Lantra Learns of Li-Varili

As if parting through mists of water and light, the Empyreal Goddess quietly unveils Her soothing
presence to Her Faithful.

(The Avowing): You say, "Good evening, my Lady. It is good to feel Your presence once more. Are You
well?"

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "A trifle concerned at the contents of your prayer, My Blessed Avaris, I
must confess."

(The Avowing): Alarin says, "Greetings, Lady Empyreal!"

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "I had known the capacity for cruelty the Traitors possessed, and yet,
its depths continue to surprise and grieve Me."

(The Avowing): You say, "They are monstrous indeed, my Lady. I wish that it were not so, but we
continue to learn more of their depravity. It seems to be without limit."

(The Avowing): You say, "Are You aware of the events, my Lady? I am unsure how far Your awareness
extends, or what You have been told."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "I had spoken little with the Lady of the Lagoons prior to Her return.
She is much a stranger to Me. And yet I cannot imagine anyone deserves such torment as that which
Drocilla has inflicted upon Her."

(The Avowing): You say, "Mm. Such suffering is not a thing I would seek to inflict upon another,
Lady, but I urge You to be wary of Her. She was not an innocent, and I fear that Her long torment
may have negatively impacted Her psyche in ways that have yet to surface."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "I fear that is the case, though without seeing Her for Myself, I cannot
say as to the extent of Her afflictions, physical or mental."

(Celest): Cheliyi (from the Aetherways) says, "Ah, um. Greetings Lady Lantra."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "But I am given to believe She may not desire My healing."

(Celest): Lantra says, "Blessings upon you, New Celest."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "Good morning, Lady Empyreals. Hopes the day finds You
well."

(The Avowing): You say, "As She is now, no, I do not think that She would. She abhors touch, and is,
understandably, volatile when approached."

(Celest): Lantra says, "Concerned, I suppose, in the wake of such tumultuous events. And wary. But
overall, it is grief I feel to learn the ever-sinking depths of the Traitors' depravity."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "It is very sad."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "And not very kindly, no."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "I see. It is strange how often those most in agony refuse healing."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "And yet understandable, given the paralyzing fear of bearing more
pain."

(Celest): Cheliyi (from the Aetherways) says, "Was... terribles, honestly."

(The Avowing): You say, "Perhaps in time, but it is my concern that during that period, She will be
preyed upon by the machinations of those of less conscience. It is, but I can understand the
reflexive lashing out at the thought of being in another's power, even if it is for one's own good."

(Celest): Lantra says, "I was not close with the Lady of the Lagoons, but I bore Her no ill will. To
see what has happened to Her... There are not words to describe it."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "No, there are not."

(The Avowing): You say, "My Lady, are You aware that She sought to undergo the Rite of Abomination?"

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "Will be a long journey for Her - hopes that She can
find peace and joy, in times."

A bracing cold light fills the aether at Avaris's words, alarm and anger intermingling in a flood of
incandescent fury.

(Academy): Blay says, "Pardon, bad."

(Academy): You say, "Concerning matters, Blay, but not of immediate trouble for you. Trust in your
elders."

(Celest): Cheliyi (from the Aetherways) says, "Seems like She really needs Someone familiars. Was so
spooked when She only saw shards, yes."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "No. That I did not realize."

Avaris tilts his head back, antennae snapping into vibrating banners of crimson,
the deep red mirrored in the abrupt flare of wrathful light that burgeons within his wings.

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "I see then Her current state is not the only weakness She bears.
Disappointing."

(Celest): Lantra says, "We shall see. The return to the Basin of Life is difficult for many of Us. I
was fortunate to have the Lady Terentia explain what had happened in My absence."

(The Avowing): You say, "I am sorry that You must lose faith in another Elder, my Lady. I do not
wish to cause You yet more grief, but that is something all should be aware of, I feel."

(Celest): Lantra says, "I believe there is something to be said, yes, for the comfort of
familiarity."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "It is a small blessing, at least, that your phrasing suggests such an
event never took place."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "Twelve Traitors is already twelve too many."

(Celest): You say, "I would be advise caution in introducing Lady Carakhan to Her. There is
resentment there yet, I believe."

(Celest): Kethaera says, "What is the reason for that?"

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "There are bigly feelings, yes..."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "The answers lie in the Mangrove, apparently..."

(The Avowing): You say, "For whatever reason, the Enchantress tricked Her when She was supposed to
enact the Rite, and imprisoned Her within the Morokeche Seat."

A cascading veil of water and light gently rains in from the west as Alarin steps through it,
parting the starry curtain in a shimmer of sparkling white mist.
The distant clanking of metal on metal is heard as a giant silverback gorilla clad in a shimmering
suit of golden armour strides in from the west.

Alarin stands at attention and gives a crisp salute with their furry right paw.

You give Alarin a respectful salute.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White gives the world a smart salute.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "What have I missed?"

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White peers about himself unscrupulously.

(Celest): Lantra says, "That I cannot say. Regardless, I believe the Sculptor capable enough to
determine Her own decisions and assess any threats therein."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "A peculiar twist of events."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "And puzzling."

(Celest): You say, "Indeed. I encourage you all to assist the cursed kelpies there, and learn more.
Thwarting the nereids is a worthy effort, as well."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "A moment."

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Of course."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "The Lady of the Lagoons is hurting, though, yes.
Hurting and lonely. Should just, be careful. And kind. She has many reasons not to trust peoples."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "But yes would be goodly to learns the story from the
Mangroves, think... need to learns, my-selfs..."

(Celest): Alarin says, "As do I. It seems I have missed a lot."

(The Avowing): You say, "I cannot begin to guess as to the Enchantress' motives, for there are too
many possibilities by far. Lord Blooredi also subjected Lady Li-Varili to...Great unpleasantness. I
do not understand what drives Someone to be so needlessly cruel."

(Before the Veil): Caleb (from the Realm of the Empyreal) says, "All achoress have been led to
safety."

Antennae flicking about in distraction, Avaris says, "What are you aware of?"

(Before the Veil): Alarin says, "Thank you, Sir Caleb."

Alarin Stormcrow says, "A new goddess. That's all I was told."

(Before the Veil): Lantra says, "Well done, My wanderer."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "There are many who convince themselves that the end justifies the
means, so to speak."

(Before the Veil): Caleb (from the Aetherways) says, "Thank you, Mi'Lady."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "Never examining the means themselves."
Avaris utters a low sound, tapping at the scabbards upon his left hip. "The Lady Li
-Varili, creator of the nereids, has been freed from millenia of torment within the Seat of
Morokeche, within the depths of the sea."

Alarin blinks.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Here? In the First World?"

Avaris lowers his head in a slight nod, confirming, "Indeed. She has a Fulcrux that
you may visit - But be cautious."

(The Avowing): You say, "How would You have us act in this matter, my Lady?"

(Before the Veil): Lantra says, "Such perseverance speaks well of you, My Caleb. I look forward to
seeing how your vows transpire."

Alarin Stormcrow says, "You mentioned a name I'd recognised... Lord Blooredi. He's involved?"

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "I trust in your judgment, My Avaris, and in that of all who serve Me."

A surge of red light thrums through the stylised eyes that fill Avaris's wings, his
fingers briefly flexing into fists. "He was. He tortured Her, and ate of Her essence. Created more
abominations, which I believe populate the trench."

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Aye... we've "met" a few of them."

(The Avowing): You say, "As You will it, Lady. If there is aught any of us can do for You, great or
small, please let us know. You are ever our focus, perilous times or no."

Alarin Stormcrow says, "So those were His doing...? I am not surprised, honestly."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "They bear His signature lack of creativity, yes."

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Precisely."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Ugly too."

Alarin rolls their eyes at Thaldorn Thornfist, the White.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you ask, "Quite so. Did you encounter the nereid?"

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Once."

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Something about a mangrove."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "I am gratified by your faith and trust. I shall keep an eye on present
events as they unfold, and would advise others doing the same."

(The Avowing): Alarin says, "Avaris is filling me in, my Lady. I will try to see what I am able to
learn as well."

The layered chorus of Avaris's voice grows heavy with darker notes of disgust as he
speaks. "The wretched things are native to that area, yes. There was one within the trench, however,
placed there by the Enchantress."

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "Knowledge can be powerful when wielded with the mindfulness of Wisdom."

(Before the Veil): Caleb (from the Aetherways) says, "I am working on it, Mi'Lady."

(The Avowing): Alarin says, "I agree, my Lady!"

Alarin Stormcrow says, "I see. Have people been aiding this nereid?"

(The Avowing): Lantra says, "I thank you for sharing this troubling news with Me. I shall...
meditate upon it, for a time."

(The Avowing): You say, "Of course, my Lady. I hope that it does not weigh on You too greatly. Thank
You for gracing us with Your presence, and Your voice. It is ever a balm to the heart."

(Before the Veil): Lantra says, "Then I eagerly await to see how your path unfolds among Mine."

A veil of sparkling white mist descends, whirling away in a wash of starlight as the Goddess's
presence vanishes once more into the ether.

Avaris flicks his lower left hand aside in a swift, dismissive gesture, contempt
ringing in his voice. "Likely. Many are fooled by their winsome appearance and their wiles. It is
maddening."

Alarin gives a pained sigh.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Sadly, I know what you're referring to all too well."

Lantra, the Empyreal has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 1 month.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Honeyed words meant to sway others from the path they walk. Where might I
find the Mangrove? I think it'd be best to start there."

Avaris places his hands over his heart, lowering his head for a moment.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "I'm not one easily swayed."

You think to yourself: A warm pulse of golden light, bearing reverence, faith and devotion in equal
measure. "Thank You, my Lady."

Alarin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Avaris lowers his hands, nodding sharply. "I can show you. I will take you to the
Queen of the mangrove kelpies, and provide introduction."

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

Alarin begins to follow you.