Akuuko's Rebirth: Stage Two, Three, And Scream

THIS LOG is GURASHI'S POV During the final events logged by lovely Aleyah: https://pastebin.com/4TAat4xR
Check out all her logs here: https://forums.lusternia.com/discussion/4161/akuuko-the-rewoven

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Saturday Morning:

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XENTHOS POV:
<-- naughty! sneaking in to put roses on the cocoon
A gout of wyrden fire shoots outward from a vaguely humanoid-shaped cocoon, engulfing the throne room in its blaze. The petals of the glittering black roses encasing the silken shell sink deep beneath the surface, feeding the flames. As the pale light begins to clear, pools of shadowy essence hang limply in the air before vanishing, and a vaguely humanoid-shaped cocoon seems to wilt.

GURASHI POV:
<-- hunting with Evette and Olethea, totally oblivious because it was still mid-morning when suddenly:

You are suddenly not alone in your thoughts as Akuuko's mind takes hold. Black petals dance around you as you huddle in the centre of the cocoon, your eyes wide and unblinking, lest you miss something. You haven't slept in days, and yet, you feel stronger for it. Are you going insane?

<-- panic! Locked in madness - ran back to Glomdoring and distched hunt

Your melodic voice sings into Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist's mind, "*sudden and sharp - close* Xenthos--."

Xenthos tells you, "Aye?"

The cold voice of Evette sends chills down your spine, "Where did you run off to?"

Your melodic voice sings into Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist's mind, "Akuuko--."

Your melodic voice sings into Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist's mind, "Happened - something happening??"

Xenthos tells you, "I just brought him more roses."

Your melodic voice sings into Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist's mind, "Awake again - is awake again --."

Xenthos tells you, "Ah! More roses, then."

Your melodic voice sings into Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge's mind, "*the cloying scent of roses - a pool before a statue of the Lady of Roses - inside*."

Your melodic voice sings into Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge's mind, "*swirling rose petals - fear - must help*."

You step through the archway and a brief moment of dis-orientation takes over you as the surroundings changes rapidly.

Promenade of roses.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Small paths of loose onyx stone wind throughout the area, forming symmetrical loops. Lining each pathway are well-trimmed rosebushes, an abundance of dark, red roses, bloom year-round upon each. In the centre, where each looping pathway both begins and ends, resides a large fountain. The pool at the base of the fountain is wide, a broad flat-topped boulder rising from its depths. Across its surface is an intricate forest of trees crafted from dark marble, each sculpted in exquisite detail. In the centre stands a statue of Lady Viravain, Her gaze turned down towards the forest and Her hand outstretched. A small stream of water pours from Her palm, this source of life raining down upon the trees.
You see exits leading out and through a clear pool.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Roses... s-sorry - must get some roses..."

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge says to you, "That's alright."

You have emoted: Gurashi paces nervously. "I - we can sing, soonly, yes... I ..."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge asks you, "Shall we look for roses?"

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Nothing matters but Glomdoring!"

(Glomdoring): Evette says, "Glory be to the Glomdoring!"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods hurriedly, falling into line behind Evette. "Y-yes..."

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

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Hm.... Did something happen while I slept? Akuuko's cocoon won't take roses anymore."

Evette extends her small hand out to Gurashi in offering.

You shiver violently.

You have emoted: Gurashi listens to the voice over the commune aethers, antennae sagging.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes Evette's hand with their smaller left, frowning.

<-- hunt for essence, we got 100 in like 5 minutes

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Come here, outside, please..."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Aleyah is deposited within the room looking bewildered and covered in stray bits of webbing as the spiders retreat once again into their web.

You think to yourself: Akuuko...

Taking to the air with a few dedicated flaps of her wings, Aleyah flutters close to you and leaves an affectionate kiss upon your brow.

You give 34 bits of shadowy essence to Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Soon."

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

With a wistful look on her face, Aleyah touches a shimmering web.
Aleyah reaches out and touches a shimmering web as hundreds of tiny spiders draw her into the spider's lair.

<-- resume hunties

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "Miss Lief Miss Lief Miss Lief."

Lief tells you, "Gurashi!"

Lief tells you, "It's so good to hear you!"

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "*unable to hide their urgency* I need to get as MUCH essence as I possibly can may I PLEASE gather from Ethereal Serenwildes."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "Am sorry! Hi! Hello!"

Lief tells you, "Oh, goodness - may I perhaps gather it for you? What is it for?"

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "Know am asking so muchly! Your voice is so lovely to hear!"

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "A friend!"

Lief tells you, "Not for the Master Ravenwood Tree, yes?"

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "We need to have tea, and cookies, and -- *garbled, the heavy, cloying scent of roses* No."

Lief tells you, "... I will get to it."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "Not for Nexus no - a quest - a task."

Lief tells you, "I trust you, Gurashi. You shall have it soon."

<-- casually honors's Lief
She has been engaged to be married to Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed for 1 month.

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "........... *suddenly swirling pastel surprise - * MISS LIEF."

Your snout twitches and trembles at the air, sensing through a striped badger nose upon your face the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.

Lief tells you, "Oh, goodness! I'm hurrying!"

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "NO."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "YOU ARE--."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "Your HONORS say--."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "Your HONORS SAY ....."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "..... many good things but--!"

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "*high-pitched delighted anxious cicada noises*."

Lief tells you, "I-is it something good that you see?"

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "Your heart! You have found -- Mister Zitto...! Ah! Uwah!!"

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "Your heart must be so FULL!"

Lief tells you, "Oh...!! Yes, goodness. Oh, words cannot explain it, Gurashi."

Lief tells you, "To think that he would accept me..."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "*empathetic - familiar, somehow, though not through their own experience* No - am understanding! It is good, to feel confident in another persons like that."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "Hope he is very good to you.... and if ever is not you TELL me."

You fidget impatiently.

Lief tells you, "Oh, goodness! I will, but he is a very fast learner."

Lief steps out of a flowering archway.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Ah!"

You chitter at Lief with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Miss Lief! Miss Lief!"

You chitter at Lief with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

You flail about helplessly.

Out of breath, Lief emerges with arms filled with motes of essence.

Lief gives 36 bits of silvery essence to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi seems delighted and anxious, extending their own arms. "Oh, thank you...!"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Lief, "I cannot stay and explain, but I promise I will tell you all very soon...!"

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

Lief looks at you, her happiness warring with her anxiety.

Lief nods her head enthusiastically at you.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Lief, "You are so goodly! The greatest!"

You draw the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree across the inside of your wrist, causing a line of blood to well up. You then lift the blade into the air, as shadows spill out of the wet crimson tip, swarming around you and taking you to the Realm of Shadows.

<-- get more essence, back to Vira realm

Lief tells you, "Please - I hope everything turns out well for you. Please tell me when it does. You deserve joy."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Outside - yes."

Aleyah is deposited within the room looking bewildered and covered in stray bits of webbing as the spiders retreat once again into their web.

You give 36 bits of shadowy essence to Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "He stood up!"

You pant like a dog.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "W-what."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "This is working."

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

With a wistful look on his face, Kaervas touches a shimmering web.
Kaervas reaches out and touches a shimmering web as hundreds of tiny spiders draw him into the spider's lair.

You have emoted: Gurashi shifts outside of the web, their eyes wide.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "How... is he."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "How is he standing."

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "He is.. quiet. And a good listener, still. But he flailed a bit earlier, and pulled himself to his feet, around the 150 mark."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "What is at ... now."

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "Um.... I lost track a little. Close to 200, if not over - Kaervas put in a bunch and we have to do them one-by-one so I'm not sure how many he had."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "I think - I lost track a little - but I think we're either very close to, or just over two-hundred now."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "He stood up! Around 150."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "*assent, softened with concern* Yes - uhm - how did it happen - you, and Mister Zitto? He is only recently waking regularly again, but has already made such an impression upon Hallifax yes yes."

Lief tells you, "We...we actually met because of our Lady! He wanted to ask me questions about Her, and I didn't think it so strange at the time, since we'd only just talked to Luce as well. I wondered whether the artists of Hallifax were musing upon flowers, and so they were all very curious."

Lief tells you, "But we talked, and then we talked again, and...I suppose I didn't want to *stop* talking with him. About things - about everything. And then he was telling me about your *cake*, and I had to show him I was very good at baking too."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "*patient and listening - warm pastels, a vague sense of joy at your delight*."

Lief tells you, "And so we...had a picnic, but only as friends. And then we had tea, but only as friends, except I...I had written him a poem, and..." She trails off, suddenly embarrassed, the emotion palpable upon the aethers. Her next words come with some laughter, still shy, still incredibly embarrassed. "You are so very kind to ask, Gurashi."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Ah.... He won't take essence anymore."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Oh?"

(Glomdoring): You say, "What?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "What now, then?"

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Nothing, yet. But that happened before, too, where he's just. Thinking? I suppose?"

You pace back and forth nervously.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Should ... can I do anything more while wait for more instruction?"

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "We're going to let it rest, a little.... Nightfall, something should happen."

You fidget impatiently.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "... mmf."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "*concern and urgency* I-is something wrong??"

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "He's full, I think."

You have emoted: Gurashi gazes wide-eyed at a shimmering web, hands lacing together, their wings opening and snapping shut once.

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, ".... You know. If you baptized yourself to Her, you could come see him."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "*a long pause.... finally - gentle negation* I ... cannot join while so conflicted about every thing. It would not be fair. Selfish."

You fidget impatiently.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "We must wait - until nightfall..."

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "I understand. But.... think on it, okay? I think your case... would need to go before the Mistress Herself, anyway."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "*a pause - a great silence, so much you wonder if they've left, before suddenly--* Things happen quickly when are meant to be."

Lief tells you, "I...think it has happened so fast because it has happened so slowly. It is just. It's just right."

Lief tells you, "It's...frightening, but I have to trust in us."

You glance askance at Xenthos.

Quietly, you say to Xenthos, "Something was happening when you were... in temple."

You fidget impatiently.

You have emoted: Gurashi checks a mottled bloodstone watch again and again, chittering softly.

Xenthos tilts his head curiously.

Rambling, you whisper, "Is worried - he is worried. He was asleep - there are flowers."

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "Lady Khasur has a message for you, though!"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Perhaps bring him some more flowers?"

You gaze at a shimmering web appraisingly, antennae twitching in its direction as you turn your attention to it.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "...message??"

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "Crows eat insects."

You stare blankly at a shimmering web.

You have emoted: Gurashi's color dims lightly, and they continue to watch a shimmering web, then slowly look up, scanning the trees about the courtyard, before finally looking at Xenthos.

You think to yourself: ...crows eat insects ...

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

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "*softly, the colors dimming in their saturation* Yes, sometimes trust is ......."

Your melodic voice sings into Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon's mind, "*their presence drifts away, distracted*."

A wooden songbird flits in happily.
This tiny bird is crafted entirely of pinewood, his tiny form easily fitting in the palm of even the smallest mortals. Bright eyes that shimmer with green look out lifelessly into the world while a tiny wooden beak opens and closes of its own volition; the wood scraping together each time to "chirp" quietly. Dazzling blue feathers cover the entirety of this wooden bird and its feet have been carefully notched into tiny appendages. Majestically adorning the nape of the songbird is a dark green bow.
It weighs about 1 pounds and 14 ounce(s).
It bears the distinctive mark of Unbroken Lief Myeras-Silvermoon.
It has the following aliases: songbird.
A wooden songbird raises its voice in song at you.
A wooden songbird says to you, "You are loved, Gurashi."
A wooden songbird chirps joyously before flying away.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at their watch, then up at the darkening sky, shifting anxiously in their spot.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head curiously at you.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard chirps happily.

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.

You think to yourself: *roiling gray-blue, deep mauve, anxious - amber swirls, not at ease*.

You think to yourself: *what happens at nightfall*.

You think to yourself: *what must he be feeling now*.

You glance askance.

You fidget impatiently.

Quietly staring at the ground before them, you say, "Do not feel so very good."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard purrs soothingly against you.

You have emoted: Gurashi tiredly wraps their arms around Ilistala, an enormous leopard's neck, staring again intently at a shimmering web.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard nuzzles her face against your, the fur ruffling against you.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "What is happening...?"

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "A lot of people are here! But he mostly just seems to be... full."

Shadows veil your eyes as Akuuko's mind ensnares yours, almost as if in a web. You blink once, twice, and then see as the trees around you do, your heart fluttering.

You have emoted: Gurashi does not seem to quite notice Evette or a tenebrous leopard's entrances, clutching their hands together tightly at the folds of their cloak.

(Glomdoring): You say, "Please - keep updated."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "You're so nervous, cousin... he's not here to be hurt."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "We've been gentle."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "It's an awful lot of work for something that could be accomplished with a scythe's pass."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "So he's fine."

Terror grips you as your mind connects to Akuuko's once more. You reach for your other hand, which has also dissolved, and although you feel yourself screaming in endless terror, no sound comes out -- because you no longer have a body.

You think to yourself: *a wave of terror - no--.

<-- rushy

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "*sick - feeling sick--*  out...side."

You stare blankly at a shimmering web.

You think to yourself: Akuuko.

You think to yourself: -Shofets-.

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

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

Aleyah is deposited within the room looking bewildered and covered in stray bits of webbing as the spiders retreat once again into their web.

Taking to the air with a few dedicated flaps of her wings, Aleyah flutters close to you and leaves an affectionate kiss upon your brow.

You see the following people here:
Evette, Aleyah, Gurashi.

You glance askance.

(Glomdoring): You say, "What are we at... how many essences - what has been gathered from where? Water is clear."

(Glomdoring): Esei (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I gathered four from our Ethereal reflection."

(Glomdoring): Evette (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I collected a bit from Ethereal."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I am bringing 71 more now."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Good glory."

(Glomdoring): Evette (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I took a few steps within the Earth plane, but thought better of myself."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "From Air and Fire."

(Glomdoring): Ragniliff (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "It appears sated for the moment. We might hold and see."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Well, come take this essence."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Sorry."

You shuffle your feet uneasily.

You stare at a shimmering web, eyes wide.

Expression haunted, you whisper, "He does ...not have form right now."

Xenthos tilts his head curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi does not take their gaze off a shimmering web. "Does not have form. Inside cocoon." They shift. "Feel it - can feel him."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But he does still have cocoon-form?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods. "Inside there." Their antennae twitch. "Screaming."

You shuffle your feet uneasily.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "How much more essence does need... are waiting for nightfall again...?"

You sweat profusely as you wring your hands nervously.

You shuffle your feet uneasily.

Suddenly, as your mind bumps into Akuuko's, you feel hunger. For flesh.

You blanch suddenly.

Voice cracking, you whisper, "Ah."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "He's speaking again. He's hungry for corpses."

A wry smile spreads across Evette's face.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...h.."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks very unnerved, staring at a shimmering web still.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "C..."

<-- hunts diggers with Evey and Xen! eventually bring them all to Aleyah

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Any...changes?"

Teeth gnashing, jaws snapping, blood pouring -- all thoughts of Akuuko's that filter into yours now.

You blanch suddenly.

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders bunch slightly, and they gaze more intently at a shimmering web, then look up, antennae sagging.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to you.

You think to yourself: * a shared sensation - gnashing, snapping, pouring, blood and gore and mess - eat - eat - eat -- *.

Aghast, you ask, "... kuuk..o ..?"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard playfully paws at your arm, obviously wanting for attention.

Quietly, you say, "Something is wrong."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "How so?"

Weakly, you say, "... different."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Is different 'wrong'?"

A tenebrous leopard leans her head over to the side, watching Gurashi.

Voice cracking, you say, "Where are his words."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "You know better than most that words can be lost- but then found again."

You think to yourself: *unease - different is not always bad but - something feels -wrong-*.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens their mouth as if to react, then just as quickly shuts it again, antennae sagging as they again stare at the web.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "D-do we need more."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Hold... Just a moment."

You shiver violently.

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "I need a volunteer."

Aleyah is deposited within the room looking bewildered and covered in stray bits of webbing as the spiders retreat once again into their web.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I will."

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I ..."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Wait!"

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

Xenthos tilts his head curiously.

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

Aleyah tilts her head curiously at you.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Would you prefer to volunteer?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "What is it? Are you going inside? What is happening?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "I want to help?"

Flailing, you say, "Is it for Akuuko?!"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "It.... is all the same to me. He seems to want an adventurer's body."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "...huh?"

You stare at Aleyah, eyes wide.

Aleyah steadies her violin, smiling.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh asks, "Do you want to listen to the dirge?"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't quite look like they are understanding. "...adventurer's body?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "...-why-?"

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

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "A volunteered corpse."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aleyah, "What is happening? Why is he so ... -hungry- and..."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "He's growing! Growing children are often hungry."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aleyah, "...he is like -my- age?!"

You flail about helplessly.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I think Gurashi would mean the most."

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

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

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Someone must offer their flesh to Akuuko."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "To help him."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... I ..."

You think to yourself: Is that right?

You think to yourself: * confusion * is ...

You think to yourself: Is this right?

"And you! You're just my type!" sings Aleyah, playing a diamond and onyx violin.

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

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Do you wish to help him that way?"

"Ooh, you have a pulse, and you are breathing!" sings Aleyah, as a diamond and onyx violin plays deep, dark melodies, and she looks directly at you.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I ..."

The throat of Aleyah undulates and warbles as she continues to maintain the moaning note of her song. Ominous black shadows rise out of the ground, slowly circling around you.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Of course I ..."

Throwing back her head, Aleyah lets loose a blood curdling caw, bringing the killing note of her song to a screeching conclusion. The swirling black shadows that surround you suddenly wrap tightly around your body, painfully squeezing the life from you in mere moments.
You have been slain by Aleyah.
The mortal threads of your being severed, you scream in agony as the Divine spark within you enfolds your body with scorching flames.

Aleyah picks up the corpse of Gurashi.

A ball of sticky webbing catches a cruel hunting knife in a gooey strand and draws it up into Xenthos's hands.

Xenthos pats a cruel hunting knife in a friendly manner.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...would let you keep if could."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... but - it likes me much."

You feel your barely-glowing divine spark suddenly flare back to full strength, ready to bathe you in the flames of the phoenix.

<-- I screwed up and phoenixed WAY too fast so I had to kill myself lol

With grim, final resolve you gather the mental strength to slay yourself and as a tear drops from your eye, you end your time on this mortal coil by stopping your heart in an instant.
You have been slain by Gurashi.
The mortal threads of your being severed, you scream in agony as the Divine spark within you enfolds your body with scorching flames.

A tenebrous leopard peers about herself unscrupulously.

Lief tells you, "Gurashi...?"

You cough softly.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...can come back yet?"

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Yes, she is finished."

<-- died and came back

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, ".... Perhaps the hives, then."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Hm?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "One more time."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You nod your head sagely.

The throat of Aleyah undulates and warbles as she continues to maintain the moaning note of her song. Ominous black shadows rise out of the ground, slowly circling around you.
Throwing back her head, Aleyah lets loose a blood curdling caw, bringing the killing note of her song to a screeching conclusion. The swirling black shadows that surround you suddenly wrap tightly around your body, painfully squeezing the life from you in mere moments.
You have been slain by Aleyah.
The mortal threads of your being severed, you scream in agony as the Divine spark within you enfolds your body with scorching flames.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Love you, cousin."

Aleyah picks up the corpse of Gurashi.

<-- phoenix'd again!

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

A soft voice whispers in your ear, "My my... I wonder if they'll develop a taste that persists..." <-- NOCHT

(clan): You say, "AHHHHHHH."

You have emoted: Gurashi wanders about the Havens as if in a daze, antennae sagging behind them.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Wh... what do we do."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "What do we do now."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "I j.."

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "Can you get more from the hives?"

Your melodic voice sings into Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist's mind, "Hives."

Your melodic voice sings into Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist's mind, "Need to go to hives."

<-- hunties

Lief tells you, "I...I don't know if you can hear me, Gurashi, but I am thinking of you. You are not alone."

Lief tells you, "Whatever is happening, you will not be alone when it is done."

(Glomdoring): Gad says, "Anyone feel like sparring?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I think many of us are currently aiming to help Lady Viravain with Her works."

(Glomdoring): Gad says, "Oh, sorry. I've not been paying attention."

(Glomdoring): Ragniliff (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Ah, no need to apologise. I only just learned of matters myself."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Mm. Aleyah currently has us clearing out the kephera hives. An enjoyable task even under normal circumstances, but all the better when there is more purpose to it than simply squashing them."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Helping a friend..."

(Glomdoring): Gad says, "Is Gurashi helping?"

(Glomdoring): Ragniliff (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Yes."

<-- MORE hunting!!

You follow Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge northwest to courtyard before a vine-covered temple.

A caliginous leopard sniffs the glimmering web of iridescent hues cautiously.

Faintly buzzing, you mutter, "Did not get ...y - very ...ongly."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Corpses - outside."

Aleyah is deposited within the room looking bewildered and covered in stray bits of webbing as the spiders retreat once again into their web.

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

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "You're so fast."

You glance askance at a shimmering web.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "How is it."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "How is he."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Is - has he said anything?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I - he feels different - all hungry, and ..."

You glance askance.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says, "Standing, and moving on his own. He should be here any moment now...."

Taking to the air with a few dedicated flaps of her wings, Aleyah flutters close to you and leaves an affectionate kiss upon your brow.

With a wistful look on her face, Aleyah touches a shimmering web.
Aleyah reaches out and touches a shimmering web as hundreds of tiny spiders draw her into the spider's lair.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "How many did get?"

Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge says, "I wasn't counting."

You sniffle softly.

You think to yourself: Akuuko ...

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "... do you ..."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Think would hear me if yelled again."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Did recognize my ..."

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "It can't hurt to try."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "His voice - is - missing? But ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi shifts their stance, looking up.

(clan): You say, "Clears throat."
(clan): You say, "Opera stance."
(clan): You say, "You'd say something before vira appeared?"

Blood, more blood, blood. Blood. Blood. Blood. All you can think, because of your connection to Akuuko, is blood.

(clan): You say, "I don't wa--."
(clan): You say, "AAAAAAAAAAAAA."

You have emoted: Gurashi opens their beak, cupping their hands around it as if preparing to shout - then - they stop abruptly, jolting.

You yell, "Akuuko!!"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We need more corpses- not necessarily kepherans."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Larva?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Let's kill one larva."

Xenthos is appointed as the leader of A Stormcrow hunt.
The leader of A Stormcrow hunt has changed to Xenthos.

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae are flat, their concern apparent. They look at Xenthos, dazed.

<-- MORE. HUNTING. Took out an ice larva.

Xenthos nods his head emphatically.

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

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "To Aleyah."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Bodies - more bodies."

You follow Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist northwest to courtyard before a vine-covered temple.

Aleyah is deposited within the room looking bewildered and covered in stray bits of webbing as the spiders retreat once again into their web.

Aleyah beams broadly.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "That was very clever!"

You sniffle softly.

With a wistful look on her face, Aleyah touches a shimmering web.
Aleyah reaches out and touches a shimmering web as hundreds of tiny spiders draw her into the spider's lair.

You sway anxiously in your spot.

You stare at a shimmering web, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks aside towards Xenthos and Evette, chittering very softly to themselves.

You think to yourself: Akuuko - are -still- Akuuko right?

You think to yourself: *a recollection of the green-scaled dracnari - a friendly, albeit impish expression splayed across their face, orange eyes bright*.

You think to yourself: *worry*.

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "I really do have to commend you all: You are such good hunters, and you've really risen to this task with a swiftness that is laudable."

You think to yourself: *continued recollection - so laid back. so quiet. now - frenzied - strange, un-right-- *.

Pushing over a platter for feline fantasy towards Liah and Ilistala Evette hums softly to herself.

(Glomdoring): You say, "Do we need more?"

(Glomdoring): Ragniliff (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Getting more either way."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "I won't know until I get through these. He takes them one by one."

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click against their face anxiously.

(Glomdoring): Ragniliff (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Even with this much hunger, it is necessary to savour."

You think to yourself: Not alone - you are not alone.

You think to yourself: Am here - here.

You stare at a shimmering web, eyes wide.

You glance about alertly, your antennae twitching as you scan the immediate area.

The temple grows still, all sounds receding from the weight of power that grows within the throne room.

Silence. You feel whole, strong, connected to something larger. As Akuuko's mind ebbs from bloodlust, you feel his ease wash over you, and you know, suddenly, that he is ready.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Suddenly, you say, "He..."

Voice cracking, you say, "...awake."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Akuuko..."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

You think to yourself: What is happening?

You think to yourself: Can hear? Can feel? Is ready - is - is free?

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You have emoted: Gurashi reflexively rests their smaller right hand upon Ilistala, an enormous leopard's snout.

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.

You think to yourself: What is going on in there.

You think to yourself: Many peoples in the Glomdoring...

Ilistala, an enormous leopard inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.

You think to yourself: Please be O-K.

You glance askance.

A tenebrous leopard twitches her tail back and forth, as she cleans the now empty platter with her tongue.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a little whine, sitting beside Gurashi, its head bowed, tail sweeping back and forth.

You think to yourself: How do reach him.

You think to yourself: Cannot hear me yelling anymore? Aleyah is not answering.

You have emoted: Gurashi shifts anxiously in their spot.

You think to yourself: Cannot feel - where are you.

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "Oh.... he's beautiful."

You give a horrified gasp.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "H-he's free??"

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "I want to see him!"

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "He's getting his bearings. Could you.... send a robe?"

You look about in confusion.

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "He's a little bit naked, and also very handsome."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "*abruptly - among the directory and sound of shifting fabric - your neck feels hot*."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "P-p-pardon??"

<-- Buys robe, sends it, runs back

Courtyard before a vine-covered temple.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The area opens into a spacious courtyard, offering views of the twisting vines that grapple up along the smooth temple walls. Symmetrical plantings and raised stone beds define the space, the dark, glossy leaves of various flora straining against their rigid containers. Pathways of glistening onyx run between the beds, delineated by perfectly manicured hedges, which further distinguish this formal space from the rest of the gardens. Heavy benches of iron spaced equidistantly allow for quiet conversation or solitary reflection. A glimmering web of iridescent hues stretches along the temple wall here. There are 3 boggarts here. A tenebrous leopard is crouched within nearby shadows, her tail flicking back and forth excitedly. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare. Drenched in blood, a midnight-eyed savage lingers here appraising her surroundings.
You see exits leading southeast and southwest.

You flail about helplessly.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard flails about helplessly.

A tenebrous leopard flops down onto the ground.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Is he O-K?? Does he know am out here??"

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Is he standing? How are his wounds?? Are you O-K??"

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "Yes. The Lady is here, I will... see what is to be done when She does not need me. He can stand."

You stare blankly into space.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "The Lady of Roses is ...."

Your snout twitches and trembles at the air, sensing through a striped badger nose upon your face the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.
You make out the scent of Xenthos coming from courtyard before a vine-covered temple.
You make out the scent of Evette coming from courtyard before a vine-covered temple.
You make out the scent of Ragniliff coming from Heart of the Dark Web.
You make out the scent of Aleyah coming from Heart of the Dark Web.
You make out the scent of Siam coming from Heart of the Dark Web.

You have emoted: Gurashi points at the web.

You think to yourself: Akuuko... is standing.

You think to yourself: Is awake.

You think to yourself: When can see.

You think to yourself: *uneasy muted pastels - oh - what is happening... *.

You stare at a shimmering web, eyes wide.

You think to yourself: Why is so -quiet-.

You glance askance at a crutch-staff bearing praises to the Lord, Lady, and Neither, covered in webs.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You think to yourself: Will still ....

You ponder the situation.

Esei tells you, "** You feel a soft, tickling brush of a curious green tassel tickle your hand... **."

A tenebrous leopard lopes excitedly towards Esei as they come into view, butting her head forcefully against Esei's hand demanding affection.
Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Esei hopefully.

You have emoted: Gurashi does not move, does not even seem to breathe, listening, watching - waiting.

You think to yourself: *continued roiling colors - where are - what are - what ... *.

Esei tilts their head curiously.

You think to yourself: *are the same?*.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Akuuko is awake..."

You stare at a shimmering web, eyes wide.

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to you.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Not talking anymore..."

You think to yourself: Cannot feel... bloodlust gone...

You have emoted: Gurashi remains focused on a shimmering web, chittering softly to themselves from time to time.

You think to yourself: Is O-K to yell? No - probably should wait until hear something... ahhhhh.

You sway anxiously in your spot.

You think to yourself: Come outside - come outside...

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

Bizirik, the leothin huffs.

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

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Oh - am so sorry."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Hello, hello."

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

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

Esei gives a vast canvas bag of reeking fungus to you.

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "... I'm letting him make his own choices as to when he wants to leave."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "C-can you tell him am outside? W-when can see? I want to see!"

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Who is there?? Is making friends??"

You see the following people here:
Evette, Xenthos, Esei, Gurashi.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Can I yell yet to say hi??"

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "Oh! No, moment."

You flail about helplessly.

Esei blinks.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi buzzes softly, wringing their hands together once more.

Aleyah is deposited within the room looking bewildered and covered in stray bits of webbing as the spiders retreat once again into their web.
Aleyah's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Xenthos tilts his head curiously at Aleyah.

Warmly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Look who I have."

In a flutter of colorful wings, Aleyah circles about, searching for a place to perch.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard looks around.

Esei blinks.

(clans): You say, "Stupid doors."

A caliginous leopard's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Aleyah peers about herself unscrupulously.

Aleyah reaches out and touches a shimmering web as hundreds of tiny spiders draw her into the spider's lair.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Is..."

Siam pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters annd buzzes in anxious anticipation.

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "He remembers you, to what extent - I confess I do not know."

Esei ponders the situation.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "He remembers..."

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "But you were a friend once. Rekindle that flame. He sees the world with a measure of Wyrden beauty now, I suspect, as touched as he is by the Wyrd."

You think to yourself: *roiling color - hopeful saffron - silvery anticipation*.

Quietly, you say to Siam, "Is friend -now-..."

You stare at a shimmering web, eyes wide.

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "Soon, soon. He's shaking off sleep, I think."

You have emoted: Gurashi shuffles about impatiently, chittering with excitement.

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "... He likes it in here, it seems."

You flail about helplessly.

You narrow your eyes, peering about suspiciously.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "*confusion*."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah says, "Can.. someone send me a wizzer box?"

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "B-but how can I see him!"

You give a wizzer image box to Bizirik, the leothin.
Faintly buzzing, you say, "Deliver to Aleyah."
With a toss of its head and some noisy chatter, Bizirik takes a wizzer image box from you with its smaller set of forelimbs and scampers off.
Bizirik reappears with a smug look on its face, sauntering up to you to encircle you endearingly before sitting down, tail slapping the ground once with pride.
Bizirik, the leothin obediently falls into line behind you.

Siam arrives, following Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh.
You barely catch Akuuko out of the corner of your eye as he enters from the ether.

Esei blinks.
Aleyah beams broadly at Akuuko, the Rewoven.

Esei tilts their head curiously at Akuuko, the Rewoven.

Siam snaps his fingers.

A caliginous leopard sniffs Akuuko, the Rewoven, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from him is.

Aleyah gives a wizzer image box to you.

Delighted, Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "Excellent."

Aleyah nods her head at herself.

Akuuko, the Rewoven looks about, and then finally notices you.

Softly, weakly, Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "Hey kid."

A sudden flurry of dusky color accompanies Aleyah as she takes to the air, flying over to you and alighting delicately on your shoulder.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... a-ah...!"

You see the following people here:
Evette, Xenthos, Aleyah, Esei, Siam, Gurashi.

You flail about helplessly.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "When you saw him last, was he speaking?"

LOOK AKUUKO
Small bits of webbing cling to the nearly nude form of this young dracnari man, black ichor and dark dirt creating small, nonsensical patterns upon a body that is covered in dark green scales that shimmer with an otherworldly sheen. Shadows cling to him, protecting his modesty, deftly weaving darkness wherever necessary. Upon his face, and the part of his torso stretching from the right side of his neck to his hip, however, is a solid line of faint scarring that splinters with a pattern like lightning. On the other side of these scars, his scales darken to a deep violet, flecked through with traces of umbral red and swirls of stygian black, the skin beneath taut and corded as though the muscle were freshly grown. Brilliantly orange, his eyes stare out from a slightly sunken position within his pointed, mischievous face, above a crooked nose and a mouth that is prone to quirking into a lopsided smile. Lithe and limber in his five feet of finely muscled height, his movements carry a sense of grace and agility that translates to deadly ability when the clawed talons capping his hands and digitigrade feet catch the light.
Akuuko, the Rewoven is quite powerful.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Because they found his voice again!"

Akuuko, the Rewoven shakes his head.

Letting out a sudden, high-pitched insectoid whistle, you exclaim, "Akuuko!!"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "I told you he was fine!"

Akuuko, the Rewoven chuckles, and claps you on the shoulder.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard ponders Akuuko, the Rewoven thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi scuttles forward, their wings snapping open and shut as they, without hesitation, wrap their arms around the once-thief, mandibles chattering excitedly against their face. "Are O-K! Oh my GOSH oh-my--" They pull back almost instantly.

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.

Agog, you say to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "Your LEGGIES."

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

Aleyah giggles happily.

Posing ruefully, Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "Youse all here, just for me?"

You chitter at Akuuko, the Rewoven with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Aleyah nods her head at Akuuko, the Rewoven.

Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "Ah, yea..."

Hardly able to contain themselves, you say to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "Oh my gosh oh my gosh."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "You were hungry. We have been doing our best to sate your needs."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Oh - I - ah!"

Akuuko, the Rewoven looks down and then shrugs. "Best I've looked in...uh, ever."

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "See? Seeeee??"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Gurashi cares a great deal for you, and we for Gurashi."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "So we did what we could to help."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi fumbles, suddenly reaching around and grasping a crutch-staff bearing praises to the Lord, Lady, and Neither, covered in webs, whipping around and presenting it. "I ... you have -leggies- now but I still kept it safe for you!"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "The Glomdoring does its best to support its own."

Evette nods her head at Aleyah, showing her acceptance.

Lowering the staff slightly, you ask Akuuko, the Rewoven, "My -gosh- you are looking amazing - are - how do you feel?"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "You're welcome to stay if you want to."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Akuuko, the Rewoven frowns at the staff and then takes a step backward.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "We would love to welcome you home in earnest."

You blink.

Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "I, uh, heh heh. Thanks for keeping that safe, kid."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "You're free to make that decision yourself."

Siam tells you, "That crutch represents a shackle to him, I think. Don't worry."

You glance askance at Siam.

You look at Akuuko, the Rewoven, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Siam pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi lowers the staff quickly, pulling it away. "Uhm. Yes. But - are feeling O-K? Have been very concerned, it's been..." They huff.

You think to yourself: They do not need it - how rude to offer.

You think to yourself: Should have waited - bah!

Akuuko, the Rewoven rubs his arm absently and then looks away from you for a moment. Then, a bit more brightly, "I'm feelin' great, actually. So great!"

You think to yourself: *curious pastels*.

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff asks you, "Those were his?"

Akuuko, the Rewoven's eyes flicker with wyrden flames as he smiles, his arms folded.

You think to yourself: ... can hear still...?

You tilt your head curiously at Akuuko, the Rewoven.

Esei hums thoughtfully, considering Akuuko, the Rewoven.

Aleyah puffs up proudly as her wings pulse with a beguiling display of purple, indigo, and violet.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard sniffs Akuuko, the Rewoven, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from him is.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to Akuuko, the Rewoven.

Akuuko, the Rewoven winks conspiratorially at you.

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

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says to Ilistala, an enormous leopard, "What do you think? I like him."

You chitter at Akuuko, the Rewoven with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Softly, thoughtfully, Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "Akuuko looks fine without them - strong. Hale."

You think to yourself: Is ... is the same! But has some fancy new parts... all of their parts!

Akuuko, the Rewoven says to you, "And then some."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says to you, "He remembers me singing and telling him stories!"

Siam ponders Akuuko, the Rewoven thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

Siam nods his head at himself.

Quietly, you say to Aleyah, "Oh - really?" They look at the dracnari, chittering excitedly. "Thank you for doing that for him yes yes."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard prowls around Akuuko, sniffing at him cautiously, before looking at you.

You tilt your head curiously at Akuuko, the Rewoven.

Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "I think if I just..."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "Oh!"

Flailing, you say to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "Hungry! Are - you 've been asleep for so long are you hungry!"

You flail about helplessly.

Aleyah giggles happily.

A gout of wyrden fire blossoms from the once-thief's outstretched out hand like a shadow-woven torch, which he dismisses with a wave.

S O U P!

Entranced by Akuuko, the Rewoven, Aleyah emits a long "Ooooh."

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

You blink.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh looks surprised and says, "Oh.... that's beautiful."

Winking, Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "I told youse and then some."

Aleyah beams broadly at Akuuko, the Rewoven.

With gentle wafts of her dusky wings, Aleyah takes to the air, flutting over to Akuuko, the Rewoven and alighting gently on his shoulder.

Akuuko, the Rewoven looks exhausted and opens his mouth in an enormous yawn.

Suddenly, you give a chilled cantaloupe soup with ginger and lemon to Akuuko, the Rewoven.

Esei adjusts one of their braids, eyes tracking the brief shadowfire.

Eyes wide, you say to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "I made this for you."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "Designed - and, cooked."

Aleyah smiles softly at you.

Rubbing his eyes, Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "Oh -- yes. Soup! Thanks, friend."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "...was going to give before everything happened, but - then - everything happened."

You flail about helplessly.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Akuuko, the Rewoven flashes you a joyous smile.

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff asks Akuuko, the Rewoven, "Are you tired?"

Akuuko, the Rewoven nods his head at Siam.

Aleyah smiles softly at Akuuko, the Rewoven.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "Do ... what can do for you, now that are awake, and ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles anxiously, wringing their hands together.

Yawning through his words, Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "I am, now that you mention it."

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "You may rest within the Temple, if you wish, Akuuko. You are welcome there."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "There's a lovely quiet place a bit further in, if you want a real nap."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "Would you like to come? You're allowed to this spot."

Akuuko, the Rewoven thinks briefly on this and then nods. "You know, yes. That would be great, if I can just get some shut eye."

Akuuko, the Rewoven begins to follow Aleyah.
Xenthos begins to follow you.

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

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Aleyah tilts her head and listens intently to you.

You begin to follow Aleyah.

You nod your head emphatically.

You follow Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh north to near a statue of the Lady of Thorns.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi follows along in silence, keeping a watchful gaze on Akuuko, the Rewoven and those still gathered.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Here. Warm, and dry, and quiet."

Akuuko, the Rewoven thanks Aleyah profusely.

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

Aleyah curtseys gracefully before Akuuko, the Rewoven.

You chitter at Akuuko, the Rewoven with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "Oh -- uh."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "Really... welcome home. I hope you find it pleasant here, however long you wish to stay."

Akuuko, the Rewoven bows awkwardly at Aleyah, a little wobbly.

Aleyah giggles happily.

Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "Home..."

You think to yourself: *curious swirls of color* Friend Aschwar ... have to talk about them - soon .... *hopeful*.

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

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

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff asks, "Does anyone have a blanket for him?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I've lived here since I was born. I've never known another Home..."

"Ummmm," Aleyah says uncertainly.

You take a violet woollen blanket from a Rope Belt of Advantage.

With a nod, you give a violet woollen blanket to Akuuko, the Rewoven.

Siam's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Always."

Akuuko, the Rewoven thanks you profusely.

You glance askance.

Akuuko, the Rewoven wraps the blanket around his shoulders.

Aleyah smiles softly.

Akuuko, the Rewoven says, "Soo."

Aleyah tilts her head and listens intently.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "....s-sorry - it has been a long time since you have been here - we are all maybe."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...excited are finally ...."

A look of understanding crossing his features, Siam nods his head slowly.

Akuuko, the Rewoven smiles at Siam and then stares at the shadows, comforted by them.

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off awkwardly.

Aleyah smiles softly at you.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...we will let you rest and not stare at you resting."

You glance askance.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to Akuuko, the Rewoven, "We'll let you rest. Please, let us know when you have a bit more energy."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "Rest well, Akuuko."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And we will answer whatever questions you have."

You think to yourself: * dazed *.

Akuuko, the Rewoven nods sleepily and then mutters "thank you" before he drifts off to sleep.

You follow Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh south to under a rose window eaten by roses.

Aleyah hums something cheerful under her breath.

Siam pats you in a friendly manner.

Dazed, you ask, "... he is staying in... Glomdoring?"

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "He has yet to make the choice."

Xenthos tilts his head curiously.

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "It is the Mistress's second gift to him."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "He is given a choice?"

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "Lady Viravain gave him the choice. And told him to take as much time as he liked to decide."

Siam nods his head emphatically.

Aleyah nods her head at Xenthos.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I see."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... ohh... ah."

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "The Wyrd or the Fire."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "She promised that whatever he chose, he is free to pursue it."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And he shan't be hunted."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, touching the side of their head. "...free?"

You stare at Aleyah, eyes wide.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Quite benevolent of Her."

Aleyah nods her head at you.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says, "She gave him his legs, and his freedom."

Siam nods his head in agreement.

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

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "Looking back, She always called him a guest, even while She was reweaving him."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi gazes north, antennae drooping slowly, looking utterly bewildered.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh asks you, ".... Expecting something else?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... sounds like ... him and ... looks like him - but ... no - no."

Comprehension flashes across Siam's face.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...He remembers everything, cousin Gurashi."

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff asks, "Do you fear it is not truly him?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... oh - no - no no - not that I just."

You fidget impatiently.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "He remembers the Thousandfold, and he remembers being taken by Spiders. He remembers his time asleep, and being sung to. He remembers being disfigured, and he remembers you, and the people he put himself at risk for."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aleyah.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And with all of that.... he has been given freedom to choose whether he wants to go back to Gaudiguch, or if he would rather stay."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "...does he remember Friend Aschwar...?"

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

You sway anxiously in your spot.

Softly, you say, "O-K ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around, still seeming dazed.

Whispered Voice Siam, of the Thorned Distaff says, "Rest easy, Gurashi."

Siam pats you in a friendly manner.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "If She wanted him hurt, She would have hurt him a long time ago."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "She's giving him back his life, and seeing what he decides."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.

Taking to the air with a few dedicated flaps of her wings, Aleyah flutters close to you and leaves an affectionate kiss upon your brow.

You lean against Ilistala, an enormous leopard, eyes half-closing.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I need to run for a little bit- but I am glad he seems to be well."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Quietly, you say, "Mm."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh looks surprised and says, "I'm going to the Master. I haven't been outside in ages."

Ilistala melds into the shadows, quickly disappearing from view.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aleyah, "... mm."

<-- went home finally, because what a LONG long long day

You think to yourself: Heckity.

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Thank you so much, everyone, for your help and contributions over the past month. I could not have provided for our guest alone."

You think to yourself: Should tell the Shofets?

You think to yourself: Awake - he is awake ... but he wants... to ...

You glance askance at a crutch-staff bearing praises to the Lord, Lady, and Neither, covered in webs.

You give a crutch-staff bearing praises to the Lord, Lady, and Neither, covered in webs a friendly squeeze.

(Glomdoring): Siam (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "In behalf of the Order of Thorns, thank you, indeed. Glomdoring."

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Nothing matters, but Glomdoring."

(Glomdoring): Siam (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

(Glomdoring): Esei (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Glory be to the Glomdoring, indeed."

(Glomdoring): Solanine (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "*a quiet gray-blue ripple*."

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

You think to yourself: Shofets...

"Shofets..."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "*a whisper* He's..."

"Shofets..."

"Shofets..."

"Shofets..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's grip tightens on a crutch-staff bearing praises to the Lord, Lady, and Neither, covered in webs, their gaze intent on the a Splendid Clock of the Dawn as they drop their hands to their sides.

Each thought of the word echoes around you like a whispered prayer from an unrepentant sinner, your mind so overcome with indecision and feelings you can scarcely begin to name yourself.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... Alive? Dead? Undead? Made of cheese?"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "-- an inability to respond --."

You think to yourself: -- oh --.

The oak door to the north is opened from the other side.
Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the north, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

Tridemon peers about himself unscrupulously.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "You don't appear to be getting eaten by spiders..."

You have emoted: Gurashi does not move, their fingers wrapped tightly around a crutch-staff bearing praises to the Lord, Lady, and Neither, covered in webs, antennae sagging, looking like they might topple over given a strong breeze.

You think to yourself: ... sorry ....

You think to yourself: ... am so sorry ....

Tridemon peers at you unscrupulously.

Finger extended, Tridemon pokes you.

You think to yourself: What should I do.

You think to yourself: What should have done.

You think to yourself: What do now.

You think to yourself: What do now what do now what should I do now should tell Them I should tell Them but will They be mad at him for rejecting staff I--.

Tridemon ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

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

You think to yourself: -- didn't answer question about Aschwar what if doesn't want to ever see again what --.

Tridemon reaches out and prods you hard with the end of his staff.

You think to yourself: -- Shofets I found him he's awake I know where he --.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little noise as they are at last bopped, attention turning towards Tridemon.

You stare blankly at Tridemon.

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

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

You think to yourself: Cannot.

Tridemon narrows his eyes to thin slits.

You think to yourself: He is awake.

You think to yourself: He is awake and alive and walking.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Tridemon, dazed.

You think to yourself: Was a cocoon and then was goop--.

You think to yourself: --was in so much pain--.

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Still in the temple?"

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "In Her realm - he is resting."

You glance askance.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "He-he..."

You think to yourself: *talking - speaking - accent - sharp, painful rejection as he looks upon the crutch and steps away*.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "... She gave him leggies..."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "..... and freedom..."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, ".... so ... he can stay here ... or go back to the Shofets ...."

You sway anxiously in your spot.

You think to yourself: Akuuko.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Alright. ... is there a reason he should go back?"

You think to yourself: *rocked for a moment with guilt*.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "He is one of Theirs."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "The Orange ... Thieves.... are Theirs..."

You think to yourself: Veneration in Saffron...

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Which he pointedly isn't."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

You stare at a crutch-staff bearing praises to the Lord, Lady, and Neither, covered in webs, eyes wide.

Suddenly, you say, "Aschwar loves Akuuko."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Not just like friend."

You stare blankly at Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Akuuko is not one of the Orange Thieves any longer. When he was in the realm even thinking about calling himself that made the realm- oh."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...what will Aschwar think if he does not ..."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I should probably go talk to him."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "He is sleeping..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "That means less than you might think."

Tridemon gives a pained sigh.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "He is still telepathic..."

You subtly begin to lean to the side.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Tell him that he is invited to a discussion with me in my manse on the next occasion that he might be awake."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans slightly to the side, whispering. "Cannot feel him anymore..."

You think to yourself: *a recollection of fear, panic, suffocation, floating - endless - hunger - hungry - blood, blood blood hungry blood -hungry- --.

You shiver violently.

Quiet, you whisper, "I need to go..."

Tridemon narrows his eyes to thin slits.

You think to yourself: *failed - failed - *.

You think to yourself: * or - did? or - *.

You sway anxiously in your spot.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Kind of sounds like I should go examine him while he's sleeping."

Tridemon makes a clicking sound with his tongue against his teeth.

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

You glance askance at Tridemon.

Whisper, you say to Tridemon, "You are an enemy."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "You will -get- in trouble."

You think to yourself: * should get unenemied, first *.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Tridemon, expression strange.

You glance askance.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Softly, you whisper, "...should I tell th..."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, sighing.

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... but not until I've gotten a good look at him."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I will be in touch."

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Need to see about a few things."

Quietly, you say, "O-K."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Uhm."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I will get a copy... of..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...Aleyah took a picture..."

Tridemon narrows his eyes slightly as he looks up toward the sky.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Don't ...."

Trailing off, you whisper, "Have it..."

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

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Please be careful if go to see him."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I should probably ask Aleyah about the price of amnesty, then. For perhaps a year."

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Please ask about that first."

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

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "... he is not so different, but ..."

You shake your head.

(Glomdoring): Aleyah (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Please grow well, dearest Glomdoring, while I rest."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ah - she is leaving - hurry."

"Shoo! Shoo!" you say to Tridemon as you wave him away.

<-- he left, and I stood there all emo for a while as I did my wind-down for like 10 minutes and prepared to GO TO MOVIE NIGHT... then, just as I was preparing to QQ:

"Soon, My Gurashi," the words are whispered just over your shoulder, soft as a lover's and just as tender. "Soon..."