"Caring isn't wrong."

A quaint bedroom overlooking the garden.               (#HAH_6)
Stepping inside this small, relatively plain bedroom, one might believe it belongs to a youth. Ikon collections have been displayed on thin wall-set shelves, and pretty stones, bug shells and picked flowers decorate various surfaces. A small wooden wind chime has been hung from a hook beside one open window, clunking softly while creating simple melodies. The fragrance of the garden wafts into this room, smelling of rich wet dirt and flowers. On the sill of the other window sits a small terrarium filled with moss and rotting wood, and a tiny death watch beetle ticks happily inside. A wooden board has been hung by the door, pinned with important news bulletins and a few lavender letters. Painting its surroundings with gentle sprays of color, a stained glass lantern glows here. A four poster bed stands here, invitingly strewn with cushions and blankets. Invitingly deep and made of warmly coloured wood, a rocker is here. Blocking out the light, a pair of forestal drapes are closed here. A large ravenwood chest rests on its side in the corner of the room, its front securely closed. A silk-spun carpet covers the floor in a vibrant array of feather grasses, scattered here and there with the rose-purple blooms of strawberry clover. Still steaming hot, a bowl of chicken and dumpling soup sits cooling on the ground. A painting of Gurashi and the Faeling Princess is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of Beginnings Upon the Beach, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of A Mother's Care, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of No Longer Alone, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered.
You see a single exit leading northeast (open door).

You slump down dejectedly. <-- in beddy

You think to yourself: What do I do....

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Yo."

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

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... You all right over there?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**continued resounding silence**."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *a quiet, familiar chirr* ... a letter ... /."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "He seems... distracted. Distressed."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *bitterness - so much so your neck pinpricks with rage* They could have just said -no- /."

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

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... Alright, I'm coming over. Which room?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *manic, angry chittering joined momentarily by dozens of others* He won't leave his bed - at least Bizirik's being a comfort, and not an annoyance /."

The air in front of you begins wavering and shimmering.
You sense Tridemon pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.
A piercing shriek fills the air momentarily as a shimmering portal appears.
A shimmering portal glows brightly as Tridemon emerges from within.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, having crawled onto the bed, occupying most of it, save the bundle of blankets pressed up against the wall. Its tail begins to wag and it snorts and snuffles at Tridemon, then whines.

You think to yourself: / *a gesture* The letter's on the desk /.

A shimmering portal collapses on itself, leaving glistening sparkles in the air that slowly dim into nothingness.

Tridemon reaches over to pat the leothin on the head, before glancing over to the letter and bending down to pick it up.

Tridemon picks up an elegant leaf of shadow-faded stationery.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a little noise as it is pet, then lays its head back down on its legs. The pile of blankets on the other side of the leothin moves the barest amount, but otherwise doesn't change.

Tridemon reads through the letter, his gaze getting harder, the divisions in his left eye literally growing sharper as he moves down line by line. Sparks and streaks of ruby red flicker through the crystal spikes along the back of his head, but quickly fade, replaced by deep, icy blue light that spreads through him.

You think to yourself: / *frustrated chittering* I simply. I cannot even find the words-- *a flare of hive noise*-- GODS. If I find out his Father approved the letter before it was sent, I will come up there myself, and I will make him EAT it /.

With the echo of distant glaciers grinding against each other, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I see that Rancoura still couldn't find her withered heart if it were hacked out of her chest by an axe."

Tridemon shakes his head, the icy blue light spreading along his body like veins. "If I'm reading this right, this is a personal opinion. An influential personal opinion, from one of the leaders of the Glomdoring. Who seems to think that they should get to mandate what lies inside his mind, his heart, and his very soul."

With the echo of distant glaciers grinding against each other, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I very much doubt that Xenthos laid eyes on this particular missive, much less approved."

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a little noise, the noses at the pile of blankets a bit, snuffling. Another bit of movement.

You think to yourself: / *a frustrated buzz, then a great BANG, something struck very loud and very hard. A series of expletives and angry chittering follows suit* /.

Tridemon growls slightly, baring his teeth, sharper than usual, while the icy blue light permeates his body from head to toe in branching lines, rather brighter than the normal subdued light that he usually gives off without thinking. He begins to pace, muttering to himself.

Tridemon stops, tossing the letter to the ground, just barely missing the bowl of chicken and dumpling soup upon the floor.

Tridemon drops an elegant leaf of shadow-faded stationery.

Through diamond-patterned panes, a panoply of color paints a hanging lantern's surroundings with brilliant prisms of light.

Bizirik, the leothin sits up a little, canting its head and watching Tridemon pace in the narrow space of the bedroom, tail lashing.

Tridemon breathes out with a snort, a small cloud of condensation puffing out of his nose as if the room were forty degrees colder than it actually is.

Tridemon takes a polished cherrywood easel from the Godly Belt of Fabulous Space.

You think to yourself: **a small flicker of azure, in an otherwise pitch mindscape**.

Bizirik, the leothin tilts her head curiously.

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs Tridemon, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from him is.

You think to yourself: / *she abruptly stops* What are you doing? /.

Tridemon slams his easel down onto the carpeted floor with a loud bang, roughly shoving a canvas onto it a moment later. "Art. Expression. Words won't cut it."

Tridemon drops a polished cherrywood easel.
Tridemon puts a blank canvas into a polished cherrywood easel.

Bizirik, the leothin blinks.

You think to yourself: / *a bitter laugh* You're making me wish I could paint /.

You think to yourself: / *another loud noise* I've been making due /.

You think to yourself: ...

A gust of wind causes the many wind chimes to crash and clatter together chaotically, accompanied with the steady patter of rain.

Tridemon lets a few orange beryl gemstones fall out of his rift into his left hand, and closes it, crushing them into powder without any apparent effort before adding them to his palette of paints. Another few bright red rubies fall into his hand a moment later, getting added to the palette as well.

Bizirik, the leothin continues to watch, head raised with interest. Suddenly, it rises on the bed, causing the wooden frame to creak as it turns in a circle, then flops back down, partially atop the relatively motionless pile of blankets, resuming its vigil.

Stepping before the easel and canvas, Tridemon begins to paint with brush and palette in hand, frowning in concentration.

Tridemon takes a painting of Needless Pain from a polished cherrywood easel.

Bizirik, the leothin leans forward a little, as if regarding the painting with a scrutinizing eye.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

Tridemon looks over the painting for a few moments in silence, the icy blue light-veins pulsing gently, but also starting to retract very slightly.

You think to yourself: / *the noise dies down, though you can still feel her pace, hear angry mandible clicks* ... /.

Tridemon gives a painting of Needless Pain to you.

Bizirik, the leothin wrinkles her nose and sniffs.

Someone powerful's divine voice echoes across the land, "Take care not to release them so early next time, My darling. You do not wish for them to escape you so quickly. Mortals! I will offer My truest favour to whomever may prove themselves champions of My Aschwar's birthday hamster hunt."

(clan): You say, ".....sobs."

You think to yourself: ....... birth.... day...?

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs lightly at the painting, looking it over, tilting its head again. It snorts, then begins to nose at the blankets, huffing.

You think to yourself: ......

You think to yourself: **the bit of blue quickly fades back to black**.

You think to yourself: / ... *a sense of moroseness* ... it is a lovely painting, Keeper .... Ti... Gurashi - do you want to come see it /.

A flicker of lightning is followed shortly after by long, low rumble of thunder which causes the windows to rattle.
It is now the 1st of Juliary, 560 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 31 days until the New Moon

With the echo of distant glaciers grinding against each other, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Angry. It's an angry painting."

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a little noise as it continues to nose through the blankets, sniffling and snuffling. Finally, it breaks through the many layers, finding part of a sleeve and nabbing it in its teeth, tugging a little, revealing part of an elbow.

You think to yourself: / ...angry - but beautiful. Poignant. It is true /.

Bizirik, the leothin continues digging, smaller forelimbs prying at the blankets, peeling them away layer by layer. Finally, it pulls at another blanket, and the bright orange top of Gurashi's head is visible, albeit very messy and clinging to his pillow with static.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, looking proud.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "If you're not going to look at it, I'm going to have to find a way to mail it to Khep."

You have emoted: Gurashi keeps his back turned to Tridemon for a long while. Then, very slowly, very reluctantly, he rolls over. He looks exceptionally tired, eyes red and puffy from recent tears. Bizirik bites at the corner of the painting, holding it upright for its companion to see.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the painting for a long time... a wounded expression crosses his face, and he lowers his chin and pulls the most available blanket back over his head, disappearing again, much to Bizirik's chagrin.

Tridemon picks up a polished cherrywood easel.

You think to yourself: ** .... confusion .... **.

Tridemon inspects the easel to make sure he didn't damage it when slamming it down onto the floor.

Tridemon shakes his head slightly before putting the easel back in his belt.

You think to yourself: / .... you're alright? /.

A bit of pale morning light tries to bleed through the clouds, but is quickly lost again in the storm.

You think to yourself: / *a quieter chirr* I'm talking to you, Keeper /.

Tridemon glances over, the veins of icy blue light narrowing down to mere threads. "Mm. It would be... counter-productive to demand an explanation for this... whatever Rancoura thought she was doing."

You think to yourself: / .... he hasn't asked Xenthos about it, yet - though we know he's about. His leopard sent over some... sustenance /.

Finally, barely audible, you whisper, ".... they ..."

You think to yourself: / *the turn of her head, antennae raised* /.

Muffled by the blanket he's hidden under, you whisper, "... they want.. to make me get rid of Miss Sebitti ....?" Another long, painful pause. "...how am supposed to ..."

You have emoted: The blankets shift again as Gurashi curls up deeper inside. Bizirik sniffs and prods at the blankets, letting out frustrated little chattering sounds at the blanket.

You think to yourself: ** subdued misery. confusion... something is wrong with ... **.

With the grinding of glaciers growing softer, more distant and subdued, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I don't know."

Voice soft and clear, you whisper, "... h... if they make her go, where is she going to ..."

Voice wavering, you say, "She is already lost - and ..."

You think to yourself: **something wrong with me?**.

You think to yourself: ** c on f u se d **.

You sniffle softly.

You have emoted: Gurashi moves beneath the blankets, still obscured from sight.

Rain steadily streams down the window panes, crashing in noisy waves against the walls and roof.

You think to yourself: ** a wash of numbness - fold, two, over and... **.

You think to yourself: ** a mindless drone: sweets sweets do not like white chocolates **.

Tridemon tilts his head slightly, watching you work, though he can't really see much in the way of detail.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally sticks out his hand, offering the origami to Bizirik, who takes it with some confusion, trouncing off with it. The hand drops limply against the pillow afterward.

You think to yourself: ** task complete **.

You think to yourself: **eventual return to nothing, listening to the quiet din of hive noise while ignoring the deep, terrible feeling lurking in the pit of your stomach**.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... is it just me or do those thoughts... seem like something important it missing..."

You think to yourself: / *a quiet, frustrated sigh, shaking her head* /.

You think to yourself: / Missing? /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Less like a person and more like... a body that's just been given a task?"

You think to yourself: / ....... /.

You think to yourself: / *tentative prodding, antennae moving, mandibles clicking* Gurashi? /.

You have emoted: Gurashi's hand withdraws back into the blankets again, and you hear him quietly comment, "... do not know which am supposed to be.?

You have emoted: Gurashi's hand withdraws back into the blankets again, and you hear him quietly comment, "... do not know which am supposed to be."

You have emoted: The blankets move, peeling away as Gurashi slowly sits up, almost automated in his movements. "... Xenthos told m...e that..." He takes a calming breath, "...that I am a pretty good me..."

Staring into his lap, you whisper, "...but ..."

Voice soft and clear, you whisper, "... is something wrong with me? That... care so much."

You have emoted: Gurashi's hands find one another, wringing together, knuckles white. "... it can't be both."

Tridemon sits down on the bed next to you, settling down.

You think to yourself: **a deep, aching pain, followed quickly by a sense of repression - a dull ruddy glow, then nothing**.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Caring isn't wrong."

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes begin to fill with tears as he continues to wring his hands together. "... I do not ... know what to do."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances briefly towards his window, then reaches up, wiping futilely at his tears. "I knew that might say no... d... id not know was putting Miss Sebitti in danger by asking," He adds, voice cracking.

You think to yourself: **another ache, a feeling like swallowing too much water too fast and too hard**.

Tridemon glances down at the letter then back at you. "I don't think she cares about you. Not the real you. The one who cares. From the sound of that letter, she seems to want... the idea of you, a perfect ruthless, -unquestioning- drone for the Glory of the Glomdoring."

A warm, gentle wind brings forth the scents and sounds of fresh moving water.

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffles, giving up on drying his face. "... oh ... " His voice wavers. "... but...?

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, pressing one hand against his face and shaking his head. "I will do ... all of that stuff ... but," A pause, "I have to make sure Miss Sebitti is safe first."

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

Clutching his other hand over his heart, you say, "...is my duty right now."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mmm... Why is it, do you think, that whenever they talk about duty, it's so that you have to do something that doesn't feel right? That just plain hurts?"

You glance askance.

Voice soft and clear, you whisper, "Nothing worth doing is easy... maybe."

The chirping of frogs and crickets surrounds you in a medley of natural song.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Feh. Just because something's difficult and painful doesn't make it worthwhile."

You have emoted: Gurashi returns to wringing his hands together, finally looking up at Tridemon. "...They are teaching me lessons..."

You think to yourself: / Painful, miserable, pointless lessons /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's like watching you hit yourself in the hand with a mallet."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The only lesson I see worth learning there is that you should stop hitting yourself with a mallet."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up suddenly towards the window, a fresh wave of tears spilling down his cheeks and off his chin. "I-I ... e-everyone else gets along, O-K ... And, I can... I have a duty - if I -left- do you know what would happen, I-I--".

You think to yourself: / *sharply* You can't always put duty first, Tiso!! /.

You think to yourself: / And I know this is... hypocritical - coming from me /.

You think to yourself: / But this is -not- the first time your duty to your 'hive' has almost killed you and I don't want to see it happen again /.

You think to yourself: / *urgently* I do not want you to be like you were /.

You have emoted: Gurashi adds nothing to this, tears still streaming down his cheeks as he looks slowly about his bedroom, gaze eventually resting on the letter.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... bleeding, everyday, pointlessly, because part of you is different than how it's 'meant' to be..."

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard, tucking his hands tightly into his lap. "... uhm." His lips draw into a tight thin line.

You think to yourself: ** overbearing and painful - disappointment, hurt, awash in subdued ruddy hues **.

Doing his best to fight his tears, you say to Tridemon, "... am trying not to mope."

Swallowing, you say to Tridemon, "... it is hard."

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

Tridemon glances down at his left hand at the sound of creaking wood, and relaxes his grip on his staff slightly.

You think to yourself: / *you hear her start to say something ... then, decide against it, mandibles clicking, falling silent* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, trying not to cry and staring down at his hands. "...uhm..." He sniffles. "M...ay ... I mope - just ...this once...?"

Bereft, you say, "Because am not sure what ... else to do."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Besides, cry. But. Have already done so much of that."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares blankly down at his hands, gray eyes unfocused.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Yeah. Go ahead. ... Want the isolated moping-room?"

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't answer, bowing his head and covering his face with both hands as he curls inward. Bizirik lets out a little noise, snuffling at Gurashi's hair, then nosing his shirt, then laying its head in his lap with a little huff.

You think to yourself: ** a strangely uncomforting shade of pale lilac - it is O-K it is O-K it is O-K **.

Tridemon sits in silence next to you, not wanting to leave... but not having anything helpful to say.

You think to yourself: **another rush of painful emotion, and an equal attempt to subdue them - how does one fix a ghost? was being selfish? was for personal glory? it wasn't for glory right. am doing doing for me, it isn't for me--**.

You have emoted: Gurashi flinches, pulling his hands away from his face and sitting up a little to shake out his wrist as he eyes the fingerblade.

You think to yourself: / *an equally speechless void. Frustration. Anger. -So- angry... and afraid. very afraid* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Your kindnesses aren't for yourself."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "And if you were being selfish, it wouldn't hurt so much..."

Voice cracking, you ask Tridemon, "Why did she say it was for glory??" He says, short of breath. "Is that selfish?"

You think to yourself: ** another aching wave of confusion? hurt, again - confused - which is it **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "What you are doing is not selfish. It's just that anything less than being subsumed into the wyrd without thought seems to be a failure in her eyes."

You have emoted: Gurashi hiccups softly, catching his breath. His attention is drawn up to the lantern hanging from the ceiling, then quickly buries his face in his hands again miserably. ".... missed their birthday," He mumbles, barely audible, through his hands.

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm sure they'll forgive you."

A gust of wind causes the many wind chimes to crash and clatter together chaotically, accompanied with the steady patter of rain.

Softly, you say, "Their... clothes still aren't approved..."

You have emoted: Gurashi drops his hands from his face, opting to hug his knees instead.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The coat, you mean?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, sadly resting his unmarred cheek against his knee, staring off blankly across the room. "And tunic..."

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

You think to yourself: **another wash of ... no. subdue. pushing it away... dull shades of amber**.

Softly, you say, "They all got submitted... were some errors in the phrasing of things on each...is just ..."

Bizirik, the leothin licks its lips, head now tucked in the space created beneath Gurashi's tented knees. "Waiting for final approval," Gurashi mumbles, squeezing his hands again.

Tridemon hugs you compassionately.

You think to yourself: ** no no, it will be approved soon and that. Well. cannot be their present, it was the task from the Shofets, have to make the-- **.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes no sound as he is hugged, though fresh tears spring up in the corners of his eyes.

You lean on Tridemon seeking consolation.

Tridemon strokes your head in consolation.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, suddenly no longer being attended to. It's ears twitch, and it scoots forward, making the whole bed shift and creak as it abruptly sticks its head over Tridemon's free shoulder, thrumming... It licks its nose, huffs in stinky fish breath, and slinks off the bed, shaking itself out.

You think to yourself: ** water. water. quiet, rhythmic, like a heartbeat but whispering **.

A flicker of lightning is followed shortly after by long, low rumble of thunder which causes the windows to rattle.

You think to yourself: ** must help Miss Sebitti - a wave of saffron - but how, but how **.

Light spreads across your back in numerous colours and hues, enfolding you like butterfly wings.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Don't know, but hitting Rancoura over the head with something heavy wouldn't be immediately helpful."

You have emoted: Gurashi mushes his cheek against Tridemon's shoulder as long as he is hugged, his own arms tucked tightly against his torso, as if protecting himself. Suddenly, he looks up, shaking his head. "..please do not hit anyone."

You think to yourself: / *low* He didn't say not to -stab- anyone /.

Softer, you say, "No stabbing either..."

Tridemon appears to be considering where to get a good knife.

You glance askance at a cruel hunting knife.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face. "Mean it - please."

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Quietly, you ask, "No... more... bad things happening - because of this, O-K ?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm not going to stab anybody. ... this year."

You think to yourself: **nervous pinpricks, silvery anticipation**.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Tridemon, "...no stabbing anybody because of me - unless, is me, and need to stab me to stop me, or something..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's face flushes, and he looks down. "I am rambling," He murmurs. "Sorry."

The corners of Tridemon's mouth turn up as he grins mischeviously.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks a little dazed as you grin.

You think to yourself: / I give you permission to stab on -my- behalf /.

You glance askance.

Softly, you say, "Miss Khep."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Want to go see what the fountain made this month?"

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up a little straighter, still staring dazedly at Tridemon. "O-K." Slowly he pulls away his blanket, then tentatively sets his feet on the ground, standing with a wobble.

You get up off a bed strewn with cushions and blankets.

You stare blankly into space.

You begin to follow Tridemon.

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at you.
A bit of pale morning light tries to bleed through the clouds, but is quickly lost again in the storm.

Tridemon touches his fingertips to his hand, illuminating the temporal tattoo upon it. The air beside him warps, as a clock-like portal manifests.
You follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters to The sound of the name of the waves.

The sound of the name of the waves.
Stretching out in every direction is a somewhat oddly colored beach- rather than white or brown or red sand, the sand here is largely a bluish-violet. In the immediate area though is a wide, pristine beach blanket covering the warm sands, along with a wide, colorful umbrella that shades a portion of the blanket from the eternal noontime sun. Next to the blanket is a wooden sign which has been planted deep in the sand, with the words 'Out to Lunch' painted neatly across the weathered boards in black and gold. Off to the north, a forest of rising bamboo can be seen in the distance. The light of day shines brightly. Perpetually ticking away the hours, the Immortal Clock of Past's Restoration stands proudly nearby. Sparkling liquids bubble up from a fountain here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. A water elemental churns here, crystal blue waters enveloped in a gentle mist.
You see exits leading north, east, and down.

Tridemon ponders a sparkling fountain thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

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

Wrinkling his nose, you say, "Booze..."

You have emoted: Gurashi rests his hands on the fountain's ledge, leaning over to peer down into it...

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Lots of things are booze. Last month was... yes, Chansu."

Looking up towards the top, you say, "That sounds like poisons."

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

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

Staring at the top still, you say, "Not eating diseasey."

You think to yourself: ** subdued pastels - this familiar landscape is a happy one yes - still punctuated by a deep, repressed bubble of emotion **.

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

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...bad diseasey."

Without much thought, you give a platter of sliced chocolate oranges with viridescent leaves to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

Tridemon peers at a platter of sliced chocolate oranges with viridescent leaves unscrupulously.

Canting his head, you ask Tridemon, "No good?"

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I was wondering about that platter you put in that origami, actually."

Tridemon eats a platter of sliced chocolate oranges with viridescent leaves with obvious gusto.

Quietly, you ask, "What about it...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Tridemon eat, listening, somewhat unfocused.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Was wondering who you were sending that to."

Softly, you say, "Oh..."

You glance askance.

Tridemon sits himself down.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Was for Friend Aschwar..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Mm - I ..."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi tentatively sinks down to sit beside Tridemon. "...I did not have another gift on hand to send to them." He fidgets. "I need to make them something more special."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...the clothes were a task from the Shofets - I should come up with just... a gift, for them... uhm..."

Sadly, you say, "...I hope that Mister Ixion was nice to them since he won their fun hamster hunt."

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: All Magnagoran peoples...

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Well, you can always try designing something new. That outfit was a task. Perhaps an accessory of some variety."

Voice soft and clear, you ask, ".... oh... an accessory...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze drifts down to the sand, and he begins to idly draw circles with his finger.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...I made them an apron, once."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...I did make clothes, before." He pauses, just now remember. "Only once."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...maybe that is why the Shofets asked me to make clothes..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Earring. Pendant. Nose ring?"

You wrinkle your nose in distaste as you contemplate Tridemon.

Incredulous, you say to Tridemon, "It is for Friend -Aschwar-...."

You think to yourself: / *an amused buzz* I think he was jesting /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Nipple rings would be out of the question."

The corners of Tridemon's mouth turn up as he grins mischeviously.

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders bunch, and his whole head flushes bright pink, but very nearly smiles as well. "Absolutely not."

Softly, you say, "They like my origamis... maybe could make something for them."

You think to yourself: ...a notepad.... with instructions on how to fold origamis...

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his gaze a little, scanning the sea.

You think to yourself: ... does not need words - just pictures...

You have emoted: Gurashi drops his gaze again, tiredly rubbing at his eyes.

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

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "Mm?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm not sure their hands would allow for it."

Smiling, you say, "Anyone can make origamis. Even me."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Unless it is a bad idea - I will keep thinking.... mm..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, it's not a bad idea, if they can actually do it."

You think to yourself: ** a strange wash of nothingness - weirdly relieving **.

You have emoted: Gurashi returns to drawing idly in the sand on his other side. "Well... should come up with a backup idea..."

Glancing over at you, you ask Tridemon, "Do you have an idea for an accessory ... ?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Not really. A few vague ideas at best. Golden beryl and onyx..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Oh - like their colors..."

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses. "They like flowers..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "A little flower pendant, then. A chrysanthemum instead of a poppy, with petals of golden beryl and glittering onyx."

You think to yourself: ** curious... what were they hiding **.

Looking up, you ask, "A pendant...?"

Voice soft and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Oh - you want to give them a protection flower..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's more that you seem to really like the chrysanthemums, rather than any need for protection. And poppies are... not conducive to quick approvals."

You blink.

Blushing a little, you say, "Oh, well... yeah. They are nice flowers... that is not a bad idea, Tridemon..."

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

With a little wave, you say, "Oh. Yeah. That was from the other month..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "About the bluebells..."

You have emoted: Gurashi draws a rather crude interpretation of a bluebell in the sand, making a face.

Tridemon reaches over and draws a rather more accurate bluebell in the sand with the end of his staff.
You have emoted: Gurashi observes the drawing... then turns, and starts drawing an even cruder crysanthemum. It looks like a very uneven, distorted star. "Guess means She lost someone too in that event." He erases the terrible drawing and starts over, making an even more terrible one.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. Couldn't say who."

You have emoted: Gurashi erases the flower a second time with a little huff, starting over.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods at this, reaching up to tiredly rub at his eyes. He leans forward, giving up mid-way on his drawing as he opts to stare at the sea instead.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "... you're feeling better. You're not feeling GOOD, but... better. A bit."

Without looking away from the sea, you say, "I do not feel much of any things right now."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "That's fine."

You think to yourself: **subdued feeling and desaturated pastels**.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to a simple house maid, "Oh, hey Bunnie."

Looking over, you ask Tridemon, "It is...?"

You blink.

With a sprightly skip in her step, a simple house maid curtseys before departing to the down.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up at the maid as well, making a face.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Numbness following an immense emotional low? Not unexpected."

After another pause, you say, "... oh."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly rubs at his face.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Tired?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods once without answering aloud, tucking his hands back into his lap and looking out at the water.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You can sleep here if you like, on the beach. Or on a couch."

You think to yourself: ** worry - no, it is O-K. right? has to be. must be. suddenly -tired-, deep indigo, then pitch black **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Strong emotional responses can be just as exhausting as strong physical ones."

You think to yourself: / *finally speaking up* Yeah. No going back to your room /.

Quietly, you say, "...there have been a lot of those.."

You have emoted: Gurashi seems dazed. "So many big feelings lately."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Steal his hat."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts softly, looking up to the challenge. Though it also looks quite lazy, sprawled out on the sand the way it is.

After a time, you ask, "... I can stay on your couch?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Yep. Or here. Or in the meditation chamber. Or you can sleep on the dining room table, if you feel like it."

You have emoted: Gurashi shrugs, hugging his knees.

You think to yourself: ** a pin-prickling feeling - a desire to find somewhere safe **.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "I will... uhm..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "If anyone comes looking for you here, I'll send them away."

You think to yourself: ** tired again - what am doing - oh yeah: sleep **.

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly pushes himself up to his feet, looking around the shore uncertainly.
You have recovered balance on all limbs.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...I am gonna go inside."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around again tiredly, shrugging his blanket over his shoulders and wrapping himself in it tighter.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Have a nice sleep. Without dreams."

Voice soft and clear, you ask Tridemon, "You are needing anythings before go...?"

Tridemon shakes his head.

You think to yourself: / *an annoyed, albeit sympathetic chitter* /.

Tiredly stepping past you, you say, "O-K ..."

Tridemon stands up and stretches his arms out wide.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Goodnight, Tridemon."

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

Voice soft and clear, you say to Tridemon, "...many thank yous for the painting."

You stare at a painting of Needless Pain, eyes wide.

You glance askance.

<-- leaves

A cozy living room.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Extending off of the foyer, this living room is somewhat more expansive than the room to the south by about half. The floors are still the same pale golden wood with violet sparkles and whorls and coated for durability, but there are several places where comfortable cushions have just been strewn about in slight depressions along the floor, perfect for flopping into. Along the northern wall is also a kind of nook with further, sturdier cushions, made of some dark material that won't show stains. There are slightly raised walls of the same wood around the nook, which have been engraved, somewhat oddly, with dozens of images of dancing shrimp. The walls in this room have more of the special paper from the foyer, but this time the painted waves are joined by rising trees with thorny vines bearing roses draped along their branches. The ceiling in this room also continues the theme of stone tiles, a slightly darker blue than the ones in the foyer, and bear engraved likenesses of forest creatures between the ones that belong to the sea. In the northeast corner, a spiral staircase- contained by a cage of platinum-streaked wrought iron, around a central pillar of bright blue coral- leads up toward another room, though the narrow size of the stairs themselves would seem to indicate that it's meant for just one person to climb at any one time. Along the west wall is an archway lined with vines of bright green jade, woven together into a coherent whole. The actual room itself is concealed from casual sight by a beaded curtain, with the beads made of more of that bright green jade, resembling vines loosely covering the opening. There are 2 dark blue crystalline couches here.
You see exits leading south, west, and up.

You throw yourself onto a dark blue crystalline couch, sprawling out and making yourself at home.

You think to yourself: I will help you, yes ... even if cannot be Beloved...