"May your desires rot a hole in your heart..."

In the park playground.
Pale, watery light floats away from a shield shrine of Carakhan nearby. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. It is warm and quite pleasant. Here in the north end of the grassy expanse, a section of New Celest is dedicated to the young, and the young at heart. Wood and metal structures are solidly screwed together, to encourage physical activity, fun, and games. One of the more exotic creations is the two-headed dragon. After climbing a ladder, people can hop down the maw of the dragon, spiraling down its tubular body and popping out at the bottom, which is also shaped in the image of a dragon's head. Surrounded by an aura of clarity and calm, a sculpture of the Loving Radiance stands here, captured in blissful repose. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings.
You see exits leading north, southeast, and southwest.

The uproarious shriek of derisive corvine laughter echoes across the multiverse, and for the briefest moment, all you can smell is the sweetness of roses.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up slowly, furrowing their brow.

You have emoted: Gurashi gazes up skyward for the longest while, then back towards their feet, having since sunk into the nearest swing. They cross their legs at the ankles, reaching out to ruffle the crest along Bizirik's back.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says to you, "Boo." <-- OUTTA NOWHERES

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi nearly jumps out of their seat in the swing, their grip on the ropes the only thing that saves them. "OHmyGOSH."

Kreon smiles softly.

Loudly, you say, "MISS KREON you SCARED me."

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "That's my job."

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs and rises quickly from the swings, clapping their hands together. "Hi! Hi! Hello! Good afternoon! How are you?"

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "An assassin does well in their job."

You blink.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "But I am not here for that."

Kreon giggles happily.
<-- she puts away her weapons

Surprised, you say to Kreon, "Ah? Oh."

Happily, you give a warm buttered loaf of bread to Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose.

Kreon smiles softly.

Wide-eyed, you ask Kreon, "What is it? Can help you with somethings?"

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "I am here to relay some words from Mother."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly stills, blinking once.

Quieter, you ask Kreon, "... some words?"

You look at Kreon hopefully.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "I believe you heard Her Crows."

The corners of Kreon's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

You think to yourself: * a hopeful, then thrum - a swell of ruddy color *.

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows their brow, nodding very slowly.

You think to yourself: * heart racing birdlike beating fast so fast might be good news could be maybe *.

Kreon puts her hands on her hips and goes "Hmmm!"

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "So there is no good or bad news."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Kreon, expression expectant, hopeful, then concerned. "...oh?"

Kreon puts her hands at her waste, "or is it bad, very bad because it's from Her to you," she says.

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders sag slightly, hands finding one another, wringing together.

You think to yourself: * fast heart beating so -fast- the rush of blood in the ears so noisy ah pay attention *.

Kreon hums while walking around the park, moving between the structures. Suddenly the humming stops and she is no where to be seen.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes one step after Kreon, then stops as well, hands still tightly clenched together. They look about the playground, confused. "...uhm. Miss Kreon?"

"You know She likes talking from the shadows also like this, " Kreon says. Still no where to be seen, her voice coming from somewhere around the park.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns slowly once more, then falls still, letting their arms drop to their sides, clearly listening.

Bizirik, the leothin remains near the swings, resting its elongated head upon the seat.

Arms draping into an embrace from behind Kreon whispers to you, "Gotcha."

You have emoted: Gurashi jumps at the embrace, gaze returning forward as their head shoots upright and they squeak, then look over their shoulders. "AaaAAAhaha, ARE GOOD AT THAT," They squawk, then immediately laugh, the sound high and warbling and nervous.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

You look at Kreon hopefully.

Disengaging from the embrace Kreon turns you around to face her, a serious overtaking her feature.

You think to yourself: * a sense of urgency, a growing sense of desperation - is not good news or bad news but is bad news coming from Her so... so ... *.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Kreon, their own expression hard to read as they stare back, eyes shiny.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says to you, "Your answer to being unenemied to Glomdoring, you must find a way to appease Her."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says to you, "Those are the nice words, unless you want me to relay word for word what She has told me."

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

Leaning forward, you say to Kreon, "What did She say."

Gaze burning with determination, you say to Kreon, "Her not-nice words."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says to you, "May your desires rot a hole in your heart until you appease Me."

Kreon coughs softly.

You stare at Kreon, eyes wide.

Quietly, you say, ".. oh.."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You think to yourself: * an abrupt stillness *.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens their mouth, then shuts it again, then opens it again, clearly looking hard for their words.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "I cannot say, but you must have broken Mother's Heart, I can only infer She was wanting you to be within Her Web but choose another."

The glittering dome of light surrounding New Celest shimmers with power as the star high above sparkles ever brighter.

Quietly, you say, "...mm. Uhm. I'm..."

You think to yourself: Sorry.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a deep breath, then lets it out slowly, hanging their head.

At last, you say, "...am sorry."

Bright and clear, you say to Kreon, "... mm - many thank yous for ..."

Kreon gives you a friendly squeeze.

Looking up finally, you say, "Uhm - passing it on."

You stare ahead, looking utterly wounded.

Bright and clear, you ask Kreon, ".....you know Her well, maybe...?"

(clan): Kreon says, "I'm not crying you're crying, wounded Gurashi must never happen again D:."
(clan): You say, "Thisisfine:tm:."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "I cannot say I know Her well, that is Lady Haruspex Afollia since she is Her Speaker."

Quietly, you say, "Oh."

You think to yourself: * recalling the discussion with the merian, how absolutely hopeless it felt hearing her response *.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "I do know what happens when you fail Her, but I know She loves us all within Her Web and Forest."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Kreon again, furrowing their brow.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "I can only guess one thing She would want, a betrayal of your Order."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly shakes their head.

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

Quietly, you say, "No - do not want to hurt anyone."

Quieter still, you say, "...anymore..."

Kreon ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Like I said that might be the option but I do not know anything else."

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales at last, like a balloon deflating. "O-K..."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Do something You did to Her to Them."

Quietly, you say to Kreon, "T... many thank yous for ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi flinches at the request, before continuing. "For bringing me some news."

You glance askance.

Comprehension flashes across Kreon's face.

A brilliant poppy of rainbow obsidian displays a myriad of brilliant colours before its petals flash momentarily coalescing into a shade of bright ivory.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Hrm."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Something did kind of pop into mind."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Could be less, hurting."

You stare at Kreon, eyes wide.

Kreon paces back and forth in front of you. She talks to her self saying, "Is it less hurting or will it hurt depends on the perspective?"

You have emoted: Gurashi does not have an answer for this, watching Kreon pace this way and that, making no gesture to move themselves.

"No no no, it won't hurt anyone because it's beneficial, " Kreon says. She continues to pace talking to herself.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to watch Kreon pace, tilting their head to the side.
Bright and clear, you ask, "...what is it?"

You think to yourself: *deep swirling shades of muted pastel colors - a sense of unease ... what could be equal to something so painful but not hurt anyone? no... *.

Kreon stops before you , a concerned look overtaking her soft features. She turns to you and says, " I have yet to talk to Xenthos, what happened after the verdict of treason, did he abandon you and not considered you his child?"

You stare at Kreon, eyes wide.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "I take it I hit the nail on the head."

Kreon chews on her lip, deep in thought.

You think to yourself: * that awful damn stillness, for just a moment - hurts, hearing that name -hurts- *.

You have emoted: Gurashi sets their jaw, staring at Kreon intently. "...uhm..."

You think to yourself: Don't cry.

Kreon moves her face inches away from you , examining your face.

You have emoted: Gurashi's chin quivers, staring at Kreon as the other human suddenly leans in very close to their face. Their eyes are wide, clearly brimming with tears that they are doing their best to not fall. "...he does not talk to me anymore, no," They say at last, with some effort, sounding out the words carefully.

Rising from her relaxed posture, Yukina, the white furred kitsune stretches languidly, her five tails flaring with mystical energy before dying down and she returns back to lounging in the nearby shadow.

You think to yourself: * for a moment, still crisp memories of adventures with the abnormally tall faeling paint their way across their mind *.

Inching a bit closer to your Kreon whispers ," You know if you attempted to reconcile with him by bringing two wonderful individuals to join the Glomdoring, you would kill two birds with one stone."

You think to yourself: * another sharp pain - want to -see- *.

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

Voice wavering, you ask, "...t...two?"

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

With a gleeful smile Kreon steps back and twirls around you , her wings stretching slightly out.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little grunt, attempting to follow Kreon with their gaze, forced to turn slightly as she does.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Any two from within the Basin would do, help them understand the Beauty of Her Forest."

You think to yourself: * a long-time, almost forgotten buzzing, a keening-- *.

Kreon stops right before you once more, tucking her wings closer behind her. "If you bring two friends to join Glomdoring, Mother would be pleased and Xenthos would know that your are attempting to fix the wrongs to our home," she says with a smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Kreon, canting their head to the side before slowly looking down at their feet. "I see."

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

You think to yourself: ... why ...

Moving her hand to cup your cheek Kreon says, "I do not know what has truly happened but I do want to see you and Xenthos talking once more."

As their cheek is cupped, you whisper, "...m... me too."

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

You think to yourself: ... Xenthos ...

At last, you say to Kreon, "T...hank you, yes. For talking to me, yes."

Kreon flashes you a joyous smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard, offering a tired smile.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Please do your best, I believe it's time to see you home once more, even if it's not Glomdoring, but with your father still."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a short, choked sound at this, tears very nearly spilling over as they nod hurriedly and repeatedly to hide them.

Kreon gives you a tight warm embrace, stroking your hair in comfort.

You lean against Kreon, eyes half-closing.

You reach out, pulling Kreon into a tight embrace.

You think to yourself: * as they embrace the other human - some sense of comfort in the contact, a sort of familiarity, a relief *.

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

You no longer feel as confident in your baking. <-- oh NO

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose whispers, "Do not be afraid of the shadows, they are always their to comfort and guide you my dear."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, face mushed against Kreon's shoulder before pulling back, now wet with tears. "A-am not," They insist, huffing and wiping their face with the back of their hand.

Suddenly, you say to Kreon, "Love you very muchly, Miss Kreon - thank you."

You smile sadly at Kreon.

You sniffle softly.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Anytime my dear, you have Her Will, it is up to you to do what you want."

You nod your head sagely.

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

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Now it's time for me to rest, for now do not dwell on it and do some fun."

You look at Kreon hopefully.

Surprised, you ask Kreon, "Fun?"

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Cooking, feeding Bizi, anything you do normally."

Bizirik, the leothin suddenly looks very interested in trying to climb onto the swing, awkwardly clambering over the seat until its front paws and back paws are on either side of the equipment.

Kreon giggles happily.

Bizirik, the leothin's tail sweeps back and forth as it stares expectantly in Gurashi and Kreon's direction.

Bright and clear, you say, "Ah..."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Wiping their eyes again, you say, "O-O-K..."

You give Kreon a friendly squeeze.

Bright and clear, you say to Kreon, "Uhm..."

Bright and clear, you say to Kreon, "Can - do ..."

Looking up, you ask Kreon, "Can do anything for you before you gotta go?"

Yukina, the white furred kitsune <stares at> Bizirik, the leothin , obviously annoyed with what she is watching.

Kreon peers at Yukina, the white furred kitsune unscrupulously.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Yukina, the white furred kitsune.

Bizirik, the leothin strikes a pose.

From within your mind you hear, Yukina, the white furred kitsune says, "Don't chirp at me you foolish beast."

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly at Yukina, the white furred kitsune.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Really Yuki."

Yukina, the white furred kitsune turns her back on Kreon and pointedly ignores her.

Bizirik, the leothin looks utterly unbothered by the demand, grinning smugly at the kitsune.

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

Surprised, you say to Kreon, "I-I did not know she could talk...!"

Bright and clear, you say, "I wish Bizi could talk! Would be easier to know what she wants sometimes... she just shows pictures... when she wants to."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "She does, but she does not talk to anyone other than me."

Bizirik, the leothin lets itself go limp on the swing, causing the equipment to creak under its weight. Its tail happily slaps the ground behind it now.

You boggle at Kreon.

Bright and clear, you whisper, "Oh my..."

Bright and clear, you whisper, "What a gift!"

Roaring rumbles and rumbling roars ring ahead as Mboagn ribbits, "HETHKLYFF IT'S LITERALLY SEVEN IN THE EVENING...BUTTERFLIES ARE SLEEPING. STOP MAKING ME CATCH THEM."

You see Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose shout, "My dear could you be a bit more quiet, some of us enjoy the peace.....until you spoke."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Roaring rumbles and rumbling roars ring ahead as Mboagn ribbits, "You're not my mum, Kreon, you can't make me!"

Kreon rolls her eyes.

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

Bright and clear, you say, "Miss Shulamit is not awake to tell him to listen..."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Kreon.

You gaze softens as you smile at Kreon.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says to Yukina, the white furred kitsune, "You're quiet again, someone finally got you to speak other than me."

From within your mind you hear, Yukina, the white furred kitsune says, "I can only take so much from watching an utterly ungraceful beast."

Bizirik, the leothin slides out of the swing, its back legs sticking straight out, still partially caught in the equipment as it lazes upon the ground like a half-cooked noodle.

In disbelief, you ask, "You mean Bizi?"

You tilt your head curiously at Yukina, the white furred kitsune.

From within your mind you hear, Yukina, the white furred kitsune says, "Ungraceful beast is fine."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back over to Bizirik, who looks very proud of itself, back leggy still sticking out of the swing.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Bright and clear, you say, "She is just Bizi... ungraceful is definitely, a word..."

Bright and clear, you say to Yukina, the white furred kitsune, "But I love her anyway!"

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly steps away from Kreon, rushing over to the swing and attempting to aid Bizirik's trapped foot.

You have emoted: Gurashi grunts, helping pull the leothin's leg out of the swing trap it managed to get itself stuck in, only to cry out in surprise as the leothin dramatically sticks its angular face in the human's, licking Gurashi gratefully right across the center of their face.

Nose crinkled in disgust, you say, "BiZI."

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at you.

Beads of sweat break out on your face.

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

Bizirik, the leothin thrums, dropping its head atop Gurashi's own with an audible 'thunk', snuffling and snorting and staring back at Kreon and Yukina, the white furred kitsune intently.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

(clan): You say, "Yukina is graceful and refined."
(clan): You say, "Bizi: how many egg can fit in mouf."

From within your mind you hear, Yukina, the white furred kitsune says, "Revolting display."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "What, the affection, despite you always wanting me to cuddle up to you and sleep in your fur."

You grin mischievously at Kreon.

You reach out, pulling Bizirik, the leothin into a tight embrace.
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.

You think to yourself: * though the leothin attempts to smother the 'bad feelings' with extra displays of affection, it still.. *.

You think to yourself: * h u r t s *.

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes Bizirik, the leothin's neck gently, then rises, looking down at the creature fondly.

Looking away from her mistress Yukina, the white furred kitsune speaks from within your mind, "I-I-I do not do such a thing, you must be half-asleep thinking such things Mistress!"

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Kreon for some sort of silence confirmation, brow raised.

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly at Yukina, the white furred kitsune.

With a slight grin, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "If it untrue why are you so bashful."

Bizirik, the leothin seems to be grinning -especially- smugly in the kitsune's direction, tail slap slap slapping the grass behind it.

Yukina, the white furred kitsune turns her back on Kreon and pointedly ignores her.

You think to yourself: * an ache - a throb - a sick twisting *.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "She'll ignore me for a bit but she'll continue to want my attention once I'm back in my manse."

Grinning slightly, you say to Kreon, "I will pretend did not hear a things about it, no."
You nod your head sagely.

Yukina, the white furred kitsune ears twitch slightly at hearing the words, but continues to ignore her mistress.

Whispering, you say to Kreon, "Saving faces? Is that terms? For saving faces."

You ponder the situation.

Bright and clear, you whisper, "That might be for collecting masks..."

Kreon ponders a golden mask of Quixote thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "I have those."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "I do save some faces."

You nod your head sagely.

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "She is very bashful, but is a bit jealous of Auriella, she has yet to even speak to my wife."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks very surprised at this. "Really??"

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Maybe all the affection I give my wife and not her is making her act that way."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Quietly, you say, "Some peoples do not want to share affections - is just how they are, yes."

Bright and clear, you exclaim to Yukina, the white furred kitsune, "But Miss Kreon loves you lots!"

You think to yourself: * a single skein of saffron in all the blue and gray .. love .. *.

Hearing those words from you Yukina, the white furred kitsune seems to let lose some mystical flames around her body. The flames die down quickly as they appear.

Kreon gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Seems that was enough to give her some emotion."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Gazing with a tired smile towards the other human, you say to Kreon, "Did not mean to work her up - but is clear how muchly you loves her, yes."

Seemingly having enough of her mistress Yukina, the white furred kitsune turns around to leave, but not without striking her Kreon with her massive tails. Kreon nimbly avoids the tails, continuing to have a smug look on her face.

Almost sing-song, you say, "AND Miss Auriella."

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly.

Noticing her mistress depart, a fox-like creature strolls off to the southwest.

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

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Now that's that."

You chuckle long and heartily.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to wipe at the corner of their eye, smiling tiredly at Kreon, expression softening as the kitsune wanders off.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Well then, enough fun, I think it is time I rested and took Yukina back to her forest. She does not know how to get back into the manse."

The sky lightens and stars fade as Father Sun approaches the horizon in his neverending quest to capture Mother Night.

You nod your head emphatically.

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

Looking up, you say to Kreon, "Thank you, again."

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

Bright and clear, you say to Kreon, "Know is not always fun to share news..."

You glance askance.

You look at Kreon hopefully.

Bright and clear, you say to Kreon, "Am still grateful."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "May the shadows guide you my dear."

Kreon curtseys gracefully before you.

Kreon touches her fingertips to her hand, illuminating the temporal tattoo upon it. The air beside her warps, as a clock-like portal manifests.

Kreon leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.

You sniffle softly.

<-- she go

You think to yourself: ... where is a shrine... oh.

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: ... rot ...

You shake your head.

You think to yourself: * a brief pass of dizziness *.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, leaning bodily into Gurashi, causing the human to stagger.

You think to yourself: ... what to do - what want to do.

You think to yourself: ... do ...

You think to yourself: ... bring two peoples to Glomdoring...

<-- finally goes home to solariums
A bright but barren solarium.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Stepping out from the wildly busy curiosities room, you find a brightly lit octagonal space that is nearly entirely composed of clear glass walls and dark ravenwood support beams. The solarium stands as wide as the neighboring greenhouse to the north, and the conical ceiling comes together at an equal point where a lovely glass lantern has been set to hang. The floor is made of smooth, slate-colored stone, three half steps leading down to the heart of the solarium. Wild foliage has sprouted from the raised planters, vibrantly green leaves laced with silver spilling out over the wooden barriers and brushing the floor. Great bushes containing bizarrely translucent and many-petaled flowers line the southern wall, their blooms glittering in the available light. Strange indigo vines grow along the woodwork, some as high as the ceiling, the start of bright blue-violet buds evident near their ends. Another wall holds carefully organizes shelves with gardening supplies - gloves and spades - small instruments intended for light indoor horticulture. The final wall houses an unassuming upright piano. No more than fifty inches in height and carved from walnut, the instrument houses shiny ivory keys and offers a sweet, lovely tone when played. Planted in six identical terracotta pots behind the piano are half-grown stalks of bamboo that look more like crystalline replicas than a real plant. Great jade stalks that glimmer with veins of blue-violet glimmer in a riot of colors, casting colorful reflections onto the floor. A tan wicker bench rests here, white cushioning plump and inviting. Chain neatly folded, this globe lantern casts a wistful shade of blue on its surroundings. A painting of an Unbroken spirit is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall.
You see exits leading northeast (open door) and east (closed door).

You sit yourself down on a white cushioned wicker bench and make yourself comfortable.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up slowly towards the painting mounted overhead.

You think to yourself: ... * an intense desire - to see him again, for things to be unchanged - normal and unchanged *.

look PAINTING (by LIEF)
This is a painting done in three separate, hinged panels, each detailed
and complete enough to stand on its own. All three together as a
triptych tell a story of darkness and light, of shadow and color, and
the middle bears a gilded title plaque upon the bottom center declaring
its name: 'Unbroken'.

The first panel is deceptively simple at a glance. Oil brushwork
manipulates color to severe and tortured effect, the darkness at the
edges bleeding into the central focal point. There, brilliant colors
fight against the shadow, a peacock in stunning, iridescent midnight
blue haloed by white roses growing from a bush behind him. Though he
sits upright, with his neck bowed and his head craned to face the
central panel, his eyes are closed. On close inspection, the dark lines
streaking down his avian cheeks are not natural markings, nor are they
tears, but they are, instead, streaks damp with blood.

Fastened to the right hinge, the third panel depicts a scene tense and
fraught, though nothing immediately appears wrong. Twisting ravenwood
trees, lovely in their own right, crowd around a clearing where many
indistinct figures recline. Some are vaguely defined by their shapes:
there are at least one kepheran and a tae'dae, and perhaps a few elfen
as well, but many are faeling of different sizes and wing shapes - and
one has something off about them in particular, a distortion to their
shape, a fuzziness to the black hue, that makes them not belong. Though
these mortals are ill-defined and indistinct in this heart of shadow,
the central figures of this painting are most certainly not. A visage
immediately identifiable as the devastatingly beautiful, hauntingly
countenanced Goddess Viravain stands brightest, Her bone-white hair a
corona about Her face and body. Something alien and intelligent has been
captured in Her bewitching blue eyes, twinkling with proud laughter. She
wields a wickedly curved scythe, a reaper's tool, standing next to a
figure much Her opposite, a being whose very garb pulls pleadingly at
Him to rejoin the shadows. It is the God Nocht - and despite a glimpse
of skin that looks unhealthy and gray, brush strokes imply, rather than
define, something likewise handsome in His bearing. A captivatingly
radiant peacock's feather is affixed to His clothing, the eye a
brilliant, gleaming gold. Though the feather itself is sightless, the
God's own piercing eyes, ethereal blue within starbursts of similar
gold, look not at the gathering but at the painting's viewer, ever
watchful.

Flanked by images of sorrow and fear, the middle panel is twice the size
of the other two, and somehow twice as glorious. This painting is the
rising sun cutting through the darkness, life itself in so many
triumphant, breathtaking hues, all touched by a glimmering golden glow.

In this frame, people of different shards gather beneath an old apple
tree heavy with ripened fruit. The earth itself is dusted with pale pink
flower petals nearly white as snow, a soft and fragrant cushion for
everyone to lounge upon. Some individuals are immediately identifiable
as Mayflowers by a crystal bindi upon their brow or a glimmer of
prismatic color in their eyes. Some are not: there is an elfen, dreamily
gazing at - or perhaps past? - a dark-carapaced kephera with sunset
orange markings, while this kephera sets out delicious-looking food for
the others. An affable, dark-furred tae'dae sits beside a mouse-kin who
grasps his tail as he gazes up at his companion, immense affection
reflected in his eyes. Further part of this circle, a human in a
striking apple-shaped fascinator sits beside a hovering faeling with a
pot of something all the others steadfastly refuse, and still others
more have been painted here, flatteringly and with fondness. Gazing upon
them all in the background is the Goddess Maylea, Her every contour and
color recreated with utter devotion and obvious love. Chestnut and blue
hair caught in a passing breeze, She stands in the shade of the apple
tree with Her bow Pathfinder in hand, a protective, benevolent presence.
Beside Her hovers a faeling with antlers and an artfully-crafted
autumnal kimono, a particularly vivid pattern of apple blossoms glimpsed
upon her olive skin at her neckline.

You wrinkle your nose and sniff.

You think to yourself: .. but...

You think to yourself: ... * a deep, persistent gnawing * Is that... -right-...?