"Was it worth it?"

[[Gathered at Nocht shrine on EthGlom explaining what happened with the voidbaby/clickbait/shadowkin/name pending]]

Esei ponders the situation.

Esei blinks.

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

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, ""A screeching noise briefly fills the air, furious whispers trailing after it with murmured words of murder and vengeance.""

You have emoted: Gurashi bobs his hands in the air, pointing to the many directions around him. "Was many things in many places."

Esei nods solemnly.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "Did you... hear something?"

You blink.

Tilting his head, you say to Esei, "Huh? Mean, heard the forest."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "No. A screeching noise."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his head, antennae raised curiously.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "And then... whispers."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 23rd of Vestian, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 22 days until the New Moon

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

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Of murder and vengeance."

You think to yourself: Whispers....

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Surprised, you ask, "Murder? Vengeance?"

With a wistful look on their face, Esei touches a war shrine of Nocht.

Esei nods their head at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Xenthos, antennae drooping. "Did hear anything?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I have heard the two of you."

Quietly, you ask Esei, "Did go anywhere?"

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...no."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "That counts as 'anything,' I would say."

You have emoted: Gurashi squints up at Xenthos. "Are funny."

Esei stares implacably at Xenthos.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi lets himself fall silent, looking out into the darkened woods beyond them.

The sound of a distant scream echoes between the trees, only to be suddenly cut short.

<-- Lots of standing around/waiting

You have emoted: Gurashi closes his eyes. "Do not think is still here."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...perhaps."

Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
The dark heart of Glomdoring Forest is almost audibly beating in this, its shadowy centre. Tall, blackened trees surround this clearing, pressing together into an imposing barrier of rotten vegetation. Moulds and fungi are smeared across the plants, their pungent stench suffusing the forest. The branches are coated in dark slime, slick tendrils that hang downwards. Although a variety of trees might actually grow here, the black tar that coats them renders them indistinguishable. A thin black mist creeps between the trees, hanging low across the ground. The floor of the clearing itself is simply bare earth, cracked and dry. Overshadowing all is the Master Ravenwood Tree itself, jutting into the sky like a twisted fist. The sound of laughing crows echoes down from the treetops, a harsh sound for the ears below. The atmosphere vibrates with a palpable power. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. The Master Ravenwood Tree towers over everything here, pulsing with an immeasurable yet dark power.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Went to Master Ravenwood! Did not want to intrude - think are O-K, since are in His Order..."

Esei tells you, "Tis alright. I will... keep watch, I suppose."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "M-mean, do not have to!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Am going to work on my song, and, if am needed, will come!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "And if something happens... will, ehm, scream."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares around, poking her nose into the brush and shadows around, searching for something.

Esei tells you, "Indeed."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Ilistala, an enormous leopard after a few moments, tilting his head. "Dropped something?"

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Esei hopefully.
The Master Ravenwood Tree suddenly flares with pulsating energy as Esei steps through.

Esei purses their lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as they carefully gathers their thoughts.

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

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I experienced nothing more."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "But perhaps it was because I was on the Ethereal..."

Perking up, you say to Esei, "Is good!"

Esei ponders the situation.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...but why was mad, wonder."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Was still after that thing?"

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "But why would be ... vengeful and murder-y."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I don't know."

You have emoted: Gurashi ponders the branches above, chittering softly.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Perhaps a glimpse of the past or the future."

Esei blinks.

Comprehension flashes across Esei's face.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I have had a realization."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Esei.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Esei, "What is?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Perhaps... the screeching is this... creature. The whispers were of Him, chasing after it."

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "But vengeance..."

You blink.

Esei ponders the situation.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If He was chasing something, wouldn't He catch it rather quickly?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I cannot imagine something evading Him for long."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "He came... a little while after the thing was on me and had fled."

Esei sucks thoughtfully on their teeth.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "And then I found before Him, so ...maybe is good at evading?"

You boggle at Xenthos.

Walking about, you say, "Have done a little predicting."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "So, first place that saw was By Lady Rancoura, near dark tower, yes?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Within it, yes."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "And then second place was by you, Esei, in the tunnels below Glomdoring."

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to you.

Gesturing west, you say, "Was just outside Glomdoring, in the river when encountered it."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "So it is moving."

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Let's go look by the Tower again."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Maybe it has returned."

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Was going to suggest it is probably in Bondero Bay but."

Before the Black Tower.
It is quite mild. The thick trees and shrubs part into the small clearing. At the centre of the verdant grasses is a huge structure of black bricks. This tower rises high above the tree-line, a thin spire that looks barely stong enough to withstand a strong wind. High up the western side a smaller spire juts outwards, whilst the main tower continues up to a crenulated top. A large doorway, carved of deep brown oak, leads into the structure. A mature blackthorn tree stands proudly here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air.

You tilt your head curiously.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses before the entrance to the tower, looking up thoughtfully.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "We are searching for a strange creature that has been seen around the woods, if any others wish to join us."

After a long pause, in a sing-song voice, you ask, "Helloooooo~o~o?"

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "It may also be upon Ethereal Glomdoring."

Esei ponders the situation.

(Glomdoring): You say, "If spot anything that is-and-isn't there... speak up!"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "There is quite a few undiscovered planes and areas, yes?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "In... aetherspace and beyond."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard searches around the shrubs at the base of the tower, attempting to find evidence of the passage of any creature.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, walking this way and that, studying every square inch of ground and wall making up the base of the tower.

You nod your head at Ilistala, an enormous leopard.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Perhaps it came from one of those?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Or even the Void?"

Esei ponders the situation.

On his tip-toes, looking over a bush, you ask, "Think came from void?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "That seems unlikely."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Creatures from the Void are... well."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Very, very dangerous."

You have emoted: Gurashi finally moves to the door, pushing it open and peering inside.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "And makes sense as to why He would not be able to catch it..."

Standing in the threshold, you ask, "Think can check inside?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I believe Lady Rancoura was using the second floor at the time."

Spiral staircase within the Black Tower.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The stone stairs continue their twisting climb, with only the grey blocks in the walls to serve as handholds. Small windows pepper the walls, giving views of thin tree branches as the tower climbs above the forest. Otherwise these steps are plain and functional. A painting of the sacred shadowed feminine is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall.

You have emoted: Gurashi plants his hands on his hips, looking this way and that.

Using their tongue and the roof of their mouth, Esei makes a quiet clicking noise.

You have emoted: Gurashi also casts his gaze upon the painting, though he seems much more focused on the ground near the doorways.

You think to yourself: Was in the water...

You think to yourself: Do not think is the place to check...

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I see nothing."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I also hear nothing."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I certainly saw something."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Esei, "...here?"

Looking up, you ask Esei, "Now?"

Esei stares implacably at you.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "It wouldn't still be here."

**TIMEQuAKE (Esei and I skipped to seek monster)**

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "On a planar level, too..."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Perhaps faethorn."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Why would it come back?"

A beach by Bondero Bay.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Thick dreamy cotton clouds are spread across the firmament. The sands of the beach stretch out to Bondero Bay. The sand itself is dark and streaked with mud. Hardy grasses grow in clumps along the beach, some reaching up to six feet high. Waves wash in and out of the beach, somewhat calm and bringing in strands of seaweed. Seagulls flock overhead, and sandpipers hop about the washed sand, searching for food. The winds pick up the rich briny scent of the salt water.
You see exits leading northeast, east, and west.

With a huff, you say, "It would have come here, if was following the waters..."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "What of... Faethorn?"

You feel a slight tug within your chest and the air around you sparkles with motes of bright light.
You sense Xenthos pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.

Esei blinks.

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Esei thinks should check Faethorn. Am thinking should check Bondero."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Or, the area by the bridge."

Kyalrhin tilts her head curiously.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to Kyalrhin, "An odd creature has been around as of late."

Esei shifts their eyes suspiciously from side to side.

You have emoted: Gurashi offers a big shrug. "Will be close to Glomdoring, but do not think is still in Glomdoring..."

Several tendrils of violet light twist and turn their way violently through the skies above.

Esei blinks.

You blink.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "...what was that?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up curiously.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "What was that...?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "What was what?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask Xenthos, "The light in the sky?"

You tilt your head curiously at Xenthos.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Violet lights in the sky."

The soft, hollow voice of Nocht, the Silent resounds within your mind as His words echo through the aether, "Was it worth it, Maylea? I will extract My price, either from You or them."

You blink.

Esei blinks.

Xenthos blinks.

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

You have emoted: Gurashi clutches his hand to his chest, staring north in surprise.

You think to yourself: Mister Lord Silence...

Rising into the skies over Avechna's Peak, the prismatic form of Maylea, Bloom of Serenity gazes into the south.

Esei urges their companions onwards.

**BACK TO MASTER RAVENWOOD**

You have emoted: Gurashi staggers into the room as he reappears, then quickly turns to look north, bewildered at the appearance of the Goddess.

Sweeping across the heavens on a gentle breeze, the serene voice of Maylea, Bloom of Serenity echoes, "You take, Nocht, and You take. You should have never had it in the first. And now, they will consume You from within."

Esei curls their nose up and grimaces awfully.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Consume...?"

Esei shakes their head.

Xenthos whispers inaudibly to the winds, which swirl around him in delight.
Xenthos winces painfully and rubs his forehead.

Voice rising in panic, you ask, "What is they?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Most likely whatever it is attacking us."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Or... the flowers."

Esei purses their lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as they carefully gathers their thoughts.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "The snapdragons, I would imagine."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Was He mad ... at Lady Maylea?"

You stare implacably at Esei.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I believe so, though I don't know Him very well."

The wind whistles eerily through the branches overhead.

Whispering loudly, you say to Esei, "N-no, mean before, when passed through."

Esei blinks.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "When before?"

You have emoted: Gurashi bounces on his feet, staring worriedly at the tops of the trees.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "The hair on the back of your neck stands on end - your connection to the Silent Lord overwhelming you with a feeling that something is amiss.""

Esei gives a horrified gasp.

Esei tugs urgently on your sleeve.

You stare implacably at Esei.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Esei, "What?"

Esei tells you, "To His fulcrux. Please."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Are going to Lord Silence's Fulcrux."
You crease your brow in a frown.

The Fulcrux of Nocht.
The image of a beautiful nighttime sky has been stretched across the fulcrux. Dim stars struggle futilely to compete with the terrifying beauty of Mother Night. The ethereal image wavers on occasion, the sky rippling like water in a pond. A lonely hill covered in tall grass leads up to a single shrine. Behind the shrine stands a large blackthorn tree. The tree is taller than most of its kind, extending upwards rather than outwards. Delicate blossoms shower down from its branches, creating a flurry of white petals and filling the air with the pungent scent of wyrden foliage. A complex series of stones orbit around a stygian orb here. A rippling image of a beautiful night sky has been magically wrapped around the fulcrux here.

You crease your brow in a frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi keeps near the door, looking about, startled. "Why?? What did see??"

With a wistful look on their face, Esei touches the master shrine of Nocht.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I felt that He was unwell."

You frown at Esei.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together, eyes wide as he watches Esei. "W-what are doing??"

Faintly buzzing, you ask Esei, "What are supposed to do?"

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I don't know what I'm doing."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Perhaps... perhaps His realm?"

Esei stands before the image of the night sky, arms spread wide. Dark tendrils shoot forth from the apparition, wrapping around Esei and forcibly sucking them in. <--lmao I thought they got god yanked

You give a horrified gasp.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Do not do that!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "That scared me!"

Esei tells you, "...my apologies?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "...i-is O-K!!"

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Did you think nocht ate me."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "YES."

**RUNNING to Nocht Realm**

Dha'Kael.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Low, wide ledges of glassy obsidian are banded across the wide breadth of the heptagonal chamber, forming labyrinthine pathways which cross over and cut one another as they trace toward the room's centre. At each of seven entrances a low brazier smoulders, the faint but pleasing scent of resin incense carries through the chilly air. High overhead the ceiling is lost in dense, deep shadow, the same that pervades every corner, and which seems to absorb the sound as well as the light. The ground and the walls are unpolished basalt, the crystalline nature of the rock allowing faint pricks of light to glitter as diamond or stars in the stygian sky. The star shaped centre of the chamber, where all paths meet, is open, the floor here carved. A line extends from the right hand side of every point to the centre line of the point adjacent, that within the first, a second seven pointed star is formed, the concentric pattern continuing inwards.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, southeast, southwest, west, northwest, and out.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together, walking very slowly and silently.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Eseeeeeiiiii??"

Esei tells you, "I am coming."

You sweat profusely as you wring your hands nervously.

**walky walky**

You follow Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk east to beneath a canopy of ravenwoods.

The platforms that float high above the realm begin to fall from the sky one by one - crashing into the side of the temple in terrifying explosions of stone and wood or disappearing completely into the Abyss below.

Esei gives a horrified gasp.

You give a horrified gasp.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "W-what was that?"

Taking a step back, you ask Esei, "Is that a thing that normally happens?"

**MORE RUNNING, and suddenly Rancoura!**

Esei bows respectfully to Rancoura.

Panicked, you exclaim to Rancoura, "The platforms...!"

Out of breath, you exclaim to Rancoura, "And the - shouting...!"

Esei nods solemnly.

Rancoura barely registers your presence, her gaze fixed to the platforms as they fall -- her form frozen.

Rancoura tells you, "Shouting?"

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Rancoura, "Lord Silence ... and Lady of Serenity...!"

Rancoura tells you, "What was spoken?"

Strange shapes suddenly begin dotting the sky, twisting holes that form strange constellations above as the realm and temple tremble slightly.

You flail about helplessly.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Is something assaulting His Realm?"

You begin to follow Rancoura.

Off in the distance, two large platforms collide into each other with a mighty crash sending chunks of stone and foliage showering down.

Looking about fearfully, you say to Rancoura, "He said that would extract His price fro Lady of Serenity's... ahh."

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "Not... exactly, from what I can tell."

(Glomdoring): Rancoura says, "I have seen these stars before. Something which the Silent One warned me to keep my distance from."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "From Her or from Them."

Before scattered stardust.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Sloping slightly downward toward the edge of the platform before levelling  out, the glass here is threaded with a myriad tiny cracks. The lip of the platform curves upward at the edge, yet here it has been blasted as though struck from above. Whatever has caused the break is not in evidence, but the resultant shatter is frozen in time. Thousands of glass shards rise up in a spray like glittering sequins, hanging suspended in the air. They twinkle here like diamonds or even stars in the night sky, reflecting sparkling prism points of light as one moves around them. Against the endless sky the blasted glass hangs like scattered stardust, falling perhaps impossibly slowly. A silvery dust is strewn across the ground here, glass particles too miniscule to perceive as anything but fine glitter. The Altar of the Ole'noc Caihel has risen from mirror-like waters here.
You see a single exit leading east.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I could feel the whole place... trembling, it seemed."

Worried, you say to Rancoura, "Lady Serenity told Him that all He did was take, and take and--."

The frigid, liquid shadowfire within the depths of Rancoura's eyes flickers briefly as she raises her gaze to the skies.

The form of Nocht, the Silent appears high above - the strange shapes dancing around Him, seeming to originate from Him as he sinks down to the realm below.

You follow Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel east to walking through the skies.

Rancoura humbly drops one knee to the ground before Nocht, genuflecting reverently in His presence.

LOOK NOCHT
Were it not for the way darkness itself trails after His form it would not be immediately obvious that He is a radiant immortal. His entire form is concealed beneath a hooded cloak. His only feature visible, His eyes - a brilliant ethereal blue rimmed in golden starburst, intense in their piercing gaze.
He is wearing:
an all-concealing cloak of darkest black
a fractured gem suspended from a thin, metal chain
boots of shifting shadow
a frigid, aphotic crystal ring emblazoned with the script of fae.

You have emoted: Gurashi freezes at the entrance to the room, looking to Nocht in surprise and fear. He offers a clumsy bow, then takes a nervous step forward.

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Rancoura holds an arm out to halt you, her attention focussed upon the Silent One.

In a voice that you can barely hear, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Greetings, little ones."

You have emoted: Gurashi stops short, looking to Rancoura, then to the Silent One, eyes wide.

Icy winds howl across the platforms, threatening to pull you over the edge with them.

Still watching her Lord with profound intensity, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Silent One. My Lord."

Xenthos bends slightly from upon Ilistala's back in respect, remaining silent.

Nocht looks up at the dancing shapes overhead, watching the path of yet another platform as it crashes into the abyss far below. The shadows around Him cling tightly to His form, no longer twisting in the air. He looks at Rancoura as He whispers. "She has taken the Eye, My little one." The words are flat, and come with obvious effort.

You think to yourself: Eye ...?

An eerie silence settles across the floating realm as it sails through the inky darkness of the night.

Rancoura inhales sharply, the shadowflames rioting wildly in eyes which have bled into deep, near-black violet. "What must we do to retrieve it, my Lord?" she asks, her own quiet words hollow, veiling a lethal sentiment beneath.

You have emoted: Gurashi listens intently, eyes trained on Nocht as if to catch a glance of the Divine beneath His cloak.

The rowdy notes of a drinking song, faint at first, then rising to the undisputed intensity of a Dwarf On A Mission, herald the arrival of Ironbeard the Magnanimous who casts his beam of a smile about himself as he arrives.
Bowing deeply, and a bit unstably, Ironbeard the Magnanimous pronounces his blessing, "A gift for Rancoura. Oh yes!"
With a sudden look of concentration, Ironbeard the Magnanimous smiles a crooked smile, rubs his ample stomach, and fades to nothingness, followed by the sound of a distant belch.
<-- THIS GUY. EVERY. HECKIN'. TIME.

Nocht holds up a shroud He has in His hands. "That is why She stole your shroud. So that Hers could sneak about where they had no right..."

A lone platform with a blackthorn tree growing out of it lists dangerously close to the platforms you stand on, showering it in a rain of white petals.

Faintly, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "The Eye... helped. But without it..."

Rancoura ignores the dwarf as he comes and goes, unwavering in her fixation upon Nocht. "Lief?" she inquires in a deadly whisper, grasp tightening upon her jagged black-crystal athame.

Bizirik, the leothin lifts its head, watching the petals rain down and catching a few on the end of its snout.

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae raise at the mention of the name, looking to Rancoura in surprise.

Esei gently catches some of the blackthorn petals in their hand, frowning.

Tendrils of black roots grow up from the platform, wrapping their way across the glass like water spilling across the ground. In moments, they rise, taking the shape of Viravain, Lady of the Thorns, Whose eyes remain fixed upon Nocht.

Esei blinks.

LOOK VIRAVAIN
She is a radiant immortal and is possessed by a ghostly countenance that haunts the very depths of Her being. Shimmering hair the colour of a harsh winter's snow spills over Her shoulders and down Her back in a straight fall, meticulously twisted into a loose plait mid-back with a single bit of silver thread. Striking pale blue eyes are deep set within Her youthful face, haunted and fathomless as they rarely stay focused in a single place. As befitting Her youthful appearance, Her figure is slight and willowy and each of Her arms is slender, ending in sylphlike fingers and meticulously sculpted nails. Dark shadows swarm sinuously at the corners of Her slender silhouette, their movements manifesting a phantasm of bewitching grace.
She is wearing:
an earring fashioned from a feather of Crow through Her left ear
an exquisite, intricately webbed black rose brooch nestles against Her chest, holding closed Her cloak
a tenebrous gown of manifold shadows
a ghastly white silk pouch draped lightly around Her waist
an earring fashioned from a feather of Crow through Her right ear
a hooded cloak of stygian darkness
a crown of midnight black roses rests atop Her head, black vines twisting into the white tresses of Her hair.

An eerie silence settles across the floating realm as it sails through the inky darkness of the night.

Rancoura's head bows to Viravain, a palm to her chest, but her gaze quickly shifts back to Nocht.

Esei bows respectfully to Viravain.

Kyalrhin bows respectfully to Viravain.

Viravain's voice whispers, deep and low, "Nocht. Your child has told Me something...rather alarming." She steps toward Nocht, each footfall leaving ravenwood leaves behind.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Viravain, then back to Rancoura - Viravain again, squinting in confusion, then gasps, quickly bowing.

Softly, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Ah... Dearest Viravain."

Viravain places a hand gently on Nocht's shoulder, Her green eyes narrowing. "You are weakened."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 24th of Vestian, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 21 days until the New Moon

Rancoura's gaze moves to Viravain at this, and she drifts a step forward, shadows roiling in her wake. She gazes between the two Divine, concentrating on each in equal turn.

Nocht tilts His head back to gaze at the Goddess, mustering up the strength to imbue His next words with an imperious tone, "Only for the moment... Though I admit My plans to use the Eye will no longer serve Me."

Glancing this way and that, as if noticing the mortals for the first time, Viravain straightens Her back and pulls a loose coil of Her hair behind Her ear. Her hand does not leave Nocht's shoulder, however, as if Her grip were meant to hold Him steady.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Viravain closely, head tilted slightly to the side.

Nodding once, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "We have much to discuss, Dear Nocht. Come."

You blink.

Rancoura's lips part, as if she wishes to speak, but then close, the faintest of creases in her brow as she regards the Lady of the Thorns.

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

Viravain nods again, also imperiously, a command more than a suggestion. "To My Bower," She intones, Her voice filling the air. "When you have finished here." Softening, She withdraws Her hand and turns to leave.

Viravain spares Nocht a passing glance and then exhales, Her breath ice upon the air. Wyrden flames fan behind Her green eyes, which flicker in the air around Her as She departs.

Coiling sinuously about Her petite frame, stygian shadows cloak Viravain in an unnatural darkness and evanesce into the aether, leaving behind only the faintest scent of roses.

You crease your brow in a frown.

Walking through the skies.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The glass pane underfoot is seamless here, the careful connection to the rest of the platform taking place at the outer edges that below there is only the clear view of the endless void below as it meets the sky above. Looking out from the raised platform there is naught to see but emptiness in every direction. At a glance the sky is reflected on the glass, giving the impression that one strides across the clouds. A chilly wind blow steadily here, and breath steams instantly into tiny ice shards which are swept away. Strangely disorienting, in every direction the view is clear, endless sky. Footfalls on the crystal ground are strangely loud, even amidst the steady rasp of wind, each a dull plink that reverberates amidst the surrounding platform.
You see exits leading north, east, south, and west.

You see the following people here:
Kyalrhin, Nocht, Esei, Xenthos, Rancoura, Gurashi.

Esei tilts their head and listens intently.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "The Lady seems to want to help You, sir."

You have emoted: Gurashi silently watches Viravain depart, folding his arms awkwardly over his chest as he returns his attention to Nocht, then to Rancoura.

Nocht exhales softly, watching after Viravain as She vanishes. He turns and regards the mortals still gathered, His gaze finally settling on Rancoura. He leans forward, a myriad of vibrant snapdragons visible beneath his cloak as He whispers in her ear.

Esei blinks.

Esei winces in pain.

Nocht looks back towards the skies, watching another platform plummet in silence before He too vanishes into wisps of shadow.

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

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "To the Lady of Thorns realm, or are we dismissed?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The two of Them would appear to need some time to discuss things together. Unless there is something else that we are able to do in the meantime, Rancoura?"

Xenthos tilts his head and listens intently to Rancoura.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks long and hard at the spot where Nocht once stood before leaning forward, mandibles clicking as he regards Rancoura. "...are O-K?"

Kyalrhin tilts her head curiously.

Rancoura's wings spreading in their phantasmal, shadowspun magnificence. Her gaze upon Nocht, previously silently imploring, becomes determined, an utter, cruel darkness passing through her gaze as the silent communication between her and Her God riles her. As the Silent One disappears, she nods, once.

Strange, alien shapes dance overhead filling the realm with an unsettling gurgling noise.

Esei gives Rancoura a concerned look.

Esei blinks.

You blink.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk murmurs, "...what was that?"

You have emoted: Gurashi immediately looks up at the shapes in the sky, recognizing the sound.

Hollowly and somewhat abruptly, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "I must prepare a ritual. The Glomdoring shall play the role of captor once more."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Esei, "You recall the anchors we chose?"

Esei blinks.

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to Rancoura, "Only their general locations, I'm afraid."

Rancoura nods her head.

Kyalrhin tilts her head curiously.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Esei, "Are you prepared to aid me in this?"

Esei nods their head at Rancoura.

Rancoura closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

You crease your brow in a frown.

Helplessly, you ask Rancoura, "Is anything we can do?"

Eyes focusing upon the others gathered as they re-open, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "The Lady may require aid as well. If you wish to visit Her Realm, doing so may reveal what that is. I and the Visionary have much to prepare."

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says to Xenthos, "That's kind of our job, right?"

Nodding, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Very well."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We will go see if there is something She needs of us."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods nervously, lowering his gaze.

With a nod, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Be watchful. Something comes -- and we must be prepared to receive Them."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Rancoura, nodding once slowly.

Your stomach turns as the platform suddenly lists to the side before slowly levelling out once again.

You have emoted: Gurashi staggers a bit, then straightens, looking about nervously.

Rancoura beckons to you both, her movements less graceful and more sharp.

Esei nods their head at Rancoura.

You follow Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel to MASTER RAVENWOOD

Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel has lost you.

Rancoura nods her head at you.

Esei leaves, following Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Lady of Serenity told Him they would consume him from within... is last thing that said, before He appeared in realm..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Something comes..."

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters softly, then lifts his head. "Something..."

Rancoura tells you, "Was the pronunciation that which is used in reference to the Gods?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Yes - She was speaking to Nocht, but did not say the thing that would consume him as if were divine ... t-think..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "That thing... oh, is worst timing - that thing that saw, saw, and think Lord Silence was hunting it."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Will tell later, good luck with your ritual! Will keep eyes out!!"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about the Master Ravenwood, clenching and relaxing his fists as he considers what to do.