"Oh, I've never tried music."

<-- Gurashi, hanging out in empty manse room

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the west, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Tridemon.

Tridemon bows his head in concentration and disappears into the editor.

The appearance of the room reforms around you in answer to the will of Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Okay, done."

A long stretch of blue-violet sands.
Blue-violet sands continue to line this beach, running further to the east as well as back to the west. The way to the north, however, is blocked by a sharp rise in the terrain, with a twenty foot high bluff of blue-violet crystal mixed in with pockets of black crystal with starry lights at the center. Some bamboo, jade green but streaked with blue-violet crystal all along its height as well as rings where the segments meet, lines the bottom of the bluff, mostly concealing a small cave, just big enough for three or four people to sit or stand in comfortably, with a bit of the cave further back much smaller, and probably only able to fit one human-sized individual. Off to the west, the sound of a river can be heard, and a delta where the river meets the beach has hundreds of black crystals scattered about. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand.
You see exits leading east and west.

Bizirik, the leothin slinks up to Tridemon, rubbing against the lucidian endearingly.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks a few times, as if his attention is coming to focus on the change... he blinks again, then looks at Tridemon, registering your arrival and offering the tiniest of waves.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Hello. I made you a cave."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's not a very big cave."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks again, then furrows his brow in confusion.

You think to yourself: ** .... cave ....? **.

You have emoted: Gurashi's attention draws to the bluff, and he steps away from Tridemon, tilting his head.

Tridemon points to the crystalline bluff to the north. "There, in the bamboo."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back at Tridemon again, approaching the bamboo and pausing as he comes into view of the cave. He looks back at Tridemon again, blinking.

You think to yourself: ** ... for me? ... **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mmhmm. The bluff was always going to be here. A small cave fit in nicely."

Bizirik, the leothin's tail slaps the ground, then sweeps back and forth, tossing up sand. It chatters softly, following after Gurashi as he steps behind the bamboo, and out of Tridemon's sight.

You think to yourself: ** ... curious ... **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You can go ahead and explore, but there's not much to it."

You have emoted: Gurashi does just that, and you can hear him moving around within the cave, his boot scrapes echoing faintly. He pauses before the back of the cave, tilting his head at the smaller nook inside.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at where he's crouched, at the little bit of space to allow for more people, curious.

Bizirik, the leothin pokes its head inside of the cave, tail slapping the ground several times as it watches Gurashi carefully scoot into the smaller part of the cave. It looks like it might be claustrophobic, barely enough room for him to squeeze into. But he does just this, and sits, looking around ponderously.

You think to yourself: ** ... a little rush of emotion - closed, quiet, s a f e ... **.

Tridemon leans down to make his way into the cave with you, sitting down on a part of the rough floor that's not covered in sand.

The sounds of unseen animals stirring for the coming day are audible behind the gentle whistling of the wind elsewhere in the manse.

Bizirik, the leothin makes a noise, watching Tridemon slink in next. It huffs, then wiggles, slinking in after the lucidian with its head bowed, wings brushing the ceiling, making it seem much smaller, if only for a time.

Tridemon pats Bizirik, the leothin in a friendly manner.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Tridemon. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

You think to yourself: ** ... dark ... safe ... **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Yep."

You have emoted: Gurashi presses his back against the wall behind him. He stares up, looking momentarily entranced by the sensation, dazed as tears begin to well up in his eyes. He looks into the larger portion of the cave, at Tridemon, quickly wiping at his eyes, confused.

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs at the cave's floor, then looks around for a comfortable spot to lay itself down, not as content with the hard stone as Tridemon seems to be.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head, making a face, trying to speak though you are greeted with silence. He huffs, shoulders bunching and waving his hand back and forth, cheeks puffing.

You think to yourself: ** ... a gesture to the cave - why?? also, how did ... **.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, hard, wiping away more tears, huffing again.

You think to yourself: ** buzzing relief - safe ... **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Because you needed a cave."

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his mouth again ... then shuts it, sinking in his space gratefully.

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffs, wiping his eyes and lolling his head to the right, temple resting against the wall. After a comfortable minute, he looks at Tridemon again, canting his head.

You think to yourself: ** curious - you are well... ? **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, I'm fine."

You have emoted: Gurashi purses his lips.

You think to yourself: ** ... remembering the painting from before: rebuilding efforts are O-K... ? **.

Tridemon shrugs helplessly.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "They're getting underway, as far as I can tell."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ ...... /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "*Quietly* I made him a cave."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods slowly, sighing. He lolls his head back, letting it rest against the cave as he looks up, scanning the darkness.

You think to yourself: ** ... envisioning the city, the plan from before, the illusory script and offer of food ... **.

Tridemon shrugs a bit, not bothering to look up. It's mostly just dark up there, but a few of the black, starry crystals are exposed above, giving off a faint light.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *you can feel her, very near to you again, though still separated by something - a static fills the empty space* .... ... /."

You think to yourself: ** ... imagining walking away from the cave, down the beach, towards the Heart of the manse, the portal ... **.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses, lip twitching. He wipes his eyes again, his crying finally stopping.

You think to yourself: ** ... safe ... **.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ * frustrated, trying harder to reach* ... a c... /."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ ... rry /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Yes. Made a cave. He wasn't feeling good about being out in the open. Safety in smallness, darkness, quiet."

Bizirik, the leothin thrums softly, staring at Tridemon.

Bizirik, the leothin's tail slaps the ground once.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "You can be safe here, and stay here. The Archons can handle the relief efforts."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *confused, more speaking, though attempting to understand it is fruitless* /."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns a little, looking guilty at this. He seems like he wants very much to scoot forward, but something keeps him sat in place.

You think to yourself: ** ... a desire to help - truly! before it is too late ... **.

Tridemon reaches out to pet Bizirik along her head... and surreptitiously attempt to sneak a thread through the leothin's empathy to see if that helps with reaching Khep or not.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Well, you know what you'll need to do if you want to help. I'm not going to judge you either way, mind."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little huff of air, momentarily flustered as he looks down, looking like he might start crying again. He wrinkles his nose, glancing at his mandolin.

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.

Bizirik, the leothin thrums softly, making a strange amount of eye contact. You get the sense it knows exactly what it is doing... but also, you owe it some shrimp.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *the slightest bit clearer, her voice overlaid with static, as if something is trying to block her specifically - muttering to herself* ...ave I done. Gods. *the sense of pacing* /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "A few mistakes. Big ones. But... there are few things under the sun that cannot be forgiven. All mortal things can be made new."

Tridemon looks up, looking around at the cave. "I wonder how this crystal affects the acoustics in here."

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs softly, mouthing a distinct 'thank you' in Tridemon's direction, offering a small, pained smile. At the comment, he blinks, then looks up as well, mouth opening.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *you feel her stop, realizing you can hear her* Keeper, y... ... /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "I can kind of hear you. Not terribly clearly. I think he's trying to actively keep you away and block you. But Bizirik is helping. I owe her shrimps."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she trails off, listening... even through the separation you can feel her bristle, miserable* /."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts softly, licking its lips, thrumming pleasantly under Tridemon's hand.

Tridemon idly scratches the leothin, making sure to give her rubs... but also making sure he doesn't lose physical contact.

The perception of time momentarily slows to a fraction as Lachesis studies the Tapestry of Fate, carefully measuring each strand before making notations in a great tome. Time rushes forward as the memory fades, yet the feeling remains that your history in Lusternia is recorded in the great annals of fate, for better or for worse.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes his mandolin and holds it in his lap, looking it over. He plucks at a couple strings, listening to the bright sound reverberate off the walls, making his jaw drop.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Tridemon, mouth still partially agape.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hmm. Seems like this is a very good place for music, too. Private music, anyway."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ .... hat do you me..., all mortal t.. ...n be made new /."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a tiny gasp and blushes, perhaps misinterpreting the phrase. He plucks another note, then plucks the same note again, over and over and over, puffing his cheeks.

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 19th of Vestian, 561 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 30 days until the New Moon

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Oh, little things. Buildings, plans, minds, decisions, mistakes, lies, bodies, relationships... There is very little in the world that can't be fixed at least a small bit if someone's willing to put in the effort."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ .... *a sense of hopelessness* ..w do I fix this? /."

Starry shadows herald Dusan, the coruscant as he deposits a soft cotton tunic of muted blue-grey into your hands before dissolving into mist again.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at the mandolin, aggressively playing a few off-key chords, trying to make something sound nice. Sometimes, it does! But, only sometimes.
You have recovered balance on all limbs.

You tilt your head curiously at a soft cotton tunic of muted blue-grey.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "** faint appreciative buzzing **."

Esei tells you, "Of course, cousinling."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "*A rather poignant impression of a shrug.* I've asked him if he wants to forgive you. Part of him wants to keep hating you forever. I think that's Tisohepsut. But Gurashi doesn't want to hate. ... As for what you can do immediately... you still have the chain? Memory, Unyielding? I never told it to let go of you."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "** continued buzzing - you get the sense this tunic will be well loved **."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she listens... slowly, you can feel her shrink. Not shrink - sink, to her knees. Her antennae bob, the light in the air distorted around the movement, the rattle of chains* ... I cannot g... .off /."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at the tunic, turning it over in his hands, distracted from the mandolin by it for a moment.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "A mother's love will not let you go. A father's care will set you on the right path. You have a part of it with you, but you don't have the whole thing. It is also a flower, one that is in Gurashi's mindscape. Which way does it want to seem to go?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *a bit of familiar irritability* We do n... ..ve 'mother's' or 'father's', Keeper /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "You might not. But I did."

You have emoted: Gurashi hesitates... then sets the tunic slowly in front of him, to try later. He looks at the mandolin again, looking up, then down again, plucking one note... then, another, and, another. Clumsy and terrible, and occasionally flat. But - familiar.

Tridemon gives you an encouraging smile, without speaking.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ .... *you feel her turn towards you, then point past you* There /."

You think to yourself: ** safe ... safe ... the feeling radiates, pulses soothingly **.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *her arm drops* We can't g... ..it /."

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, lifting his head to look at Tridemon. The corner of his lip turns into a crooked smile, and he looks down, plucking away, still. It is a -struggle-, each note taking significant amount of thought and consideration to find.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "The chain and the flower are pieces of the same thing. They're my memory, manifested in ways that allowed them to be gifted, and manipulated. Like calls to like. If there is something in the way, go around. Part of him wants to keep you out, forever. Another part is very worried about you."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *She takes a step towards where she pointed, then hesitates* ... s so -bad- to him, Keeper ... /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "I know. I saw. The second part of being forgiven is the truth. But the first part is wanting to be forgiven."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ ..... /."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *you feel her move further away, as if following.. she pauses, waiting* /."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *softly buzzing* You h... ...ot seen it... have you /."

You have emoted: Gurashi grunts as he plays a wrong note, huffing and finding himself again. He starts the melody over again, only slightly less terrible than the first time, gaze drooping. You've definitely heard it before.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "He needs to make a decision, one way or the other. Moving forward. Forgiveness or hate. Finding his voice and finding music in his heart again. I can help him a bit, but there are limits to what I can manage alone. Especially since the Daughter of Roses seems to delight in making him afraid."

Tridemon nods encouragingly at you, that small smile still in place.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she stops, turns* The Daugh... ..f Roses?? /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "She goes by a few titles. You know Her. You don't like Her."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *you feel her bristle* /."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ She alrea... .hreatened him with spiders - what more does She want? *her arms go up, and she resume moving again*/."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Apparently She wants to torment him with visions of his closest friends drained to husks by vicious spiders. I can stand against Her a little bit, for him. But not too far. There would be a backlash against him for active disrespect from me."

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his mouth, trying to sing but the sound predictably stalls. He wrinkles his nose, still playing.

You think to yourself: ** the vines around your feet pulse, squeeze gently... **.

Tridemon nods along slightly to the rhythm of the song, still petting the leothin.

Bizirik, the leothin stretches languidly.

Bizirik, the leothin leans on Tridemon seeking consolation.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *you feel her beckon for you, though it's strange. you still cannot see -anything- of her* /."

Tridemon looks down at the leothin, and hmms to himself... lifting his hand up off of her, no longer petting her for the moment. "I need to go get Bizi some shrimp." He says after another moment, taking his time to... well, try and follow Khep with a portion of his mind, even as he stands.

You have emoted: Gurashi focuses intently on the notes he is playing, watching his fingers on the strings - he doesn't seem to quite hear Tridemon's words, bobbing his head to himself. Bizirik looks up at Tridemon, tilting its head, sniffing at the lucidian's hand gently before settling back in its spot.

Tridemon nods to himself as he walks out of the cave, out onto the sands again.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she waits as you rise, antennae bobbing* .... an you st... ear me? /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Yes. Less clearly than with the Leothin's aid, but yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi shuts his eyes, still fumbling with the notes.

Tridemon turns towards the west and steps forward, instantly collapsing into a torrent of water that rushes outwards with a thunderous crash of water.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she chirrs in understanding, then resumes her trek, movements harder to register without Bizirik* ...s th...s way... That st... ..flower /."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she grows quiet as words become harder to convey, only that strange static and the muffled sound of footsteps on broken ground* /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "You're in the right place. More or less. There's probably a barrier in place there, but it's tuned toward you, and not the chain. I think that if the chain finds the flower, it... might pull you in and past? ... Maybe?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *a scoff* Or r... ..me t... ieces *She lifts her arm, the chain jingling - strangely, this you CAN see, just an impression wrapped around thin air, moving alongside you in little flickers of blue violet* /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "That's... not entirely outside of the realm of possibility."

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 20th of Vestian, 561 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 29 days until the New Moon

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the west, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *a soft chirr, then you think you hear a bitter scoff ... she grows quiet again. Moving, over a seemingly endless sea of cracked ground. You notice little bits of broken glass scattered throughout, catching the light. it all seems so ... vast* /."

Tridemon begins to wield a fat pink shrimp in his right hand.
Tridemon tosses a fat pink shrimp to Bizirik, the leothin, and she catches it nimbly. <-- x many

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

Bizirik, the leothin catches the shrimp excitedly, snatching them from the air, dropping some, spitting out others to  try and grab the next, making a proper mess of shrimp in the cave.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon as you enter, suddenly seeming quite lucid, his face lighting up. He gestures for you to come closer, scooting forward, but not fully out of his own niche.

You bounce up and down.

Tridemon leans in to get back into the cave, waving at you... but not wanting to sit down.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *Khep seems unaware of your return, unaware of Gurashi's actions* Shoul... ..coming up a... ..econd... /."

You have emoted: Gurashi beckons again, scootching forward even further to extend his arm as far as he can without leaving the safety of the nook, holding something out.

You think to yourself: ** ... subdued excitement, but excitement no less...! **.

Tridemon leans in to look at what you're holding, tilting his head. "What do you have there?"

With a little smile, you give a lucidian-inspired sparkleberry tart to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

You think to yourself: ** ...excited buzzing, among the static - you see a calendar, a reminder, the first one that worked! ... small victory **.

Tridemon pets a lucidian-inspired sparkleberry tart ingratiatingly.

Tridemon blinks.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Oh, it's my birthday. I'd lost track again."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "**gentle buzzing affirmation and gratitude**."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods a few times, lolling his head to the side so it touches the wall. He pats a few other tarts near the end of the cave, where you can reach should you choose, then picks up his mandolin again, exhaling through his nose.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *the ground is harder to traverse, seeming to slope down, uneven and broken, bits of broken glass vine crunching into dust underfoot. you can sense a faint aura of light not too far ahead* /."

Tridemon consumes a lucidian-inspired sparkleberry tart leisurely, seeming to enjoy every bite.

Tridemon looks at you again... "Any progress with the music?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods a little, looking down at his mandolin to clumsily play again. This time, you recognize it: it is the standard birthday song you sometimes hear sung at birthday celebrations all across the Basin. He tries very hard not to smile as he plucks along, cheeks puffed.

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little snort through his nose as he is ruffled, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "The light might be the flower. Be careful."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ * a pause ... and as if on cue, you come into view of a ball of light. No. A ... cocoon...? a pod. something unbloomed or unhatched, a semi-circular shape, shiny and semi-translucent. you are too far away to really see beyond or inside. as you look, you realize that there is a field of gnarled, twisted glass vines that surround the structure on all side, protruding from the ground like a strange forest* /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Ah... That's not the flower. That's him. You've found him... and I have absolutely no idea what to do about it."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *you realize that the chain on her arm is pulling -towards- the cocoon* ... /."

You have emoted: Gurashi lowers the mandolin, sniffing as his smile fades. He taps the instrument's neck thoughtfully, then looks up at Tridemon, tilting his head. He taps on the instrument, then points to you, curious.

Tridemon blinks.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, I've never tried music."

You blink.

You boggle at Tridemon.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... keep going. It's best to keep moving forward."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she sighs and lets her arm fall, looking at the field, then the cocoon* /."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks surprised - beyond surprised, really! He suddenly scoots forward, to the edge of the safety of his cave, eyes wide and bright. He holds out the mandolin eagerly.

Tridemon blinks.

Tridemon extends his arms so you can hand the instrument to him.

You think to yourself: ** ... gentle encouragement - does not have to be -any- good, it is simply nice... **.

Carefully, you give a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

Tridemon ponders a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Tridemon begins to wield a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars in his right hand.

You have emoted: Gurashi scoots forward a little further, sitting up. He points at it as Tridemon begins to wield it, then waves a little, urging you to hold it correctly, trying to explain without words.

You think to yourself: ** and ... that hand goes ... and that one ... *.

Tridemon reaches up to place his fingers on the strings and hold the instrument, which is awkward- his left hand isn't built the same as most, after all.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she still seems unaware to what is going on, just as Gurashi seems to be unaware of her. you feel her move forward, slowly, towards the field of vines, which tremble at the feel of footsteps* /."

You have emoted: Gurashi holds up his hands, framing Tridemon and the instrument in your hands, then reaches out, tilting the neck up, the body down, making sure you hold it correct. He looks at your left hand but doesn't seem to think it will be too much of a problem. He looks at you, then wiggles his fingers encouragingly.

Tridemon attempts to play a single note... which goes well enough. Then another. and another. They seem to be... disconnected, though. No sense of progression or connection between them.

You nod your head emphatically.

You think to yourself: ** eager - hopeful **.

Tridemon attempts a chord this time- and it doesn't go well, sounding at best discordant, and at worst actually painful to hear.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a silent laugh, then reaches out, grimacing at the note that is played. He begins to point at your fingers, then at the various instrument's frets, his silent instruction patient but excited.

You think to yourself: ** ... and these will play ... **.

You think to yourself: ** another little wash of lucidity - yes, that will be a C chord **.

Tridemon attempts the chord- it sounds much sweeter this time.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little gasp of elation, clasping both hands together. He points at another series of frets, mirroring your hands with his own on an invisible mandolin. He bobs his head side to side, eager to see Tridemon try.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she moves even more slowly, stopping as she comes across an impassable section of field, the thorny vines coating the ground like grass... keep moving... * /."

Tridemon plays a few more series of notes... faster. Trying to match with a chord or two. It still doesn't really sound like a coherent song, though.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she finds a little section of vine that is thinner, clearer than the rest ... still not entirely so. the chain on her arm continues to pull towards the cocoon, but as she continues moving, you can sense her becoming more and more frustrated* /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Those vines have been holding him back too, you know. Their thorns don't spare him."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out another soft noise, laughing in silence again. He looks at the instrument, then up at Tridemon, watching the lucidian hopefully.

You think to yourself: ** ... curious as to if you have any interest in learning - a blurred passing of instruments, lute, lyre, mandolin, violin, viola - black and white keys - so many kinds and so many nice sounds ... **.

You look at Tridemon hopefully.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *her antennae droop* ... why? /."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ ...u said something... about Tiso, and, Gurashi....? Fighting? /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "They're not quite in sync. Past and present. He's lost the music in his heart. Tiso's thorns are holding him back from the sun."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she seems even more confused at this* ...lost ...? /."

You think to yourself: ** a soft tinkling noise, like icicles on branches brushing together **.

Tridemon stops playing after a while longer, looking at you with a slight smile.

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

You think to yourself: ** the curiosity remains - hopeful **.

You think to yourself: ** then, as you stop - fun? was fun? had fun ... ? **.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "He sealed himself up so tightly, he's not properly connected to the Shadowbeat any longer. He's having trouble with even the most basic music- thought not translating to action."

Tridemon ceases to wield a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars in his right hand.

Tridemon gives a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes the mandolin, setting it in place and looking down at the instrument fondly before looking back up at Tridemon, canting his head to the side.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's nice... but I don't think it's something I'll be doing very often. My hand was getting very... cramped."

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses ... then nods... then looks thoughtful.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly flashes Tridemon a small smile, nodding and looking as if he has a plan, most definitely. He leans back and heaves a great sigh, suddenly yawning.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *she reaches out, hovering her hand over one of the nearest vines. it trembles, recoils from her very presence* Per.... ..ause he expects he wi.. ..et hurt /."

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Mm... Not sure how his music would end up hurting, though."

You have recognised Tridemon for: You actually played the mandolin! TT~TT <3.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a noise as he is ruffled, rubbing at his eyes, then scooting back, back, until he comes into the back of the little cave, looking like freshly packed produce. Oddly content to be wedged in such an enclosed space.

Bizirik, the leothin continues to thrum, eyes half-closed.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Don't forget that you have a blanket and a leothin-pillow."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *her antennae bob and she chitters softly, thoughtfully* Tiso al... ys loved music, but, with Gurashi .... /."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a gasp, suddenly scooting forward.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs quietly to himself as he pulls his blanket out, then wraps it around himself, looking oddly snug despite sitting straight up. You see his hand move under the blanket, an attempt to wave, a spontaneous act of silliness - before he scoots back into the cave, still visible, grunting as he hits the wall.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ ... th..re was a time, after ... he stopped talking then, too, but - *the vines nearest to her begin to writhe slightly, then slowly begin to reach for her. she lets out a distressed little chitter and steps back, out of their reach, closer to you*..mnit /."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up towards the ceiling from his spot, shuffling inside the blanket, looking down... then, slowly looking up instead towards the ceiling.

Tridemon reaches over to pat you on top of your head.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi peeks out towards Tridemon, ducking his head a little, pulling the blanket up to his nose.

You think to yourself: ** ... well wishes - sweet dreams - gratitude ...**.

You think to yourself: ** safe, safe **.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *you feel her move away, step back, further, away from the vines and cracks* ...rry Keeper - I'm go... to have to t... about this ... /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "It won't hurt to wait a while longer."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *softer, watching the vines return to normal as she moves further and further away* ... s he O-K? /."

Tridemon ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

You narrow your eyes at Tridemon, canting your head and peering at him suspiciously.

You tilt your head curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his head from the blanket, huffing, both curious and embarrassed.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "*He responds with the image of Gurashi wrapped up tightly in his blanket, looking a bit like that tasteless shawarma.*."

You think to yourself: ** ...staring - something on my face?? **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Should I draw a moustache on him, Bizi?"

Bizirik, the leothin snorts softly, poking around for any shrimp it missed eating earlier. It finds none, disappointed.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ .... /."

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales, pulling the blanket up around his entire head, disappearing from sight.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "*The image briefly updates with Gurashi having a pencil-thin moustache drawn onto his face in orangetint.*."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ .... *a gentle, bittersweet chitter* /."