The Truth, The Past, Lies and Inquiries

**I reached out to Alary, JUST as Aetherflares began, to talk about the fact that there's GHOSTS IN MAH BLOOD**

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 has been reddened from exposure to the sun, causing an array of tawny-colored freckles to appear upon his long cheeks and thin, upturned nose. A thick square of gauze has been affixed to his right cheek. 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 albeit tired gray eyes gaze out from below red bangs, their color striking against all the surrounding warm hues. Tattooed on his hands is an illustration of a bumblebee constellation. The blade of a phantasmal scythe flickers periodically into view against his throat, its curved point ready to tear through his flesh.
He is wearing:
a circlet of crystal thorns pressed a bit too tightly against his head
Boots of the Wanderer which stop at the knees
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet dangling loosely from his wrist
a royal blue silken shirt that is just barely too big, sleeves rolled up and collar upright
rugged tan adventuring trousers which hold is figure snugly
an emerald fish blanket worn around his shoulders like a cloak
a bright red poppy tucked behind his ear
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree tightly affixed to his left middle finger.

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "We will be free shortly."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "**a gentle buzz of affirmation**."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "There is somewhere that should find you?"

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "Not quite, need to fix up a ship first."

<-- goes to Aetherplex to waity

You touch a translucent icicle, and a whirling cone of snow rises up from the ground and whisks you away.
The Aetherplex Chamber.
The spherical chamber is formed from a hollow geode comprised of dozens of precious gemstones. Large jagged formations of rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds line the walls and ceiling. The floor has been cut and polished to a brilliant shine, revealing concentric circles of brilliant colours. Upon close examination of the glassy floor, shimmering reflections briefly glide across its smooth surface of wondrous mansions and abodes. A current of electricity continuously runs throughout this mineral wonder, causing tiny sparks to erratically blossom up and down the crystalline formations. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Shimmering with aetheric energy, a bright glowing portal floats here in midair. Hackles risen, a fierce timberwolf prowls about here. A screech owl is here, surveying the surroundings. There are 2 great brindle mastiffs here. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. A striped badger is here, licking its paws. Shara-Mae Dven'tur, a clumsy assistant, is standing here nervously scribbling upon a notebook. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. There is an aetherways portal here.
You see exits leading north (open door), south, out, and through a bright, glowing portal.

Esei gazes sadly at you, slowly throbbing a deep amber.

You glance askance at Esei.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "... ah, uhm."

Quickly, you say to Esei, "Sorry, about last month."

Esei shakes their head, gently reaching out to gesture to your neck.

Esei caresses the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree gently.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses... then nods several times. "...yes. The Lady paid me a visit."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "She -sort- of said yes."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "A yes without a yes."

Esei slumps down, slowly throbbing a deep amber.

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "Is there a place you'd be most comfortable?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "Am O-K anywhere, think."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Esei, "...anyway, uhm."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Esei, "After that a -ghost- possessed me so."

Laughing loudly, considering the statement that follows, you say, "Uh, I have a meeting with Friend Alary over whether or not a long lost dead priest inhabited my body last month."

Tilting his head, you say to Esei, "It has been a long month."

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "Name the place, we will come. The Shifting City is neutral, as is our own manse."

Esei gently grasps your chin and tilts your head to look at the [gauze] across your cheek.

You have emoted: Gurashi flinches. "Oh. It won't go away," He frowns, "I tried. But it is better today than it was yesterday."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...it'll probably go away whenever Her favor does, maybe."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "Oh! Uhm, I do not mind the Shifting City if there is somewhere there you like..."

Esei frowns at you.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...disfavor."

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "Meet us at the aetherplex? We'll head to the City together?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares blankly at Esei, then smiles again.

A blazing white pyre bursts in from the ether, slowly resolving into Alary, riding Ankaa, the Incandescent. <-- him dracnari!

Soft amber and lapis lazuli swirls under Esei's skin.

Alary bows respectfully to Esei.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "Was already here."

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

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

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "So we see."

Alary smiles softly at Esei.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns from Esei to Alary, bowing.

Alary smiles softly at you.

Alary makes a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.

Voice soft and clear, you ask Esei, "Oh - would you like to come?"

Voice soft and clear, you ask Alary, "...can Mixter Esei come...?"

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Alary nods their head emphatically.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Esei, "I ... it's."

You nod your head emphatically.

You begin to follow Alary.

You have emoted: Gurashi offers Alary a timid smile. "Hi."

Alary smiles softly at you, single eye glistening with emotion. "Hello."

Alary strides into the maze, his eyes reeling with stars. With a sudden ripping sound, the labyrinth fades entirely from view.
Esei follows you ether.
You follow Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils to gazing into an empty infinite.
Alary arrives in a burst of divine energy.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Oooah."

Esei shuffles their feet uneasily.

You have emoted: Gurashi flails his arms, then looks around. "...oh. We are here. That was fast."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Esei, "...oh."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Esei, "...er - I ..."

Alary rolls their shoulders, allowing their spines to settle against their back. "Ah ... it's a skill we have due to following the Maze.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Esei, "...I should have mentioned it was maybe one of the -Shofets's- lost priests."

Esei raises a slender brow at you.

You blanch suddenly.

Voice soft and clear, you ask Esei, "...a-are you O-K?"

Alary rolls their shoulders, allowing their spines to settle against their back. "Ah ... it's a skill we have due to following the Maze."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Esei, "Being here mean."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 4th of Kiani, 560 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 11 days until the New Moon

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "N-not ... lost."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

You reach out through your bond with Bizirik, the leothin and summon her from the stables. You sense her answering your call.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "But, aye, if you are uncomfortable, we can return you."

Esei opens their mouth, but nothing comes out but the cracking of distant glaciers.

Esei shakes their head.

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

Esei gestures vaguely.

Quietly, you say to Esei, "...am calling Bizi."

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

Bizirik, the leothin trots in with head high.

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

Bizirik, the leothin looks up at Gurashi after offering its greeting, then eyes the blade and slinks away, wandering over to Esei, chittering softly.

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...think will be O-K."

You glance askance.

Alary smiles softly.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Alary again, awkwardly folding together his hands. "....so, uhm. What do want to know."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Let's find a place with somewhere to sit. And comfortable."

Bizirik, the leothin leans heavily into Esei, staring warily at Gurashi, tail lashing. It thrums pleasantly regardless.
Esei follows you north.

You follow Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils northwest to a tunnel made of hammocks.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Hammocks?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares up at the hammocks, wide-eyed and confused.

Esei curls their nose up and grimaces awfully.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "How do you..."

Esei shakes their head.

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "No, then."

You follow Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils west to on a corner made of blankets.

On a corner made of blankets.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. The rope webbing composing the pale pink backbone of this winding thoroughfare is all but obscured. Afghans of all varieties are piled in thick layers atop, providing a somewhat solid passageway between yarn-wrought buildings propped atop crossed and many-looped knitting needles. Above, only a few loose stitches provide a framework in which patches of the starry nothingness that is the heavens float like pools of still sky-waters. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Surrounded by an aura of brilliant hues and searing heat, Ankaa perches here on one leg. A lithe, ebon veiled dancer wreathed in black stars poises gracefully here. Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk floats here, suffusing the air with the sickly-sweet scent of blackthorn blossoms. They wield a dark, curved silver athame in their left hand.
You see exits leading east and southwest.

Veils says, "Blanket piles."

Alary nods their head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up, looking about thoughtfully.

Esei stares implacably at you.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...it is like Friend Aschwar's bed, but, differen't... paddings."

Esei places both hands on your shoulders.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around the strange room, then makes a noise as he feels Esei's hands on his shoulders.

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

Esei smirks.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says to you, "What we ... we want to know is. Hrm. We want to know why she came back, Gurashi. She ... shouldn't have. She should have been left to rest in peace, the peace she deserves. The peace we stole from her. And why ... why her words echo Aschwar's why ..."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Esei picks up you gently by the underarms, then tosses you headfirst into the pile of pillows and blankets.

Alary blinks.

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Holy shit."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Y e e t."

Esei points accusingly at Alary.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Alary as they speak, opening his mouth to answer. But, the next thing he knows his feet are off the ground, and he is airborne, and he looks QUITE confused by it. He hits the pile with a grunt, then emerges with a gasp.

Shook, you exclaim, "........ do not DO that!"

Alary blinks slowly at Esei, and then at you, a choked laugh escaping their mouth.

Face flushed with fear, you exclaim, "You are lucky you did not throw me too far!!"

You flail about helplessly.

Esei gives Ankaa, the Incandescent the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

Ankaa, the Incandescent Leans over, pushing Esei forward with his large head, the disc glistening briefly in the limited light before he shoves Esei headfirst into the blankets with one large shove.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Hah."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "CRIES."

Esei stares blankly into space.

Alary peers at Ankaa, the Incandescent unscrupulously.

Esei falls limply into the blanket, and does not move except to turn their head. They make eye contact with you, unblinking.

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the momentary chaos unfold, trying to make himself comfortable on his knees again. "...O-K.... uhm. O-K. So. Maybe... beginning? Could start at the beginning."

Alary pats Ankaa, the Incandescent in a friendly manner.

Quietly, you say, "Maybe it will answer your questions better than I could answer them... uhm... let's see."

Alary kneels, long legs folding beneath them as they settle against the ground, rocking backwards to look over at you. "Yes, beginning is good."

Lenara arrives, following Soothsayer Tonatiuh al-Saaoud.
Lenara leaves, following Soothsayer Tonatiuh al-Saaoud.

You blink.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Uh, oh, O-K. Well. -First-. May have noticed the Lady of Roses got my question...." He glances down, then up again. "..it was a sort-of-yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi bobs his head side to side. "...and uhm, I was in my manse, and, Tridemon was there, and I was showing him something I had made for Friend Aschwar ... and ... then this ..." He gestures, then gasps. "Oh! Tridemon got a PICTURE."

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "///it's all good!!"
You have emoted: Gurashi frantically pulls out a piece of paper from his pack. "It was a ghost! A real ghost! Attacking me! On the COUCH. On -my- couch in -my- living room..." As he pulls out the sketch, his face falls. "...oh, wait..."

look at sketch
Revealing little more than a well-decorated living room, this sketch shows the figure of Gurashi looking confusedly towards empty space. White-washed, each colour within the sketch is bleached of some small hue or shade, preventing a clear, pleasant look at what could be a precious keepsake.

You look at a sketch of a sketch of a veil-clad ghost, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Alary blinks.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "What happened..."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the sketch, confused. "She was..." He turns the paper over... then holds it up for all to see.

You display a sketch of a sketch of a veil-clad ghost for all in the room to see.

Alary stares at the picture, leaning closer to examine it. "A-ah. Was ... was the image removed?"

Softly, you say, "I... don't know."

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "I didn't really look at it when Tridemon gave it to me, because, there was an actual ghost -there-... I guess..."

Bizirik, the leothin lays its head across Esei's leg, tail lashing as it continues to stare intently at Gurashi.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Maybe ... maybe if we told you the story, your story would make more sense?"

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Esei shakes their head.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "S-she didn't attack me a lot! It was."

Esei shakes their head.

You shake your head.

Skeletal white blossoms flower along the flesh of Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant, as their body splits apart into a blizzard of blackthorn petals that leave to the east.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "She was attacking my..."

You look about in confusion.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We .. we have not told the full story in ... so very long. Shulamit and Nirs--Zeebin don't know."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "**sad, worried chittering** A-are you...??"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "O-K? I can leave."

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

Esei tells you, "..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, ".... why did leave?? Did something happen??"

Throwing their head back, Alary takes several powerful inhales through a flushed dragon snout.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "It may be ... for the best Esei is not here."


Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "The story is ... unkind."

Esei tells you, "It's fine."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the spot where Esei had been moments before, hands clenched together tightly over his heart. He looks up at Alary, frowning. "...you said she died..."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "If we end up telling it, but we think maybe pieces will ... fall together."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "No - what happened."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "She did."

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "...you said it was because of YOUR hubris?"

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "...collective, or ... you-you...."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "She died twice. And a thousand times over. In a dozen different realities she was torn apart, in a dozen more we put her back together, and in none of these realities did our hopes come true."

Esei tells you, "...thinking, too much, I think. I'm fine."

Lenara arrives, following Soothsayer Tonatiuh al-Saaoud.

Soothsayer Tonatiuh al-Saaoud says, "Ahh, we have more guests?"

Alary rocks back suddenly, falling backwards against the blankets, looking up at the sky for a moment.

Alary shakes their head at Tonatiuh.

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

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "A-about what? About me? D-did I do something to hurt you???"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Esei and Gurashi are here as guests, and ..."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Privacy, brother-mine?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shyly wrings his hands together, then nods politely.

Tonatiuh's lips tighten at the mention of Esei, but he nods and departs.

Lenara leaves, following Soothsayer Tonatiuh al-Saaoud.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You narrow your eyes to thin slits.

Esei tells you, "No."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "Did Mister Tonatiuh say something."

Esei tells you, "What? No, no, of course not."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spiritous Wraith Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "O-K."

Alary shakes their head, rolling over on the blankets to look at you for a long moment. "The beginning. We start there."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the two leave, then looks down, chewing on his lip. "...O-K."

You are embraced by a sudden longing for a sumptuous repast.

You have emoted: Gurashi gathers one of the nearest blankets and pulls it up and around himself, draping himself in its comfort. He turns his full attention then to Alary, hands in his lap, listening.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "The Most Beloved has fought many battles, and many more that mortals cannot perceive. Sebitti was what Aschwar is ... Their Priest, Their friend, Their caretaker. Sebitti was an outward presence, a buffer and amplifier. All knew her. Not everyone loved her, but we did. We .. personally loved her in ways that were never romantic but ... we loved her, Gurashi. We all did, all of us Beloved. Aiyana and Persayis and Xypher, we loved her as you love Aschwar."

You think to yourself: **swirls of ginger and amber, silvery anticipation trickling in**.

You have emoted: Gurashi listens, offering a tiny nod.

You think to yourself: ...as much as I love Aschwar....?

You think to yourself: **a wash of pinks and golds**.

In the back of your mind, the seed of the poppy pulses evenly, a gentle reminder of its presence despite no other motion.

You think to yourself: ... it is better to know the truth, yes...?

You think to yourself: / ... /.

Alary their voices cracks for a moment, shaking their head to clear away the tears starting to bubble up. "Sebitti was hurt. Badly. She was hurt and she ... died. Torn in pieces, apart. Blood, there was so much blood and so much pain and we all heard, all felt, all burned with fury and all burned with tears. Torn asunder, pieces. She was ... in pieces. We could not say no, we could not ... say goodbye. We, the Beloved, we ... tried to bring her back. Piece her together. Fleshforming, we have that. Xypher had that we ... we tried to heal her, we tried everything, and she came back but she should have she shouldn't have come back. Oh we made a mistake, such a mistake, such hubris such arrogance that we could defy death in such a way."

Esei tells you, "I am sorry."

Esei tells you, "I know the Arch-Preceptor is your friend. It was... rude of me to leave so suddenly." <-- *cries* I'm so sorry I lost this because 80 things were happening

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Alary with slowly widening eyes. He cants his head a bit, furrows his brow, reaches for his kerchief... remembers its absence. Instead he reaches into his belt and pulls out one of his folded shirts, offering it to Alary for their tears.

You think to yourself: Why did she get hurt...? How?

You think to yourself: ....can help her now, yes?

Alary an arm reaches up, covering their face. Scales grind against scales as they press their face into their arm, words coming muffled. "She hurt, oh she was in agony, and we had done this. We were the cause, all of us, every Beloved that was involved. We tried, kept trying, to heal her to help her, as echoes of pain and anguish crippled the Beloved. As we lost our minds in the fray, as the Most Beloved's own pain and insanity seeped into each of us. As we turned away from all, each of us caught in our own wars inside. As we no longer became coherent, no longer sane, no longer tangible. We lost ourselves, we were together, entwined tangled caught. We were together, in her pain, in our pain, in Their pain. One, we were all ONE. And ... she hurt she burned we hurt we burned we ... flesh falling apart, no longer held together. A prison of rotting flesh, a cage of broken bones, a soul in agony and anguish we could not assuage."

You have emoted: Gurashi scoots a little closer, mindful not to touch. "...h-how'd she get hurt, Friend Alary? Why?"

You think to yourself: Gosh.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We fought, Gurashi, we fought against ourselves against all we were no longer of anything but Beloved. Their Dancer no longer danced, but drug her feet against the pain. Their Devil was no longer, Xypher lost we were lost Aiyana was lost we were ... broken. She was broken. And we ... pushed through the pain the fog the haze we pushed pushed pushed and we carried her, bore her broken body as it fell apart, carried her here as each movement wracked her with pain, as we fall and tripped and fell and climbed, we walked and climbed and carried until we were here. I could go no further, I could not move, I could not watch. We ... Xypher took her and ended it he ended her pain he ended her... And we were lost. We forgot, forgot and lost and Sebitti was no more. Mercy, it was a mercy. Her name was gone, her story gone, she was gone from our thoughts from our memories she ceased to exist. A mercy, a punishment, all together."

You think to yourself: **a total wash of gray-blue** ..... no more?

Softly, confused, you say, "...but ... you, know her now..."

Alary pauses, the torrent of words stopped as they blink owlishly at you. "Defending, fighting, she was hurt between in the war in the far ... the distant ... the far Iklara ... wide Iklara. She defended she fought she shielded and she ...

Alary pauses, the torrent of words stopped as they blink owlishly at you. "Defending, fighting, she was hurt between in the war in the far ... the distant ... the far Iklara ... wide Iklara. She defended she fought she shielded and she ..."

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

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

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "A-aye. We do, we know her now we were allowed to remember, but some do not, some have forgotten still, and it stays as such it stays because it must, some must forget and some must remember we must remember."

You think to yourself: **worry - deep teal worry** ... it is hurting them very badly to remember this ...

Quietly, you say, "Friend Shulamit spoke very fondly of her..."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to touch his lips. "And she of her."

Alary nods their head emphatically.

You feel your mouth open without your bidding, and hear a sound like shifting paper as the voice from before echoes, "...far...Iklara..."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Dzaaaa .... ii ...szaaa."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils intones, "Far Iklara ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi pulls his fingers away from his mouth, his gray eyes wide again in surprise.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Where's the COCAINE."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "*gets gun*."

Alary shakes their head abruptly, fighting the milky white film that begins to cloud their single good eye. "N-no. You cannot, you cannot come back we cannot allow you to hurt no more no longer please. Why ... this burden WHY."

Voice soft and clear, you ask Alary, "...F-Friend Alary...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shrinks away a bit, to give the dracnari some space, ready to rise to his feet at a moment's notice.

You think to yourself: She just wants to be home...

You feel your mouth open without your bidding, and hear a sound like shifting paper as the voice from before echoes, "...Alary...still so scared..."

Eerily silent, Ankaa shifts from one leg to the other causing the dizzying multitude of colours shining off of his ornate disc to mix with the warping heat that surround him to create a spectacle of hues that reflect from every surface for a brief moment before dampening to his normal beauty.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Scared for you scared about you scared for Aschwar scared because we cannot fail cannot lose cannot let this happen again. Scared because we promised we promised Aschwar we would not let this happen again scared because we are alone scared because we cannot measure scared because you hurt you should hate us all of us you should hate us."

A wisp of smoke escapes the human's mouth, and with it the sound of shifting paper fades, leaving you to wonder if you ever heard it to begin with.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "//...damnit is it because i had to eat."

You have emoted: Gurashi clears his throat a little, then swallows, sitting up straight.

Voice broken, sounding scared and younger than they ever have, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We ... we promise to be strong we promise to be strong and shield we will bear your history and wounds if we must we will bear all of the wounds and pain that is our Will our purpose."

The seed shifts, ever so slightly, and its light grows a little dimmer.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...she's going away..."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, reaching up and touching his temple very gently. "...something is going to happen to Friend Aschwar?" He asks suddenly, looking at Alary quite seriously.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "W-what? No. No. It won't."

Voice soft and clear, you ask Alary, "... then - why did ...say all that stuff? Let it happen again...?"

You glance askance.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "They ... the words she told you were the exact words Aschwar said when they went to rest. The words were the same they are the same they are linked. Linked."

You think to yourself: O-K, O-K, big thinking.

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

You think to yourself: Remember everything said - words are good yes? Big strong words. Please do not go yet, Miss Sebitti! Still want to help you.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "... she remembered Aschwar... think."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...sweet, young Ash... but... she only ever said Ash."

Diminished, the seed pulses, and grows no weaker - yet, it remains weak.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We ... we made a promise, that nothing like this would happen again. When Aschwar slumbered, we made the same promise. To protect them in ways we couldn't protect her. We see ... parallels. We see histories repeating. We see realities converging, the veil lifting. We see intersections where we can prevent. We are afraid, afraid history will repeat and we promise to prevent it."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Suddenly, sitting up, you say to Alary, "Am very sorry."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Maybe what we see is not real, maybe it will never come to pass, maybe we are simply insane, fueled by our own worries and fears and driven to a point where we cannot tell if we see our fears or realities."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Ash is ... maybe Aschwar, we're not sure. Ash ... Sebitti may know them, we are unsure. There's ... too many unknowns and our memories fade like the ebbing tide."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to watch Alary, expression bereft with sympathy. "...is there maybe a third Ash we do not know about?" He asks hopefully.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We do not know."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Apologies for that. We're very sorry, we did not mean to ..."

You think to yourself: **solemn shades of blue-violet, still edged with silvery anticipation ... remorse. sympathy**.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, then creeps back towards Alary again, reaching out to lay a hand against their shoulder. "...you are... needing a hug?"

Alary smiles softly at you.

Alary pulls their arm away, allowing their face to be seen. "We wouldn't say no.."

You think to yourself: **an intense urge to help - another swirl of colors, pastels, tinged with blue**.

Eerily silent, Ankaa shifts from one leg to the other causing the dizzying multitude of colours shining off of his ornate disc to mix with the warping heat that surround him to create a spectacle of hues that reflect from every surface for a brief moment before dampening to his normal beauty.

You have emoted: Gurashi offers a sad smile, then throws his arms around Alary's shoulders, squeezing tightly - as tight as he can. "Am very sorry," He says, uninjured cheek smushed against the side of Alary's head. "That sounds like it was very, very hard for you, and for your friends, and for Miss Sebitti."

Thoughtfully, you say to Alary, "And I am not very good at predicting futures. Am -really- bad actually. Maybe even shoe-eating bad."

You ponder the situation.

You shake your head.

Alary leans in to your embrace, allowing for a moment to linger before they pull away. "It was but ... we learned, grew stronger, moved on. We remembered her when she was whole, and buried those memories of her at the end."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "She would have chastised us had we lingered. Nil, she'd be tearing me a new one right now we bet."

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Slowly sitting back on his knees, tucking his hair behind the poppy nestled atop his ear, you say to Alary, "...mm... she said you worried..."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "...and you still worry....."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We don't predict, we ... see and doubt our own viability."

You twiddle your thumbs.

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Aye, we worry a lot. We doubt ourselves even more."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "I think she wanted to come home, though. And I do not think she would have come all this way if she didn't want to see you all."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "It's not that we don't want her here, Gurashi. We just ... don't want her to suffer. Ever again."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 5th of Kiani, 560 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 10 days until the New Moon
You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Sadly, you say to Alary, "Know what mean..."

You think to yourself: **an inquisitive swirl of lilac... where did you go, lost friend??**.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "....oh! U-uhm."

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "W-what's the thing with the keys?"

A sudden memory, springing forward from the depths of your mind. "It's better for them, I think," a male voice says, forlorn as you look up at stairs watched over by the statue of a jackal. "That they just forget I ever existed."

Comprehension flashes across Alary's face.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks from the air to Alary, tilting his head.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "So ... keys. Sebitti, Shulamit and ... someone else were copper keys. The keys that opened the doors to the inner temple."

You think to yourself: ... no - who?

Suddenly aloud, staring at nothing, you ask, "Better for who...?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "W-wha?"

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks a second time, hard, reaching up to rub at his face.

Softly, you murmur, "Sad..."

You think to yourself: / *cautious chittering, present but clearly having no desire to draw any attention to herself* /.

A sudden memory, springing forward from the depths of your mind. A hand, awkwardly patting at your shoulder. A left hand. And then the slow hobble of a crutch beating against stones.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "G-Gurashi?"

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly looks to his shoulder, frowning.

Looking behind him now, down the pathway, you ask, ".... Akuuko?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Who?"

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly rises to his feet, tilting his head. "Mister Orange thief... he helped Friend Aschwar write the letters...." Another pause. "Told us about Friend Aschwar coming here... the Shofets...."

Comprehension flashes across Alary's face.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "H-him..."

You think to yourself: Mister Akuuko...

Suddenly, you ask Alary, "He's O-K still, right? E-er, he's better? Can he eat again?? Where is he?"

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

Alary shakes their head.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We have not seen him in ages, we didn't know his name until just now."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Quietly, you say, "Uhm... uhm..."

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

Fretfully, you ask, "Are there... stairs... with a biiiig statue of a doggy around here?"

Alary blinks.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "N-not that we know of."

You think to yourself: Hrm.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "But there are stairs!"

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "...stairs?"

Eagerly, you ask, "Where?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "The Villa!"

Alary makes a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.

You think to yourself: I do not know if Friend Aschwar's stairs are the same stairs...

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils murmurs, "We should also check on Ashira, as she was ... left gone left?"

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "...huh?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Hm?"

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "...Ashira is left gone left?"

You have emoted: Gurashi points to his left, confused.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "A-ah. Talking out loud."

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "Where'd she go?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Is ... no longer Beloved."

You blink.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...what."

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

Voice soft and clear, you ask Alary, "Ashira is no longer...?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "L-left. Dunno why."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "L-left. Dunno why."

Voice soft and clear, you ask Alary, "Oh - uhm ... you are O-K?"

Alary coughs softly.

Showing that they understands, Alary nods their head slowly.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Aye."

You follow Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils north to strange poppies within a verdant atrium.
Strange poppies within a verdant atrium.
Myriad stone planters, raised rock-wall gardens and hanging pots overflow with a variety of flora within this revivifying atrium, the vibrant petals of peonies, orchids, azaleas and chrysanthemums providing magnificent drops of colour amongst the greenery. Areca palms spread their narrow-leaved fronds from tall standing pots, shading the various benches and asymmetrical travertine paths that wind through the arrays of plantlife while glassless windows overlooking the villa's environs offer a view of the flower-bedecked trees, pools and towering statues relieving the desert sands that span as far as the eye can see. Before these windows splash fresh waters within an ornate limestone fountain, chaotic carvings decorating its surface while gold leaf spirals around them. Surrounding this fountain are raised tiers lined with a collection of wide-mouthed, soil-filled vases, each nestling its own assortment of curious poppies: among the traditional red, white, yellow and pink blooms are others shaded different hues of the rainbow, some even being composed of entirely different materials altogether. Iridescent chitin, cotton-like fibre, translucent crystal and even a few feathery species gather in clusters, their lofty position suggesting that they are undoubtedly the muse of the garden's caretaker. The centre of the atrium is dominated by a robust spiral staircase of gilded gold railings and cream-hued stone that circles up towards the higher floors of the villa, the structure well-supported upon reinforced pillars. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. Surrounded by an aura of brilliant hues and searing heat, Ankaa perches here on one leg. A lithe, ebon veiled dancer wreathed in black stars poises gracefully here.
You see exits leading southeast, south, southwest, and up.

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

Softly, you say, "There was a statue ..."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Where?"

Voice soft and clear, you say, "In my brain."

Comprehension flashes across Alary's face.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face. "Mind."

You follow Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils out to a lush sandstone courtyard before a grand villa.
Voice soft and clear, you say, "The stairs - there was a big uhm... Shofets statue." Me makes an elongated shape with his hand over his face. "Doggy."

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

**and then we got a little disoriented, and totally missed the statue like 5 times because Alary and I are both equal eggs. after noodling around the monastery... looking for Akuuko...

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...this doesn't seem right."

You think to yourself: But thought it would be.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...no stairs."

Fretfully, you say, "The last place that saw them was outside Friend Aschwar's home..."

Scratching his head, you say, "...we sat and talked..."

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

You follow Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils out to before the Monastery of Orange Thieves.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Outside their house... He was very kind, yes."

<-- walkies

A lush sandstone courtyard before a grand villa.
Aesthetically geometric sandstone tiles lead the way towards the grand, multi-tiered villa rising ahead. Lush, long-bladed sedge grasses envelop the sand-strewn path, tall clusters of woody bamboo parting nearer the abode where the avenue opens into a large courtyard. Nestled within the grasses are a number of abstract statues depicting noble hawks and cobras, clear water pouring from their beaks and fanged mouths into basins cradled below. Surrounded by an intricate arrangement of small pools and complex fountains, pale stone benches and narrow monoliths of dark marble circle the courtyard, offering opportunities for tranquil rest and reflection. Beyond the yard rise the golden-wood columns of the villa, each supporting wide mahogany eaves from which hang chimes of miniature golden bells interspersed with bright crimson metal poppies that lend their delicate tintinnabulation to the music elicited by even the smallest stirrings of air. >>The immense statue of a proud jackal rests upon its haunches at the top of the wide sandstone stairs rising before the towering archway that marks the threshold of the villa, the dark animal's triangular ears and snout held high as its scarlet eyes watch over all who pass.<< Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. Surrounded by an aura of brilliant hues and searing heat, Ankaa perches here on one leg. A lithe, ebon veiled dancer wreathed in black stars poises gracefully here.
You see exits leading east and in.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "H-here!"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to the bench where he last saw the orange thief, frowning. "I don't usually look up..." He confesses. "Too many fun things to look at... here..." He makes a flat gesture with his hand at eye-level.

Showing that they understands, Alary nods their head slowly.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "And half the time we barely see anything."

Alary glances askance.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Right. Here. We're here."

You have emoted: Gurashi turns slowly in his spot, frowning, walking with careful, even paces, trying to line himself up with what he saw in his mind's eye.

Alary steps back, allowing you to move as they watch carefully, clutching their staff with one hand.

You think to yourself: ... never existed?

You think to yourself: That is not true...

You think to yourself: They -love- you.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares intensely at the ground near his feet, brow furrowed as he thinks.

You think to yourself: What am I supposed to find....?

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly looks up towards the villa, frowning.

You think to yourself: You have been here, Miss Sebitti...?

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze slowly drifts back over to Alary, and his mouth draws into a thin line. "...uhm ..."

A sense of well-being and calm fills the air and warms your heart as an enormous tae'dae with black and gold fur strides in from the in.

look at the good bear
Radiant gold and inky black compete for prominence in the thick fur that covers this enormous tae'dae's body, the well-groomed hair shifting like fields of wheat and clouds through the night sky with each movement. Despite their thick limbs and eleven-and-a-half feet of height, an aura of well-being and contentment radiates off of their body, only enhanced by the gentle smile that is nearly always present on their muzzle. Glittering mis-matched eyes, one brown and one green, stare with a gentle warmth at the world around them, only inches below a pair of fuzzy round ears that have several notches missing from them. A brilliant red hieroglyph crackles in the centre of their forehead, flaring occasionally with small tendrils of red lightning. They are simply dressed in a pair of linen trousers and a hooded vest of the same material which hangs loose and casually upon their frame. The only decoration to be found upon them are a small number of scales and feathers that have been hand-sewn to cover where their heart lies in their chest. A stark contrast to their fur, they wear a pair of brown fuzzy paw boots over their feet.
Aschwar has an air of extreme strength.

You blink.

Alary blinks.

Aschwar raises a hand in cheerful greeting, saying, "Hello! I saw you from my window! How come you're sitting out here?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "A-ah."

You think to yourself: ... oh...!!!

You have emoted: Gurashi's whole demeanor changes, rising out of confusion and straight into delight. "Friend Aschwar!" He exclaims happily. "Am so sorry! H-hi!"

Alary blinks slowly, owlishly as if mentally catching up. "Ah. We're looking for memories?"

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to jog forward to greet the tae'dae, before a glint of silver near his throat catches his eyes and he slows down a little, then stops. still seeming very excited. "Yes! Mysterious memories!"

Alary gazes at you, frowning slightly.

Aschwar cants their head to the side and scratches at their chin softly with a claw, looking towards the sky, "Memories? Don't those live in your head? Though...sometimes...maybe memories come outside? Like thoughts, about what to make, or grow, you can...walk around and--" Their gaze lowers as they speak and cuts off abruptly as they spot the spectral scythe swinging along your throat.

Raising his arms, you say, "They are supposed to be in your head, but... uh..."

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "That is ... Lady Viravain's work, yes? We .. never did get to hear the rest of your words, is there aught we can do to .. lessen or remove such a vile thing from you?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "**gentle, uncertain chittering is the only answer offered for now**."

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "We would ... bear it instead of you, if there is a way."

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "You are not Beloved, not yet maybe never maybe soon but ... We would protect you as we could, be the shield where we were once Blade."

For a moment, it is difficult to remember the youthful countenance of Aschwar's face, as the sheer primality of their profile emerges. Their voice is low, and their odd-coloured eyes gleam as they watch the blade, finally asking, "Who hurt you?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "**soft, appreciative buzzing... **."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, quickly raising both hands and shaking his head. "Is is O-K! It does not even hurt," He insists, stepping forward. "And it will go away in a couple months..." He snaps his fingers, trying to think of a way to explain.

Aschwar's eyes are large as they crouch and gently reach out to turn your head to the side, staring with undisguised rage at the small scar on your cheek. "...it does not hurt now," they quietly say, "...but that does not mean it did not hurt. Someone. Hurt. You."

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs his cheeks the barest amount, as much as he can without causing discomfort. He purses his lips... then smiles, reaching up to take the tae'dae's much larger paw in both of his hands. "Shofets get mad, sometimes. Yours, and the Glomdoring's." He speaks softly, reassuring.

Soothingly, you say to Aschwar, "I asked Her a question thought She would -definitely- say no too. But instead, She said -maybe-." A pause. "And -also- got a little mad. B-but am O-K. Really really. Look, I can move my arms and everything."

You have emoted: Gurashi waves his arms a little, lifts a foot, strikes a pose.

"Shofets should not do this!" Aschwar says quickly, still clearly angry as they stand, looking down at you even as your hands trail up to keep hold of their paw. "Shofets should be nice! And not...hurt people, who are nice, and do not need hurting!" They look along the path leading into the Shifting City, a convoluted plan clearly forming in their mind.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Beloved Aschwar."

Aschwar's attention is drawn to Alary, but it is clear that it is only partially.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, wrapping his arms fully around the tae'dae's paw and looking up at them. "Please - it is O-K, promise...!"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We ... mortals sometimes bear .. these sorts of things. We ... cannot speak for Gurashi, but ... if Gurashi is at peast then we need not ... intervene. Though, as much as we want to. We would ourselves go marching up to confront if we were not afraid the blowback would hurt Gurashi worse. Sometimes ... help can lead to hurt."

Aschwar exhales softly, and looks down at you hanging from their arm, looking tired and defeated as they say, "...why is every world full of not nice peoples? Even Shofets. My Shofet was so nice, I thought...I thought all Shofets would be..."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances quickly to Alary, then back up to Aschwar, expression pleading though he says nothing, still hanging from their arm.

Voice soft and clear, you ask Aschwar, "...but, there are nice peoples too...! Unless, I am not nice?"

You look about in confusion.

You think to yourself: Oh -no-.

You think to yourself: Is Friend Shulamit still considered nice? She -has- to.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We would very much take Gurashi's place if we could, we would bear it in his stead. But ... we dare not intervene if Gurashi would be caught further and hurt further."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "And your Shofets -is- nice."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "Your Shofets is one of the nicests Shofets that have -met-."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "The world is full of not-nice people, and even not-nice Shofets, yes. It is unfortunate, and we must stand up for our friends and loved ones when we can but sometimes ... the approach must be tempered and planned, lest those we seek to protect get hurt further."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to hang somewhat loosely, knees bent though he isn't quite dead-weight, concerned expression still trained up on his friend.

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "//HOL' UP ARE YOU JUST DANGLING LIKE A PIECE OF STRING."
Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "//ye."
Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "//noodleboy."

Alary blinks incredulously at you dangling, realizing suddenly that you is in a rather precarious spot. "Ah.." They reach out, towards you as if to catch him, wondering exactly what to do other than offer physical support and perhaps a bodily cushion.

Aschwar sighs and nods their head, though there is still a depth of sorrow in their eyes that does not belong in the presence of the return of gentle youth. "...everything is very hard. It's why I..."

Aschwar looks as though they are about to say something, and then just shakes their head. "Well, it is why I am glad I have such nice friends." They smile sweetly, easily, at you and Alary.

Alary smiles softly at Aschwar.

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly releases Aschwar's arm, his own falling to his sides. He frowns, studying the tae'dae's reaction curiously. Then, he smiles, perking up a little. "Am so glad too, yes..." Suddenly, "Hi! Did you get my letter?!"

You think to yourself: / *quiet, so as not to draw attention* Tiso .... don't forget what you came here for? /.

You think to yourself: Eh? Eh?? Oh, but Friend Aschwar is here... OH.

Aschwar nods their head once, and then says, "Oh, but...there was some more...and then once the sweets fell out I was just playing with the scribble thingies because it looked like a BUG and I didn't know what sound buggies make, so I asked, and I think they sound something like this." They take a breath and then bellow outward awkwardly, something between a llama's bleat and a swan's death keel.

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

You have emoted: Gurashi's face lights up, and he bursts into laughter. "Ohhh! Ah! You should come to the Glomdoring in the summer - you will hear the cicadas... OH, if I was bug right now I would do it FOR you. But," Still laughing, he manages to eek out, "that was very good, yes! Hope you liked the sweets! They were all friend-shaped!"

You think to yourself: / *a -sigh-* Tiso ... /.

Aschwar nods their head twice in quick succession, and then looks back towards the tower, saying, "Uh...I left my...book...on the stove, so I should go back, and make double sure that it is not on fire. I will let you find your memories!"

The world seems a little less pleasant as an enormous tae'dae with black and gold fur departs to the in.

You blink.

Alary blinks.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "E-erm."

Alary frets over everything that might go wrong.

You feel your mouth open without your bidding, and hear a sound like shifting paper as the voice from before echoes, "...gotta clean quick..."

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, touching his throat and looking again towards the villa.

You feel your mouth open without your bidding, and hear a sound like shifting paper as the voice from before echoes, "...will see you later! Do not want...worry..."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "There! That was what we were trying to tell you ... Sebitti and Aschwar speak together!"

Voice soft and clear, you say, "... but... she's still so..."

You think to yourself: **seeking out the seed - where are you, where are you...**.

You think to yourself: **are you still weak? did being here help you...?**.

Quietly, worried, you ask, "Is it because they are both Their priests...?"

In your excitement to see your friend, you did not notice how brilliantly the seed had begun to glow, sending even, pulsing waves out once more.

You blink.

Reaching up for his temple, you say, "Oh, hi..."

You think to yourself: Did seeing Friend Aschwar make you happy, too?

You think to yourself: **a swirl of pink**.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We ... do not know."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to look towards the villa, taking a cautious step forward. "They left - do you think they do not want to see us?" A pause. "Something does not feel O-K..."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Not ... okay? What is ... what do you feel Gurashi?"

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...oh, no, I... it is not a her feeling." He fidgets. "Is a me-feeling."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "When -I- am upset and I do not want my friends to know I come up with an excuse and leave real quick."

You glance askance.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Your feelings are still ... what do you feel, Gurashi?"

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

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We are also concerned and worried. Something about them both being linked it ... we're worried one or both will get hurt."

Alary glances askance.

Frowning, you say, "I... didn't really want them to see me until H-Her favor went away! Am a little embarrassed - didn't..."

You have emoted: Gurashi sucks on his lower lip... then looks back up towards the village, scrunching his face.

Staring at the door, you say, "All of my manners are telling me to not go in, but all of my -not- manners are saying 'do it'"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Sorry for that ..."

You think to yourself: / *cautious buzzing* Or .... we could go home /

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Let's ... go in?"
Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils has lost you.

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

Lifting a finger to his lips, you say, "For now."

Alary follows you in.

You have emoted: Gurashi pokes his head inside the door, holding it open to allow Alary entrance. He tilts his head to the side, listening.

You think to yourself: If they left a book on the stove... they would be upstairs, yes.

Alary glances around, crouching slightly as to make themselves smaller. They look between you and the room, tilting their head as well.

You have emoted: Gurashi creeps further inside, moving slowly so his boots don't make any sound. Bizirik seems less inclined to be stealthy, sauntering in like it owns the place.

<-- we walked into the room where Aschwar was, then panicked because didn't wanna be seen and ran out again

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly backs up, flailing, checking to see if they've been seen, before again moving forward, a bit more stealthily.

Alary follows you north.
Strange poppies within a verdant atrium.
Myriad stone planters, raised rock-wall gardens and hanging pots overflow with a variety of flora within this revivifying atrium, the vibrant petals of peonies, orchids, azaleas and chrysanthemums providing magnificent drops of colour amongst the greenery. Areca palms spread their narrow-leaved fronds from tall standing pots, shading the various benches and asymmetrical travertine paths that wind through the arrays of plantlife while glassless windows overlooking the villa's environs offer a view of the flower-bedecked trees, pools and towering statues relieving the desert sands that span as far as the eye can see. Before these windows splash fresh waters within an ornate limestone fountain, chaotic carvings decorating its surface while gold leaf spirals around them. Surrounding this fountain are raised tiers lined with a collection of wide-mouthed, soil-filled vases, each nestling its own assortment of curious poppies: among the traditional red, white, yellow and pink blooms are others shaded different hues of the rainbow, some even being composed of entirely different materials altogether. Iridescent chitin, cotton-like fibre, translucent crystal and even a few feathery species gather in clusters, their lofty position suggesting that they are undoubtedly the muse of the garden's caretaker. The centre of the atrium is dominated by a robust spiral staircase of gilded gold railings and cream-hued stone that circles up towards the higher floors of the villa, the structure well-supported upon reinforced pillars. Humming under their breath, Aschwar tends to plants here without a care in the world. Surrounded by an aura of brilliant hues and searing heat, Ankaa perches here on one leg.
You see exits leading southeast, south, southwest, and up.

Aschwar hums a happy tune.

You have emoted: Gurashi awkwardly and silently wanders in, making sure Bizirik doesn't just waltz right up to the tae'dae by putting his hand against its face.

Aschwar holds up a planter towards the ceiling, inspecting it closely. Within, a strange, bleached-white poppy sits, small tendrils like veils dripping from its petals as they say, "...maybe...a little more orange...spots?"

Bizirik, the leothin makes no noise, head momentarily squished against its shoulders by Gurashi's hand.

Alary tries their best to hide behind your slight frame, even as Ankaa's bulk tries to hide behind Alary.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Aschwar work, glancing over his shoulders to check on Alary before looking forward again. He smiles a little, watching the tae'dae work.

You think to yourself: Hope Friend Aschwar will help me grow my manse plants too... wonder if they can do that ....

You think to yourself: ....Aschwar is very good at growing plants.

Aschwar nods and throws the planter to the side, where it is quickly swallowed up by a rift of golden sand. Quickly, they reach out and wave their paws, and a new planter is deposited there, then loamy dirt a few moments later. Pulling out a seed, they focus for a few moments before it takes on a ghastly hue, looking almost translucent as they smile, nod, and place it into the dirt.

Alary crouches more, their neck all but vanishing as they try to make their head flush against their shoulders. Still, they lean to the side just enough to watch the tae'dae, single red eye trained intently on Aschwar.

You think to yourself: **thoughts of the seed... **.

You think to yourself: ... oh - a seed ...

You have emoted: Gurashi lowers his gaze from Aschwar to the many, many planters, and the many plants that occupy them, marveling at the tae'dae's natural green thumb. He looks back over his shoulders at Alary again.

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "Aschwar seems fine. Anything on your end?"

The aether shifts around Aschwar's hands as they work, poking at the soil gently with their claws and humming all the while, blissfully unaware of your presence. Soon, translucent, ghostly white sprouts begin to form, stretching outward in a bloom of several poppies, dotted with small flecks of orange. "Too small?" They tilt their head to the side, curiously, staring at it. "...she looks different? But...is hard to make a poppy that is already not a poppy."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "...am not sure ..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "She was very happy - to see Aschwar, am wondering...?"

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "We ... think maybe she ... comes from the same place maybe.. We don't know very much about Sebitti before we showed up but we have read ... things."

You have emoted: Gurashi's fingers crinkle around a sketch of a sketch of a veil-clad ghost in his shirt pocket, still watching.

Aschwar's ears flick and they look up, staring towards the ceiling at the sound of the crinkling sketch, "What...did a moth knock down the large paper book? I hope it is not eating it." They shake their head and look back down, intent on their work.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, ".... **a wash of guilty blues** We should not be rude and spy. We should tell them we are here at least."

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "Ah ... maybe but how? We probably look very silly."

Aschwar looks at the poppy once more and nods in approval, "Maybe...she will like it? Do not think I can give her gifts, though...and will have to wait until everyone is gone."

You feel your mouth open without your bidding, and hear a sound like shifting paper as the voice from before echoes, "...will...everyone is gone..."

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to stand up straight, one step forward as his mouth opens of his own accord, taking him by surprise.

Aschwar turns on their heel, eyes wide as they accidentally drop the planter to shatter against the floor.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "Oh...!"

Hands flying to his mouth, you say, "F-Friend Aschwar! Am so sorry, we were worried, a..."

Alary ducks slightly in surprise before standing up to their full height, looking both startled and guilty.

There is a long stretch of silence as Aschwar just stares at you, looking very much as though they have been caught in some terrible act. After what feels like an eternity they quickly flick a claw, and golden sand sweeps across the floor, consuming all evidence of what they were just doing.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at the planter, fretfully waving his hands. "Oh no no," he steps forward, looking at the mess. "Am so ..." But the mess is gone, and he trails off, looking up at the tae'dae.

You think to yourself: **guilt, guiltier still, a wash of indigo, panicked pinpricks of static-y white**.

Eyes gleaming for a moment, Aschwar gives an easy smile and gently says, "You snuck up on me!"

Face and ears red, you say, "Sorry..." He wrings his hands together, looking chastised. "We did not mean to."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "...but you are smarter than leaving books on burners, Friend Aschwar."

Somewhat defencively, Aschwar says, "I...was moving it, because one of Miss Friend Shulamit's mothie friends was trying to eat it, and when I shoo'ed the mothie away, I saw you outside of the window, and got excited, so I ran to come see you."

Alary looks frantically between you and Aschwar, ducking again as if expecting some blow, spines flattened against their head and a reddish blush creeping up to their ear holes.

With a little sigh, speaking quieter, you say, "... sorry." He shakes his head again. "...am not trying to accuse you of any things! N-nothing like that."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "...am loving you to bits and pieces and you seemed not quite yourself, and so, wanted to make sure you were O-K."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, shoulders sagging. "That is all."

You think to yourself: / *the sound of a chitinous hand smacking a chitinous face* /.

Alary nods their head enthusiastically at you.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We ... also same. We are worried for you and your safety and just ... you."

Maintaining his same posture, you say, "ALSO - I have a -ghost- and am not sure what to do about it."

Aschwar smiles softly and scoots forward, gently placing a paw on the top of your head and patting you there fondly before saying, "Do not worry. Was only a LITTLE fire." They hold two claws only a fraction of a centimetre apart, and they say, "Just like that. And is not big burning, can still see most th--".

Looking entirely flabbergasted, Aschwar's eyes open wide and they ask, "A ghost?"

Perking up, you say, "YEAH."

Aschwar taps their claws thoughtfully against their chin, wondering, "...is...ghost of a friend of yours? Or a Glomdoring persons?"

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "Uhm, no!"

You have emoted: Gurashi closes one hand over his heart, the other touching the side of his head. "She is... Beloved."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "She knows Miss Vrima, yes. And Friend Alary and Friend Shulamit..."

Aschwar frowns and looks utterly bewildered, peering down to inspect your head, "How come you got a Beloved ghost in you, Friend Gurashi?" They gasp delightedly, mouth opening in a large smile as their eyes widen, "Did...are you Beloved? Did the Shofets give you the thing?" They point to their chest, animated and bright and so, so happy.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly waves the hand that was against his head. "O-oh, no! Uhm, not yet! That is why the..." He shakes his head. "I still have to ask my friends in Glomdoring, because their opinions matter too, but..." He perks up a little. "It is not a -no-, so that is -almost-."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "A-and, I do not know... I was just, I was in my manse, and, we were talking about YOU."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "Friend Alary showed me the book they sent you to help you learn how to do common language things in writing and reading? A-and, and then she showed up! And she was all confused and ..."

You think to yourself: / *on-edge chittering* /.

Aschwar seems completely gobsmacked, and just a little disappointed, but the prospect of a ghostly mystery appears to overwhelm that. "That is...have you talked to a priest? Wait! I'm a Priest!"

Voice soft and clear, you exclaim to Aschwar, "Am needing a priest!"

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "The ghost! She is like a sweet flower in my head, sometimes - like your flowers..."

Aschwar looks suddenly serious and bends at the waist, planting enormous paws on each of your shoulders and looking you dead in the eye. "Yes. Because priests can get rid of ghosts, I heard so myself, in the palace when I was younger."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, then embarrassingly adds. "Your flowers are very beautiful, by the way..." He swallows hard, before shaking his head again. "She is like a poppy, too, and uhm..."

Softly, hoping to be unheard, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "She speaks with you, as you, in your words ..."

There is a pause. A few long beats, and for a moment the painful reminder of Aschwar's feral side is visible as the claws on their paws gleam in the light that dances in from the stained glass, and then they rise abruptly, hands still nestled on your shoulders, "AM I HAUNTED, TOO?!"

With a little bit of squeak in their voice, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "No. We don't think so. Maybe your connection to the Shofet is also through her we ... don't know."

You have emoted: Gurashi is too enraptured at the thought of Aschwar now also being possessed to notice the claws. "Have you been talking when do not want to too?!"

You think to yourself: / Tiso! *trying to speak up over hive noise and Gurashi's inner panic* Tiso she's -not- haunting the tae'dae /.
Aschwar quickly shakes you back and forth towards them, crying loudly in their youthful voice, "GET OUT OF HERE GHOST, YOU STOP HAUNTING MY FRIEND RIGHT THIS VERY MOMENT! I AM A PRIEST AND YOU GOTTA LISTEN TO ME, THAT'S THE RULES, IT'S HOW IT WORKS! STOP HAUNTING PEOPLE IT'S NOT VERY NICE!"

You are embraced by a sudden longing for a sumptuous repast.
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Can I NOT BE HUNGRY for a day."

You flail about helplessly.

Voice soft and clear, you exclaim to Aschwar, "W-wait! Wait she isn't mean!"

Voice soft and clear, you exclaim to Aschwar, "She is nice! A nice ghost! She is not mean she just scared me a little when she showed up!"

You flail about helplessly.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "I just - am wanting to help her, yes! Because she does not remember much, and she is a little lost, a-and..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over towards Alary, pausing.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils, "...can I say her name??"
Aschwar seems unable to fully process your words through the shaking motion as they continue rocking you back and forth, loudly decrying the ghost's rights to inhabit your body, "AND IF YOU'RE HAUNTING ME, TOO, IT IS NOT VERY NICE AND IT IS ALSO VERY BAD AND AGAINST THE RULES AND I WILL TELL THE SHOFET ON YOU!"

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "We don't see why not."

You flail about helplessly.

It is now the 7th of Kiani, 560 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 8 days until the New Moon

Alary stares at the scene before them, trying yet horribly failing to stifle a laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of the situation.

After several minutes of shaking and exclamation, Aschwar lets you go and bends over, pressing their paws to their knees as they look keenly at you. "Did it work? Is the ghost gone?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stands perfectly still, hands lightly balled up near his chest. "...I ...."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to stand very still, listening.

Quietly, you ask, "Miss... Miss Sebitti? Are you still here ...?"

A wisp of smoke escapes the human's mouth, fading away quickly as it rises towards the ceiling.

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales sharply. "... here... ".

Aschwar looks at the wisp curiously and asks, "Uh...was that...the ghost? Did I get it?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Aschwar again, curious. "... do not know. Did you know her?" He asks quietly.

Aschwar cants their head curiously to the side, "Know who? I'm from another whole world, any ghosts that I know are probably still there." They look suspicious and glance around themselves for a moment as though a ghost could be lurking behind any of the planters, "...probably."

You think to yourself: ... how are they so cute.

You think to yourself: **a happy wash of pink and gold, though quickly tinged with concerned shades of blue-violet**.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "... Friend Alary... told me a story, about how, the persons, that I am hearing sometimes - they do not live here anymore, because they died... it is why she is a ghost."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "You ... asked about Sebitti."
Voice soft and clear, you say, "... so, she is back, but, think she is from somewhere else..." A pause, then he looks up at the tae'dae. "Like you!""

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We think Gurashi's ghost is the ghost of Sebitti. We do not know why."

"...yes, that is how ghosts happen, Friend Gurashi. Sometimes, things are alive...and then they stop." Aschwar looks concerned at the prospect of having to explain mortality, and then they curiously turn towards Alary, "Really? How come?"

You cough softly.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "She ... said she was a key. The only key that could be a ghost would be Sebitti. She remembered us, and things about us. She remembers Shulamit, too. She ... it has to be her and we both want it and don't want it to be her."

Aschwar frowns thoughtfully and asks, "A key to what?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "The doors to the temple, each door was opened by a key. A key within someone."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Three doors. Three keys."

Aschwar frowns again and looks towards you, eying you up and down thoughtfully. "So...is friend Gurashi a key now? What does he open?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters has left the realm of Lusternia.

You blink.

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "...huh?"

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales sharply, confused. "Wait - I am a key??"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Gurashi shouldn't be a key but ... we're unsure. The keys were used. The doors opened."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "No no, Miss -Sebitti- is the key..."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "The keys were just that, taken and used and opened. Sebitti was a key, yes. That's how we think it's her, because the other two keys yet live."

You have emoted: Gurashi shifts in his spot, looking himself over.

You think to yourself: ... you were a key - so I am a key now? Wait.

You think to yourself: ...I am pretty people-shaped for a key.

You have emoted: Gurashi's expression grows blank as he gets lost in his own thoughts for a moment.

Aschwar scratches behind an ear with a few claws thoughtfully, staring down in bewilderment, "...this is very big brain stuff."
Whispering, you say to Aschwar, "Big brain stuff is -hard-."

Alary nods their head emphatically.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We're not as intelligent as we'd like to think."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "... but ..."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "... I think she is happy to see you."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "She is very big and bright inside me, yes."

Aschwar nods their head sagely, saying, "Well...maybe I got rid of your ghost, and you don't have to worry about it?" They shrug helplessly, and say, "I mean...you haven't done any floating or gone through any walls yet. Or made big spooky noises. It's a good thing it was a ghost, and not a spirit, because that would be almost impossible to get ri--".

Aschwar's eyes grow wide and quietly they ask, "W-why do they know me? I'm not from here! No one knows me but the Shofet and the Beloved, and some other peoples, who I do not think are very dead!"

Looking down, embarrassed, you say to Aschwar, "...t-that's why... think she is maybe from somewhere else - and being here, makes her feel kinda lost..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "I-I do not know how these big magics work. She just... she was just there - in my ... manse."
Whispering, to drive the point home, you say, "In my -living room-."

Shaking his head, you say, "Not the City..."

Aschwar frowns and quietly ponders, "But...do not think she is from where I am from. I am the only person the Shofets has ever seen in my world, the Book said so..."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We confess we're also confused and concerned and ..."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "... thennnn ..."

Suddenly putting his hands on his hips, you ask, "Uhm. Do you know any OTHER Ash's?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Sebitti also came from ... elsewhere, Aschwar. And was brought here by the Shofet."

You glance askance at Alary.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Long ... long ago."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Long before we existed."

Aschwar ponders thoughtfully and says, "Well...is the Shofet's sister and...me, and then...not-Beloved-no-more Ashira?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "... oh."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "OH."

Aschwar nods their head eagerly at Alary, "Right, I know, but the Shofet said in the Book that They'd never been to my world before They passed through and hated it, and left behind that place that I walked through."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Nononono Oh nonono no no."

Alary shakes their head.

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

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

Frowning, you ask, "F-Friend Alary...?"

Curiously, Aschwar says, "Are you okay?"

You think to yourself: Is all I could think of too...

You think to yourself: Ash called her here.... Ash... sweet Ash....

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Ah ... yeah. We .. are yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Aschwar curiously.

You think to yourself: She said it when I said Aschwar's name.... right...?

Gently, Aschwar exclaims, "It is...is...just...all the peoples that I know! Maybe there are lots of Ashes out there!"

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "... mm. That is what was also thinking."

You glance askance.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "But someone named Ash called her here to do something... so, I really wanna help her, but, -big brain stuffs are hard-, right."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Gurashi."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Does Sebitti know what that something is?"

Silvery cracks splinter their way across the sky, scarlet hieroglyphs heralding the dance of chaotic copper-hued lightning through the aether. A powerful thrum invokes a deep dread in your stomach, and then reality repairs itself as the Will of the Shofet is made known.
Alary's face is overcome with a look of primal fear as they looks around for some way out of the scarlet hieroglyphs manifesting about them. Before they can move, though, a bladed staff bursts through a silvery crack in the aether to impale itself deep in their gut. In a flash of copper-hued lightning, they offers one final, maddening scream before collapsing into nothingness at the Will of Mysrai.
Having been too much for the mortal threads of Alary, they screams in agony as flames engulf their body and burn it to a crisp.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Um."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Gurashi."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "OH GOD."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "OH GOD."
(Trasto): Aknarin (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Ha! Go Mysrai."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "GURASHI."
(Trasto): You say, "OH SHIT."
(Trasto): Esei (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "NOT GO MYSRAI."
(Trasto): Esei (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "ABORT."
(The Shadow Kindred): Afollia says, "It was nice knowing you Gurashi."

You blink.

Aschwar jerks backward as the staff disappears in a blur of black sand, recalled to the Shofet once more. "F-Friend Alary? What did you DO?"

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a step back next to Aschwar, eyes wide as he looks at the spot where Alary once stood.

You flail about helplessly.

Alary blinks.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, The soul of Alary al-Saaoud says, "We ... do not know."

Weakly, you say, "F-friend Alary, you didn't think Her name did you."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, The soul of Alary al-Saaoud says, "Y-yes ... we did."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "Because, it makes the Shofets very... sad."

You have emoted: Gurashi winces, understanding.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, The soul of Alary al-Saaoud says, "Ah .."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, The soul of Alary al-Saaoud says, "Be ... back. we think."

Aschwar twiddles their claws together, and quietly says, "Y-you shouldn't do that, Friend Alary."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, The soul of Alary al-Saaoud says, "We ... did not know. Honest."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, The soul of Alary al-Saaoud says, "We ... were thinking and trying to put it together we think ... we have something but maybe we're wrong. Foolish. We're mortal and foolish."

Aschwar shakes their head and turns away, "I...I gotta go. I don't want to get anyone else in trouble. I am sorry."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Aschwar, "Y-you didn't!"

You flail about helplessly.

The world seems a little less pleasant as an enormous tae'dae with black and gold fur departs to the ether.

Voice soft and clear, you ask Alary, "I-I also... I-I do not know. Are you O-K?"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You think to yourself: Oh no!

You think to yourself: Oh no, no no.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, The soul of Alary al-Saaoud says, "It wasn't your fault! It was ours."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks towards the stairs, then towards Alary's spirit again, eyes filling with tears. "But..."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, The soul of Alary al-Saaoud says, "Ours we didn't ... didn't think didn't know."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, The soul of Alary al-Saaoud says, "Sorry we're so sorry."

Glorious golden flames spring up around Alary until, in a silent flash, they are gone, leaving the slight scent of charred flesh behind.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a step towards where Alary's ghost was, then looks at the villa, wringing his hands together.

You think to yourself: What happened.

You think to yourself: What happened what should do.

"...poor dear..."

A blazing white pyre bursts in from the south, slowly resolving into Alary.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, touching his lips as the voice fades.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Sorry! We're sorry, we didn't know. We won't think or say it again."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly turns to Alary as they reappear, rushing forward without pause and throwing their arms around Alary. "Are you O-K!?" He exclaims in a panic, squeezing tight.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "A-ah. Yes. We ... were foolish."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We .."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Sorry."

Alary hugs you compassionately.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets go and takes a step back, unable to hold back his tears. "I-it's O-K! W-was gonna warn you, not to say anything... about Her name, cause, it hurts Them a lot? And, I didn't, and - are you O--oomph," He squawks as he is hugged again.

Squeezing again, you say to Alary, "Please do not be sorry!"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "But we must atone ... we did not think before we thought and thus ... harmed our Liege without meaning to. And we ... should atone. But we must know something."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Did Sebitti say why or how she was pulled her ... what must she do?"

Voice soft and clear, you say, "... oh, uh..."

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard, finally reaching up to wipe away his tears, managing to stave off new ones. "U-uhm... let me..."

You think to yourself: You said so many thinks Miss Sebitti.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "S-she... was looking for someone."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Sorry ... if this is too hard we can ... stop."

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head quickly, determination settling on his reddened face. "No! It is -O-K-."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "The one who called her here - Ash. She said Ash called her -here-, and I thought she meant my -living room-."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "No .. she probably meant back here to ... us. Living."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "But .. why. Why was she pulled back ..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "She kept saying that she was being called ... over and over, and over, yes."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "F-for what .."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "You .. if you don't have the answers it's okay we'll try to find them."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "So she is meant to be -here-... and that sweet, young Ash called her."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Yo." <-- womp womp missed it

Voice soft and clear, you say, "S-she talked about how... Friend Shulamit found so much... a-and, I know the story, of how Friend Shulamit was a beacon, for her - for Miss Sebitti..."

Alary nods their head enthusiastically.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Maybe if we can get Shulamit here .. yes."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "... she really likes Friend Shulamit."

Quickly, you say to Alary, "A-and you too! She loves all of you, can tell, yes."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "After... we talked about the lighthouse, she mentioned the key."

You glance askance.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We were but a small part, Gurashi. She meant a lot to us, but she was more a part of the others more."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We've always been a small part, it is the part we play."

Softly, glancing up the stairs, you say, "Uhm... let's ... see..."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...she has been -called- here though. Here here, specifically."

Showing that they understands, Alary nods their head slowly.

Voice soft and clear, you ask Alary, "...she wants to see Shulamit. I know this. Is she awake...?"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Hmm. Busy?"

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together, slowly looking around the atrium, up the stairs, frowning.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**quiet, anxious buzzing** Uhm... not much longer, do not think."

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Don't think so, but we can catch her when she is."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together, still staring up the stairs. "...oh!" Suddenly, his expression changes, and he looks at Alary again, flailing. "I-I need to get a hold of the Shofets's... or, the Beloved's tailors... their cartel!"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "You don't need me to come over and poke someone rudely for you?"

Prying through his notes, you say to Alary, "The Shofets gave me a task, and I have almost completed it...!"

Pulling out a page, you exclaim, "I just... it needs to be approved, first... it is for Friend Aschwar...!"

It is now the 8th of Kiani, 560 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 7 days until the New Moon

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "M... mm no. It is just us, now. Friend Alary and me. *a pause* and Miss Khep. *another longer pause* and also Miss Sebitti."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**quieter - guilty** .... Friend Aschwar knows about the Lady's disfavor ....."

Comprehension flashes across Alary's face.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We're trademaster of the order tailoring cartel."

You blink.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "... oh ...."

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Ivoryveil."

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses, then turns the page over to Alary, very carefully. "I... do not have a copy, so, please do not lose it? They are all for them, yes!"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Did they react badly?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, ".... **sad buzzing** They do not know Miss Sebitti, either."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Mm. Another veil, another paradigm."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "They were scared when they thought someone else knew they were here ...."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Oh! T-they tried really hard to -banish- her, though, because she is a ghost? They tried really hard. It didn't work."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**sounding a little brighter** But, Sebetti - she knows Aschwar, think. She knows it here. She got so bright and happy when we came..."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Another bit of confusion to add to the pile."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "The confusion is with the name...."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "She was called here by Ash..... and, then, Friend Alary..."

You have emoted: Gurashi folds his hands politely before himself as he hands the page over, looking down. "...I-I'm sorry, again," He looks up quickly. "That the Shofets got angry with you... uhm..."

Seeming worried again, you ask Alary, ".... why... do you think Friend Aschwar didn't want us to see them growing flowers....?"

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We're unsure on that part, but the poppies were ... maybe."

Alary ponders a shifting, living poppy of amber petals thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We're unsure."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...they LOVE poppies..."

You think to yourself: ... who did they want to bring it to, though...?

You glance askance at Alary.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**a pin-prick of fear** Ahhh - the Shofets got mad with them."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "As for the Most Beloved being angry with us? It happens. A lot. We're headstrong and foolish, and often blunder into things without careful thought. We've been punished far worse, and we take it in stride and learn to do better."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "...a-anyway... Friend Aschwar is acting strangely. Hiding something. I am worried."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... Alright. Let me know if you think I'm needed."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**he trails off, quiet, distracted**."

Alary nods their head at you.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You fidget impatiently.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Poppies are the flower of the Beloved, and much more than that."

You nod your head emphatically.

Softly, you say, "Knew... yeah. Poppies are nice."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "And ... Gurashi. Do not fret, the Most Beloved knows when to push and when to nurture. We just often require a heft shove off of a cliff ... A lot. That is how we learn best. Others do not learn like we do, and need gentler care. That is fine."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around the atrium again, uncertain.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We ... wish Aschwar hadn't seen it, though."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "It wasn't their fault..."

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together, staring hard up at the windows.

You shake your head.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

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

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "It wasn't. We tried to tell them as such, mentally, but we do not know if we were heard."

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "...do... oh, no," He looks suddenly quite worried, "am I gonna make Miss Sebitti sad if I gotta go home?"
Eerily silent, Ankaa shifts from one leg to the other causing the dizzying multitude of colours shining off of his ornate disc to mix with the warping heat that surround him to create a spectacle of hues that reflect from every surface for a brief moment before dampening to his normal beauty.

Alary blinks.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We doubt that."

To no one in particular, you say, "Y-you are welcome in my house! I can make up the couch for you! ....... wait. I do not know if you sleep."

You glance askance.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Sebitti often ventured beyond the Shifting City and beyond that of Gaudiguch as well."

Alary smiles softly at you.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We would not wish to intrude."

You think to yourself: / ...... *continued unnerved chittering* ...do we HAVE to invite it home with us /.

You think to yourself: -Yes-.

You think to yourself: ...and Miss Sebitti is a -she-.

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffs, rubbing the end of his nose and looking again around the atrium, at the spot where the shattered planter landed.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

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

Alary tilts their head and listens intently to you.

Softly, you say to Alary, "...sorry again, about the things that happened to her."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "And, many thank yous, for telling me."

Touching his temple, you say, "I do not know if it helped her or not."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "But hopefully she has closures, yes. And knows how much you and everyone loved her, yes."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "It ... was not anyone's fault. Persayis did what she felt was right. So did we."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...mm."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We were all wrong, and she suffered, and we suffered. And ... we did what was right in the end, as Beloved."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "It is done."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down towards the blade at his throat as it catches his eye.

(Glomdoring): Esri (from the Aetherways) says, "Nothing matters but Glomdoring."
(Glomdoring): Afollia says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."
(Glomdoring): Evette (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Glory be to the Glomdoring!"
(Glomdoring): Synl (from the Aetherways) says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."
(Glomdoring): Geran says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."
(Glomdoring): You say, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."
(Glomdoring): Tau (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We, frankly, were just a bystander. We watched and could not help, could not hurt, could not do much. We were small, then. Small and weak."

You twiddle your thumbs.

Voice soft and clear, you say, "...if she IS back."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Glory be to My Glomdoring indeed."

Voice soft and clear, you say, "... well, you are stronger now, yes. A...."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off.

(Glomdoring): Esri (from the Aetherways) says, "Dark Greetings Lady Viravain."

(Glomdoring): Tau (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Tidings, Lady Viravain."

(Glomdoring): Evette (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Dark tidings, Lady Viravain."

(Glomdoring): Afollia says, "Welcome home to Your forest, my Lady."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "You are well, I trust?"

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Stronger, but no less foolish."
Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**suddenly, a soft rush of white hot fear**."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Eh?"

(Glomdoring): Esri (from the Aetherways) says, "Very well My Lady thank you for asking."

(Glomdoring): Esri (from the Aetherways) says, "Do you have any more inquires like the other month?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Greetings, Lady Viravain."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares distractedly towards the door, hand reaching up to touch his cheek.

(Glomdoring): Afollia says, "It has been an eventful but satisfying month, the commune was victorious in aetherspace combat and claimed another sphere for Your forest."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Excellent news, My Spinner. Thank you."

(Glomdoring): Geran says, "Your forest continues to grow tall and strong."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "If you must leave, then you must."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "An intriguing question, Esri. Curiosity is, after all, how dull minds become sharp."

(Glomdoring): Esri (from the Aetherways) says, "I do like to keep a sharp mind My Lady like Your Sythe."

Quietly, you say, "... should go..."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "...uhm."

Voice soft and clear, you say to Alary, "Thank you."

Alary hugs you compassionately.

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Be well."
Wringing his hands together, you say to Alary, "Many thank yous."

Smoke curling from their nostrils, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "And thank you, as well."

You have emoted: Gurashi returns the embrace quickly, casting a look at Bizirik before hurriedly wandering off.

<-- me, having JUST exited Mysrai's realm

A narrow, claustrophobic cave.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Little more than a hollow in the side of the mountains, the interior of this cave is swept with eddying trails of sand from the without. The walls are crude and unmarked by any hand: the ceiling dips low, toothlike protrusions sending flickering shadows over the cavern floor and walls. The air is stale, still, and unmoving; only the murmuring of the desert wind beyond the cavern suggests at the existence of life. Oilslick patterns ripple across the silken folds of this veil as it flutters between two paradigms. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings.
You see exits leading out and through a fluttering veil.

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Esri, my question to the commune is thus: what do you think of My Cousins Who unabashedly cater to the whims of the cities?"

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Oh -no-."

(Glomdoring): Geran (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "If the question is to all of the commune, Mistress. I may offer an answer."

(Glomdoring): Esri (from the Aetherways) says, "I will ponder that for a moment My Lady."

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders slowly bunch as he stands just out of step of the veil, eyes wide.

You think to yourself: ... no ...

(Glomdoring): Esri (from the Aetherways) says, "I think that is light of currents events that have unfolded I wold not agree with the currents events and how they are viewing the act of war upon out alliance My Lady."

You think to yourself: **uneasy blue - pin-pricks of white. hive noise, blood rushing and heart beating, l o u d**.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, grips at his shirt, before abruptly dropping to huddle on the ground, drawing his knees to his chest and covering his ears with his hands, shaking his head.

(Glomdoring): Tau (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "They have done so since the time of... Ah, the one ritual, whose name escapes me. When the cities worked together against Faethorn, and the Wilde ultimately betrayed us. My memory is not what it once was, Lady."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Nothing matters, but Glomdoring."

(Glomdoring): Geran (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

(Glomdoring): Esri (from the Aetherways) says, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

You think to yourself: Hurry. Say it - say it.

(Glomdoring): You say, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."

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

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "In the Glomdoring, our Divine are a part of the Glomdoring, bound to it by ties of blood. It seems that some of Your Cousins in the cities are more... distant from their cities, or at least, such is said. It is something that puzzles me."

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't seem to notice Tridemon's arrival, having sunken down to a crouch, head tucked against his knees and hands folded over the back of his neck. Bizirik whines, a few paces out of reach, pacing and anxiously whining.

You think to yourself: Why did say that why did say that.

You think to yourself: Why did say that why did say that why did say that.

Finger extended, Tridemon pokes you.

(Glomdoring): Geran (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "For my part, though I would not hope to understand the will of the Divine, it seems that to give all possible nourishment to a creature is to deprive it of the chance to become strong. If onse overfeeds a tree, weeds will grow, and the tree will grow fast, but weak, and eventually die. An animal nutured in a potected environment away predators will never understand danger, and will stumble blindly into the jaws of the first beast it enocunters away from such protection. A person without desires will never better themselves."

You have emoted: Gurashi jumps at the touch, so forcefully retreating he hits the wall behind him with a thud. "OHmyg-- TRIDEMON," He wheezes.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Yes, that's me."

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard, white as a sheet. "What are you doing here."


(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Mmm. Yes. To unite your ideas, My Glomdoring, you suggest that My Cousins are distant from the cities They entertain, and when it suits Them, They indulge them."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Is this a fair interpretation, My Forest?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks off across the cave, distracted, listening...

You think to yourself: **roses...**.

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Oh, Hello my Lady, I wondered what the conversation was about. May I ask what You were asking us?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "It seems quite accurate to me, yes."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "A white-hot shot of fear, followed by a distinct lack of response."

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Quite so my Lady. In all things mortals must see the truth of Your wyrd. Your Cousins are deserving of respect, but our devotion is how we exert our free will. Your Cousins could not serve the Wyrd in the cities, as we are guests in Your blessed garden, They should not receive our devotion."

Through his teeth, you say, "She's awake."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I see. She's certainly lost you, then."

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

Voice soft and clear, you ask, "W-what...?"

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "How astute, My Spinner. Your words are like crow song to Me."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You're reacting with this much fear? Little enough room for love."

Eyes widening, you say to Tridemon, "No no no -no- don't you -dare- say that."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Tell Me, My Glomdoring -- is disloyalty weakness?"

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Alright, I won't."

(Glomdoring): Indrosiril (from the Aetherways) says, "I'd reckon so yes."

(Glomdoring): Tau (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Yes, without question, Lady."

(Glomdoring): Steingrim (from the Realm of the Predator) says, "True disloyalty is always weakness."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "I think it is liability. To be torn two ways... it leaves a severing point."

You have emoted: Gurashi stops moving again, suddenly looking like a ghost himself.

You think to yourself: No.

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Yes my Lady, there are none above Your glomdoring."

(Glomdoring): Synl (from the Aetherways) says, "An inability to commit to a single goal, that would be weakness. To split yourself, to be conflicted within."

(Glomdoring): Geran (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "I would hesitate on answering with my gut reaction, as some may percieve disloyalty, when in truth it is sticking to a principle, and a guiding light."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly steps away from Tridemon. And then takes another step.

Tridemon tilts his head curiously.

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "It's just begging to be split down the middle, don't you think?"
You feel the Wyrd itself flex, a living coil wrapping tenderly around you. You know in your heart that the Mistress of Thorns is pleased.

(Glomdoring): Geran (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "If someone were to worm their way into the politics of a city, and work their way up to the top, only to betray the principles of the foundation. They would not be deserving of loyalty. And in that, those who forswore their loyalty would be strong."

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

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Mmmm. If disloyalty is weakness, what has the Greev taught us of such a thing?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon, bereft.

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Disloyalty must be culled if Your garden is to thrive, there may not be any doubts in our service or the commune shall be consumed once more."

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

You think to yourself: / ...S-She didn't say anything yet - and, -surely- everyone will... /.

You think to yourself: They aren't.

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "I am sated. Thank you for indulging Me, My Glomdoring."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Of course, Sublime Lady!"

(Glomdoring): Geran (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "We are at your instant call, my Mistress, whenever it pleases You."

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Thank You for blessing us with Your presence."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "And remember -- when wielding a scythe, whatever form it takes, strike only that which threatens the Wyrd. Then feed the blood to My garden."

You think to yourself: ... ... threatens ......

Tridemon gives you a look of concern, his left eye rotating between the pupil in emerald and the pupil in amber in apparent agitation.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, covering his face with his hands. "... Miss Sebitti needs my help. And, Friend Aschwar, needs help...?" He shakes his head. "... w...hy would she come to me if I wouldn't be able to -help- her."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... you look like you need to come home with me and sit somewhere quiet for a while."

You think to yourself: **waves of deep, anxious, uneasy blue - no, an angry, frustrated jolt of red**.

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a high-pitched whine, watching Gurashi frustratedly pace back and forth in the narrow cavern.

You think to yourself: Stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid.

Tridemon steps in closer, looking stern but also concerned.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to pace, shaking his head, unseeing.

You think to yourself: How am supposed to both need to find a way to do both right so there has to be a way to do both why the NIL is it so hard to do both.

You think to yourself: / Tiso, -stop- /.

It is now the 9th of Kiani, 560 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 6 days until the New Moon

You think to yourself: What do I do what do I do what do I do what do I do.

"..." A gentle sound, like a voice, seeming as though it wishes to speak but doesn't. Sympathy. Regret. Guilt. All wash away from the seed with no amount of subtlety. <-- cries my ghost is still with me ...

You think to yourself: I -know-.

You think to yourself: Am -trying- Miss Sebitti.

Tridemon reaches out carefully but deliberately... and gives you quite a hard flick to the middle of your forehead with a crystalline fingertip.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns on his heel, then suddenly, quite abruptly is flicked on the forehead, looking up with a snap of his head. "WHAT."

You give a horrified gasp.

You have emoted: Gurashi covers his mouth immediately after, tears welling up in his eyes. "Ohmygosh."

Mouth covered, you exclaim to Tridemon, "Amsosorry....!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You are angry and extremely irritable. You need someplace to sit and calm down... or express your irritability in some other format."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You're simply not going to get anything done pacing and grumbling to yourself out in public."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Pacing and grumbling to yourself is a private activity."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, dropping his arms from his mouth and folding them anxiously across his chest. "...sorry."

You begin to follow Tridemon.

You sniffle softly.

You think to yourself: **a return to deep, mournful blues, and a wash of uneasy, embarrassed mauve**.

You think to yourself: ... isn't fair ...