i sank into the sea, wrapped in piano strings

Nikolai

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

Nikolai meets Sunjata's eyes before eventually sighing and dropping his gaze to the table. Shaking his head a little, the young Ascended tries to process the information. He can't understand it completely, the entire situation leaving a bad taste in his mouth. But one thing was clear. This had been a choice, one that it seemed the Flood had made under sound mind.

Leaning back into his chair, Nikolai nodded. "Got it. I mean...I don't get it, but I understand enough?" He might not understand Sunjata's feelings or the entire circumstances of his decision. But he understood will and freedom of choice. And as an Ascended, one who had become such in order to make his own choices in life? Nikolai could respect it.

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