Sick with Psionics: Month 1

Getchu a friend who take care of you when you sick ;~;

***

A quaint bedroom overlooking the garden.
Stepping inside this small, relatively plain bedroom, one might believe it belongs to a youth. Ikon collections have been displayed on thin wall-set shelves, and pretty stones, bug shells and picked flowers decorate various surfaces. A small wooden wind chime has been hung from a hook beside one open window, clunking softly while creating simple melodies. The fragrance of the garden wafts into this room, smelling of rich wet dirt and flowers. On the sill of the other window sits a small terrarium filled with moss and rotting wood, and a tiny death watch beetle ticks happily inside. A wooden board has been hung by the door, pinned with important news bulletins and a few lavender letters. Painting its surroundings with gentle sprays of color, a stained glass lantern glows here. A four poster bed stands here, invitingly strewn with cushions and blankets. Invitingly deep and made of warmly coloured wood, a rocker is here. Pulled open to let the light shine in, a pair of forestal drapes is here. A large ravenwood chest rests on its side in the corner of the room, its front securely closed. A painting of Gurashi and the Faeling Princess is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. You see a single exit leading northeast (open door).

LOOK ME
He is an ordinary human wyrden demigod. He stands a few inches short of six feet tall with a slim build. His arms and legs are lanky, square hands nervously balled into fists at his side. His sandy skin is more flushed than usual, giving him a feverish appearance. Perhaps the most noteworthy thing about him is his straight mop of fiery red hair, complete with a few strands at his part that to obey the natural laws of gravity. A pair of kind abut tired gray eyes gaze out from below red bangs, their hue striking against all the surrounding warm hues. Tattooed on his hands is an illustration of a bumblebee constellation. Wyrden flames flicker across his form like a shadowy cloak, the sweet scent of roses trailing in his wake.
He is wearing:
a sturdy off-white tunic which hangs loosely from his frame
a slightly fit pair of emerald trousers which fit his figure handsomely
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree
a pink, floral-patterned picnic blanket which encases most of his form in a burrito-esque fashion.

You have emoted: Gurashi swings his legs off of the bed, blinking several times as he rises. He flinches, cupping his hands against face, which feels hot and slick with sweat.

You think to yourself: / *A titter at first, then a great yawing sensation, like being swallowed whole. All at once the crazed chittering and clicking of chitinous limbs starts over again* /.

You think to yourself: / .... ear me ... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks striken, staring at his bedroom floor.

You think to yourself: / ....*tauntingly* iiiiisooooo .... /.

You look about in confusion.

You think to yourself: ... it is just noise.

You think to yourself: Very.. loud noise.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans forward, pulling the blanket up over his head and hugging his knees.

You think to yourself: Am bigger than voices, oh yes.

You think to yourself: They are only noisy.

You think to yourself: / ..r...ly? /.

You have emoted: Gurashi shuts his eyes, gently rocking himself where he sits. "...should... get up."

Through diamond-patterned panes, a panoply of color paints a hanging lantern's surroundings with brilliant prisms of light.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Is Bizirik still in a huff?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**A faint buzzing is ever present behind the words** Ahh - yeah... has just been sitting in kitchen moping..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**The buzzing continues** How a-- today??"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "I'm alright."

You hear a couple sharp raps emanate from the oak door to the northeast.

You blink.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**You hear from the other side of the door--** Oh, uh, er, one second!!"

You have emoted: Gurashi takes his blanket and thoroughly burrows inside of it, leaving only his face visible.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**shuffling** O-K O-K O-K."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "You may en-- r."

You open the oak door to the northeast.

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the northeast, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi offers Tridemon a forced, toothy grin, his face and a bit of orange hair the only thing visible in the blanket burrito he has encased himself in.

You think to yourself: / *The roar of a million chittering, chattering mandibles all grinding and clicking at once becomes almost too much* /.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Are you alright? I was fairly sure that the circlet wasn't going to stay with you forever..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's smile wavers. "Oh, yeah - it got really bad a couple days after you left."

Rocking side to side, you say, "Could not really sleep - it is very loud. But, have not felt like stabbing anything."

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "So that is good!"

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You twitch spasmodically.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "I think."

After a pause, you say, "My head hurts a lot, but otherwise am pretty O-K."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "A lack of murderous intent is good! However, have you actually been around anyone since I left you in here?"

You think to yourself: / *The roar begins to wane, though the clicks and chirrs continue* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses, then shakes his head timidly. "Uh... no."

You think to yourself: / ...he's clever /.

You have emoted: Gurashi's lip twitches. "Ah - but, guess she knows about you."

You have emoted: Gurashi considers Tridemon, suddenly looking around the room to take stock of all his potentially pointy weapon-shaped objects. Thankfully most of it is harmless.

You think to yourself: / Ahh, this one is fine /.

You blink.

You wince in pain.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, if it's one of the Kepheran Queens, possibly. I'm significantly less likely to be stabbed by a random guard in the hives than, say, Esei or Xenthos."

You twitch spasmodically.

You have emoted: Gurashi's face falls, and he looks quite tired, poking his head out from his blanket cocoon to let himself breathe. His hair sticks up unevenly, sweat keeping the bits around his temples matted down and weird looking. "Yeah - she said you are fine??" He looks confused. "It is because ... you are a friend to Hives."

It is now the 14th of Juliary, 553 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 6 days until the New Moon

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Or at the very least, not enemied. ... I actually think New Celest might be considered one of the Hives by way of treaty? I wasn't around for that, so I can't be sure..."

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head, heaving a great breath. "She is not so noisy though. Mean, she is very noisy still - it's all very noisy," He begins to scan the room, furrowing his brow.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly sticks a finger out through the top of the blanket, pointing to the waterskin on his desk. "Can please hand me that? Am too cold to get up but also too hot to get up."

You think to yourself: / A good friend to the Hives, yes /.

You think to yourself: / We can use this one? /.

You shake your head.

You twitch spasmodically.

Tridemon steps over to the desk and picks up the waterskin, considering it for a moment before handing it to you with a hand that shifts over to a calming, soothing blue tone as he attempts to project calm and serenity into the room by sheer force of will.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi relaxes his death grip on the blanket burrito, slipping his arm out to take the waterskin. "Ahh, many thank yous..." He considers your arm, then your face, blinking - then, smiling. "Ah - blue." He raises the waterskin in a gesture of good cheer before taking several small sips, staring off into space.

Clutching the waterskin to his chin and chest, you say to Tridemon, "You are welcome to sit if want."

You twitch spasmodically.

You think to yourself: Stop talking - am not using anybody.

Tridemon glows more intensely for a moment as he redoubles his efforts- it's probably not working very well to project into the room, but the lucidian at least is like a steady rock of unflappable calmness- on the surface at least. He sits down on the floor next to the bed, rather than on it.

You think to yourself: / Mm... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi closes the waterskin and sets it against the wall, reclosing his blanket burrito and slowly falling onto his side, a mess of orange hair among the pillows and blankets. He stares at the back of Tridemon's head. "That is a nice color," He comments tiredly.

Still sounding very tired, you say to Tridemon, "You have plans for month?"

You think to yourself: / The man of Xyl seems adept /.

You think to yourself: / Yes. This is good /

You twitch spasmodically.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Nothing in particular. I was considering going to see the Liar to ask them some things... I'm not sure it would be a good idea for you to go visit until you're more securely in charge of your mind and actions."

You think to yourself: Is Tridemon - not man of Xyl.

You have emoted: Gurashi blushes and quickly nods in agreement. "Y-yes."

Voice bright and clear, you ask Tridemon, "Y-you'll be O-K going by self, though...?"

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Didn't think to ask how were feeling af..."

You twitch spasmodically.

You think to yourself: / Who is ... Liar? /.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head, continuing. "How were feeling - did not get sick again, did?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, probably. If something bad happens, I can always just pray. And no, I didn't get sick again."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly, relieved.

You think to yourself: Pray ...

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

You think to yourself: / *A stab of pain accompanies the sound of chattering mandibles* /

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly grimaces at the quiet motion of the fingerblade, his other hand grabbing the edge of the blanket and pulling it down over his face.

You think to yourself: ... loud...

Tridemon reaches up and pats you upon the head through the blanket.

Voice muffled, you say, "It is still very loud."

Voice muffled, you say, "But less so since got here - many thank yous."

Through diamond-patterned panes, a panoply of color paints a hanging lantern's surroundings with brilliant prisms of light.

You think to yourself: / I am too loud for you? /.

You twitch spasmodically.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "It's probably just proximity to someone you're not being compelled to stab that makes it feel quieter, but you're welcome."

You have emoted: Gurashi shifts, and part of an eye can be seen peering out. "Blue helped too!" He insists.

Head dropping back down against the mattress, you say, "She does not mind you, but she is talking about you an awful lot."

You have emoted: Gurashi pokes his face out again with a bit of a struggle, too hot to stay buried beneath the unbreathing fabric.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "And what is she saying? Are they words, or just projected concepts?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the back of your head tiredly again. "Words..."

Sounding somehow very far away, you say, "Is using words, and sentences ... when wore circlet could only sometimes hear sounds... like breathing..."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, I hope they're at least nice words."

Tilting his head a little, you say to Tridemon, "She says you are adept."

With a little laugh, you ask, "That is good yes?"

Dryly, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, that's not obscure in the slightest."

Reaching up to put a hand against his face, you say, "It is very loud and sometimes hard to hear everything she says."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Maybe is saying more, but, cannot tell."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm just going to assume she means adept at peeling fruit."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

You think to yourself: / Would be better in red /.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, tired and confused. "Like oranges...?" He asks, suddenly twitching.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "And apples. ... Not pears though."

You think to yourself: / Beautiful shades of red and orange... /.

You think to yourself: / Like my dear, little... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly makes a face, tensing.

You think to yourself: / *words are spoken, but they are drowned out by an all together overwhelming chittering sound* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly sits up, looking queasy.

You stare blankly into space.

Tridemon ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi pops out of the blanket burrito, shakily placing his feet on the floor. "Am gonna throw up."

You nod your head sagely.

You remove a pink, floral-patterned picnic blanket.

You get up off a bed strewn with cushions and blankets.

<-- goes downstairs to do just that

You have emoted: Gurashi wanders back into the room, looking dazed. Bizirik follows several paces behind, head still low and regarding its companion warily.

You have emoted: Gurashi sinks to sit on the bed beside you, leg touching your arm as you sit on the floor. "Feel weirdly better."

Tridemon gives Jeremiah Gryphta's Olde Tyme Healing Tonic to you.

You blink a few times and stare at Jeremiah Gryphta's Olde Tyme Healing Tonic in confusion.

Tridemon gives a garnet vial to you.

"vial314117"                  a garnet vial (filled with water)

Voice cracking, you say, "Thank you."

You take a long draught of water, hoping to quench your thirst.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Meant to give you the water in the garnet vial, but apparently there's water in that tonic, too."

You give Jeremiah Gryphta's Olde Tyme Healing Tonic to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little laugh, returning the tonic.

Tridemon carefully pours Maendwen's Onyx Cornucopia of Exceptional Fortune into a beryl vial, and the stream of liquid transmutes into oolong tea as the last drop splashes into the container.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Is A-O-K."

Tridemon gives a lucidian-inspired sparkleberry tart to you.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes the tart, then looks up sheepishly. "Oh - no, made this for you," He insists.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Are you hungry?"

Bizirik, the leothin licks its lips, laying down in the doorway. It tilts up its head, sniffing the air, then rests its jaw atop its feet, watching.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "I ... don't know.."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

You stare at a lucidian-inspired sparkleberry tart, eyes wide.

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

You have emoted: Gurashi barely responds with more than a wobble at the gesture, considering the tart.

You quickly devour a lucidian-inspired sparkleberry tart.

You have emoted: Gurashi closes his eyes as he eats, looking like he's at least enjoying it.

You think to yourself: / Disgusting /.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops halfway through eating, staring down at what he's yet to finish. He frowns, lowering his hand into his lap.

You twitch spasmodically.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "No?"

With a little huff, you say, "Am."

Suddenly laughing, voice high and strained, you say, "She does not like my cooking!"

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, that's probably because you didn't make it entirely out of undervault fungus."

You have emoted: Gurashi resumes trying to eat the tart, though he looks quite miserable as he does so.

You think to yourself: / It is too bitter. Yet too sweet /.

Tiredly, with still a bite of tart to go, you say to Tridemon, "She says you are too bitter and sweet."

Leaning, you say to Tridemon, "Your tart, mean."

Lolling his head to the side, you say, "Hahaha - a critic ..."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Too bitter and too sweet? What does she want you to do, swallow a salt lick?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Meat and mushrooms. They grow a lot of mushrooms down there. There's a whole fungus garden."

Suddenly very frustrated, you say to Tridemon, "Don't know!"

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales sharply, suddenly reaching up with a free hand to grip the side of his head. "Oooa," He exhales. "Have grown the mushrooms... for th... plague curing."

You wince in pain.

You think to yourself: / Are you disappointed I don't like it? /.

Bizirik, the leothin grumbles softly, shifting as it lays.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Don't be a grumpy grump."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Snorty snort grumpy grump."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts again, staring at Tridemon. Its tail begins to rise and slap the floor in the living room, looking happy for the attention.

Tridemon begins to wield a fish wrapped in paper in his right hand.

You have emoted: Gurashi gathers his blanket from the bed, shaking it out once before crawling back into the position he was in before, curling fetally around a mess of pillows. "...sorry," He comments, eyes closed. "...am not having lots of energy right now ... ".

Tridemon tosses a fish wrapped in paper to Bizirik, the leothin, and she catches it nimbly.

Bizirik, the leothin gasps, catching the fish midair. It starts to eat it right then and there, but Gurashi opens a single eye and gives the leothin a look. The leothin snorts softly, slinking into the living room to messily devour its prize.

With a playful chirr, Bizirik turns sharply and scampers off to the northeast.

Warningly, you say to Tridemon, "Are going to spoil her."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Gee, having very little energy while you're feeling sick? I wonder what that's like."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little gasp. "Ahh! Wait, am sick?" He touches his face. "Am not - don't have a cough."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "My head hurts, and sometimes feel like throwing up - and sometimes throw up."

You glance askance.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "There's more than one kind of sick, Gurashi."

Voice bright and clear, you ask Tridemon, "...huh?"

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

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "... I don't know, I have never been sick! I do not feel sick. Well, a little sick."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confused, flinching again. "Is just noisy."

You think to yourself: / It doesn't have to be so loud /.

You think to yourself: / You could come home and it would become like music /.

You think to yourself: / You always liked music /.

You twitch spasmodically.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "There's coughing and sneezing, which is generally situated in your lungs and sinuses, upset stomach which makes it hard to eat things, heartburn which is when your stomach decides to share acid with your throat, vomiting, headaches... diarrhea, which you should very definitely avoid..."

You have emoted: Gurashi listens to Tridemon with wide eyes at the various kinds of sick. He shivers, tightening his blanket around himself.

You think to yourself: There are MORE kinds of sick????

You think to yourself: Oh NO.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "That last one? It's like vomiting. For the OTHER end."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

You shiver violently.

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

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

Voice bright and clear, you say, "What - no."

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head, looking worried.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "But you're just having a psionic overload, sounds like."

It is now the 15th of Juliary, 553 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 5 days until the New Moon

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales loudly. "Oh." He looks embarrassed.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mostly mental. Pressure on your brain that you haven't had before, and haven't gotten used to, manifesting psychosomatically as headaches and a certain influence on the nerves hooking your brain into your gut."

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows his brow. "Oh. Really?" His mouth falls open as he gawks at you. "Were you a healer? Or, are just smart?"

Tridemon blinks.

Voice bright and clear, you ask Tridemon, "... are you a healer?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I have no idea. I mean, I'm also a trained psionicist..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confused. "I know you do water magics."

Letting his head fall back against the mattress again, you say to Tridemon, "You are like one of smartest people that know."

Tridemon scratches his head in confusion.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I have no idea how I know what I'm talking about..."

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales, abruptly turning to press his face into the mattress.

Tridemon mutters discontentedly.

You have emoted: Gurashi laughs, muffled.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Before I turned my attentions to runes, I did learn psionics and telekinesis."

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "So ... you DO know stuff."

You have emoted: Gurashi unburies his face from the mattress, staring miserably at Tridemon. "That counts. Still smart."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's been AGES since I've put the channels to use..."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "...don't do the thing, it's loud."

Voice bright and clear, you ask Tridemon, "Though - you - can you even hear them?"

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows his brow, then winces suddenly. "Stop it," He says through his teeth, looking over his shoulder at nothing.

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: / *Quiet, distracting laughter, accompanied by a manic chittering* /.

"Nope," Tridemon says with finality.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Can't hear a thing aside from you, I'm afraid."

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his head hopefully, then drops it again.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "It would be less annoying if had a name."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Cannot tell if is... talking TO me - real time? Or is like some sort of unconscious thing - does that make sense? Is almost like am not talking to a real persons."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, that's probably because whatever kepheran queen it is wouldn't really consider you a whole person in the first place."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, flushing.

Weakly, you ask Tridemon, "Then why doesn't just leave alone?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Because it's a strictly sex-regimented society. Males serve. Females lead."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly blushes more, jolting.

You think to yourself: / He's right /.

You think to yourself: / But you knew this? Of course. /.

You think to yourself: / ...it is hard to tell. So much is empty up here, it seems. /.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Males aren't really considered CAPABLE of making their own decisions properly, as far as I can tell."

You have emoted: Gurashi half-emerges from his blanket cocoon, folding his arms across one another and laying his chin on his wrist. "But make lots of decisions..."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Yes. But you haven't done it right if you don't have the approval of a female."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks very uncomfortable.

You think to yourself: / *soft incessant buzzing* /.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Voice cracking, you say, "If am honest want nothing more than to cut the antennae off again."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "It has been very ... long few days."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "...but now is better than earlier this month when almost killed Esei."

Confused, you say, "She keeps trying to -call- me something."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "But every time does it gets -really- loud."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You think to yourself: / Tch /.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Have you tried playing music?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up suddenly, blinking.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "... er, earlier this month did - then decided to sleep - then didn't because head hurt. Uh..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around. "My lute is...downstairs..."

You have emoted: Gurashi rolls over on the bed, sitting up and wrapping his blanket about himself like a cape.

You get up off a bed strewn with cushions and blankets.

You sway back and forth.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Do you need help moving?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head, taking one, two tentative steps. "Am O-K - will be back," He gently pats the top of your head before wandering out.

<-- goes and gets lute

You have emoted: Gurashi meanders back in slowly, holding his lute and its strap tightly to his chest, grip split between the instrument and the blanket.

You have emoted: Gurashi sits down on the edge of the bed as he had before, sighing heavily from the effort.

You think to yourself: / Don't /.

You twitch spasmodically.

Suddenly looking at where you're seated on the floor, you ask Tridemon, "You are O-K?"

You stare blankly into space.

You twitch spasmodically.

You think to yourself: / *The chittering resumes, louder, more grating* /.

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Maybe try to sort the noise into notes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at his lute at this confirmation, then holds it up, shrugging his blanket forward to enclose most of the instrument. He searches the air before him for something, then starts to play - tries to start to play. The notes seem unsure, and oddly fumbling.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "All things are music. It is simply a matter of finding the right tune. Creation was a song."

You think to yourself: / *the noise gets louder still, drowning out all other sounds* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to try to play, glancing aside at Tridemon. He stares at you, looking confused, reading your lips, then studying your face. He stops playing. "What?" He asks.

You twitch spasmodically.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Sorry - loud - what did you say."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "All things are music, because Creation was a song."

You think to yourself: / *The noise continues, grating, grinding, gnashing of mandibles and rubbing of chitin on chitin, a million legs and antennae and segments creeping crawling* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi's expression contorts to one of pain as he nods in understanding. "That makes me feel kind of special," He laughs, sweat breaking out on his brow as he tries to find the notes again.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It doesn't have to be a song at first. Find patterns in the noise. There is very little true chaos left. Things become patterns, and patterns can be made into a song much easier than single notes."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Tridemon, gripping his instrument tightly. He blinks, plucking a note, and then plucking it again, his fingers stiff and trembling.

Tridemon glows that calm and serene blue once more, the light growing even brighter than it had been.

You think to yourself: / *The noise continues to grow louder. The soft, ever present pounding of the Shadowbeat now sounds dissonant among the manic chittering and grinding, becoming a painful crescendo* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi plays another set of notes, likely from memory, not seeming to really hear the melody as it seems staggered and uncertain compared to his usual playing. His focus drifts in and out as he stares at you and your very calming aura.

You think to yourself: / *scraping, scratching, rasping* D O N ' T. /.

You wince in pain.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Success or failure at this point is irrelevant. The attempt is made. More will be learned, even through failing. Until the end."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confused, tired, suddenly striking a sour note and letting the playing come to an abrupt halt.

Voice bright and clear, you ask Tridemon, "The end?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, until we're all dead, we can keep trying, yes?"

Staring at you still, you say to Tridemon, "Fate-touched live a very long time, yes."

You think to yourself: / *The grinding noises fade a little at the absence of the instrument, but remain blaringly loud as background noise* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi slumps a little bit where he sits. "Yes - have every intention to keep trying!" He laughs. "Do not worry."

You think to yourself: I thought the silence was bad...

You think to yourself: But is so loud...

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.
Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.
Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

You have emoted: Gurashi sets down his lute, leaning back only to find himself forcibly ruffled. He eeks out in surprise, feverishly flailing away your hand. "Ooa!"

You stare implacably at Tridemon, who meets your gaze with equal strength.

The corners of Tridemon's mouth turn up as he grins mischeviously.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hair ruffles are excellent distractions from imminent brooding and noise."

Breathlessly, you exclaim, "Am not brooding!"

Insistently, still out of breath, you say, "Or moping."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Just being really sad about being very sick?"

Voice bright and clear, you exclaim, "Am not sad!"

You give a horrified gasp.

Tears springing up in the corners of his eyes, you say, "I don't -feel- good, and Bizi for some reason -hates- me!"

You huff and puff at Tridemon in outrage.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Is it because Gurashi feels a little like the place he rescued you from?"

Bizirik, the leothin grumbles at this, licking its snout.

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Huffing, you say, "I don't know - hate it though. I do not like her not liking me."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "It isn't just the Kephera that are a naturally psionic race, you know. The Illithoid are, too."

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows his brow in confusion. "So why does she not mind the scourges at the Master Ravenwood??"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Did you think about them at all?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head. "No...?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Then why would she know?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks very confused, then twitches again, looking over his shoulder and making a face.

You think to yourself: / ...sphet. /.

You lean over to one side then stand up straight again.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The kepheran queens and the overmind aren't omniscient. They are aware of what their parts are aware of. If you don't pay attention to something, it won't register as being important until something they're connected to does."

You have emoted: Gurashi listens exhaustedly, folding his legs and resting his elbow on his knee, chin in his hand.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "But Bizi is not kepheran..."

You have emoted: Gurashi consider Bizirik from where he sits. "Do you hear her too, Bizi bee?"

Bizirik, the leothin makes no motion to confirm or deny, staring.

You have emoted: Gurashi lolls his head forward, pressing his face into his palm.

Quietly, you say to Tridemon, "Is nice."

You think to yourself: / He is. Yes /.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, scrunching up at nothing. "Not you."

You shake your head.

Tridemon reaches out to pat Bizirik on the head.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Tell the voices in your head that they have terrible taste in food if they don't like tarts."

The leothin remains motionless even as you approach, cautious gaze upon the disguised kephera. You lightly pat Bizirik, the leothin's head, and for a just a moment, your head is filled with an ear-splitting sound. It's hard to put into words, but among the chaotic chittering and unidentifiable noises, you can sense its insectoid. It is a miserable sensation, accompanied by a dozen soft and not-so-soft buzzing voices all talking to one another. And - just as the sensation starts to fade, you feel like someone is looking at you, appraising you. Nothing so intensely Divine, no, but something.

It is now the 16th of Juliary, 553 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 4 days until the New Moon

Bizirik, the leothin lays its head back down on its legs, snuffling softly.

You think to yourself: Do you hear that?

You think to yourself: You have terrible ... taste.

Tridemon blinks.

You have emoted: Gurashi squints off into the space ahead of him, wrinkling his nose. "I don't know if she heard."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... ow."

You blink.

Suddenly, you ask Tridemon, "Are you O-K?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Ow."

Tridemon gives Bizirik, the leothin the once-over, eyeing her suspiciously.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Tridemon. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Is it THAT loud for you right now?"

Bizirik, the leothin licks its snout.

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

Suddenly, you ask, "What?"

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly gasps, throwing Bizirik a look. "You DIDN'T." He says accusingly to the leothin, who looks away.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Well, Bizirik is a projective empath. Mostly for fish. Patting her was... a lot of voices."

You have emoted: Gurashi gasps again, aghast, before throwing up his hands and covering his face. "Oh my gosh am so sorry, BiZI," He looks at the leothin through his fingers, but the creature chatters noisily in response and moves off to the living room again, grumbling.

With a playful chirr, Bizirik turns sharply and scampers off to the northeast.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Looks like you've accidentally connected her to the hives through her connection to you."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks even more mortified at this, wilting where he sits.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Oh .... Bizi ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks like he might cry. "... I would not want to be around me either if that is how felt!" He finally adds, looking out the doorway at the leothin, who is peering into the bedroom from behind a chair.

Quickly, you say to Tridemon, "Am so sorry are you O-K."

Tridemon waves one hand dismissively. "It was just loud, and only for a second or so. I've been stared at by bigger and meaner things for far longer. And creepier, too."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns miserably at Tridemon. "... did she talk to you?"

You think to yourself: / ..... /.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "...she has not talked for a little while."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "NMo words, no. Would you like me to go and get a list of the hive queens who are currently alive?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head. "No."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks aside. "I do not think she would tell me - do think is actually a queen? We killed them all. So how..."

Suddenly, you ask, "Wait - no words?"

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "So you..."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "No words that I could actually understand... or were directed at me, at least."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, just because they're dead doesn't mean they STAY dead. besides, they're all still in the kepheran psychic web thingy."

Voice bright and clear, you whisper, "Reincarnations ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly leans forward, dropping his head on your shoulder with an inaudible
thunk.

You lean on Tridemon seeking consolation.

You think to yourself: / *Once more, the insufferable background chittering becomes almost pleasantly wobbling, as if submerged in water* /.

Bizirik, the leothin returns to slink into the doorway, laying down just out of reach.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Let's see here... there's... Tutotophet, Sethetmun, Rashepera, Mumhatuti, Khementen, Akhari... Oh, and Ptoma."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I think that's the names of the queens? That's the names of the hives..."

Voice bright and clear, you whisper, "Imhohet."

Head still down, you say, "Have been trying to remember names too."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, yes. Forgot about hey. She has the vats."

Quietly, you say, "Neferti."

You twitch spasmodically.

You think to yourself: / *The noise becomes very loud for a moment, despite being muffled, giving it a surreal dampening effect* /.

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The fungus gardens."

Tridemon scratches his head in confusion.

You have emoted: Gurashi twitches violently again, then nods.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "There's also a princess that lives in Oleanvir."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "And Queen of Queens..."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "If she won't give you her name, just tell her that you're going to be calling her Exalted Dave from now on."

You think to yourself: The blue is nice.

You have emoted: You feel Gurashi's forehead wrinkle against your shoulder. "Exalted ... Dave..."

You think to yourself: / Don't /.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly laughs. "She did not like it."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "If she does not like being called Exalted Dave, she can provide a name. Until such time as a name is provided, Exalted Dave will be the placeholder term in all conversations and paperwork regarding said psychically intrusive entity."

You have emoted: Gurashi grins, shutting his eyes. He spasms once, then laughs again, rolling over to center himself on his bed, grabbing at his blankets and pillows and beginning to pile them on top of himself.

You think to yourself: / The man of Xyl thinks he is funnier than he is /.

You think to yourself: / You should definitely tell him this /.

Shaking his head, you say, "No."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Is Exalted Dave being snippy with you?"

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "She wants you to know, that you think you are funnier than you actually are."

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Except you are very funny."

Tiredly, you say, "And very blue."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "If she is set on being called something else, all she has to do is provide a proper name. Else... have fun being Exalted Dave."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Going to sleep?"

You have emoted: Gurashi removes the pillow from his face just as soon as he's dropped it. "Really want to try. But head still really hurts."

Tiredly, you say, "But the blue is helping - thank you."

Lolling his head to the side, rambling, you say to Tridemon, "Am very lucky bug oh yes."

You think to yourself: / ... /.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You take a long draught of water, hoping to quench your thirst.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "I'm starting to feel... very tired. Think I'm going to nap here on the floor..."

Bizirik, the leothin licks its nose again.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head. "There is a chair you know," He offers, finding your shoulder with his hand and leaving it there. "It is nice and rock-y."

Tridemon reaches up to raise the hood on his robes, hunched over with his back against the side of the bed and falling still, starting to breathe slower and more evenly, still glowing blue although he's gone purple along the edges.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Bizirik, the leothin thrums pleasantly from the doorway, still wary, but much more relaxed.

You pat Tridemon in a friendly manner.

***fell asleep, both logged in around same time lol***

Bizirik, the leothin looks up, having scooted from occupying the doorway to instead laying directly beside Tridemon. Its tail slaps the floor as he wakes, looking happy for the company.

Tridemon leans to the side, still somewhat asleep... and ends up leaning on Bizirik, though there's still layers of robe between the lucidian and leothin.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts happily, tail slapping louder and faster against the bedroom floor. Though you lean heavily on the leothin, you don't feel anything besides very tired. No, wait - now you are feeling like fish.

Bizirik, the leothin thrums pleasantly beneath Tridemon, lifting its arrow-shaped head happily.

Tridemon yawns wide, and looks up at Bizirik... before snuggling back in. "Already gave you a fish earlier. Might give you some shrimp later."

Bizirik, the leothin looks at Tridemon, tail still slapping, nostrils flaring as it happily snorts and lets out delighted little chirps and beeps. It licks its snout again, then your face, leaving sticky little spots of spit on your chin and cheek.

Bizirik, the leothin leans on Tridemon seeking consolation.

Tridemon opens his eyes at this point and uses his sleeve to wipe off his face. "Alright, I'm up, I'm up..."

Bizirik, the leothin chatters, rolling over onto its back and writhing happily on the floor - all at once it stops, suddenly sitting upright and sniffing, then rising to its feet and returning to the doorframe. As if on cue, Gurashi stirs on his bed, lost somewhere under an ocean of assorted pillows and blankets.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

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

Bizirik, the leothin stretches, then returns to sitting up straight, looking at Tridemon happily from the doorway.

You think to yourself: / .... /.

Bizirik, the leothin waits a few seconds longer, scenting the air. It circles around the living room a few times, chattering to itself before returning to the doorway. No further movement from the bed. It takes a cautious step inside, chirring.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Being less grumpy now that he's asleep and less loud?"

You twitch spasmodically.

Bizirik, the leothin twitches spasmodically.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, annoyed.

Bizirik, the leothin immediately chatters again, tossing its head.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, ".. Yeah, I'd be grumpy too."

Bizirik, the leothin's front feet begin to tippy tappy against the ground of the doorway, tail sweeping back and forth.

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

<-- poteens up 3 animals

Tridemon lapses into a state of unconsciousness.

Bizirik, the leothin stares implacably at Tridemon.

Being unconscious, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters falls over.

Bizirik, the leothin stares implacably at Tridemon.

Tridemon regains consciousness with a start.
Tridemon stands up and stretches his arms out wide.

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

Bizirik, the leothin stares at your collapsed form following the poteen, then looks at the myriad of animals on the floor. It stares at Tridemon again, an intense look of 'what the heck' written all over its face.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Tridemon.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Small animals keep large leothins company while Gurashis are being rudely loud."

Bizirik, the leothin tilts up its head a little, thrumming pleasantly at this.

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

Bizirik, the leothin continues to stay in the doorway, however, offering Tridemon a cheerful chirp.

Bizirik, the leothin leans on Tridemon seeking consolation.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm going to go see if I can talk to the Liar."

Bizirik, the leothin nods her head sagely at Tridemon.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Tridemon.

Tridemon points boldly towards the horizon and declares in a proud tone, "Onward!"

Bizirik, the leothin leans against Tridemon, and for a moment, you feel very sure this is the best idea ever, yes.