waiting waiting find me, findmefindmefindme

A round chamber.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Leading from the living room to the east, the archway opens up into a round chamber that reaches up nearly thirty feet into the air. The floor is again made of the same golden, crystal-flecked and violet-whorled bamboo with its protective coating, but in this room there are also a series of depressions in the floor. The first is in the center of the room, and covered with a layer of bright orange padding with red poppies randomly distributed along the fabric. Directly next to that first depression is one that is significantly larger, with more padding, deep black and durable. A few more depressions with their own padding are interspersed throughout the space, though they have the same pattern to them- just pure white. In addition to being a different shape to the rest of the rooms of the house, the walls of this chamber are completely different from all the other rooms, as well- rather than wood leading up to decorative paper, or simply wood leading all the way up to the ceiling, the walls are covered in what look to be thousands and thousands of pieces of bright green jade, melded together and forming a tight weave resembling a wall of vines in an unbroken pattern, save for the archway that leads back to the living room. The jade vines themselves are not unadorned, either, with silvery script and symbols embedded directly into the material. Meditative mantras, defensive glyphs, symbols of concealment and reinforcement can all be found upon the lengths of interwoven jade vines. The ceiling in turn is also different from the rest of the house's theme. Instead of the blue stone tiles, the ceiling has taken on the luminous pigments of the sky of the Great Starry Sea, complete with deep, subtle, tidally slow pulses of aquamantic power washing down from above. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters 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.
You see a single exit leading east.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly hops, grabbing the heel of one boot and prying it off before repeating the gesture with the other boot, leaving both by the door. He practically dives across the room, finding the pillow in the center and dropping onto his knees on it, sitting up straight. "O-K!"

Glorious, sunset-hued flames spiral up and around a pearlescent wyvern with spectral wings of volcanic ash as she breathes them into being, causing the flames to dance around her in a colourful display.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Oh!"

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly jumps up to his feet again, running across the room to approach the wyvern, who definitely is not going to fit. "Listen listen, go on home and will find later, O-K?" He strokes the creature's scaled nose. "You have been so very good yes. Am grateful. Good girl."

You pet a pearlescent wyvern with spectral wings of volcanic ash ingratiatingly.
Staring at you coldly, a pearlescent wyvern with spectral wings of volcanic ash flicks her tongue out and directs a short puff of smoke into your face.
You cough softly.

You reach out through your bond with your beast and dismiss her, sending her back to the stables.
A pearlescent wyvern with spectral wings of volcanic ash bobs her head several times just before trotting off.

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns slowly, walking with much less enthusiasm back into the center of the room, finding the pillow and flopping hard onto it.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

With a huff, you say to Tridemon, "Sorry for making wait...." He sits up a little further, "Hi!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "'lo. She seems to like making you cough."

With a laugh, you say, "She IS ...full of fire... it is what she does best..."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Tridemon.

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Rubbing his nose, you say, ".... uhm... O-K."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "So! Time to go out seeking mentally for Bizirik! ... Alright. You're going to want your seeking to be camouflaged from sight. But you want her to be able to know it's there. So! You'll probably going to want it to smell like shrimp."

You have emoted: Gurashi listens closely to Tridemon as he speaks, nodding enthusiastically. "O-K... so, wanna stay hidden, and wanna smell like shrimp."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Being easily visible seems... ill-advised, at best, until you manage to make repairs."

The soft sounds of a zither being played and the cry of a crane in flight echo in from somewhere.

You have emoted: Gurashi purses his lips, clasping his hands together in his lap. "...right right." He says quietly before shutting his eyes and settling in to his spot.

You think to yourself: O-K O-K O-K .... just like last time! Like last time. Can do it. Have done it so many times.... *slowly, swirling colors begin to take form in the blackness of the mindscape.... ahh, now shades of blue and green - a familiar sight. A wall of vines. It looks a little better than the month before, but still worse for wear* Ahh! Here we are.

You think to yourself: *a look around the space, examining the still slightly desaturated walls of vines*.... O-K, now... how... do ... make it....

You think to yourself: *the image of a shrimp manifests in the air, pink and twirling, before it is gone* Hmmmmm.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hmm. You're concentrating a bit too heavily on the visuals. Other senses are important as well."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You're a chef. You can apply some of that to your mental workings. You know what things should smell like when they're fresh, when they're no good, when they've been cooked properly, when they've been burnt..."

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.

You have emoted: Gurashi cants his head to the side lightly at this. "... I -AM- a chef," He comments aloud, squeezing his eyes shut a little tighter.

You think to yourself: Burnt shrimpies are terrible....... *immediately a foul smell comes forth to mind, and just as quickly is attempted to be removed* Oh! OhewewohewO-Kstartover--.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrinkles his nose as he concentrates.

You think to yourself: No, bad shrimps! Only good shrimps. Best shrimps for Bizi-bee yes.... ah, can smell other things too. Calamus? Maybe. Myrtle yes yes. The sounds of simmering water, the familiar presence of someone waiting for them to be done...

You think to yourself: .... *a passing sense of yearning, and then desperation - please let this work*.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Now, the hard part will be sending it out and searching. Perhaps... a tendril of pure scent, seeking for Bizirik? Invisible to casual observation. Something that will immediately get her attention when it finds her."

Unable to hide the disbelief in his voice, you ask, "...tendril of -scent-?"

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows his brow, eyes still shut.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's honestly no different from your tendril of vine. It was an IDEA, and no more solid than a thought."

You think to yourself: ... no different.... O-K, O-K can -do- this. *a rustle of emotion, followed immediately by composition.... a tendril of scent... if smells of shrimps looked like something that could be ....... the image of smoke, rising off of hot food. The way it twists and curls... just like a vine..... the mental image of steam becomes more and more solid, until it is in the center of the room, a thin, trembling stalk of smells*.

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 18th of Roarkian, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 32 days until the New Moon

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "There you go. Take some time to move it around. Make sure you can hold it together."

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his chin up, a ponderous expression on his face even though his eyes are closed.

You think to yourself: .... *ah, will it bend...? ..a little twitch, a curl of movement at the very end. O-K! Good, let's do that again. Another little wiggle, then a bigger one. You feel yourself moving around the circle, the movements encouraging the new little small-stalk* Yes! Like a plant. Can you bend left?? *....a secondary little wiggle, then a curl to the left* Ah!

You think to yourself: *a dance to the right now... a tremble, and a wiggle to the right* Good! Yes. We are moving. Are like the other vines, you weird little vine.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Good, good. Well done. Do you think you are ready to send it out questing?"

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together nervously in his lap, unable to hide his excited grin as he makes the vine obey his mental command. "Mm... ooone...sec."

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

You think to yourself: ...wonder if -- *though it's unseen, you reach out, and the strange smoky tendril reaches back, touches your hand back, oddly without any feeling, but still somehow present* Ahhh... you are working, yes....

Quietly, you say, "Wanna try the thing now."

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

You think to yourself: No - Bizi is more important than a timequake... many... many apologies.

You fidget impatiently.

The sounds of unseen animals stirring for the coming day are audible behind the gentle whistling of the wind elsewhere in the manse.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

You think to yourself: O-K. O-K O-K, am the vine and the vine is me *the wispy tendril bends in response* And we are gonna find Bizi-bee... right? *the vine nods as he makes it* Yeaaaah.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Whenever you're ready. If you find something that needs to be beaten about the head, I'll help."

Quietly, you say, "O-K ...."

You think to yourself: *a rush of nerves - the visual of that bigger kephera... damaged exterior walls - no. She is gone somewhere else! Now is the only chance..... *the wall of vines before you begins to hurriedly, albeit silently unbraid. From the ground up a short archway appears, shorter than the one offered to Khep, just big enough for one to slip through - and slip through the thin, shrimp-smelling tendril does, moving tentatively away from the safety of the circle...*.

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

You think to yourself: *a brief look back - the outer walls are still in worse shape than the interior, splashes of unwanted color staining the outside.... no, worry about fixing it later! Bizi first..... further, into the darkness, into the empty nothingness like before*.

You have emoted: Gurashi remains very still as he focuses, looking much less visibly strained than when he tried before.

You think to yourself: *moving forward slowly* ...am not sure what to do next *the question comes in a whisper, still managing to echo loudly across the mindscape* Am.... am just waiting....?
With a sprightly skip in her step, a simple house maid curtseys before departing to the east.

You think to yourself: Hoping...

Tridemon settles in to be watchful, sitting in one of the depressions not reserved for you or the missing leothin. "Keep moving forward. You found a hint of her over in the Glomdoring, right?"

You think to yourself: ... mm - Ilistala found a hint of her...... *an image of roots, tangled together by thick brambles and a little stream.... there, among all the green - a single violet feather, still solid* ...she was here... her feathers - they don't last ...

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Start there. Push yourself all the way to where you found it, and go from there."

You think to yourself: ...why was she here....? *the gaze sweeps across the little glen, mosses, fungus... the low-hanging branches and small saplings and twisted brambles surround this space, not unlike the constructed-wall of vines back where you started* .... it is very small and safe feeling, here, yes...

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

You think to yourself: ...she wanted to feel small, and safe..... *watching the water of the stream... move... down.... follow it, this way - the tendril abruptly stops, then turns to follow the water*.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You think to yourself: *the mindscape seems a little less bleak, here. Following the water, listening to it - now, familiar sounds of the Glomdoring. even the ground around the stream seems to take a more solid shape, brighter colors, clearer sounds and smells. yes, she went this way - like Ilistala predicted*.

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows his brow, canting his head a little as he moves forward.

You think to yourself: *oh - but now, here, near the southern mountains, the stream splits... one easier to follow, back towards the Gloriana, yes - and the smaller stream that passes the Master Ravenwood.... watching, waiting, deciding*.

You think to yourself: Bizi loved swimming in the big river... *the tendril curls as the surroundings begin to dim the longer he waits* but ... she wanted to be safe... so she would not have been wanting to be...

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hmm... is it easier to follow because it's fresher, or because she wasn't trying to hide at that point? ... Try the smaller one first. I doubt that the larger will be gone by the time you're done investigating."

You sniff softly.

You think to yourself: Mmm ..... *a buzz of uncertainty... O-K. We will keep going. A drift to the right, following the smaller stream, ducking under branches, pushing away leaves... crouching to pass through. Following. Still. Where, oh where... an abnormality appears ahead, registered only after passing it and doubling back. Just off to the right, a little cave, water from the stream trickling down, down into it - this, this is ...! that... leads to the tunnels - the portals! *.

Weakly, you say, "Bizi-bee did you go here...."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Seems likely... is there more trail to follow?"

You think to yourself: ... the stream keeps going, yeah... but... *uncertainty*.

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 19th of Roarkian, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 31 days until the New Moon

You think to yourself: *suddenly, an odd sensation, like a rush of anticipation, or excitement as you gaze down the tunnel. A thrumming in your chest - a hopeful little chirp. Oh! The feeling comes both from the surroundings and from within, like a gong being struck sending little ripples throughout limbs* ...oh...!

You shiver violently.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, that seems promising!"

You have emoted: Gurashi's hands squeeze into fists, shoulders bunching as he concentrates, eager to not lose whatever that was just now.

You think to yourself: ... Bizirik, where are you? *the tendril flips a bit, not unlike a cat's tail* Do you not want to come out...?

You think to yourself: **an odd little trill - a ripple of hopeful, anxious energy, coming from... oh - it is hard to tell - it feels like it is coming from RIGHT here - from nearby, from inside!**.

The sounds of unseen animals stirring for the coming day are audible behind the gentle whistling of the wind elsewhere in the manse.

Tridemon peers about himself unscrupulously.

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows his brow, looking very confused even with his eyes shut.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "If Bizi has somehow been hiding behind my couch the entire time, I will be impressed and confused."

You think to yourself: **a little flicker of colors accompanies the thrumming, the sounds of snuffling, an amused chattering... the image of a pair of swings, viewed from behind, viewed from behind a safe wall of trees and brush. the smell of shrimp, the smell of home. an unintentional little shiver sends a ripple of energy again, the sensation of wiggling, waiting, waiting waiting find me, findmefindmefindme**.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... is she hiding in the park?"

You think to yourself: ... swings....?

Softly, you say, "No..."

You think to yourself: *the visuals and senses and smells and tendrils vanish all at once - a wash of realization*.

Tridemon begins to follow you.

You have emoted: Gurashi's head shoots up, and he stares at Tridemon, confused.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at the pillow, then back up at Tridemon, barely able to contain himself as he suddenly scrambles up to his feet. He runs to Tridemon, grabbing your arm, tugging you urgently. "C'mon c'mon," He says, forgoing his boots.

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

Tridemon follows you ether.
A chilling, forestal curiosities room.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. 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 Gurashi's Staring Contest is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. A marble archway stands here, elegantly arcing up from ground to ceiling. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of A Wee Highland Cow, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of A Future Endeavor, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of the Lazing Leothin, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered. Surrounded by a faint, emerald halo, an ethereal cat romps playfully about the area. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see exits leading north, east (closed door), and south (open door).

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

You have emoted: Gurashi barely takes a second to catch his breath, head swiveling back and forth as he looks around his manse room. "Bizi?!" He cups his hands over his mouth as he yells.

You think to yourself: Swings...

**run run**

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around the clearing, furrowing his brow, jogging onward.

A gloomy meadow beyond the ravenwood.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Passing through a natural archway created by the great gnarled roots of a ravenwood, you find yourself in a garden far unlike the one you just came from. Discolored rays of twilight filter through the thick canopy, casting an eerie haze around you. Soft, vibrant grass carpets the ground, and the gentle slopes of earth are sporadically broken up by deep pools of dark, clear water. Occasionally lighting up the darkness, the pulsing glow of numerous fireflies can be seen lazily floating throughout the garden. The air is thick with the scent of fresh dirt and moisture, and a gentle breeze stirs the earth about you. There are 2 swings of knotted ravenwood here. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here.
You see a single exit leading southeast.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally slides to a halt - literally, his feet sliding out under him as he tries to stop too suddenly, landing flat on his back with a startled 'omph'. He stays down for several seconds, the wind clearly knocked out of him before he is able to sit up, scanning the meadow.

Tridemon peers about himself unscrupulously.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "...is fine. Am fine."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, as long as you didn't land on something sharp."

You have emoted: Gurashi rises to his feet, wobbling and looking around. Nothing -seems- amiss. The usual sounds of insects and distant windchimes. "....Bizi!" He calls out again, wandering over to the nearest swing. He gives it a tug... walks around behind it...

You think to yourself: It was here, right? It was here it was here - she was right here... *a memory of the view of the swings from the bushes*.

You have emoted: Gurashi lines himself up with the treeline, standing near the swing, then turning to look in the bushes again. He furrows his brow, sinking down to crouch. "....hello? Bizi-bee are you there it is me - and Tridemon! Have shrimp..."

You pat herbal shrimp dressed in creamy chilli sauce in a friendly manner.

You think to yourself: ... is she here...?

You have emoted: Gurashi tentatively reaches out, parting the bushes....

You have emoted: Nothing. Gurashi's shoulders sag.

You look about in confusion.

A gust of wind carries on it the pleasant warmth of the noon day sun and the tranquil song of insects.

<-- Bizi entered

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to stand up, turning to face Tridemon before halting.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hmm. I think that leothin might have seen her. Why not ask?"

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, barely creeping out from the bushes opposite the meadow, head low, eyes narrowed, nostrils flared as it cautiously sniffs the air.

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Hello, Bizirik. Have you seen Bizirik? We've been looking all over for her for months now."

Bizirik, the leothin tosses its head, then lays down, every bit of body language reading caution as it watches both Gurashi and Tridemon ... however, its tail rises very slowly, slapping the ground just once.

You have emoted: Gurashi is at a complete loss of words, tears springing into his eyes and streaming down his face the moment Bizirik, the leothin appeared. "OoooaaahhhhhBiziiiiiiiii," He starts for her, then stops, looking her over, concerned. "W...what's wrong? What's the matter?" The leothin snorts, lowering its head.

Bizirik, the leothin's tail slaps the ground again, and it gives a little wiggle, licking its lips, watching.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "If you're looking for Khep or those other two, they've run off somewhere."

Bizirik, the leothin blinks slowly, licking its lips again. It looks up at Tridemon, then looks towards Gurashi, snorting.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You have emoted: Gurashi drops to his knees, still a blubbering mess as he keeps a begrudging distance. "Oh, Bizi-bee.... am so sorry - p-promise that d-didn't replace you! Would never ever!" He shakes his head in earnest. "Miss Khep needs our help - that is all!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Bizi, come here. You need scritches, don't you?"

Bizirik, the leothin remains utterly motionless now, continuing to watch, a gentle crackling coming from within its chest in lieu of a thrum..... it looks at Tridemon again, tail slapping the ground once, twice...

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... And I think I might need to check you over."

Still blubbering, you ask, "I-is that not it?? T-then what is it?"

With a gasp, you say, "....c-check her over??? B-B-Bizi are you hurt?!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Do you want a shawarma?"

Bizirik, the leothin tosses its head, poking at the grass with its snout. It moves one paw out, then another, slowly creeping towards Tridemon, moving like a stalking cat towards the lucidian and eventually settling down in front of you. It looks up expectantly, licking its lips.

Tridemon gives a bountiful shawarma to Bizirik, the leothin.

Brilliant sunset hues bathe your surroundings in a warm carmine afterglow.

Tridemon reaches out with one hand to settle on top of the leothin's head gently, petting her... moving to little scritches if she stays more or less still with the shawarma in her possession.

You have emoted: Gurashi wipes his eyes on his sleeve, looking confusedly at the leothin, but also, relieved that it seems to at least be seeking one of them out. He wipes his eyes again, brow furrowed in confusion.

Bizirik, the leothin's eyes nearly close as it flinches, then accepts Tridemon's hand against its head, beginning to thrum very softly. It's nostrils flare, and it proceeds to ignore the shawarma completely, leaning its great bulk against you. Its tail begins to slap the ground, slowly at first, then quickly, looking quite happy.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**happy. happy happy happy. happy happy happy. happy happy happy. all happy, happy feelings, around in your head each time you pet the leothin**."

Tridemon continues to pet Bizirik, kneeling down to not only help him brace against her weight, but to let him get a little bit closer to run his other hand over her body, crystalline fingertips tracing over her hide to see if he can find anything wrong. "Are you okay? Did something hit you before?" He asks, not really expecting much in the way of an answer as he continues the physical examination.

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffles again, scootching a bit closer, afraid to disrupt this moment. His tears have stopped, but his concern remains, eyes wide as he watches and listens.

Bizirik, the leothin begins to snuffle at the back of your head as you kneel down, poking about your natural headspikes while letting out happy little snorts and slapping its tail on the ground. Nothing... SEEMS off. A few general abrasions, evidence of a lack of grooming, muddy scales. A little thin...

Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

The evening air is warm and still, and your surroundings glitter with dappled, luminous starlight.
Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 20th of Roarkian, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 30 days until the New Moon

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "... Little Bizi-bee, have you been tromping around in different mindscapes while asleep and not eating anything? I thought you wanted to be a fat leothin!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**ahhh not so happy anymore. Fear. Big fear am afeared, big one the big one bad one hate that one, the loud one -- your ribs inexplicably ache, a dull throb that makes it painful to move too much**."

Bizirik, the leothin snuffles again appreciatively at your head, then leans away and lays down, suddenly locking its cool gaze on you.

You blink.

Tridemon suddenly flares with several pinpricks and streaks of angry red light, though it stops almost immediately, restrained. "Bizi, Gurashi didn't invite Nepra in to hurt you. She followed because she was hunting Khep. It's not really his fault that she showed up."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon, concerned, then back to Bizirik, afraid to move closer. "Bizi...oh," He sounds heart-broken, reaching for the leothin though it draws back in equal measure. ".....you got hurt? Honey are O-K?" He reaches again but the leothin lowers its head, like a magnet pushing away from its opposite.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "... Is the way he's hurting in his head hurting you, too?"

The gray light of morning bleeds through the branches of the Ravenwood trees.

The Mantle of Starlight shimmers and twinkles as the starlit darkness that it is formed of continues its eternal motion.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon, confusedly furrowing his brow. He looks back at Bizirik, the leothin, miserable. "...my head hurts your head," He whispers.

Bizirik, the leothin lowers its head, then swivels around to look at Tridemon, snorting.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "...Bizi am so, so so so, so sorry... that did not ask you about any of this before did it."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Alright, let's see here."

Raising his hands to show he means no ill-intent, you say, "My head is like your head and so, it has been a very not-so-fun ride, huh..." He hiccups, tears springing into his eyes again. "Have been very unfair..."

Tridemon settles both hands on the leothin's head, closing his eyes and letting his psionic energies, carrying the soothing sensations of the warm waters, run over her body, searching for the connection between you and Bizirik to see what kind of condition it's in.

Bizirik, the leothin licks its lips, one eye shutting, the other keeping a watchful gaze on the now silently weeping Gurashi.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Would you like to stay in my living room until Gurashi's gotten his head back together?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**it's an odd warring sensation as you pet Bizirik's head - both an insatiable desire to run up and give good nice gentle four-armed-friend-that-is-now-small-and-squishy many kisses, but -also- fear. Fear. Fear fear smells like the bad place has been to the bad place - a confusing whirlwind of longing and repulsion. **."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, unmoving.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**smells like HER the loud one she has been inside of the hidden places between the eyes yes she is bad bad bad bad bad - you feel a chill**."

Bizirik, the leothin shivers violently.

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up straighter. "...w-wh... what's she saying?" He asks Tridemon,

Tridemon blinks and looks over at you again... before reaching out toward you with one hand, and closing it abruptly.

You blink rapidly as your mind fills with white noise.

You blink.

You blink.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Wh...."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to touch his head, looking disoriented.

Bizirik, the leothin suddenly sits up, ears perking, nostrils flaring as it sniffs and sniffs.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Bizirik thinks she's there behind your eyes."

You blink a few times and stare at Tridemon in confusion.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "My... eyes...."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Bizirik, the leothin, confused.

Bizirik, the leothin licks its lips, no longer sniffing, a completely different air about it, no longer submissive and scorned. Its tail slaps the ground once.

Confused, you ask, "My -eyes-??"

Voice bright and clear, you ask Bizirik, the leothin, "You mean like in my -head-?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hidden. You need to get rid of those stains left behind by her assault. Fix the broken bits of your brain."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly blushes. "How'd you..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Because I've heard you thinking about them and trying NOT to think about them."

You have emoted: Gurashi turns redder. ".....right."

Bizirik, the leothin lowers its head, tilting it curiously as it takes a slinking step towards Gurashi. It lays itself down, wiggling with anticipation, just a foot or so away now.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I think she might have left all that behind on purpose. A connection to spy on you."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "But for right now... give this good little Bizi-bee a big hug."

You have emoted: Gurashi wipes his eyes, looking up at Tridemon with concern. "-Spy- on me...?," He repeats ominously. As Bizirik begins to pay more and more attention, he looks hopeful, breath hitching as the leothin slinks ever closer. "...oh, Bizibizibizi," He coos, tentatively reaching out, letting the leothin sniff his hand a few times before laying it over the end of her snout. "Bizi-beeeee...."

Tridemon sits back, a thoughtful look on his face that hardens into a scowl for a moment or two before softening.

Bizirik, the leothin's tail slaps the ground at a rapid fire pace, and it suddenly launches forward, knocking Gurashi flat onto his back again as it barrels into him with the entirety of its body weight. It snorts and chirps and chatters and licks and nips at a now flailing and screaming with laughter human, pure joy radiating from it.

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

With a shriek and a laugh, you say, "OoahaHAH! BizistOP! PFdsh--" A strangled noise as the leothin proceeds to flop down onto him, crushing him beneath its bulk. Gurashi lets out a muffled scream. "mmMMM--."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Bizi, remember the talk we had about breathing?"

Bizirik, the leothin lifts its head to look at Tridemon, Gurashi's flailing arms the only visible part of him right now. The leothin lets out a little grumble, then reluctantly rises only to flip immediately back down, snorting into the bright orange hair of his head.

Gasping for air, you exclaim, "AhhHHHH!"

Practically crying again, you say to Bizirik, the leothin, "Missed you so much do not ever do that again!! Ever! Never ever never ever ever -- promise will fix my head right away, as soon as possible O-K??" He hiccups. "So you can come home? Right?"

You pet Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Perking up, Bizirik, the leothin begins to chitter and thrum, its tail sweeping back and forth across the ground. It cranes its neck to gently headbutt your side contentedly.

Bizirik, the leothin flops herself into your arms.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a wheeze, his head and legs exposed but his torso crushed, again, beneath the oblivious, overjoyed leothin. "Am happy too," He strains. "You were here... how long were here...!" He squeaks.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "And if you ever can't make yourself stay near him again, come get me, yes?"

Bizirik, the leothin tosses its head, then looks at Tridemon, licking its lips.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Tridemon.

Bizirik, the leothin thrums pleasantly, ignoring Gurashi's frantic tapping against its side.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Maybe this time instead of thorns you can make your vine wall sprout spikes of peep chili."

You have emoted: Gurashi squirms free, wrapping both arms around Bizirik, the leothin's torso and his cheek against its neck. He sniffles, giving her a few good long strokes. "You are so dirty.... where did you go? You will tell me?" The leothin snorts, tail slapping the ground once. His gaze drifts to Tridemon, smiling sadly. "...you turned off my brain."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The bits of it that connect to other people, yes."

Voice bright and clear, you ask Tridemon, "When you turn it back on... is going to hate me again, probably...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi consolingly strokes Bizirik, the leothin's neck, staring curiously at the faded scars on its back and haunches.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Maybe. So... you should probably start fixing it now, instead of later."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon, frowning. "...I will." He looks back at Bizirik. "Right now, yes.... you will take her for the rest of the month, for me? I... ahhh she needs a bath. And so many shrimp."

You pet Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Perking up, Bizirik, the leothin begins to chitter and thrum, its tail sweeping back and forth across the ground. It cranes its neck to gently headbutt your side contentedly.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Do you know how to get to my manse from here, or do I need to take you?"

Bizirik, the leothin thrums softly, looking first at Tridemon, then back at Gurashi, laying down. It snorts in protest.

Voice bright and clear, you say to Bizirik, the leothin, "Oh.... Bizi-bee listen, s'going to be just fine, yes! Will come find you next month... so you don't run off. Play on the beach, yes? And make friends with Tridemon's maids."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "He might start smelling wrong if I get too far away from him."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, tossing its head again..... it lays its head across Gurashi's shoulder, letting out a mournful little noise.

Tridemon pats Bizirik, the leothin in a friendly manner.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Tridemon. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

You think to yourself: **do not want to go do not want to ....**.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Come on, girl. Gurashi's brain needs a bath so that he doesn't keep smelling wrong."

Voice bright and clear, you say to Bizirik, the leothin, "Yeah! Go stay with Tridemon! He will bring you -shrimp- I bet!"

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "All will be well, and all manner of things will be well."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Ah... yeah, hear peoples again..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I should probably make sure Bizi gets something to eat. A dozen shrimpies."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a shaky sigh and wipes uselessly at his face with both hands. "Yes - please."

Voice wavering, you say, "Please please take good care of her yes - give her so many shrimp."

Tridemon waves goodbye at you.

Tridemon turns towards the southeast and steps forward, instantly collapsing into a torrent of water that rushes outwards with a thunderous crash of water.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Tridemon go, then proceeds to hug his knees to his chest, exhaling slowly.