i sank into the sea, wrapped in piano strings

Nikolai

We are only haunted by the things we refuse to accept
-Bridgett Devoue

The unexpected praise makes a rather prominent  (prominent for an Ascended) flush rise to Nikolai's cheeks. "Uh..thank you?" The accompanying smile sent his way only makes it worse and once more Nikolai is thankful that his new status as an Ascended. Would he ever become used to compliments? Probably not. At least his face couldn't become bright red anymore.

Nikolai latches onto the new offer with gusto. Forcing himself to scowl, he raises a brow. Doing his best regard the man in front of him with suspicion even as the flush is still visible on his face. "And what would that entail? What's your guild's goal anyway?" Left unsaid is the fear of joining the guild entailing more exposure to Nate. A favor might be a more savory price but a 'favor' could entail anything. If the young Ascended went with that price, he'd have to hash out limitations first.

Resilience is born even when we feel like we are dying
-Alex Elle