[se] could be ghosts or monsters or a robot-vampire

Nikolai

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

Nikolai caught on to Wessex's angle and nodded. "My natural aptitude is certainly more towards thinking then fighting. But I'd like to learn how to fight as well." His eyes grew steely with determination. "If the rising tension does lead to conflict, I want to be able to help defend our home however I'm needed. If that means thinking, or it means fighting, I'll do what I have to. I'm sick of the Old Gods bullshit."

The young Ascended wasn't sure if a war would actually occur or not, but things had been tense lately. Regardless, newly Ascended as he was, he'd only just escaped from the grasp of the Old Gods. Nikolai had no intentions of going back or letting them control his life any longer. He was an Ascended now, and he would defend his new family.

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