Vigilance and Gratitude

Within a serene glade.
Four pillars of sand flow onto a bed-sized slab of white marble which rises from the ground,
surrounded by a nimbus of domotheon energies. Resting peacefully in repose upon the healing mound,
the cocooned figure of the Goddess Li-varili is kept vigil by the gentle light of twinkling
domothean crystals. Wreathed in aurulent ivy, a pristine healing mound gleams invitingly.
You see a single exit leading west.

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "Hello again, Avaris."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "A good evening
to you, Misericorde. How does the even find you?"

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "I am well thus far. Yourself?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "I have little to
complain of, other than the typical issues. It is a quiet month, it seems, insofar as that which is
obvious to me. I do not doubt much occurs beyond the reach of my senses."

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "Are you expecting the worst, or merely
being practical?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "I feel, given
current events, that they are one and the same."

Calioliahali gives you a respectful salute.

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "Ah - apologies for the delay, but I
suppose I cannot fault you for the logic."

You incline your head politely to Calioliahali.

As Calioliahali gently brushes her fingertips across a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li
-varili, one of the pure white magnolia blossoms flowering about Her gently floats into her grasp.

The tension relaxes as Calioliahali, riding a golden hippogriff with broad, translucent wings,
patrols off to the west with authoritative purpose.
You sense the passage of Calioliahali to the west with a faceted pair of crystalline ears.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "It is quite
alright. Have you heard much of what Calfuray has been doing since joining? I am not socially
connected, to any real degree, so I am lacking in information."

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "I am likely even further disconnected
than you. Those I keep company with rarely wake, truth be told."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "That would be
quite the accomplishment. Who do you claim as preferred companions?"

A sense of uneasiness permeates the area as Calioliahali, riding a golden hippogriff with broad,
translucent wings, patrols in from the west with rigid authority.

Calioliahali drops a pure white magnolia blossom.

Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "Have you observed any anomalous activities?"

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "My preference is my starlight,
Niralahi. Following her - my sibling Glacydra, and Aesic. You have claimed a spot on the short list
thus far as well."

Antennae twitching towards Calioliahali, Avaris shifts his head back and forth in a
minute motion to the negative. "Not this month, no."

Calioliahali nods her head.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "Ah, I was not
aware that Glacydra was a relation of yours. They seem like a pleasant individual. Strong opinions
on healing, which I approve of, while I do not necessarily agree with them. I believe my list is
shorter even then yours. Falaine is a sometimes companion, though rare. Princess Nabithia is my
truest friend, and now yourself."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "Forgive me if I
pry by asking, but - Your starlight? What does that signify? I do not wish to presume."

Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "I understand that we are only tangentially acquainted, but I
have noticed your vigil the past several months. It is presumably a pledge you have taken in service
to your Divine, but your persistence is admirable nonetheless."

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "Save my sibling, I cannot say I know
your companions. And - ah - a term of endearment. Niralahi is my wife, and a source inspiration and
beauty."

There is a brief pause following Calioliahali's statement, in which the glowing,
stylised markings of Avaris's wings focus upon her in silent study. In a level tone, he replies, "It
is merely service to my Lady. I have made no pledge to Her, and She has not asked it of me. She
works tirelessly, and I wish to show support, futile as my efforts may be."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say to Calioliahali, "You are kind to say so, however.
Thank you."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "Princess
Nabithia is an Immaculate in my Lady's Order, and oversees Her realm. She is a very fine lady,
possessed of a terribly sharp tongue, but a gentle heart. Falaine is a solid soul, and one of Lady
Terentia's. She is a good-hearted person, if less...Inflexible in her stance than you or I."

Calioliahali offers a singular nod, her smoky blue gaze drifting toward a cocoon of light bearing
the Goddess Li-varili. "Additionally, I wished to convey that should a situation arise, I will
endeavor to be available to assist."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "Ah, I see. That
is a fine term for one so dear to you. I do not believe I have met her, but I hope to, someday. Have
you known her for very long?"

A golden firefly squid flails about helplessly.

A golden firefly squid exclaims to Calioliahali, "How does a squid couple take the next step in
their relationship? They get calimarried! Ha cha cha cha!"

A golden firefly squid scuttles away.

The sharp point of Avaris's alabaster chin dips down in a slow nod, the featureless
visor of his face unreadable as he regards Calioliahali. "Indeed? Might I inquire as to why?"

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "Well. Even an opinion may be refined
over time - your companion may yet learn and change her views. As for Niralahi, she rarely wakes
now, but if needed I am certain she would return to my side... You know, I believe I've known her
since I stepped from the portal. Or at least shortly after. We've been married some forty odd years
now."

Calioliahali ignores the errant squid, eventually directing her full attention to you. "There are
myriad reasons. Suffice to say that our interests are aligned in ensuring that the Basin suffers the
fewest catastrophes as possible."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "Perhaps so. She
is given towards granting aid to all, though she is not stupid in her compassions, as most seem to
be. It is wonderful that you found your love so early on in life. Do you miss her terribly when she
slumbers?"

Likewise paying no attention to the squid whatsoever, Avaris's attention is split
between Calioliahali and maintaining an active awareness of his surroundings, denoted by the
constant scanning of his light-forged eyes. "That puts you in something of a regretfully small
minority. It is appreciated, however." The broad, curving lines of red that form his antennae twist
towards Calioliahali, the resonating chorus of his words growing a shade sharper, yet still calm, as
he asks, "Your opinion on my Lady, and what She does here?"

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "I would be curious to meet your Falaine
- I have seen her about but rarely do our wakings align it seems. Ah. Yes. It aches when she is not
present, but I can certainly occupy myself. I prefer her at my side as I imagine most couples do."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "[A flicker of
embarrassment, swiftly suppressed.] Ah, no, she is not mine, in any capacity. We are merely friendly
acquaintances, in truth, though I have promised to try and spend more time in her company. I believe
she is lonely - So I would appreciate you seeking her out, if possible."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "I am sorry that
you are without her, then. I think I may have an idea of what you speak, and it is far from a
pleasant sensation. I hope that she wakes more regularly, so that you are less alone."v

Her gaze drawn once more toward the cocoon Calioliahali remains silent for a moment. Eventually, she
utters, "I believe that rehabilitation is a worthwhile endeavor, whether exerted towards a mortal or
a Divine." Her right wing unfurls momentarily, its tip indicating the cocoon. "If it can provably
assist One as tormented as Her, I believe that there is much that can be derived from this process,
to benefit both mortalkind and Divine alike."

The lines of stark light that form the eye-like markings upon the gently effulgent
feathers of Avaris's wings thin almost imperceptibly as he listens, though he is otherwise as
unchanged and unmoving as a statue forged of gold. "Derived from this process. How would you go
about doing so?"

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "Have you someone closer to your heart
than those you listed? Or should I behave and not pry."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "[There is a
distinct pause before the reply, which is decidedly awkward.] Ah. Not...In such a manner as you and
your wife, no. That is not for me, I feel. My Lady fills my heart. I need no other."

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "I can appreciate the appeal of such
devotion."

Her gaze returning yet again to the paladin, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "I am
unfortunately but a servant of the Collective, and possess no realistic means by which to wield
Divine magic. A case could be made, however, that if an Individual so deeply scarred and corrupted
by Their negative experiences could truly return, in some fashion, to normalcy, that Others so
affected might seek similar treatment. So inspired, mortals long since resigned to senseless
conflict and entropy may similarly seek to resolve their differences with one another, endeavoring
toward a more balanced existence."

A low vibration of sound shivers forth from Avaris's throat, the noise thoughtful.
"That would be very fine indeed, but I do not find myself anticipating such an outcome." Extracting
his upper left hand from where it clasps its brethren at the small of his back, the kephera gestures
towards the somnolent Goddess with a slow rotation of his wrist, open palmed. "And if the Lady wins
free from Her treatment before it is complete, and is as mad as before, yet hale in body, and
power?"

Simply, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "Then She will become yet another Foe against which our
cities will stand in solidarity."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "Mm. Few do. What
of your Devotion to your Lady? I have not spoken to one of the Sculptor's, in truth."

A short, sharp laugh rings out from Avaris , the sound bitter. "You are an
optimistic sort, I think. Even with all that She has done, the world clamours to embrace Her, and
forgive all Her sins. There will be few indeed who view Her as a foe, and little solidarity in that
stance."

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "Well shall have to find time to discuss
the Sculptor at length, then, as a few passing words will not suffice. I am Her chosen of the icy
depths."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "I would enjoy
that, if you would not mind taking the time to do so. Indeed? I confess that I am unaware of the
significance of that. Is it a path in Her Order?"

Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "For the sake of clarification, I do mean your city and mine.
Should the healing process neither rehabilitate Her mind nor render Her abilities any less potent,
then it is only natural She will continue Her pursuit of the Sea Spirit, which I believe is, in
majority, a thing which your city opposes."

The gleaming spears of aureate chitin that thrust up from Avaris's shoulders glint
as he raises his immense shoulders in a slow shrug. "That is by no means a guarantee. The majority
of the city seems inclined towards sympathy, rather than censure. What is the general consensus in
Hallifax? I know little of your people, in truth."

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "No, not as such. It is more an
understanding that to create something is to change that around us, and we ourselves are changed in
turn. When we begin in Her order we are but driftwood upon the ocean. In that sense, I have reached
depths others have not."

Calioliahali nods sharply. "I acknowledge that it is not a guarantee, only a probability, as with
most circumstances." Her smoky blue gaze drifts now away from the cocoon, toward the entrance to the
glade. "We are, perhaps with one or two exceptions, invested in what is best for the Basin. That is
decidedly not its submersion in totality, or whatever other destruction She might cause, should She
awaken without a re-purposed psyche."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "Ah. That is a
curious notion. I look forward to learning more about Her tenets. Am I correct in assuming that the
deeper one goes, in oceanic terms, the closer one becomes to Her, and the understanding of Her?"

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "In this instance, yes. The Sculptor
does not have tenets as such, like many of the Divine. My path to Her is my own - another's may look
different. The waves; the reefs; even the storm. She is as faceted as the seas She sculpted. My
place is in the depths."

Slipping his hand beneath the layered cloak of his folded wings, Avaris replies, "I
suggest you prepare for that eventuality, with the view of it being a strong possibility. The
Bloodtide are not, I think, idle while my Lady works, and I am certain that there are opportunities
presented here that other Divine may seek to capitalise upon, to whatever end."

Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "That is in fact one of the reasons which precipitated my offer
of assistance, but I was uncertain the degree to which you were aware of the situation."

The burnished plating of his vast chest expand gradually as Avaris inhales slowly.
"Only that they are active, and likely to be working to free Her. Her dreams betray such, even if
logic would not point to such a conclusion." The bladed curves of his crest glint as the angle of
his head shifts inquisitively. "You have pertinent information?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "Indeed? That is
most intriguing, I admit. Each member of the Order has a personalised journey in growing closer to
Her?"

Calioliahali absorbs the paladin's words quietly, then offers a swift shake of her own head. "I was
only recently informed of the greater probability that the cultists have not dissolved, and perhaps
have even grown in number since their initial appearance. You are, I am certain, already suspicious
and aware of one such individual and her activities."

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "Once you have progressed through the
Order, which has three paths we will speak of, how you come to forge your connection with Her
becomes a personal journey."

"Oh yes. I view Calfuray with immense hostility and suspicion. Lorina, and the
others of the Coven are similarly damned eternal, in my eyes." Avaris responds, his voice cool as
steel beneath starlit sky. "It is certain that they have are not dissolute. I suggest proceeding
with that knowledge. They call to Her, and wait. She feels them."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "I admit that
that seems an attractive prospect. Is She a caring Goddess, then? I know that Some can be...Aloof,
albeit not in a malicious manner."

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "I suppose that is one facet of Her. She
is as the sea - ever-changing - and yet.. I would say Her grief from the past still plagues Her.
Some wounds never fully heal."

Calioliahali's gaze flicks over the expanse of the paladin, as if in cursory analysis. She nods once
more, refocusing upon your helmed visage. "There is perhaps little more information to be shared
regarding the matter, but it is encouraging to encounter such a vigilant individual in opposition to
their scheming. I agree that it is best to anticipate the worst possible outcomes, tempered by
reliance on one's comrades for assistance. It is clear that you have perhaps lost some faith in your
own, but I will reiterate that, whatever may come, I will lend my assistance. And should the Basin
drown in our defense of it, we will do so together."

The immobile visor of Avaris's face turns down as he studies the trill before him
at length, the weight of his attention placed almost entirely upon Calioliahali. "We shall see if
your actions put substance to your words. I hope that that is the case. I thank you for the
sentiment, at least, if it is sincere."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "Ah. Yes. I know
what is it to serve a Divine with ever bleeding wounds very well, indeed. It is saddening, to watch
Them suffer, and know we cannot do anything to salve what ails Them."

Nodding a final time, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "I have little else to offer to secure
your trust, and I do not begrudge you for that. Remain vigilant, ally of the Collective, and should
what we have discussed come to pass, we will reconvene."

Nodding curtly in turn, Avaris offers a crisp, elegantly precise salute. "Light's
blessings go with you. Until we meet again, remain watchful."

Calioliahali Salutes you sharply, concluding, "Thank you for your time and your service."

Calioliahali, riding a golden hippogriff with broad, translucent wings, takes the Quintessential
Mandala of Resplendent Harmony in both hands and bows her head. Swirling ribbons of colour race
outwards from the mandala, wrapping about Calioliahali, riding a golden hippogriff with broad,
translucent wings, as she begins to break down into an infinite number of small, fractal shapes
before flaring outwards in a fractal swirl, dissipating into the air.

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "I believe in our own manner we may
provide comfort to Them, if even for only a moment. And, ah, I do apologise but I believe I should
be resting. My eyes are growing heavy, despite my enjoyment of our converstaion."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Misericorde Coldwater, Deepwater Guide, "Perhaps. That is
the aim, at least, I suppose. You do not need to apologise - I would not have you deprive yourself
of rest for a conversation with myself, pleasant as it is. Thank you for the company, Misericorde,
and rest well. Light's blessings go with you."

The cold voice of Misericorde sends chills down your spine, "Blessings of the Deep upon you, Avaris.
Keep well."

Faint motes of light, almost weary in their brilliance, shimmer around you with a quiet fondness as
you linger before the healing mound, fading out of existence as a soft voice whispers, "I thank you
for your vigilance, My Avaris. It is not unnoticed." Then the whirl of starlight vanishes into the
aether, and the words fade with it.

Avaris's antennae snap upright at the appearance of the motes, his stance shifting
subtly as the pinpricks of light are mirror by those that manifest within the azure of his eyes -
Though the shade dulls with concern. His lower left hand frees itself from where it rests upon his
back, to brush the edge of his hand along the curve of his ampoule.

You think to yourself: "Ah, my Lady. You are so good to me, even when worn thin with Your work. For
Your sake, I hope that this ends soon. I worry."