You have emoted: Gael raises his hands to softly clap them together, watching a grand stage of stygian marble thoughtfully.

The curtain drops again.

Adrien smiles.

The curtain rises once more, revealing a lavishly decorated room with a certain skull and corpse motif, and the Magnagoran city skyline visible outside one of the windows. A large banner reading, "WELCOME MANTEEKAN" hangs on one wall.

Adrien's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Fain, of the Red Masque, Morgfyre, the Legion, and Raezon, the Forbidden all sit gathered around a table.

Huffing an annoyed sigh, Fain, of the Red Masque says, "If He's not coming, We might as well eat the ca-."

Fain, of the Red Masque glares at Morgfyre, the Legion.

Morgfyre, the Legion pauses with a single forkful of cake halfway to His mouth, a crumb-covered but otherwise empty platter before Him.

Without taking His eyes off Fain of the Red Mask, Morgfyre, the Legion raises the fork to His mouth and devours the last bite.

The curtain drops down again.

The curtains draw to a close on a grand stage of stygian marble, signaling the conclusion of the performance of 'Waking the Nightmare'.
The air above a grand stage of stygian marble flickers one last time and clears, as the recorded performance of 'Waking the Nightmare' concludes.

Adrien tilts his head back and looks up at the sky.

With a slight quirk of the edge of his mouth, you say, "It appears I was tricked..."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Oh, were you?"

Adrien's eyes sparkle with amusement at you.

Twisting vines of shadow darken the skies above, signalling the return of Nocht, the Silent to mortal perception.

(Glomdoring): Adrien says, "Hail and good tidings, Watcher in the Dark."

(Glomdoring): Nocht says, "Greetings, My dearest Glomdoring."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Would you like to meet a God?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Greetings, my Lord."

(Glomdoring): Illyria says, "Glory be to Glomdoring, and to You, my Lord."

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "Hail, Lord Nocht."

Glancing at Adrien, your good ear gives a little twitch of nervous energy

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Be polite, say hello to the Dark Father."

Adrien gestures upward.

(Glomdoring): You say, "Good morning, Lord Nocht."

Adrien smiles at you.

You have emoted: Gael flushes slightly, tugging at a red wildewood scarf and lowering his chin into it.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says to you, "Do you have any questions? I know that performance is a long and busy one."

Shadows swirl briefly around the room as it is momentarily suffused with murmured and hushed voices that whisper greetings in return.

Adrien smiles quietly, eyes briefly closing.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh asks, "Or would you prefer to hear about the Deity gracing us with His gaze?"

In a quiet, lilting voice, you say to Adrien, "In truth, Manteekan is the God of Glomdoring I know the least about...I wouldn't have expected His arrival here to be so...potentially calamitous."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "It was a.... Pardon the pun. Bit of a Nightmare."

You have emoted: Eyebrows furrowing thoughtfully, Gael muses, "But...the Wyrd took Him, and He went from a Terror to a Nightmare and is now part of our pantheon...is such the nature of the Wyrd? To change things?"

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "He is the Father of the Dark Fae, and He wanted them back. And... yes, very astute. The nature of the Wyrd is to change. To adapt, to grow, and to bring strength to those that grow with it."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Lord Nocht and Lady Viravain were instrumental in.... expediting the teaching process."

You think to yourself: Perhaps that is why I was brought here...to grow, and to change.

You have emoted: Gael eyes the stage pensively, as though recalling the events of the play, then asks Adrien, "What are the Soulless? It sounds...familiar, but I can't recall in full".

Adrien tilts his head back and looks up at the sky.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "...In the beginning, the Great Father created two Daughters. Lady Dynara, the Mother, and Lady Magnora, the End."

Comprehension flashes across your face.

In a quiet, lilting voice, you exclaim, "The first attempt at creating life!"

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Mother Dynara, in turn, created.... everything. And Her first attempts at creating life were - exactly so. Gods without Souls, the Soulless."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "And with no souls, They were endlessly hungry."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "And quite.... Monstrous, from what I understand. It took a long time for Her to birthe anything that looked vaguely like you or I."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "One of them likes to make a nuisance of Himself, periodically."

With a rapid flick of his one ear, you ask Adrien, "Is that...Kethuru, was it?"

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "It is."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "The one released during Project New Hope, and Who likes to strain against His bonds persistently. Occasionally, He even temporarily succeeds."

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Adrien.

Adrien smiles at you.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "You're following quite well."

You have emoted: Gael nods his head slowly, eyebrows still stuck together like one deep in thought as he mutters, "It's all been...so hazy since the Portal. But one thing catches another in my mind, and the pieces gradually come together.."

You think to yourself: Don't...think of those still left in the Workhouse.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh asks, "...If I may - what have you remembered so far?"

You have emoted: Gael glances quickly, almost suspiciously, at Adrien, giving his head a soft little shake as he says, "Only...bits and pieces so far. But some things catch hold more than others, or evoke...feelings that I can't quite explain."

You think to yourself: Magnagora, most of all..

Adrien smiles kindly, the expression brief, and raises a placating hand. "You are Wyrden. I ask only in hopes I can help you find more lines."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Perhaps laying it all out will unlock more doors."

You think to yourself: I...suppose I can trust him...he too is Wydren, and he hasn't poisoned me like that other one..

You have emoted: Gael nods his head slowly at Adrien, casting his gaze downwards as he collects his thoughts a moment.

With a wistful look on his face, Adrien touches a phantasmal shroud of shadows.
As Adrien's fingers brush against a phantasmal shroud of shadows, it shifts subtly as faint whispers echo in the air.

You have emoted: In a low mutter, Gael explains, "I...emerged from the portal here in a bit of...well, a panic." Looking up, a little defensively, headds, "I didn't know this place, or how I had come to be here...I just had some filthy rags on and...this", he reaches up to tug at a red wildewood scarf, glancing down at the red fabric thoughtfully. Letting the scarf fall back into place, he adds, "I went searching for...well, I still don't know what I was searching for, I just...kind of started moving, searching for something. And the Auspice found me, and they touched me, a casual thing, but...I lost it for a moment. It was like being blind with fear and anger...and I'm still not entirely sure where that feeling comes from." Gaze shifting to the ground, he mutters even softer, "Just that I feel it most...whenever I hear of Magnagora."

Lacing his fingers together, Adrien fixes you with a quiet, passive, curious gaze. His golden eyes linger on your scars, on the scarf you wears, on the torn ear. And then they close, and he adjusts his glasses. "What do you know of the culture in Magnagora?"

Sauntering in languorously, a puffball enters from the up, revealing itself to be a ragdoll kitten with bright cerulean eyes.
Ilistala emerges from the shadows, curiously looking around.

With several beats of his wings, Adrien alights upon Xenthos's shoulder.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Hello, Uncle. Hello, Ilistala."

You have emoted: Gael glances hastily towards Ilistala, an enormous leopard, then spots Xenthos, lowering his chin respectfully and muttering, "Fang".

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Greetings."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh asks you, "Do you mind if he stays...?"

You shake your head at Adrien.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard yawns widely, proudly displaying her fangs.

Adrien nods his head at you.

You think to yourself: None saw me go back...I'm sure of it.

You have emoted: Diverting his gaze back to a spot on the floor in front of him, Gael mutters, "And to your question, I know...practically nothing, other than what my mentor has told me about their tastes in art."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head curiously at you.

"The City of Magnagora has a particular distaste for Elfen." Adrien says, simply. "They strongly discourage that they visit. They are hostile, if they approach features of prominence within their walls. Any Elfen unfortunate enough to claim citienship...." His eyes open again, and settle back on you with that same, quiet, gentle curiosity. On the scars. "They are not allowed to flourish."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard wrinkles her nose and sniffs.

You have emoted: Eyebrows coming together to form a sharp V, Gael nods, eyes still on the ground, as he mutters, "I...see."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Those who try to break the shackles set upon their shoulders... Often find it replaced with mind-blanking servitude and hardship."

You think to yourself: I've seen the Workhouse. I've seen the workers. I've seen their hopeless eyes.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares at your hands.

After a pause, in which he watches your face for a reaction, Adrien adds in a quiet murmur, "You have.... a lot of scars."

You have emoted: A little gruffly now, agitation evident on his face despite his attempts to look anywhere but at Adrien, Gael says, "Lots of people have scars. They happen to everyone."

He is a nimble shadowlord faeling shadowfire-limned ascendant changeling and is much larger than normal, a bit over eight feet in height. His skin is a translucent ebony, pine-green shadows seeming to churn just below the surface. Fine white scars form an intricate lacework, lining his skin in a stark contrast.  Glimmering with silver highlights, his hair is a rich, pure white, hanging thick and straight down to his shoulders.  His right eye glows with red fire, containing tiny flecks of green seeming to dance in the flames, while his left is a scarred socket of tissue from which the original eye was plucked.  In its place, an orb composed entirely of shadowfire has formed, constantly swirling within its confines.  Both eyes roam the area, observing everything around him.  His body is lean and lithe, long cables of muscle lying against his bones making him much stronger than first impression would think.  He moves gracefully, making little to no noise when he chooses to walk, instinctively knowing where to place his feet for silence. Springing from his back are a pair of leathery wings, arching high and carried in a subconscious display of self-assurance, faint green tinges showing when struck by the light.  Coiling around each wing, the imprint of a heavy chain has been branded into his flesh.  The blackened links have worn to smooth, iridescent scars along which small wisps of shadowfire cavort.

His silvery hair is cut into an attractively short pixie cut, long bangs swept to one side. Each strand gleams with a faint emerald hue, granting a mysterious, verdant cast to his overall hairstyle.
He is wearing:
a suit of midnight flight field plate
an ebon necklace bound with a shadowfire gem
a midnight flight greathelm
a bone talisman buried in the centre of his chest
an elegant arachnidine half-mask of silver webs
a circlet of crystal thorns
a featherweight charm
the Medallion of Nature
a Brooch of Crow Feathers
a Skeletal Crown of Nature's Way
Tribal Prayer Beads of the Predator
a sinuate band of lustrous shadowfire
a Forsaken's veil
a pair of thin spectacles
an eyepatch of the aethers is positioned over his empty eyesocket, though the churning shadowfire beneath is still visible through it
a symbol of the Predator
a bone-wrought mark of the Predator
an iced medal of the Guardians
a Pendant of Apex Evolution
the Medallion of Life
a Brooch of the Night
a black crown of crow
a bloodied standard of the An'Ryshe bloodline
an embroidered mantle of flickering hope
Onyx Wings of the Burning Dragon
the Tear of Shallah
a shadow-limned wreath of stygian feathers
a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst scythe
a heavy damask stole of ebon threads
a twisting armband of wyrden beauty
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree.

With a quiet kindness, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "And many more will continue to happen."

With a quiet kindness, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "We are hardly gentle, but we are not needlessly cruel."

You think to yourself: Needlessly cruel...precisely what I saw there.

You have emoted: Glowering silently a moment in thought, Gael finally lifts his head up to look defiantly at Adrien, "Yes...so I hope."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

Adrien smiles. And he lowers his gaze, as if cowed. "If I lie, you may take my head for it."

Though he does not lift his gaze, Adrien adds with a smirk, "If you can."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard leaves off sniffing you to pad over to Adrien, her own head quite enormous next to Adrien's as she stares at him.

With a quiet kindness, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "But Mercilessness is not sadism. We must grow, and to grow, we must grow together. You are one of 'together' now, young one."

Adrien pets Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against Adrien.

You think to yourself: To grow...to adapt, and grow, and become more...is that why I arrived here of all places?

You have emoted: Gael nods thoughtfully at Adrien, some of the suspicion in his gaze dwindling as says, "That is...some comfort."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says to you, "Whatever we do, we do with purpose, and that purpose is uniform. For the Glomdoring."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."

Xenthos tilts back his head and inhales deeply while twitching a wolf's snout.

Puffy white fur brushing the floor as she passes, a ragdoll kitten saunters out to the up.
Ilistala melds into the shadows, quickly disappearing from view.

Adrien smiles.

Adrien beats his wings furiously, taking to the air with a droning buzz.

You have emoted: Gael watches as Xenthos leaves, then looks back to Adrien, lowering his head and adding his own soft, "Glory be to the Glomdoring.."

Adrien nods his head at you.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "And we are all the Glomdoring. So glory be to the Glomdoring... to you and I, and He, and Her."

Eyebrows meeting once more in thought, you ask Adrien, "Such is the...tahv'rai for all who reside here?"

Adrien smiles.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Such is our Tah'vrai. And there are many ways to fulfil it."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "I urge you to find the one that speaks to you."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Try as many things as you can."

You have emoted: Nodding slowly, Gael says to Adrien, "Aye...that is something I've still to figure out. I'm hoping I can see the way, working with
the Auguries."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "They are an excellent starting point; I was among theirs when first the Guilds changed. It was not a permanent stay, clearly... I am more of a thinker, than a dreamer."

With curiosity, you ask Adrien, "Who did you join after the Auguries?"

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "The Thornwatch, and there I remain."

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Adrien.

Standing at a scant but typical two feet in height, he is a nimble faeling, one that moves with the fluidity and grace born of noble upbringing. Holding himself with the propriety of scholastic aristocracy, his poise is enforced by delicate and handsome features: high cheekbones, a slender face, long thin ears and lithe, nimble limbs. His dark skin is heavily inked with the imagery and dogma of Wyrden glory, laden equally with Divine supplication and dark and twisting flora. His hair, dark as pitch and a shade off from black by name only, has been cut just short enough to come to gentle rest upon his cheeks and nape, and so the soft curls do occasionally obscure his too-bright golden eyes if he isn't careful. Tucked behind a pair of spectacles, they mirror in shade the radiance of his insectoid wings, which take on a dazzling display of translucent bronze and copper and gold and which superficially resemble those of a massive dragonfly. Tattooed on his hands is an illustration of a seven-pointed star. Wyrden flames flicker across his form like a shadowy cloak, the sweet scent of roses trailing in his wake. Shadows cling adoringly to him, reluctant to surrender their grasp on one with the favour of Nocht, the Silent.

He is wearing:
a circlet of the Shee-Slaugh house glittering dully at his brow
a pair of thin spectacles half-hidden by hair
a phantasmal shroud of shadows, wrapped about his neck and shoulders like a cloak
loose black men's trousers tied securely at his waist.

After a moments thought, you say to Adrien, "You...know a lot about Lord Nocht? I need to learn the core tenets of at least one of the panteon for my Nascent tasks, but have only read some of what I could find in the library."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "I... like to think I know a bit."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "I have been His for centuries."

Edges of his mouth twitching faintly, you say to Adrien, "I had wondered, considering you had offered to explain Him to me after the play."

Adrien smiles at you.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says to you, "I can. But there is a better place for this talk."

The Roots of the Dark Forest.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Emerging grandly from the shadows, a dark, majestic stage looms here. A milestone juts up from the ground here, wreathed in thorny vines. Adrien flaps his wings quickly, hovering in the air here.
You see a single exit leading up.

Adrien beats his wings furiously, taking to the air with a droning buzz.

Adrien beckons you to him.
You begin to follow Adrien.

[[[ Many Walking ]]]

Adrien closes his eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of his surroundings.

Adrien exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from his lungs.

Dha'Kael.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Low, wide ledges of glassy obsidian are banded across the wide breadth of the heptagonal chamber, forming labyrinthine pathways which cross over and cut one another as they trace toward the room's centre. At each of seven entrances a low brazier smoulders, the faint but pleasing scent of resin incense carries through the chilly air. High overhead the ceiling is lost in dense, deep shadow, the same that pervades every corner, and which seems to absorb the sound as well as the light. The ground and the walls are unpolished basalt, the crystalline nature of the rock allowing faint pricks of light to glitter as diamond or stars in the stygian sky. The star shaped centre of the chamber, where all paths meet, is open, the floor here carved. A line extends from the right hand side of every point to the centre line of the point adjacent, that within the first, a second seven pointed star is formed, the concentric pattern continuing inwards. Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh is here, shrouded.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Welcome to my Lord's Realm."

The Refinement.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A wide pillar stands at the far side of the long triangular chamber, resting only a couple of metres before the point where high walls meet in acute angle. Between the pillar and wall a small fire burns in a low onyx bowl so that the backlit monolith looms before the light. On approach, the basalt surface of the pillar is rough, coarse and unpolished, yet circling and coming into the light, the round column is smooth, even gleaming, from waist to shoulder height. The flickering light catches trace hand and fingerprints upon the polished surface. Smoothed by the hands of all who pass here, the honing of the pillar remains a work in progress, each of myriad passes furthering the endeavour. Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh is here, shrouded.
You see a single exit leading northeast.

You have emoted: Gael nods slowly, turning his head to peer about the chamber before turning his attention to the pillar in the corner. Tilting his head slightly, good ear pointed up, he asks, "Is that a lesson of sorts?"

Adrien smiles faintly, gaze drifting to the pillar. "Of Sorts. The first of His Shrouds is the Refinement. To gain the strength needed to learn the rest, we need to learn our own weaknesses, and remove them."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "This pillar will... never be perfect. And neither will we. But it's important to keep trying."

You have emoted: Gael nods his head and walks curiously closer towards the pillar, inspecting the smoothed over portion carefully before asking, "What -are- Lord Nocht's tenets? Just being called...the Silent is a little vague."

Adrien's eyes sparkle with amusement at you.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "I will walk you through them all. Refinement is the first - do you feel you understand it enough to move on?"

Nodding his head once, you say to Adrien, "Aye...refinement. To strive to improve even if it is a task without end."

Adrien nods his head at you.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "That is the first Tenet: Seek Refinement."

The Beauty.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The angled cavern here is flush with life, creeping vines cling to the walls, leafy fronds of rich purple and green dipping out into the open air. A statue in jet dominates the centre of the room, a nude female with palm outstretched and eyes closed, long hair ebbing down her back in shadowy tresses, a serene smile playing across her lips. Creeping at the base, a softly glowing moss casts a silvery blue glow across the floor, stretching outwards to be lost beneath wide-leafed plants of vivid greens. Puff spores float like dust motes in the air and overhead specks of shimmer dot the high dark ceiling like stars in the night sky. Shallow puddles of dark crimson blood seep into the undergrowth, the heady, coppery smell mixing with the lush scent of loam. Shadows shift all around here, revealing one moment a streak of vivid colour and concealing it the next. It is warm here, the air faintly humid. Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh is here, shrouded.
You see a single exit leading east.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "His Second Shroud - second Tenet - is Beauty. There is Beauty in all natural
things, even the stagnant and unstriving Serenwilde. Cities look to imitate our Beauty, but will never capture it. With the Serenwilde stale and
unchanging, and Cities pale imitators, the Wyrden Glory of Home is the only Beauty on this earth that adapts, that grows, that rises to that which
would challenge it, which is Refined enough to leave the past behind."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "It is our duty to show everyone the Beauty of the Wyrd, and to see that it spreads."

With a quiet smile, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh asks, "How do you see that Tenet reflected here?"

You have emoted: Stepping carefully so as not to tread on any of the plants, Gael looks about the room with curiosity, nostrils flaring every now andthen to take in the sharp scents of earth and blood. Glancing back to Adrien, he says, "The plant life here is...thriving. Despite the blood, which would speak to hardship and challenges, the vines still creep, the moss still grows..". His gaze lingers on the statue of a woman at the last, pondering it thoughtfully.

Adrien tilts his head curiously at you.

Looking back over his shoulder, you ask Adrien, "Is that...wrong, in some way?"

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "No, I don't think so at all."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "You have, reminded me of something my sister often says, though..."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Blood will make the roses grow."

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Adrien.

You have emoted: Gael peers down at the ground as he mutters, "Certainly seems true here, at least.."

Adrien smiles at you.

[[Bit of Wandering]]

Adrien tilts his head back and looks up at the sky.
Looking downtrodden, Adrien sadly shakes his head.


The Sacrifice.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The broad basalt staircase rises up from the northwest, meeting the long stone chamber here. On either side of it, thick green vines entwine to serve as banisters, lesser tendrils splaying out to root them to the walls, craggy and broken here at the entryway. The foliage creeps in from below at other points as well. Dark ferns, fronds veined with deep purple fan out across the floor and the spiralling stems of some flowering plant droop overhead, dotted with vivid fuscia blooms. A solid band of onyx threads the walls here, encircling the cavernous room entirely as if bisecting it, and acting as halting point for the wild growth which encroaches no further. Just past this line a creeping rose bush has been planted, pristine blooms of deepest indigo nestled amidst the ebon threaded leaves, the plant stretching overhead to form an elegant bower. Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh is here, shrouded.
You see exits leading southeast and down.

Glancing at Adrien, your good ear gives a little twitch of nervous energy

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "...Right. Getting lost in my own Lord's Realm notwithstanding."

You have emoted: The edges of Gael's mouth twitch faintly at that.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "The third Tenet, Shroud, is Sacrifice. A simple concept: Nothing is gained without giving in return. Every action calls for sacrifice, and it's nothing to be frightened of. Anyone who does nothing but hoard... will never move forward. He asks we approach Sacrifice with this mindset: and to take recklessly from those who are too foolish to make sacrifices of their own accord."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "...Mind what you give, and mind what you take, and make sure it's worth it."

You have emoted: Gael nods slowly, eyes slowly following the onyx band moving across the length of the walls, "And that's...why the plants below haven't grown above?"

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Mmhm. And why concession is made... to the Rosebush."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Do you know the titles of the Lady Viravain?"

You shake your head at Adrien.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Lady of Thorns. Mistress of the Webs. The Summer Song. Mother of Spiders. Mother of Murder. Merciless Reaper... Lady Viravain, the Lady of Roses."

With amusement, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "My sister knows more."

Quietly, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "I think she makes them up, actually."

Curiously, you ask Adrien, "In the play, Lord Nocht and the Lady Viravain worked together against Manteekan. What is the general relation between the two Deities?"

Adrien laughs, a soft and warm and startled sound.

You feel your eyelids drooping; a sure sign that you need sleep.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Oh... goodness. I don't think anyone could answer that but They. But positive, in the broadest strokes. This is Her Forest, and we all know it. They... have the same goals though. The betterment of the Wyrd."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "It is safe to rest here."

Adrien gives a slice of blueberry cheesecake topped with rose petals to you.
In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "And eat."

You have emoted: Hesitating a moment, Gael freezes as a loud peal rumbles from his stomach, and after a moment of silence, his face splits into an
openly amused smile, an odd lopsided gesture, before he says, "Oh good...I was afraid it'd be rude to ask.."

[[ perform sleep ]]

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh asks, "Ready to move on?"

Nodding after shaking the sleep from his eyes, you say to Adrien, "Aye...sacrifice. Since nothing should be gained without giving something in return."

Adrien smiles.

The Shadows.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A narrow corridor joins the chamber from an odd angle near its far corner, leading away down the broadening staircase below. The only light visible here comes from a dimly glowing brazier just outside the southeast exit. It serves only to deepen the shadow. The floor is smooth, free from impediment. A cold draft streaming through hall gives the sense of a vast space, even as the walls and ceiling are indiscernible in the darkness. It carries the faint scent of Wyrden flora, delicate and sweet decay, and its cloying taste. The whisper of the shifting air seems to grow louder and softer at intervals, this breath of sound echoing again and again as if speaking some incomprehensible message. The darkness seems almost liquid here, dense and giving, allowing all who linger here to sink within its depths. Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh is here, shrouded.
You see exits leading southwest and down.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Four: Shadows. Shadows are eternal. Though they may wax and wane, the day will
come where Shadow engulfs every last speck of light. We are to be like the shadows; adaptable, inscrutable, indeterminate, unreadable. The darkness is
kind, young one. It hides and protects those it clings to, and when the end of all light comes, it will remember those close to Night."

The Shadows.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A narrow corridor joins the chamber from an odd angle near its far corner, leading away down the broadening staircase below. The only light visible here comes from a dimly glowing brazier just outside the southeast exit. It serves only to deepen the shadow. The floor is smooth, free from impediment. A cold draft streaming through hall gives the sense of a vast space, even as the walls and ceiling are indiscernible in the darkness. It carries the faint scent of Wyrden flora, delicate and sweet decay, and its cloying taste. The whisper of the shifting air seems to grow louder and softer at intervals, this breath of sound echoing again and again as if speaking some incomprehensible message. The darkness seems almost liquid here, dense and giving, allowing all who linger here to sink within its depths. Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh is here, shrouded.
You see exits leading southwest and down.

You have emoted: Gael stares into the dark room, wavering slightly on his feet as though experiencing vertigo from the lack of reference points. Glancing at Adrien, he asks, "What are...the whispers?"

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "...I'm not sure, honestly. I hear them... when He turns His gaze us. He is the Ceaseless Watcher, He Who Listens. I suppose they must be things He's heard in the Dark. Patience, biding time... sharpen your wit. There is no shame in waiting for the perfect moment."

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Adrien.

In a quiet, lilting voice, you say to Adrien, "It's a little...disorienting."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "It can be. I've... grown used to it, myself. I have very sensitive vision, and I spend a lot of time in the Dark."

Adrien closes his eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of his surroundings.
Adrien exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from his lungs.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "We are nearing the end..."

Glancing at Adrien, your good ear gives a little twitch of nervous energy

The Silence.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A narrow corridor to the west leads inwards to an open room. Walls and floor are glossy obsidian, smooth and polished. The triangular chamber is wide, high glass filled windows at each corner allow natural light to illuminate this space. Stark and unadorned, the vast hall is utterly empty. The softest whisper, merest footfall, ringing a cacophonous echo, reverberating up the high walls and back again and seeming impossibly loud. Yet these are the only sounds discernable, all noise from outside this place well dampened. Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh is here, shrouded.
You see a single exit leading west.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "The fifth Tenet is Silence. A quiet word, full of wisdom, carries itself further and does more in the world than all the shouted nonsense ever could. It is important to know when to speak... and when not to speak. Silence need not be an unwillingness to engage, but mind you judge each encounter, and decide what needs to be said."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "If not for your own sake, for others. It is a mark of respect not to waste someone's time, if you value it."

You have emoted: Gael nods his head thoughtfully, muttering after a moment, "They are all...very wise tenets, I think."

Adrien smiles.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "There are two more."

Comprehension flashes across your face.

The Twilight.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The long hall is lit on one side with simple torches set in narrow onyx pillars, which glow with a soft light somewhere between amber and pink. On the opposite wall a painted mural depicts the awakening, the birth, of the spirit Night. The shrouded form of Lord Nocht stands encircled by other Elders, their features blurred. Before Him bands of ebon darkness and silvery starlight coalesce into the form of a woman garbed only in shadow. The mural's background depicts a perfect dusk, as gold turns to magenta, and indigo. A broad circle of black on the horizon paints the new moon. Running the length of the hall is a narrow black runner, upon which a simple bench of granite rests before the mural. A shallow silver bowl has been left on the floor to the side here, filled with various small trinkets including jewels and a small onyx egg, offerings of meaning for those who left them behind. Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh is here, shrouded.
You see a single exit leading northwest.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "The sixth, and penultimate, is Twilight. Twilight is a time of illusion, where day and night blend. It is a beginning, harbinger to His Night, His Dark Daughter. It is a young thing, and to be welcomed. Likewise... the young are a new beginning, and should be welcomed, and taught."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "It is important to invest in beginnings."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "The Twilight is also a time where Shadows overtake the light and make the world... a bit more unclear. Make your enemies believe the untrue, make them see what is not there. If they cannot embrace the truth of the Wyrd, they deserve no truth at all."

You have emoted: Gael stares up at the mural thoughtfully, nodding his head slowly at the explanation as he says, "I saw Mother Night several months ago. It was an...interesting experience."

Adrien tilts his head back and looks up at the sky.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Was it? He created Her, and She knows much Wisdom."

With a nod, you say to Adrien, "Yes, She came and spoke prophecy...it meant little to me, but I was also quite...unwell at the time."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh asks, "...I hope you're feeling better?"

With a mild shrug, you say to Adrien, "It passed, whatever it was...someone gave me a phial and told me I should drink it...I assumed it would be tea like what the Auspice usually makes for me, but it was...terrible, and gave me hallucinations of pain."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Mm... I'm unfamiliar with that. I'm sorry you experienced it, so young."

Adrien tilts his head back and looks up at the sky.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "... You are our twilight. You are a new beginning, and we are your beginning. It is our duty to teach you, and to see that your beginning leads you somewhere worthwhile."

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Adrien.

In a quiet, lilting voice, you ask Adrien, "Until...the next twilight? And a new cycle?"

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "And then you will be the one teaching."

Adrien smiles at you.

You have emoted: Gael merely furrows his brow, chin dipping beneath a red wildewood scarf to obscure the lower portion of his face.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Until you are ready to usher in a twilight of your own, and oversee its growth into a blossoming Night... we are here to guide you. Not everyone's eyes adjust quickly to the dark."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Metaphorically speaking."

Adrien's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Adrien tilts his head back and looks up at the sky.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "...And life is full of Twilights. This is just your first."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "And perhaps the longest one to navigate."

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Adrien.

The Amalgam.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Coming to a point at the northern edge of the chamber, the high walls extend upward into deepest shadow. Narrow stairs rise from an opening near the centre of the room, a mere open rectangle in the ebon stone floor. The statue of a shrouded figure stands looking out across the room, expressionless and depicted with only vague features, a simple stone bench resting before it. Narrow onyx pillars stand at intervals throughout the room, seven in all, with no particular pattern to their arrangement. Each pillar is draped with an indigo shroud, and burning atop each is a strange blue fire. The air is cool despite the flames, which do not flicker in the faint draft rising from the stairwell. Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh is here, shrouded.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "And so we come to the final Shroud. The Seventh Tenet: Amalgam."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Everything can be broken into parts, but discrete parts are not the same as a cohesive whole, even if nothing is removed among them. The whole is so much more than the things it is made from: The Glomdoring is more than the individuals who live here. Mother Night is more than her stars. The Wyrd is more than the flowers it propagates. We are a Commune: A Community, with goals and values that serve a thing greater than individuality."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "We must support the whole. Pride, where it leads one astray, and causes them to focus on themselves above the Whole, will be the death of any who harbour it."

You have emoted: Gael looks on the pillars thoughtfully before considering the shrouded figure statue, gesturing to them all and asking, "So too is Lord Nocht greater than the sum of His Shrouds? Is that what this represents?"

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "He is. He is beyond my ability to understand, though... I certainly try."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "I like to think I am at least... good enough to teach. And if He smiles on me for that, all the better."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "But most things are greater than the sum of their parts. The Glomdoring is greater than you or I, and true pride comes in serving it well, not in placing yourself in greater importance."

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Adrien.

In a quiet, lilting voice, you say to Adrien, "I can certainly understand that...much like how the Guilds, despite varying views and tenets, all worktowards the same goal."

Adrien nods his head emphatically.

Adrien smiles.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "And those are what Lord Nocht sets before us, to do with as we will."

You follow Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh south to dha'Kael.

Eyebrows meeting in thought, you say to Adrien, "So...Refinement. Beauty. Shadows. Sacrifice. Silence. Twilight. And Amalgam...His seven Shrouds."

Adrien nods his head at you.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh asks, "...Any questions?"

You have emoted: Gael turns to face Adrien and bends slightly at the waist, muttering, "No. Thank you, Adrien, for taking the time to explain this all to me. It was most enlightening."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "May it serve you well. And if you wish to know more...."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "You may ask Tau, or Child-Mine... or Pray at any of the Dark Father's Shrines."

[[Walk to the Master.]]

Adrien smiles.

Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Safe and Sound."

You nod your head at Adrien.

In a quiet, lilting voice, you say to Adrien, "I should go and rest then...you've given me a fair amount to think on."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "Then rest well, young Twilight."

In a quiet murmur, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Adrien Shee-Slaugh says, "I look forward to seeing how you grow."

With another small dip of his chin, you say to Adrien, "Thank you. Take care."

You grow still and begin to pray silently for preservation of your soul while you are out of the land.

(Glomdoring): Adrien says, "Stick to the Shadows, Glomdoring."