"I promised a story. So I will say it now."

**immediate continuation from meeting with Akuuko, went inside the house and managed to check every room EXCEPT the one Aschwar was in**

A sandy training yard surrounded by paper walls.
A thick layer of gold and pink sand covers this square yard, the area several dozens of steps wide. Bamboo mats are scattered over the ground, the level of activity which occurs within this space made evident by the sheer amount of sand that has been scattered over them along with their generally tousled nature. Flat piles of rocks and short stone columns offer natural terrain for training mobility, evasion and adaptation, and the walls are framed in wood covered in thick sedge-paper, allowing heat to escape while functionally separating the yard from the rest of the villa. Brushstroke art depicting jackals, hawks, bears and other predatory animals decorate them, doubtlessly serving as inspiration as much as an aesthetic purpose. Against one wall are dark wooden racks of weapons, among them curved swords with hilts of ivory, other weapons intricately carved and beset with jewels while simpler training arms of wood fill a rack of their own. The adjacent wall is lined with cabinets and stands piled with other training gear, light leather armour in various sizes among cloth-padded greaves and bracers. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here. Covered in a thick layer of patchwork gold and black fur, Aschwar lingers here wearily.
You see exits leading northeast, east, and southeast.

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up, pausing in the doorway the moment he spots Aschwar.

The sound of an enormous weight crashing down can be heard as Aschwar flings an enormous rock down to impact heavily with the ground, exhaling softly as they do.

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

You blink.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Bizi got back to you alright, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi watches, wide-eyed, as the rock thuds against the ground, his body lifting the barest milimeter from the impact. As Aschwar finishes, he begins to clap, looking on excitedly. "Ahh! Friend Aschwar!! That was amazing!!!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**buzzing still, though distracted, distant** Yeah! She was good. Happy! Thank you for taking care of her. Am sorry left so suddenly."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Did you get her some good-girl shrimp?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**quieter** Did...!"

Aschwar perks and looks around to see you, a warm smiling lighting up their tired face. "Oh, Friend Gurashi. I did not hear you come in." They wince, once, painfully, before saying, "How are you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters excitedly, shuffling in and up to the tae'dae with no hesitation. "I am so very well! I brought you snacks, but you are working hard!" He frets. "-Wow-, that rock is so big! You are so strong!!"

You suddenly let loose a chittering laugh.

You raise all four arms and strike an impressive pose, flexing your nonexistent muscles.

Observing his own flat biceps, you say to Aschwar, "...am thinking need to take lessons."

Aschwar nods before turning and moving to a large pile of rocks stacked on top of each other, leaning down and then back up in one extremely quick and powerful motion to lift them overhead. Something about the sight of what must be hundreds of pounds of rocks fifteen feet in the air is mildly unsettling, but they smile slightly and say, "No, I think you are very nice like you are. If you were stronger, you might break your spoons and bowls."

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a step back to give Aschwar more space, looking a little intimidated, but no less amazed. "Oh, that is so kind... ah, you are right. What are you lifting rocks for??" He asks. "Are you going to be building more stuff?"

Starry shadows herald Dusan, the coruscant as he deposits a serrated combat dagger into your hands before dissolving into mist again.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Many thank yous - for the gift."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "It is sharp!"

Esei tells you, "Which one? Ah, the dagger."

Aschwar turns and without any visible effort slams the rocks down - the thud causing you to jump as they rise up into the air before falling back down in roughly the same stack as before. "No, but...I hurt my back while digging, so have spent a few days resting and am now doing my big stretches and lifts, to make sure that I am not still hurt."

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Oh no! You got hurt?"

You look at Aschwar and begin to perspire as you imagine all the things that might go wrong.

Aschwar smiles softly and says, "Yes, but it is not bad. I am not hurt any more. I just slipped while I was digging."

You have emoted: Gurashi jogs up to stand at Aschwar's side, looking behind them before looking up at them. "I am glad you are taking care of it...but am still sorry you got hurt."

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

Faintly buzzing, you ask Aschwar, "You were digging? For gardening?"

You tilt your head curiously at Aschwar.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... You alright? You seem subdued."

A single fish swims by in midair, scales flashing with ivory and flame-hued luminescence.

Aschwar shakes their head and says, "I do not know if I should tell, but when I came to this world, I had something very important. So I buried it, and have been saying it in my head every year to make sure I remembered it all. Then I fell asleep, and this time when I thought about it, and remembered everything...I think it is time for me to destroy it, like I was supposed to."

You blink.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...oh! SO you are looking for the thing that it is time to destroy."

You ponder the situation.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Aschwar, "...I have a silver shovel. IT makes me dig faster and better than people without one. Can I help you look?"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "I promise not TO look."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly covers his eyes with two hands. "Can just say 'have found something' and you can tell me if is THE thing."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**a little clearer** Huh? Oh! Tridemon. You will never guess who I ran into."

Aschwar smiles softly and beckons for you to follow, heading towards the villa.

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

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Hmm... did Lord Morgfyre offer you candy?"

A mahogany dining room with succulent-topped tea tables.
This grand room is dominated by an enormous mahogany table, the many chairs encircling it large enough to accommodate sizable individuals. The ceiling is lofty and the floor is a warm-hued wood, well-tended with chaotically-patterned rugs warming the feet at key locations around the room while potted dracaena and fig trees display their lavishly long leaves in every corner. Shelves along the many-windowed walls are filled with a range of knickknacks including framed flowers, small statuettes of wood and stone, vases painted with unusual imagery, jars of sand and, commanding attention, a giant dragon's tooth mounted upon a stand. At the southern end of the room rests a sitting area separated by standing screens decorated with poppies, cherry blossoms and long grasses that reveal several low tea tables and plush sitting-cushions occupying the area, potted succulents serving as centrepieces. The walls are of rich mahogany and at regular intervals are fitted with paper-backed wooden lattices constructed in pleasing geometric patterns, some of the rods weaving and winding in a manner which seems impossible to follow with the eye alone - a suitable complement to the distant vision of the Shifting City visible beyond the villa's walls through the open windows. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here. Covered in a thick layer of patchwork gold and black fur, Aschwar lingers here wearily.
You see a single exit leading south.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ack! Sorry, tripped on the steps."

You suddenly let loose a chittering laugh.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "...no!"

Aschwar looks at the moth strangely before turning and quietly asking, "Are...you okay?"

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Yeah! Am fine. Leggies went faster than body could go."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aschwar.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about, antennae standing up straight.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Do you remember, the thief. The friend thief that I told you about - the one that, we did not know was O-K or not??"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Kind of? You only told me once and didn't really say much about him."

Aschwar nods their head and turns, moving around and rearranging statuettes and vases before finding what they are looking for, and pulling a dracaena up from the roots and whispering, "Sorry, friend. I will make sure if you get sick that I regrow your babies and give them big space in the yard." Then, with the other paw, they reach into the pot and pull out a glistening black book with golden pages, replacing the plant carefully and turning around.

You blink.

Leaning forward, eyes wide, you say to Aschwar, "...that is a neat magic trick, Friend Aschwar."

Nodding their head, Aschwar says, "I buried it outside, and when I found it and brought it in, I realised I was hurting, so I put it in this room to make sure I did not lose it."

Esei tells you, "My cats are being bratty again."

Esei tells you, "Come pet them."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**softer now** Oh ... well - thought they were dead, but, they are not. But. They are in bad shape. But. I know their name now."

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

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Will later - promise."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You have emoted: Gurashi moves to stand at Aschwar's side, looking at the book. "...what is it?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Friend Akuuko."

Aschwar looks down at it, opening it to reveal letters that glisten a deep crimson on the golden pages in elegant script. They idly flip through and answer, "The Shofet's. They said it was called the Book of Mysrai."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks a couple times, trying to read what is on the closest page. "The Book of Mysrai... so like, not just the Shofets, but the Shofet's Shofets?"

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aschwar.

Aschwar nods and continues flipping, unaware of your gaze. "They said in here was everything anyone would ever need to know about Them. And They told me to remember it all, and when I was sure, to burn it."

Still trying to read, speaking softly, you ask Aschwar, "...and you are ready to burn it?? That is odd. That They would make a book about Them just to destroy?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask Aschwar, "Was it just for you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi follows a page as it is turned, antennae bobbing.

You think to yourself: / *a soft, observant chitter* /.

Aschwar pauses, laying their paw over the page they are on as they lift their head and speak in a deep, rumbling voice that does not become them but is oddly fitting to their stature, "No mortal should possess such, yet neither should My secrets fall to My kin. You will hold My story, My Liar, and remember it. This is My Will, and when we return, you will destroy it before any other can learn of what it says. Then, should you desire, you may speak of it. But only when your Will speaks to do so."

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

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "They are...!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "They have very pretty orange eyes... and pretty green scales, on what is left of them."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "They're hurt? ... you said something about punishment..."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Aschwar as they speak again, mandibles clicking as he studies the tae'dae. "...but only when your Will speaks to do so..."

Aschwar looks back down at the page and smiles softly as they say, "It is the only book I have ever been able to read. When we were travelling, sometimes the Shofet would have me make a small cut on my arm, and then They would pour my blood on the pages. And now when I look at it, the words move, and it is like looking at pictures. I know all the stories now, at least all the ones They wrote."

You blink.

Softly, amazed, you say to Aschwar, "Wowee.."

Aschwar says, "So I decided that when I could say the whole thing, front to back, and back to front, with no mistakes...I would burn it up."

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Aschwar, "....and when you are ready to, you will tell peoples stories from it?"

You look about in confusion.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Is that what They meant?"

Aschwar nods their head, once, saying, "Maybe that is why They chose me to be Their priest? It has been a lot to think about, but it has been nice to have something to distract from how quiet it is. Instead of thinking about that, I have been thinking about Them."

You nod your head emphatically.

You gaze softens as you smile at Aschwar.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "Sometimes thinking about others, or wanting to do nice things for thems is the -best- thing in the whole wide world."

Aschwar says, "I am calling the Beloved, because they should know. Before I burn it."

You blink.

Surprised, you ask Aschwar, "... oh - here? Now?"

Nervous, you say, "Should I leave? I do not want to be rude."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Aschwar shakes their head, saying plainly, "You are my friend. You may be here, always."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up, antennae wiggling happily. "...I am so glad."

Alary smiles softly at you.

You chitter at Alary with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says to you, "Esei was seeking you."

You blink.

Aschwar says to Alary, "Gurashi is allowed to be here, because he is my friend, and I am a priest, so it is okay because I say it is."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Aye, of course."

Shyly, you say to Alary, "Many thank yous..."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "That was never in question. We just needed to say it before we forgot that Esei had asked us where Gurashi was."

Alary smiles softly.

You nod your head emphatically.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Gurashi is our friend, too."


Aschwar says to Alary, "I have to get rid of something, very important. And very soon. I just thought that it would be...good, to have the Beloved here, for it."

You think to yourself: The Beloved....

Comprehension flashes across Alary's face.

You think to yourself: ...... and me?

You think to yourself: / *tick* /.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Could we ask what it is?"

Aschwar lowers their arms, revealing a luminous black book with golden pages, open to reveal shifting red script in a foreign language. "It is the Shofet's. They call it, 'The Book of Mysrai'."

Alary blinks.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "O-oh."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "... **you are met with silence**."

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

Quite simply, Aschwar says, "I am going to burn it. And I want people there, so I can tell a story. The story of how I got it."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Why must you be rid of it? We apologize, we're a bit behind on some of the more recent events, and we apologize for missing your re-awakening."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out, touching Aschwar gently on the arm. "Cannot wait to hear your story, Friend."

Simply, Aschwar says, "Because They said I needed to, when I was ready."

You chirp happily at Aschwar.

Comprehension flashes across Alary's face.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Okay, we'll be quiet, apologies."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around to the many chairs around the table. "...ah!"

"But when I saw your face, Beloved," Aschwar says, looking with tired eyes towards Alary, "It looks like I thought it was. Very important. So I want to make sure that if it is that important, there are as many Beloved as can be there, to see it. And hear the story. I could do it now, but..."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly begins to lay out platters of food on the table as Aschwar continues to flip through the book. "Do not mind me I will be fast," He whispers.

Comprehension flashes across Alary's face.

You nod your head emphatically.

Quietly, tapping their claws against one of the pages to lift it, allowing you to see that the golden material of the page is silk: sheer and translucent with the scarlet script on both sides, Aschwar says, "I thought you would like a chance to make it as big or small as you thought was smart, Beloved Alary."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Big or small?"

Alary creases their brow in a frown.

Nodding their head, Aschwar says, "As many Beloved there as possible. And if Friend Gurashi wants to come, he can too."

Comprehension flashes across Alary's face.

You glance askance.

Aschwar says, "Or...well, as many Beloved there as you think is smart."

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

You think to yourself: What about Tridemon... and Esei?

You tilt your head curiously.

Aschwar says, "It is...more important, I think, just hearing the name to you. Than to me."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aschwar.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We sense only Ashira around at present, and we suspect they are mindless."

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

Tilting their head curiously, Aschwar says, "Do you think we should wait? I can hide it, for a few more months, I think."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Aye, the name of the book is terribly important. Erm, is there a chance we may examine it more closely?"

Alary ponders the situation.

Quickly shaking his head, you say, "Not for our eyeballs."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Only for Friend Aschwar."

You twiddle your thumbs.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up to Aschwar, mandibles clicking against his face.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We also wonder if mortal fire could even burn this book ... Though, burning it ..."

Aschwar turns the book around in their paws and extends it, nodding at what you says. "You can look, but you cannot read it. Because of the Shofet's special magic, and I guess because They wrote it in my blood. When I hold it, I can see the stories like pictures, but I do not think you can. But it is a very nice book, and the pages are soft."

With a simple conviction, Aschwar says, "There is a place here, isn't there? Where I could burn it. A big river, full of fire? Otherwise, I think the big dragon who sits on top of the big pyramid in your other city could help me."

Alary frowns, canine teeth digging into their lip as they mutter to themselves.

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

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "The big dragon... the Guardian?"

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Ah, we figured it wasn't something we could read, but we wished a closer look regardless."

Alary chuckles long and heartily.

You gaze softens as you smile at Aschwar.

It is now the 20th of Juliary, 555 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 8 days until the New Moon

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "The river of fire ... here in the Shifting City. Aye. That may work."

You think to yourself: A river of fire...

You think to yourself: I do not know that much about Gaudiguchs.... other than it is hot.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We suspect Drachou's fire would not be sufficient. Though, the Eternal Flame should also work ..."

You think to yourself: I do not know very many hot things...

Aschwar lowers the book and performs a small squat, allowing the book to rest at Alary's face while also remaining in their possession. "See? It is very pretty."

Alary leans forward, bottom lip still trapped in their teeth as they peer down at the book. "May we?" They ask softly, their single eye roving rapidly over the words as they reach forward to touch the book. "Aye, it's marvelously crafted, which is no surprise."

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters softly, watching Alary and Aschwar marvel over the book. He looks around, antennae twitching.

Aschwar nods their head and says, "I just gave Them the ink, but They had the book when I met Them. Then, we traveled for a while, and They asked me for more ink, and kept writing. Then They asked me to start reading, but I told Them I couldn't, and They got upset, and took the book back. Then the next night They brought it back to me and asked me to try again. And I saw so many wonderful things. A place. Iklara."

Ascendant holding it so let's do that, going to go start it now."

Alary murmurs softly to themselves as they run a single pawpad over the silken pages. "Ah!" Their exclamation isn't so much an idea as an acknowledgement of Aschwar's words. "Iklara. Far Iklara... Aye," their voice sounds slightly distant, as if recalling a memory.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Iklara ..."

You think to yourself: The starry place...

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "You mentioned a story of how you obtained this, and why are you hiding it? You are Their Priest, this shouldn't be something that must be hidden away."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says to you, "A place, an idea ... a beginning and an end."

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

You think to yourself: ...but they were told to do the thing.

You think to yourself: The Shofets asked...

Aschwar nods their head once, allowing Alary's examination of the book to continue. "Because They said so," they repeat just as simply. "Just because I am the only person who can read it, doesn't mean that Their siblings might not be able to. So I buried it, until I was certain I could remember all of it. Now that I can, I am ready to destroy it."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Yes. That is a very fair assumption, and this book in the hands of those would have no need of the contents ... Yes."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Friend Aschwar will remember, yes."

You beam broadly at Aschwar.

Alary gently they run a finger over the glyphs, lowering their head for a moment. "We think that you should try to destroy it here, in the Shifting City first. You ... and this book are safe within this place. If nothing can destroy it here, and we also offer our own dexterity with fire if needed, then we should attempt the Eternal Flame or Drachou. But here first, here you are safe."

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I have a Salamander - he might work if the Guardian Drachou does not."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "If you wish to wait, we can try to rouse Ashira, but other than that, we're not sure who else could be around in any reasonable time for this ..."

Aschwar nods and gently closes the book, pulling it close to their chest as they say, "Then when it is time, I will try here first. And then, if this fire cannot destroy it, I will take it to your other city's dragon. If they are anything like the dragons back home, then they are very strong, and will definitely be able to."

Alary nods their head emphatically.

You think to yourself: Dragons back home...

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aschwar.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "With all of the unknowns right now ..."

Alary creases their brow in a frown.

Alary shakes their head.

Aschwar listens to Alary, as though awaiting their decision.

Aschwar says, "You are one of Their Sacrosanct, Beloved. I trust you."

Alary pulls their hand away, bringing it close to their chest in a closed fist. "The Beloved should witness this, aye. This is ... beyond the scope of importance that many have. Though, we should not wait too much longer. If no one else rouses within the day, we should act."

You think to yourself: *a strange rush of emotions... longing? Envy? Hard to place*.

Aschwar purses their lips thoughtfully, as if in thought. "Yes, I think so. And then, even if they miss its destruction, I'll still be here to tell all the stories. They'll just miss the very first story."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "The wonderful thing about a story is that it can be retold, though."

Encouragingly, you say, "Yeah..."

Aschwar's smile is one that briefly returns their true, childlike mirth to their face. Jagged fangs part as they say, "It was very silly. The Shofet was worried that some Beloved might try to take the book from me." Their claws gleam dangerously as they turn with the book and they ask, "Isn't that silly?"

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

Alary smiles softly.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "Why would someone take the book? You are going to tell the story ANYWAY."

You shrug helplessly.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We won't lie, history within the Beloved shows that the thought is not as silly as it sounds."

You blink.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Alary, "...well that is not very nice."

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

Aschwar lifts up a potted dracaena by its base, roots dangling as they lift straight up and place the book in the space beneath before putting it back down and carefully tamping down the soil as they whisper apologies to the poor plant.

Reassuringly, you say to Aschwar, "Do not worry, am sure the plant forgives you. It is only a temporary thing."

You chirp happily at Aschwar.

With a sad smile, Aschwar says, "Maybe. But I do not know any more. I cannot hear them."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Aschwar, "Really believe that someday you will again!"

You beam broadly at Aschwar.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature, "I know that Friend Aschwar trusts me to be here. And I am honored. But cannot help but wonder if, more Beloved do not wake ..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature, "Could ask Tridemon, from New Celest, and Esei, from Glomdoring, to come hear dearest Friend's story... because, they have been here through a lot too, and they also care for Friend Aschwar too, and maybe Friend Aschwar would want them here too."

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "That would be something to ask of Friend Aschwar, as it's not my decision to make. Frankly, the Beloved have been dangerously insular, and that is where my own mind drifts to. You should ask them, yes."

With a glance towards Alary, you say to Aschwar, "Friend Aschwar? I have a question - about your story."

Aschwar's smile is sad, and lacks conviction, but they smile regardless as they turn around and clap their hands together. "Do not tell anyone my super secret hiding place, eith--" They blink and tilt their head, looking at you, "Yes?"

You chirp happily.

Crossing an 'x' over his heart, you say, "Will not tell a soul. Not even Bizi."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Aschwar, "Anyway - uhm, can we invite Tridemon and Esei to your story...?"

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Of course, these stories and secrets are but yours to tell."

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "They love you too. And who does not love a good story."

You chirp happily.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "But it is O-K if not."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says to Aschwar, "Beloved Aschwar, friend and Priest. Don't feel any sorrow for this, you have been given instruction and if you believe that this is the time, the Shofet left that decision up to you."

You think to yourself: / *another observant chirr, louder than the rest of the hive noise* /.

Aschwar frowns and looks down at the table carefully, nose wrinkling as they think. "I...think they can come. But do not tell them what it is that we are burning. That way, if Someone were to try and overhear, They would not try and do something bad."
You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "...what if just tell them you want to tell a story? For close friends."

Forming an 'x' with his hands now in the air, you say, "Subject secret!"

Aschwar says to Alary, "I am not sad about my job, Beloved friend. I am...sad because I cannot hear, or feel, or see as much as I used to. It has been...a while, since I woke up, and I cannot. I am worried I never will again, even if Friend Gurashi thinks I will."

Bouncing in his place, you say to Aschwar, "No! You will. I know you are worried that you will not, but do not be! It will come back and be like it was am sure."

You beam broadly at Aschwar.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "Some times take time. And patience, and learning. And hope!"

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Ah, we apologize for our misunderstanding."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "And snacks."

Aschwar nods their head and says, "I will...call. To you, friend Gurashi, and over the Beloved's aethers, when I am ready. And then when you are at the bridge, friend Alary, I will meet you there."
Aschwar says, "Okay?"

Alary smiles softly, reaching up to rub at the bandage wrapped around their hand. "Even if you do not regain the sense, you are still you. You will learn to adapt, even if you run into a few walls at first," they chuckle.

Alary nods their head at Aschwar.

Aschwar says, "Okay. I will see you all, then, I need to go get ready."

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

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We've missed so much in recent months ..."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Aschwar depart, expression unreadable for a moment. "...yeah... a lot of stuff has happened..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...but they are going to tell us a story."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Their story! A piece of their story."

Resting a hand on his face, you say, "I am so grateful..."

Alary smiles softly at you.

You sniff softly.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Aye, and one we, personally, are excited to hear. Many of recent events have had ... a similar sort of relation to past events. Though, we failed but once and will not fail again."

Alary creases their brow in a frown.

You think to yourself: Hope it is enough.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over to Alary, not understanding but no less empathetic in his gaze.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "And ... we're still not used to being one of the oldest in the room regarding decisions and the sort."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, antennae bobbing. "...yeah, that must be a little scary!"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Alary, "But also honorable."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Alary, "You did just fine, think."

You chirp happily at Alary.

Alary smiles softly.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We are ... trying. Aye. We can only do what we think others would, and do what we think is right."

You nod your head emphatically.

Cheerfully, you say, "Just do your best."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Is all you can do!"

Alary nods their head emphatically.

Bobbing his head, you sing, "Just do your best, end isn't up to you~."

Alary chuckles long and heartily.

**some talking, Shulamit appeared to be amazing like she does, break for a hamster hunt, ran to get Tridemon and Esei, etc**

Quietly, you say, "Are gonna burn it at the Eternal Flame, think..."

Tridemon peers about himself unscrupulously.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, rubbing his forehead.

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "When you come back to the Shifting City, find a pair of large brass doors and then teleport to me."

You think to yourself: Here we go.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature, "We are on the way!"

*lots of me being stupid, finding many copper doors but not brass cause I yam thicc*

A fragile bridge over roiling lava.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Intense heat radiates upwards from the heart of a volcano below. Underfoot, this bridge of voidcopper seems to melt and sway, an altogether too fragile boundary from the roiling lava in the depths. A droning chant seems to shake the walls themselves here, and streaks of ashen, falling forms mark the sides, arms outstretched as if to fly down into the fire, or up from the molten mass. A slender stair winds its way up the inside of the pit, providing a precarious escape. Manifold eyes, limbs, and mouths in constant motion, a hulking golem of twisted flesh looms here.
You see a single exit leading up.

You turn to Alary, suddenly bending at the waist to offer a polite half-bow.

You gaze softens as you smile at Alary.

You begin to follow Alary.

Esei takes out a paper and stares intently at you, mumbling faintly as they mark on it.

Alary smiles softly.

Sheepishly, you say, "We're here!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I have asked if they will hear Friend Aschwar's story, and they have agreed."

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

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Alary nods their head emphatically.

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Shulamit comes into view.

Shulamit glances about, her body turning a hazy shade of grey.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Do not stray from ourself in this place."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Trust them with my whole heart! So know they do right by Friend Aschwar."

You chirp happily.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's
Ivory Prism says, "Oh, here."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Alary, "Have you taken a look at... Aschwar using psionics?"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Shulamit, "Ahh, hello, Friend Shulamit."

You chitter at Shulamit with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "I've never been here."

Shulamit hums a happy tune.

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

Shulamit hugs you compassionately, glowing warm shades of pearl.

Alary shakes their head at Tridemon.

Tridemon grimaces slightly before schooling his expression back into neutrality.

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

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Aschwar.

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

You chirp happily at Aschwar.

Shulamit shifts around before smiling brightly at Aschwar.

In the depths of the shifting fog, vast wings stir the sky with shifting patterns of nightmares. Darker shadows follow beyond, a flotilla of moths soaring through the billowing clouds.

Gesturing to Tridemon and Esei, you exclaim to Aschwar, "Look who I found!"

Esei inclines their head politely to Aschwar.

Aschwar holds a luminous black book close to their chest, smiling softly at Tridemon and Esei, a little bit wider at you, and then closes their eyes and nods at Alary and Shulamit in turn. "Hello, everyone."

Alary smiles softly at Aschwar.

You chirp happily at Aschwar.

Shulamit appears to puff up slightly as her entire body glows a cheerful shade of citrine yellow.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "Oh, you've found the book?"

You nod your head at Shulamit.

Aschwar says, "I did, Missus Friend Shulamit."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Shulamit, "They had a great hiding place - it's a secret."

Shulamit appears to puff up slightly as her entire body glows a cheerful shade of citrine yellow.

You nod your head sagely at Aschwar.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "That's so good though, to find what was lost or hidden away."

You think to yourself: / *the soft buzzing continues, deep, curious* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Aschwar, "Are you feeling better than you did at the party?"

Eerie, distant chanting eddies through the halls of the temple, a solemn girl's voice rising and falling in the odd glottals and stops of some long-dead tongue.

You glance askance.

Aschwar exhales softly and walks to the edge of the bridge, the sheer heat and force of the lava below blowing their clothes and fur as they look down into the glowing depths. "Not...very much, friend Tridemon. But a little."

You have emoted: Gurashi follows Aschwar's gaze towards the lava below, mandibles clicking nervously.

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

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "This bridge is perfectly safe, there is only one way to cause the bridge's collapse."

Esei gives Alary the once-over, eyeing them suspiciously.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... please do not demonstrate."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We won't."

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

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

Aschwar continues staring into the lava for some time, their eyes glittering in their contemplative silence. You begin to wonder if they will ever speak, before they finally say, "Promises are good. Especially promises you keep, to people who are very important."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aschwar.

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a muted glow appearing within.

Alary nods just a fraction, eye transfixed upon the book and Aschwar.

Tridemon takes a deep breath, glowing slightly brighter for a moment before dimming in an attempt to restrain his psionic presence to a small area around himself.

You glance askance at Tridemon.

Esei caresses a phantasmal shroud of shadows gently.

You think to yourself: Oh - please be careful...

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a muted glow appearing within.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets his attention refocus on Aschwar, eyes wide and empathetic as they watch the tae'dae speak.

Aschwar turns and you get a closer look at the book in their paws, from the shiny black clover that seems to be made of leather and stone at the same time. Golden pages fill it, reflecting the light of the liquid magma brilliantly, and on its cover is a title in the Divine tongue, in simple gold script. "The Shofet asked me to hold this book. To make sure I knew every story in it, and to get rid of it once I had. Because it was too important to get lost, or taken by someone who had bad thoughts in their head."

You nod your head sagely.

Showing that she understands, Shulamit nods her head slowly.

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "Memorizing is the best way to smuggle information. Inside ones thoughts. As long as they don't get lost in there."

You think to yourself: A secret they get to keep until they are finally ready...

You think to yourself: *a swell of relief... then, anxiety, anticipation*.

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

Aschwar turns and looks at the book carefully, "I didn't know for a very long time whether or not I was ready. I didn't know if I had waited long enough before making sure I remembered. But recently...I fell asleep, and every one of you came to visit me. And I slept for a very long time, because I was not very good and well. Then, Missus Friend Shulamit found me, and brought me back." They turn and smile warmly at Shulamit, face full of joy.

You chirp happily at Shulamit.

Tridemon looks ever-so-slightly awkward, scratching at the back of his head.

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

Shulamit smiles brightly at Aschwar, filled with bright cheerful pink light.

You think to yourself: Yes... because we love you...!

"For a while, I was afraid. Because people knew that I was Aschwar , and because there were so many things happening that I did not know about. Because it was quiet. Because I was afraid." There is an oppressive quiet broken only by the bubbling of magma as they think for a few moments, and then they continue, "But then it was the special day. And I remembered the book, and I sat down, and I said every story that I remembered. Then, I went and I dug it up, from where I had buried it, and sat with it and saw that I had remembered every single one. Perfect. And I realised that even though I am scared, and things are quiet, and I do not know what is going on many times, I am still able to keep my promise."

Shulamit nods slowly, glowing a soft shade of blue still mixed with pinks.

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up a little, antennae raising in unison at Aschwar's words, face lighting up hopefully.

Alary smiles softly.

You think to yourself: Ahhh, they will get better...!

Showing that they understands, Esei nods their head slowly.

"So maybe one day, I will find out how to be me again. And maybe one day, things will feel good again, and I will not be scared. Maybe I have to grow up first. Maybe it will never happen. Maybe bad things will happen, and we will all die, and no one will be left but the Shofets." Aschwar stares out at the lava and says, "When you do not know...it is scary. But we have to keep our promises, and do things even if we do not know, because otherwise we are not even being alive. We are just being afraid. So even when I am sad, I think I will have to remember what I said I would do. And tell my stories."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "The future is very scary when you are unsure what it is. But we have each other as well."

Muffled laughter rings out in far galleries, echoing weirdly off the stone.

Alary nods their head emphatically.

You sniff softly.

Deep in thought, Esei leans their cheek on their hand.

Aschwar holds out their paws, and their long claws glimmer in the light of the magma. "So today, I keep my promise I made you, Shofet. And I destroy the Book of Mysrai." As soon as they say the words, they drop the book - allowing it to plummet towards the lava with pages of golden silk fluttering in the breeze created by the heat.

You have emoted: Gurashi says nothing, smiling weakly, hopefully, at Aschwar as they speak.

Tridemon blinks.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh!"

You think to yourself: There it goes.

Showing that she understands, Shulamit nods her head slowly.

Tridemon seems to be physically restraining himself from asking a question.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly rushes over to watch the book in its fall, mandibles clicking as he stands beside Aschwar.

Shulamit watches as the book falls, glowing a blushing quartz colour, but reaches a hand over to pat the air near to Aschwar.

Flames swirl as the book lands in the lava, embracing, caressing, consuming. Colours and forms swirl and spiral up, and a roaring cry can be heard from the lava as it pours up and over the bridge.

You blink.

Strange beams of light shoot skyward.

Shulamit dances around, looking at the lave with mild concern.

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

You think to yourself: Does lava do that.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the beam, hands on either side of his face, then alarmingly returning to watch the lava.

Esei closes their eyes and bows their head as a fine spray of water coats their skin.

Wind makes your clothes flap and flutter as the raging inferno surrounding the book sucks loose detritus over the bridge to plummet and join it.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Alary, "Perhaps a small glacier is in order."

Phantoms appear, spreading their arms as if being fed by the blaze, a thousand voices racing away in a thousand different tongues on the wind.

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

You think to yourself: What in the Basin...

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to watch, awed, eyes wide.

Alary shakes their head, snapping themselves back to attention. "No, don't ... don't use magic, not right now."

Shulamit glows soft ivory colours, listening to the wind and phantoms.

You stand perfectly still as the entire universe seems to hold its breath in anticipation of what comes next. Unable to move. Unable to turn. Unable to even avert your gaze from the sight.

Searing heat turns to wind as cold as the deepest winter night, sending chills up your spines, drawing your breath from your lungs in a painful mist.

You wince in pain.

Shulamit watches as the thin tendrils of smoke that were starting to reform inside her chest leave, breath free of smoke.

In a painful rush of ecstatic relief, the cold is gone and the fire erupts in a brilliant white light that consumes everything in its brightness; as though youw ere standing in the sun. Just as suddenly as the light emerges, though...

You think to yourself: *between flurried bouts of loud heartbeats* Wowee that is SOME book!

It is gone. The fire resumes its normal bubbling and flow as magma lazily surges below. Wisps of smoke rise slowly and whisper words in a tongue that is foreign to your ears. The book is gone.

You blink.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Aschwar, "....y... you did it!"

You chitter at Aschwar with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a muted glow appearing within.

Alary smiles softly at Aschwar.

Esei looks about themself, rubbing their chin thoughtfully.

Aschwar exhales softly, stepping back from the ledge and looking visibly worn - as though the destruction of the book had physically drained them.

You have emoted: Gurashi's smile wanes a little. "Friend?" He asks, touching Aschwar's arm gently.

Shulamit reaches a hand out to pat Aschwar but instead pats the air surrounding them instead.

Aschwar blinks and turns, smiling softly, "Yes?"

You stare at Aschwar, eyes wide.

You look at Aschwar and offer an enthusiastic four thumbs-up.

Distant chanting from elsewhere in the temple rises and falls in foreign syllables.
Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Aschwar, "...aaahhhh....ahhh! You are like... a -loremaster- for the Shofets!"

As she nods slowly in your direction, you realize Shulamit understands.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "A smart word repository."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Shulamit, "I remembered that one just for now."

You shake your head.

Aschwar's smile grows a little bigger, and they say, "I do not know what any of those words mean, but I...am Their priest. And it's my job to remember what was in that book, for the rest of my life."

You nod your head at Aschwar.

Aschwar exhales and says quietly, "It is a very grown-up job."

With a slow nod to Aschwar, Shulamit shows her understanding.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Aschwar, "It really is!"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "A good job!"

Alary blinks slowly, allowing their smile to wane slightly before nodding in the direction of the lava, and then at Aschwar. "You did it, Friend."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "If part of it involved destroying a magical book, though..."

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

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "...you did it!"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "But all jobs are good, I think, many."

You chirp happily.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "You have grown up, too."

Tridemon peers about himself unscrupulously.

With a slow nod to Alary, Shulamit shows her understanding.

You think to yourself: Some jobs are not so good...

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

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "You are feeling O-K? That book was a pretty big deal, yeah."

Aschwar turns and looks at Tridemon and Esei, "Are you two okay?"

Esei blinks.

Esei nods their head.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I'm considering telling you something. That the Shofet might not approve of telling you. But I'm not sure."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "No - only happy things right now!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Please...!"

Shulamit stares at Tridemon in confusion, erratically pulsating in hues of ruby, emerald and sapphire.

Esei's brows furrow as they stares at Tridemon, their pointed ears drooping slightly.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares harder at Tridemon, left antennae drooping.

Eerie, distant chanting eddies through the halls of the temple, a solemn girl's voice rising and falling in the odd glottals and stops of some long-dead tongue.

Aschwar tilts their head curiously, asking, "What do you mean? Is it bad things?"

You think to yourself: Oh no oh no.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I have not been forbidden. It's... a somewhat disturbing thing. But it can wait. It's not going anywhere."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances between Tridemon and Aschwar, tapping his fingers together, wings flitting nervously.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "And it might require a question, which I do not believe is the right time to ask."

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

Alary stares blankly at Tridemon.

Shulamit stares at Tridemon, blinking several times in confusion.

Quietly, you say, "Sounds like grown-up stuff."

Aschwar frowns as they take a step closer to Tridemon, and they frown slightly as they say, "But I want to know. I am tired of secrets, and I just said a big secret, and you telling me it will make the Shofet upset is making me scared, so what is it?"

You think to yourself: / *suddenly - on edge grating, skittering* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly looks back at Tridemon, antennae standing up.

You think to yourself: *the anxiety returns - threefold*.

Tridemon raises his gaze to the ceiling. "There is a pattern to this kind of thing. I get the feeling that I should ask three times if you want to know, and be answered three times. ... but to nil with it."

You have emoted: Gurashi buzzes softly, audibly, glancing between Aschwar and Tridemon still before looking at the other three gathered, mandibles clicking.

Shulamit nods to herself a few times, looking very foolish.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Aschwar, "The reason that everything is so quiet is because you, something within you, or something about you, is absorbing all psionic energies that reach you."

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "And that is all."

Aschwar frowns and tilts their head as they listen to Tridemon. "...what is psionics?"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "Big brain stuff."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "It's what allowed you to hear things unsaid, and feel everything around you."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up with his hands, to either side of his head, pantomiming a little cloud around his head.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "When you said that everything has been quiet, that's due to your psionic powers being limited."

Esei mumbles incoherently.

"So...wait...I am...eating?" Aschwar frowns and shakes their head in clear confusion, "I do not understand. What does this have to do with anything? It's not even a question!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "No, the question is related and yet not."

You think to yourself: Oh ...

You think to yourself: Do not want them to get upset.

You glance askance.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You are eating. And thus you are not HEARING."

Aschwar grows visibly upset and stomps a paw against the bridge, causing it to shudder in perhaps their great strength or something else - as the figures captured in the walls surrounding this bridge seem to dance and turn to leer menacingly as the tae'dae glare at Tridemon, "Then ask it!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... What were you running from?"

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out an audible little whistle of fright as the bridge rattles.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "What Tridemon is rather terribly explaining is that your ability to sense and feel beyond the physical senses has been limi--."

Alary stares implacably at Tridemon.

Shulamit bobs up and down with the bridge, sketching still.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

The sudden bubble of magma is loud, a singular pop sending a small tendril of liquid rock high into the air before falling back down with a splash.

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

You think to yourself: These are ... big thoughts.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down towards the lava, antennae twitching.

Their voice deathly quiet as they stare at the aquamancer with a hard gaze, Aschwar says, "What do you mean?"

You think to yourself: Tridemon...

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says to Tridemon, "If you had bothered to explain yourself before dropping such a statement, you'd perhaps had the answer before you asked the question."

You think to yourself: / *the chittering gets a little louder, more frantic* /.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "Oh? Wait."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... There's a REASON I didn't want to ask it here and now."

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

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "I think Tridemon is saying the liquid the Shofet gave you while you slept has cut you off from the ability to hear us? Is that a thing that can happen?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "But it's your mind, your body, your history."

You tilt your head curiously at Shulamit.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Then you should have kept your mouth shut and waited for an appropriate time, do you not posses a verbal filter?"

Shulamit scratches her head in confusion, the sound reminiscent of tinkling wind chimes.

You wince in pain.

You think to yourself: No - do not fight.

You think to yourself: It will not help Friend Aschwar.

Esei shakes their head.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together, looking first at Alary, then at Tridemon.

Stamping their foot, Aschwar exclaims, "ENOUGH!"

Magma splashes up on all sides, shooting high into the air before raining down and mercifully splattering onto the walls instead of the bridge.

You glance askance.

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a muted glow appearing within.

You have emoted: Gurashi flinches again as the bridge rattles and more magma splatters the walls, the heat making his exposed carapace shiny.

Esei covers their ears and closing their eyes, as though focusing on something else. Sweat beads on their brow with the heat.

Alary bows their head, drawing in a deep breath in an attempt to calm themselves.

Aschwar exhales softly and closes their eyes, the bags under their eyes thrown into harsh visibility by the magma as they quietly say, "The milk of the poppy is what the Shofet gives people when They want them to survive. When they cannot eat, or drink, and They need to make sure they will continue on. It dulls pain, but it does not do anything but keep you full and happy." They then, much more quietly say, "I was running from the people who used to keep me in a cage. They wanted to take me back to the Emperor, so that way he could do awful, awful things to me."

Quietly, over the gentle roar of churning magma, you say to Aschwar, "Thankfully - you are here now!"

Acknowledging your point to be true, Shulamit nods her head gravely at you.

Aschwar's eyes are hard, but there are no further explosions of magma as they look at Tridemon and quietly say, "You are my friend. But you are not asking very nice questions, and the way you ask them are making me think you are thinking bad things. So I want you to ask your real question."

Oracular smoke drifts by on a Void-laden breeze, sending your mind betwixt veils of perception.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "We must not ever let that entity take you back? Again? Words? No. I know Alary is good at stopping people."

You have emoted: Gurashi flinches suddenly, bringing their left hand to their chest and caressing the carapace around the fingerblade, watching Tridemon for his response nervously.

Alary smiles softly at Shulamit.

Esei inhales and exhales slowly, deeply.

Windchimes echo in your ears, singing together in soft minor notes.

Shulamit scratches her head in confusion, the sound reminiscent of tinkling wind chimes.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We would tear ourselves apart before we left harm come to any Beloved, this is true."

You think to yourself: / *the anxious din continues, creeping, on edge* /.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 23rd of Juliary, 555 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 5 days until the New Moon

Tridemon sighs slightly, closing his eyes, a calm blue glow enveloping his form as his face becomes nearly expressionless. It's several moments before he asks, in a voice that's almost equally emotionless. "There are creatures, people who are capable of devouring thought and emotion in this world. So my question, in the end, is this: Does your body contain a shard of Illith?"

You think to yourself: They aren't an Illithoid.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

You think to yourself: Friend Akuumo said so.

Esei twitches spasmodically.

"Yes. But I am not one of them." Aschwar says quietly, staring at Tridemon with a sad look on their face.

You blink.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "Oh! That's very neat!"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Aschwar suddenly, surprised.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Then it is perhaps that shard that is devouring the psionic energies."

You think to yourself: Illith...

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Aschwar, "Perhaps it is injured and attempting to eat and heal itself."

You think to yourself: / *a swell of noise, chittering, grinding, grating, at the mere mention of the name* /.

You tilt your head curiously.

Aschwar's shoulders droop and they sigh softly, "...I almost died when the Shofet tried to take it out. But it is around my heart, and They could not, because They are not from my world." They look up and say quietly, "Is there anything else you want to know? Sad memories you want me to think about?"

Shulamit slumps down, slowly throbbing a deep amber.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Aschwar, then at the tae'dae's stomach, then back up at their face. "Wait, if you have a shard - then, does that make you Fate Touched??"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Or am I confused."

Esei shakes their head at you.

Boggling at the mere thought, you say to Aschwar, "Fate touched from anoooother woooorld.... wowee how magical."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Aschwar, "You should know that I am not judging you for what you are, or for where you come from. But knowing things is the start of being able to help."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I am sorry that the questions have made you sad."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly shuts himself up, mandibles clicking as he looks over at Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It was not my intent to make you upset. And I apologize if the questions went too far."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I will not tell a single soul about this."

You gaze softens as you smile at Tridemon.

Alary nods their head at Tridemon.

Glowing the colour of the wine dark sea, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "Maybe we do not have to remove it, and instead convince it to not hurt you and work with you? Maybe it doesn't hurt already. Maybe it does? Maybe confusion."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I swear it upon my own."

Esei's hands drop to cover their face. Though their eyes are closed and covered, it is evident by the light twitching of their ears that they are paying close attention.

Aschwar says, "Everyone who is given to the Emperor has one of His worms put into them. I was one of His favourites, so He put it on my heart. It was how He made sure we did what He wanted."

Scents of wine and resin mix, and the sounds of exertion and passion briefly reach you. <-- sobs

You think to yourself: ...favorites.

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: / *the chaos continues, and through it, a single one trying to speak up over the din* /.

Aschwar says to Tridemon, "Unless you are the Emperor, there is nothing to do to get rid of it. Even the Shofet could not. But I had that when I first came here, and if that were why everything was quiet, then it wouldn't have waited until I went to sleep, I think."

With a sad smile, Aschwar says, "I know you are trying to help, but please. Do not keep scaring me by making me think you do not like me and have big angry questions for me."

You boggle at Aschwar.

You boggle at Tridemon.

Tridemon blinks.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Angry? ... Did I come off as angry?"

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I was trying for solemn?"

Meekly, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We apologize for getting riled up."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says to Tridemon, "You sometimes come off as scary and and...imposing, you do."

Shulamit starts to fret over everything that could possibly go wrong, glowing a shivering shade of silver.

Aschwar nods their head, and as they look back up, their youth is evident and there are small tearmarks near their eyes. "I do not know what people are thinking, or feeling, and it makes everything very scary. So it sounded very angry."

Voice slightly muffled by their hands, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Solemn, especially to the point of appearing emotionless, can be interpreted as angry, Keeper."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances towards Shulamit, then back towards Tridemon, chittering softly.

Shulamit frowns at Tridemon, clearly thinking thoughts harshly at him.

Alary smiles softly at Aschwar.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says to Aschwar, "It's hard to tell intent without the inner workings, but it's possible! We could work on it, maybe?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Aschwar, "Oh, dear. Well, that's one of the nice thing about working with Lucidians. If we're feeling something strongly, it shows, literally, in our flesh."

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

Whispering, you say to Aschwar, "He is scary when he is red."

Shulamit surreptitiously peers at Tridemon before looking away.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks away after he's spoken, quietly holding his lute close.

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

"I promised a story. So I will say it now, and then I think I will go and rest." Aschwar sighs, closing their eyes and then opening them once more. "So maybe we will go to my house. Yes, that will be better than here, it is very warm."

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

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

**we followed but got stuck inside Mysrai's temple!! Fun mini thing**

You think to yourself: *churning emotions, too fast to keep track of*.

You see the following people here:
Tridemon, Shulamit, Esei, Gurashi.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh boy."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism chants, "Dzaa."
Shulamit shudders, their eyes melting into pools of purest black riven with stars. In another moment, they fail to exist, slipping away as a strand of resin-scented smoke into the aether.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature, "Now what!"

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "Do what we just did."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Dzaa."
Veils brush against your skin, and a murmuring of foreign tongues reaches your ears.

You flail about helplessly.

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I do not want to tresspass."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "It is the Shofet's temple."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "They will get us out oh yes."

You quickly pull your hand back as a flame sigil on a monolith sigil singes your fingers.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ow."

Shulamit tells you, "Stand still."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Follow me quickly."

With harsh, grating tones that stab through your mind, Alary whispers, "Stand still, you and everyone else."

You nod your head emphatically.

"Stand still! I will try to make sure it does not hurt," Aschwar calls out.

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

Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant, suddenly appears, looking bewildered.
Tridemon suddenly appears, looking bewildered.
Alary suddenly appears, looking bewildered.
Shulamit suddenly appears, looking bewildered.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Uuwahh!"

You flail about helplessly.

Esei curls their nose up and grimaces awfully.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Are O-K??"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I've had worse."

Shulamit flops down onto the ground.

Alary chuckles long and heartily.

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

Esei looks incredibly pale.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We forgot about the doors, apologies."

You yell, "Friend Aschwar that was amazing!!"

You cheer wildly!

**went inside to find Aschwar!**
A mahogany dining room with succulent-topped tea tables.
This grand room is dominated by an enormous mahogany table, the many chairs encircling it large enough to accommodate sizable individuals. The ceiling is lofty and the floor is a warm-hued wood, well-tended with chaotically-patterned rugs warming the feet at key locations around the room while potted dracaena and fig trees display their lavishly long leaves in every corner. Shelves along the many-windowed walls are filled with a range of knickknacks including framed flowers, small statuettes of wood and stone, vases painted with unusual imagery, jars of sand and, commanding attention, a giant dragon's tooth mounted upon a stand. At the southern end of the room rests a sitting area separated by standing screens decorated with poppies, cherry blossoms and long grasses that reveal several low tea tables and plush sitting-cushions occupying the area, potted succulents serving as centrepieces. The walls are of rich mahogany and at regular intervals are fitted with paper-backed wooden lattices constructed in pleasing geometric patterns, some of the rods weaving and winding in a manner which seems impossible to follow with the eye alone - a suitable complement to the distant vision of the Shifting City visible beyond the villa's walls through the open windows. There are 2 platters of honeyed toast here. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. There are 2 platters of honey buns here. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here. Covered in a thick layer of patchwork gold and black fur, Aschwar lingers here wearily. A mischievous, disgustingly cute urchin twirls here.
You see a single exit leading south.

You beam broadly at Aschwar.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Aschwar, "Thank you!! That was so cool!"

Shulamit smiles at Aschwar, face glowing a cheerful pink colour.

Esei looks about themself suspiciously.

Aschwar rests heavily against the table as they smile softly, "I have not ever moved so many people so quick. It was..."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "I have been grabbed by the Lord Silence before and that felt totally different."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Aschwar, "You are O-K?"

You tilt your head curiously.

Shulamit starts to fret over everything that could possibly go wrong, glowing a shivering shade of silver.

Aschwar sighs softly and says, "The Shofet said I could do whatever I want here, it just might be hard. I guess this is what They meant. I feel like I just lifted up a whole boulder."

Showing that she understands, Shulamit nods her head slowly.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "We are heavy!"

Aschwar laughs quietly and says, "And I can lift a lot of boulders."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "Maybe we are not so much heavy as awkwardly shaped."

You strike a pose.

Esei's hands sparkle with silver light, as though on reflex, before they close their fists.

You beam broadly at Aschwar.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We resemble that heavy comment."

Alary chuckles long and heartily.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Aschwar, "Either way that was big magicks. Thank you for saving us!"

Quietly, Aschwar says, "Had to open the Veil around you, and then close it, and move you, and then open and close it. It was a lot of things."

You beam broadly at Alary.

You nod your head at Aschwar.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I could have just disenchanted the flames on one of the monoliths, you know."

You narrow your eyes at Tridemon, canting your head and peering at him suspiciously.
Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "....oh."

Esei gives Tridemon the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...yeah but."

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says to Aschwar, "We are sorry we forgot about the doors."

Shulamit peers at Tridemon with narrowed eyes, glowing a suspicious shade of slate grey.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Yes, but."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "We got to be rescued by Friend Aschwar which was way cool."
Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You chitter at Aschwar with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Aschwar moves and settles into the foremost chair, the largest made specifically for them, and they look down at the table before their eyes slowly flicker and begin to glow.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk murmurs, "Veil..."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, suddenly finding a chair and pulling it out to sit quietly. He scoots forward until he cannot anymore, watching Aschwar, rapt with attention.

Shulamit pokes around at the chairs, before deciding on one and sitting on it crosslegged.

You think to yourself: Their story...

Esei shakes their head.

Aschwar's mouth moves, but no sound escapes. The air warbles around you, as though an enormous serpent were moving through the aether and distending the air, carrying with it whispers in a foreign tongue. Then Divine. Then, slowly, Common.

Esei blinks.

Tridemon sits down in one of the chairs, settling himself down to listen.

You think to yourself: / *the noise continues, disappointingly distracting with everything else going on* /.

I felt that place fade behind Me.

You blink.

SORROW.

Burns hot on creamy cheeks once flushed...how could.

SHE.

You have emoted: Gurashi folds his elbows against the table, continuing to watch Aschwar even as he rests his head against his arms, hat crooked and antennae drooping.

Not recognise Me? Was it the other Me, a Moth, wrapped in Glittering Nebulae?! Was it...

HIM?!?!

Who stood near Us as though it weren't.

ALL. HIS. FAULT!!!

SHE was a radiant jewel, a TRUTH burning through paradigms like a flame through wax.

SHE was Mine, but HER EYES did not know Me. SHE grew afraid, and turned...

TO HIM!!!!

...for comfort...

You think to yourself: ...comfort ...

HE was the only one who seemed to trust Me.

Even My other self began to test Their Will against Mine. I begged.

HER.

but My cries fell upon...


DEAF EARS.

A despair I had not known since Mother's disappearance overtook Me, and My mind felt the presence of the ABYSS.

THEIR GASPS were distant...

I felt My shape change, and My eyes beheld Their twins through a veil of black sand, widening in shock at a secret I realised only They knew.

I fled, and THEIR CRIES faded as I found a slit in the Veil to pass through. This paradise the Herald had led Me to was worse than any prison, for...

You have emoted: Gurashi listens, watches, consumes each bit of story with wide, shiny eyes, breath held, motionless.

I could see HER, but SHE could never be Mine.

There was pain. Bold and intense as it found me, a minor Soulless starving and searching for scraps, yet in My anguish I could not sense it.

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

Shulamit glances about, her body turning a hazy shade of grey.

We fought. In My true form, I tore through paradigms and slaughtered, drawing another. And another. My paws crushed nations as they tore through the Veil, and My breath was that of lightning and Will - melting that which stood before Me as My fangs grew hot and harsh.

You think to yourself: My true form...

Yet even still, the Shofet has always been shackled in rage. For I am fierce, and I am strong, yet I am proud. And My mind knows only what it can feel. The true form of the Shofet slowly crumpled, and I found Myself small as the Welkin, trembling in rage as the rest of Me floated in a storm of black sand about My body.

You think to yourself: .... dearest Shofets ...

Shulamit slumps down, slowly throbbing a deep amber.

Alary lets their eye close slightly, eyelid heavy as they allow themselves to absorb the emotions of the scenes.

And I was foolish. In My rage, the Black Dragon found me, for in this place She yet drew breath. And We clashed. I was weak, in sorrow and body, as each battle had taken its toll against Me. With the storm My only defence, I was certain that this would be My end. Yet in the Void, there was a beacon. A flash of strength. And it was here I expended the last of My strength, and fell in a brilliant meteor, melting the paradigms of the Maze and flinging Myself through what is and what cannot be.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to let his head rest on his arms, gaze drifting from Aschwar's face to the table before the tae'dae, lost, listening.

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a muted glow appearing within.

I crashed. In a city so similar to My own, yet not. In this false Gaudiguch, I felt My own absence, and as I lay there bloody and dying, I saw Myself in the mortals who walked nearby - not seeing Me. I knew I would not make it. There was too much damage to this small form, and in My rage, I would lash out into a storm that would fade until I was but granules of sand scattered across a desert.

No pain since the Great Silence had come close to comparison. For thousands? Millions of years. Aeons. I would lie in despair and grief until My Will dissolved, and I would become nothing. I would join Her. I would be free. In My despair, I did not notice him. No, them. I know now that he is them, and it is they who saved Me.

Shulamit leans on a shifting, living poppy of teal-coloured petals seeking consolation.

You think to yourself: ...him ... them....

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze flicks up to Aschwar again.

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a muted glow appearing within.

Esei's eyes flutter closed, fingers pale against the shroud's end clutched in their hands.

Their fur was wheat upon the night sky, and shadow across the golden skin of My Ashtariel. They were tall, and though My storm raged at them, they drew close, letting Me cut them in My anguish and gathering Me close to their arms. They took Me away, and began to bandage My wounds. They began to care for Me, carefully pouring dirty water into a small bowl that they used to wipe My wounds until there was none left to take. They cared, in a world where I was alone. I swore, then, that the fear I felt in their frail form would never again hurt them. In My power, I would see justice done, and take them to My Beloved.

In newfound peace, the Shofet found purpose. I became whole once more, and My wounds began to knit themselves together. I slept, knowing when I woke, I would take them away from this place and begin to journey as I had so long ago, with fig and poppy alone to guide.

You think to yourself: / *the din dies down, bit by bit, replaced with curious buzzing* /.

The undulation of air ceases and reality grows whole and sane once more, pressure relieving as Aschwar exhales deeply and quickly, sweating visibly through their fur as they slump down onto the table with snout extending forward as their chin rests against the cool wood.

Shulamit scooches her chair over closer to Aschwar, looking very concerned.

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly sits up, antennae raising and mandibles clicking. He pushes back the chair and carefully wanders over to stand beside Aschwar, chittering softly in concern.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "Dear?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask Aschwar, "Hi - would you like a drink? Or something to eat?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It is difficult, I am sure, to tell a Story like that, a conduit in Mortality for the Divine."

Aschwar's eyes flutter open just a fraction and they say, "I...am fine. Just...sleepy."

Alary blinks back to the present, looking over at Aschwar with a concerned expression. They reach out both hands as it to provide support, their expression softening for just a moment.

You have emoted: Gurashi lays their hand on the table, smiling. "Yeah, who would not be."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "It has been a ... couple months, of big feelings and big thoughts, hasn't it."

Acknowledging your point to be true, Shulamit nods her head gravely at you.

As they stretch out their arms onto the table and raise their chin to rest them on the makeshift pillow, Aschwar says, "There's so many stories. So many. And I know them all."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "And one day, maybe we will hear them all."

You gaze softens as you smile at Aschwar.

Resolutely, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "But not today. Resting is important, innit."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh yes. Working hard is important but taking it easy is important too."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "So many big things, so now it is time for big naps."
Alary nods their head at you.

You glance askance at Aschwar.

Esei's fingers twitch in their hold around the shroud.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Lounging on a proper beach with amethyst sands is one of the better things in life."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

You think to yourself: *a brief sense of longing*.

Esei closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.

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

Aschwar nods their head as well as they can against their arms, breath already deepening as a large yawn escapes their mouth. "I don't mind if you stay here, but could you go to the gardens? I'm gonna go sleep in my room, and the Shofet might wake me up and take me if They need me."

Showing that she understands, Shulamit nods her head slowly.

You nod your head emphatically.

You eyes light up as you smile.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says to Aschwar, "Sleep well, dearest."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "Many thank yous. We will clean up after ourselves."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "Will keep the party to a reasonable level of noise oh yes."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "I am joking."

You nod your head sagely.

Esei gives you the once-over, eyeing you suspiciously.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Rest well, Beloved."

Aschwar showly forces themself up from the table and stumbles off towards the kitchenette and the stairs visible even here.

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

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a muted glow appearing within.

You twiddle your thumbs.

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

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

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Tridemon."

Tridemon tilts his head curiously at Alary.

You have emoted: Gurashi hesitates in his departure, instead caught by the many vases and pots containing flowers around the atrium.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We are sorry for jumping at you in the manner that we did, we let our temper get away from us."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's all right. I know exactly what it's like to lose one's temper and threaten someone out of protectiveness toward a good friend."

Alary smiles softly.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans close to one of the poppies, chittering softly as he admires it.

You think to yourself: Chitin...

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "We walk the Ebon, but we were born in the Scarlet. Sometimes, that gets away from us."

Esei sways slightly in place, looking a bit paler than usual.

With a rumbling undertone, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Culture Creature says, "Now, if you don't mind we plan to go harass tiny fae into giving us candy."

Alary glances askance.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally looks up, offering a little wave. "Be well, Friend Alary."