Cheliyi frowns slightly, sitting up. "Dad... is something wrong with you chests?"

A chilling, forestal curiosities room.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. The first discernible sensation upon entering this room is a mixture of earthy smells; mulch, petrichor, decaying wood, and the heady scent of Wyrden roses saturate the air. As one's eyes adjust to the darkness, barely abated by shadowflame sconces hung on the walls, tall figures begin to emerge. Expansive shelves carved to look like tree trunks seem to grow out of the floor and reach clear to the ceiling. The moss-green rug has been cut to fit neatly between each root and around each curve, giving the illusion of springy turf underfoot. Gently glowing fungi, which seem to be growing out of the shelves at random, make it just possible to see their contents. On one shelf, a scorched dragonturtle shell and a dried starfish sit beside a glistening glasswork recreation of a pile of salmon roe. On another, a pair of arrows with heart-shaped heads are arranged with one crossed over the other, and a scented love-letter lies on top of them. Other shelves are crammed with an increasingly peculiar assortment of knickknacks: an ice pick, a tiny red stone, a dusty brown bottle with "Alchywhole" written in a barely legible script, a cuddly stuffed Tae'dae bear, a miniature rockeater figurine, an ornate ivory pipe, a pile of glittering Czigany coins, and a charm bracelet that looks to be of Fae origin. One rather macabre shelf holds a coiled slave master's whip and a skull that appears to have belonged to a Krokani before it made its way here. Still other shelves lie bare, waiting to be filled with more mementos of adventure to come, and in the corner of one of them a tiny black spider has made its web. A brightly colourful tapestry depicting a bear filled picnic has been hung on a nearby wall. A small table hewn from a ravenwood trunk has been upended here, providing a small surface on which to rest various objects. Depicting the four trees of Glomdoring in stylistic renditions, a woven, rose-scented rug spreads across the floor. There are 2 lyre-backed chairs here. Hanging from fine silver, this large snowflake lantern has light blue gems dangling beneath it, causing a gentle sway. A broad glass-faced display rack for musical instruments stands proudly here. A painting of A Stack of Cats is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. A marble archway stands here, elegantly arcing up from ground to ceiling. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see exits leading north (open door), east (open door), south (open door), and southwest (closed door).

You flutter your nose at the air, sensing through a cute little rabbit nose upon your face the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.
You make out the scent of Xiran coming from A charming patio overlooking oblivion.
You make out the scent of Tridemon coming from A cozy living room above the kitchen.
You make out the scent of Gurashi coming from A charming patio overlooking oblivion.
There is no exit in that direction.

---> go up to room

A comfortable retreat among the canopy.
Following the path offered by the camphor tree's burls, one emerges into a small room that has been carefully built around the trunk and branches. It is cozy, the transported wood sanded over meticulously to a smooth finish. Glassless windows offer a safe overlook into the surrounding aethermanse and house, who's walls are so close they could be touched if one reached far enough. A number of homemade windchimes formed of shells, wood, and bone have been hung from the furthest branches, clinking peacefully with each passing breeze. Chain neatly folded, this globe lantern casts a wistful shade of blue on its surroundings. Warm eggplant purple colours the weave of a tidy hemp rug. A disorganized bed of loose cushions sprawls here. An elegant armoire depicting celestial patterns stands here. A painting of the Shee-Slaugh and An'Ryshe is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall.
You see a single exit leading down (open door).

Loud to the point of seeming reverberation, cicadas play out buzzing dissonances.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*a faint sense of greeting*."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "**quiet acknowledgement** Ah, how are you guys down there? Tried to be quiet coming ins..."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Heard you enters, did. We are O-K. Miss Xiran was just, catching ups. Everything O-K?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "... I guess, yes. Just sitting up in my rooms, now."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "...ah? That was not very convincing."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, ".... um. Does not need to be convincings, does it?"

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "... no, ah. Sorry. Sorry... did something happen?"

The soft tinkling of seashell wind chimes is carried in on a warm breeze.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "Glaisne was.... um. I don't knows. Said did want to break it offs. Which... is obvious enoughs, I guess."
Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "... is understandably hostiles."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "... *assent*."
Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Hostiles?"

Wooden wind chimes can be heard clunking gently together as a breeze moves through.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "...do want to come talks about it in the living rooms? Your dad is here, too, yes."

You flutter your nose at the air, sensing through a cute little rabbit nose upon your face the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.
You make out the scent of Tridemon coming from A cozy living room above the kitchen.
You make out the scent of Gurashi coming from A modest kitchen with forest motifs.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "Ah... hope I did not scare Miss Xiran away."

A modest kitchen with forest motifs.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Like something out of a story book, this little kitchen with a small center island feels warm and comfortable. Ground-level cabinets have been painted a rich forest green and are outlined with tiny handmade crow and leaf imprints. High-mounted ravenwood shelves are lined with jars of herbs and spices, as well as odd-shaped baking implements and pans. Cast iron fixtures are set in strategic places beside heavy wash basins, and an open window overlooks the garden, offering a refreshing breeze. Hanging over the island is a blackened storage rack with several well-used skillets and cooking utensils suspended by hooks. A half dozen cabinets have small locks fastened to their handles, the dark metal surfaces carved with beautiful leafy patterns. Offsetting the dark decorations are brightly colored hand towels and oven mitts decorated with childish happy cows playing in a field. A wooden stool carved to appear as a hand rests sturdily on its own wrist, awaiting occupation. A coiling silhouette of thickets is inked upon the supple surface of this softly pale tea table, low to the ground. Warm honeyed hues dance upon the surroundings, cast by a delicately-scented glass lantern from its perch upon a nearby wall. There are 2 delectable carrion platters here. A painting of a hoard of gold is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. There are 2 platters of multitudinous mini meatballs here. Central to the kitchen is a large oven, next to racks of pots and pans that hang nearby. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. Gurashi, The Heart's Friend with a Regal face shifts and blurs, their figure cast into uncertainty by the enveloping Presence that lingers large, unseen, and heavy about their form. They wield a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars in their left hand.
You see exits leading east (open door), south (open door), west (open door), and up (open door).

Gurashi shakes their head.

You have emoted: Cheliyi steps in through the door, her antennae brushing the ceiling.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I sensed you boths come home."
Gurashi makes a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.


A cozy living room above the kitchen.
A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Eleven steps, all different dimensions and carved from dark ravenwood lead to a comfortable little living area. Dark floors contrast the gentle green shade painted on the walls, and bright, flickering wall sconces. A curved ceiling looks as if it has been scooped directly out of a tree, and thick support joists criss-cross the expanse. Delicate muslin curtains cover either window and barely touch the floor. On both window sills sit half a dozen tiny planters with newly sprouting flowers and herbs inside. Three plain oak doors typically stand closed, but whiffs of lavender and petrichor can be detected when they open, briefly displacing the delicious smells of the kitchen below. The diminutive size, low lighting, and soothing colors of this room invoke a sense of ease and respite. An elegant wall sconce featuring numerous large poppies juts from the wall, holding a flickering candle. There are 2 soft couches decorated with needlepoint poppies here. A tapestry depicting the creation of the lyrebird is proudly hanging here. A lush beige carpet is spread out on the ground. There are 2 elegantly carved ravenwood armchairs here. A small dark brown tea table stands here. A painting of A Future Endeavor is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters with an Unknown face 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. Gurashi, The Heart's Friend with a Regal face shifts and blurs, their figure cast into uncertainty by the enveloping Presence that lingers large, unseen, and heavy about their form. They wield a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars in their left hand.
You see exits leading east (open door), southeast (closed door), southwest (open door), northwest (open door), and down (open door).

The Mantle of Starlight flows gently against your form, twinkling stars shifting across its surface as the starry infinity continues its eternal motion.

You have emoted: Cheliyi slinks in, her wings fluttering faintly. "Hi Dads."

Gurashi carefully ascends the stairwell, climbing it carefully. As they reach the top, they pause, then drift over to where Tridemon is sitting.

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.

Gurashi looks between you and Tridemon. "Get comfy," They murmur.
Gurashi leans over to give Tridemon the most delicate kiss they can muster upon the lucidian's temple.
Gurashi withdraws, folding their hands together tightly.

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances down at herself, and chirrs quietly.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *quiet, here - quiet*.

You think to yourself: ... comfy.
You unhide a dark moss-green linen shirt from view.
You unhide a long skirt of shadows from view.
You hide a warm cloak of autumn hues from view.
You unhide a leaf-green woollen blanket from view.
You unhide a sparkling pink conch earring from view.
That item is already unhidden.

You have set your accent to: Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool
You will now be described as "(Small and cheery,) of axolotl descent with pearly skin and mauve-tinted frills. Her stature is not unnatural for a mugwump, short and sturdy with a clear fitness that implies years of climbing about trees and swimming through swaths of swamp. A messy bob of magenta hair flows from her scalp, tangled with shiny knickknacks, small origami, and albino feathers. Hints of withered willow leaves mingle with her pink locks, the sprouts reluctant to part from her hair. A single, amateur braid hangs from her disheveled bangs, upkept with clear affection. Affixed to one frill is a tiny set of bone chimes, so small that it almost seems like an earring. Her skin has a soft, oily sheen akin to most mugwumps, but strangely enough, the skin becomes abruptly dry and brittle in some places. Most notable of these are her forearms and a large patch around her eyes, the complexion discolored to an uncomfortable beige, rough to the touch. Hints of pink colour the damaged skin, implying frequent fidgeting and rubbing of the tender areas. Her eyes fare no better, the traditionally midnight orbs a faded, milky grey. When caught in a certain light, they seem to almost glow with an unnatural haze. A bright grin reveals normal teeth with suspiciously wooden canines, hinting at her past life as a some form of druid. Thick bark clings to the soles of her webbed feet, another permanent addition to her form that seem to replace any need for footwear. A long, thick tail twitches occasionally behind her, stirring up dust and litter with each sweep. The pale frills that would usually extend from her tail are torn and scarred, the wounds long since healed."

You have emoted: Cheliyi lands on the ground with a soft thump in a burst of mist, before shuffling over to the two of you.

Aquamantic symbols suddenly project themselves upon the very air in dark blue light, fading after a brief moment.

Tridemon looks up from his place on the couch, straightening up somewhat stiffly.

Quietly, you say, "No, don't have to... can just sits, yes."

Gurashi watches you as she shifts between forms, keeping their hands folded together near their heart.

The faintest hint of poppies coils out of the nearby poppy covered wall sconce, candle flickering softly.

You have emoted: Cheliyi crawls onto the couch, sitting in one of the remaining spots on the sofa. She leans into Tridemon's side, her tail curling up to meet her chest.

You think to yourself: ** the space behind your eyes growing hot with tears, okay, he's here, they're both here, it's not okay, but it will be...**.

Gurashi continues to stand, though they stand before the couch, looking at a moment's notice to rush off if need be. "How do you feel?" They ask the lucidian, looking him over.

The soft tinkling of seashell wind chimes is carried in on a warm breeze.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *quiet, quiet - now worried, upset for, sad for - sad, sad, quiet...*.

Muginn shakes out his feathers, the plumes suddenly glowing with an ethereal haze. Ripples of mist pool at his talons, writhing with silent, screaming faces that leave hoar-frost in their wake.

Tridemon settles back down onto the couch, a very gentle scraping sound coming from under his robe as he winces involuntarily for the briefest of moments.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Ow.

You have emoted: Cheliyi frowns slightly, sitting up. "Dad... is something wrong with you chests?"

Gurashi's feathers ripple, eyes widening. They stare hard at the lucidian, wrinkling their nose. They sink wordlessly to their knees in front of the lucidian, then gently tug his sleeve.

You think to yourself: Lucidians are not suppose to make scraping noises...

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *a fearful recollection of snapping crystal, his pain, his gray, gray like last month but a different time, older time...*.

Gurashi reaches forward, grasping the front of Tridemon's robes. "Let me see," They state, not so much asking as announcing their intentions, tugging at any ties or clasps surrounding the lucidian's chest.

Tridemon grimaces slightly, pulling out a vial of something that smells strongly of something that isn't quite mint and not quite floral, opening up the top of his robes to reveal that his chest has been seriously cracked, most of which have been sealed up, but it rather looks like someone took a sledgehammer to his torso, complete with a slightly sunken portion that he applies a clear salve to. Some of the broken pieces shift and scrape before getting held in place by the salve, some of the cracks sealing a little bit more thoroughly.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *all at once, a deafening sound, a birdlike cry upon the revelation of the cracks and compression - colors or blindingly bright, dizzyingly so, if only for a moment before they are shocked into gray, gray--*.
Shocked, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "D..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi makes a quiet, pained noise, sitting back to look up at Tridemon's face with clear worry. Her frills droop like wilted leaves, and she wordlessly places a hand on his arm.

You think to yourself: **a stone, dropped down a well, but it's your heart, and it's sinking down to the very bottom...**.

Gurashi swallows hard, their jaw clenched shut tightly as they reach out, following the hand grasping the salve, eventually resting their hand over one of the largest of cracks, exhaling.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Not the first time that parts of my have shattered... probably won't be the last..."

Warbling, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "Tri-de-monnn..."

Holding back tears, you say, "Doesn't mean we- we don't not want it to -happens- Dad. Care about you. Should have told us last night."

The chirping of frogs and crickets surrounds you in a medley of natural song.
The evening air is still and quiet, and your surroundings glitter with dappled, luminous starlight.
It is now the 7th of Roarkian, 590 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Compounded regeneration salve, powerstone and oil of preservation... used to be the arm...

Her voice cracking, you whisper, "This... this needs more than just salve."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm... it'll be fine. Eventually. Just need to make sure that the pieces don't go missing... Or I'll have to regrow them..."

The grass rustles slightly as a warm night breeze caresses your skin.

Gurashi croaks quietly. "Do not lose any pieces," But they fail to say more, leaning forward and hugging Tridemon's waist, resting their head in his lap as he explains the process.
Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *a terrible sigh, wanting to hold all the pieces together without needs for magics or medicines - shouldnt' have happened in the FIRST place - shouldn't have to deteriorates over and over and over and...*.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: *A memory of his left arm, striated gray and purple rather than the oceanic hues of now, or even the gold of the times before... breaking apart, completely shattered, pieces missing, wrapped in bandages and slathered with medicine, held immobile.*.

He is a crystalline lucidian tidebourne demigod and his body is a strange combination of colours. Most of him is a deep violet colour, while his left arm is a combination of oceanic shades of deep blues and greens, shifting in a rhythmic, tidally slow dance, with ridges funning from his wrist to elbow in a pattern resembling swirling, stylised waves. In addition, it appears that his fingers of his left hand, including his thumb, have an extra joint, tapering off to sharp- but not narrow- points. He doesn't have hair so much as sculpted spikes of crystal, flaring back along his skull almost like plumage. Much of his body is crossed by pale lines of discolored crystal, like scars, showing either pale red or light blue. He also presents an odd form of heterochromia in his eyes, with his right eye being a completely featureless orb of colorless crystal, while his left eye is broken up into three jagged sections, each approximately a third of the visible surface of his eye, showing amber, emerald and opal segments, with pupils occupying both the emerald and amber. A shifting pearlescence graces his skin as he walks with the truefavour of Carakhan, Sculptor of Waves.
Resembling an entity from the cosmic planes, his head is wreathed in undulating strands of shimmering cosmic fire. Attuned to his moods, the chromatic waves are in constant flux, from rising up in a halo of incandescent anger to streaming back in ripples of pleasure.
He is wearing:
an Elemental Cloak
a pearlescent aspergillum
a circlet of smooth stones slowly rotating around his head in a pattern as steady as the tides
a resonating lens of cascading patterns
A Silk Mask of Amusement
a resplendent amberlight blossom
the Mantle of Starlight
Thalassic Prayer Beads of the Sculptor of Waves wrapped around his left forearm, partially fused with the flesh there
a pair of thin spectacles worn slightly too low on his face to actually cover the entirety of his eyes
a symbol of Carakhan
a Celestian friendship bracelet
a ring of calming hues
a parafilament saddlebag
a silver necklace set with star sapphires
a delicate violet chrysanthemum brooch
bright white robes of platinum waves
a dark pearl pocket watch with a clover charm
Urlach's Black Gauntlet
a Brooch of the Elements
an elegant crimson briefcase
an amethyst crown representing the wine-dark sea
a weathered pair of travelling boots
a Runed Crown of Divine Light
a mark of Carakhan
an elegant knot of crystalline filaments
a suspiciously mundane wallet
a delicate white ring.

You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows thickly and nods, looking miserable at the very thought. "W... what about asking Lady Carakhans for help? Didn't... did you say She helped with the arm, once?"

Gurashi tightens their grip a little, burying their face deeper into Tridemon's lap.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *...a memory, still so fresh - the lucidian in your arms, heart racing, blood rushing in your ears - must save him, he is hurting...*.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... the thing I was doing to hold my arm together had stopped working entirely. It was a Sanctifier ritual."

Weakly, muffled by the lucidian's robes, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "The rituals took so muchly..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi suddenly scrubs at her eyes, trembling faintly. "I... um. Okays."

Gurashi lifts their head, looking at you as they hear her voice tremble.

Weakly, you say, "Just do not want you to hurt so much, is all."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It'll get better. Eventually. It shouldn't keep breaking."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: I hope.

Gurashi suddenly swallows hard, their eyes widening. "Wait, here," They whisper, pushing up and away from Tridemon. They touch you gently, then drift down the stairs, determination on their face.

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches Gurashi go, scrubbing at her eyes once more.

Gurashi returns, their hands cupped together, as if they were holding something precious. Very, very gently, they return to the ground before the couch, looking up.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie glances askance.
The room grows warm once more Muginn the ghost-feathered magpie glides off to the down with a click of his beak.

Gurashi furrows their brow as the magpie wanders off, frowning.

You have emoted: Cheliyi shifts on the couch, watching Muginn with a deep frown, only to look back down to Gurashi.

Tridemon shifts in place slightly, reaching up to close his robes.

Gurashi shakes their head, rising up to their knees. They open their hand, revealing several bits of crystal that they retrieved from the previous month. They hold them out hopefully, eyes shiny with tears.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *anxious and uncertain - would help? do not understands how lucidians regrow, despite being ones sometimes - concern and desire to help, fix, make whole again*.

Gurashi looks at Tridemon hopefully.

Tridemon looks up at Gurashi with a gentle smile. "They... won't really help, dear." He says, but takes the crystals from their hands regardless.

Gurashi carefully passes on the crystals, then slumps in their spot, hands falling to their lap, the creases of their palms shiny with crystalline dust. "Oh..."
Quietly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "...is gonna fill in?" They ask weakly, staring at the now-covered chest. "Will be...?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The bits that fall out completely have to be regrown."

Gurashi stares at Tridemon, eyes wide.
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "...s-so..."
Gurashi makes a gesture towards their chest, picking at heir own discolored skin.

Tears filling her eyes, you say, "Oh."
Quietly, you ask, "Does it hurt a whole lots? Can I help?"

Tridemon lifts his right hand, showing that the finger that had been broken away has regrown at this point, with pale blue and red scars around his ring finger where it had broken free.

Gurashi remains silent, reaching out to very gently take Tridemon's right hand. They wordlessly pull it close, clutching it gently, kissing the lucidian on the ring finger before resting the hand against their face, cradling the arm preciously.
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "How do we helps..."

Tridemon hugs both Gurashi and you tightly.

You have emoted: Cheliyi lets out a surprised squeak, before returning the embrace fiercely.

Gurashi is utterly silent, burying their face into Tridemon again as he pulls them in for a hug, wings draped loosely on the ground behind them.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *aching and tired, pulled in all directions, worried about so much, so many*.

You think to yourself: **deep green and a hint of purple swirling, circling one another, you love them you love them you love them both so much...**.

Tridemon flops back down onto the couch.

With a weak smile, you say, "We... need a vacations, or something. Honestly. Existings is like a full time occupations."

Gurashi doesn't move, crumpling in their spot as Tridemon releases them, slinking down so they are draped across his lap and legs again, head down.
Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *tired acknowledgement*.
Gurashi's ear twitches as the poppy upon their wrist shifts, indigo hues becoming obsidian and gold.

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles faintly, sitting down back in her spot. "You know... you twos could go take a nap in your bedrooms, yes. Is probably a good thing to take a nap right now. And more comfortable than a couch."

You think to yourself: **a quiet sigh, they should have sleep. alone times, too.**.

Without lifting their head, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "What did Mister Glaisne say."

Gurashi's head turns vaguely in your direction, feathery plumage atop their head keeping their eyes obscured, though the mugwump can tell they are looking.

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, visibly suppressing a wince.
Quieter, you say, "Isn't that big a deals. Really. You two are tired. Can talk about it laters."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Maybe should go home to go to bed...

Quietly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "But you were sad..."
Gurashi frowns, their attention shifting to the lucidian.

You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows quietly, and nods. "I was. I am. But... I think you guys take a little priority, yes. Should gets to beds."

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *gentle negation*.
Suddenly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I will bite him."

A little firmer, you say, "Dad... you are dealing with lots. Always heavy things on your brains," she turns to Tridemon, "You too. Let me help yous, for once, okay?"

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Because Tridemon is not feeling the bestest." They wrinkle their nose, craning their neck so their head lolls back, revealing some more of their face. "So I will do all of the biting."

Gently, you say, "Can hear your brains. You're -tired-. Is... is more important to me that both of you are okay and healthy, before I deal with my love lifes."

Gurashi frowns at the mugwump faintly... then, slowly, turns to look at the lucidian again.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *for once, for just this once - the faintest of senses of resignation - all they want, more than anything, is to wrap the lucidian up in warmth and comfort, collect all the pieces and fix them until... until...*.

Gurashi's left wing twitches.
Gurashi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Tridemon leans close to Gurashi and gently lays a kiss upon their forehead.

Gurashi looks at you, frowning deeply. "...love you," They whisper, slowly working their way to their feet.
Gurashi reaches out and gently grabs you, pulling you into a tight embrace.

You smile softly.

Tridemon starts using his staff to help lever him up onto his feet.

You hug Gurashi as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.

Tridemon gets up off a soft couch decorated with needlepoint poppies.

You give Tridemon a friendly squeeze.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I know. Love you both toos."

Tridemon grunts gently as he stands.

Seriously, you say, "Now go sleeps. Heal ups."

Gurashi kisses your forehead, then turns, slipping their arm around Tridemon's waist, helping guide him along in addition to the staff. "Lean on me," They insist quite firmly.
Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

Gurashi looks at you hopefully.

A rush of summer warmth passes through you as you smell grass and flowers and glimpse the limitless blue of a perfectly blue, sunlit sky.

As they guide Tridemon towards the steps, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Stay goodly, stay kind... will be O-K."
Tridemon leaves, following Gurashi, The Heart's Friend.

You have emoted: Cheliyi deflates as the two of them leave, slumping against the couch.

You reach out through your bond with Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie and summon him from the stables. You sense him answering your call.

Tears fill your eyes and begin to slowly run down your face.
You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls over a pillow, hugging to her chest.

You think to yourself: **standing firm, until they are gone, go, go be safe, and then... selfishness.**

Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie trots in with head high, butting you gently with his head.
Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie peers at you unscrupulously.

You have emoted: Cheliyi wipes away her tears, sighing quietly.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.
Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie clicks his beak as he nuzzles into your hand, warbling softly.

Quietly, you say, "They need the breaks."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie stares implacably at himself.
Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie stares implacably at you.
Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie lets out a harsh cry, tugging on your hair.

You wince in pain.

The glittering mist around Muginn burns away, the moaning visages of the damned slowly seeping back into his coat.

Wincing, you say, "Ah, ah, hey, no-."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie lets go and warbles again, unimpressed.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.
You reach over and ruffle Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie's hair fondly.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

Quietly, you say, "Are also sticking arounds, huh?"

Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie nods haughtily.

You smile softly.
You hug Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

You have emoted: Cheliyi squeezes her eyes shut, tears slowly dripping onto Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie's feathers. They crystallize on contact, small frost peaks that crumble with another ruffle of his wings.

Quietly, you say, "Let's... go somewheres."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie nods his head emphatically.

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie's brow.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

You have emoted: Cheliyi hops off the couch, shuffling downstairs.