hearing that the Voice wasn't one for unnecessary offerings only solidified his confidence. He had made the right decision. Though how Nikolai had grown up around here and not known about a shrine for her being nearby was a bit concerning. He'd have to consider that later. For now he had more important things to focus on. Such as the likely vital advice being thrown his way. The young man's anger cooled somewhat as they walked. Movement and progress aiding in clearing his head. Nikolai listened intently to Varus, taking in his advice for later use. The tidbit about the Old Gods however, made his previously scowling lips twitch into a smirk. "Good." The smirk returned to a scowl at the inquiry. "Nikolai." He was only talking with this man to get what he wanted. The small talk seemed useless. He'd likely never speak to Varus again after this so what was the point? nikolai "Resilience is born even when we feel like we are dying" - Alex Elle

fight, because you don't know how to die quietly

He supposes it’s a good thing, until a blast of sunlight from one of those shrines comes careening your way. But he doesn’t comment on it, letting the kids excitement over Ascending pave the way for him. At the very least it’s been a while since Varus had seen the Voice — a few hundred years, to be exact — and perhaps announcing his return to her would be perfected with another recruit, seeing as he isn’t blind to the repetition in events that lead to the last war.

“Nikolai, nice to meet ya.” He offers, pulling open the door to the library and slipping within its confines, eyes easily adjusting to the dark here. “I’m Cal.” He offers back to the kid, bumping his elbow against the Accepted’s arm as to not lose him in the dark. He walks down a few rows of books until a section comes into view and he pauses by it idly, waiting for Nikolai.

— ROLLIN ON INTO THE SHRINE (aka fin!)

VARUS