"It feels like you do not believe in me..."

Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
The dark heart of Glomdoring Forest is almost audibly beating in this, its shadowy centre. Tall, blackened trees surround this clearing, pressing together into an imposing barrier of rotten vegetation. Moulds and fungi are smeared across the plants, their pungent stench suffusing the forest. The branches are coated in dark slime, slick tendrils that hang downwards. Although a variety of trees might actually grow here, the black tar that coats them renders them indistinguishable. A thin black mist creeps between the trees, hanging low across the ground. The floor of the clearing itself is simply bare earth, cracked and dry. Overshadowing all is the Master Ravenwood Tree itself, jutting into the sky like a twisted fist. The sound of laughing crows echoes down from the treetops, a harsh sound for the ears below. The atmosphere vibrates with a palpable power. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a bat around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a spider around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a beetle around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a wasp around its skull. The Master Ravenwood Tree towers over everything here, pulsing with an immeasurable yet dark power. There are 25 dark nighthags here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. There are 2 armoured bats here. There are 20 illithoid scourges here. There are 25 shadowlord widowriders here. A crudely crafted shrine of harsh black crystal stands here, thrumming powerfully. Splintered from the Master Ravenwood, a massive branch lies here, spiders crawling along its rotting wood. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. There are 5 death watch beetles origami here. A blackthorn sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow.
You see a single exit leading north.
Brennan Stormcrow cocks his head to one side, looking you over with an appraising stare.
Brennan Stormcrow exclaims, "Mighty Crow has his eye upon you, Dark Savant!"
Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at you hopefully.

You chitter at Xenthos with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.

Xenthos begins to follow you.
==== Xenthos is following you ====

Antennae twitching, you say to Xenthos, "Oh - already have all my breads..."

Quietly, you say, "...unless you are here to talk about the rejection letter, yes."

You tilt your head curiously at Xenthos.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "..er, here. Following. Words."

Xenthos ponders the situation.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I am aware of a letter, but I do not actually know what it says."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I believe that our official response is simply that it cannot be so."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Though some concern has also been expressed regarding your guest, and its observations of the Glomdoring."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances aside at the many, many guards, before stepping down below.

You portal to An'ryshe.
A peaceful glade.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Trees thrive here, encircling the wide glade, their immense trunks giving an impression of age and majesty. Only one tree grows within the glade itself-- a massive Ravenwood which stands proudly in the center, its branches thick and concealing. A carpet of soft grass covers most of the ground in the open space, though a few large rocks break the surface, their tops worn flat and smooth and kept meticulously clean. This affords ample space for one to rest and relax, choosing either the soft comfort of the grass or the smooth surface of the rocks depending upon personal taste. A small segment of the glade has been turned into a miniature garden, in which grows violet irises and well-tended rosebushes arranged in tidy rows. The fragrance of the flowers permeates the air with a heady aroma. A brilliant white rose, a warm tulip of dawn, a striped orchid, an entrancing red rose, a cluster of snapdragons, an elegant pink rose, a pink carnation, a striped orchid, a vibrant sunflower, a warm tulip of dawn, and a pink carnation blossom within a beautiful, lush garden. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. You see a sign here instructing you that WARES is the command to see what is for sale.
You see exits leading north, east, southeast, up (closed door), and down (closed door).
You look at Xenthos, expression filled with concern as you frown.
The horizon glows with burnished shades of orange and red, heralding the imminent arrival of Father Sun upon the rim of the world.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Xenthos, "... you did not... submit or help write the letter... ?"

Xenthos shakes his head.

You have emoted: Gurashi fidgets with an elegant leaf of shadow-faded stationery awkwardly.

Trying not to look hurt, you give an elegant leaf of shadow-faded stationery to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Xenthos, "You cannot ... -banish- Miss Sebitti - she is already lost. Where will she go?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist looks skeptical and says to you, "I still would like to know why she chose you in the first place."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down, then back up again, antennae sagging. "I am feeling lost - you have said that I am a very good me, but Lady Rancoura's letter seems to indicate that should change what is that makes me a good me." He shakes his head. "I cannot both stay and change."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Xenthos, "I will... cover my eyes and my ears - until can figure out where it is she is supposed to go. It cannot .... take -that- long, right?"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You think to yourself: **a wash of color - blues and indigos**.

You have emoted: Gurashi grows quiet, folding both pairs of hands together.

Xenthos gives an elegant leaf of shadow-faded stationery to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes the letter, morosely folding it back as it was and returning it to his belt for safe keeping.

You put an elegant leaf of shadow-faded stationery into a Rope Belt of Advantage.

Light spreads across your back in numerous colours and hues, enfolding you like butterfly wings.
Beautiful wings of ice spring up from Xenthos's shoulder blades, expanding wider than any mortal's could, elegant yet cold. Crackling with the motion, they begin to fall apart, dissipating into the air as mist.
<-- unisoned wingmote

You tilt your head curiously at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I do not know- we do not know why she is there, so it is impossible to tell how long she will be, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head a little bit.

Quietly, you say, "Cannot just ... get rid of her. That is not right."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down, fidgeting.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Mm. Was it right for her to just jump inside of you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, looking up at Xenthos again.

You think to yourself: **uncertain shades of mauve and amber**

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Was more upset when Miss Khep started talking than Miss Sebitti, really..."
You glance askance.

With a sudden, sarcastic laugh, you say to Xenthos, "It is like have had training!"

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly falls silent again, antennae sagging. "Mm."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Is that perhaps why you were selected?"
Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

You have emoted: Gurashi shrugs. "I-I don't... maybe?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "She's not mean. She's certainly not as mean as Miss Khep was at the beginning."

You think to yourself: / I was -not- mean ./.

Sharply to his left, you say, "No - you -literally- tried to make me stab Mixter Esei." He scowls and shakes his head. "Am still mortified."

You clear your throat.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I do recall that."

You carapace turns a bright shade of red as you blush.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...has come a long way since, yes."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "A-anyway."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... you agree - at least have to know why she chose me, yes? And... she is not, causing me distress. Besides wanting to ... help her."

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

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And there is no guarantee that driving her out would not make an enemy of the Shofets, who is not currently so. Especially if it caused more harm."

You have emoted: Gurashi fidgets... then looks a little relieved. "...so, she can ...stay? You are not gonna make me like..." He gestures wildly, "Exorcise her from me prematurely??"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks hopeful again, then quickly tempers his expectations and straightens his face, mandibles clicking once.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I might instead suggest a rite of binding- something that draws the attention of the Glomdoring's spirits to her, and sends her to a deep slumber when she is near the Glomdoring. We can determine whether it must be purged later, when we know more."

You think to yourself: Binding...??

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And note that this is an idea I am raising, not what has been decided thus far."

You think to yourself: **curious lilac - continued washes of mauve**.

Softly, you say, "Purged..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "There is no decision in that regard."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "-If- she is a danger to the Glomdoring, absolutely."

Shrugging slightly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I see no sign thus far that she is."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns again, looking towards Ilistala, an enormous leopard, then back to Xenthos.

You nod your head emphatically.

Quietly, you say to Xenthos, "... you did not vote yes, did you."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But I can understand the concerns raised by the Court in regards to your possession, though I do not personally share them to the same extent."
You nod your head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I did not. Lady Viravain's displeasure was... decisively clear."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I did, however, also speak with the Shofets, and I made a promise that I would not stand in between you and Aschwar. I intend to hold to that promise."

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

Faintly buzzing, you ask Xenthos, "...it is only because of the Lady's response?"

After a pause, you ask, "...wait - you talked to the Shofets?" <-- still no PRAYER SHARE TT~TT

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

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "It is not. I warned you that it would be difficult, and that I was leaning against it, but Her decision would be able to sway me."

You let out a soft, buzzing sigh.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "If She had been convinced to lend Her support... it would have held great bearing, as I stated."

Staring down, you say, "...She said to show Her how my love of Mysrai would help the Wyrd..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...and then that spiders might eat me."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Well, spiders like to eat us all, from time to time."

A wry smile spreads across Xenthos's face.

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, understanding, but is unable to mask his disappointment regardless.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I did discuss with Them, yes. I shared my concerns about the city of Gaudiguch, and Their tie to the city. About how concerned I was for your well-being when surrounded by those who embrace Ashira and those like her."

Quietly, you ask, "Did you know Unfriend Ashira is no longer Beloved?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "As long as she rules Gaudiguch and the Beloved support her... it makes little difference, in the end."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "My concerns are not for them or their city, but for you."

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

Quietly buzzing, you ask Xenthos, "Me?"

You tilt your head and listen intently to Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Yes. I cannot help but feel that despite their name, they will bear with them the toxicity of their city. Much like a pitcher plant that lures in the unwary with a pleasant scent, and then captures and dissolves its victim. And I know you well enough to know that if you were to commit to that path, you would never cast it aside, no matter how much it hurt you."

Confused, you ask Xenthos, "... you ... think that the Beloveds from Gaudiguchs would wear me down... with acid?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "With spite and angst, word and deed."

You stare at Xenthos, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks like he wants to say something, his beak opening, then quickly closing again, gaze drifting down again.

Mandibles clicking, you say, "You did not answer my question from before - about which it is that am supposed to do."

Weakly, you say to Xenthos, "I do not know how to not care about peoples - it is just ... -harder- to understand the... political-ness of it all."

You have emoted: Gurashi waves an arm about in frustration, then crosses all four across his chest, sighing miserably.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I note that Rancoura suggests that you focus more upon the Glomdoring- upon the others around you within the Forest. I also stated that I will not bar you from seeing Aschwar. Both paths are open to you - and neither path closes off the other."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 25th of Juliary, 560 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 7 days until the New Moon

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "The political-ness of situations is... very important."

Quietly, you say, "Know."

You twiddle your thumbs.

You think to yourself: ... guess do not need these ...

You put Prayer Beads of the Gods into a fesix backpack.

You let out a soft, buzzing sigh.

Quietly, you say, "...many apologies - just. Do not know what else to say or. What."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about, unfocused. "Understand why wanna keep Wyrden things secret, yes. That is fair." He looks up quickly. "But I cannot get rid of her - unless it turns out she is mean or Soulless or something."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I understand. I do not think that there is anything that you -need- to say at this point."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "That is not how to approach this. Do not make it -personal-."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Not about how you feel, but about how it matters to the Glomdoring."

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

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Assaulting a priest- even a dead one- of the Shofets of our own will would be offensive, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffs, nodding.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "If your argument is based on feelings, it will not hold much weight. If your argument is based on reason, then it can be a mighty tree with deep roots."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And -both- can be true at the same time."

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

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Your feelings can be within the tree, at its core- but supported and given strength."

Quietly, you ask, "... my reasons were not rooted enough....?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "You do not wish to harm this priest because of how you feel about her. Weigh that against the Glomdoring's concerns of her presence within you."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The Glomdoring's concerns prevail. You must instead determine why it serves the Glomdoring better that we choose another path- and I've given you a basis to start with."

Quietly, you say, "... that attacking Their priest ... living or dead, would cause more problems than harm..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "That potentially destroying Their priest would be considered a declaration of war against Them, one assumes- or taken as an extraordinary act of hostility."

You nod your head emphatically.

You sniff softly.

You think to yourself: **resumed swirls of blue. big, great big feelings of sorrow. remorse. what do I do?**

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Something which should not be pursued without great reason."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Offer an alternative."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I have already suggested one of those, as well."

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...to make her sleep in the Glomdoring..."

Xenthos nods his head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Sending a spirit to slumber would, one presumes, not be as offensive."

You think to yourself: **another swirl, this time amber - nervous**.

Quietly, you ask, "Does that even work...?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And it would satisfy the Glomdoring's concerns, yes?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...mm."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Spirits can be bound, yes."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "To all manner of ends."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And the Glomdoring is full of such spirits."

Quietly, you say, "Yeah... it is an idea."

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...I - no. Got the letter and ... thought it was a unified response... so thought exorcism was what was happening."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...so gotta ... think."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...my brain is full of lots of thinking."

Snald's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Sooooo."

Snald's melodic voice sings into your mind, "I have some news you may not like."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master of Death, Snald Stormcrow, "I ... talked with Xenthos. Is O-K."
Snald's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Okay. I'm sorry. I hope you understand."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master of Death, Snald Stormcrow, "Mm. It is O-K."

Suddenly, you say, "Oh... I got a letter from Miss Duet this month!"

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

Glancing down, you say, "She's doing O-K, think. She tried to write the letter a few times, think..." He pauses. "Mister Binky finished it. Asked about Friend Aschwar, but they haven't seen them in so long that they still called them Friend Liar ..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Wonder if could facilitate some sort of meet-up for them both..."

You have emoted: Gurashi stops suddenly. "W... would be lying if said wasn't little bit disappointed." Another pause before he adds in a softer voice, "But do understand."

You think to yourself: **anxious washes of amber, then... gray. a heaviness, darker - like a candle growing dim**

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.

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

Ilistala, an enormous leopard sniffs Bizirik, the leothin, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from her is.

Bizirik, the leothin tilts her head curiously at Ilistala, an enormous leopard.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs, wrapping all four arms around Ilistala, an enormous leopard's neck and squeezing tight.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rumbles loudly, nuzzling against you.

You think to yourself: .... am so sorry.

You think to yourself: **confusion ... silvery gray - lost**.

You think to yourself: Really wanted to be Beloved very much.

You think to yourself: So very very much.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally pulls away, expression unreadable. He offers Ilistala, an enormous leopard a couple more friendly pats on the head, then looks down at the garden, frowning.

Quietly, you say, "... guess next is..."

You think to yourself: **a throbbing amber - too much**.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... figure out what to .. do with Miss Sebitti, and in meantime... wait for Friend Aschwar's clothes to finish being approved, and... can probably let them know then."

You have emoted: Gurashi grows quiet again, looking back down.

Very quiet now, you say to Xenthos, "...have potentially blasphemous question that am little scared to ask."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to you.
Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "Of course... may come to prime soon. Yes. Talking still."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks aside. "...the end goal - of the Wyrd. It is to eventually cover the whole Basin, yes?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...and the rest of the world, yes."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The end goal of the Wyrd is to bring all within its embrace."

You nod your head emphatically.

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

Quietly, you say, "Is different than Xynthin's vision - because his had no peoples."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "His was lifeless, sterile. Stagnant."

You think to yourself: **confusion - hurt - ruddy hues. why does it still hurt so badly**

You have emoted: Gurashi listens, silent, folding his arms across his chest again.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...O-K."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, rubbing at the end of his beak.

Faintly buzzing, you say, ".... huh."

You think to yourself: **a tightness - a weight, right in the center of the chest**.

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...thought talking about all of these things would make my stomach not be so knotted but." He looks up ponderously. "It still is."

Folding his hands over his abdomen, you say, "It is probably one of those time things."

Sighing softly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Yes, it is."

Shadows swirl around your arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree digs itself more painfully into your finger.

You open your mouth to say something, but speech fails you.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...sorry - think Mixter Esei wants to see me, for some reason..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, ".... I have many things I want to say."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I will listen, now or later, whenever you wish to say them."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...to argue for myself, and give reasonings, but there is not really a point to it, is there."

You think to yourself: **strange washes of color, every shade, then none at all - gray - flickers of unhappy, uneasy blues**.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I suppose that depends on your reasoning for stating those reasonings. The decision has been made, it is unlikely to be unmade. But if you need to say it for -yourself,- then it is not pointless. If you need to get it out, to ensure that it is heard."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 1st of Shanthin, 560 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 6 days until the New Moon

Suddenly, you say to Xenthos, "It feels like you do not believe in me - that I am not stronger than other peoples."

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Mean I have been -bullied- before but."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...well and that time when first fixed my antennae ... but like that doesn't happen anymore - well except that -other- time..." He flails, "Wait, ignore my words. I am trying to help my case."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "On the contrary, I do believe in your strength. I believe that having striven so hard to attain something, you would hold to it if achieved, no matter what was thrown at you. That you would smile, and bear it, even as it slowly wore you down. Others would choose to turn back, but you would see yourself committed to the end."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I believe in your ability to hold to yourself as you are. I trust you to continue to visit your friend."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But I will not entrust you to Gaudiguch's hands. I cannot. You are too important to me."

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to say something else, then stops himself, frowning. "Xenthos..."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, touching the scar behind his mandible. He scans the garden, before sighing again, stepping forward, and hugging Xenthos with an audible 'chink' of chitin on armor. "Am sorry."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "This has also been hard on you am sure, yes."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "That does not matter to me. You do."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "And probably is also awkward because are in a position of power, and..."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, looking up awkwardly and stepping back.

You sniff softly.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard nudges you back towards Xenthos.

You narrow your eyes at Ilistala, an enormous leopard, canting your head and peering at her suspiciously.

You reach out, wrapping all four arms around Xenthos as you pull him into a tight hug.

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

The perception of time momentarily slows to a fraction as Clotho takes up the Tapestry of Fate and studies the weft of the fabric, lengthening and smoothing errant threads. Time rushes forward as the memory fades, yet the understanding unfolds that a myriad paths in Lusternia have opened up before you, some leading to noble deeds and others to dark triumphs.

Xenthos sighs softly, looking down at you with his sole eye, and lifts an arm to wrap it around you. His mailed hand pats you upon the back gently.

You think to yourself: ** ....... faded hues of pink ... confusion, but also gratitude - a shot of slate-gray guilt**.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a soft but audible buzz, wings flitting once beneath his cloak. "Many apologies again," He mutters impulsively. "Will be careful, yes. And am gonna keep, uhm, trying to figure out this mystery..."

Squinting at nothing, you say, "...until can figure out solution will avoid any rituals. But do not think any are scheduled, right? Right..."

You have emoted: Gurashi rambles on, continuing to buzz.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Nothing is scheduled, to my knowledge."

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I will be mindful."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But remember- you must think about your words. You argue not for yourself, but for the Glomdoring."

You sniff softly.

You think to yourself: **a slow fade of all color, becoming black** ... have been selfish ...

Faintly buzzing, you say, "You guys -know- would never... ever ever do something that would... like..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about. "Put you in danger."

With calm and total assurance, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I do."

You nod your head at Xenthos.

You chitter at Xenthos with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes Xenthos's armor to no avail, then steps back a second time, smiling exhaustedly. "It is weave," He comments matter-of-factly, "And I have been thinking big thoughts non-stop for like, a year.... could we go get some breads together for a bit?"

Xenthos nods his head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I already prepared Tosha."

You begin to follow Xenthos.

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Me too! I learned from you."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I get the scroll, and then prepare it for the next weave. Is perfect!"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I don't tend to prepare quite -that- far in advance."

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...many thank yous for being honest with me about everything."

You nod your head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I am of the Predator's Pack, and His Oathkeeper."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "What would I be, other than honest?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask Xenthos, "Dishonest?"

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

Faintly buzzing, you ask Xenthos, "What else is there to be?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I would not be His Oathkeeper, then."
You nod your head sagely.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I would have betrayed Him and myself."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Mm."