Matters of Family

You follow Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed down to before the Matrix.

A pert little nose takes in a delicate whiff of Zitto's surroundings.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Ah, the teahouse."

[Movement]

You follow Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed south to Golden Serenity Teahouse.

Daraius dips his bewhiskered canid muzzle politely to you and Zitto as you enter.

Zitto bows as he arrives. His voice is all warmth as he exclaims "Grandfather!"

You have emoted: Lief's wings keep her bare feet steadfastly off the ground as she wings in, close to Zitto's side. She carries a serene gift basket covered in flowers with both hands, and she flashes Daraius a smile and a bow of her own antlered head in greetings.

His tail swishing placidly on the floor behind his low chair, Daraius Shevat says, "Good morning, dear grandpup, and Minister."

-l
Golden Serenity Teahouse.
Banks of clouds roil about here. The fragrant aromas of herbs, spices, and brewing tea, and the rich redolence of wood and paper permeate this cosy, perfectly square chamber. Overhead, a graceful dome of vivid citrine-coloured crystal filters incoming light into a warm, welcoming golden glow. The shop's honey-hued teak walls are polished to a smooth, satiny sheen that accentuates the exotic wood's sinuous, swirling grain, in contrast to the unobtrusive mats of tightly woven fibres underfoot, which muffle footsteps and lend an air of meditative tranquility to the space. To the right of the entrance, an orderly row of tidy wooden shelves and beryl-hewn display cases host a variety of finely crafted cups and bottles, as well as a small selection of culinary goods. Beyond them, criss-crossing along the entire western wall, beams of umber mahogany form a precise diamond-shaped lattice, which supports an assortment of bright, jewel-wrought tea kegs and ceramic canisters of loose-leaf teas. Sparkling like crystalline flowers in bloom, the dazzling array of kegs displays their colourful craftsmanship to full advantage while safeguarding their delicate contents. A small seating area occupies the space to the left of the entrance, surrounded by fragrant cedar folding screens. Inlaid with monochrome paper panels depicting a strikingly serene, windswept mountain landscape, the screens enclose an area just large enough to comfortably accommodate two for tea while maintaining an intimate sense of privacy. Occupying a perfectly circular glass-topped depression in the centre of the floor, a mandala of brightly coloured sand blossoms with stunning intricacy in every hue. Meticulous whorls, painstaking flourishes, and exacting symmetries coalesce into a many-layered lotus, its petals reaching in each of the cardinal directions to form a poignant symbol of balance and peace. There are 4 low, cushioned chairs of beryl-hued cedar here. A simple  three-tiered chandelier hangs here, featuring a multitude of delicate origami hanging from silken threads. An unassuming cedar tea table rests here, a humble exemplar of balance and utility. A painting of Tosha the Meditative serving tea beneath a cherry tree is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall, with an inscription on a plaque on its frame. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. Paint pools in kaleidoscopic arrays at the feet of the riotously colored dog standing here. Colourful and exotic to behold, a black paradise parrot preens green-feathered wings here, fluttering red streamers dancing about his form. Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed drifts here, vibrant blossoms surging out of the ground around him. He wields a delicate crystal staff in his left hand and a mechanical fountain pen in his right hand. Daraius Shevat lingers here, his figure traced in a soothing aura of effortless serenity. You see a sign here instructing you that WARES is the command to see what is for sale.
You see exits leading north and down (closed door).

-ih chair
"chairA2901"                  a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar
"chairA3026"                  a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar
"chairA3030"                  a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar
"chairA3032"                  a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar
Number of matching objects: 4 (out of 10 total)

-p chair
Subtly fragrant, unstained cedar the honeyed hue of golden beryl has been fashioned into this sleek chair featuring a conventional back and seat, but a striking absence of legs. Instead, its faultlessly square seat rests directly upon the ground, padded with a well-stuffed cushion upholstered in creamy, undyed linen, allowing the chair to accommodate floor seating or the lowest of tables. Gently angled to provide firm support, the equally square backrest comprises an airily translucent, delicately wrought latticework, as fine as silken mesh, within a polished frame. Neither lacquer or varnish adorns the cedar, clearly displaying the wood's impeccably polished texture and beautifully distinct, straight natural grain and accentuating the elegant simplicity of both the chair's structure and materials.
  Daraius is upon a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar.
It has 160 months of usefulness left.
It weighs about 20 pounds.
The beauteous craftsmanship of Daraius Shevat radiates throughout it.

(Great House Myeras): Coraline says, "Ooh, are you having tea with your future in laws, Lief?"
(Great House Myeras): You say, "Cora!!"
(Great House Myeras): Coraline says, "Hehehe hello!"

You have emoted: "We put together this for you," Lief says, winging closer to Daraius and offering it forward. "As a thank you for making the time to meet with us."

Daraius extends a large paw placidly to accept the gift, nodding to you benignly.

(Great House Myeras): Coraline says, "Is he grilling you like a fresh trout?"

Offering it forward, you give a serene gift basket covered in flowers to Daraius Shevat.

A low, contented growl arises within Daraius's chest.

You have emoted: Lief exhales softly as she draws back, looking thoroughly relieved. She looks about the gathering of chairs, and nods, "May I?"

"This is lovely, thank you," Daraius says earnestly. Gesturing to the chairs, he adds, "By all means, please make yourselves comfortable."

(Great House Myeras): You say, "No! Not yet, please do not curse us!"

Daraius Shevat says, "The purpose of this establishment is to offer a place of peace and comfort for those who wish to gather in harmony."

Zitto moves to take a seat. On his way to the chair, he exclaims, "It is so good to see you!" Once seated, he inquires, "I know your meditations have occupied you, but how have you been faring?"

You have emoted: Lief flashes Zitto a smile, one that deepens just a bit with a hint of mischief that is quick to wane into her vague nervousness as she settles into a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar.

You sit yourself down on a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar and make yourself comfortable.

Zitto sits himself down on a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar and makes himself comfortable.

You think to yourself: Thank goodness he didn't argue over the gift.

Somewhat vaguely, his eyes dimming faintly behind the lenses of his spectacles, Daraius Shevat says to Zitto, "I confess the political climate continues to distress me."

You have emoted: Lief occupies herself with smoothing the skirt of her serene kimono robes bearing fruitful apple branches as she settles into her chair. Politely, she glances away, instead admiring her peaceful surrounds.

Daraius Shevat says, "The loss of the Emissary is unfortunate, but I trust Zalan will serve admirably."

You think to yourself: Just as lovely as our last visit. But I was so nervous then, and I'm only a little nervous now!

Cold, clean breezes eddy through the air, driven indoors by the constant winds that buffet the city.

Bluntly but benignly, Daraius Shevat says to you, "I hope I don't make you uncomfortable, Minister. I'd hoped my prior praise for your talents and erstwhile patronage of Seren theatre would have dispelled any fear that I might bite."

Daraius pours fragrant powderfruit and cinnamon white tea infused with cherry blossoms from an immaculate porcelain tea bottle into an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

Daraius puts an immaculate porcelain tea cup into a simple tea table of beryl-hued cedar.

Daraius pours fragrant powderfruit and cinnamon white tea infused with cherry blossoms from an immaculate porcelain tea bottle into an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

Daraius puts an immaculate porcelain tea cup into a simple tea table of beryl-hued cedar.

Daraius slides each cup to Zitto and you respectively.

You have emoted: Lief's attention flits back to Daraius. Her eyes widen with alarm, and she shakes her antlered head vehemently - so much so that petals shiver free from their perch, floating about her before they evanesce into motes of essence. "Oh, goodness, you give me no cause for discomfort," she insists, accepting her tea cup with a grateful smile.

Daraius nods solemnly to you.

-ih table
"tableA129"                   a simple tea table of beryl-hued cedar
Number of matching objects: 1 (out of 10 total)

-p table
Lacking any semblance of adornment or embellishment, this low, balanced tea table is the very model of simplicity. Creamy unstained cedar, subtly fragrant and beryl-hued, comprises its four sturdy legs and level surface, its every immaculate cut owing to the precision of a master artisan. The natural woodgrain and unglazed, unvarnished planes lend the piece a grounded, dignified stability. The perfect square of the tabletop is just broad enough to comfortably hold a full tea service and several small saucers without disrupting the cosy intimacy of teatime.
It has 250 months of usefulness left.
It weighs about 160 pounds.
The beauteous craftsmanship of Daraius Shevat radiates throughout it.
A simple tea table of beryl-hued cedar is holding:
"cup323802"                   an immaculate porcelain tea cup (filled with fragrant powderfruit and
cinnamon white tea infused with cherry blossoms)
"cup323873"                   an immaculate porcelain tea cup (filled with fragrant powderfruit and
cinnamon white tea infused with cherry blossoms)
There are 2 items within.

You take an immaculate porcelain tea cup from a simple tea table of beryl-hued cedar.

Zitto takes an immaculate porcelain tea cup from a simple tea table of beryl-hued cedar.

You begin to wield an immaculate porcelain tea cup in your left hand.

Zitto begins to wield an immaculate porcelain tea cup in his left hand.

Dull chiming noises echo in the distance at regular intervals, the sound of hammers on crystal.

Daraius retrieves rustic stationery bordered with apple branches from his shirt pocket and unfolds it, sparing a cursory glance at its contents before looking down at Zitto and you. "I'm told you wished to discuss matters of family," he states.

You have emoted: Lief cradles an immaculate porcelain tea cup in both her hands, and she hesitates. She glances toward Zitto for a moment, then nods toward Daraius. "I confess, my mind when I wrote the letter is not the same as my mind is now. We'd only just begun to consider the possibility of a courtship at the time, and I was very earnestly curious about his family."

Correcting herself, you say, "I still am. You are the first of House Shevat I've met with since we began our courtship."

"Mm," Daraius hums in understanding, though the sound is more a growl than anything. "Did you send other such letters?"

Apologetically, Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "I am not as close to most of the family as I might wish. In my brother's absence, there are few that I felt comfortable introducing. I have not spoken with Lief much of any besides you."

Daraius's whiskers droop slightly as a soft, disconcerted growl rumbles in his chest.

Daraius Shevat says, "That is, on some levels, distressing, but understandable."

You have emoted: "And Luce," Lief says enthusiastically, beaming at Zitto before Daraius's growl gives her pause. She turns her attention back to him and she adds, "It is my fault entirely - I have not sent any other such letters, being as unsteady and uncertain in matters of courtship as I am."

Daraius's eyes sparkle behind the lenses of his spectacles.

Daraius pours fragrant powderfruit and cinnamon white tea infused with cherry blossoms from an immaculate porcelain tea bottle into an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

Daraius Shevat says, "Dear Zitto has the experience to compensate, I'm sure."

Daraius sips white tea from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

Zitto all but chokes on his tea, coughing in response to Daraius's comment.

You have emoted: With that confession, Lief lifts an immaculate porcelain tea cup. She pauses, and she glances between Daraius and Zitto. "Is that a jest?" she asks, curious.

-smell 323873
The distinctly fruity smell of powderfruit is enhanced by the sweet, woody fragrance of cinnamon and a subtle floral hint of cherry blossoms, making this tea very aromatic.

Solemn, staid voices can be heard from somewhere outdoors, rising and falling in emotionless, precise monotone.

Daraius's eyebrows raise almost imperceptibly. "A conversation for another time, perhaps," he says with a gentle growl. "Between the two of you. In any event, I am pleased. Do feel free to ask me anything you wish to know of my beloved House Shevat."

Zitto seems to shrink a little bit and suddenly becomes fascinated with his teacup.

Daraius Shevat smiles and says, "And I hope you'll share the story of your meeting and courtship with me. I confess, I simply love love."

Zitto perks up a little bit at the mention of courtship. He looks to you, as if seeking permission to tell the story.

You have emoted: Lief's gray eyes linger on Zitto, their limpid depths sparking with uncertain colors, with faded lavender and metallic bronze before Daraius's question draws her once more. The colors brighten - violet and gold - as she smiles warmly at Daraius. "I must satisfy my own curiosity first, if you will both permit me? What is the significance of the beryl to House Shevat?"

With a nod, Daraius Shevat says, "Each of the Collective's noble families is associated with a gemstone. I suspect there was no vast significance to the choice initially, save for the progenitors' preferences, but over the centuries it has come to represent the dignity of the House and our ceaseless service to the Collective."

Daraius Shevat says, "Our eldest Master Artist, Lord Lukun, resides in a berylline gallery and works primarily with that gemstone when crafting mandalas to empower the secondary generators."

You have emoted: Lief nods her antlered head, her expression thoughtful. "It is a warm gemstone," she says. "Since learning of its ties to your house, I have been meditating upon it, and I find I like its sunny warmth."

Daraius nods his head at you, showing his acceptance.

With a hint of apology in her voice, you say, "Perhaps it is the poet in me, but it speaks to me of summertime and all its growth."

-taste 323873
The tea tastes unmistakably of powderfruit, a delicious fruity mix of apple and peach. It is made all the more delicious by the sweet taste of cinnamon.

You take a drink of white tea from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.
As you sip the white tea, your thoughts become clearer.
You notice the pink petals of cherry blossom swirling in the cloudy lavender-hued tea as you take a long sip of the fragrant concoction. The sweet and mild taste of powderfruit is complemented by the fresh flavour of cinnamon, and you catch a couple of soft cherry blossom petals in your mouth.

Daraius acknowledges the point with an upturned paw, taking a placid sip from an immaculate porcelain tea cup rather than giving any commentary on seasons and growth.

You have emoted: "This is wonderful," Lief murmurs after a sip from an immaculate porcelain tea cup. She brightens, and looks up once more to Daraius. "Does House Shevat hold any other symbols particularly dear, or do you otherwise individualize amongst your family?"

Zitto sips white tea from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

Daraius dips his bewhiskered canid muzzle to you in acknowledgement. "The aerial bird," he states, "representative of our Clarramore heritage."

Daraius Shevat says to you, "In the time leading to the Taint Wars, some Shevats recognized the growing danger of staying in Hallifax, and took refuge in the Clarramore Cloud Gardens."

You have emoted: Lief's immediate brightness and sparkle of curiosity tempers itself as she continues to listen, nodding her antlered head.

You think to yourself: How terrible it must have been to leave one's home...

Daraius Shevat says, "The line was able to continue through the centuries, though of course our noble roots were lost to time, quite literally, until the Lady Saaga succeeded in restoring the Beacon, and she and Nihmriel uncovered their Shevat ties."

The faintest smile tugging at his lips, Daraius Shevat says, "It remains one of my greatest honors to have been recognized as worthy of the family, even before they had reclaimed their nobility."

You have emoted: Newly curious, Lief straightens in a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar and leans forward to ask, "The Shevat family would not have persisted if these members hadn't left? Were there not any left when the Beacon of Harmony was restored?"

Clarifying, you say, "Any members left living within Hallifax, I mean."

Daraius returns your curious gaze with one of unblinking incredulity.

You have emoted: Lief hesitates, looking between Daraius and Zitto and back again.

You think to yourself: Did I misunderstand? Was this a bad question?

Delicately, Daraius Shevat says, "As I understand it, being removed from the timestream does not necessarily preserve a being from temporal influences."

You have emoted: By Lief's expression, she doesn't seem to fully understand for a moment. And then she does, and she slumps back into a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar, stupified. "Goodness," she whispers mournfully.

Smiling faintly, Daraius Shevat says, "But as you can see, we have repopulated and re-staffed the wards quite handily in the ensuing centuries."

Clarifying, Daraius Shevat says to you, "By we, I mean Hallifax in general. Though House Shevat is responsible for a large segment of the population."

You have emoted: Lief looks down into an immaculate porcelain tea cup for several moments, and then she sips from its contents before a small smile works itself onto her face again. "I'm very sorry for the morbid questions," she says sincerely, dipping her antlered head toward Daraius before turning to Zitto. "Would you like to share the story of how we met?"

You have emoted: Hope laces itself through Lief's words as she asks Zitto the question.

Daraius's eyes sparkle behind the lenses of his spectacles.

Daraius swivels his ears towards Zitto, listening with rapt attention.

You think to yourself: Daraius is so very proud of his family.

Zitto offers an agreeable nod. He begins happily, "I had some questions about the Lady Maylea. I had my eyes open for any representative of hers, and by chance met Miss Lief in Lirgansha. She kindly agreed to oblige my curiosity. We had a lovely chat, but that seemed likely to be where we parted ways..."

You have emoted: Lief hides a deeper smile as she sips from her tea cup once more.

You think to yourself: It feels like another age, our meeting.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Only, by chance, I met one Gurashi, who is a now-dear friend. Quite unintentionally, I provoked a war between him and Lief for the title of master baker of the Basin."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Them, I mean to say. between them and Lief."

Puffing up a bit, you say to Daraius, "A war I have won in Zitto's eyes."

Daraius Shevat says, "Neither of you is responsible for steak medallions so I fear you were fighting for second place all along, but do go on."

You giggle happily.

Zitto smiles agreeably at you. "You are a truly a master." He turns to face Daraius and objects, "The contest was bakery work, so steak medallions would not have been admissible."

Daraius issues a noncommittal huff of a growl.

You take a drink of white tea from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.
As you sip the white tea, your thoughts become clearer.
You notice the pink petals of cherry blossom swirling in the cloudy lavender-hued tea as you take a long sip of the fragrant concoction. The sweet and mild taste of powderfruit is complemented by the fresh flavour of cinnamon, and you catch a couple of soft cherry blossom petals in your mouth.

Zitto pauses his story to smile for a moment and agrees, "Though steak medallions do occupy a place of preeminence in the culinary world."

Daraius dips his bewhiskered canid muzzle politely to Zitto.

You have emoted: "I have never tried this!" Lief says, laughter still in her words as she looks between Zitto and Daraius.

Daraius Shevat says, "I will see that remedied another time."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "In any case, the contest took the form of unexpected deliveries by way of dirigible. It was a hard-fought battle, but Gurashi seemed to have the upper hand. Lief insisted on presenting her crowning work in person. We had a picnic."

Zitto tells you, "Not a word about the mead, please."

Zitto tells you, "Or, for that matter, the particulars of the cherry pie."

A low, contented growl arises within Daraius's chest.

You have emoted: Lief looks ready to protest something as she turns to Zitto, but she pauses, and she dips her antlered head, acquiescing.

You tell Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed, "We can at *least* say it is award-winning, yes?"

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "She presented me with a wonderful cherry pie, an award-winning one in fact, and I was forced to concede her superiority in the field of all things baked."


You have emoted: Lief nods her antlered head firmly. "I am very proud of it," she says to Daraius.

Grinning, Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Though Gurashi's clever ice cream bribe kept them in the running until the last moment."

Daraius glances into a serene gift basket covered in flowers, perhaps in hopes of spotting a cherry pie.

You say to Zitto, "They cheated - I maintain it is impossible to bake ice cream."

Looking up from the basket, Daraius Shevat murmurs, "And yet, one requires the oven to make it."

You have emoted: Lief turns back to Daraius, her mouth open, and then she waves a hand. "The cakes I've included pair much better with tea," she explains quickly.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "And normally I would be above being moved by such a desperate gambit, but I could not in good conscious attempt to return the ice cream. It would melt!"

You grin mischievously at Zitto.

Laughing, you say to Zitto, "And so the bribe was successful."

A series of chiming notes, distinctly crystalline, ring out in the distance in a slow, descending scale.

It is now the 16th of Avechary, 567 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Deep in thought, Daraius leans his cheek on his hand.

Noncommittally, Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "The ice cream was eaten."

Daraius Shevat says, "I notice Zitto is not engaged to Gurashi, however."

Zitto politely hides a smile behind one hand but fails to conceal the mirth in his eyes.

Flashing her beaming smile onto him, you say to Daraius, "No, to my eternal thankfulness."

Daraius swivels his ears expectantly towards Zitto and you.

Cold, clean breezes eddy through the air, driven indoors by the constant winds that buffet the city.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Owing to my excellent upbringing, I knew I could not just be picnic'd without returning the kindness in some way. An invitation to tea in the Golden Serenity was extended and accepted."

Daraius's tail thumps lightly on the floor behind his chair.

You have emoted: Lief lowers her lashes as she smiles into an immaculate porcelain tea cup. "I was so very impressed and nervous then, too," she confesses. "You truly run a beautiful establishment."

You flash Daraius a joyous smile.

You take a drink of white tea from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.
As you sip the white tea, your thoughts become clearer.
You notice the pink petals of cherry blossom swirling in the cloudy lavender-hued tea as you take a long sip of the fragrant concoction. The sweet and mild taste of powderfruit is complemented by the fresh flavour of cinnamon, and you catch a couple of soft cherry blossom petals in your mouth.

Zitto sips white tea from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

Daraius effuses a flurry of golden motes at your words. "Mm, thank you," he says, his voice laced with a pleased growl. "As I mentioned, I have always hoped it to be a place of peace and harmony. To my great pleasure, it seems to have served that purpose for many, many years."

Solemn, staid voices can be heard from somewhere outdoors, rising and falling in emotionless, precise monotone.

Zitto once again nods in agreement. "I cannot imagine there is anything, even in the Overcity, to match it for beauty or tranquility." He sips his tea before continuing, "After tea, Lief gave me a gift, a poem she had written herself for the occasion. You know well that I am a man of science, not a poet.." He laughs to himself for a moment before finishing, "and I am afraid I quite misunderstood the poem."

The sound of quiet, muffled conversation drifts through the air.

Daraius cants his head quizzically, his ears flopping over to one side as he regards Zitto with a curious gaze.

You have emoted: Lief's cheeks flush suddenly, and she hesitates before looking over at Zitto. "You didn't fully misread it," she notes quietly.

Zitto grins, his eyes sparkling with mirth as he explains, "I thought the poem a confession, which led to a confession of my own."

You have emoted: Lief busies herself by drinking from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

You think to yourself: The flower bud's secret...

Daraius sips white tea from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

Happily, Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Fortunately it was well enough received."

The Crystal Resonance Tower broadcasts: One Will, One Collective.

Cold, clean breezes eddy through the air, driven indoors by the constant winds that buffet the city.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "Would you say that's when we really began a proper courtship?"

You have emoted: Lief lowers an immaculate porcelain tea cup and smiles warmly at Zitto. "Is there such a stage of courtship as pre-courtship?"

Simply, Daraius Shevat says, "Most certainly."

Laughing a bit, you say to Daraius, "I truly am inexperienced in these matters. I would say we entered something like that, though."

Looking over the rim of his cup as he allows himself an unobtrusive sip, Daraius Shevat says, "I'm given to understand that my relationship with Sylandra was pre-courtship until the day I proposed."

Zitto smiles, mirth once more in his eyes.

A warm smile turning up his lips, Daraius Shevat says to you, "I, too, was inexperienced in such matters."

You have emoted: Lief's mild embarrassment fades immediately with the admission, and her smile grows warmer, tinged with gratitude for Daraius.

Brightening, you say to Zitto, "I would say our courtship officially began with your birthday present."

Solemn, staid voices can be heard from somewhere outdoors, rising and falling in emotionless, precise monotone.

Daraius's eyes brighten behind the lenses of a pair of thin spectacles and he trains his ears on you both again.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "I had never received a birthday present before, so it was something of a shock to me. I was presented with another poem. Lief kindly gifts me with the one thing I cannot acquire for myself."

A golden firefly squid drags itself in.
A golden firefly squid flails about helplessly.
A golden firefly squid exclaims to you, "Bloopity blorp, squids on a-ttack! Splash!"
A golden firefly squid scuttles away.

You have emoted: Lief claps her hand over her mouth, unable to stifle her surprised and startled laughter, though she does try as she returns her attention to Zitto.

-squeeze squid for gurashi saying Blub-blub-blub, squids in a tub!
You squeeze a golden firefly squid gently and it slips out of your hand and scuttles away in search of Gurashi.

Daraius appears utterly unmoved by the intrusion, golden motes orbiting languidly about his aura as he listens.

The sound of quiet, muffled conversation drifts through the air.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*whispering across the aethers* Is much more clever... mine did not -rhyme-."

You tell The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo, "But yours made me *laugh*."

Zitto confides, "I do not think I misunderstood this second poem." With an almost conspiratorial whisper, he continues, "I think there is a very real chance she is actually fond of me."

Daraius Shevat murmurs, "You don't say."

Daraius sips white tea from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

You have emoted: Lief's hand lowers from her mouth, and she flashes Zitto a warm and genuine smile.

Daraius Shevat asks, "Was it about this time you became curious about House Shevat? Or is my chronology of events askew?"

With a little shake of her antlered head, you say to Daraius, "Oh, no. I am not a greatly subtle creature - I expressed my curiosity after our first confession here."

The dazzling flash of coloured glass announces the stealthy arrival of an iridescent clockwork dragonfly. Hovering just above Daraius, it drops a vibrant peacock cookie, then is off whizzing through the air in a metronomic drone.

An iridescent clockwork dragonfly rises effortlessly into the air, only to vanish in a dazzling flash of glass and metal.

Comprehension flashes across Daraius's face.

Daraius sets a vibrant peacock cookie aside silently.

Hesitating for a bare instant, you say to Daraius, "I am also not a person with many ulterior motives. I genuinely wanted to learn more of House Shevat then, as I do now - but because of my inquisitive nature and lack of knowledge then."

You have emoted: Lief smiles warmly at Zitto before she says, "I find myself rather personally invested now, though."

Daraius turns up his paw in a benign kind of shrug, silver script swirling over his massive padded palm. "It is only natural to harbor some curiosity for the Basin's most renowned family," he offers plainly.

You have emoted: Lief bows her antlered head again, her smile still warm. "And it is embarrassing how little I know beyond what is simply reputation," she says, her expression softening. She looks over to Zitto briefly, before confessing to Daraius, "I am rather fiercely proud of my family as well - among the shelterfolk, we are the most eminent, and we grew to be thus after my adoption."

With an acknowledging nod, Daraius Shevat says to you, "Understandable. I have obliquely encountered the various talents of your particular generation from time to time."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "I hope that doesn't mean Coraline's signature recipe."

You glance askance at Zitto.

Daraius Shevat says, "Please, grandpup, I do have some dignity."

A subtle sparkle manifesting in his eyes, Daraius Shevat says, "Its notoriety reached me even in my meditation, and Coraline has had the good taste not to attempt to subject me to it."

Zitto politely hides a smile behind one hand but fails to conceal the mirth in his eyes.

You have emoted: Lief seems genuinely surprised by Daraius's statement. "I saw her the target of several Gods' ire, and she had the good sense to avoid gifting you a pot?" she asks.

The sound of buffeting wings is briefly audible.

Gazing ceilingward, you say, "I ate an entire pot of it and cried the entire time rather than upset her."

Daraius Shevat says, "Such are the bonds of family, I suppose."

A low, contented growl arises within Daraius's chest.

You have emoted: Lief glances sidelong at Zitto, a smile returning to her face before she sips from her tea cup.

Daraius Shevat smiles and says, "Forgive me. Where were we?"

You think to yourself: Daraius hasn't -- oh. Perhaps he will ask after all.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "I believe we had largely reached the end of the tale. The rest has been courtship as you might expect. Our relationship has become public knowledge, we attend social events togeter, and I have met most of the Myeras family."

A series of chiming notes, distinctly crystalline, ring out in the distance in a slow, descending scale.

With unconcealed surprise, you say to Daraius, "Even my mother Elarin seemed to take to him. She's...not incredibly renowned for her appreciation of those whose paths see them living outside the Forest."

Daraius sips white tea from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

Daraius Shevat says, "Zitto is, by most accounts, a charmer."

You have emoted: "I noticed that by our second meeting," Lief comments, smiling at Zitto.

Zitto coughs again, once more becoming fascinated with his teacup.

You have emoted: "'Is this Nonsense?'" Lief asks in a voice not closely resembling her own, and she laughs. To Daraius, she explains, "A good friend of mine was in my company as I was sending my dragonfly to deliver baked goods into Zitto's hands when he was instigating the Great Bake-Off."

You say to Daraius, "I very specifically told her that Zitto seemed incredibly polite and complimentary, and I was uncertain how genuine his words were."

You have emoted: Lief's gaze flickers curiously to Zitto. "How genuine *were* you?"

Daraius ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "When I speak of you, I am always genuine. I cannot help but sing your praises."

Daraius Shevat says, "I should hope if he's taken anything from my example, he exercises sincerity at every opportunity."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Admittedly, I do sometimes tell Magnagorans it is nice to meet them."

You have emoted: Lief's sudden burst of laughter quickly fades as she looks from Daraius to Zitto, her mouth slightly open.

Daraius issues a nearly inaudible huff of a growl.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "I mean to say that on that one rare occasion only, I am slightly less than sincere."

You have emoted: A flush colors Lief's cheeks as she quickly lifts an immaculate porcelain tea cup to her lips.

Earnestly, Daraius Shevat says, "Well, I am grateful to have heard your tale. It always delights me to hear of harmony blossoming between two individuals, particularly when one is a Shevat."

You think to yourself: Even when he was telling me he was comfortable talking to me, but did not feel quite ready to share overly much with Elexia?

You think to yourself: All of those compliments early on...

You have emoted: Lief's sip from her tea cup is a long one, her color not fading for quite some time. Eventually, however, she lowers the drink back to her place before a simple tea table of beryl-hued cedar and smiles at Daraius. "I am truly honored to stand by Zitto's side."

A low, contented growl arises within Daraius's chest.

Baring his teeth in a genteel smile as his tail thumps happily behind him, Daraius Shevat says to you, "Mm, very good. I will be quite happy to count you among our number."

Daraius sips contentedly at an immaculate porcelain tea cup, still rumbling with a pleasant growl.

You have emoted: Lief's gray eyes flit sidelong to Zitto, their surfaces clear and bright in their natural gray.

You take a drink of white tea from an immaculate porcelain tea cup.
As you sip the white tea, your thoughts become clearer.
You notice the pink petals of cherry blossom swirling in the cloudy lavender-hued tea as you take a long sip of the fragrant concoction. The sweet and mild taste of powderfruit is complemented by the fresh flavour of cinnamon, and you catch a couple of soft cherry blossom petals in your mouth.

Zitto nervously fidgets with a honeyed beryl engagement band.

Daraius's smile slowly fades as the sudden conspicuous silence draws on.

After more than a moment of thought, her words coming far too quickly for their delay, you say to Daraius, "I am very eager to share familial bonds with House Shevat."

His gaze falling on Zitto as the golden light dims from his eyes, Daraius Shevat says, "Naturally."

Zitto visibly works through a series of emotions, his face contorting into a number of uncomfortable expressions. At last he says, "I am afraid that Lief will not be joining us in House Shevat."

You have emoted: Lief clears her throat, extraordinarily interested in an immaculate porcelain tea cup.

Daraius regards Zitto fully and intently for an interminably long moment as the ceaselessly dancing golden motes about his aura fade to ashen embers.

Dull chiming noises echo in the distance at regular intervals, the sound of hammers on crystal.

It is now the 17th of Avechary, 567 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You have emoted: Lief's fingers tighten about her tea cup, and she swallows, forcing her eyes up to Daraius. "If - if our union is displeasing to you now..." she says, threads of anxiety weaving through her voice.

You think to yourself: We could - we could wed into Shevat instead - Myeras have left the family before...

Though no semblance of expression tugs at his canine features, the mournful rumble accompanying Daraius's voice betrays a profound sadness. "Unfortunate," he says quietly.

You have emoted: Lief glances toward Zitto, her brow drawing together. "We could," she begins quietly, and then pauses, hesitating.

His usual radiance drained from his eyes and aura, Daraius Shevat asks, "When did you come to this decision?"

You think to yourself: He told me he wanted this. But his grandfather is... he is *sad* by this, and he was so happy before...

Cold, clean breezes eddy through the air, driven indoors by the constant winds that buffet the city.

Zitto seems to deflate, sitting limply in his chair for some time. Finally, he seems to find his resolve shakes his head at you before responding, "In truth, I am the junior partner of this relationship, and I could not ask her to abandon her sisters. Not when I know so few among our own family."

You have emoted: "We are equals," Lief says firmly to Zitto.

Zitto shakes his head again. "Not in all things, Unbroken," he disagrees.

You have emoted: Lief straightens in her seat, a wounded look abruptly overtaking her expression as she studies Zitto.

Daraius patiently awaits an answer, his posture rigid, his silence and stillness consummate.

Zitto looks to his two displeased companions and, for a time, says nothing but rests his palm upon his face.

You have emoted: Lief exhales softly, then turns to Daraius. Unable to shake her injury fully, she still manages to steady herself somewhat. "He refers to me by my relationship to my Lady," she explains, "which I do not wield over him in this relationship, not in the slightest. At least - I hope he doesn't think that I do."

Daraius appears unmoved by the explanation.

Sadly, Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to Daraius, "After I met her family, I knew I could not ask her to leave her sisters behind. It would be a cruelty I cannot consider inflicting."

Daraius's eyes flicker once in an unblinking blink, though their golden light remains absent. His own response laced with a disconsolate growl, he says partly to himself, "And finding so much of your own family distant, or absent, it seemed an easier path to part from us."

You have emoted: Lief turns her tea cup slowly between her fingers, fidgeting with it. She brings her gaze from Daraius to Zitto, where she softens, a different pain working into her expression.

You tell Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed, "I've seen sisters leave Myeras for others before. For Strongleaf. For other less notable families. I know how dear your grandfather is to you, my love... and I hope you know how dear you are to me."

Zitto nods sadly. His tone is twinged by pain but not bitterness as he answers, "It would be a difficult thing if Maligorn still woke, or if mother was around, or if your meditations did not call so strongly to you."

Daraius's posture falters subtly, his shoulders slumping a fraction of an inch as he at last diverts his steady, dim-eyed gaze to the woodgrain of a simple tea table of beryl-hued cedar.

Daraius Shevat murmurs, "It is our failure to bear, then."

Solemn, staid voices can be heard from somewhere outdoors, rising and falling in emotionless, precise monotone.

You have emoted: Lief's legs tuck in, her eyes flitting to Daraius with concern. "Failure?" she dares to ask, uncertainty threaded through those two syllables.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "No, the decision was mine, Grandfather. Any fault is mine as well."

The sound of buffeting wings is briefly audible.

When Daraius looks up from the table to Zitto, his ears and whiskers droop pitifully. He seems unable to voice his clear disagreement, but instead turns to you. "Will you be taking my grandpup to Serenwilde as well?" he asks, no malice in his tone, only earnest curiosity, and sorrow.

You have emoted: Lief shakes her antlered head firmly, steadying immediately with the question. "No," she assures Daraius, her words serious and likewise earnest. "I would never ask him to extricate himself and all that he is from the Collective."

You say to Daraius, "Unless he chooses the Serenwilde, I as a Sower of the Last Seed *must* encourage him to remain where he feels home is."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "I am and ever will be a humble servant of our Collective."

The faintest suggestion of luminance wafts through Daraius's aura, though none of it enters his eyes, nor do his ears or whiskers perk up in the slightest. Even his ever-swaying tail lies lifeless on the floor behind his chair. He nods once to you and once to Zitto, offering only a quiet, "Understood."

You have emoted: Zitto's words draw a small smile from Lief's lips as she looks over to him - one that is quick to fade when her attention falls back upon Daraius. She hesitates, fully settling her cup upon a simple tea table of beryl-hued cedar to free her to fidget with the skirts of her serene kimono robes bearing fruitful apple branches.

You think to yourself: Were we to go to war...

You think to yourself: Were Serenwilde to refuse us our life together...

You think to yourself: ...the dream of the Last Seed is one I could carry with me, were this to pass. It dwells within my heart.

Zitto says nothing more but stares morosely at his teacup.

A series of chiming notes, distinctly crystalline, ring out in the distance in a slow, descending scale.

After clearing her throat softly, you say to Daraius, "I know that worship means little and less to you, but one thing my Lady has taught me to do is bend when the storms may blow. She walks with me wherever I may go, and so, should even the worst happen between our two nations, I do not anticipate asking Zitto to leave the Collective. Not even then."

You say to Daraius, "You can be assured of my firmness in this matter."

You think to yourself: ...though such a thing will not come to pass. Even at war, they will allow this. I know they will.

Daraius allows himself a centering breath as he attends to your assertion. After a moment's contemplative silence, he makes a simple declaration, without qualification. "I am happy for you," he says in all sincerity.

Zitto does his best to conceal a sigh of relief, nearly managing to stiffle it. His tone is contrite and sincere as he responds, "Thank you, Grandfather."

You have emoted: Lief softens, and the smile that tugs at her lips is filled with joy and sorrow both. Her hands still over her serene kimono robes bearing fruitful apple branches, and her hands tuck into one another over her lap. Likewise sincere, she says to Daraius, "This means so much to me."

With a shallow nod, Daraius Shevat says, "It will be some time before I can reach peace with your decision, but for your interpersonal harmony, for your clear affection for one another, for the heights to which I believe you can inspire one another, I am indeed happy."

You have emoted: Lief's eyes turn back to Zitto, her gaze filled with incredible fondness. "Zitto makes my heart sing," she says softly, the words for Daraius despite the focus of her attention.

Daraius nods solemnly to you.

Zitto brightens considerably at your words. "Lief is ever the first and last thought of my mind. I love her with my whole heart," he confesses as he gazes adoringly at you.

Solemn, staid voices can be heard from somewhere outdoors, rising and falling in emotionless, precise monotone.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Daraius's lips.

You think to yourself: His wit... his intelligence, his sincerity, his dutifulness, his capacity for love...

You think to yourself: His incredible bravery, his overwhelming warmth...

You have emoted: Despite herself, Lief blinks rapidly and lifts her billowing sleeve to dab at an eye. She smiles at Daraius. "Thank you so much for your blessing," she says. "I think we could both write extensive essays on one another's virtues and bore you to sleep with it."

Daraius's tail flicks sluggishly to the left, but fails to complete a full wag. He nods to Zitto and you as he folds his large paws on a simple tea table of beryl-hued cedar before him. "I will look forward to seeing harmony continue to bloom between you," he says softly. "And with my expectations reconfigured, I may even manifest some enthusiasm for the union itself."

You have emoted: The mere suggestion of Daraius's joy brings a brightness to Lief's demeanor anew. Her eyes still filled with emotion and all its myriad, swimming colors, she can only bow her antlered head low toward Daraius.

Daraius's ear flicks faintly as the soft susurrus of wood against wood draws his attention to the subtle ticking of a humble Toshan pocket watch, unheard until this moment. "Mm," he hums, though again the sound is little more than a growl. "It seems my meditations call me."

You have emoted: Lief's hands tighten slightly in her lap, a moment of indecision overtaking her before she pipes up, "May I still consider you family-to-be?"

Daraius ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Thank you for taking the time to meet with us, Grandfather. I hope I may yet make you proud through my service to our Collective."

Daraius Shevat says to you, "You may consider me however you wish, as anyone is entitled to do."

Daraius nods his head at Zitto.

Earnestly, addressing you both, Daraius Shevat says, "Thank you, sincerely, for sharing this time with me, your stories, and your resolutions."

Daraius Shevat says, "Fates willing, I may be able to wake for the wedding."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "I would be so pleased to see you there."

You have emoted: "I truly and earnestly hope so as well," Lief says eagerly, bowing her antlered head.

Daraius dips his bewhiskered canid muzzle to you and Zitto before getting to his feet, his movement controlled and graceful, as though there were no weight to his towering frame.

Daraius gets up off a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar.

Zitto gets up off a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar.

Clasping his paws and offering a polite bow, Daraius Shevat says, "May you both be well, and your efforts fruitful."

You get up off a low, cushioned chair of beryl-hued cedar.

Daraius takes a step towards the north, his form dissipating into effervescent motes that fluidly flow off to the north.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "That was quite something."

You have emoted: Lief exhales softly, then turns to Zitto, reaching out to claim his hands in her own. "He is an incredible person," she says, her eyes searching Zitto's own. She hesitates for a moment.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "He is. I am so sorry to disappoint him, even if I know I've made the right choice."

Dull chiming noises echo in the distance at regular intervals, the sound of hammers on crystal.

After another exhale and a nod, you say to Zitto, "I wasn't lying. I...when we were first talking to one another, one of my largest points of hesitation was the reputation of your family. If you had insisted early on that I join Shevat, I may not have allowed us to blossom as we have. But now..."

You have emoted: Lief squeezes Zitto's hands in her own. "Now," she says seriously, "if you are at all unsure, if you would have me join myself to your family instead, I would."

It is now the 18th of Avechary, 567 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Zitto shakes his head. "I mean what I said, It would be a cruelty to ask you to leave your sisters for a family I know so little of anymore."

The sound of quiet, muffled conversation drifts through the air.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "I would talk more about it, but I am afraid I too must be going. I love you dearly."

You have emoted: "We may talk more on it later," Lief agrees, leaning in to kiss Zitto's cheek tenderly. "I love you."

Zitto returns a gentle kiss on your forehead before departing.