#cold graves week

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Cold Graves Week Day 3: Rain

Pairing: Cold Graves

Summary: Yasha isn’t the only one who gets excited at the rumble of thunder, and Caduceus makes sure Nic doesn’t get sick

Word count: 318

Gray clouds slowly rolled over the skies, a small rumble of thunder in the far distance. Caleb’s dome had been set up and the Nein were all comfortably inside of it, shielded from the rain that poured from the sky. All except for Yasha and Nicole, at least. Yasha stood just out of the dome, basking in the storm her god brought. Nicole, however, was running barefoot and childishly through the rain, jumping into puddles and allowing the cool precipitation to cover her.

From inside the dome, Fjord shouted, “Damn it, Nic! Get back in here! You’re gonna get sick!”

“Yeah!” Jester called as well. “You could get, like, a disease or something!”

“If she gets a disease don’t let her in here!” Nott shrieked. “She could kill us all!”

“I don’t think that’s how it works.” Beau added.

Nicole stopped and looked over in the direction of the dome. “You’re all a bunch of sticks in the mud!” She said before going back to enjoying the weather. She enjoyed the cool feeling of the rain against her face. She was never allowed to do this growing up.

An hour later, a waterlogged Nicole trudged into the cover of the dome. Fjord shook his head and and grabbed a blanket from the cart, throwing it to her. She wrapped herself in it, satisfied with her joy.

“You’re gonna get sick,” Fjord told her.

“Yes, thank you mom.” Nicole teased. As she settled into her spot next to the fire, Caduceus placed a cup of tea in her hands.

“Drink this. You’ll warm up quickly.” He said.

Nicole giggled, smiling at him. “I don’t feel the cold, Caddy. But thank you. I appreciate that.”

“It’s your favorite. I thought you would like it.”

She cooed. “That’s so sweet! Thank you, Flower.”

From a few feet away, Beau gagged. “You are both disgusting.”

“You’re just jealous cause I’m his favorite!”

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Cold Graves Week Day 2: Lost

Pairing: Cold Graves

Summary: When the Knowing Mistress seems to have left Nic to her own devices, she finds comfort in Caduceus

Word count: 1,191

The pyramid-esque object that sat on the ground in front of Nicole taunted her. It taunted her with its secrets and mysteries and hidden knowledge. The magic radiating from this artifact was unlike anything she or Caleb had ever come across. The closest they’ve ever come to that power is the Dodecahedron or the “Ball of Happy Fun Tricks”. Both artifacts were still mysteries but at least the group knew how to work them. This object was a complete and utter mystery.

They had acquired it a few weeks prior during a simple festival. Many folks were selling their old junk and this artifact caught Nott’s eye with its shiny surface and gold shine. After a quick Detect Magic from Caleb and Nicole, the group quickly spent the three silver to procure said object in hopes of figuring out what exactly it did. While both the Zemnian and the Druid were experts on nearly everything magic, and knew more than the entire group combined, Nicole was always given the task of figuring out strange objects. She relied on her personal knowledge as well as anything the Knowing Mistress would tell her. And to say she relied on the Knowing Mistress was an understatement.

Nicole meditated and prayed to her every other day, and always praised her for any insight given to them. But these last few weeks Nicole has become irritated. She hadn’t been able to figure out what this artifact was, not even its name. And the Knowing Mistress wasn’t coming to her. Thus Nicole’s frustration grew with each day that passed.

The Nein had set up to camp in a nearby field, not too far from the road they were travelling back to Zadash. Nicole had immediately hopped off the cart, pyramid in her arms as she marched off to a spot far from the noise of Jester’s chatter or Beau’s crude jokes. She didn’t give any of them—not even Caduceus—a glance as they called out her name.

Fjord had sighed and muttered a “let her be” before going back to unpacking the cart.

Jester and Nott were worried about Nicole, and rightfully so. She had become almost obsessed with the pyramid, but only Caduceus knew how deep her troubles really rooted. He was the only one who knew how she would stay up nearly all night trying to figure it out, and the only one who knew what was truly bothering her. Nicole could claim it was the pyramid making her distraught and upset all she wanted, but he knew that all of her frustration was because she felt abandoned.

Now here she sat, near dusk in the bitter winter air that bothered her not while she glared at the object of her obsession, the bane of her existence. The way she stared at it, one would assume it grew autonomous and killed her whole family. Alas, it was simply a puzzle she had yet to solve.

“Your thoughts are very loud,” Caduceus stated as he sat down next to her, his legs outstretched on the brown, dying grass.

Nicole clenched her fist into a ball. “I’m frustrated.”

“I know.”

“Why can’t I figure this out?!” She exclaimed loudly, disrupting a few birds nearby. They squacked and flew away, Caduceus’ gaze following them. “What am I missing?”

“Nothing. You’re thinking too hard.” He said as though it was obvious.

Her glare snapped over to him but softened just as quickly, and she sighed. “I must be doing something wrong.” She folded her arms over her chest. “I did something wrong.”

“She hasn’t left you,” he stated. “She can’t give you the answers to everything.”

“But I’ve given her everything.” Tears pricked at her eyes. “I was loyal and obedient and trusting and–”

“And you relied too much.” He placed a hand gently on her shoulder. Her body trembled slightly as she held back a frustrated sob. “There’s no rush. Give yourself time. Give her time.” Caduceus stood, pressed a small kiss to her head and walked back over to the camp the party had set up hours ago.

Nicole took a deep breath and stared up at the orange-pink sky. She closed her eyes, legs crossed and hands placed softly on her knees. She took in a few more breaths, allowing herself to calm down and reflect on his words.

Nicole opened her eyes and she sat in a snowy field, the sky heavy and gray as snow slowly fell from the heavens onto the earth. It was serene and peaceful and felt like home—almost, actually. It almost felt like home. She blinked and before her stood an old woman, draped in dark clothing, the hood of a cloak pulled over her head, obscuring the view of most of her face.

Nicole knew her.

“Don’t be so troubled.” The Knowing Mistress said. Her words were whispers in Nicole’s ears, and for the first time in her life she felt a chill roll down her back. “Answers will come in due time. Patience is important.”

“I–I thought you left me.” Nicole murmured, too ashamed and too humbled to speak clearly.

The goddess chuckled. “I would never leave you. Like a bird, I felt it was time for you to leave the nest. You cannot rely on me forever.”

“So I have been told.”

“You have others that will guide you, and help you along the way. Learn to rely on them, but more importantly learn to rely on yourself. And don’t forget to cherish those closest to you.”

Another blink and the Knowing Mistress disappeared. Nicole felt something in her hand, and opened her palm. A small, pink flower laid in the center. When she looked up, the snowy field and dark sky was replaced with a warming sunrise and a field full of pink flowers. Nicole smiled. It felt like home.

She opened her eyes and realized it was dark. The once sunset-kissed sky was now dark, sparkling, and gentle. The only light source at the moment was the pinkish-purple glow from Caduceus’ staff as it sat between her and the Cleric himself.

“Oh good,” he smiled. “You’re back.”

“Back?” She raised a brow but doubted he would be able to see her expression in such low light. “I never left.”

“Okay.” He said in a tone that expressed he didn’t believe her. “You missed dinner,” he added, gesturing to the bowl of seasoned vegetables in front of her. “I didn’t want you to go to bed hungry.”

“Thank you, Flower.” She replied gently. Nicole tapped her fingers against her knees, mind wandering off to the Knowing Mistress. A small smile graced her features. “Is Jester still awake?”

“She’s on first watch.”

“I think it would be a good idea to put this artifact—” she pressed a hand to one side of the pyramid, “—in the haversack. I mean, there’s no rush right?”

Caduceus grinned. “You talked to her.”

“It felt more like she was… reminding me.” She smiled wider and leaned forward, kissing his cheek. “Thank you for everything and being patient with me. These last few weeks I’ve felt lost, but with you, I’ve found home.”

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Cold Graves Week Day 1: Cherished

Pairing: Cold Graves

Summary: Nic accidentally lets it slip mid-battle how she feels about Caduceus and they talk about it

Word Count: 1.2k

Nicole was never the confrontational type. She would jokingly shout “fight me” at Beau or Fjord whenever they said something she slightly disagreed with, but she never really enjoyed physically fighting. She was much like Caleb: intelligent, quiet, meek. That didn’t mean she wasn’t useful in a fight. Her quick thinking and strong resolve made it hard for enemies to use psychic incantations on her, and her arsenal of spells and cryomantic abilities made her nearly as lethal as she was kind.

But she still hates fights.

Cold mist flowed from her fingertips as she shot a blast of ice at a nearby warlock, said ice solidifying into a large spike and settling into the center of his chest. From the corner of her eye she caught sight of the sorceress, Deliah, whom Nicole had a rivalry with since childhood. She didn’t expect to run into an old face that day, let alone a fire fight in the middle of a tavern.

With a blast of archaic energy, Deliah aimed it at Nicole who attempted to duck out of the way. However, she was too late and the impact of the blast against her chest was enough to knock her to the ground. Vision blurry, Nicole didn’t lose the grip on her staff. The teal gem encased inside diamond glowed faintly, giving off the indication it still had enough energy for one last spell.

She groaned in pain, not finding the strength to stand. A gentle hand on her shoulder and a familiar rush of calmness seemed to caress her body. Nicole sat up and saw Caduceus kneeling beside her. She sighed in relief and gave him a nod before standing to her feet and focusing her attention on Deliah. Holding out her staff in front of her with both hands, Nicole inhaled a deep breath and the air grew cold. A gust of cold wind blew from behind the Druid and cleric towards Deliah. She instinctively shielded her face with her arms, ice slowly forming on her arms and torso.

Grinning darkly, Deliah took a few steps forward and began muttering an incantation. Nicole recognized it because she was the one to teach it to Deliah. The sorceress’s eyes flickered over to Caduceus for a moment before focusing them back on Nicole. “Kill him.” Deliah whispered.

The words echoed through Nicole’s mind for a moment, reverberating against her skull. She hesitated in her movements, vision becoming cloudy. She closed her eyes, fighting against the spell Deliah tried to cast on her. Opening her eyes, Nicole trained them on Deliah. Angrily, she growled.

“My love for him is stronger than your wickedness.” She gripped her staff tightly in her hands, staring at the stone. She had no more magic from the staff. But that didn’t matter as she brought it back behind her head and swung, hitting Deliah in the side of her face. Deliah fell to the floor unconscious.

“Holy fuck, Nic.” Beau grinned from the other side of the room. “Didn’t know you had it in you.”

“Yeah,” Fjord agreed, sending his sword away. “Good job.”

“Thanks. Now let’s get the fuck out of here.” Nicole said.

Caleb nodded from his spot behind the bar. “Agreed. Let’s.”

It didn’t take the party long to haul ass and leave the tavern, then the town. Beau and Fjord continued to praise Nicole on her final hit against Deliah, but Nicole brushed it off. The topic of the fight itself seemed to be forgotten, until Caleb mentioned it again once they had set up camp.

They all sat by the fire, lost in their own thoughts. That was, until Caleb spoke, breaking the silence.

“Nicole,” he said. “How did you know them?”

“I only knew Deliah.” She replied, hugging her knees to her chest. She was thinking over the verbal slip she made before attacking Deliah back in the tavern. Caduceus hadn’t mentioned it, but she was afraid of what he thought. “We grew up together.”

“So this was what? Some kind of family feud?” Beau inquired, raising a brow at Nicole. Everyone looked at the Druid expectantly.

She sighed. “In ways, it was more a sibling rivalry. We were both studying under the same Sorcerer. We used to be friends, until she wanted to be better than me in every way.”

“Then why would she want to kill you?” Fjord asked.

“She wasn’t picked to continue as his apprentice. I was. I was expected to join the Soltryce academy.”

“Oh.” Was his only reply.

“But, if you were supposed to go to the academy… then why did you leave home?” Asked Nott.

“Because I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want to live there anymore. That’s it.” She snapped. Nicole kept her past a secret, the discussion of her hometown to a minimum. She liked it that way. She wasn’t who she used to be. That person was gone.

“You don’t miss your friends?” Jester asked sadly.

“I can’t miss people who didn’t exist.” Nicole said, clearing her throat. “Anyway, it’s getting late. I’ll take the first watch.”

“I’ll join you.” Caduceus added.

About two hours after the party had fallen asleep, and the pair sat on watch. Nicole continued to stay lost in her thoughts, looking anywhere but Caduceus. Eventually, she found herself bored fiddling with her hair and polished her staff for what seemed like the millionth time that night. The thoughts, fears, and worries eating at her became too much. She couldn’t not talk about it. But she couldn’t force herself to bring it up. After a tug o’ war in her mind, Nicole took a deep breath and spoke quietly.

“Flower, is it… okay if I talk to you about something?” She asked hesitantly.

At the mention of his nickname, Caduceus looked over at her and nodded. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

She thought for a moment, words not being able to fully explain the thoughts bouncing about her in head. “It’s about earlier… during the fight at the tavern. About… what I said.”

“What did you say?”

Oh Gods, she adores how clueless he could be. “I—” she paused. She could just say ‘forget it’ and pretend as if it was nothing. He didn’t hear her. He didn’t know what she felt, what kept that spell from controlling her. She could ignore it, pretend this conversation never happened and— “I said that I love you.”

He hummed. “Oh.”

“But,” she quickly added, “that could never describe how much you mean to me.” He gave her a curious look and she explained. “I mean, I love living, and I love books, and the rain, and I love the Knowing Mistress. Love is used to describe so many things, but… it could never describe how I feel about you. I always had a bad habit of forgetting to cherish the things I love. And… I cherish you, Cad. More than anything in the world.”

“I cherish you too.”

Nicole couldn’t help the smile that grew on her face before falling into her back, hands covering her face. She mumbled, “Emotions are hard.”

Caduceus laughed and pat her leg gently. “You’re getting better at it.”

“Thanks, Flower.”

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Cold Graves Week is officially over

It was fun! Thank you to everyone who participated!!!

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Cold Graves Week Day 5: Birthday Blues

Pairing: Cold Graves

Summary: It’s Nic’s birthday and she was hoping no one would remember, but the Nein won’t let her be sad on this special day

Word count: 1.3k

Nicole always hated the first few weeks of Thunsheer. Most times those weeks or days were spent in preparation of her birthday, a day she loathed ever since she was nineteen. That was the first year she spent alone, and for the next eight she would spend it alone. Every year it was the same, and after a while she decided to just forget she even had a birthday.

It was odd that she was a spring baby given her abilities over ice. Jester said it made Nicole unique, and Fjord said it was a nice taste on irony. Either way, she made Nicole made sure the Nein knew her birthday was off limits.

She had spent the last few days sulking, occupying herself with mindless tasks and dodging any mention of the 17th of Thunsheer. Yet still, the group secretly planned her birthday. The owner of the tavern was gracious enough to recommend a nice bakery to get a cake, and allow the group to have a small corner for the afternoon while they celebrated. Nicole was still none the wiser, the group too convincing and too talented of liars for her to detect their plans.

She sat on the bed in her room at the tavern, skimming through a spell book she recently “acquired” during the party’s last job for the Gentleman. She promised to share it with Caleb; it was the least she could do after hogging the teleportation scroll and then wasting it during a fight.

There was a knock on the door and she looked over. “It’s open.”

The door creaked open and Caleb stood there, oddly enough, grinning.

She raised a brow. “Caleb? You okay?”

“Ja,” he replied. “Um, Fjord called a meeting downstairs. He wants you there.”

“Okay…” she stood up, curious as to what Fjord wanted. He never called meetings. It was always Beau or Caduceus. She left the room and waited for Caleb to lead the way downstairs but he didn’t budge. Instead, he gestured for her to walk down the hall.

“A-after you.”

Her curiosity was beginning to peak, but not enough for her to ask him directly if there was something wrong. She nodded and began walking, Caleb trailing behind her nervously. When they got to the bottom of the stairs, she noticed the group huddle together, facing her, as if they were hiding something. The closure she approached the better she could see the grins on their faces. She looked back at Caleb who had an anxious smile.

She stood in front of them, arms crossed. “So, what’d you need Fjord?”

“Actually–” the half-Orc began before being cut off by Jester and Nott.

“Happy birthday!” They shouted, the group parting to reveal a cake with blue icing and ten candles on top.

“Uh…” Nicole looked between everyone, surprised by this. “Thanks?”

“We didn’t remember how old you were gonna be so we just got ten candles.” Beau explained.

“I’m twenty-eight.” Nicole reminded them.

“Oh wow,” Nott gaped up at her. “You’re really old.”

“Gee, thanks Nott.”

“You’re welcome!”

Jester grabbed Nicole’s arm and tugged her toward the table. “Blow out your candles and make a wish!”

Nicole stood there for a moment, staring at the cake. She looked over at Jester. “Why?”

“Oh, well it’s a tradition to–”

Nicole cut off Jester. “No, I mean, why did you guys do this?” She pointed at the cake. “Y’all didn’t have to…”

“Of course we did!” Fjord said. “You’re our friend, and you’ve been really bummed lately and we figured it was because you thought we wouldn’t remember your birthday.”

“I guess I’m just used to celebrating it alone.”

“Well no more!” Jester exclaimed. “Your birthday is important and we will always celebrate it with you!”

Nicole grabbed the blue Tiefling and pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Jester pulled back and pointed to the cake. “Now make a wish!”

Nicole looked back to the cake and blew the candles out. She made a silent wish and looked to her friends. “Wish made.”

Jester jumped up and down. “What did you wish for?”

Nott spoke up, “She can’t say or it won’t come true.”

Fjord grinned. “I know what she wished for.” He used his elbow to nudge Caduceus in the side. “Hey, ain’t there a tradition of the birthday person receiving a birthday kiss? Cad, why don’t you give Nic one?”

The Druid gave him the most deadpanned look she could muster. “Fjord, I will kick your–” She was cut off by the small squeal she let out as Caduceus leaned down and placed a gentle kiss to her cheek. Nicole’s face heated and her cheeks grew bright red. She pressed her hands to her face and mumbled, “Thank you, Flower.”

Beau smirked and high-fived Fjord as Jester cooed. “Aw! You guys are so cute!”

“Ah, enough talking!” Nott announced. “Let’s eat some cake!”

The cake was relatively small so everyone got a piece. Nicole was pleasantly surprised it was chocolate. She looked over at Fjord as he stared at the slice. She smirked.

“Is it good?” She asked.

“I dunno,” Fjord replied. “I haven’t–” Suddenly, Nicole’s hand cupped the back of his head and smashed his face into the slice of cake. The group laughed as Fjord lifted his head, face covered in icing and cake. He wiped his finger across his cheek and stuck it in his mouth. “It’s pretty good.”

Nicole grinned smugly. “And that is for the birthday kiss.”

Fjord grinned back. “Actually, I haven’t given you a birthday kiss either. And as your brother-friend, I think it’s only right I give you one as well.”

“Fjord no–”

He grabbed her face and pressed a kiss to her temple, smudging icing all over her face. “There. You’re welcome.”

“I hate you.”

After cake was all eaten, and birthday jokes were made, the Nein retreated back their rooms for a night of rest. Nicole washed the cake off her face and made a mental note to get Fjord back at a later date when he was least expecting it.

When she walked into the room she shared with Caduceus, she was surprised to find him waiting for her. He sat on the bed, staring expectantly at the door. As she opened it, he jumped slightly.

“Cad?” She asked, closing the door behind her. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” he replied. “I wanted to give you your present.”

Her heart melted at that statement. “Oh, Flower. You didn’t have to.”

“I thought you might appreciate it.” He replied. Nicole sat beside him on the bed, smiling at him. From one of his pockets, he pulled out a small crystal with rope attached to it. It was a necklace, and a beautiful one at that. She couldn’t help but gawk at the faint teal hue it gave off.

“It’s–It’s beautiful.” She exclaimed as Caduceus set it gently into the palms of her hands. “You really didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to. I saw it and thought it was something you might like. Mister Caleb said it has some magic properties you might find useful.”

Her eyes lit up. “An elemental-crystal, I bet. I’ve only ever read about them—” She quickly put the necklace on and beamed. “How do I look?”

“You look very lovely.” Caduceus hummed. “I never gave you your birthday kiss.”

Nicole looked at him in confusion. “Yes you did. Ear–”

She was interrupted by soft, warm lips pressed against hers. Nicole’s blush came back, this time with a vengeance as the heat seemed to consume her entire face and crawled down her neck. As quickly as the kiss happened, it was over.

“Th–that–that was, um, it was very, uh, nice.” Nicole stuttered, looking to her hands. “I, uh, liked it. A lot.” Shyly, she looked up into Caduceus’ pink eyes. “That was actually my, uh, my wish. When I blew out the candles, that was my wish.”

“Heh,” he chuckled. “Well, Fjord told me you get as many as your age so… twenty-four more to go.”

“Twenty-six, Cad. I’m twenty-eight, and you’ve already given me two. Twenty-six more to go.”

“Even better.”

[me-myself-and-my-fos]

Cold Graves Week Day 4: Found

Pairing: Cold Graves

Summary: Nic reflects on who she was and who is now thanks to her friends

Word count: 813

Nicole could barely remember her life before the woods. She vaguely remembers her parents, the arguing, the late nights spent hiding under her covers, but that was it. It all seemed like a blur, like it was a completely other life. That’s because for her, it practically was. Nicole Blake didn’t exist anymore. She was Nicole Raziel now, not the same weak person she used to be.

The woods was her home, and she cared about it and its inhabitants. She spent years there, ensuring the safety of the animals, ensuring the safety of the woods itself. And in exchange she was allowed to live in the woods. It was the least she could do, and not a day goes by where regrets the decision. After all, it’s how she met her friends.

They set up camp in the woods and of course she was curious but also on guard. She confronted them, nearly fought, but luckily Caduceus calmed things down. Honestly she doesn’t know what would have happened if he didn’t step in, but meeting the group was the best thing to ever happen. She’ll never forget that morning when Jester excitedly asked if she wanted to join them on their trip. Hesitant at first, Nicole couldn’t tame the curiosity boiling in her and so she agreed, thus their journey.

It took her awhile to get used to the group. She didn’t know them as long as they had known each other. They all had bonds, unshakable ones, and she was a new face in the group. There were several times she felt like she didn’t belong, that it’d be better if she just left. But Nott and Caduceus always had a way of making her feel welcomed into the group.

Caduceus was the first person she opened up to in the group. She felt like she could talk to him about anything, and the calming soul that he was, Caduceus listened and offered comfort. They were already close, and as time went on their bond grew into what it was today; their relationship.

While Nicole didn’t open up to Nott right away, she found the Goblin to be good company and a kindred spirit when it came to ignoring their pasts. Nott acted like a mother to the group and it didn’t take her long to take the Druid under her wing. Nicole would forever be grateful for that, and always knew Nott would have her back.

It took Nicole a bit longer to get used to Caleb. He was reserved with her at first, but their mutual love of books was something they learned to bond over. Now, anytime they’re in a new town, the first place the pair go is to a bookstore, if there is one at least. And in the end, Nicole can always count on Caleb to keep her from doing something she might regret. He also became her confidant when she didn’t feel comfortable talking to Caduceus or Nott about her feelings.

Given that she was from the Menagerie Coast, Nicole got along well with Fjord and Jester. Fjord became an older brother of sorts, along with Caleb, and once he got fully adjusted to her, made her life practically hell. They always messed with each other, pulling pranks, jokes, the whole nine yards. And they had a lot in common as well, aside from growing up on the coast. They both were big lovers of fishing, and if they ever went to the coast Nicole insists on taking the group fishing.

Jester and Nicole had a more lighthearted friendship. They both had creative minds which they wielded for mischief most days, and they had sweet tooths that could rot the entire group’s teeth. Jester was also very good at comforting people, and on an off day for Nicole, Jester is always there for her with Sprinkles, some pastries, and a large hug.

Beau was the hardest to get along with originally. Nicole was put off by Beau’s crude nature and her general disposition. But soon they gained a mutual respect for each other after several battles fought together, and Beau became the person who could always help Nicole let off some steam, and visa versa.

All in all, they were family and she loved them. Even when they got on her nerves or dragged her into life threatening situations, she loved them and would go to hell and back for them.

She sat at the table in the tavern, watching them joke, laugh, and have fun together. Nicole couldn’t help the smile that grew on her face. How did she get so lucky?

She didn’t even realize they were talking to her until Beau elbowed her roughly in the side. “Nic!” Beau shouted.

“Huh?”

“What’s up with you?” Fjord asked. “You seem lost.”

“I’m not lost, I’m just… thinking.”

“About what?”

“Something I found.”