A Surprisingly Human Visit

<-- Cheliyi, Calioliahali, and Gurashi were all hanging out in their garden lazing about when Cheliyi left for IRL things. Not five minutes later...

A lovely garden of kaleidoscopic colors.               (#HAH_4)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Beyond a small gate of rough ravenwood, vines of ivy cascade over a fence, tendrils creeping in every direction. A small stone path is dotted with moss and bits of weeds, parting a great sea of ever-blooming flowers of every type and color. Rolling swaths of prismatic petals sway like ocean waves in a gentle wind. At the heart of this glade is a small, deep spring lined with smooth black stones. On the far bank grows a short, wickedly twisted, ebon-barked willow tree that reaches out over the water, its round, drooping branches and vibrant green leaves barely skimming the surface. Nearly unnoticed beside the willow tree is a small wooden marker and a tiny mound of freshly piled soil. The atmosphere here is crisp, fresh, and quite peaceful, save for the occasional distraction of the bumblebees, dragonflies and cicadas that buzz and wheel through the blossoms. A large rowan tree trunk lies here on its side, worn smooth from use. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. Calioliahali Skydrifter looms here, lingering with an unsettling aura of strict severity. She wields a severe steel arming sword in her left hand and a severe steel shortsword in her right hand. A sign suggests you can use STABLE commands here.
You see exits leading north (open door), east (open door), south (open door), southwest, and northwest.

LOOKIT ME
Looking somewhat diminished, they are a compound-eyed kephera kindly demigod changeling. Standing shy of two meters tall, their entire body is plated with a charcoal-black chitinous exoskeleton, housing a broad sunset-hued thorax. At the very center of their chest is what looks to be a scar, or a stain of blue-violet, permanently marring their carapace. Two bulbous red eyes sit on either side of a wedge-shaped head, and a long, thin pair of antennae protrude from atop their skull, the left permanently sagging. Where their mouth would be sits a pair of marred, jagged mandibles. Dual sets of spiny black-and-orange arms are affixed to their torso, the top set of which are long and thewy while the second are spindly and pulled close to their chest. A long abdomen hangs down to their knees, is angled away from their back and ribbed in full muted bands of orange and black. Their legs are long and covered in thick orange plates with tiny black spines tracing down the back of their calves, ending in small segmented dual-toed feet. Set on either side of their lower back are two delicate orbs that rasp and click as they take deep, slow breaths. Two pairs of veiny, translucent wings looking far too small for their body size hang stiffly from their back. Two tendril-like scars wind their way up the kephera's primary arms, marring their knuckles, the backs of their hands, and ending just before the elbow, the chitin forever seared. Soothing mists of water and light weave about them in a sparkling white veil, marking the truefavour of Lantra, the Empyreal.
They are wearing:
a starry wreath of celestial light set atop their head like a halo
indigo silk boxers depicting a starry night's sky, drawstrings pulled tightly shut
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
a sunset cloak of the darkening sea which hangs off of their right shoulder asymmetrically
the Mantle of Starlight which flows dreamily about their shoulders and back
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
aromatic cedar and cinnamon incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a shifting, living poppy of indigo petals worn delicately upon their left wrist
a charming wedding ring bearing a miniature white ghodak stone fitted securely to their left ring finger.

LOOKIT SHE
A close approximation to a living marble statue cloaked in immaculate plumage the hue of vibrant cherry blossoms, this avian woman is just a feather's breadth below seven feet in height. Comprising strong, rough angles, her face is an eburnean mask of grim discipline, although there are the faintest traces of expression in the lines around her naturally onyx-tinted lips. The feathers cresting her head and encroaching upon the sides of her visage are richer shades than the rest, and the two downy, pointed ears that jut from her crown transition into even darker tones, utterly black at their tips. Vigilant in perpetuity, her steel blue gaze scarcely settles on one point of focus, her pupils engaged in an unabating cycle of dilation and contraction as they analyze her surroundings. Just beneath the surface of her metallic irises, a miniature tempest seems to rage, nearly imperceptible pulses of lightning indisputably conveying that she is a feathered storm trill vernal ascendant. Powerful, tense limbs imply countless years of vigorous martial training, the greatest testament of which are her pale, calloused hands. Each of her long fingers terminates in curved, talon-like nails, and her palms flex occasionally, as though anticipating the inevitable circumstances that necessitate swift, terrible violence.
She is wearing:
an austere suit of full plate
a pair of disciplined roseate wings, protruding dutifully from her back through slots in her armor
a serviceable grey cloak with a dodecahedron clasp
a tactical leather baldric, clasped across her chest and back securely
a crystalline cloudberry brooch, pinned to the right side of her cloak
the Quintessential Mandala of Resplendent Harmony, partially obscured by her cloak
a striking wedding ring bearing a miniature black ghodak stone, worn on her left ring finger
a utilitarian pouch, secured to the left side of her waist.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart tells you, "Friend Gurashi?"

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

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

The Mantle of Starlight flows gently against your form, twinkling stars shifting across its surface as the starry infinity continues its eternal motion.

Calioliahali scoots closer to you as you reach for her, attempting to press herself into your arms. She pauses then, peeking up at you, eyebrows lifting. "Ah... Gurashi?"

You tell Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "*a thrum of surprise and pastel colors* Beloved Aschwar...!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart tells you, "Can...can I coming for a visit?"

You have emoted: Gurashi sits upright suddenly, bits of grass and wildflowers clinging to their chitin. Both left hands rest on Calioliahali's shoulder, mandibles clicking furiously against their face. "It is, my dear friend." They look down at the taller trill, their other hands drifting to their heart. "Beloved Aschwar. You know?"

You tell Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Oh my goodness gracious, yes! Of course!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart tells you, "I will uh...be theres soonly! Must get readies."

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Calioliahali's eyes widen at the mention of the tae'dae by name, and she nods seriously, moving to sit up as well. "Ah, yes, I understand." The corners of her black lips tug downwards. "Ah... You must go to them?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "They are coming here, yes. D-do you mind? Do you mind if they visits?" They suddenly seem excited and nervous beyond comprehension. "I have been hoping to hear from them..."

You chitter at Calioliahali with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Eyes widening impossibly more, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "Ah. I, ah... I would not mind, no. If they, ah... Do not mind my presence, that is."

You tell Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Of course, my dear friend! I-I will be here! I will be unmoving even!"

Chittering anxiously, you say to Calioliahali, "We will ask. We can ask? I do not want you to feel like an inconvenience, not ever."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to fix one of Calioliahali's headfeathers that had drifted too near to her face, threatening to obscure part of her cheek. Then, they frown and turn to look about the meadow, tentatively tapping the fingers of their secondary hands together.

Calioliahali's steel blue gaze quietly roams your face, and then she nods once, her smile returning weakly.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns slightly, gaze drifting down towards a shifting, living poppy of indigo petals upon their wrist, turning over their hand as they do. "I hopes they can find it O-K," They whisper. "They found me a-fore. But I think I was just on the mountain.... it is so funny, they would reach out like this. One of my aforementioned letters to write, to send, was for thems."

You fidget impatiently.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Calioliahali watches your face further still as she listens, feathery ears twitching. "Ah, I understand, ah... I realize that it is not your title, but I am certain that they will be able to find you, for you are indeed a beacon of love and hope."

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

You think to yourself: Beacons...

The scent of honey begins to reach your nose as granules of golden sand begin to manifest in midair.

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

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans forward slightly, sitting upright in their spot, unable to mask their excitement as the sand begins to manifest. "Ah! They are here!"

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Calioliahali follows your gaze toward the sand, steel blue eyes honing in upon each grain with interest.

With a loud pop, the sand picks whirls in a steady thrum to form into a portal: inky black outlined by a whirring line of golden sand. Slowly, movement can be seen from within, lumbering steps and a familiar, oversized weapon bringing a familiar silhouette to bear.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the portal with audible anticipation, making all sorts of gentle buzzes and thrums as they watch, free hand patting against their chitinous leg.

However, it is not a tae'dae which emerges from its depths...

LOOKIT BESTBOY?!
A piecemeal sense of serenity surrounds this tall human, his dark brown skin accentuated with vitiligo of a bright gold, washing over his flesh like splashes of paint. Standing at an even seven feet and three inches, he towers over most humans his age, appearing barely out of adolescence. Well kept and clean, his skin is knotted with whip-thin scars and burn marks, knotted and angry flesh long since healed around his muscular frame. His ears stick out just a tad, with sizeable chunks missing from both. Glittering mis-matched eyes, the right brown and the left green, stare with a gentle warmth at the world around him in spite of the dark and heavy, crescent-shaped bags beneath. Nicely dressed, he wears a tailored pair of deep grey trousers held up by a burgundy belt of leather, a three-layered tunic of bright red-violet cloth showing off his attractive figure. A pair of light tan strap boots are a stark contrast to the grey, mostly because of the little, hand-drawn moths which cover them. Hoisted over his shoulder is a ten foot long scabbard covered in vines of living, scarlet poppies. A strange hat sits propped on his head, locks of thick, curly hair falling down beneath its brim.
Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart has an air of extreme strength.

You have emoted: Gurashi's beak falls open, and they are nothing short of taken aback at the human that steps out before them. They fumble, pushing themselves up to their feet, peeling away from Calioliahali carefully so they may approach the towering being, bulbous eyes scanning Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart up and down. "You..."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart offers you and Calioliahali a small smile, the musculature of his arms straining and stretching pleasingly as he gives a small grunt and kicks up the scabbard from over his shoulders, letting its point come to a solid rest near his feet as he holds onto it as one might a small tree. "H-hello."

Buzzing wildly, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "YOU LOOK SO AMAZING ASCHWAR OH MY GOSH."

You flail about helplessly.

You boggle at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Calioliahali remains upon the ground as you rises to meet Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, who she openly stares at for a few moments, cheeks flushed. She breathes deeply through her nose, and then offers a soft, "Greetings," to the newly-arrived, towering human.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "The hat! The hat! You are wearing - the hat! Ah! Ouwah! Oh! Oh!"

Rubbing the back of his head, his fingernails painted the same gold as his claws once were, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "It was a very goodly gift, Friend Gurashi. I thinked I would try it."

Looking down at himself, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "I...do not look TOO differents, are I?"

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales, then exhales, visibly waving all four hands at themselves to bring themselves back to a state of more calm. "A-ah! Ouwah, h-how do you feel, my dear friend!" They cry at last, reaching out to hover over but not touch Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's scarred arm. "No, you look wonderful! Gorgeous! Fantastical, I mean it. It is you!" They chirp happily, wings snapping open and closed behind them. "But how does it feel! You are O-K? I remember it being -weird-. Gosh. I was not -nearly- so tall!!"

You chitter at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at themselves, perhaps a little jilted at the thought. "Why the heckity did human me shrink. ANYWAY you look goodly!"

You look at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart hopefully.

Bizirik, the leothin tail slaps endlessly against the grass behind it as it watches, snuffling in its spot next to Calioliahali. It chirps at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart in belated greeting, snuffling and wriggling.

"Well, have always been very tall..." Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says thoughtfully, considering the question as he closes his tired eyes in a contemplative manner. The rumble of the baritone that escapes his chest is pleasant, if a far cry from the higher-pitched tenor of his tae'dae form. "Feel...likes me. But...do not feel goodly, Friend Gurashi. I am...embarrassing?" The broken Common he speaks in does not mar the careful choice he places behind each word, his thin ebon lips parting in a practised manner - as though he has taken care to speak around his lack of fangs.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart smiles softly at Bizirik, leaning down and crouching on his haunches to extend his free hand towards the leothin in an endearing, welcoming fashion. "Did bring treats, promise."

Calioliahali listens to your exchange with Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart in silence, her feathery ears twitching and swiveling as though attempting to catch each word. As the tall human addresses Bizirik, the leothin beside her, she almost imperceptibly scoots aside, as though anticipating a flurry of movement.

You have emoted: Some of the kephera's delight dwindles at the comments, and they nod slowly as they parse the broken common. "You feel, embarrassed?" Gurashi attempts to clarify gently, at last resting their hand gently against the human's arm. They consider the towering being before them for a time, antennae drifting. "I am sorry, you do not feel goodly. You do not have to stay in this shapes if you do not like it." They withdraw their hand, watching as Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart brings offerings of snacky snacks to the leothin, who looks more than ready to enjoy them. "I think you look just wonderful. But, want you to be happy, most importantly..."

Bizirik, the leothin looks at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart hopefully.

Bizirik, the leothin presses its angular head into Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's outreaching hand, snuffling happily, tail slapping the grass even faster. Its forked tongue snakes out to lick at its own jaws a few times, wriggling more.

You have emoted: Gurashi's attention drifts to Calioliahali, mandibles clicking against their face. Quietly they shuffle across the grassy earth, moving to stand beside the trill even as she hunkers down in her spot. "I feel awful. You two, did not gets a chance to properly meet. Uhm. Aschwar, this is Calioliahali - ah, Cali." Their antennae bob slightly. "Cali, this is Beloved Aschwar, yes yes."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's hand is empty at first, much to the leothin's disappointment, offering naught but a few grains of desert sand that are quickly spit out. With a soft, mischievous smile, though, he quickly rotates his wrist and flips his palm over before revealing an enormous, five pound shrimp still glistening with water and juices. "Good girl," he quietly utters as he places it down before she can chomp off his hand in her eagerness, and he watches her begin to tear in for a moment before he looks up at you - taller at last when he is crouching. Turning his gaze towards Calioliahali, he nods and raises a hand to his chest before bowing his head slightly. "Is very nicely to meet you, missus Calio--Calia---Calala---Cacala--" He frowns, a dark, ruddy hue colouring his cheeks as he asks, "Nicked name?"

You think to yourself: *their head is bursting with all manner of colors, pastels, primaries, bright and dark - where do they start? what brings them here? should they be patient? they can hardly contain themselves - of all the times to not be wearing pants, to be their human-them in solidarity*.

His rumbling baritone like honey to the ears, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "...They think am funny, 'cos thought was being sneaky. Talked, about the secret secrets. Listened. Now we...and I..."
Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart exhales before his voice can become too shaky, reaching up a hand and wiping at his eyes with his forearm, a weak smile on his face. "Feel badly, still. Did not trusting. Was too scared."

Bizirik, the leothin is for a time the picture of gluttonous delight, loudly disrupting the scene between bipedal adults as it chomps down on the shrimp in the background.

Calioliahali peeks up at you as you return to stand beside her, the color in her cheeks inevitably flooding the rest of her face as she is introduced. She turns again toward Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, offering a polite, if shy smile, and nods. "Cali is sufficient. It is ah, good to meet you as well."

You have emoted: Gurashi's hand instinctively drifts to their pack as they withdraw a kerchief, offering it to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart as they wipe at their eyes.

Softly, you ask Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "You talked, to the Most Beloved.... about the ..." They slowly nod, eyes widening. "...but now?"

With a cheesy smile that brightens the room, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Th-thanking. Are very kindly, missus Cali."

You think to yourself: *seeing the human before them, hearing the tremor in their voice - his voice - it is all they can do to stay seated there and not lurch forward and wrap the Ebongold Heart in a hug*.

You gaze softens as you smile at Calioliahali.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a massive belch into the air.

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

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart takes the profferred kerchief as the smile lingers, wiping at his face as he looks towards you. "Still scared. Things goes very wrong all times. But...am not gonna try to stop, no more. Gonna help. Had to...give backs, what I took."

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles continue to click against their face. "Ah - what did take? They are still, going to try..." They trail off, hand falling to their lap, drumming against their chitinous thigh again. "....if you are at peace with it, then .... what can do to help?"

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

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's smile slowly fades, and he looks at the handkerchief in his hand, slowly rubbing it between the tips of two fingers. "Shofets said...was right. Is scary, dangerous. But does not mean cannot try." He swallows, hard, the cords in his throat rippling ever-so-slightly as he does, and he quietly affirms, "'cos...would do same for Them, or you, or Missus Friend Shulamit, or Beloveds." He looks towards you, his odd-coloured eyes glittering yet with some unshed tears, be they happy or morose, and says, "Not s'posed to say. My job is difference."

You think to yourself: *an undeniable, palpable sense of relief - they hated seeing the tae'dae in such a state of turmoil - it is hard to be at odds with... the thought fades to nothing, replaced with intense focus*.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

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

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "... you said, if it went wrong, something badly, would happen... Beloved Tonatiuh and I wanted to ask what it was ... if there was anything we could do, to prevent that bad thing..."

A shifting, living poppy of indigo petals shudders as a ripple of aetheric energy passes over its petals, staining it black and gold.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "O-or rather, if it happened at -all-... but it might work. So, there is only a chance, if is -bad-. So. It might be -good- then, too... maybe....?"

Calioliahali's steel blue gaze drifts between Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart and you as the two speak, sparks of electricity curiously dancing within her irises. She remains silent but to draw her armored knees upwards toward her chest as she sits within the grass, placing her arms upon them.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's face falls, slightly, and he reaches up to touch tenderly at his chest, the tunic hiding something just over his heart, and he shakes his head. "Shofets is going to tell Sacrosancts. Sacrosancts tells Beloveds." Exhaling softly, he quietly utters, "Will be soonly. No time for nothing else. If goes bad, will...will have to..." His knuckles, briefly, grow a pale shade as he tightens his grip around his scabbard, the weapon within audible shaking ever-so-slightly. "...bad."

You have emoted: Gurashi's voice fluctuates as they watch the human before them. They stare at the human opposite them, watching him fidget with the kerchief, waffle slightly on words. But they continue to listen, frowning, nodding. "Soonly?" They clarify, antennae sinking. "How soonly?"

Uncertainly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Maybe not one years?"

Wide-eyed, you whisper, "Soonly..."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...Shofets, will tell Sacrosancts... Sacrosancts... will tell the Beloved...." They look down, scanning the backs of their hands before looking back up at the human opposite them, shoulders sagging. "O.... O-O-K. I will. Ah. I-I promise I will be ready. And, will do anything that I can to..."

You look at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart hopefully.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods, reaching up and returning the slightly-stained kerchief to its owner. "Know will. You are my bestest friend. Would never not trusting you."

You have emoted: Gurashi retrieves the kerchief, lifting their gaze again to the human as they bring the cloth close to their own heart. "Uhm--" They start to say more but Bizirik, the leothin nearby suddenly lets out a loud choking cough, hacking up a bit of shell it attempted to consume whole. The kephera lets out a buzzing sigh, shaking their head, antennae bobbing.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.

Clearing their throat, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "... your common - it is so goodly, you know?" They chitter softly. "I can tell you have been practicing very hard. It sounds goodly, yes."

You chitter at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Quietly to the leothin, with a small nod from one accomplice to another, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Have big fish, too, and also a meats."

You think to yourself: *for a moment they consider running to make a copy but, now is not the time - now they must prepare, and prepare to prepare - be ready, somehow...for whatever will happen when They try - right?*.

Calioliahali continues to listen in respectful silence, but is unable to keep a birdlike laugh from fluttering past her lips as Bizirik, the leothin regurgitates part of its hastily-eaten meal. Her face somehow flushes an even deeper shade than before, and one of her hands lifts from her knees to cover her mouth, ensuring she produces no further interruptions.

Bizirik, the leothin stops in its eating, teeth bared as it attempts to chew through the tail of the enormous shrimp. It answers the human's question with a silent, knowing Look, nostrils flaring.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's ears flick, the ragged flesh fluttering near the missing pieces as he looks towards Calioliahali and gives a kind smile. "You have pretty laugh."

You eyes light up as you smile.

Calioliahali's eyebrows lift as she looks toward Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, her hand falling away just long enough for her to respond with a soft, flustered, "Th-Thank... ah, thank you."

You have emoted: Gurashi's attention drifts to the trill, and they nod, chittering softly and fondly. "Doesn't she? I think so too."

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's head tilts slightly to the side in a very familiar manner, eyes softening as they close and mouth turning up in a gentle smile as he nods and says, "I think so." Looking towards you, his cheeks puff out slightly and he admits, "Is hard to practise commons. Sounding not smart, very lots of time."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "It is not your fault! It is a stupid language sometimes!"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "There are so many words that mean the same things for totally different things! And words that sound the samely but mean entirely DIFFERENT things! Even having only known it my whole lifes it still makes me just."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly lets out a high-pitched cicada-like whistle, chittering excitedly as they practically vibrate in their spot. "But am proud of you for practicing, still! I know you are so busy - am sorry have not have a chance to practice with you!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's hand falls towards his side, sinking into a small portal of golden sand as he reaches in before stealthily pulling out an oversized sea bass easily as long as a child's torso. As though it were not entirely conspicuous, he blows an awkward, tuneless whistle that sounds more like an attempt at a zerbert than an actual whistle before tossing it on the ground near the leothin. All the while, he nods in agreement with you.

With a kind, endearing laugh, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods his head and then offers a sympathetic wince. "Was not home, spent lots of times outside the City 'cos didn't want to..." Their face flushes, and they shake their head. "Was being very sneaky, thoughts."

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

Having consumed all but the tail of the ginormous shrimp, Bizirik, the leothin slinks over to investigate the new offering. Delicately, it grasps the sea bass by the tail, then with all the grace of a cat making off with its kill it drags the fish over to the edge of the clearing to eat with more privacy - but no less loudly.

Schlorp! Schnuff! Harmph!

You have emoted: Gurashi listens to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart speak, smiling faintly, attention drifting between the human and the nearby trill. "...it is hard to keep secret secrets. Some things are meant to be talked about, if they affects lots and lots of...." They glance down quickly, looking at their lap. "I am glad you and the Most Beloved talked about what was t-troubling you. I-I really am."

Calioliahali is certain to keep her hand firmly clamped over her mouth as she watches the leothin run off with its very large fish, feathery ears twitching as they pick up each and every indication of the additional meal being consumed. After a few seconds her grip loosens just a fraction, and she inhales deeply through her nose as she once more returns her full attention to you and Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's gaze falls as he looks on at you, and he slowly rises back to his feet before reaching out and placing a heavy hand upon your shoulder plate. "Are okay?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's head quickly lifts, looking in surprise at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart. "Ah! Oh! No! I-I yam! Am!" They lift up both left hands, resting the pair atop Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's where it sits on their shoulder, patting it reassuringly, mandibles clicking again. "I am just. Yes! Are -you- O-K?" They lean forward, antennae dancing atop their head.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk has left the realm of Lusternia.

You think to yourself: *a nervous thrum, an apologetic internal wince - for a time remembering how terrible to felt that deep dark secret - now, relief, that their friend does not have to carry the same weighted grief - at least, not anymore*.

Even as your antennae wiggle, there is nothing but an absence where the psionic field surrounding your friend should be, a disconcerting absence that screams louder than even the memory of the Hives.

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

"Hungry," Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart finally decides, only moments before his stomach emits a low, gurgling grumble that causes him to blink and withdraw his hand to rest atop his abdomen. "A-ah, very hungry."

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters softly, wordlessly reaching into a motley wicker basket to produce a loaf of bread which they immediately hand to their human friend. "I can make something more fresh if want."

You give a loaf of bread to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's eyes widen and the gurgling grumble re-emerges as he reaches a trembling hand for the bread, a small amount of drool escaping the corner of his lips as he nods eagerly. "Fresh!"

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae continue to bob as they gaze at the human opposite them, their eyes wide, gaze both familiarly joyful, almost intensely focused. "Ah. Boths of you, oh," They look towards the nearby leothin who is making quick work of the fish. "All of you - follow me, yes. Know just the thing." They reach down to Calioliahali, offering the trill both primary hands to help her stand.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a massive belch into the air.

Bizirik, the leothin tilts her head curiously.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Bizirik, the leothin, "Does you really NEED more?"

Bizirik, the leothin nods her head sagely.

Of course, before his own meal can even be thought of, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart gives the distant leothin a quick appraisal before raising a finger and tracing a circle in midair. A portal, likewise, opens above the leothin's head and a haunch of meat easily as large as either of you drops with a heavy thud into the meadow, charred lightly on the outside and cooked very rarely on the interior.

Bizirik, the leothin's jaw drops.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart begins to follow you.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Founds a dead uh..."

Calioliahali quietly watches the bread leave your hands, and she seems unable to keep her own interest off of her face. As the kephera reaches down for her, she eagerly reaches up, rising up from the grass to fall in with you, glancing aside to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart as he does the same.

Bizirik, the leothin seems to be appreciating this new addition to the meadow whole-heartedly, abandoning its previous meal to just stare at the haunch of meat, tail slapping the ground behind it.

You give Calioliahali a friendly squeeze.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "...is...like...puppy, but big? Heavy? Ugly hanging thingies, and horns. Black and white! So chopped up and cooked for Bizi."

Bizirik, the leothin opens its wide jaws and begins to try to figure out how to even begin eating the haunches , gnawing at it uselessly.

<-- I moved but lost Aschwar because of my own stupid artifact LOL
A modest kitchen with forest motifs.                   (#HAH_3)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Like something out of a story book, this little kitchen with a small center island feels warm and comfortable. Ground-level cabinets have been painted a rich forest green and are outlined with tiny handmade crow and leaf imprints. High-mounted ravenwood shelves are lined with jars of herbs and spices, as well as odd-shaped baking implements and pans. Cast iron fixtures are set in strategic places beside heavy wash basins, and an open window overlooks the garden, offering a refreshing breeze. Hanging over the island is a blackened storage rack with several well-used skillets and cooking utensils suspended by hooks. A half dozen cabinets have small locks fastened to their handles, the dark metal surfaces carved with beautiful leafy patterns. Offsetting the dark decorations are brightly colored hand towels and oven mitts decorated with childish happy cows playing in a field. A wooden stool carved to appear as a hand rests sturdily on its own wrist, awaiting occupation. A coiling silhouette of thickets is inked upon the supple surface of this softly pale tea table, low to the ground. Warm honeyed hues dance upon the surroundings, cast by a delicately-scented glass lantern from its perch upon a nearby wall. A painting of a hoard of gold is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. Central to the kitchen is a large oven, next to racks of pots and pans that hang nearby. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here.
You see exits leading east (open door), south (open door), west (open door), and up (open door).

You glance askance at a floating blue circle.

You look at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart hopefully.

You have emoted: Gurashi is already crouching before the oven, chittering excitedly. "I know what you will enjoy, yes. The perfect foods. Fresh and vegetables, yes."

As they stoop before the oven again, you say, "Requests! Any re-quests!"

<-- cooking cooking

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's eyes widen as he looks around, seeming unused to being able to manoeuvre comfortably inside of a standard sized kitchen. With a smile, he nods and moves towards the shelves, poking at their locks with a curious tilt of his head.

As they begin to already take a dish out of the oven, you say, "Ah - Bizi kept breaking in and eating my dry ingredients so now she is banned."

You mutter discontentedly.

Calioliahali quietly remains at your side as she watches you work, a warm smile curving her black lips. She spares a momentary glance for Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart before returning her attention to the cooking kephera, softly responding at last, "Ah, I have no preference, my apotheosis."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "She has the endless hungry, she does." They chitter softly as they pull out a baking tray from the oven, this one containing a set of colorful-looking bread loaves. "Here we go, here we go."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart curiously squints at the locks, listening to your explanation and giving a tentative nod before moving towards the stool to poke at it. As he passes Calioliahali he asks quietly, "What instruments does Bizi playing? Did not know was band."

(OOC Clan): You say, "Oh my GOD."
(OOC Clan): Calioliahali says, "Oh my god."

You have emoted: Gurashi beckons for the human to approach, setting both hearty noodles with stir-fried vegetables and a loaf of bread before the stool, gesturing for the human to take the seat. "Here. No meats. Just flavors."

Setting it before the human, you give hearty noodles with stir-fried vegetables to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.
Setting it before the human, you give a savory pull-apart bread brimming with seeds and vegetables to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Turning and passing a second serving to the trill, you give hearty noodles with stir-fried vegetables to Calioliahali Skydrifter.
Turning and passing a second serving to the trill, you give a savory pull-apart bread brimming with seeds and vegetables to Calioliahali Skydrifter.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart blinks and then awkardly takes the seat, looking quite unsure at the concept of sitting atop a hand. Looking at the noodles appraisingly, he sticks three fingers in and winces before pulling them back out, waving them back and forth as steam rises from the flesh. "Oh! Does...does humans claws not work?"

Giggling, you say, "That is one of those words. Banned. Forbidden. Not allowed. Not like a band that plays music, see? Silly common. Ah!" Quickly they reach into their nearby utensil drawer, producing a fork for Aschwar. "Use this! Here."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart looks at the fork and nods, then places it in the noodles before releasing the utensil, allowing it to sink into the meal as they watch. Once it has disappeared from sight, he asks, "Now what?"

You have emoted: As they pass over the fork Gurashi grabs another for themselves, setting their own bowl of noodles upon the center island. Ensuring Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart is watching they carefully sink their own fork into the noodles. "Now, you twist," They demonstrate, turning the fork in place so that vegetable and noodles are wrapped up together. "Then, you lift it, but at a little angle so it does not all slide off." They carefully turn the fork and pick it up, causing a few stray noodles to come unwound. "Then. You enjoy!" They lean forward, taking a bite, flashing Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart an appreciative smile, noodle hanging out of their mouth. They withdraw the fork and draw a random shape in the air, humming as they chew.

Calioliahali gratefully accepts her food from you, peeking over at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart again to note his struggle with both his seat and his food. Once she appears satisfied that he might be able to eat the bread and noodles laid before him, she turns back to her own, her pupils notably dilating as she begins to systematically consume her meal.

Calioliahali quickly devours hearty noodles with stir-fried vegetables.
Calioliahali quickly devours a savory pull-apart bread brimming with seeds and vegetables.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face as they awkwardly eat, their other hand fanning at their beak. "Ah, i-if it is too hot, blow on it, first, yes." They laugh, repeating the gesture from before and stabbing the noodles with their fork, twisting it again. They watch Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart hopefully, chittering still.

Warm cider-orange hues seep out of a nearby honeycomb lantern and bathe the area in a gentle glow, its delicate woody fragrance reminiscent of wild honey.

Nodding, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart waves his wrist and the a portal opens, the fork falling out still dripping noodle broth before he awkwardly places it into the bowl as one might a knife, twisting it several times before pulling out a lump of noodles. Even as he makes the attempt to bite, they begin to fall, less and less on the fork until only a single noodle remains to make it into his mouth - the rest splattered back into the bowl as if to mock him. "Humans should haves claws." Not to be defeated by victuals, however, the human continues to attempt to eat, soon able to keep two and even three noodles on the fork at a time.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Calioliahali.

As though he has not eaten in days, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart continues to scarf down the noodles, using the bread to sop up what flavour he can from the bowl before chomping into it with an appreciative, satisfied smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi laughs nervously, nodding in agreement. "You know, you bring up a goodly points! I have found that tae'dae me has muchly easier time eating with claws," They twirl their fork in their own noodles, humming softly to themselves, their voice low and buzzing. "Ah, am sorry made such a finnicky foods!" They laugh, wings snapping open and closed behind them. "I-I was going to say, can make another something! A soups, perhaps? Soups are not finnicky they are just soup...." They drum their secondary hands on the countertop.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart eat, wordlessly setting down a second helping of noodles and bread.

Chittering softly, you give hearty noodles with stir-fried vegetables to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.
Chittering softly, you give a savory pull-apart bread brimming with seeds and vegetables to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Gently, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "You have been working very hard, yes...?"

You think to yourself: *curious and curiouser - or perhaps wrought with anxiety - they know it can be difficult to eat when upset - or they simply forgot... or maybe human boys are just hungry?*.

Just as wordlessly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart slides the helping closer and begins mimicking the leothin still noisily eating in the meadow outside, only barely pausing to swallow and comment, "Trainings. Lots. By self, 'cos was sneaky, and then trained with Shofets again. Did not go home after, came to see you."

Calioliahali sets aside her own empty bowl and utensil upon the counter she lingers beside, then refocuses her attention upon Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart and you, eyebrows knitting together as she notes the towering human's difficulties. This concern does not stop her from discreetly attempting to clean her fingers of the last of the bread crumbs upon them. As she allows her hand to lower to her side, her expression brightens, noting that at last the larger human has managed to finish as well. She then turns her gaze wholly upon you, unable to keep herself from staring adoringly at you in silence.

Somehow making talking around a mouthful of bread and noodles look appealing, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "'s not lots of foods in the desert, and was sleeping theres."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart slurps the very last noodle up and swallows noisily, offering a heartfelt belch before smiling widely and placing a hand on his stomach.

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click against their face thrice, and they look down at the food, taking away the empty bowl away and tucking it into the nearby sink. "...I am sorry, you felt like had to go to such extremes. My gosh. You must be so -tired-." They cant their head to the side, leaning against the center island with their primary arms' elbows. They catch Calioliahali's gaze in their periphery, offering the trill a gentle chirp, left antennae bobbing as if to say hello.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Better?"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart offers a nod, making no attempt at words as he seems to savour the meal with a soft smile growing on his face.

Chittering happily, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "You can take more for the roads if you like. I always make extras of everything, do, yes. For big stomachs or many faces."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Or Biziriks."

You glance askance.

Quietly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Think Bizi is going to eats a sleepy hole in the meats."

Even all the way out in the garden, the trio can hear the leothin still attempting to eat the mysterious haunch of meat.

You nod your head sagely.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...a-a sleepy hole. Like in the middle of the--" They throw back their head and laugh, closing their eyes and shaking their head. "She is going to be fighting with the -cats- once they catch winds of it, if they have not already!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart shakes his head and slowly rises, stretching with a satisfied look on his face. In spite of the difficulty he faced eating, you note that his outfit remains spotless, not a single crumb spilled upon his clothing or the table. "Should...probably go home. Make sure mothies are not eating my plants, and clean up. Has been many months, is going to be so much dust."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Ah, o-ouwah.... do you want any help? I am happy to help clean for you. It is fun to do so."

You chitter at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Calioliahali eventually tears her attention away from you, once more settling her steel blue gaze upon Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart just as he rises from his seat.

You have emoted: Gurashi folds all four of their hands together, smiling warmly at the human. "I mean, I guess not right now. You have things to do and clean up afters! But sweeping and dusting and mopping, oh, those are my -specialties-."

Quickly, you say, "And laundry."

You chirp happily.

Nodding, you say, "Bedsheets do not fool me, I have too many arms to be bested by thems."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart shakes his head, but instead approaches you and embraces you in a tight embrace. "Will be thinkings. But...do not have beds. Only pillows!"

Calioliahali's calloused hand is too slow in rising to stifle another laugh not unlike birdsong. Her cheeks flush, and she watches Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart embrace you, a faint smile curving her lips even in her embarrassment.

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up as the human approaches them, all four arms unwinding from before themselves and throwing around the tall human, clutching him tightly as they audibly buzz and chitter. "Oh! Those are easy to clean too, do not worry! I can helps with them another time! Whenever you want, O-K? Can show how to wash some time," They squeeze and laugh, loosening their grip so the human can free himself from it when he chooses. "Ah. I am..."

Though the hug lasts nearly a full minute, at last Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart pulls away and moves to pick up the scabbard he had left leaning against the counter. Hefting it over his shoulder, he simply says, "Is good to knows! If ever goes away, will ask to take cares of my plants and house until come back. Promise!"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Am really happy you came to visit. I was missing you. I was writing a letter to you, and had a book to give you even. Now I will worry less. Ah, will still write the thing," They laugh. "Oh my gosh, of course!"

You chirp happily at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "YOU taught me all my plant knowings!"

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Curiously, even as he gestures for sand to begin swirling through the air, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Is garden growing nicely? No problems with water?"

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods several times. "It is. I even got new saplings! Thank you. Cali really likes the magical stones you brought in, yeah." They giggle, armored shoulders bouncing. "It is perfectly. Many thank yous."

Warm cider-orange hues seep out of a nearby honeycomb lantern and bathe the area in a gentle glow, its delicate woody fragrance reminiscent of wild honey.

You chirp happily at Calioliahali.

Calioliahali's eyebrows lift to their peak at the mention of the magical stones, and she nods several times, turning toward the departing human earnestly. "Ah, yes, they are a marvel, truly. I do not understand the magic behind them, but ah... Thank you for gifting them to Gurashi."

The portal flashes at it solidifies, the scent of honey overpowering its wild cousin from the nearby lantern.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Nodding, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Am happy to be givings things to friends, 'specially when can help plants."

Happily, you say, "They appreciates it too, clearly!"

You have emoted: Gurashi folds their hands again over their heart. "Travel safely home, O-K?"

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Ah! Stay goodly and kindly! A-and I loves you muchly, Beloved! Yes! Welcome back!"

You bounce up and down.

Quickly and sincerely, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Ah, again, it was good to meet you properly, ah, Aschwar. Thank you for, ah, being such a good friend to Gurashi for so long. Please stay safe in your travels home."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart presses a hand flat against his heart, bowing at the waist in a dignified, almost regal manner before rising with a soft smile on his face and a gentle look in his eyes. "Will, promise. Go in Love, always."

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Go in Love in all things~!"

You chirp happily.

The human turns and steps into the portal, his figure slowly fading to silhouette that, in turn, is swallowed by the inky darkness before the portal snaps shut and sends a few grains of golden sand to litter floor - the only evidence he were ever here.

"Mrmph! Scchchl! Gargg!" ...maybe not the only evidence.

(OOC Clan): Calioliahali says, "Omg."
(OOC Clan): You say, "LOL."

You have emoted: Gurashi stands there watching the spot where once was a towering human in silence, their wings gently twitching against their back. Their antennae do not bob, their mandibles do not twitch. They seem quiet, content, hands still folded together.

Calioliahali inhales deeply through her nose after the portal has closed, watching the space for a brief time as though it might re-open. Her gaze eventually drifts back toward you, settling upon your face with interest. "Ah, Gurashi. I know it has been, ah... some time, since the two of you have spoken under, ah... comfortable circumstances. Are you, ah... okay?"

A warm, gentle wind brings forth the scents and sounds of fresh moving water.

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

You have emoted: Gurashi seems to shake themselves from their reverie, turning to look at Calioliahali, seeming far less statuesque and much more their usual bustling selves. "Ah, oh, yes. I am fine..." They drift back towards the trill, holding out their hands, reaching for her. "I-I am better than fine, even. You are right. We do not get to speak often, for they are usually working, or training, and I..."

Calioliahali's arms slip around your naturally armored form as you approach her, pressing herself against you warmly as she listens to you. She draws back just enough so that she might gaze down into your face, a faint smile curving her black lips.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters quietly, clinging to the trill. Their expression is hard to make out, looking overjoyed, so very on the verge of crying were their kepheran form actually able. "T-that was a nice visit," They chitter softly, lifting their gaze at last, staring up at Calioliahali, antennae sagging. "They make a very pretty humans, I think."

The chirping of frogs and crickets surrounds you in a medley of natural song.

Calioliahali's hands delicately move along your back, stroking up and down while being careful of your buzzing wings. As she looks down at you, she nods her agreement, and then her cheeks, which had only just regained their pallor, fill in with color. "Ah, they ah... yes," seems to be all that she has to say on the subject.

You have emoted: Gurashi closes their eyes, leaning their head into Calioliahali's hand, mandibles clicking gently against their beak. "I hopes they feel better soon," They chitter softly, cryptically, leaning forward to rest their head against Calioliahali's armored shoulder, their chitin clinking against the metal there.