Skycera

The Five Senses - Second Arc (Accepting New Players!)

Nia
Milaine

Nia came to dazed and disorientated. The musty smell of carpet fiber filled her nostrils and drawing in a breath elicited an involuntary groan. Her head spun as she shuffled onto her back and her eyes rolled as she tried to focus on the ceiling wheeling nauseatingly above. Groggily, her exhausted mind tried to untangle the past few minutes.

After separating from Chres, she had begun making her way back towards the guest quarters. She had just passed into one of the larger hallways when someone had slipped around a door frame and punched her right in the gut. Hard. That explained the most pressing pain at least. She had doubled over at the punch and someone had in turn smashed her over the back of the head. Past that it was indistinct words, blurry half formed images and a ringing pain that seemed to fill every inch of her skull.

Upon trying to rise she found her hands and legs bound together with cord tied so tightly that it bit into her wrists and ankles.

“What am I going to do with you?” came an all too familiar voice from somewhere further in the room. The tone was indistinct but Nia felt the words sure as a knife sliding between her ribs.

”Aunt Lainey?” she stammered, her mouth felt fuzzy and she tasted blood on her lips. A blow to the face? When had that happened?

Nia felt herself pulled by her bound wrists, dragged over her own feet and into an awkward kneeling position. A hand grabbed her by the chin and forced her gaze up until she was face to face with Milaine.

”What were you thinking?” she hissed, fingers beginning to dig into the bruised flesh of Nia’s face. ”Helping a Normie? Killing our own people?”

”No, I didn’t I-” her frantic response was cut off by a savage slap that sent her sprawling awkwardly once more.

”Do not speak to me girl” and in those words, Nia felt a hint of her aunt’s power, a cold, numbing feeling that made her mouth lock shut. ”Do you have any idea what I have sacrificed for this? I have given you everything you could want and yet you spit in my face!”

Nia had barely enough time to brace against the kick that followed her aunt's words. She spluttered in pain, unable to utter any words. When she had recovered she found her aunt still standing above her, venom in her eyes.

”I don’t understand why you insist on punishing me. Is it not enough that I raised you? That I cover for your every inadequacy and mistake at the expense of my own standing. Do you have any idea what you could cost me?”

“I’m sorry” Nia managed, her words slurred by the command restricting her voice.

“You’re sorry?” came the pointed reply before it was reiterated sharper still ”You’re sorry?! Sorry won’t undo the trouble you’ve caused me. Sorry won’t fix your mistakes!”

Her aunt fell silent and in the pause Nia struggled to rise, to see her face. When their eyes met at last, Milaine’s expression was cold and impassive.

”It seems I’ve been too soft on you. she said at last ”If you won’t change your selfish behavior then I need to take more drastic measure”

“No…” Nia gasped as she felt a creeping panic rise within her.

”It’s for your own good, I’m doing this for you Neeve” she gestured and figures appeared at the corner of her vision, dragging her to her feet. ”Take her to the basement, give her Xyrlos until I’m ready to collect her.”

“Yes my lady” came a gruff reply from somewhere to her right and Nia felt herself being carried from the room.

“Oh and Nia” the movement paused and the following words were as chilling and numbing as winter ice. ”You will do as I say”

The Five Senses - Second Arc (Accepting New Players!)

Collab between Pezz and Skycera
Nia
Chres

---

Hider

Chres followed Nia’s lead cautiously. He still wasn’t sure how much he could trust her, but at the very least he felt as if she wouldn’t turn him over to the other Crazed.

There was an echoing silence as they walked. The only sound coming from the tread of their footsteps. This quiet wouldn’t do. If he wanted to build trust with Nia, then he needed to maintain some sort of dialogue.

”You know, it occurred to me that with all the chaos back there, I skipped properly introducing myself.” He said after a moment. ”The name’s Chres.”

Nia looked across to him, a hint of a frown on her face.
“Don’t try and get familiar with me” she replied waspishly

Chres shrugged. ”‘Hey you’ it is then.” He said nonchalantly.

*

“I know you’d try and turn on me the first chance you-.”
A sharp pain like a knife in her brain cut off her words. She hissed air through her teeth and clutched at her head. She remained still for a moment as the pain gradually subsided before straightening once more.
She groaned, massaging her temples before dropping her arms back to her sides and looking at Chres once more with a scowl.

He eyed her with a frown. ”I could have done that in the closet. Could have killed you before that even. I didn’t though. Nor do I plan to.”

”I doubt it” came her brisk reply before she began to walk once more. “Then you would have had to deal with even more of us”
She didn’t look back again, cutting that conversation off there, her head was pounding and she didn’t want to waste her time arguing when she knew she was right.

*

Chres sighed softly. Perhaps it would be better to move on to a different topic. Something… not too ‘familiar’.

”So…” He started, ”You say they are keeping the princess in the basement? Any idea why?”

*

”Weeeell” She hunched her shoulders as she had before “I might have heard a thing or two but I’m kept out of the loop a lot”.
She slid the blindfold off her eyes and spun to walk backwards without losing pace.
“I never heard anything about a Princess until a little while ago though so I guess she was a late addition to the plans. I do know that these bands are what keep you from using your powers though among other things”
She winced as another stab of pain ran through her head. “Ugh, but If I had to guess, the basement is where she’ll be”.

*

These bands? Chres stared down at the orange bracelet locked around his arm. His eyes widening in realization.

These towers, The Nation of Hearing call them transmitters. Lord Ru’Tev had said. -they will transmit a signal to special objects within a perimeter. The receiving objects will create the magical effect being carried over- but the kinks are still being worked out.

”Senses.” Chres breathed out. Lord Ru’Tev… Was he in on this too? Or was all this going on without his knowing?

A loud clang rang out just up ahead. A suit of armor collapsed, landing just in front of where Nia was about to step.

”HEY! Watch where you’re-”

*

Nia tumbled backwards over the collapsed and scattered pieces of armor eliciting another loud clang. She came to a stop in a sprawled heap on the ground where she remained for a moment assessing herself. The elated sensation she had felt since leaving the closet abandoned her at once and she was left dizzy and deflated.
She sighed dejectedly.
“...So, what were we talking about?” she asked, still on the floor.

*
Chres winced. Walking backwards was never a good idea in a Divergent. He bent over and offered her a helping hand. Would this be too ‘familiar’ for her, he wondered.

”The basement, if I’m not mistaken.” He reminded her.

*

Nia looked at his hand for a moment before cautiously extending her own to take it. The last few minutes now felt indistinct to her, like she had just woken from a dream. A side effect of using her powers. At least she didn’t seem to have hurt Chres or to have done anything too stupid.
“Right” she mumbled, clambering awkwardly to her feet and sliding the blindfold back down her face to hide her eyes.

*

Chres arched an eyebrow. So then helping her up wasn’t too familiar then. He frowned as she slid down the blindfold.

”Considering we are in a Divergent, might it be safer if you keep the blindfold up.” He suggested hesitantly. He wasn’t entirely sure if this topic was hazardous territory.

*

“I'm fine” she looked off to the side as though avoiding his gaze. “It helps with the...'' she trailed off, then gestured to her head.
Why did she feel awkward now? She'd never really interacted with a ‘normie’ before. It made her self conscious to think of herself as even more of an oddity than usual.

*

He pursed his lips in a gesture of comprehension. Talking about one’s inevitable descent into insanity was undoubtedly a delicate subject to approach with care.

”Come on.” he urged gently, accompanied by a subtle smile and a nod. ”Let’s proceed.”

*

She returned the nod and continued down the hallway towards the basement entrance. At first she was content to walk in silence but as they progressed onwards she grew more curious. She rarely spoke to anyone aside from her aunt and never a ‘normie’.
“So how did you end up here?” she asked at last “Why did you come?”

So ‘familiar’ topics are okay now? He eyed her and smiled.

”Thaaats… a long story.” he admitted. He pondered for a minute wondering how to broach the subject. ”Perhaps you heard about the Shimmertown-Cult incident a few weeks back?”

“I’ve overheard a few things but not really any details” Nia admitted, awkwardly ruffling her hair with one hand “I don’t really talk to other people”.

Chres nodded. “Well, let’s just say I’ve kinda wandered into the mess with the other ‘normies’.” -or not considering how The Being had played them.- ”Everyone excluding the princess, that is. We all kinda wandered in… And fortunate for us, we all managed to wander out.”

He frowned as he thought back to that time not so long ago. His goal had been simple then. To tarnish his name and to die doing it. A proper punishment to fit his crimes. Now though…

Again Sillensia’s words fluttered through his head. You don’t understand… He had to know. Had to know if he deserved death. But… what if it was far worse than he thought? The idea made him shudder. So he suppressed it for another day.

Instead, he gave Nia a sidelong glance. The girl was a ray of hope for him. She could finally be the key he needed; the key to finally understand!

”Because of that incident, one thing led to another, and now we are all here, working for the Empire of Touch’s military.”

”They sent us here to speak with Lord Ru’Tev, yet…” He gestured, with a sweep of his hand, to emphasize their current unexpected circumstances.

He dared not mention the specifics for why they needed to speak with Lord Ru’Tev. He had a feeling it would work against his goal of cultivating trust.

*

Nia nodded along, semi following Chres story.

“I… see? I think? It sounds like you’re caught up in some pretty big stuff working for the military” She looked thoughtful for a moment, then added “My aunt and I… Our whole group I suppose, we made our way here recently to join this whole thing” She gestured just as Chres had.

Chres eyed Nia, weighing her. Once again it seemed like her personality had completely changed. Was it part of her symptoms then? Could he learn to detect her personality shifts? Wouldn’t hurt to try. In fact, it would probably be useful.

Dropping her hand back to her side she walked a little further in silence. This was almost enjoyable, talking with someone who seemed genuinely…Nice. She just had to ignore their current circumstance and she could almost pretend she was normal. At that, a thought occurred to her and she began to speak.

“Chres.. About Lord Ru’Tev, he’s…”

She cut herself off abruptly mid sentence. That was too far. Was she really so desperate for a friend that she would betray the secrets of her own people? She chided herself mentally and cursed her damaged mind. This was exactly why she was a liability.

Running a hand through her hair again she glanced away.

“Uh… Never mind”

Chres gave Nia a half second glance. So there was something there. Lord Ru’Tev he had been involved, hadn’t he… or had they gone and killed him?

He kept his ponderings masked. Digging too deeply risked setting off red flags. So instead he let the topic rest.

”Chres? And here I thought you didn’t want me getting too familiar.” He teased with a bemused smirk.
She frowned remembering her earlier words but feeling a disconnect between saying them and feeling them. She massaged her temples feeling embarrassed by herself from minutes before.

He held up his hand to show he was only teasing. ”Soooo…” He said after a moment; his expression thoughtful. ”You came here with your aunt? What of your parents?”

The girl was obviously old enough to take care of herself, but the question still had merit. Why travel with her aunt and not her parents.

“My parents?” She quirked a brow at that “I’m not a kid you know, I can’t be much younger than you”

He gave her a lopsided grin.

Realizing that in itself made her sound immature she quickly added “Well uh, they’re not around… You know how it is for Crazed. I mean. I assume it’s common knowledge? I don’t exactly know how normal people live ”

He frowned at that. ”I’m sorry.” he offered softly, ”I figured that you were going to travel with family, then... I didn’t consider…” His hesitation was evident as he attempted to articulate his thoughts. ”I guess... I don't know how it is. For your kind I mean.”

What must it feel like, being ostracized and viewed as a threat to society? Constantly evading capture, living in perpetual fear of persecution? Always concealing one's true identity, haunted by the terror of one day losing sanity entirely?

In response Nia simply exhaled in a deflated manner. It seemed ridiculous that people like herself were exiled over something they had no control over. Her silence spelt the end of their conversation and together they soon arrived at one of the basement entrances.

Chres eyed the basement door with hesitancy. ”So, this is it then.” He said. ”Any idea what to expect?”

She didn’t respond for a moment as she considered. The time to pick a side was fast approaching. She quite enjoyed her short time with Chres but she couldn’t put her own loneliness above her people. It was one thing to simply run away but another altogether to actively help people who she’d been ordered to kill.

“Why don’t you join us, Chres?” she asked, trying to keep the fast growing despair from her voice as she realized how this would likely go “You seem reasonable, there’s nothing stopping you from helping us right? We could explain the situation, I’m sure they’d listen.“

Chres paid her a glance and smiled softly. ”This… is bigger than just a small group of Crazed just trying to find a way to survive. Isn’t it, Nia?” He said regretfully. ”If this is the start of what I suspect it is, then I think you know as well as I that you’re friends won’t let me live.”

He looked ahead at the door pensively and muttered. ”And if that happens… no one will remember me...” His… everything, gone. Exiled from existence. All without ever learning the truth.

Suddenly, he felt disgusted with himself. This woman- however she had been connected to Sillensia- had a family to go back to. Perhaps some of the only family she had ever known. And here he was, trying to manipulate her to betray that family and tag along with him so that he could fulfill his own selfish desires.

Chres approached the basement door. ”It’s okay.” He said gently. ”Go back to your Aunt. Tell them I took you hostage. Or that you killed me, or whatever lie they need to hear. But… I can’t join your friends… I-I’m sorry.”

He opened the basement door.

Nia cast her gaze aside and nodded “Chres… I don’t, I mean, Yeah… i…” She hung her head and fell silent then nodded as though agreeing with herself and continued. “Right, yes. Good luck”. She winced and corrected “I mean, try not to kill anyone, they’re not truly bad, really”

”I-” He hesitated. Normally he didn’t think twice about killing if someone was threatening his life, but… ”Okay.” He agreed after some deliberation. ”I will try.”

She turned herself away awkwardly and began to pace back the way they had come.

With a grim sigh, Chres entered the basement.

The Five Senses - Second Arc (Accepting New Players!)

Collab between Pezz and Skycera
Nia
Chres

---

Hider

Chres sprinted down the halls, firmly guiding Nia by the hand. Despite the blindfold, she navigated effortlessly. Was she a Sight adept? An interesting thought, but one for later contemplation.

Their immediate concern was evasion. Chres abruptly halted, his senses alerted by the murmur of unfamiliar voices approaching from up ahead. The urgency of the situation prompted a hushed curse as Chres assessed their options. There was a shadowy room a few steps away.

”This way.” He murmured. He gave her a gentle tug just in case she couldn’t see, to assist in directing Nia to the darkened room. Leading the way, he scanned the room looking for a hideout spot until the people ahead passed.

Options were limited—a cramped broom closet to the right and a pair of expansive curtains draping down to the floor a few paces away. The broom closet seemed uncomfortably tight, leaving the curtains as the more feasible choice.

As if on cue, the curtains crashed to the ground. Its support beam inexplicably snapping in multiple places.

“What was that?” Echoed a voice down the hall.

Seriously?! For once, could the Divergent’s ceaseless misfortune cut him some slack?!?!?!

He turned back to the broom closet. ”Broom closet it is.” he whispered, ”Hope you're not claustrophobic.”

With a swift quiet motion, he ushered Nia into the cramped closet with him and shut the door. The tight quarters left little room for comfort, but to Chres, it seemed a far more decent option than facing down whoever awaited them up ahead.

*

Nia felt dazed. Part of her felt it would be best to deliberately get them captured. If she could just explain the situation… Her aunt at least would listen, wouldn't she? She could convince the others.

Now she found herself crammed in a confined space with a man who only moments before had been her enemy. Chances were if she revealed them, the man, Chres, would kill her. She'd have to bide her time for a better opportunity to escape. He was the enemy after all. The only reason she could imagine he hadn't killed her yet was likely interrogation. That probably meant some kind of horrific torture. She'd heard the stories from Milaine.

Nia stood silently as the Crazed, her people, entered the room. She edged up the blindfold and peered through the gap where each door met, quickly realizing the danger they were in. There was no way they wouldn't search the closet. It was the obvious hiding place!

“What now?” She hissed to Chres, keeping her voice low.

*

Chres frowned. What now indeed. He wasn’t sure he could trust that she would have his back in a fight. Unless he could garner some trust…

”I…I’m sorry.” he hesitated. ”Perhaps… I shouldn’t have grabbed your hand back there…” he whispered, ”If I were to guess, I’ve only made things worse for you.”

*

She lowered her gaze to hide her expression though the darkness of the closet made it near impossible to read either way.

“Why are you apologizing to me?” she asked, her hushed tone sounded more snappish than she intended. This man was her enemy. A few pleasant words and an apology couldn’t change that.

*

”Why?” Chres repeated. He looked at her and frowned. ”Well… why did you spare me back there?” He asked instead of answering her question.

*

“I didn’t spare you” she replied a little waspishly before adding “I was planning to capture you.” She deliberately left out that she had never killed someone before and had been too scared to try.

*

”Capture. Hm.” He said not quite convinced. Her comrade didn’t quite seem like he was looking to take captives.

”You can still fix this, you know. It wouldn’t be too hard.” His eyes lowered to her falchion. ”Confuse me with your illusions. A few quick stabs to the gut.”

He didn’t mention the part about his death vanquishing his existence from everyone’s memory. He needed garner trust, not further motivation to betray.

Outside the closet he could hear the other Crazed slowly entering.

”You would kill two birds with one stone. Revenge Sillensia and get back on their good side. Why don’t you do it?”

*

“Revenge who?” She asked, her expression growing confused. “Look- it's just.. I mean..” she struggled to articulate what she wanted to say. There was just too much going on to think clearly.

“I don't know what I'm doing yet," she finally admitted. “I’m worried they'd kill me before I could explain and I don't know what to do about you either”.

*

His eyes met hers uncertainly. Was she not out for vengeance? She must have known Sillensia. Must have been friends with her. Otherwise, how could she have made those illusions so personal?

”Well…” He said. ”Seems like you’re in good company then. I wasn’t sure what I was doing either when I grabbed you earlier. And for that, I am sorry.”

Outside the closet, the Crazed drew in and examined the broken curtain pole.

“What in the senses?” One of the Crazed said. He looked at the others confused. Things like this weren’t uncommon in a Divergent, but given the circumstances… They looked to the closet.

”Here they come.” He said. ”Time to roll the dice. One way, or the other.”

*

Nia let out a soft sound of frustration as she watched the Crazed in the room beyond. Why was she even considering this? It was madness!

As she teetered on the edge of decision, a thought arose within her.

‘These people don’t really care about me’.

Melaine had said they thought she was a liability and didn’t trust her. They called her a traitor without even so much as a moment's hesitation. An ugly ball of resentment began to well up inside her stomach as she considered how they treated her, how they made her an outcast among outcasts.

With one hand she slid the blindfold down once more. This wouldn’t be her final decision but it would give her more time to think.

Focusing on the others in the room beyond she reached out and played with their perception. They froze in place, then looked to each other in alarm before rushing from the room as one.

The exertion of such a controlled hallucination on multiple people at once sent a shiver through Nia and she almost fell over drunkenly inside the closet. She felt suddenly… Elated. Yes, this was the right thing to do! How had she ever doubted herself? If they wouldn’t trust her she certainly couldn’t trust them. It was only right that she proved just how powerful she was.

At once she pushed open the doors and turned to face Chres, a somewhat unsettling and manic grin now on her face.

“What now?” she asked, her tone unsettlingly light.

*

Chres blinked. His brow furrowed. He wasn’t quite sure what had just happened or why they had left.

He glanced toward Nia, the sudden change in attitude somewhat unsettling. She had used her magic, hadn’t she?

Chres exited the closet hesitantly. So, she was Crazed then. Senses, they probably all were. What had Sillensia been thinking of making friends with a Crazed?! Scratch out his eyes! What was he thinking?

Lips pursed, he swallowed his doubt and concern. She was the only lead he had. And so it was time for him to roll the dice.

”I don’t suppose,” He started, ”you know where they might have taken the princess?”

*

“Hmm” She tilted her head thoughtfully, tapping a finger to her chin “I miiight have heard them say something?” She shrugged her shoulders in a helpless manner “But I’m not sure why I should tell you. Perhaps if you gave me a good reason..?”

If he wanted her help he’d better offer her something good. Afterall, being as powerful as she was, she couldn’t be expected to help people for free. Especially someone who might turn on her at a moment's notice. Nia found herself eyeing him suspiciously. What was he planning?

*

Chres arched an eyebrow. Her attitude had changed entirely. He glanced towards where the other Crazed went.

Chres shrugged. ”That’s twice now you’ve spared me. I understand that your actions may not sit well with your associates. Perhaps, it might be mutually beneficial if you lent us a hand, or at least for the time being.”

*

“My Associates?” Nia let out a soft chuckle and set her hands upon her hips. “I care as much for them as they do for me. That is to say, I don’t”.
‘A lie’ Some distant part of her thought.
She moved one hand to her forehead for a moment and grit her teeth. Why did that feel like a lie? She didn’t need them. They needed her. Just as this man now needed her. So powerful was she that others would beg for her aid.
“I‘ll help you for now I suppose, just until I decide what’s best for me”

*

Chres gave her a nod and a smile. That worked for now, but he needed a way to keep her around after. He still had questions he needed answered. It was a problem for another time. For now, he had other matters to focus on.

”Well, let’s go find the Princess then.” He said.

The Five Senses - Second Arc (Accepting New Players!)

Nia

Nia lay sprawled across the bed in her room sinking blissfully into the soft blankets. For just a moment she allowed herself to dream of a life in which this was normal. Warmth, comfort and all the wonderful food and drink she could imagine.

‘Is this how other people lived?’ she thought to herself sleepily‘No fighting, no fears, just peace and quiet’

She savored the moment, clung to it like one might a life preserver in a stormy ocean. Maybe if she believed hard enough her worn and broken mind would make it a reality?

A curt, intrusive and all too familiar knock at the door shattered any hope she had and cast her unceremoniously back to reality. A lingering hope remained that perhaps this was simply her own mind deceiving her but no, a moment later the knock came again followed by a raised and irritated voice.

“Nia? Nia, are you in there? Open this door right now”

Nia opened her eyes and was greeted by the black fabric of the blindfold. She eased her fingers beneath and slipped it up, wearing it instead like a headband. She crossed the room to the door and with a soft click removed the latch keeping it locked.
Immediately the door was forcefully flung open from without, narrowly missing her face as she flinched back. A figure dressed in the garb of a manor servant strode in. The hawk-like face and piercing eyes of her aunt locked onto Nia causing her to recoil further.

“Enjoying a rest, were you?” she asked, the accusation clear in her voice.

The tone cut Nia where she stood and she quickly shook her head.

“No!” she took a breath and tried to calm herself “I mean, I-”

“Don’t lie girl, I can see it in your eyes. I had to knock five times before you even bothered to open the door! Lazy! Lazy you are! I’m out there working hard cooking, cleaning, doing the jobs I’m given while you simply lie in bed”

Nia raised a palm to her temple. Had Milaine knocked five times? She swore it had been the once but.. She raised her gaze to meet her aunts and quickly pulled the blindfold down over her eyes with a wince.

“I’m sorry” she said, her voice a near whisper.

A hand came to rest on her shoulder and gently pushed her back onto the bed. A moment later she felt the soft tugging sensation of someone sitting beside her. Her aunt made a soft tutting sound and ran a hand through her hair.

“Oh Nia, Oh my little Neeve” The hand moved from her hair and pulled her into a hug. “I’m just trying my best to look out for you. We both.. We all know your mind is going. I overheard some of the others talking about it below. Some are already suggesting you might be more of a liability than an asset. They’re worried you could ruin this opportunity for all of us”

“I-”

“Shh sh” her aunt cut her off, stroking her hair once more “I won’t let them get rid of you but this attitude of yours, this laziness, it only makes it harder for me to convince them you can be useful”

Her shoulders sagged and again she uttered an apology.

“Hey now, it’s okay. I’m looking after you. I just need you to work harder. Prove to them that you can be useful”

Nia nodded softly in response. She was trying her best, she’d been told to wait up here in case she was required hadn’t she? Had she missed something? Forgotten something? Did she make the whole thing up?

“Now, Lord Ru’Tev wants you out and ready in case something goes wrong tonight. He suspects our guests might be growing suspicious and in the event things get out of control you need to be ready to intervene. Can you do that? Can you do that for me?”

Nia dipped her head once more, she could do that. She couldn’t afford to let them down.

“Perfect, that’s my girl!” The weight beside her lifted once more as her aunt moved back to the door. “I have to get back to this ridiculous role I’ve been given. I’ll come and check up on you later.”

Her aunt departed then, Nia could hear the woman’s footsteps recede as she strode down the plush carpeted hallway. She waited only a moment before rising herself and making her way to her assigned position.

The Five Senses - Second Arc (Accepting New Players!)

Name: Nia Veitori

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Pansexual

Age: 25

Home Nation: None

Appearance: (I’ll draw something badly when I have the time)

Nia has a thin and undefined frame as a result of her upbringing. Her face is tired and gaunt while her black hair, kept reasonably short, either hangs just below her shoulders or is tied in a simple tail. Her eyes are also dark, their true colour hard to determine without an extended look.
Her clothing is simple and unremarkable if forever oversized for her body.
One particularly stand out feature of Nia are her ears which sit further up her head and somewhat resemble those of a bat. They allow her echolocation ability to work its full extent.

Bio:

Nia was born during the War of the Crazed amongst the exiles in support of Hieigar. Both her parents were killed when the rebellion was crushed. She was taken by her aunt Milaine, a member of a radical splinter group formed in the wake of Hleigar’s defeat.

Life in the splinter group was miserable for Nia. She had no real inclination for fighting but it was demanded of her to remain. They inhabited a cave network within the sensory range but would often move between hideouts depending on supplies and work.

Throughout her early childhood Nia’s aunt would cruelly and emotionally manipulate her, ensuring she could never connect with others, crushing her self-esteem while also keeping her reliant. Milaine would blame her for the death of her parents, then convince her she was the only one who liked her and that everyone else despised her. She was frequently made to feel guilty over the time and effort of her upbringing.

When her powers manifested and her worth as a weapon, even without full training, became apparent, she was forced into a more offensive role. Her mental vulnerability after using her powers only made her even easier to manipulate and she was often convinced that she had harmed others and owed them as a result. Furthermore the strain brought on through magic use has lasting effects plaguing her with lingering images and sounds even days after.

Personality:

Nia’s personality is erratic as a result of her troubled upbringing and deteriorated mental state. When calm, having not invoked her abilities for a time, she comes across as reserved, quiet and suspicious of others.
If pushed, it is very possible for her to flip, becoming inversely manic and wild. In this state she can be anything from simply talkative and oversharing to downright self destructive.

Quirks:

Nia frequently wears a blindfold and navigates through her echolocation ability to reduce the impact of her insanity.

Skills/Magic:

Nia is a hearing adept and is able to see through the use of echolocation. This is particularly useful to her as it lessens the impact of mental deterioration brought on through the use of her magic. Her magic is sight based and allows her to afflict others with hallucinations both visual and auditory.
In a non-offensive manner this can be used to grant others images she has seen or sounds she has heard.
Offensively this is used to make others see and hear things that aren’t actually there. In combat this can be a massive advantage to those unaffected as they are able to take advantage of their distracted opponents.
At times, Nia may even preceive the visions she grants others. This ability isn't always hers to control and may sometimes happen if the hallucination is particularly vivid.

Weaknesses:

As a crazed, she pays for her magic through a sudden and rapid drop in her own lucidity. The decline in her sanity is proportional to her output. Using her power on a single person has a manageable impact, however, using it on a group, or directly controlling their hallucination elicits a far greater strain. Initially she will also become afflicted similar to those she has targeted. Her blindfold helps to lessen this, however continued use will affect even her echolocation ability. Prolonged strain from excessive use can drive Nia completely deluded, losing her sense of reality completely. Her own deteriorated state will largely heal over time though it is already apparent that she suffers some permanent deterioration.

Equipment/Items

A plain and unadorned falchion
A simple knife