SASCHA ILLYVICH

Nicholaus, the Right Hand of the Opeth Pack

 

I traveled from California to the sunny state of New Mexico, Albuquerque, to be exact, in order to get this interview. When the cab picked me up at the airport, I had no idea what would be in store for me until I arrived downtown on the famous Route 66, now known as Central Ave. Nicholaus escorted me up to his third story loft, overlooking the cross streets of 6th and Central Ave.The space is very cozy, yet the size of this man manages to make it feel almost small despite how much open space of the loft. We're seated with him stretched out in a leather recliner, both his lovers flanking him much like Józsi's did. Katarina's smile lights up the room while the fierce glare in Krystyna's eyes matches Nicholaus's. The fact that she's pregnant only adds to her ravenous beauty. Two glasses of port and a cup of tea sit in front of the wolves. Unlike being with Józsi, the air her is calm, clean and crisp. Of course I have whiskey.

 

SI: I'd like to thank you all for the interview. I know things are tough right now. How are you handling the readjustment back into the pack?

 

Nicholaus: Sighs It's been a long road the last few months, what with Krys being pregnant and us needing to fly back and forth to Hungary. The fact is simple: This sucks.

 

SI: I nod. But everything's on track, yes?

 

Nicholaus: If you mean for the pregnancy, yes. We're a very excited triad. The smile from him seems only to add to the resplendence of the trio. Otherwise, we have no idea what's doing with this prophecy bullshit.

 

SI: I see you share your Alpha's disgust with it?

 

Nicholaus: Fate is something I have tried to control for so long because of my rather unique talent for destruction. But yes, we both share that pastime of hating on prophecy. It's been a burden hanging over our heads and hearts for as long as we've been on this earth.

 

SI: wolves you mean?

 

Krystyna leans forward, brushing a hand over Nicholaus's thigh before reaching for her tea. She brings the cup to her lips, takes a sip, then sets it back in the saucer: Yes, we mean wolves. Specifically, our pack When this jackass ran away, we didn't know what to do or how to function. Things just sort of fell into place, including my, she looks at Katarina, sees the sad smile, then back at me, destructive behaviors. But in the end, we got what we needed.

 

SI: As opposed to what you wanted?

 

Katarina: Sometimes what you want and what you think you want are two different things. Our Nicholaus needed the same thing Krys has needed. Reassurance in this crazy world.

 

SI: nods again Has anyone compared you to that dagger wielding brother who was a former cop?

 

Nicholaus takes a sip of port, chortles, then starts to laugh. You know, I never thought about that until you revised my story to include the more gruesome details. I hadn't read the series you're referring to at the time, but I suppose he and I do play similar roles in our families. I'm good with it if his storyteller is good with it. I have to wonder, if hat woman really listens to all that foul rap however.

 

SI: I snort and take a long sip from my whiskey. I've heard she has quite the foul mouth, heh. Anyway, it was never my intention to portray you like that.

 

Nicholaus nods. I understand. The truth is, what I do must, he sighs be done. I’m capable of great destruction and though it annoys me tremendously, weighs on my heart when I hear the screams of those I've killed, I know I've done the right thing because both my lovers are still by my side.

 

SI: How has it been, integrating back into the pack? Have they accepted you?

 

Nicholaus nods: With a modicum of cautious respect. They've let me back in on Józsi's word and when that wasn't good enough for a few, Lukina stepped in. Watching her fight for me when she yelled at me so vehemently before I'd come back to rescue Krys made something inside me realize I had a larger family than just these two. Of course that bit's not in the book but you said you might use the deleted scene as promotion or some shit.

 

SI: I did. Once things take off, we'll see what I use from the cutting floor. Odd I noticed, no cigar today.

 

Nicholaus shakes his head: Not while Krys is pregnant, at least not indoors.

 

SI: But no one outright fears you?

 

Nicholaus: No more than they should. He takes another sip of his port, pulls both his lovers to him and nuzzles them. The habits we acquired from our separation are hard to break, so I walk around with that chip on my shoulder and will likely continue it, as it serves a purpose when needed. But when I can calm down, I will.

 

SI: In the safety of your privacy with your lovers?

 

Nicholaus nods then looks at his watch. Shit, it's about that time, kiddo.

 

SI: Understood. Are you always so busy?

 

Nicholaus shakes his head: Not really. We have been lucky to spend a good deal of downtime here at my loft, acquainting Katarina with American customs and culture, letting her see the different things like the Albuquerque Balloon festival, and upcoming for us is a celebratory feast held by the local Indian tribes that still respect the wolves in the area. We're using this as needed downtime because Selene predicts heavy shit coming soon. Which reminds me, finish your whiskey. I've got shit to handle with the girls. We'll meet up for dinner as promised.

 

I got a hearty handshake and two hugs from the sweeter side of the Opeth Pack before finishing my whiskey and making my way out. I noticed the body language more than the words spoken and the calmness for a man who is essentially a berserker. I'm looking forward to dinner tonight with the three of them