Tridemon hesitates a bit longer. "The fourth."

**doing questy!! after like 3 days without seeing my pal...on account of ER visit lol**

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**an inquisitive chitter**."

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

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**audible joy** Hi! Did not want to bother, because you haven't looked for, but... hi!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**reeling in the excitement** ...how are?"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "'m alright. Pokin' at the fountain a bit."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**chittering** Oh - what does it have for this month???"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Salt."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "... oh! Magic? The kind you do not want to eat."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Yep."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**after a pause** ...can come see??"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "If you like."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "There's still some left."

<-- run run

The sound of the name of the waves.
Stretching out in every direction is a somewhat oddly colored beach- rather than white or brown or red sand, the sand here is largely a bluish-violet. In the immediate area though is a wide, pristine beach blanket covering the warm sands, along with a wide, colorful umbrella that shades a portion of the blanket from the eternal noontime sun. Next to the blanket is a wooden sign which has been planted deep in the sand, with the words 'Out to Lunch' painted neatly across the weathered boards in black and gold. Off to the north, a forest of rising bamboo can be seen in the distance. The light of day shines brightly. Perpetually ticking away the hours, the Immortal Clock of Past's Restoration stands proudly nearby. Sparkling liquids bubble up from a fountain here. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand.
You see exits leading north, east, and down.

You chitter at Tridemon with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

With a grin, you say, "Promise not to eat any!"

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

Bizirik, the leothin plods across the sand and right up to Tridemon, chittering and chattering happily up at the lucidian.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

The fountain is crafted from a bluish-white marble shot through with deep veins of gold. Sculpted in a perfect circle, the fountain is relatively shallow, and a column rises up elegantly from the center upon which rests a marble vase. Out of the vase cascades sparkling liquids that splash into the fountain, occasionally sending bubbles floating up into the air. A lambent light glows within the waters, slowly changing their colour throughout the spectrum of the rainbow.
It weighs about 375 pounds.
Magical salt sloshes about in it.
There is enough liquid within to fill 3 vials or bottles.
It has the following aliases: fountain.

You ponder a sparkling fountain thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

You think to yourself: Magic inedible salts... oh - if DID eat it, would food fail to.... go -in-.

You stare blankly at a sparkling fountain.

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

The sounds of waves entice your ears, drawing your senses on a salty journey.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Not unless it stayed in the shape of a circle inside your gut."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses, laying both smaller hands over his stomach before looking back into the fountain.

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

Tridemon sprinkles a circle of salt around himself, and a shimmering white orb springs up around him.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Circle."

Watching, you say, "Yes."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "But is also a circle... if is also going... this way."

You have emoted: Gurashi draws an arc in the air overhead, then waves his arms to make his point. "So maybe if am super duper lucky..."

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles Bizirik, the leothin's hair fondly.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Tridemon. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...am not going to try it."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, tossing its head as it is ruffled, letting out a strange, chomping-snorting sound in responds.

Looking across the beach, you say, "But, it is a thing to have thoughts about."

You hum softly to yourself.

You beam broadly at Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "And how are you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi also looks to Bizirik, awaiting its answer.

Bizirik, the leothin looks up at Tridemon. It blinks slowly, then tosses its head, then chatters and chitters and snorts a few times. It stands up, sits, lets its tail slap the sand - all while eyeballing Tridemon. After a few moments of this, it falls silent and stares up blankly.

Watching Bizirik, you ask, "Wowee - all that?"

Bizirik, the leothin nods her head sagely.

You shrug helplessly.

You think to yourself: Have no idea what she just said...

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

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I think there were a couple of things I wanted to ask... Oh, right. how goes the progress on that bear-outfit?"

You gaze at Tridemon appraisingly, antennae twitching in his direction as you turn your attention to him.

Face lighting up, you say, "Oh!"

You have emoted: Gurashi flails, pulling out his notepad. He flips through it, holding out the page for Tridemon to see. "Here here. Was thinking this one?"

You have emoted: Gurashi excitedly explains each sketch to the best of his ability - which, takes some effort. "What do you think?" He finally asks nervously. "Do think they might like it?"

Tridemon leans in and squints a bit at the design document... "Hm... Looks alright. I assume that the cloak will end up in a Mysraian cartel?"

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Is that a cloak or ... kind of looks like a coat."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Erm. Maybe should..." He scribbles out the word 'cloak' to write in 'coat', "There."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I-I mean, if have notes to make, make them!! You are a tailor. I am not. I make things you eat. I don't know how to eat that."

You have emoted: Gurashi gently hits the notepad with the back of his smaller right hand.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...anyway. Will make the jacket theirs only, yeah. Maybe other things too - want to make sure they all get made together, though."

You beam broadly.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Friend Shulamit will have to make it. Or, another Beloved tailor."

You hum softly to yourself.

You think to yourself: Oh - the Shofets isn't awake anymore...

You think to yourself: Wonder what They were doing before? Hrm.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Is Shulamit a tailor? I've heard she's a cook, and I've seen some of the bookbinding things they do."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Shulamit is...all of the things, maybe? I do not know if she is a tailor or not. Oh!" He perks up. "She is an artisan! She made my living room couches."

You beam broadly at Tridemon.

Tridemon nods solemnly.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I think she knows how to do many things. If she cannot help, Friend Alary certainly can."

You twiddle your thumbs.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I will find someone willing to help. Friend Aschwar is so well liked, I cannot imagine anyone saying -no-."

You have emoted: Gurashi quietly withdraws the notepad, looking it over before flipping the cover shut and nervously tucking it back into his pack's outer pocket.

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You'll probably want someone with the beauteous workmanship for it."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...oh!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "-Right-."

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You have emoted: Gurashi taps the side of his head. "Beauteous workmanship."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Shulamit definitely qualifies!"

You beam broadly.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "She does! She can! The things she makes are!"

You clap your hands together merrily.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "I... hope they like it!"

You flail about helplessly.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm sure they will."

You think to yourself: Should call it a coat? It became more of a coat. If is too cloaky, will be hard to put on...

You think to yourself: Claws get stuck on lots of fabric... like spikes.

You have emoted: Gurashi moves his arm a bit mindlessly, then perks up, smiling.

You chirp happily at Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm... pretty sure the difference between cloak and coat is that coats have sleeves."

You think to yourself: ....sleeves.

You think to yourself: Sleeves are -bad- but, also, useful.

You think to yourself: Wait - sleeves are NOT bad. Wait.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up and rubs the bridge of his beak.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm sure they'd be fine and alright to bare arms, of course."

Tridemon ponders a bit. "BEAR arms?" He amends.

Bizirik, the leothin stares implacably at Tridemon.

Bizirik, the leothin rolls her eyes at Tridemon.

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Mm - they live where is sandy so need to have arm protections yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi waves a hand dismissively, missing the joke by a very, very long shot.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

With a sigh, you say, "Anyway."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Tridemon, "You said had ...couple questions? More than just Friend Aschwar's impending wardrobe?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Yeah- it's something that hasn't really... come up. The sphere of your mind, with all the jagged, pointy bits poking into it?"

You think to yourself: / *quiet - so quiet you didn't even know she was here* Impending makes it sound ominous /.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You blink.

You blink.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Sphere of.. m..."

You think to yourself: **confused grays, dull sparkles of purple. sphere? mind? a flash through a dozen or so objects - the vines, indigo mums, a stinger? nasty blue maybe-larva, a beach ball**.

Bizirik, the leothin tosses its head, then rises slowly, taking a step forward and leaning to nudge Gurashi's hand with its snout. The kephera looks down, petting the leothin's head gently.

Bizirik, the leothin leans on you seeking consolation.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It was when we were looking for Bizi, remember?"

The sounds of waves entice your ears, drawing your senses on a salty journey.

You think to yourself: **suddenly, a flicker of recollection: yes, a circle. will-o-wisp glow, pale violet light**.

You think to yourself: **a glossy surface absolutely -covered- in hairline cracks, and that big jagged missing chunk. oh -yeah-**.

Aloud, you ask, "That?"

A soft breeze stirs the nearby sand, leaving gentle arcs in its wake.

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... kind of assuming that you didn't follow up on mending that."

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

You glance askance.

Bunching up his shoulders, you ask, "... I ...... forgot?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You got busy."

You think to yourself: Definitely forgot.

You twiddle your thumbs.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Quickly, you say to Tridemon, "Am sorry! Really did not mean to forget!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Bizi was back and you got worried about Khep and a lot of other things, too."

Resting a hand on the top of his head, you ask Tridemon, "I did?"

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

You think to yourself: I do not remember all of those things. Well. Do. But. Wait, all those things really DID happen all at once.

You think to yourself: / *a gentle buzz - listening, like before, but intrigued by the appearance of the sphere* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances towards Bizirik, mandibles clicking.

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.
Shadows grow longer in anticipation for the return of their dark mistress as Father Sun's chase brings him closer to the world's edge.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Tridemon, "....what happens when fix it?"

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I had thought that perhaps there was some sort of injury to his mind that was keeping Bizi away. ... I was RIGHT, but not quite in the way I had thought."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You think to yourself: / ... *you can feel her straighten, sounding more alert* What do you mean? /.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, scratching at the side of his circlet.

You begin to follow Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The injury was something implanted in his mindscape, not to the structure of his mind as a whole."

You follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters west to A round chamber.

You think to yourself: *conjoined, confused chittering*.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... We're talking over and through each other."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks thoughtfully to his right, as if able making eye contact with someone else.

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

You think to yourself: *the noise quickly quiets - hazy gray-violets*.

Tridemon glances over toward where you're looking. Gives a small wave.
You think to yourself: / *disregarding the wave* So. If I'm understanding this correctly... /.

You think to yourself: / After... I left the first time, and you found and removed that .... whatever, from Tiso's brain /.

Softly, you say, "Mind."

You think to yourself: / Mind. Whatever. You removed it and then had Tiso imagine his brain-- **you feel chittering from Gurashi** -- MIND .... as a... ball for some reason. To look at it...for damage? /.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods matter-of-factly, canting his head.

You think to yourself: / This is all ........ -very- ... abstract /.

You have emoted: Gurashi again stares to his right, mandibles clicking.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I work best in the abstract."

Aquamantic symbols suddenly project themselves upon the very air in dark blue light, fading after a brief moment.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Ideas, ideals, concepts."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Fog, for example. Obviously a physical phenomenon. But it's also a concept of concealment."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "And confusion. But since it is ALSO a physical phenomenon, other concepts can be layered onto it, from what it IS. Myriad pieces moving as a whole. Water that clings."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods excitedly as he listens to Tridemon explain, slowly sinking to occupy the orange pillow designated for him. Bizirik seems entirely content at ignoring her own groove, however, settling in instead between two pillows with its head on its paws.

You think to yourself: / *dull but understanding chittering* Useful... as long as you're in an environment like this /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Pretty much. I'm significantly less effective at putting the ideas into practice against physical enemies who can react by, say, having multiple people hit me in the head to keep me off-balance while they sing me to death."

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 14th of Juliary, 559 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 30 days until the New Moon

Your eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across your face.

You think to yourself: Timequakes...

You think to yourself: / *an understanding chirr* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Then again, they tend to come after me for the simple fact that I make it harder for them to kill everyone else on my side."

You glance in Tridemon's direction, eyes narrowing slightly as you grin.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "Precious melders always have to go first."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "...and Mister Lisuarte."

You cough softly.

You glance askance.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Because melders are the best at taking territory and doing long-range damage."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "And you can go anywhere in your meld, yes? Just like magic."

Throwing his arms over his head, you say to Tridemon, "In a geyser!"

You think to yourself: / *a resigned sigh* So... what will... fixing ....this, sort-of-not-real-sphere do for Tiso? If it's not affecting the rest of his b..... mind /.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a soft, appreciative chirr.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I have no idea!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "None whatsoever!"

You think to yourself: / *flatly* Then why do you need to do it /.

You tilt your head curiously.

You blink.

Looking down at his hands, you ask, "... mean, you are supposed to fix broken things?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, if I saw someone with a jagged piece of their skull sticking out, I'd probably recommend they get that fixed, too. I'd just be more clear on the benefits."

You chitter at Tridemon with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

You think to yourself: / *with a strangely intense amount of scrutiny* ...How certain are you that you didn't just imagine it broken, because the Keeper said it could be? /.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly lets out a flustered little noise, mandibles clicking against his face. "Didn't... just did the thing and that is how saw."

You think to yourself: *confusion? why so -grumpy-*.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I specifically told him that some superficial damage was to be expected... stress, you see."

You have emoted: Gurashi shuts his eyes, folding his hands in his lap.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, she's rightly worried that shifting and altering parts of your mental structure could result in a cascading personality realignment, I think."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi opens one eye to stare at Tridemon, confused.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "...cascading. ... personality .....?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Like... you might suddenly start liking cherries."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Except with more important things."

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

You think to yourself: / *a long pause* ... Could it cause him to start remembering things? /.

Surprised, you ask, "I would like cherries...?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "That was an example. You probably wouldn't start liking cherries."

You think to yourself: *the sudden syrupy sweetness of a fresh cherry - rubbery skin, grainy pulp - bleugh*.

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

You nibble on a dark mint chocolate leothin cookie.

You think to yourself: *mint and chocolate and leothin flavored - much better*.
Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The workings of the mind can be... tricky, at best. It might cause him to remember. But it might not. I suspect that some of this damage goes soul-deep."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Which I am absolutely not qualified to even comment on."

You think to yourself: / *you feel something, and the hive noise seems a little louder than before* This sounds like a bad idea /.

You blink.

You look at Tridemon, expression filled with concern as you frown.
Opening both eyes now, you ask Tridemon, "But you don't really think will start liking cherries...?"

"Nope," Tridemon says with finality.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... you might start craving... oh, I don't know, phycomid stew?"

Perking up, you say, "Ohhh. Oh yeah I wanted to try to make that."

You stare blankly into space.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks away, embarrassed, then back at Tridemon, sitting up.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "What do you think."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It could go either way... though. I'm actually currently inclined to let it go for now. It's... not nearly as pressing as I had thought it was when Bizirik was avoiding you. And Khep has things to tell you in her own time."

You have emoted: Gurashi's expression falls, and he looks surprised. "...oh." He looks down at Bizirik, who is staring back up at the kephera warily. Then, he looks off toward his right, frowning...

You think to yourself: / *palpable relief* /.

You think to yourself: *confused swirls of gray-blue again. let it go? let it go...*.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... as long as she DOES end up telling you in her own time, that might actually reverse some of the damage in and of itself."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I need to go daydream for a bit. I'll hopefully be back fairly soon."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters has lost you.

Tridemon turns towards the east and steps forward, instantly collapsing into a torrent of water that rushes outwards with a thunderous crash of water.

You blink.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Your snout twitches and trembles at the air, sensing through a striped badger nose upon your face the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.
You make out the scent of Tridemon coming from A private bedroom.

You nod your head emphatically.

You glance askance.

You have emoted: Gurashi gently lays a hand atop Bizirik's head, petting the leothin soothingly. He frowns, feeling the leothin thrum under his hand.

You think to yourself: *uneasy shades of muted colors - so many colors* ... do YOU think telling me will fix everything?

You think to yourself: / *a strange lack of response, the presence there, but muddled and foggy, like she's shielding her mind from the inside of your own* /.

You think to yourself: Is it still bad that do not want to know?

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly stretches again, then leans forward, draping his arms lazily over Bizirik. "Am happy just knowing what know as Gurashi, yes."

Bizirik, the leothin leans on you seeking consolation.

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 15th of Juliary, 559 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 29 days until the New Moon

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

Tridemon flops down onto the ground.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up again, antennae bobbing. "Welcome back," He chitters.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Have a good chat with Bizi?"

Smiling, you say, "Yeah."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Bizirik, the leothin, "And -that- is why we do not to use surfboards over lava, yes. No. Terrible thought, right? Good girl."

Bizirik, the leothin's tail slaps the ground as it stares up at Gurashi, head now rested in his lap.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Tridemon, "Everything is O-K?"

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

Bizirik, the leothin glances at Tridemon, but seems otherwise content to stay right where it is.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. Yep."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up, antennae twitching again as he listens. "Miss Nepra and Miss Pipui have not been making noises this month. They were a lot, last month?" He pauses. "Even after you left. They stayed for many many days."

You ponder the situation.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "When I woke up, they were gone. Miss Khep said they probably had to go back."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "People can't just hang around places forever. They've got things to do."

You think to yourself: / ... /.

Thoughtfully, you say, "Miss Khep gets to always be around though. Mean. When she like, lets herself."

You have emoted: Gurashi says this jokingly, bobbing his head side to side.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...oh!"

Hand on his chest, you say, "Wait. Miss Khep are we keeping you from doing duties by b--."

You think to yourself: / *interrupting* No /.

You think to yourself: *another swirl of gray in an otherwise green-blue haze* grumpy...

You glance askance at Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I think Khep is... probably actually doing other things and is very good at splitting her attention between what she's doing in body and you."

You tilt your head curiously.

Suddenly embarrassed, you say, "Oh -no-. Am I distracting her."

You think to yourself: / ... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly falls quiet, then very still, staring awkwardly around the room. Eventually his gaze falls on Tridemon again, helpless.

You think to yourself: / ..... you can talk, Tiso /.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Are you sure."

You think to yourself: / *soft gnashing and scraping noises* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You're not taking up THAT much of her attention unless you're actively being attacked."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Trust me. If she needs you to be quiet, she will let you know. Firmly."

You think to yourself: / *a chitter of affirmation - continued irritating sounds, accompanied with a louder-than-before buzz of hive din* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly heaves another great sigh, folding his hands together. "...you and Miss Khep remind me a lot of each other sometimes, think." He comments finally. "At least, you two are seeming to understand each other a lot."

You have emoted: Gurashi thoughtfully looks off to his right, then forward again.

You think to yourself: / *soft and distracted, accompanied with buzzing and clicking and sounds of lots of movement* I will admit - it has been refreshing to hate Nepra -with- someone again /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hate, anger, responsibility, resolve..."

Tridemon pauses a bit, seemingly about to ask a question, but doesn't.

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "And you both have purple."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Sort of."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

You think to yourself: / *you feel a judging look... nothing comes of it* I'd -hardly- say you could sum me up with 'purple' /.

Perking up, you say, "Purple oil spill."

You think to yourself: / ..... *sigh* /.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, almost sounding amused, licking its snout.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... the word is 'Iridescence.' Like opals."

With a gasp, you say, "Oh! Love opals!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "They are so pretty yes! Iridescence, yes. I recognize this word."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Iridescence purple."

You think to yourself: / Iridescent /.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ridiscent purple."

You cough softly.

You think to yourself: / *softer, amused* Close /.

You beam broadly.

Suddenly, you say to Tridemon, "Remember when we used to call Miss Khep 'Dave'? Boy. Now she is making whole jokes with us."

Cheerfully to his right, you say, "Am glad. You are much nicer now that you are quieter and we can hear and talk to, yes."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Being able to talk and be understood is the basis of peace. And much of comedy."

You beam broadly.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his head, listening, waiting for more from Khep. When he receives nothing, he looks at Tridemon again, scratching Bizirik's chin.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "You -know-."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "You wanted me to show Miss Khep something when she got back and I am not remembering what."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Tridemon, "Because you have added lots of nice new things since she left and before she returned?"

You think to yourself: / *a curious chirr* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... was it the river?"

You tilt your head curiously.

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Oh!"

You have emoted: Gurashi tries to stand up, but Bizirik is still partially draped over his lap, causing him to fumble forward instead. "Ah! Bizi! Bizi-bee the RIVER, we gotta show Miss Khep the RIVER!!"

Bizirik, the leothin looks entirely disinterested in moving.

You flail about helplessly.

You think to yourself: / ...river? /.

Excitedly, you say, "And a waterfall! Miss Khep it is beautiful - it is amazing yes yes."

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, part of a river. Haven't gotten around to the rest of it just yet. Aetherspace is uniquely malleable to mortal manipulation."

You think to yourself: / I've seen Tiso form rooms before ... it's.... /.

You think to yourself: / .... *gentle fascinated chirring* /.

Grinning, you say, "Is pretty cool right."

You think to yourself: / *a simple nod* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, and the kitchen."

You have emoted: Gurashi takes Bizirik's head in his smaller two hands and lifts with all his might, gently prying her from his lap. The leothin snorts and flops onto its side, still content to stay lazy where its at.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "And the KITCHEN!"

You think to yourself: / Oh - the Keeper built his kitchen ... wait - I saw the... well. Sort of /.

You follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters west to A spacious kitchen.

A spacious kitchen.
Open and spacious, this kitchen stands in contrast with every other room in the house in that the floor is not made out of the golden bamboo wood with violet crystalline accents. Instead, the floor is tiled with some kind of unknown gem, each piece black as night with a spark of light glittering at the center. The tiles aren't evenly sized or shaped, making the spacing of the sparks of light somewhat on the random side, giving the impression that the floor is a starry sky. It is still a functional kitchen, and directly below the oven the crystalline tiles give way to a large slab of granite flecked with violet specks. The walls, however, are the usual golden wood, though the treated planks appear to have been chosen specifically for the density of their violet crystal, which makes up more of the surface area than the golden color. Above, the ceiling is again tiled with creamy blue stone, although the tiles do not take up a majority of the ceiling. Directly above the oven is a metal shroud for catching errant smoke, leading to a vent that rises up toward the roof. But most of the ceiling is taken up by a large skylight, with dozens of glass panes held securely in place within a frame of the golden bamboo wood. Adding to the functionality of the kitchen are a number of cabinets, which have been painted bright blue, with jade green vines in a pattern along the doors, each of which is securely locked with its own fitting of polished steel, inlaid with bits of blue-violet crystal that resemble the petals of a crysanthemum. In one corner is a cabinet that has been set aside from the rest, painted an icy blue, with a steel frame reinforcing the wood. All along the frame and door are minute aquamantic glyphs and symbols, for keeping the inside of the cabinet at a temperature that is only a few degrees above freezing. Central to the kitchen is a large oven, next to racks of pots and pans that hang nearby. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand.
You see a single exit leading east.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The kitchen if important because of the floor."

Tridemon shifts his eyes suspiciously from side to side.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out an excited whistle, raising his arms and quickly stepping inside. "Look!" He says, gesturing to the floor.

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures to the cabinets, to the icebox, the wall decorations, the skylight - "Isn't it AMAZING? Ah! It makes my kitchen look all humble-y! I love it!"

You bounce up and down.

You think to yourself: / ... have you used it? /.

You tilt your head curiously.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh - yeah!"

You pat an oven in a friendly manner.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Tridemon, "Hungry?"

You think to yourself: / ...those flowers are familiar /.

A simple house maid tuts with a little frown as she examines a spot on her apron.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Not hungry right now. And they're chrysanthemum petals. Not real ones, of course."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Think we should show her the waterfall before the bit of the river I've finished?"

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses and turns the lock as it is inquired about, studying it closely, then glancing to his left. His antennae bob, and he lets the lock fall back in place, turning to Tridemon. "Yes!"

You think to yourself: / Why flowers? /.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Protection flowers!"

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

You follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters north to A waterfall splashing into a basin of stars.

You eyes narrow slightly as you grin, mandibles clicking.

A waterfall splashing into a basin of stars.
A cacophony of falling water breaks the otherwise tranquil environs at the source of the river, with a rush of sparkling, crystal-clear water falling down out of a large crack in a massive, black crystalline cliff to the north, where it lands in a large basin that has been carved out of the landscape, before flowing off to the south. At the bottom of the basin are innumerable shards of black crystal, worn smooth by time and water, each with a bright spark of light at the center of the stone. That state of affairs continues down to the south where the river flows, breaking up the ground and giving the appearance of a slash of a starry night sky across the landscape. There are a number of columns that have been artificially moved into the basin, stretching to the bottom and providing a set of stepping stones out toward the center of the basin, and over to a platform directly underneath the waterfall's flow. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand.
You see a single exit leading south.

"Tada!" you say with a proud expression on your face.

You have emoted: Gurashi raises all four arms and gestures about the clearing, smiling wide. "Behold!" He sings happily. "Isn't it beautiful? Look!" He chitters excitedly, rushing up to the edge of the pool. "Look! Look look look!"

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 16th of Juliary, 559 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 28 days until the New Moon

Tridemon sits more or less off to the side, near the edge of the basin.

You think to yourself: / *a bit swept up in all the emotion* Yes, yes, I see it Tiso - it is very... shiny /.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over at Tridemon, then back at the water, crouching down beside it. "See? The rocks match the kitchen! It is amazing to see when swimming. Wanna see?"

You think to yourself: / I'll... pass /.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi stands up straight again. "Do not stand directly under the waterfall, either! You will fall."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "You didn't even get close to drowning!"

You think to yourself: / ..you almost drowned? /.

Laughing, you say, "No! Well, sort of."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Tridemon wouldn't have let me do not think - I remembered!"

You think to yourself: / ....it really is odd how much you're enamored with water /.

You have emoted: Gurashi dips a foot into the pool, then steps back, glancing behind himself.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Oh - it is odd to like the waters?"

You think to yourself: / Mm /.

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "For someone who swims about as well as an anchor?"

You narrow your eyes at Tridemon in an unnerving manner.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Tridemon, "I can swim O-K!"

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

You think to yourself: / .... It is nice. Tiso seems to like it plenty, doesn't he /.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods eagerly, looking at Tridemon again.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Do you want to see the river, too?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Tridemon has more stuff to do he said."

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Starlight and water and bright, shiny colors."

You beam broadly at Tridemon.

You follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters south to Along a river lined with starlight.

Along a river lined with starlight.
Crystal clear water flows over thousands of crystalline black stones, worn smooth by their time lining the river, and each with a pinpoint spark of light in their center. Off to the south, the river continues to flow out toward the coast, where the violet sands are just barely visible, while out to the north, a large cliff of black crystal rises from the bamboo forest, with the sound of a high waterfall audible in the distance. In this location, the bamboo lining the river has become thick enough to be completely impassible along both the east and west banks, forming walls of green broken up with bands of violet crystal, and the jewel-toned leaves far above. By some quirk of wind and air pressure, very few of the constantly-falling leaves make it down to the waters, with those that end up falling to the river floating along the surface, adding only a brief flash of color along the appearance of a starry sky that the black crystals lining the riverbed bring. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand.
You see exits leading north and south.

You think to yourself: **swirls of pink and gold, a sense of joy, and glittering light. instant joy at the sight of the river*.

You have emoted: Gurashi shuffles up towards the side of the river, crouching down again. "Look!" He chitters excitedly, gesturing to the rocks. Then, towards the floating, glittering leaves. "Loooook!"

You think to yourself: / *again, chittering and partially distracted* Yes, yes, Tiso - I see /.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You think to yourself: *another swirl of color - green and violet now, matching the surrounding bamboo forest, and a sense of serenity joins in with the delight*.

You hum softly to yourself.

You think to yourself: / *a curious chirr, observing the colors* ... /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I sometimes wish I could bring these plants out into the world. And the stones, too."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "But they are, essentially, just imagination made manifest. Some other places are more like... discoveries of what once was, somewhere."

You think to yourself: / ... the moment you remove them from the mansescape - they vanish? /.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks aside sheepishly.

You think to yourself: / ..... you already tried? /.

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "There's a reason that the sand from the beach doesn't stay around when going back into the basin."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "There's probably a way for Gurashi to take one of the stones home with him if he goes quickly enough."

You have emoted: Gurashi sticks his hand into the water, fishing around and eventually pulling out a smaller stone from near the bottom of the riverbed. He turns it over in his hand, leaning slightly to the side to look at it.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Mmm... that is O-K."

You think to yourself: / *gentle chittering* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi returns the rock where he found it, folding his arms over his legs. "I will leave them here for now. Can just come here when want to look at starry stones. Or the water fall. Or the kitchen." His mandibles click. "Also! Gives me a reason to always barge in."

You look at Tridemon, letting out a chittering laugh.

Standing up, you ask, "Magics sure are weird. Like how flowers from Magic Clocks can leave the manse, even though the clock has to stay in the manse. Better magics than manse magics?"

You think to yourself: / *you feel bobbing antennae and twitching mandibles - a swell of hive noise, then the usual din* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, they're made from something that got put INTO the manse."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Put something in, get something out."

You follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters south to The sound of the name of the waves.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You gaze softens as you smile.

Tridemon works and pounds the iron until it forms a bucket.

You blink.

You tilt your head curiously.

Tridemon snaps his fingers.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Beach isn't enough water to fill up a bucket."

You have emoted: Gurashi follows along, tilting his head. "...ah!"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "I have water."

You have emoted: Gurashi makes grabby hands at the bucket.

You tilt your head curiously.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "No, I was seeing if I could fill it up with water from here to take out."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh ... like the clock..."

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

Tridemon gently brushes his fingers across the face of the Immortal Clock of Past's Restoration, his eyes distant. With a shiver, you realise the temperature throughout the manse is dropping slowly as thick flakes of snow begin to fall in flurries around you. Tridemon removes his hand from the clock's face, revealing a thin sheet of ice from beneath his touch.
Flurries of snow gust through the room, the thick flakes settling swiftly and forming tall drifts. Ice begins to form, translucent crystals clinging to any exposed surface. In the distance, a deep chime reverberates with cold clarity.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses... "It doesn't work on the leaves," He comments morosely. "I did t...oh!"

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

You pat a snowman in a friendly manner.

A simple house maid hums a quiet tune to herself as she leans over to dust every nook and cranny of the room.

The sounds of waves entice your ears, drawing your senses on a salty journey.

Tridemon flops down onto the ground.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The maids are a bit weird. Dusting the beaches. And the river."

With a sprightly skip in her step, a simple house maid curtseys before departing to the down.

P SNOWMAN
Standing a bit taller than a grown human, this traditional snowman is made up of three globes of snow sitting atop one another. Beneath gleaming coal eyes, the snowman sports a carrot nose with an icicle hanging precariously off the end. Coal is also used to form a large crooked smile and buttons down the front of its chest. Dressed only in an old silk hat and merry red scarf, a corncob pipe juts out from the snowman's mouth, strangely emitting a cold puff of fog. To complete the effect, two twigs have been stuck in its sides for arms which are angled upwards as if reaching for snowflakes.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the maid as she skips off, currently occupied with making a snowman a little more presentable by adjusting his scarf. "That is O-K! Weird is good!"

Faintly buzzing, you ask Tridemon, "And they do a good job.... er - right?"

You have emoted: Gurashi glances over suddenly. "Your manse is always clean."

Tridemon gives the world a thumbs up.

Tridemon shrugs helplessly.

You think to yourself: / Perhaps the Keeper likes his space.... quiet /.

You think to yourself: My manse is quiet.

You think to yourself: / Your manse is -insufferably- loud sometimes, what with all... those cats - you need to stop accepting cats from that ... -Unitos- /.

You twiddle your thumbs.

You pat a snowman in a friendly manner.

Faintly buzzing, you say to a snowman, "Good job."

You scoop some snow out of the base of a snowman and pack it into a snowball.

Faintly buzzing, you say to a snowman, "Pardon me."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi rises suddenly and unexpectedly, headed back towards the house.

<-- run run run

You quickly mix up the ingredients into a batter, and then bake a frozen lemon tart in the oven. There is enough for four portions.

The sound of the name of the waves.
Stretching out in every direction is a somewhat oddly colored beach- rather than white or brown or red sand, the sand here is largely a bluish-violet. In the immediate area though is a wide, pristine beach blanket covering the warm sands, along with a wide, colorful umbrella that shades a portion of the blanket from the eternal noontime sun. Next to the blanket is a wooden sign which has been planted deep in the sand, with the words 'Out to Lunch' painted neatly across the weathered boards in black and gold. Off to the north, a forest of rising bamboo can be seen in the distance. The light of day shines brightly. Perpetually ticking away the hours, the Immortal Clock of Past's Restoration stands proudly nearby. Sparkling liquids bubble up from a fountain here. With a frosty smile, a jolly snowman stands here ready for wintry fun. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand.
You see exits leading north, east, and down.

You chirp happily.

You have emoted: Gurashi sinks to sit on his knees, proceeding to offer a tart.
Suddenly, he stops. "Wait. How do you feel about cold things."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "You do not like hot-hot."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I did not even consider..."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Cold-cold."

A gentle rolling of waves laps at the sand's edge.

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

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Worried about the frozen tarts?"

You glance askance.

You nod your head at Tridemon.

You stare at a frozen lemon tart, eyes wide.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Frozen is fine."

Tridemon makes a petting motion with his hand.

Tridemon shifts his eyes suspiciously from side to side.

You have emoted: Gurashi's relief is visible on his face, and he beams, reaching out to offer the tart. "O-K!"

You cough softly.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Think she is still... napping around here somewhere."

Tridemon gives the world a thumbs up.

You have emoted: Gurashi brings his fingers to his mouth, whistling as he hands over the tart finally.

You give a frozen lemon tart to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

Tridemon quickly devours a frozen lemon tart.

Bizirik, the leothin trots in with head high, butting you gently with her head.

You think to yourself: / ... I can't understand how you like those /.

You beam broadly.

Gasping happily, you say, "Bizi! Bizi-bee. Bizibizibizi hi. Hello welcome -back-. Were you -sleeping-."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts and snuffles tiredly, promptly sitting as it is smothered with affection.

Bizirik, the leothin flops down onto the ground.

Glancing to his right again, you ask, "What do not understand that likes?"

You think to yourself: / Lemon. So -bitter- /.

Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Uh, but, it's like, uhm. Sweet. And tart. So sweetart?"

You sway back and forth.

You think to yourself: **swirls of pinks and golds, melding with colors of the beach and sea**.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "It is something good with something else...." He pauses. "But, maybe it is because of the bug thing."

You have emoted: Gurashi seems to get a bit lost in thought, staring puzzled towards the sea while Bizirik sits beside him, eyes blinking sleepily.

You think to yourself: *among all the swirling, dazed colors* wonder what Miss Khep's mindscape would be like...

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "A maze of hive corridors and wax, perhaps."

The soft sounds of a zither being played and the cry of a crane in flight echo in from somewhere.
The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his shining golden rays.

You have emoted: Gurashi cants his head thoughtfully to the side, not taking his gaze off of the light as it reflects off the water. "She probably makes it dark..."

You think to yourself: / ...*listening, albeit distracted*... /.

You think to yourself: **the colors deepen, not quite swallowed up by black, but a near-pitch violet corridor... bits of bio-luminescent coloring on the walls**.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Little more light blue."

You think to yourself: **a strange sense of disconnect - following the suggestion as if holding an invisible paintbrush, lighting up the nearest walls with splashes of lapis** ...think would like blue...

You think to yourself: / ... *puzzled, the hive noise waning in volume for a moment* /.

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Water pools at the ground in a sad display as a snowman slowly melts.

You think to yourself: / ....... *you can't get a read on what she's feeling at the moment, masked with buzzing, ticking, scraping* /.

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: **colors dim just for a moment, then swell again.... but there is nothing more than this long, empty corridor. some light near to, but otherwise, dark. dark? this can't be right**.

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Corridors... are for getting places. Long and winding are for defense. ... Likely a chamber. Somewhere."

You think to yourself: **no, lighter blues would be nicer... an attempt at a swirl of gold, but it is swallowed up in all the dark**.

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click, left antennae sagging as he continues to stare distractedly at the water.

You think to yourself: **a corridor... a long... long, dark.... endless--**.

You think to yourself: / *suddenly present once more, bringing with her hive din, snapping* What are you two doing /.

A gentle rolling of waves laps at the sand's edge.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks once.... twice. "Oh. Just." He sits up straighter. "...day, dreaming? Fantasizing... about, uhm."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Mindscape."

You think to yourself: Mindscape? Landscape of the mind yes.

You think to yourself: / Did either of you stop and consider it could be rude to try and envision another person's mental space? /.

You think to yourself: ...... mean - you could SHOW us yours so we would not have to pretend to know.

Tridemon shrugs helplessly.

You think to yourself: / *chittering* not happening /.

You let out a soft, buzzing sigh.

You think to yourself: **the colors wash away, replaced with a disappointed blue**.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Many apologies."

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click against his face. "Is still so protect-y about things."

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Secrecy can be safety. ... And there are probably things she'd rather not show."

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Yeah but like."

You think to yourself: / *chattering, scraping, ticking softly* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a soft, frustrated little whistle. "You are giving me confusing feelings." He declares finally.

You think to yourself: / *a curious chirr* /.

You think to yourself: **a sudden flash of muted red, frustrated ruddy hues**.

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

Opting to pet Bizirik, you say, "You are in this like, back and forth. You are like "am wanting to tell you" and then when finally say 'O-K am listening' you -stop- talking. And then pretend like didn't even ask? And then."

Still petting the leothin as he rambles, you say, "You are both making it seem like it is important for me to know, but then you are also like, 'no do not look'."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I think it's important, but it's also important not to make Khep feel cornered or coerced."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs, stopping his petting. "Because I have made it clear that am happy not knowing, but you would not even let me help you until agreed to listen to you tell stories..." He trails off, sighing as Tridemon speaks.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Could always go watch Otters again."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances towards Tridemon, looks back into his lap, resuming petting Bizirik without giving an answer.

Aquamantic symbols suddenly project themselves upon the very air in dark blue light, fading after a brief moment.

A set of dragon turtles drift by with otters on their backs, who are in turn juggling crabs, which are waving tiny flags.

You have emoted: Gurashi's attention is drawn to the illusion, antennae twitching. He watches the otters sail on by... blinks slowly. After a minute he throws Tridemon a suspicious look.

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

You think to yourself: Magics.

A look of sweetest innocence overtakes Tridemon.

You smirk at Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back towards the sea with a whistling huff.

You think to yourself: / *suddenly* I don't ...tell good stories /.

You tilt your head curiously.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...mean, you do not tell happy stories, or, you do not tell stories in a good way."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Like Reyqae. She tells excellent stories but generally really CONFUSINGLY."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh - yeah! Telling stories isn't everybody's strong suit..."

You think to yourself: / I just - where do... you -start- /.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

With a shrug, you say, "Beginnings are good."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "You told me ours, though, yes."

Shutting his eyes and holding up a finger, you say, "We share a birth day."

Tridemon sits up a little bit more, seeming on the verge of saying... something?

Still talking, you say, "And, I invited you to play. And apparently I am bad at following rules but good at making up better ones for ball games."

You think to yourself: / *you feel her gaze settle on you* /.

Tridemon hesitates a bit longer. "The fourth."

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his eyes and drops his hand, noticing Tridemon sitting up. "Mm?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You. Khep. Nepra. And another. A name that was never quite said."

You have emoted: Gurashi's calm expression changes somewhat, and he looks down at Bizirik.

You think to yourself: **there is.. an odd sensation at the mention of the fourth. the ruddy colors had started to become gray, but now, no, all the colors - an unpleasant swirl of every color, a disgustingly complex burnt shade of crimson. somehow a pain that is not yours, but feels very close to the heart**.

You think to yourself: / *you feel something - a pulse, like a heartbeat, that ripples out over the hives like a wave... met with dozens of soft chitters and chirrs, chattering, confusion, lulling, familiar, sad* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi shifts in his spot, reaching up and grasping a fistful of his cloak where it rests over his heart, looking confused.

Tridemon sits back a bit. "I should stop looking like I want to say something before I decide it might be better left unsaid..."

Bizirik, the leothin lifts its head, letting out a series of little noises as it noses and pokes at Gurashi's hands, seeking to earn some more pets. Or comfort.

You think to yourself: / *finally, spoken with a dozen other voices, be it intentional or not* His name was Amun /.

You think to yourself: **ah - the name is said with a great sigh, like a breath had previously been held - but now, an emptiness quickly fills up that space, like static, bristling and uncomfortable to broach**.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to look confused, quietly fumbling with the pendant on his cloak.

You think to yourself: **it -sounds- familiar and -feels- familiar, yes, but the name still holds little meaning, and the static feeling is accompanied by a prickling veil of green and black**.

You think to yourself: / *soft, her voice low, joined with fewer others, now, though they all bear the same morose tone* Amun. Of Mumhatuti /.

You think to yourself: **yes, familiar, but still -nothing-. nothing - just an uncomfortable proximity to static**.

Tridemon frowns slightly. "I've... no idea why, but it makes me think of dusk-tinted gold and wings that... work."

You think to yourself: / *a gentle, buzzing laugh - another strange, morose pulse of energy, unintentional* Males rarely have wings that work... *a gentle chitter* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to look increasingly uncomfortable, shifting where he sits, his antennae completely limp against the back of his head. Bizirik offers some soft snuffles and a little chirp, but he doesn't seem to notice.

You think to yourself: **a continued confusing swirl of feelings and colors, and bigger feelings and more complex colors - the red-brown is back, no more sparkles, such a strange feeling, so -uncomfortable- and loud, even though the noise level of the hive hasn't changed**.

You think to yourself: / *finally continuing, though hesitant* ...we were, four /.

You think to yourself: / *softly buzzing, spoken gentle, as if just over the shoulder* Four... *a drifting gaze, to herself, and for a moment you see her hands inside the circle* /.

You think to yourself: **before Khep can answer - an odd noise, a strained pulse of sound not unlike what was just felt from Khep minutes before, and all the color abruptly fades to black**.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his head, and for a moment you feel a bit of tense psionic energy rush out from his body, ripple across the beach and quickly disappear. "... am not feeling so good," He says, dazed, staggering to his feet.

You think to yourself: / *a confused chitter, all the background noise and voices fading* Tiso? /.

Pacing a bit, wild-eyed, you say, "Think am gonna go home yes."

Starting to leave, then stopping to come back, you say, "Oh."

You think to yourself: / *chirring in confusion* Tiso... /.

Almost drunkenly, you give a frozen lemon tart to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out to pat the top of Tridemon's head.

Tridemon looks up at you, tilting his head slightly, reaching out toward the remnants of that psionic pulse. "... I don't really know what to say."

Bizirik, the leothin stares implacably at you.

Fretfully, you say, "Me either."

Folding his arms awkwardly over his chest, you say, "Uhm."

Lowering his wide-eyed stare to his feet, you say, "I can see why you were wanting to take time with telling stories, Miss Khep."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about, then looks off towards the exit, drumming his fingers where they are rested against his folded arms. It's strange - another, tinier pulse of energy, and then another, like little heartbeats, desperate little waves of sound. "I think I am going to go sleep, because th - ow," He shakes out his hand.

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

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

Shaking his head and starting to pace as he considers the exit, you say, "Right, O-K."

Swaying, you ask Tridemon, "You are needing things. You need - are needing any things?"

Bizirik, the leothin's tail slowly lashes back and forth.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... not right now, but you're starting to sound like... more than one person. You should definitely sleep."

Worried, you ask Tridemon, "Morethanonepersons?"

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

You think to yourself: **a continued stark blackness, but a strange accompaniment of static**.

You shake your head.

You shake your head.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Your cadences are wrong."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Go. Sleep."

Squeezing his own arms, you say, "O... K..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks off towards the sea, confused, then at you, then off towards the exit, trailed close behind by Bizirik.