Dark Father

Deep amaranthine skin delicately freckled by white marks, they are a fiendish viscanti wyrden
demigod changeling. Their eyes are entirely Abyss-dark, sans a white pupil in each eye, giving them
an eerie appearance. Their features are aristocratic and ethereal, but pushed to the extremes
without looking entirely unnatural; otherwise, the only notable thing about their face is their
elongated, elfen-like ears and incredibly sharp teeth. Their ears are pierced with asymmetrical
platinum studs and rings, one connecting by a chain. Occasionally, a forked tongue of red-violet hue
may be seen when they speak. Their hair is a rich shade of black, hanging past their shoulders to
the middle of their back; it's been pulled away from their face into braids and a fauxhawk, the rest
gathered into a relaxed half-tail spilling down their back in a wild mane. Their hands and feet end
elegant limbs, their digits terminating in clawed digits. From the crown of their head and curving
up and slightly back are two ridged horns, spiked to a point and lightening to a soft gray-white in
a soft gradient. Their height makes them well up to six and a half feet tall, tail flowing out
behind them about half that, while their horns take them several inches taller. Their tail itself is
the same violet hue of their skin but curiously ends in a tuft of black fur rather than a spade or
arrow. Shadows cling adoringly to them, reluctant to surrender their grasp on one with the
strongfavour of Nocht, the Silent.

They are wearing:
a circlet of the Shee-Slaugh house delicately placed against their temple
a dusky, layered ensemble of crow feathers and stars
Ebon Prayer Beads of the Silent Lord wrapped around one wrist
a wedding armband of eternal night resting on their left bicep
a phantasmal shroud of shadows wrapped loosely around their neck like a scarf
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree.

As you enter her territory, a tenebrous leopard utters a harsh, guttural snarl and stares
unnervingly into your eyes. Unimpressed, the leopard huffs derisively and stalks away.
-
Esei inclines their head politely to you.

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I
do not believe we have properly met."

Attention immediately flicking to the snarling leopard, Rhalkyr cocks his head at
the great beast, vividly green eyes gleaming, before his gaze flits to Esei. His eyes linger upon
Esei for but a beat, before they flicker off elsewhere. In a grinding, guttural voice, distorted
faintly by the mask he wears, he responds with a halting, staccato cadence. "Have not. Name?"

Esei's lip twitches slightly, dark eyes sweeping slowly over your face.
-
In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I
am Esei Shee-Slaugh. More formally, I am known as a Wyrden Auspice."
-
Shadows swirl around Esei's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around their
hand.

Sinking into a loose crouch, balanced easily upon the balls of his feet, Rhalkyr
drapes his forearms over his densely muscled thighs, allowing his hands to dangle bonelessly from
his knees. Angling his head aside, the toothsome face of his mask facing off to Esei's left, he
utters a curt grunt. "Rhalkyr." The faint, audible sound of sniffing accompanies a slight uptilt of
his chin, his eyes flicking to Esei, then away. "Smell, of blackthorns. Beloved, of shadows. Close,
to Silent One?"

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "After a
fashion, yes. It is nice to meet you, Initiate Rhalkyr."

 A vibrating, bass rumble, tinged by amusement, emanates from Rhalkyr's throat.
"Vague. Fitting."

Esei's lips twitch again, almost into a shadow of a smile. "Quite."

Rhalkyr flicks his fingers loosely towards a tenebrous leopard, swaying back and
forth idly upon his toes. "Yours?"

Esei tilts their head towards Liah, humming lowly. "No, she is Lady Evette's."

Esei drops a cat of black ink.
-
In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Now, this
one is mine."
-
A cat of black ink begins to follow Esei obediently.

Esei lazily draws their wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.
-
Esei pets a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Esei's hand.

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "This one is
named Tsillah."

Made of matte, pure black ink, this cat is rather small, perfectly sized for riding around shoulders
and lounging in laps. Her body is sleek and elegant, seeming to blur gently around the edges to give
the appearance of long, soft fur. Her tail is long and slender, as are her limbs. Her paws are soft-
looking, leaving delicate pads of ink wherever she walks and hiding sharp claws. Her whiskers are
extensive, completely black; when they twitch, they send small droplets of ink everywhere. Her eyes
are glossy, somewhat reflective and occasionally swirling with bits of color.

A cat of black ink sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

Cocking his head at the little cat, Rhalkyr extends a mountainous hand towards a
cat of black ink, fingers curled loosely in, offering the huge appendage to sniff. "Tsillah."
Tapping his left hand to his chest, he states, attention focused upon the small cat, despite the
manner in which his eyes skitter about from motion to motion, "Rhalkyr."

With several beats of their wings, Esei alights upon Dusan, the coruscant's shoulder.
Coruscant eyes glinting, Dusan, the coruscant lets out a rumbling chirp, bumping his snout against
Esei's hand.

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "She
likes you."

 With a gentleness that is almost incongruous for a man so brutally aspected,
Rhalkyr runs the edge of his knuckles along a cat of black ink's cheek, mimicking the purr, albeit
in a far, far lower register. Twisting his head to the opposite side, a gleam of feverishly bright
green betrays the glance he darts Esei's way. "Yes. Felines, often, fond. Kindred."

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "I am literally going to pass away this is too cute."

Pressing it into one of his large hands, Esei gives a green tincture to you.
-
With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Give that
to her."

This tincture is versatile in its use either as ink or as paint in the right hands. Right now, it is
simply a colourful glob of colour, relatively dried and easy to transport.

A cat of black ink presses her face into the hand, purring louder now.

 Rhalkyr accepts the proffered tincture without looking up, though he does not pass
it to the diminutive cat right away. Instead, he twists his hand so that he runs his thick,
calloused fingers over a cat of black ink's head, rubbing a thumb against an ear lightly. Only then
does he lower his left hand, palm up, to present the tincture to a cat of black ink.

A cat of black ink's fur seeps with a soft shade of forest green, briefly taking the various forms
of trees and bushes before fading away.

A cat of black ink rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "How have
you found the Glomdoring, so far?"

Rhalkyr grunts in surprise, eyes widening as the cat shifts in hues. Rocking back
and forth in tiny, rapid motions, the hulking figure's delight is evident as he lowers his fiercely
masked head, dipping it down as close to a cat of black ink as he can without overbalancing himself.
Eyes of a shade of green far more painfully intense than the gentle, forestal colour that a cat of
black ink adopted previously, remain fixed upon the small feline intently, glittering with joy.
Distractedly, he responds, "Forest, physically, perfect. Community, spirit, population - Poor."

Esei's head tilts, moth-like wings fanning open and closed exactly once. "Why is that?" Their voice
is calm, relaxed, not quite probing, but curious. Tsillah continues to press into you, purring
softly.

With the deft, flowing motions of one obviously well accustomed to ministering
affection upon those of the feline ilk, Rhalkyr brings both hands to bear upon lavishing a cat of
black ink with adoration, the huge appendages nearly eclipsing the small cat. "Stagnant. Wilting,
upon vine. Lassitude. Passivity. Complacent." A minute dip of the head to one side, and, "Made
promise, with Silent One, to fix."

Esei tilts their head, dark eyes sweeping briefly up your form, then down. They flutter from Dusan's
shoulder to land near the human, to better look you in the eye.

 Unperturbed by the sudden proximity, Rhalkyr merely angles his head so that his
mask faces towards Esei, though his eyes roam ceaselessly elsewhere, never landing upon Esei's own
for more than a beat.

Humming faintly before speaking, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It's
alright, you can look past my shoulder if you want."
-
Voice low and soft, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "Tell me, how do
you intend to try and fix this stagnancy?"

Rhalkyr extricates his left hand from tending to a cat of black ink and taps just
beneath his eye, the gentle contact eliciting not a sound. "Always, watching," he replies calmly,
before returning the hand to resume its light caressing of the little black cat. "Many, plans. Is
poor spider, that spins, only few strands."

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you,
"Sometimes, the best thing to do is -not- be a spider. Web-weaving is an excellent skill, but there
is also the Wasp, and the Beetle, and the Bat."

Mildly, Rhalkyr replies, "Know, Idols. Learn, from all."

Esei's lip twitches. "Of that, I've no doubt." They pause, reaching down to gently pet Tsillah as
well. "You, young one, remind me much of Beetle - doing tasks that no one else will do. Finding an
end to stagnancy, so a beginning may take place. Cultivating a garden, after a fashion."

Esei's lip twitches. "Of that, I've no doubt." They pause, reaching down to gently pet Tsillah as
well. "You, young one, remind me much of Beetle - doing tasks that no one else will do. Finding an
end to stagnancy, so a beginning may take place. Cultivating a garden, after a fashion."

Rhalkyr smoothly shifts a hand aside to drop onto the ground beside a cat of black
ink, allowing Esei sufficient room to stroke a cat of black ink. Despite the vast span of his hand,
he manages to nimbly avoid ever coming close to making so much as the lightest contact with Esei's
own. Tapping the fingers of his grounded hand in a languid rhythm, he replies, "Yes. Often, is small
things, that bring new life, to garden." When he speaks next, the ragged timbre of his voice is
soft, though threaded through with a burning, implacable zeal. "Will make, the Glomdoring, painfully
alive."

Esei's dark eyes flash with predatory intent as they smiles sharply.

Gently, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Good. Make it count."

With a thrumming, tearing sound that rips its way up from somewhere deep in his
chest, Rhalkyr states, "Always, do."

Esei retreats, dropping their gaze as to not distress you.

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I wish
you luck."

Rhalkyr grunts in irritated surprise, the nearly lambent discs of his feverishly
green eyes thin to slits. Immediately, he releases a cat of black ink from his tender attentions,
and straightens into a readied, combative stance.

The melodious voice of Cheliyi resonates in your mind, "**a quiet nudge, a clear beckoning and then
-tug- into existence** Here."

Esei furrows their brow in thought.

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "Are you
alright?"
-
With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Climb up,
Tsillah."
A cat of black ink jumps up onto Esei's shoulder.

[[Rhalkyr gets summoned away to playtime with Cheliyi, which can be found in the Errant Seedling thread ]]

[[Rhalkyr returns.]]

Giving Evette a nod of acknowledgement, Esei steps suddenly, quietly, closer to you.

Evette tilts her head curiously at Esei.

Evette curtseys gracefully.

Stumbling some as he appears, Rhalkyr takes a moment to steady himself, leaning his
weight against the Master Ravenwood. The entirety of his form is covered in coiling marks of
darkening flesh, as if gripped by a cruel, icy serpent. Coughing roughly, he rolls his head from
side to side in slow arcs, eyes twinging closed as he winces in obvious pain. With an amused,
mangled bark of laughter, he waves a hand at Esei, stating, in a voice somehow even more ruined than
before, "Am fine."

A warm tingle runs through your body as Evette touches two fingers to your forehead, shifting a
brilliant aura to you.

Esei crosses their arms and raises an eyebrow at you.

Evette nods her head at herself.

A cloud of translucent figures trails after Evette as she leaves to the down, the incomprehensible
whispers finally fading.

Esei beckons you to them.

Voice containing an undercurrent of cracking glaciers, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the
Ascending Dusk says to you, "We will not go far. Just where there will be less foot traffic."

Rhalkyr tilts his head inquiringly at Esei, but falls into step behind Esei.

Between the branches of a fallen tree.
One or two light fluffy clouds drift lazily through the sky. A thick net of branches form a barely
stable platform to traverse between the northwestern banks of the dell and the fallen tree that
spans the length of the ditch. Sharp twigs move quickly to swing at anything that passes through,
scratching and clawing. Few leaves grow here, those that remain having become brown and shrivelled
long ago. Shadowy mists and blackthorn blossoms obscure a shrine of dark black crystal that stands
here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air.
Dusan, a coruscant wyvern, lurks in the shadows here. Wyrden Auspice 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 right hand.
There are no obvious exits.

Voice containing an undercurrent of cracking glaciers, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the
Ascending Dusk says, "Better."

Esei deliberately sits down as well, placing their hands on their knees.

Rhalkyr collapses into a seated position, long, hugely thick legs stretched limply
out before him. Flicking a glance at Esei, he utters a questioning grunt.

You feel the presence of Esei next to you.

Voice containing an undercurrent of cracking glaciers, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the
Ascending Dusk asks, "...if you do not mind discussing it, what happened?"

In a voice of utter calm, albeit significantly more strained and tattered than
usual, Rhalkyr replies, "Bait, was taken. Seed, sprouting, as guided."

Esei tilts their face slightly down and away, body flickering with pale jade and gold.

Quietly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I see."

[[ESEI USES...FORM OF...CROW!]]

Esei idly twitches their tail.

Standing at six and a half feet tall, they are a feathered trill wyrden demigod changeling. Their
elegant wings, almost twice as wide as they are tall, are a dark shade of plum, almost black, a
stark contrast to the sheer, true black feathers of their body. The feathers on their legs and arms
are a mottle of plum and black, extending down to their hands and even their long, slender fingers;
their fingers are tipped with black talon-like claws. Their face is finely boned, looking almost
delicate and entirely ethereal. Their eyes are wholly black, glinting with a potential for mischief,
lined with black feathery lashes. The feathers, dark plum and mauve in hue, that frame their face
and tops of their extremities are small and delicate. Their hair, of sorts, is truly just long,
layered downy feathers of black and plum, with beads of metal and glass threading through them. All
over their body, white spots decorate feather and skin alike, giving a freckled appearance to them.
Curiously, a long, elegantly slender tail extends from their tailbone, flowing out behind them. The
tail is covered with black feathers for the majority of it, with mauve, with a sudden burst of deep
plum tailfeathers at the end, a long gentle tuft tipped with white. Their overall body is thin and
slender, shoulders wide for a trill but still quite slim. Shadows cling adoringly to them, reluctant
to surrender their grasp on one with the strongfavour of Nocht, the Silent.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Guided, you
say?"

The motion of Esei's tail snatches Rhalkyr's attention as surely as if magnetised,
though it flits up to assay Esei's altered form briefly, before sliding off once more. Rather than
elaborate, he simply grunts in affirmation.

Esei's tail feathers fan out briefly, relaxing against the ground. "I see," they say. Their dark
eyes skip up over your face, before suddenly changing topics. "You mentioned a promise to my Lord,
before. Do you intend to join His Order in the future?"

The shadowed recesses of the mask fail to hide the faint creasing of the corner of
Rhalkyr's eyes, a fey merriment dancing madly in the verdant depths as he leans back, gingerly, upon
his hands. "No. Venerate, all of, the Glomdoring's pantheon. No mention, of Orders. Why?"

Esei ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "There is
nothing wrong with venerating Them all. So do I."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "But you
might feel a calling to one Order or another, or wish to dedicate yourself to one."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I certainly
felt a calling, when I met Him for the first time."

Esei tilts their head towards you, humming faintly.

Rhalkyr cocks his head at Esei, the angle of it so steep that the cheek of his mask
comes near to resting upon the curving mound of his shoulder. In a faintly puzzled tone, he says,
"Of course, nothing wrong. All, beloved Divine, owed worship." A minute shrug brings the twin-
striped skin of his flesh to brush against his mask, flaking black interwoven with the faint
remnants of frost-blackened marring. "Spoke only, from shadows, and in mind. Grasped, shadow, for
promise. Have not /met/. Not spoken, to other Divines. Am not, hasty. Would speak, with all, before
deciding." A soft, rough laugh, and he amends, "Or they, decide. May not like. May not, approve."

Esei tilts their head curiously.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Ah, I suppose
He usually speaks from the shadows these days."

Esei taps their finger against their knee - perhaps anxiously.

Gently, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Approve?"

Rhalkyr utters a thoughtful sound, head tilting back as he muses, "Did touch,
shoulder. Think, manifested, behind. Did not smell, as expected." Lifting a huge hand to wave it
through the air, as if parting cobwebs, he elaborates, in his terse manner, "Young. Unproven.
Belief, strong, but young. Divine, achingly old. Many mortals, in their time. Why, bother, with
Rhalkyr? Could, be nuisance. Mewling, of kitten."

Esei laughs, bright and sudden.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "We all start
that way, Rhalkyr. I did. Lord Xenthos did. Even the Divine were, millennia ago."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "One tenet of
His is that of the Twilight. It is a time between night and day, where things become uncertain. It
is a time that reminds us of manipulation and deceit."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "But."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It is a time of
beginnings too. And the young? Merely one of those beginnings."

Shadows swirl around Esei's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around their
hand.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "He will outlive
me, outlast me. But that does not make me any less important, does it? That does not make me want to
make Him any less proud than I always strive to do."

Gently, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "When I was young, unproven, and
unwise, He and His Order helped to give me purpose. And I am grateful for it."

Rhalkyr dips his head slowly, acknowledging the point. "Know this. Know, also, was
long ago. Know, many others, to choose. Patience, of Divine, poor perch, to rest upon. Prayed, to
Silent One, to Beautous One. Will not, clamour, for attention." Again, a motion of the hand, though
this time it is with a flicking of his fingers. "Monarch, does not, often, speak with soldier.
Rhalkyr, not even that, yet. Others, worthier, of attention. Time. Energy."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "You are wyrden,
and by that alone, you are worthy."

The screeching of a crow echoes through the dark woods, sounding almost like harsh laughter.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "That is one of
the many words He gave me, which I passed onto others before you, and now onto you."

In a benign, calm manner, you say, "Will see. Gratitude, for words."

Esei stares at you for a long, silent moment. Then, the trill stands and beckons for your attention
once more.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Let me show you
something."

Unruffled by the stare, Rhalkyr does not return it, though the motion of Esei's
rise and gesture flicks his gaze back to Esei. Rising somewhat stiffly, he nods, gesturing for them
to lead on.

Stairs near the Tower's base.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. This plain stone stair twists
around a central pillar. Each step is wedge-shaped, at its narrowest closer to the centre of the
flight. The walls are unadorned and grey, drab blocks piled up until they reach the stairway
overhead. This endless graduation seems to continue in perpetuum. A painting of Seven-Fold is
proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. Dusan, a coruscant wyvern, lurks in the shadows here. Wyrden
Auspice 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 right hand.

Esei gently reaches out and brushes their fingers against the canvas of a painting of Seven-Fold,
eyes dark with remembrance.

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I painted this, many years ago,
as a ritual in His order."

Rhalkyr cocks his head at the painting, stepping closer to inspect it, gaze intent.

This painting has a black background, the main image being that of a
seven-pointed star. Each point is starkly contrasting from each other,
yet simultaneously harmonious; they are somewhat blurry and almost
abstract, as though the painter made it quickly but purposefully. The
top-left point is streaks of red, cutting harsh lines across the canvas
as foliage spills over the boundary, caressing the edges of the shapes
around it. The left-most point is slender and black, decorated with
leaves, gems, and blood; blackthorn petals have been pressed and dried
into the paint, becoming one with it. The bottom left point starts harsh
at the base, even with thorns stabbing through the canvas, ripping
through it; yet, it becomes smoother as it progresses towards the tip.
The bottom right point is soft by comparison, swirling with hues of
purple, orange, and deep reds, shot through with soft blotting lines of
black and veins of silver. The right-most point is a harsh utilitarian
gray, almost cold; pale, subtle lines can be made out here, as though an
echo in the paint. The top-right point is a soft, yielding shape, almost
blending entirely into the background; living shadow pools and coils
around it like mist. The top and final point is similar to a candle,
starting purple and gray at the base, swirling into pure black at the
tip, capped by blue flame. The center is a blend of all seven points,
whirling into each other like a maelstrom.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Each point
represents a different Shroud, a tenet that we follow."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I painted this
not just as a task to be completed, but as a gift. As a culmination of myself, my gifts, and my
understanding on my journey thus far at that point."

Rhalkyr's eyes travel slowly from point to point, lingering upon each for a long
span before moving on to the next. "Received, well?"

Esei's lips twist into a gentle smile. "Yes."

Esei's fingers twitch against the canvas.

Rhalkyr's eyes slide over to Esei, resting upon them for an entire breath, long
enough to observe, "Love Him, very much."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...I suppose I
do."

Rhalkyr lifting a hand, he curls the fingers of the massive appendage into a slow,
gradual fist. Patiently, he says, "Try, again. Firmer."

Esei chuckles, lips twisting into a smile. "Love is a... tricky subject, for me," they say instead.

Turning fully to face Esei, his stare fixed and unwavering, Rhalkyr's eyes glitter
with feverish intensity as he looks down upon Esei .Implacably, he says, "Should not be. Love, for
Him, is not complex. Should, be pure, as Night. Is, your love, pure, Esei?"

Esei blinks.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Uh."

The scent of wyrden plant life wafts past your nose, carried by a straying breeze.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...yes."

Wryly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It's close to the love a child
might feel for their parent."

Esei lets out a soft sigh.

Rhalkyr dips his head in a slow nod. "Will ask, again. No uncertainty. Unworthy.
Love Him, very much?"

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Yes."
Esei tilts their head, staring at you with narrowed eyes.

Unfurling his clenched fingers like the blossoming of a brutal flower, Rhalkyr
lowers his hand to tap it gently against his chest, just over his heart. "Better. Tell, Silent One,
like that. Deserves, yes?"

Esei stares blankly into space.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "What."

Rhalkyr merely continues to stare, unblinking, utterly silent.

Baffled, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "...alright?"

Rhalkyr nods curtly, apparently satisfied, as he turns back to regard the painting.

Esei lets out a soft sigh.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "...have you
felt the Ole'noc Caihel?"

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Or perhaps
heard."

Without turning to face Esei, Rhalkyr angles his head, much in the manner of an
animal hearing an unfamiliar noise. "What is?"

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It is... hm."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It is a rhythm,
born in life and death, held within the stillness before and after both. It is primordial, existing
before Creation, and will persist until after everything here ends. It is fluid, moving,
irrepressible, endless, omnipresent."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It sings
through the mind when meditating, through the heart when it is broken, and through the spirit when
it is focused. When time stops and blood slows, it can be heard, or experienced."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It is what
precedes chaos, and what follows after. When the battle is won - or lost - it is the stillness you
take the time to learn in. It is what allows moments of pause, for time of peace and reflection and
contemplation."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "If you listen
closely, you can hear it, and let it guide you."

Seawolves and dragon turtles attempt to erupt in combat across the Inner Sea and Sea of Despair, but
both their numbers are too few. The battle ends before it even began.

The pointed tips of Esei's ears twitch to some errant sound.

Rhalkyr considers this for a time, before eventually uttering a grunt, the
sentiment of which is nebulous. "Yes. Spend much, of time, as such."

A wry smile spreads across Esei's face.

Gently, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "My first brush with the Ole'noc
Caihel... it was only a few months into my waking. Lord Nocht had been struck down by the Lady
Maylea, and I was there to witness it."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "When I saw Him
for the first time, I do not think He even noticed me, but I felt it all the same."

A wry smile spreads across Esei's face.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Then I guess I
made Him notice me."

Rhalkyr remains nearly motionless as Esei speaks, save for the gentle rise and fall
of his chest. "How?"

Esei takes a long moment, as if trying to recollect different things. "Many different ways," they
say vaguely. "Be true to yourself, regardless of what that means."

Rhalkyr utters a coughing chuff of amusement. "Always. Eyes, clear. Spirit, strong.
Heart, pure."

Esei smirks.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "More or less."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "But remember,
an Order is not merely a way to devote yourself, though that is a major part. It is a way to further
your tah'vrai, and to seek community."

With maddening equanimity, Rhalkyr states, "One, and same. One tree, many
branches."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "To an extent."

Esei ponders the situation.

Esei's lip suddenly twitches, fingers curving over a wedding armband of eternal night.

Rhalkyr's eyes flick over at the motion, settling upon the armband intently. Rather
than speak his question, he emits a curious grunt.

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I got
married, some years ago. Reminiscing about how my cousin couldn't breathe because a shirtless man
entered the room."

Rhalkyr's eyes lid gradually closed in a slow, uncomprehending blink. Faintly
baffled, he asks, "Why?"

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Some people are
attracted to other peoples' bodies."

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Again, that languid blink. Rhalkyr says, very slowly, "Am young. Not, ignorant."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "You may
have to specify on the 'why' bit, then."

Rhalkyr lifts a huge shoulder in a brief shrug. "Arousal, rarely cause, for
asphyxiation."

In dark, lyrical tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Hmm, no.
However, it is a base for 'stealing one's breath away', though I've never experienced such."

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Rhalkyr contemplates this for a time, head tilted askance, then simply nods.

After a lengthy bout of silence, Rhalkyr asks, "Who, spouse?"

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Ethna
Stormcrow."

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Originally she
was a D'Rose, but took on the Stormcrow name. Then Shee-Slaugh, after we married."

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I think she'd
like you."

Rhalkyr grunts once again, eyes flickering to Esei, then back to the painting.
"Why?"

Simply, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "You're tall."

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Esei sighs heavily, suddenly.

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Thank
you, for listening to me, and speaking with me."

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I know
that some things you do not yet see, or understand. But you will."

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "Before I
finally go, do you have any more questions for me?"

Esei tilts their head curiously.

Rhalkyr nods at the comment about his height, as if such a thing was all the
explanation necessary. Angling his chin towards Esei, he flutters his fingers down through the air
in a peculiar motion. "Always, will listen, and speak. All, of the Glomdoring, are family. Beloved."

Rhalkyr moves his head back and forth in a minute shake of the head. "For later."

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Esei's lips.

With smoky, sotto tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I will see you
later, then."

Simply, you say, "Yes."

Esei gently touches their fingers to their temple. "Hallowed Ones keep you."