And the you that you are is quite good.

You portal to An'ryshe.
A peaceful glade.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Trees thrive here, encircling the wide glade, their immense trunks giving an impression of age and majesty. Only one tree grows within the glade itself-- a massive Ravenwood which stands proudly in the center, its branches thick and concealing. A carpet of soft grass covers most of the ground in the open space, though a few large rocks break the surface, their tops worn flat and smooth and kept meticulously clean. This affords ample space for one to rest and relax, choosing either the soft comfort of the grass or the smooth surface of the rocks depending upon personal taste. A small segment of the glade has been turned into a miniature garden, in which grows violet irises and well-tended rosebushes arranged in tidy rows. The fragrance of the flowers permeates the air with a heady aroma. A purple tulip, a twilight blue rose, a warm tulip of dawn, a warm tulip of dawn, a cluster of snapdragons, a yellow lily, a warm tulip of dawn, a pink carnation, a warm tulip of dawn, a bright red poppy, a vibrant sunflower, and an elegant pink rose blossom within a beautiful, lush garden. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. You see a sign here instructing you that WARES is the command to see what is for sale.
You see exits leading north, east, southeast, up (closed door), and down (closed door).

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around curiously. "Uhm, many thank yous again for inviting me to come. Was nice hunting, yes."

You glance askance.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It got us even closer."

The Wyrden Cultured House of Shee-Slaugh is liable to descend into obscurity without involving itself more in the goings on of the Basin of Life. The House has performed approximately 90% of the work it must do to stay in the mouths of town gossips.

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze goes momentarily out of focus, then lights up a bit as he refocuses on Xenthos. "Ah! Almost done."

Xenthos nods his head in agreement.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses, wringing his hands together as he musters a thought. "...sorry. Words are hard."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "...I am still going to write my letter, I think."
Xenthos nods his head at you.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "To the Shadow Court? You and Miss Evette and Lady Rancoura and Mister Snald... uh - if are more names, then, let know, but."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Then there will be a final decision."

Looking aside, you say, "Yes, know. But more importantly."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Have already come this far, and, it would be very cowardly, and very not what I would like to do, to stop here."

Pausing for a moment, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I think it is clear what the answer is likely to be. But."

Xenthos nods his head at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi avoids eye contant. "Is something that most definitely must see through. And is probably going to hurt, and honestly terrifies me a little bit, but that is O-K."

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his mouth, then shuts it again, then sighs. "Know am putting you in a weird place? And do not want to make you have to choose between the Lady of Roses and me wanting to help the Shofets and be Beloved is probably -not-..." He pauses. "Something that saw me ever asking."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "But - if the SHadow Court says no, is O-K."

Voice cracking, you say to Xenthos, "I will still love you!! And the Glomdoring, yes."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "But -also- think this is really important."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "It -feels- ...."

You have emoted: Gurashi bobs his head side to side, scanning the ground. "Uhm. I have not had a feeling like this - not since first left the Portal, and found way to Glomdoring, yes? Is very -big- feeling."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "I -have- to help Friend Aschwar. Something is ... going on - yes."
Voice softening, you say, "A-and, they are ... more than just a tae'dae..."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: Reaching out to wrap his arms around Ilistala's neck, Gurashi rests his head against the leopard's own, still talking. "They are very, very powerful. Apparently, so powerful, that it would be dangerous for someone who is not Divine to be around them. Imagine that." He frowns. "That is a very big responsibility. And they have already been hurt a lot, and -are- hurting a lot, and also the Shofets is hurting a lot, and every moment that things stay broken, get the feeling something really -bad- is going to happen."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "And now, there is a ...."

You have emoted: Gurashi clutches his shirt. "Ghost...?"

Pulling out a slip of paper, you say, "Tridemon... tried to catch her..."

You take a sketch of a sketch of a veil-clad ghost from a Rope Belt of Advantage.

Pointing at a certain spot on the sketch, you give a sketch of a sketch of a veil-clad ghost to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "So, uh, after the Lady cut off my head, a ghost showed up in my manse."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...know there is nothing in the sketch."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "But she was right. There."

You have emoted: Gurashi taps the sketch several times. "Promise. She had pretty skin, and backwards legs, and bright gold eyes..."

Xenthos ponders a sketch of a sketch of a veil-clad ghost thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard snatches the sketch out of Xenthos' hand and drops it on the ground to stare at it.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard sniffs at the sketch.

Xenthos gives a sketch of a sketch of a veil-clad ghost to you.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...a...nyway, uhm."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "It was weird."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "What did the ghost do?"

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down at the phantasmal blade near his throat. "It started attacking the Lady's disfavor. And, then it turned into ... that..." He waves around the empty photo. "...a-and she said she was lost? And she did not know her name, but that she had been called here."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Thought she meant, my living room..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I don't think I've seen ghosts running around on their own very often, except when Bob's horror-house is around."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "She is not of this -world- Xenthos."

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together nervously. "Yeah. I was surprised too. She didn't know her name - but! Xenthos!" He flails a little. "She was a Beloved!"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "This world, or this reality?"

Voice soft and clear, you say, "I-I ... it's confusing uhm."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, clutching his head. "It is really confusing, actually. She's, maybe a dead priest, from this life. No - she DIED, in this timeline. But, she is from another timeline."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "And, she is here."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "How did she get here?"

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "S-she said she was called?"

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Someone called her. Ash. Ash."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...thought she meant Aschwar."

You stare at Xenthos, eyes wide.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "She did not mean Aschwar. And PLEASE do not say Her name."
You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "F-Friend Alary already got smited by the Shofets just for -thinking- it."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "....but she is here to do something. She has something to do, and the person she wants to find is not here, but she has something she needs to do? It's... confusing."

(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Think By Ash and Tar Eels!"
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "LOL."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "I will knock you out."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Stresses."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "LOL."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "...then the ghost went inside of me."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It sounds very confusing."

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

Voice soft and clear, you say, "And started talking through me."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Ilistala, an enormous leopard, frowning. "She is still here."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "But."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard playfully paws at your arm, obviously wanting for attention.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Tridemon couldn't understand her."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "When she was talking? I sound like... paper. She sounds like paper."

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

You have emoted: Gurashi resumes idly petting Ilistala, an enormous leopard, dazedly swaying in his spot. "...Friend Alary said that, based on the information I gave them... that she is the... ghost? Of a priest of the Shofets that... died a lot. Like, a lot? And they tried to bring her back and cheat death, and it went badly..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "So... for her to be here was -very- upsetting."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...the Beloved are all kinda upset that their long lost dead priest is inhabiting my body a little."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Voice soft and clear, you exclaim, "B-but she is very sweet!"

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

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Her name is Sebitti... and... she is very gentle, despite being confused. She feels like a ..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Why your body?"

You have emoted: Gurashi waves his hand in the air. "...she feels like a ... flower inside my head. She's so small right now." He looks up at Xenthos, throwing open his arms.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "I have no. Idea."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "And none of the Beloved know either."

Hurriedly, you say to Xenthos, "B-because am not! Am not. Am just me."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard nods her head at you.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "... sometimes she is better at talking than others..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Sometimes she sounds like paper - other times, is very clear..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...but, Friend Alary told me to take care of her? Until I can find Friend Shulamit."

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And the you that you are is quite good. Perhaps that has drawn this spirit... and proximity to Aschwar."

You look at Xenthos, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "... sometimes, the spirit says what Aschwar says."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "So I am saying what they are saying."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "It has... it has happened twice."

His face flushing, you say, "I-it's like we are all speaking at once."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Is it possible that Aschwar is a reincarnation of our own timeline's Sebitti, in some fashion?"

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...I-I don't know...."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...she was happy to see Friend Aschwar .... I am confused, though."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If they are saying the same thing... perhaps."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But if so, be very careful."

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together, bunching his shoulders. "...you... can see a little why this is so important to me, yes."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I know better than most that the same being from two different timelines cannot inhabit one."

You nod your head at Xenthos.

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows his brow. "...I..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Eventually, something would begin to unravel."

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

Voice soft and clear, you say, "I do not have big enough words to express the concern that feel for Friend Aschwar, Xenthos. Really really. It is part of that big feeling, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi clutches at his shirt still. "...am not sure if should mention it in letter. The ghost."

Softly, you say, "Like I said ... she is very sweet..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...and she wants to go home."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "....and this is not her home."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "The desire to return home is a strong one."

You nod your head emphatically.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "And she came to... -me-."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "For -some- reason."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 11th of Dioni, 560 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 11 days until the New Moon

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "Even though I am not Beloved."

You think to yourself: Yet.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Even if they are not two separate souls of the same being, though, perhaps her struggle is related to Aschwar's in some fashion."

You nod your head emphatically.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "Friend Aschwar... was acting funny. And, they still do not have their big brain powers back."

Voice soft and clear, you ask Xenthos, "Did you know they can make flowers from thin air?"

You have emoted: Gurashi twirls his fingers. "They make things grow, from nothing..."

Softer, ponderously, you say, "And the energy around them is like a black hole .... Tridemon said ...."

You have emoted: Gurashi grows very quiet and still, lost in thought.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...so, Friend Aschwar's not from this world .... neither is the Shofets. Nor... Sebitti.... hrm."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a frustrated sound, covering his face again. "Augh. It like have all of these pieces but none of them make sense."

Your eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across your face.

You have emoted: Gurashi drops his arms and sighs. "Sorry. I did not mean to ramble.... uhm. Anyway."

You shake your head.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "There have been... thousands of times where pieces come, bit by bit, and they make no sense until the one final piece clicks them all together."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Trying to -make- them fit rarely works well."

With a sigh, you say to Xenthos, "Know..."

You have emoted: Gurashi folds his arms over his chest, frowning.

Rubbing at his eye, you say, "Sorry, Miss Sebitti, but you picked maybe the least clever persons in the Glomdoring."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "If it is important to you, you keep gathering them."

You look at Xenthos, expression filled with concern as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses... then. "How does it make YOU feel that am wanting to gather them? To help?"

You tilt your head curiously at Xenthos.

Voice soft and clear, you ask Xenthos, "...disappointed... ?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Aschwar is not Gaudiguch. If what you were doing aided the city itself at the expense of the Glomdoring... yes, I would be. But I trust you to know the difference."

With a gasp, you exclaim to Xenthos, "Xenthos!"

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "I do not even LIKE Gaudiguchs that much."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I am aware."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "And know - that, the Shofets is like..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...THEIR ... you know."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures wildly. "like the Lady of Roses to the Glomdoring. Know. Yes! But the Shofets told me! They said they weren't the city, and know keep saying that but feel like nobody -hears- me, but, that is not important." He huffs. "I do not -like- Gaudiguchs all that much. They are too hot! And most of the peoples are always doing drugs or being drunk?" He blushes. "And got bullied by a half-naked dracnari! Am still thinking about him - he was scary."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "Friend Aschwar is -none- of these things."

Observationally, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But many others of the Beloved are, are they not?"

You have emoted: Gurashi catches his breath. "There's a couple! Yeah."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "And there are PEOPLES from Gaudiguchs that am liking."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Just like there are peoples from all OVER that am liking - but they are not the kinds of persons who would shove their drinkings on me."

You glance askance.

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "Can really like someone and still make their head explode in a timequake ... right?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It is possible, though I tend not to make a lot of acquaintances who I will have to stab later."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "Xenthos."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "Am knowing almost everybody."

You strike a pose.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Aye, I am aware of that."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "And I've never once said a word about it- I do not plan to start now."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up, frowning again.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It is simply your nature, and I would not change it."

You nod your head emphatically.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "...mm. I would not like to either."

You have emoted: Gurashi gives his own elbows a little squeeze, arms still crossed over his chest. "...many thank yous for coming to talk with me about it. Because, your opinion matters very much to me, you know?"

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "And our family is very small and precious, yes. I would like to keep it as it is."

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.

You hug Ilistala, an enormous leopard compassionately.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I like our little family."

You beam broadly at Xenthos.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "Me too! It is my most favorite thing."

Looking up while petting Ilistala, you say, "Also, Miss Khep - remember her? She is the Princess I told you about. Miss Khep is -sorry- for trying to make me stab Mixter Esei way back when and she promises never to do it again."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Oh? I have not heard of Khep in some time."

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses... "We fight sometimes? But, we get along better, now... and, she's polite."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...ish."

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows his brow. "If I started talking about Miss Khep, you would be here another two days."

A wry smile spreads across Xenthos's face.

You have recognised Xenthos for: I like our little family too <3.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Xenthos, "... but! We were friends before, so can be friends again yes."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Also I know my old name! My -whole- old name... is weird, am liking Gurashi better."

You have emoted: Gurashi touches his mouth thoughtfully. "Wild."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "If you include me, there are three whole peoples in my head. That's more than the average persons, probably."

You ponder the situation.

Bizirik, the leothin stares implacably at you.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "About three times as many as normal."

Worriedly, you say, "That is what thought..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I need to be departing, but thank you for sharing this with me. Perhaps we can speak more of Khep later."

You nod your head emphatically.

You hug Ilistala, an enormous leopard compassionately.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "I ... will not let you down!"

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Promise, yes."

You beam broadly at Xenthos.

You give Ilistala, an enormous leopard a friendly squeeze.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Rest well. I have some breads to try and get, think..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "You should have a decent start."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Nnnnine, almost... twelve."

Voice soft and clear, you ask Xenthos, "Do you need any things before have to go...?"

Xenthos shakes his head.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Do you?"

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "And, if Miss Sebitti shows up again, or, starts deciding she wants to say stuff, do want to meet her?"

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Oh - no. Am fine."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Ish? Fine."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances at the blade, disappointed.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I do not need to meet her. However, if you wish my support when she appears, you have it."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Mm - she isn't scary! But maybe if you meet her, you can ask the right questions."

You shrug helplessly.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "We were leading her on a path, and then the path got lost..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Maybe."

Swooning, you say, "O-K let's go get those breads Bizi!"

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Good luck with your baking."

You give the world a smart salute.