Farewell to Sebitti (Gurashi POV)

<-- Me chilling in manse

You hear the faintest sound of giggling, and see the dusty outline of footprints appear and disappear before your eyes can fully trace their shape; rushing away from the patio.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up, distractedly... then, he gasps in delight, suddenly pushing past the table and rushing back towards the patio.

A charming patio overlooking oblivion.                 (#HAH_2)
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. From outside the door, both stories of this timber-framed, two-story building are visible. Gnarled, blackened trunks bow out at the corners, and ivy creeps up each exterior wall, giving the structure a rounded, organic look. The roof is steeply pitched and shingled in mossy cedar, save for the rounded upstairs windows that peek out like a pair of sleepy eyes. A flagstone patio extends out from the facade for several feet, before coming to an abrupt end at the edge of the bubble, beyond which only the churning, stygian nothingness of aetherspace is visible. A narrow footpath curls around the side of the building. Beneath it, hard-packed dirt and stringy grass roots give way to the emptiness below. Glowing on a nearby wall is script that reads, ""You ask questions that you already know the answer to."" There are 3 smooth ravenwood benches here. An expansive picnic table seems to burst from the ground here, a trunk-like protrusion of whorled walnut wood. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. Perpetually ticking away the hours, a Splendid Clock of the Dawn stands proudly nearby. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. An oddly shaped golden hammer has been abandoned here. A small but vividly-coloured scone has been dropped on the floor.
You see exits leading north (open door) and west (closed door).
Dusan, the coruscant rumbles excitedly at you, bumping his head against you in greeting.

You have emoted: Gurashi slows to a halt, staring at the words that hover in the air before him.

The delightful scent of a nearby scone, left beneath the scribbled midair words, reaches your nose.

Esei blinks.

You scoop up an orange and dark chocolate scone.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

<-- I lost this part of the log because I'm dumb but Gurashi gestured to the words

With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...there's nothing there, biye jatadure."

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head, his face turning beet red as he quickly shuffles and rushes back towards the patio door, smiling stiffly at Esei.

With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Are... you alright?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods several times, looking both excited and nervous, bouncing from one foot to the other. He fumbles for his notepad, writing: 'yes am very good thanks so much am going to have to take care of some things now though so thank you for showing me your old-you because you were tiny and cute and those were happy memories--' Suddenly he drops the quill, letting out a strangled squeak as he does so.

Esei blinks.

With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...alright."

Esei gently pats you on the head.

Esei leans close to Bizirik, the leothin and gently lays a kiss upon her forehead.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

<-- Esei leaves, Shulamit starts sending me stuff happening to the Beloved

SHULA POV:
(clan): Aschwar says, "...this may sound very, very silly. But have any of you seen a lady who is not a lady but is a ghost, floating through walls without bumping her head and giving the thieves pats on their cheeks?"
(clan): You say, "I...I can't say I have. I've heard of a ghost that was with Gurashi for a bit though."
(clan): Lenara says, "I have not, I'm afraid."
(clan): Aschwar says, "Right, that's what I thought, Missus Friend Shulamit, but I got rid of that ghost! I shook 'em out of Gurashi myself! I ex-sore-pized it like a priest is s'posed to!"
(clan): Aschwar says, "So now there's ANOTHER whole ghost in the Shifting City and people have seen it, but no one's seen it, too. It's all VERY suspicious."
(clan): You say, "Well, that's good, I think, yes yes! That's extremely suspicious. Hopefully we aren't being invaded by...that Isle that has all the ghosties on it that Celest likes."
(clan): Lenara says, "How excitingly spooky."
(clan): Aschwar says, "Well, I'll keep looking around, but this makes look number three and I don't think I've found anything yet."
(clan): You say, "I have realized I am sitting here instead of actively looking for a ghost."
(clan) You say, "A...Beloved Priest! I did see something! Maybe! Oh! I will gallop all around!"
(clan): Aschwar says, "R-really? What did you see?!"
(clan): Lenara says, "I did as well! it had a veil!"
(clan): You say, "A glimpse of Ivory!"

<-- tells abound

You think to yourself: ** oh! Friend Aschwar! am coming - a desire to help, urgency **.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Beneath a gleaming coppery beacon.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Polished and gleaming with a coat of resinous deposits, a massive beacon hangs from the top of an upside down tower. Light projects from within, a massive bonfire refracted by twisting mirrors. The light bows downwards, drooping in a waterfall of prismatic hues over the edge of the cliff and into a fog deep beneath this section of the Shifting City. Wings flicker in the depths, exposing nightmarish shades brightened by the beacon into near reality. At the edge of the pavement, a narrow stair descends further into the Shifting City. A fire elemental burns here, riotous red flames twisting in chaotic patterns.
You see exits leading northeast, west, and down.

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

Lenara's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

You give a mini strawberry jam tart to Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom.

You catch the faintest glimpse of ivory out of the corner of your eye.
As though she were never here, a veil-clad ghost vanishes abruptly.

Lenara shouts out a happy "Yay!"

"Oooooooooh!" Lenara says, eyes wide with wonder.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi's jaw drops, and suddenly he looks as if he is going to cry out, though no sound is summoned forth.

You flail about helplessly.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "I have a veil too! Perhaps we could be friends."

You think to yourself: ** familiar - ivory - it can't be - but it could be - **.

SHULA POV:
(clan): Lenara says, "There she is again!"
(clan): You say, "Yes yes!"
(clan): You say, "Wait, does that mean there's...two? Oh dear!"
(clan): Aschwar says, "Oh, I think I see something! I'm gonna...GET HER!"
(clan): You say, "Where...where are you dear! Oh dear oh dear."
(clan): Aschwar says, "I CAUGHT HER! JUST OUTSIDE THE MONASTERY!"

Before the Monastery of Orange Thieves.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Sharp aromas hang in the air in the street before the monastery, rising up from scattered heathens, the entrails of kneeling shaddocks and the blooming hearts of tangerines. Porcelain shingles crown the tall, sun-burned walls of the building, avoiding snow-capped cupolas and skewed oculi that overflow with stains and the smoking exhalations of stolen orchards. Pools of molten metal have been tended like sacred fires outside the monastery and from their churning liquid hearts grow tall and branching trees of obsidian and glass that hang heavy with brindled brass feathers and swollen jewels. Idols of cast-off rind and copper bones have been hung from the branches of the forge-copse; dozens of mutely screeching monkeys and a single, unreachable, terrified puss. A pair of broad, coppery doors rest here, panels emblazoned with devices of mantra-adorned oranges. Holding a sheet of ivory in their arms proudly, Aschwar wrestles with a ghost of frightening strength.
You see exits leading east, south, and west.

You flail about helplessly.

L ASCHWAR
Radiant gold and inky black compete for prominence in the thick fur that covers this enormous tae'dae's body, the well-groomed hair shifting like fields of wheat and clouds through the night sky with each movement. Despite their thick limbs and eleven-and-a-half feet of height, an aura of well-being and contentment radiates off of their body, only enhanced by the gentle smile that is nearly always present on their muzzle. Glittering mis-matched eyes, one brown and one green, stare with a gentle warmth at the world around them, only inches below a pair of fuzzy round ears that have several notches missing from them. A brilliant red hieroglyph crackles in the centre of their forehead, flaring occasionally with small tendrils of red lightning. They are nicely dressed in a comfortable pair of deep grey trousers, held up by a burgundy belt of leather, and a three-layered tunic of bright red-violet cloth that fits them nearly perfectly. A hooded coat of striking vermillion hues hangs atop this, flower petals hand-sewn across its embroidery and circling the black star easily visible on their back. Light tan, a pair of strap boots are a stark contrast to their fur and have been decorated with little, hand-drawn moths.
Aschwar has an air of extreme strength.

Shulamit pants like a dog.

You have emoted: Gurashi bursts forth, throwing his arms into the air.

Lenara arrives from the east.

Aschwar shifts and turns in place, spinning on their heel as they attempt to keep hold of the ghost in their arms.

You think to yourself: ** is it... could it be ...... ??! **.

Lenara gazes upon the situation with concern.

As you watch this display, a sudden, awful realisation dawns upon you.

You have emoted: Gurashi catches his breath, one hand clenching at his chest, the other rested on his knee.

Shulamit glances about, her body turning a hazy shade of grey.

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

That is not a ghost. That is a bedsheet, and there appears to be something trapped within.

Shulamit opens her mouth as if to say something, but pauses.

You stare blankly into space.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "Oh dear."

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly steps forward, lifting a hand.

"Stay back! I've got her!" Aschwar continues to spin wildly, tugged this way and that by the might of the ghost.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Aschwar in disbelief, pointing at the 'ghost'

Shulamit reaches quietly over to the bedsheet, attempting to pull just a bit of it off to see who is underneath.

Ixchilgal peers about himself unscrupulously.

You see the following people here:
Lenara, Ixchilgal, Shulamit, Gurashi.

Lenara wags her tail nervously watching.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "Be careful, mum."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "It may bite."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Lenara, "Beloved Priest has a good hold, I think."

Shulamit acknowledges the point with a grave nod of her head.

Aschwar plants their feet solidly in the ground and then flexes; the ground beneath them cracking as they find their center. Though the ghost still tugs wildly in an attempt to free itself from their grasp, it no longer yanks them around like an errant kite string.

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "Do...we tug the sheet off, or just let whoever it is play dress up?"

Shulamit blinks.

Huffing slightly, Aschwar says, "What? What do you mean?"

You blush furiously.

You think to yourself: ** oh dear **.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "Good strong Beloved Priest."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "Dear, that is...a sheet. But it is, uhm. There is someone inside it! Pretending to be a ghost."

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "It's...just someone under a sheet. Unless it's a ghost with a sheet over it to make people think it's not a ghost, but that seems unlikely."

Aschwar frowns in apparent confusion, and then as the sound of fabric snapping echoes loudly around you, "What...is a sheet?"

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "Oh I wonder who it is."

Lenara bounces up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Aschwar and the sheeted person in their grasp... though, his gaze drifts about the clearing, to the doors of the monastery, then to the road.

You think to yourself: ... ** for just a second - it was her - it had to be ** ...

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "You put them on beds, to keep the bed clean. Children use them to dress up as...ghostie. Like this person!"

Shulamit nods her head sagely.

Lenara giggles happily.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "A very large sheet of fabric!"

Shulamit nods her head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes his notepad tightly to his chest, half-listening.

You think to yourself: ** familiar flickers of ivory - Miss Lenara saw it too was NOT a sheet **.

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "We're not lifting that sheet. There might be a lady under there, and we don't need those kinds of complaints."

Lenara bounces up and down.

Aschwar squints suspiciously before looking down at the sheet grasped in their arms. "So...it's not...a ghost." They carefully relax their grip and the 'ghost' flutters away quickly, before a maddened dreameater moth reveals itself from within and waves its probuscus angrily towards the tae'dae before zipping off into the distance.

Sheepishly, Aschwar says, "...oh..."

Glowing an astonished shade of mauve, Shulamit's eyes boggle out in amazement.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Wait a minute, when did they start using sheets!"

You catch the faintest glimpse of ivory out of the corner of your eye.
As though she were never here, a veil-clad ghost vanishes abruptly.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "But, what I saw had a veil."

Out loud, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "HH...wait."

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "....where did it even -find- one?"

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly writes: 'is still a ghost'.

You point off into the wild blue yonder.

You point accusingly at Lenara.

You nod your head emphatically.

With a hopeful smile, Lenara raises her hand high in the air.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I saw it, did you! You did!"

Aschwar did not seem to be looking when the ghost flashed by, still morosely staring after the vanishing moth. "Huh? What?"

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "Mum, that's not what I saw."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "It's not."

Lenara speaks more clearly and confidently.

You have emoted: Gurashi's face is still twisted with concern, lifting his gaze again at the flicker of color.

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "There's that screamy ghost down in the one section of the city that's been there for...decades? Centuries?"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "You may have caught a mothie, but there's still something."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "The moth has a lovely costume, to be sure... but no veil."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Ixchilgal, "She's still there."

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "We aren't talking about that are we?"

You stare at a pair of broad copper doors, eyes wide.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to you, "Do...you think something went inside?"

You think to yourself: ** go where the Oranges are **.

Shulamit looks over at the doors, confused.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at his notepad, then over at Shulamit, hesitating before nodding.

Ixchilgal ponders a pair of broad copper doors thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Eyes wide with wonder, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "Through the doors."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'goes where oranges are.'

Aschwar tilts their head curiously, pondering deeply. "So...I wonder why..."

With a wistful look on his face, Ixchilgal touches a pair of broad copper doors.
A warm wind filled with the scent of oranges washes through the monastery doors as they creak open.
<-- inside we go!

The Courtyard of Broken Citrus.
Strange trees grow here, their bark a bizarre shade of indigo and their leaves a faded saffron. Tiles of jade in hues of pale ivory and emerald spread across the ground beneath, surfaces swept immaculately clear: figures of the Hermit Clad in saffron line alcoves in the wall, each expressing a separate mudra. Dishes of incense float languidly in the air before them, cones disgorging orange-scented plumes of smoke: sand trickles upwards from the ground to catch snapping sparks. A pair of broad, coppery doors rest here, panels emblazoned with devices of mantra-adorned oranges. Robed in ivory and orange, the Saint of Broken Citrus waits here with a gentle smile. Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator with a Nymph face floats here amidst a faint twisting of paradigms and a murmuring, shifting whisper of alternate realities. He wields Gauntlets of Whispers in his left hand and Vestera's Balanced Wand of Apocalyptic Aesthetics in his right hand.
You see a single exit leading out.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Opening her mouth wide, Lenara gapes in wonder.

Ixchilgal peers about himself unscrupulously.

You have emoted: Gurashi pokes his head inside, puffing his cheeks awkwardly as he looks left and right.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns to Aschwar suddenly, writing: 'said was a lady ghost?'

You stare blankly into space.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at his handwriting, then up at the tae'dae, embarrassed.

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "Don't see a ghost, but let's try something..."

You think to yourself: ** right - cannot read me yet **.

Aschwar enters quietly, looking down through the orchard to where the Saint can be seen tending to her fruit in the distance. "Hrm. I don't see a ghost in here..."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says to the Saint of Broken Citrus, "I don't suppose you've seen... a ghostie?"

You think to yourself: ** growing certainty - washes of gray, limned with orange - her, has to be her **.

You nod your head emphatically.

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator mumbles, "Been a ....e. Chogath? Chugmug? ......right!"

Ixchilgal peers about himself unscrupulously.

Shulamit blinks slowly at Ixchilgal.

You think to yourself: ** hesitant, hopeful - Miss Sebitti **.

A faint flicker of a smile crosses the Saint of Broken Citrus's face, and she quietly responds in a voice that is ancient and youthful at once, "This again?" She looks up and notices Aschwar, calling out, "Did you recruit a legion of Beloved to aid you in your hunt, Beloved Priest?"

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "...the all seeing eye left or right? We aren't noticing a difference."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at his chest, then lifts his gaze to the Saint of Broken Citrus as she speaks, frowning.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "We saw her. We did!"

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "She went this way.. and then that."

Aschwar rubs the back of their neck, a faint blush on their snout as they respond, "Well, it looks like they're all doing a much better job of hunting ghosts than me, Beloved Saint. All I've found are moths and sheets."

Shulamit looks around, glowing a confused shade of purple.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Have we been?"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I mean, we've seen it, but haven't caught anything. At least a moth had a nice adventure."

Shulamit nods her head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks slowly around the room, narrowing his eyes, scanning every dark corner, every bit of light that filters in from above. After a minute, he writes: 'why do not like chaos and movement among thieves?' He lifts the notepad, holding it out towards the Saint of Broken Citrus with a frown.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "Well, we have -hunted- so maybe?"

You think to yourself: ** why is pretending the ghost doesn't exist important? is confusing - if is a ghost think would want to talk about it **.

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "Even if we find a ghost, how are we going to keep it in place? They aren't known for cooperating when you grab them."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Hmmm."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "We talk to her."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "She must be here for a reason."

You think to yourself: ** she is **.

You think to yourself: ** she was CALLED but by who **.

The Saint of Broken Citrus slowly picks her way through the orchard, drawing ever closer. As she passes through the light coming in from the sky and the shadows of the trees, her face is youthful and then immeasurably ancient, wrinkled and gnarled before once more shiny and new. Soon, she arrives close, and looks down, "I can hardly read from that far, dear. Now, what's all this fuss about a ghost?"

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "We try hard not to scare her. No grabbin."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Make a very neat chandelier! Wait, that's for dreamweavers, not ghosts."

Shulamit ponders the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi slumps a little.

Ixchilgal pats you in a friendly manner.

Blinking between several confusing shades of purple and green, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "There's a ghost somewhere! Or...a veiled person! Or a veiled ghost! Gurashi?"

Shulamit starts to fret over everything that could possibly go wrong, glowing a shivering shade of silver.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "Maybe she just wants to play."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Lenara, "Maybe!"

Lenara bounces up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi shuffles closer to the Saint of Broken Citrus, frowning as he holds out the notepad again for her to read. At Lenara's comment, he shakes his head thoughtfully.

The Saint of Broken Citrus looks down and slowly scans over your notepad before nodding, "Oh, dear, you misunderstand me. I am the tool of the Thousandfold, a priest much the same as your Beloved Golden Paw. I delight in the chaos and movement among my thieves, I do not wish it to stop." She looks up, and her voice withers as a beam of light catches her for a few moments, "Is that so? You all have seen it?"

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "We did!"

You stare at the Saint of Broken Citrus, eyes wide.

The Saint of Broken Citrus tilts her head curiously.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "She was wispy and quick and had a veil!"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks... very confused.

With a youthful laugh, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Well, that certainly narrows it down. Searching for a veil in the Shifting City?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at his notepad, then again at the Saint of Broken Citrus, squinting.

The Saint of Broken Citrus smiles softly.

The Saint of Broken Citrus holds up her hand for a moment, signalling for silence.

The Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Beloved Sacrosanct. Would you do me the kindness of answering a question?"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I will always try!"

The Saint of Broken Citrus says, "I believe we have a teachable moment here. Pray tell, what does the Thousandfold believe of stagnation, and sloth?"

Lenara tilts her head and listens intently to Shulamit.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "That it is not good! That change is good? Sloth is bad. We should not allow ourselves to give into sloth!"

Shulamit nods as she says this, still blinking wildly flashing colours, oblivious to the lights.

Lenara claps her hands together merrily.

Lenara tilts her head and listens intently to the Saint of Broken Citrus.

Quietly, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Can I help you, Lenara?"

The Saint of Broken Citrus nods her head sagely, and for a moment her clothes hang about her like rucksack as her skin wilts to the point that she appears almost skeletal in age. "And Beloved Devil, if I might ask you a question as well?"

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "We'll answer as best we can."

Her voice cracked and hoarse, near to dust, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Do you find yourself motivated to accomplish and prove what another tells you is impossible?"

You have emoted: Gurashi pulls in his notepad and looks quite embarrassed, listening.

You blink.

Lenara tilts her head and listens intently to Ixchilgal.

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

Ixchilgal looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Shulamit seems to finally realize how brightly she is glowing, tamping down on it as she turns to listen to Ixchilgal.

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "Sometimes, yes. In truth, it depends a lot on how fun it sounds to try. And how many people it would upset, or make reconsider their thoughts on....stuff."

Shulamit ponders the situation.

Lenara's eyes sparkle with amusement.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks slowly around the monastery again, his shoulders sagging.

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "We've come to realize that spite has been a big motivator for us, historically, and we're trying to work around that with varying degrees of success."

Shulamit looks over at you, offering a hug.

The Saint of Broken Citrus nods her head sagely at Ixchilgal.

You think to yourself: ** oh - but, thought for sure would be ... continued racing thoughts, some entirely incoherent **.

Turning her head towards the gathering at large, her gaze split down the middle in youth and age, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "My dear thieves have been idle for so long. Purposeless. Occasionally causing mischief, but until my darling once-thief fell upon the Shofet's blade, I thought us to fade into the annals of history, and slowly be taken. And yet..."

You have emoted: Gurashi allows himself to be hugged by Shulamit, but looks too distracted to return the embrace, again staring at the Saint of Broken Citrus.

Shulamit gives a comforting hug to you while listening to the the Saint of Broken Citrus.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'but you are still here.'

You stare at the Saint of Broken Citrus, eyes wide.

Shulamit ponders the situation.

Slowly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Ohh...the realm has stagnated some, hasn't it. In some ways. That would be bad."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "Everyone has a purpose. And when have a purpose you'll never fade."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up thoughtfully: 'orange thieves are veneration,' He slows, 'in saffron Friend Alary said?' He continues slowly, thoughtfully, lowering the quill.

With a light smile, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Suddenly, they all claimed to be seeing a ghost. They found themselves passionate, full of vim and vigor to discover that which could not be once more. They found purpose, and something new to steal. And much as our Beloved Devil, nothing motivates a thief as much as spite. So I have chosen to not believe in this ghost, despite well knowing everything you could wish to know about it. For I have eyes, and ears, and see what happens within my orchard and upon the Orange Row."

Glowing an astonished shade of mauve, Shulamit's eyes boggle out in amazement.

With a small wink that stretches the youthful side of her face, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "But that would hardly be a story worth telling, and would hardly satisfy the curiosity of my thieves."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the Saint of Broken Citrus as she speaks, lowering the notepad, taken by her words.

Lenara giggles happily.

The Saint of Broken Citrus says, "As any Sacrosanct, or Beloved of history shall tell you, my young little blossoming Veiled ones. It is not the destination that matters, but the journey you make for it."

Lenara nods slowly in agreement.

You think to yourself: ** a journey... **.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Everything is a journey! Not always fun, but it goes! And goes! And we meet neat people!"

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales softly.

The Saint of Broken Citrus gestures towards Shulamit, and then Ixchilgal in turn.

Black, starry mist coalesces into Dusan, the coruscant as he gives some spicy cinnamon rolls to Shulamit before disappearing again.

Shulamit glows cheerfully, a bright pink colour.

Shulamit blinks.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "C...cinnamon rolls? Oh!"

You have emoted: Gurashi clenches his hand near his chest again, looking down thoughtfully.

Shulamit quickly shoves the cinnamon rolls into her pack, murmuring about eating them later.

You think to yourself: ** remembering that feeling - the bloom - she was here until she wasn't and I do not know how to find her again **.

You think to yourself: ** she found me once and would find again but how do find her **.

As she raises a hand, palm up to reveal a river of wrinkles amid her young flesh, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Now, how may I help you, my intrepid ghost hunters?"

Aschwar has remained mostly silent this entire time, but slowly asks, "Are we supposed to find this ghost? Am I?"

Shulamit ponders the situation.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Are we suppose to leave muffins around to confuse the thieves?"

Quietly, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Monks or thieves? Their deeds fulfill purpose, their deeds are worship. It is a cycle, as you shall see."

Glowing an astonished shade of mauve, Shulamit's eyes boggle out in amazement.

Tilting her head, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "The orange is the key, as is the coin."

The Shifting City fades around you. Your stomach drops into nothingness, falling endlessly before the surrounding buildings and streets recondense.

You think to yourself: ** the orange is the key **.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up at his head.

You stare blankly into space.

Lenara swivels her ears about, trying to focus on some errant sound.

The Saint of Broken Citrus shakes her head once at Aschwar, and gently responds, "You have already found what it is you are looking for. I believe you would find your answer in that which you know. The...toyt eyner?" She clicks her tongue and quietly adds, "I am sure I am mispronouncing your language's lovely tongue."

The Saint of Broken Citrus says to Shulamit, "You need not worry about my thieves, dearest Sacrosanct. Rest easy knowing that I will continue to do my best as their Saint, and as their caretaker."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I'll...I'll probably still think of a muffin or ten, just in case they get hungry on their searching!"

Shulamit nods her head emphatically.

Ixchilgal looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Lenara nods her head at herself.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "We should climb the trees."

The Saint of Broken Citrus says, "You should not."

Aschwar's frown deepens as their muzzle wrinkles, and then their eyes open wide as they raise their paws to cover their mouth. They stare off into the distance, grasped by some sudden realisation that you cannot even begin to fathom.

You have emoted: Gurashi squints at the word, confused, gaze drifting up to Aschwar, resting on the tae'dae.

Lenara slumps down dejectedly.

Shulamit pats Lenara in a friendly manner.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "Next time, maybe."

The Saint of Broken Citrus says, "This grove is sacred, and only practicioners of the Yu Ken Leep may attempt to scale the boughs."

You think to yourself: ** the ghost's soft voice: 'i was called' **.

You tug urgently on Aschwar's sleeve.

You think to yourself: ** did ever get to ask **.

Lenara flips through her journal to a page marked To-Do and makes a note while muttering "Learn to leap".

Aschwar stirs out of their reverie and looks down curiously towards you. "Huh?"

With a slightly pained expression, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Lenara, "Please do not hurt the trees. Their aroma is amazing."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "I would never. They are too beautiful."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "I will learn to leap and not hurt them. I bet the ghostie would love to climb trees with me!"

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head as he looks up at his tae'dae friend, scribbling something on his notepad: 'did you call anyone while ago? on purpose or accident? far far away persons?' HE gestures for one of the not-mute Beloved gathered to read from the notepad, pointing curiously at his words, then again at Aschwar.

You think to yourself: ** help me out help me out **.

Ixchilgal looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

You think to yourself: -- annoyance --.

Lenara looks at you and comprehension flashes across her face.

Lenara clears her throat.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says to Aschwar, "I believe. Yes. There's a note there."

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a muted glow appearing within.

Lenara gestures to the notepad.

You stare blankly into space.

With an embarrassed look, Aschwar says, "Y-yes. I see the note."

You think to yourself: ** dear Gods - is me, gurashi - why **.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says to Aschwar, "Did you call to someone? Anyone?"

Lenara beams broadly.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "A bit ago? Or recently? Or before?"

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says to Aschwar, "Someone far away? Or maybe not as far? Maybe you didn't mean to."

Lenara bounces up and down.

Aschwar thinks about the question, their face falling a bit still as they do. You can almost see them visibly retracing the past few years of their life in their head as they puzzle it out.

Shulamit looks off into the far distance, glowing a shuddering shade of silver as she seems to ponder something.

Lenara bounces excitedly, her feet nearly leaving the ground.

You have emoted: Gurashi flashes Lenara a grateful smile, puffing his cheeks. He adds: 'is big -maybe- but think ghost here is same as MY ghost and SHE said LOTS of things - that she was called'. He again holds out the notepad to be read aloud, tilting his head.

It is several long minutes before Aschwar finally responds, their voice sweet like honey and their eyes gleaming brightly. "Nope! I don't think so, at least. I mean, I used to write lots of letters to my friends before my friend Akuuko vanished, and then I used to have some origamis that could talk to people so I would use those, but then I ran out." They tilt their head, raising a claw thoughtfully to their chin, and the sweet, mellifluous voice continues, "But I don't THINK there is lots of people I know outside of my friends and almost-friends that I would even call. Everyone else I know is in another world, after all."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says to Aschwar, "Maybe this ghost is the same as Beloved Gurashi's ghost? She says lots of things!"
Overhead, the sky is blotted out with the massive, rainbow-hued wings of a dreameater moth.

You ponder Aschwar thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

Shulamit glances about, her body turning a hazy shade of grey.

With a nod, you give a lithe otter origami to Aschwar.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says to you, "Maybe it's new better friend ghost."

Shulamit touches her chest softly, looking over at Aschwar.

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs a little as Aschwar explains, nodding once as Lenara reads his words, watching the tae'dae hopefully still.

Speckles of cold stars open overhead, winking coldly in the silvery fog canopying the city.

Quietly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "D...dear? Do you feel that?"

In the same honeyed voice, Aschwar says, "Huh? What do you mean, Missus Friend Shulamit?"

You think to yourself: ** miss Sebitti was from another place too ... she was good and she loved ...Shulamit very much but I never got to show her to Shulamit - if is her, and if she is here ... **.

You have emoted: Gurashi's attention drifts to Shulamit, eyes widening hopefully again.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'what do feel?'

Looking confused, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "Something is...are you okay? What's wrong?"

Arm outstretched, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "Are you sure? We're here for you."

The smooth confidence of Aschwar's voice is broken just slightly as their voice cracks in their return question. "What do you mean? I'm not sure what you're talking about."

You have emoted: Gurashi stands up straighter.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Shulamit.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aschwar.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers to Aschwar, "It's ok if you -do- know what she's talking about."

Shulamit tilts her head ever so gently, watching Aschwar quietly, glowing a single pale ivory colour. "Dear, please. We want to help."

You think to yourself: ** ... concern - they are... suffering..... **.

You think to yourself: -- a settling feeling, ever-present, unsure buzzing --.

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

Gently, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "If something did come, or anything else, we can help."

Aschwar takes a careful step back, looking behind them towards the door before responding in a voice that is so gloriously sweet that it nearly brings you to tears, the scent of honey in your nose as their eyes glow ever-so-faintly. "I don't know anything, really. I'm just as confused as you."

Lenara smiles softly.

Eyes staring straight into his eyes, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "Dear. That is not the truth. Please."

Shulamit reaches out towards Aschwar, offering her hand. "Please."

You have emoted: Gurashi's own eyes are shiny with tears as he folds his arm around the notepad, hugging it to his chest, watching the tae'dae, then looking down at their feet.

You think to yourself: ** ... are wanting to run ...**.

You think to yourself: ** ... because do not want anyone to worry ... **.

Aschwar stares at Shulamit, the scent of honey lingering in the air for a few moments before it washes away and is replaced once more by the delightful tang of citrus. They quietly mumble a few words, wincing in expectation and taking a defencive posture; an instinctual response that bares the thin fur of their upper shoulders. As their hood falls back, you can see there the deep lines of mottled, scarred flesh that had once been angrily cracked at by whips.

Lenara emits a small gasp.

Ixchilgal stays quiet, watching Shulamit and Aschwar carefully.

Glowing ivory mixed with pink, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "I'm sorry for your past pains. We are here to try and stop all future ones."

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes his notepad lightly, then looks up, inhaling sharply. He no longer tries to restrain his tears, letting them spill messily over his cheeks, standing stiffly nearby.

You think to yourself: ** waves of sympathy - washes of gray, limned with deep blue understanding - is ... **.

You think to yourself: -- sad negation - will never be O-K --.

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

Shulamit continues to offer her hand to Aschwar, but careful to not touch them in case they are not ready.

Aschwar takes another defencive step back. A second. Waiting for some punishment that will never come and filling the air with a palpable tension. Or...perhaps that is not them. Your chest fills with a strange pressure that you can't begin to identify, and the scent of oranges is no longer prevalent. Instead...honeyed...figs?

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

Then, it is there. At the corner of your eye, just behind the trunk of an orange tree. A flash of ivory. Before you can track to it or train your eyes upon it, it is gone. Instead above you. A cold brush behind you, and the scent grows stronger, but as you turn to inspect it is gone.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks like he desperately wants to move closer, but can't bring himself to, gripping his notepad so tight his knuckles are white, tears still streaming down his face.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom says, "Oh. OOooh!"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "We want to help, but we can not help if we don't know, or...understand somewhat. We can try, but without knowing, we could cause so much more harm."

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "There she went."

You think to yourself: -- wave after wave of misery - no, can never be O-K ... want to go, want to go, rocking --.

You catch the faintest glimpse of ivory out of the corner of your eye.
Shulamit tilts her head ever so slightly at the flash of ivory, but does not turn away from Aschwar.

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze drifts, only slightly, drawn by the cold and the smell, but too intently focused on Aschwar to dare tear his attention away.

A veil-clad ghost hovers in place, an arm outstretched to grasp Shulamit's hand as she floats between her and Aschwar.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "Maybe she is coming to bring back the happy!"

LOOK GHOST
Clad from head to toe in cascading veils of translucent, bleached silk, this figure has a curving, lithe form that exposes in flashes of ivory ectoplasm and semisolid flesh; the only colour to be found two amber eyes gazing out from its face. Worked with slender traceries of embroidery, the subtle shades of eggshell, alabaster, and similar whites trace her visage in delicate embroidery - the garb enveloping her like a robe, or a gown of curves and cunningly-knotted silks. Floating only a few centimetres from the ground at any given moment, the occasional scent of poppies and figs rises from the air surrounding her, imbuing into whatever it is she deigns to pass over.
A veil-clad ghost has an air of extreme strength.

You think to yourself: ** ah -- it's... **.

Lenara watches the ghost in awe with a desperate hope.

Shulamit blinks softly at the ghost, almost befuddled for a moment before smiling at her, eyes looking through towards Aschwar, focusing and unfocusing on both in turn.

You have emoted: Gurashi is unable to refrain from letting out a single, choked sob, covering his mouth as a veil-clad ghost appears.

In a voice that sounds like the rustling of dried parchment, carrying the scent of figs, a veil-clad ghost says, "...Beloved..."

You think to yourself: ** is her **.

Lenara tilts her head and listens intently to a veil-clad ghost.

You think to yourself: ... ** overjoyed, swelling with emotion and color - Miss Sebitti....!!! **.

Shulamit blinks rapidly before focusing on Aschwar, holding her other hand out towards the ghost with a smile. While still looking at Aschwar, voice directed at the ghost. "Hello. Are you...okay? I am unsure if any are, lately."

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...I am as okay...as one in my...position could be..."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a silent, weeping laugh, suddenly taking a step forward, expression bewildered as he looks a veil-clad ghost over.

Both arms outstretched still, looking slightly odd, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to a veil-clad ghost, "Perhaps we can help you, and Aschwar, and oh, everyone. That would be nice. But, oh. Are you the one Gurashi spoke so nicely of? Are you...ah..."

You think to yourself: ** is her is her is -her- **.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...you know me..."

You have emoted: Gurashi hiccups again, suddenly wiping his eyes, thoroughly embarrassed.

A veil-clad ghost's hand phases through Shulamit's slightly as she attempts to squeeze.

Very slowly, as thought faintly hopeful, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to a veil-clad ghost, "Yes. From what Gurashi has said, Sebitti, we have missed you."

You think to yourself: ** hope is she - is she? has to be - is? it must - if Friend Alary was here to see oh but Friend SHULAMIT is here and Friend Aschwar -- ASCHWAR-- **.

Arms drooping every so slightly before she lifts them up again, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I had not known you were lost, or I may have known to shine for you once more."

Ixchilgal creases his brow in a frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks through a veil-clad ghost to Aschwar, his gaze refocused, face still messy with tears.

A veil-clad ghost nods slowly, tilting her head towards everyone gathered. She seems to pass over the Saint, and Lenara, but lingers on Ixchilgal and you.

Shulamit looks through Sebitti, eyes focused deeply on Aschwar. "Dear? Honey."

Aschwar has assumed a position near to a ball, wrapped up with forehead against their knees and arms clutched tightly around their shins as they attempt to make themselves as small as possible.

Lenara watches a veil-clad ghost intently.

Ixchilgal takes a step back from the ghost, refusing to meet its gaze, or even look directly at it.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...do not blame...sweet, young Ash...they needed guidance...so worried...they would mistake..."

Softly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "I can not promise everything is okay, but we're still here for you."

You have emoted: Gurashi nearly drops their notepad, taking a forceful step forward, then another, as if pulling their feet from mud, shuffling over to where Aschwar is huddled, exhaling. He sinks to crouch beside the tae'dae without touching them, huffing softly.

Aschwar shudders and shakes as they rock back and forth, breathing ragged and hoarse as they appear entirely lost to the world.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...a world...of expectation...a thousand hopes...a Priest so young..."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to cry, though less grotesquely, wiping at his face. He glances at Aschwar, then pulls a bit of vellum from his rift, beginning to work intently.

Very softly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "So young."

You deftly fold and cut a sheet of vellum into a playful paper dolphin.

You sniffle softly.

You deftly fold and cut a sheet of vellum into a singing cicada origami.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...expected to be me...to be better...to not be me...to be worse...so many Wills...in a new world..."

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "We have no right to be here, with her. We should go."

Ixchilgal doesn't hesitate to make for the door, taking a wide berth around that ghost.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...stay..."

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...you need...closure...to be...forgiven..."
You have emoted: Gurashi glances up at a veil-clad ghost, then to Shulamit, then back at
Aschwar as he finishes folding a second origami. He huffs and puffs, whispering to one of them, before setting it before the priest, giving them wide berth so as not to touch.

Gently, softly, hand outstretched but never touching, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "It must have been so hard, and I'm sorry well, all of it. Every part. But I hope you know you are extremely good, and the best you I've ever seen at being you."

You carefully inscribe your message onto the inner folds of a singing cicada origami. The magic ink flashes slightly as its glow permeates the origami with its power.
With a final fold, you close and seal a singing cicada origami, hiding its message deep within the folds.

You give a singing cicada origami to Aschwar.

Somehow Sultan, Ixchilgal Mes'ard the Space Edumacator says, "No. We haven't earned it...closure or forgiveness."

Ixchilgal stops making a rush for the door, but isn't retreating either. And still isn't looking directly at the ghost.

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly turns his attention back towards a veil-clad ghost as she speaks, bunching his shoulders, falling still and silent save the occasional hiccup or sniff.

Shulamit tilts her head towards Ixchilgal's voice. "Ixi?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks towards Ixchilgal, furrowing his brow.

A veil-clad ghost turns and flickers as she floats through the temple space, drawing closer towards the tae'dae. She gently reaches out and places a hand on the top of their head, the scent of milk of the poppy rising to compete with figs. "...they have seen...what became of me..." Her voice is for no one but the old now, and carries with it no judgement. No remorse. "...they know..."

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...and so they...drew their blood...and called out...across the Veil..."

With an impactful resonance, Sebitti's voice echoes once more. "...to me..."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches a veil-clad ghost as she drifts closer, staring up at her as she gently touches the priest and speaks, utterly taken with her words.

You think to yourself: -- a wash of anxiety - oh what was - is that - retreating, uncertain --.

You think to yourself: ** calm, listening, hopeful **.

Shulamit glows a muted silver colour, watching Aschwar worried.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...yet in youth...they were mistaken...and I went...to another..."

You blush furiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly hangs his head.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...called to guide...I did so...and then soon...found them myself..."

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...weights of...expectation...too great...too grand...too many...there is no...room for error..."

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...for you? No...for them?...Impossible..."

Shulamit opens her mouth as if to speak, confused, before shutting it.

Lenara listens quickly, barely blinking.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...broken...confused...afraid...always happy...always there...to be better...to help others...a self prison...unenviable fate..."

A single fish swims by in midair, scales flashing with ivory and flame-hued luminescence.

You have emoted: Gurashi begins to cry once more in silence, listening to a veil-clad ghost speak, though his gaze is rested on the tae'dae.

Softly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "I am so sorry dear. I can take more, if I can, unless that somehow makes it worse."

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...lost in dreams...lost in thoughts...the Black Empire...the Black Emperor...a cold touch...his heart's cage...their new self...silence abounds..."

You think to yourself: ** silence...? **.

You think to yourself: ... ** they cannot hear the plants... silence ... **.

You sniffle softly.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...yet there is...Beloved...Thousandfold...a new love...Mysrai, their friend...Shulamit...Ixchilgal...Alary...Tsakali...Gurashi...so many more...always running back...telling old Sebitti...their new story...adventures..."

A gemstone scaled seal with burning wings of flickering flames raises his head high and releases a string of high-pitched barks: "ARF ARF ARF ARF ARF ARF!" Looking quite pleased with the sound, he lies back on his belly with a satisfied expression.

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a muted glow appearing within.

Shulamit winces very suddenly, almost having entirely forgotten a gemstone scaled seal with burning wings of flickering flames was here at all.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...Sebitti...I do not...belong here...my time gone...Their Will finished...a call waiting...but rest earned..."

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...I am tired..."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns suddenly, furrowing his brow as he watches a veil-clad ghost, hears her... words. He looks like he wants to write but can't lift the quill or notepad, staring.

A veil-clad ghost withdraws her hand, and you notice that under her touch, Aschwar has grown still, and though their breathing is still harsh and riddled with the tell-tale signs of weeping, there is no longer the sheer terror of whatever visions they were witnessing.

Stilted, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to a veil-clad ghost, "I am sorry I was not there for you more."

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...you all were...my best story...my dear friends...new family..."

Ixchilgal remains where he is, body tensed like he's trying to continue running for the door, but somehow rooted in place. His gaze has long since stopped drifting in even the general direction of the ghost.

Sniffling ever so softly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to a veil-clad ghost, "I am glad to have met you, deeply, dearly, forever."

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...but now...I am done...rest is earned...trials forgiven...blood repaid...Love renewed..."

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales sharply, nodding several times, squeezing his notepad as he frantically writes: 'never forget you love you very very much thank you for being so nice to me!'

Shulamit starts to hum softly, colours shifting through a rainbow of softened hues.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...Regrets abound...fear is deep...sorrow burns hot...you must now...forgive yourself...and be the...person I was...for all of...you, now, to...the young ones...new Beloved...new story...the same path...the same Love...the same Will..."

Shulamit tilts her head in the direction she believes Ixchilgal to be, glow washing over him softly.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says to Shulamit, "...I am so...so very proud...sweet little one...Beacon to all..."
Lenara smiles softly.

You gaze softens as you smile at Shulamit.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says to Ixchilgal, "...you bastard...get your head...out your arse...and do better..."

You have emoted: Gurashi clumsily wipes his tears from his face, then his nose, huffing as he catches his breath.

Shulamit turns back towards a veil-clad ghost, smiling softly, warmly before suddenly giggling inanely at what Sebitti as said.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says to Ixchilgal, "...tell Alary...I am proud...and expect him...to not be...me, but to...be him instead..."

Ixchilgal angles his head and gaze further away from the ghost, jaw clenched shut as he continues to remain silent.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says to Ixchilgal, "...do this...and forgive...yourself...as I have...forgiven you..."

Shulamit glows soothing shades of soft silver and ivory and muted blues and greens, sending the waves over Ixchilgal, Lenara, you, Aschwar, and a veil-clad ghost.

Ixchilgal jerks at that, and is evidently freed from whatever was rooting him in place. He all but runs for the door, scrambling to try and remember how to operate it so he can get out.

With a wistful look on his face, Ixchilgal touches a pair of broad copper doors.
The cold air of the city infiltrates the monastery as the doors to the outside creak open.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...I cannot leave...until they allow...bound to them...to guide...to teach...to love..."

Shulamit watches as Ixchilgal leaves, murmuring.

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says, "...a final task...please, help them...where I cannot..."

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales softly, wiping again at his eyes. He frowns in concern, looking up at a veil-clad ghost sadly.

You nod your head at a veil-clad ghost.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes out in all capital letters: 'LOVE?'

You sniffle softly.

Lips pursed but not in anger but some other mild emotion, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Oh Ixi."

Her rustling voice echoing around you as though flung across great canyons, a veil-clad ghost says to you, "...the seed...use it...to fix...a broken mind...grow in peace...and love..."

As though she were never here, a veil-clad ghost vanishes abruptly.

Shulamit blinks slowly as a veil-clad ghost vanishes, eyes turning towards Aschwar. "Sweetie?"

Sebitti's absence is made all the more poignant by the return of citrus, and the quiet breathing of Aschwar . Slowly, they raise their head, no longer pressing against their knees but decidedly not looking towards anyone else.

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales as the ghost vanishes, unable to mask the grief that settles on his face. But he nod sharply and smiles weakly, until he too turns his attention to Aschwar, wiping his eyes.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Face of Freedom whispers, "I hope the happy returns soon."

Lenara gives the world a smart salute.

With a wistful look on her face, Lenara touches a pair of broad copper doors.
The cold air of the city infiltrates the monastery as the doors to the outside creak open.

With a slow nod to Lenara, Shulamit shows her understanding.

To no one, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Doors can be tricky sometimes."

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard, settling again on his knees as he nods in agreement to Lenara's statement. He looks again at Aschwar, then slowly writes: 'am so sorry'.

Soothingly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "I'm sorry it's been so overwhelming. I hope you know we are here, and always will be. Maybe we can't do all the things you need, but we can be here for you, and help in all ways possible!"

You blush furiously.

Their voice almost gone entirely, breaking amid breath-catching sobs, Aschwar says, "I...I'm sorry..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at the notepad awkwardly, then up at Aschwar. He starts to write something else, then stops, gasping.

You have emoted: Gurashi sets the notepad on the ground, reaching out, holding his hand an inch above Aschwar's gigantic paw. He shakes his head several times, his own eyes filling with tears at the tae'dae's new ones.

You think to yourself: ** oh - do not be sorry do not be sorry - is nothing to forgive **.

You think to yourself: ** earnest frustration - the desire to fix help soothe console **.

Gently, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "If you ever need a hug, we're here. If you just want to sit in silence, we're also here. We're not doing that so well right now, but because we need to talk and words..."

Shulamit trails off, eyes crossed suddenly.

Shulamit shakes her head softly. "Sorry the words ran away."

Shulamit inches over towards Aschwar, sitting down near them but not touching.

Their voice almost gone entirely, breaking amid breath-catching sobs, Aschwar says, "I just...I d-didn't...I didn't want to mess up. And everyone always talks about how good Miss Sebitti was...and she's helped me be so much gooder."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, tail slapping the ground as it watches the proceedings. Over time it looks as it it grows bored, idly gazing in the direction of the orchard.

Gently, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Even if you had somehow destroyed the entire basin, we would fix that somehow. I'm not sure how because it hasn't happened yet, but we'd try our best."

You nod your head emphatically.

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.

You have emoted: Gurashi picks up the notepad, frantically writing: 'did not mean to call you out in front of Beloved like that - miss sebitti was super nice - you do good as you are too' He looks sheepishly at Shulamit, then again at the tae'dae, frowning.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs, his cheeks and ears burning bright red.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "You are the best you, and Sebitti was the best Sebitti. And there may be overlap, but love for both of you can exist. I mean, it has been already. Always loved Sebitti, then you came along, and loved you as well! And didn't suddenly stop loving Sebitti."

You nod your head emphatically.

Their voice broken, and so terribly sad, Aschwar says, "I don't...want her to go. I need her."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods at Shulamit, then looks at Aschwar, nodding several times in agreement with the lucidian.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Shaking their head, Aschwar says, "She's so much smarter, and knows everything I don't. She helps me fix things. I can't do it without her."

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs softly, shaking his head vehemently in denial at this.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly throws his arms into the air.

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs his cheeks, staring at Aschwar earnestly.

You think to yourself: ** can do it! **.

You think to yourself: -- withdrawn confusion --.

Shulamit looks at you, very confused before turning towards Aschwar. "We can help teach you as well. Me and Alary and all the others. We might not be Sebitti, for Sebitti was Sebitti, but we will try! And if we fail, we've failed together, and learned together."

You think to yourself: ** clear, crisp words, bright orange among the gray: cannot yell! but! you can do the thing! are doing the thing! so good! cannot tell how proud of but am so proud! **.

You think to yourself: -- withdrawn confusion --.

A citizen wanders by, vague and flickering, vanishing rapidly into the paths and roads of the Shifting City.

Shulamit looks at you, very confused before turning towards Aschwar. "We can help teach you as well. Me and Alary and all the others. We might not be Sebitti, for Sebitti was Sebitti, but we will try! And if we fail, we've failed together, and learned together."

You think to yourself: ** clear, crisp words, bright orange among the gray: cannot yell! but! you can do the thing! are doing the thing! so good! cannot tell how proud of but am so proud! **.

The orange parts the grey, and just for a moment, you feel the presence of something familiar. Cold, and almost forgotten. The remnants of where Sebitti's seed once lay. Only now, rather than the cold emptiness it had left, the seed is once more whole and well again.
[REDACTED]

Soft fur brushes against your ankles, leaving a strange warmth in your skin. When you glance down, you glimpse the fading remnants of feline footsteps in the dust.

Softly, their voice quiet and raw, Aschwar says, "I am sorry that I lied. I just...didn't want to let anyone down. I know everyone gets real scared of Miss Sebitti."

You have emoted: As Gurashi lowers his arms to his side, unsure if his message has been received, a strange look crosses his face. His lip twitches, then curls into a little smile, and he looks down at himself in confusion and delight.

You shake your head.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Shulamit glows soothingly a soft cream colour. "It's hard, but sometimes people will be let down, even if one does everything right. But!" she shakes herself a bit. "You have not let us down! Do not worry. We are worried about you being okay, and taken care of, and unhurt. Less hurting? We want to help, even if the situations are sticky. Like Lord Crumkane's caramels."

You have emoted: Gurashi touches his heart, listening to Aschwar. His gaze drifts over to Shulamit, and he nods in agreement, smiling reassuringly.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Quietly, Aschwar says, "But...but what if I need her? You all are great, but...there's stuff we talk about you guys can't help with. About the Shofet, and about priest things."

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

Shulamit ponders the situation.

You ponder the situation.

Slowly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "Well, we can talk about things that you can talk about, and help there. Maybe you can talk to Them about the others. Together we can be there, and if something goes go wrong, then we know that is not the right way."

You have emoted: Gurashi sits upright in his spot, wiping his eyes and blinking a few times as he considers Aschwar's quandary. He looks down at his notepad, but Shulamit speaks before he can write, and he turns his attention to her quickly, listening.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly writes: 'are other priests to other Divines in the basin - have talked to any of them?'

You tilt your head curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses, staring at his words.

You have emoted: Gurashi scribbles out the sentence entirely.

You have emoted: Gurashi gently whaps himself on the face with the notepad, shaking his head.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to you, "Oh, yes! There are other priests amongst the basin and other divine. Perhaps we should setup a...something. Tea party. With the ones that are not from...not liquidy. Er, bad liquids."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, standing up and casually striding closer to the orange orchard. It scents the air a few times, then sits down again.

Softly, lowering their chin against their chest, Aschwar says, "I know I should let her go home, but...I'm not sure I can yet. I'm so tired now, everything feels so heavy."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns to Aschwar suddenly.

Shulamit ponders the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi holds out a playful paper dolphin, eyes wide.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "You do not have to, not today. I think Ixi has some unresolved things, perhaps. But soon."

You think to yourself: ** love you - we love you **.

You think to yourself: ** even if do not know what is going to happen it will be O-K **.

You think to yourself: ** time is not going to stop do not think **.

You think to yourself: -- ... .. --.

You think to yourself: ** reassuring, familiar - it will, promise it will **.

With a small smile, Aschwar says, "Thank you for the toys, Friend Gurashi. I'm sorry you had to see this. I am sorry, too, if The Beloveds is not as much fun as you thought."

You give a horrified gasp.

You shake your head.

You flail about helplessly.

You think to yourself: ** a very intense desire to hug - but **.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs and shakes his head several times. Suddenly he opens his arms, then squeezes them around himself tightly, giving Aschwar a hopeful stare.

With their small smile growing a little sadder, Aschwar says, "I wish I was not broken. Then maybe I could help fix your voice..."

Aschwar blinks and then seems to realise the request, nodding and extending their arms towards Shulamit and you both. "I did not mean to make you worry."

Blinking a few times, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "It is okay dear. All things broken can be repaired. Just look at what Alary did for me."

You have emoted: Gurashi practically deflates, suddenly launching himself forward, throwing his arms around Aschwar's middle and embracing them tight, as best he can with his short human arms.

Shulamit tilts her arm briefly, golden veins glowing before giving a soft gasp, hugging Aschwar and you tightly.

You think to yourself: ** wave after wave of adoration - ripples of psionic energy, growing, encouraging - will be O-K, will be **.

You think to yourself: ** are so good - will protect yes **.


You think to yourself: ** warm edges of pink and gold - love you so much and do not even know **.

You think to yourself: -- far-off, but present - afeared --.

Bizirik, the leothin eyes an orange hanging from one of the lower branches, snorting softly and casually getting to its feet again.

Aschwar gently wraps their arms around the both of you, holding you in place for several long minutes and letting you bathe in the comforting heat and gentle silk of their fur, the scent of honey once more in your nose but this time much more gentle and far less imposing.

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffles, resting his cheek against Aschwar's chest with a huff.

You give Aschwar a friendly squeeze.

The Saint of Broken Citrus casually draws closer to a nearby tree in the orchard, conveniently just to the side of the one Bizirik had been eying. Her back turned, she tends to the fruit idly.

You think to yourself: ** will be O-K **.

Bizirik, the leothin sits down again, giving the Saint of Broken Citrus the once-over.

Shulamit glows softly, brightness never too bright, murmuring a very old and soft child's prayer of comfort.

<-- like a 3 minute hug lol

Aschwar releases the hug after several long minutes before gently excusing themselves to rise slowly. "I...think I will go and rest for a bit. I have lots to think about."

Shulamit gently lets go of Aschwar and you, nodding softly at Aschwar. "Of course dear. It's been very tiring."
With a loud yet playful whistle, a mechanical dirigible comes puttering in on currents of air, its metallic claw grasping the corpse of a mound of gibbering eyeballs, which it quickly deposits in your hands.
He is loyal to Wearer of the Peep Chili, Coraline Myeras.

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly sinks back to his feet as Aschwar lets go, looking up adoringly at the tae'dae and nodding. He sniffles again, smiling softly, then writing: 'we need to talk soon! please! stories!'

A mechanical dirigible bobs up and down on the air currents before jets of steam erupt from several of its valves, then putters off.

Shulamit ever so slowly watches a dirigible drift in and out, baffled by the eyeballs before shrugging a bit.

You stare at the corpse of a mound of gibbering eyeballs, eyes wide.

Aschwar looks down at the notepad, and then looks back up towards you. "I think my next project will be learning how to fix your voice. I miss hearing you."

You stare at Aschwar, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi almost drops the notepad, letting out a little huff of air as his cheeks flush.

With a slow nod to Aschwar, Shulamit shows her understanding.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods in agreement.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "He has a nice voice."

You have emoted: Gurashi points at Aschwar, then himself, nodding again.

Shulamit acknowledges the point with a grave nod of her head.

You blush at Shulamit furiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly hides his face behind the notepad.

Shulamit smiles at you, giving him a soft pat on the arm.

You have emoted: Gurashi laughs in silence behind the notepad, shaking his head several times.

A swirling vortex of golden sand opens, allowing Aschwar a moment to step through before vanishing abruptly.

You think to yourself: ** ahhhh - no they are busy enough I must figure it out **.

You sniffle softly.

Shulamit drops her hand from you gently. "If you n...ahhh off to sleep already."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Aschwar depart, lowering the notepad and heaving a great wistful sigh.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I thought maybe they'd need sheets, since the sheets possibly came from their house."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Shulamit nods her head slowly.

Slowly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "No, they sleep on pillows. Hmmm."

Resolutely, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I am sure of few things, but I am sure the mothies were naughty."

Shulamit suddenly looks undecided. "Probably."

Shulamit murmurs softly to herself.

You nod your head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, then nods... dazed, he looks around the monastery in disbelief. He writes: 'maybe did not believe in self enough'.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to you, "Perhaps we all need to more."

Shulamit stretches upwards, standing fully upright before yawning very suddenly. "I...should also probably rest?"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to the Saint of Broken Citrus, "Thank you."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to you, "Thank you."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to a gemstone scaled seal with burning wings of flickering flames, "You...were mostly good."

You gaze softens as you smile.

Oblivious to Bizirik's shenanigans, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Bizirik, the leothin, "You were very good."

Tiredly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Very draining. And yes. I think everything will be okay. I must go rest now. Be well dear."

With a wistful look on her face, Shulamit touches a pair of broad copper doors.
The cold air of the city infiltrates the monastery as the doors to the outside creak open.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You nod your head emphatically.

Your melodic voice sings into Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon's mind, "** washes of gratitude - gray limned with orange **."

You gaze softens as you smile.