Never Alone

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Was it you."

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Was what me...?"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Did Lord Silence strike you last month."

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "..."

You have emoted: Lief shakes her antlered head vigorously.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Miss Lief."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "**The voice is said not forceful, but firm, flat but concerned**."

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Gurashi, how are *you*? It - must have been very hard - I will never ask a favor like that again of you, I promise."

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "I actually wanted to..."

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.

[Movement to Seren Kitchens.]

You remove 1 coal, bringing the total in the rift to 169.
You put a piece of coal into an oven.
You light an oven, and work the bellows until the flames burn hotly.

At home in the kitchen, you have no trouble whipping up a platter of sparkling, rainbow macaroons in the oven. There is enough for two portions.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "**A silence... so quiet you think your missive missed. Then, all at once - devastation. Hurt enough to make your eyes water**."

You take a platter of sparkling, rainbow macaroons from an oven.
You take a platter of sparkling, rainbow macaroons from an oven.

You have emoted: Lief winces as she pulls the platters from the oven, wilting forward over the dishes. Her wings' humming slowly cease, her bare feet alighting on the kitchen floor.

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Gurashi, can I see you?"

[No answer!!]

You tug upon the aether strands around you, searching for one that connects to the Aetherplex Chamber.
You teleport along the aether strands to the Aetherplex Chamber.
The Aetherplex Chamber.
The spherical chamber is formed from a hollow geode comprised of dozens of precious gemstones. Large jagged formations of rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds line the walls and ceiling. The floor has been cut and polished to a brilliant shine, revealing concentric circles of brilliant colours. Upon close examination of the glassy floor, shimmering reflections briefly glide across its smooth surface of wondrous mansions and abodes. A current of electricity continuously runs throughout this mineral wonder, causing tiny sparks to erratically blossom up and down the crystalline formations. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Shimmering with aetheric energy, a bright glowing portal floats here in midair. Hackles risen, a fierce timberwolf prowls about here. A screech owl is here, surveying the surroundings. There are 2 great brindle mastiffs here. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. There is an aetherways portal here.
You see exits leading north (open door), south, out, and through a bright, glowing portal.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "**An anxious chittering that fades in and out is your only reply - once more you are unsure if you've been heard**."

You portal to The Hoard and the Hive.
This room has not been mapped.
A chilling, forestal curiosities room.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The first discernible sensation upon entering this room is a mixture of earthy smells; mulch, petrichor, decaying wood, and the heady scent of Wyrden roses saturate the air. As one's eyes adjust to the darkness, barely abated by shadowflame sconces hung on the walls, tall figures begin to emerge. Expansive shelves carved to look like tree trunks seem to grow out of the floor and reach clear to the ceiling. The moss-green rug has been cut to fit neatly between each root and around each curve, giving the illusion of springy turf underfoot. Gently glowing fungi, which seem to be growing out of the shelves at random, make it just possible to see their contents. On one shelf, a scorched dragonturtle shell and a dried starfish sit beside a glistening glasswork recreation of a pile of salmon roe. On another, a pair of arrows with heart-shaped heads are arranged with one crossed over the other, and a scented love-letter lies on top of them. Other shelves are crammed with an increasingly peculiar assortment of knickknacks: an ice pick, a tiny red stone, a dusty brown bottle with "Alchywhole" written in a barely legible script, a cuddly stuffed Tae'dae bear, a miniature rockeater figurine, an ornate ivory pipe, a pile of glittering Czigany coins, and a charm bracelet that looks to be of Fae origin. One rather macabre shelf holds a coiled slave master's whip and a skull that appears to have belonged to a Krokani before it made its way here. Still other shelves lie bare, waiting to be filled with more mementos of adventure to come, and in the corner of one of them a tiny black spider has made its web. Hanging from fine silver, this large snowflake lantern has light blue gems dangling beneath it, causing a gentle sway. A broad glass-faced display rack for musical instruments stands proudly here. A painting of Gurashi's Staring Contest is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see exits leading north, east (open door), and south (open door).

A frosty sense of coolness brushes one's skin by the twinkling of tiny snowflakes that appear to drift over the area, as the light escapes the paper lantern above.

You have emoted: With two platters in her hands, Lief casts her gaze about the area, squinting through various doorways until she catches sight of her quarry.

-e
This room has not been mapped.
A flooded garden.
Within view of a placid lake sits a little plot of sunken land hosting a garden. Most of the surrounding area is submerged with clear, clean water, with water-laden plants that breach the surface, verdant albeit wilting. A handful of flowers survive the deluge, however, their colors bright against the deep blues and greens of the landscape. The air here is heavy with moisture, and the soft sounds of frogs chirping carries serenely on the wind. A warm tulip of dawn, a pink carnation, a cool tulip of dusk, a twilight blue rose, a warm tulip of dawn, a bright yellow rose, a delicate iris, a twilight blue rose, a delicate iris, a delicate iris, a twilight blue rose, and a warm tulip of dawn blossom within a beautiful, lush garden. A luminescent butterfly flutters about here, emanating a soft glow.
You see exits leading east and west (open door).

-e
This room has not been mapped.
A placid lake.
The towering ravenwood trees that surround this manse break here, allowing for a stunning view of a tranquil lake. The water laps softly at the grassy shores, evidence of its subtle tidal rise and fall visible in the muddy lines left on the bank. The grass around the edge of the lake is well-traveled, eventually leading to a short wooden bench just big enough for two. The sounds of frogs and insects buzz and chirp in pleasant harmony with one another, and the rich perfumes of petrichor and rainwater, are heavy here. Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe is here. He wields a wooden lute engraved with spiders in his left hand and a whimsical copper spatula in his right hand.
You see a single exit leading west.

Gurashi sits at the bank of the placid lake, his arms folded over his knees, hat disheveled as he watches the water.

You have emoted: The only sound to betray Lief's entrance is the faintest hum of her dragonfly wings as they carry her through the gardens and up to the clearing near the lakeside. She is still some distance away from Gurashi, her brow furrowed with concern, and then she draws closer until she alights upon the earth next to Gurashi. "Here," she says quietly, offering a platter of sparkling, rainbow macaroons forward to the kephera. Another platter is balanced in her other hand.

Insistently, you give a platter of sparkling, rainbow macaroons to Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe.

-p platter
This classical, silver gilded platter with a mirror shine is three-tiered, its shape similar to many columns seen in ancient Basin architecture. Careful, meticulous arrays of Serenwilde macaroons line each tier in a shimmering display of both colour and pastel cream-cheese frosting. Every colour of the rainbow displays the twinkling edible sparkles woven in the coconut flour dough to make them shine like the familiar silvery moonbeams that hover over the forest. Each of the cookies used to compile these speciality macaroons are spherical,pressed with the sigil of the cook who made them.
It has 2 months of usefulness left.
It weighs about 1 pounds and 14 ounce(s).
It has a trade valuation of worthless.
It bears the distinctive mark of Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon.
It has been stamped with the seal of The Treehearth Cooking Cartel.
It has the following aliases: platter.

Shadows grow longer in anticipation for the return of their dark mistress as Father Sun's chase brings him closer to the world's edge.

Gurashi makes no effort to acknowledge your arrival, continuing to watch the lake. The platter sits unattended beside him, macaroons sliding a bit from the uneven ground.

You have emoted: Lief watches Gurashi's profile, her brow knitting together with quiet sorrow. Without another word, she settles down next to Gurashi, settling herself upon the bank as well, knees tucked neatly beneath her as she turns her attention from Gurashi to a platter of sparkling, rainbow macaroons now held in both her hands.

After several moments, you whisper, "I am very sorry if I've caused you pain."

Gurashi finally shifts at the voice, head turning in your direction, finally registering her presence. "...when did get here??" He asks finally, voice soft.

You have emoted: Lief turns a platter of sparkling, rainbow macaroons in her hands, admiring the way the colourful surfaces sparkle like light upon the water, like the sunset quickly fading across the lake here. "I haven't been here long," she clears her throat and murmurs, barely louder than before. Her antlered head is bowed, expression still sorrowful.

Gurashi stares at you, considering the response for a long time before looking back at the lake. He leans forward, sighing softly.

Quiet and firm, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Do not reach out to Lord Silence ever again."

Softer still, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Please."

You have emoted: Lief's wings fan slowly behind her before they settle back down. The request draws her attention over to Gurashi, sharp, her lips parted with surprise. "Did He hurt you?" she whispers. Her entire body turns, her knees facing Gurashi, a platter of sparkling, rainbow macaroons in her lap between herself and him. "Did He tell you this?"

Gurashi's expression doesn't change as he pensively gazes at the water. "Please." He repeats, unmoving.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 6th of Dvarsh, 549 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You have emoted: "He told me to speak directly with Him in the future," Lief points out, bewilderment creeping into her voice. "If He told you the opposite, I...want to know. Gurashi, did He hurt you?"

Gurashi suddenly whips his head around to look at you, voice raising, cracking. "-Please.-" He says one final time, antennae dropping.

Gurashi stares implacably at you.

You have emoted: Lief had begun to lean forward - she settles back, blinking rapidly at Gurashi, emotion prickling at her eyes even as confusion tugs her lips down. She remains silent, her fingers gripping the edges of her platter tightly.

Gurashi quickly looks guilty the moment the word leaves his mouth, looking back at the lake. "Many apologies," He adds, clearing this throat.

You have emoted: Lief continues to stare at Gurashi - now his profile - her expression still drawn into the very same pained look. She opens her mouth; she closes it. She opens it again and softly, slowly says, "Gurashi. I said I would never lie to you on purpose. And I won't." She shakes her antlered head slightly, and she takes the moment to study Gurashi - inspect him, really, not unlike a healer seeking visual symptoms in a patient.

Miserably bending forward to rest his head against his knees, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "O-K."

One of the many cats wandering about the manse plods over, little feet barely registering the grass. It winds its way beneath Gurashi's bent legs, then up to you, meowing softly.

An encrusted sandojin slithers in, tongue flicking.
Fixing its gaze on Gurashi, an encrusted sandojin thumps its tail against the ground, a raspy clicking sound rising from the back of its throat.
An encrusted sandojin says to Gurashi, "Still alive?"
An encrusted sandojin rushes off, tail swaying.

You have emoted: Lief settles her platter down behind her, then hesitates. Her wings begin to hum, lifting her from the earth just enough to give Gurashi a light, non-binding hug about the shoulders from the side. "Thank you," she murmurs simply as she draws back.

The sky lightens and stars fade as Father Sun approaches the horizon in his neverending quest to capture Mother Night.

You have emoted: Lief offers her hand out to an ethereal cat for it to sniff as she turns her attention away, settling down again into her seat.

Gurashi completely disregards both the cat and the sandojin, but lifts his head as he is embraced. He looks over his shoulder at you, watching her settle back in her spot.

With a twitch of his tail, an ethereal cat romps off to the west.

Gurashi inhales slowly, a soft, whistling sound accompanying the response. "...I am..." He finally speaks, voice almost lost in the breeze.

You have emoted: Lief watches an ethereal cat romp off toward the flooded gardens to the west. A twitch of her ear is all that betrays she hears Gurashi speak.

Gurashi opens his mouth to speak again, though the words seem stuck. He watches a luminescent butterfly as it flits around his head, then off over the lake.

Hesitantly changing the subject, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks you, "Who is ... Miss Duethielle's wife?"

You have emoted: Lief startles mid-reach for an ethereal cat, and she hesitates, turning her gaze over her shoulder to Gurashi. "She has a wife?" More confusion.

Gurashi continues to watch the water, pulling in a foot before the lapping waves, encouraged by the wind, wet his feet.

With a soft, chittering laugh, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Is ...what she said..."

Gurashi glances down at his hand, turning over his arm. As if imagining something unseen, he turns his wrist again.

You have emoted: Lief shakes her antlered head slowly, drawing back. "I'm so sorry, Gurashi. Had I known..." Her expression turns quiet and sad as her gray eyes study Gurashi. Quiet blues and indigos begin to swim in their depths. "I know how learning something like that can hurt."

Glorious rays of morning light burst forth from Father Sun's crown as it peeks over the world's edge, announcing a bright and shining new dawn.

Gurashi drops a hand to rest in the grass beside him, idly plucking a few blades. "...is O-K," He says quietly, pulling a blade free and flicking it into the lake.

Quietly, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "...but, had fun..."

Gurashi wistfully reaches up to touch his beak. "And is better this way, anyway," He says, as if convincing himself. "She liked her gifts. And, she had fun."

You have emoted: Lief's mouth opens, and then closes, her gaze falling to a platter of sparkling, rainbow macaroons between her and Gurashi, the one haphazardly balanced and ready for a dip into the lake. Idly, she pulls it back a bit, rearranging the colorful pastries as she settles it on safer ground. "She cares deeply for you," she says softly. "Even if she is wedded to another. That much is obvious and plain. Perhaps you might be willing to share a beautiful friendship together."

Gurashi's antennae twitch, expression faltering at the mention. His mandible twitches.

Gurashi looks like he might cry, though his eyes retain their standard luster. "...yeah," He adds finally, swallowing hard.

Continuing the hunt for his dark mate, Father Sun presses forward in his journey, lowering himself in the sky yet still casting even, full light upon the land.

You have emoted: Lief plucks a cheerful yellow macaroon from Gurashi's platter and looks as though she might nibble at it. A glimpse of Gurashi's expression stays her hand, though, and she lowers the treat into her lap. "Gurashi..." She pushes a smile onto her lips, a shaky thing which threatens to flee before Gurashi's emotion.

Quietly, but firmly, as firmly as the request asked earlier of her, you say to Gurashi, "You are beloved, even if it doesn't feel that way right now."

Gurashi's head thunks softly against his knees again. A soft, cicada cry emanates from him, the sound suddenly though quite beautifully echoed back from hundreds of cicadas unseen in the trees of the manse.

The hand that Gurashi was previously plucking grass with goes limp, and eventually his cry fades, though the cicadas in the trees above continue to cry out to each other in wailing song.

You have emoted: Lief's smile flees from her, and she blinks rapidly, tears sliding down her cheeks. She lifts one white sleeve from her yellow macaroon to wipe at her freckled cheeks, swiping at them again and again.

You think to yourself: Gurashi...

Bizirik, the leothin finally appears from the garden to the west, head lowered as it stalks in. It makes brief note of your presence, chattering at her softly before continuing over to Gurashi.

You think to yourself: I am so sorry, Gurashi...

You think to yourself: I am terrible at this, aren't I...

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs Gurashi a few times here and there, then circles the kephera, head still low, tail dragging. Finally, it lays down in what little space is available between the two, squishing in and sighing heavily, staring blankly ahead.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts at you.

Shadows grow longer in anticipation for the return of their dark mistress as Father Sun's chase brings him closer to the world's edge.

As nightfall steals the last vestiges of daylight, a slender leothin's muted coat begins to shine with a violaceous radiance, and a double pair of wings materializes, grandly extended as if they've been there all along.

You have emoted: Lief pauses in her cheek-drying efforts to smile a quavering smile at Bizirik, the leothin before she hides her face in her sleeve once more.

Gurashi finally speaks, though the sound is muffled out by Bizirik's loud, deep thrumming and frequent snorts. "You are a good person, Miss Lief."

Still muffled, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe whispers, "So is Miss Duethielle."

You have emoted: "So are you," Lief says, though her voice is cracked and the pitch of her words is watery and wavering.

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty, spreading darkness across the land.

With a great sigh, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "No."

Very slowly, very quietly, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks, "Think ...should maybe not speak to so much for while... O-K?"

Finally lifting his head, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Not because do not want to, but."

You have emoted: Lief finishes drying her eyes to stare at Gurashi, her mouth falling open. When her lips close, it's to settle into another expression - she is utterly wounded.

Quickly waving his hands, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Please, listen."

Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

You have emoted: Lief raises her empty hand to clutch at the fabric of her kimono, gathering it in her fingers over her heart. Her lip quavers, but she nods after a moment, swallowing and listening with rapidly-blinking eyes.

Gurashi reaches out, resting his two smaller hands on either of your shoulders, nearly displacing Bizirik in the process. "Think are a very good person. Think are many peoples from the Serenwildes are good persons." He squeezes gently, speaks firmly, quietly. "And hate that is because of quarreling Gods that means that are supposed to be not-friends."

All at once in a great sigh, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Think am going to have to do something... do not know what, or when, why, or how..."

You think to yourself: It is not quarreling Gods, it's...

Hesitantly letting go, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "...think is ... think might be really bad... and, I -have- to serve Glomdoring ..."

You have emoted: Something conflicted shifts in Lief's sadness, evident in the twitch of her lip as though to speak thoughts which go unspoken, but she listens to Gurashi, still in silence.

Bizirik, the leothin's thrumming stops, tail lashing once as it opens one eye to peer up at Gurashi.

You think to yourself: No...no, we all make choices...

You think to yourself: I...I can't let him fall completely. I can't.

You think to yourself: I *can't*.

Reaching up and barely prodding the bindi upon your forehead, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "...-have- to stay away from you. And everyone He ...might want."

Voice cracking, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks, "O-K...?"

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

You have emoted: Lief catches Gurashi's hand the barest moment before it can fully touch a translucent crystal bindi, diverting it just to the side, leaving it wholly untouched. "My Lady walks with me always," she murmurs to Gurashi in explanation, "but if this is touched, it means reaching out to Her directly." She hesitates. "I...I could call to Her..."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 7th of Dvarsh, 549 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi gives a horrified gasp.

Quickly waving his hands, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe exclaims, "OHh no!"

Gurashi flails about helplessly.

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

In a panic, hands on either side of his head as he yells at the bindi, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Am sorry Lady of Serenity everything is fine carry on!"

Gurashi flails about helplessly.

Each word brisk and pointed, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe whispers, "Miss Lief you can't invite Her to my manse!"

Gurashi flails about helplessly.

You have emoted: Lief blinks once at Gurashi, her body still as Gurashi's own flails in panic.

Gurashi eventually falls still, hands still comically planted on either side of his head. Beneath him, Bizirik stares at the panicking duo, tail slapping the water happily.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks, "... is She here?"

Gurashi peers about himself unscrupulously.

Gurashi stares implacably at you.

Beads of sweat break out on Gurashi's face.

Gurashi stares implacably at an ethereal cat.
An ethereal cat looks away from Gurashi, ignoring him completely.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, looking unphased.

With a twitch of his tail, an ethereal cat romps off to the west.

You have emoted: Slowly, very slowly, Lief reaches out to take one of Gurashi's unoccupied hands. "If She were," she says quietly, "She wouldn't hurt you unless you meant to hurt me, I think."

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi stares at you in disbelief, quickly looking at his hand, then back at her. "Am not, is what am trying to say."

Making walls out of two of his free opposing hands, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "So am setting boundary."

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "So can keep you and Miss Duethielle and anyone else..."

Gurashi's mandibles twitch slightly as he voices a brief, curious chirr.

-l gurashi
He is a compound-eyed kephera wyrden demigod. He looks imposing at first glance, standing nearly two meters high with a black chitinous exoskeleton and broad blood-orange thorax. His bulbous red eyes sit on either side of his wedge-shaped head, and a small pair of stunted antennae protrude from atop his skull, looking broken. Where his mouth would be sits a small pair of jagged mandibles. Two sets of spiny orange arms are affixed to his torso, the top set of which are long and thewy while the second are spindly and pulled close to his chest. A long abdomen hangs down to his knees and is angled away from his back, ribbed in full black bands with small orange flecks throughout. Evidence of conflict mar his once shiny carapace, with the occasional crack and abrasion clearly visible. His legs are long and covered in thick orange plates with tiny black spines tracing down the back of his calves, ending in small segmented dual-toed feet. Set on either side of his lower back are two delicate orbs that whistle and click as he breathes. Two pairs of veiny, translucent wings looking far too small for his body size hang stiffly from his back. Despite initially appearing intimidating, his demeanor is subdued, the smaller set of hands laced together tightly. Tattooed on his hands is an illustration of a bumblebee constellation. Shadows cling adoringly to him, reluctant to surrender their grasp on one with the truefavour of Nocht, the Silent. Wyrden flames flicker across his form like a shadowy cloak, the sweet scent of roses trailing in his wake. A scarlet hieroglyph rests in the centre of his forehead, flickering with occasional tongues of lightning to show the truefavour of Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales.

He is wearing:
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet
a clover-etched opal ring
a mottled bloodstone watch barely sticking out of his right breast pocket
a bat ring of insidious shadows
a beryl ring grasped by an opal hand
a spider ring of subtle manipulation
an interlocking bracelet of blackened kephera chitin striated with shades of indigo
a nacreous baroque-pearl beetle brooch clipped securely to his hat
an ebon necklace bound with a shadowfire gem
a delicate forestal cloak of frayed silk clasped closed in the winter winds
a short white apron
a leather vest of chaotic shadows
a simple crown of miniature silk blossoms set about the belt of his explorer's hat
a strangely chitined poppy
a midnight black rose
a charming solstice bat pin
a jewelled cicada brooch
a leather explorer's hat
a faceted amethyst iris
a knotted noose scarf
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree.

With a chittering huff, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks, "O-K?"

You have emoted: Lief watches Gurashi's bulbous red eyes, the vaguest hint of a smile that had begun to touch her lips fading. She lets go of Gurashi and draws back, quiet, tucking her hands instead into the voluminous sleeves of her robes.

Gurashi creases his brow in a frown.

Softly, you say to Gurashi, "No."

Gurashi suddenly slumps forward again, letting out a little cicada whistle. The call is echoed again by the insects present, an eerie echo carrying on and on.

Voice flat in disbelief, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "What."

Repeating herself, her soft words gaining strength, you say to Gurashi, "No. It isn't okay. If you do not *want* this wall, then..."

You have emoted: "Then it is not okay." Lief sets her jaw as she stares at Gurashi.

Gurashi stares at you in utter disbelief.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "...a-am trying to warn that am going to do a very bad thing someday, and so you need to..."

The sky lightens and stars fade as Father Sun approaches the horizon in his neverending quest to capture Mother Night.

As the sun's rays begin to break over the horizon, a slender leothin's amaranthine visage begins to fade back to a soft gray, wings dissolving like mist with the morning light.

Gurashi makes a gesture, planting two hands forming a square in one spot. "Stay here..." he moves his hands forward and plants them in another spot. "And am going to stay waaaaay over here so any danger is directed somewhere else."

Mandibles clicking with excitement, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe exclaims to you, "It makes sense! Am trying to give you a kindness!"

You have emoted: "What bad thing would you have to do?" Lief asks Gurashi bluntly, her antlered head cocking to one side. "Why do you think it will hurt me in particular, or Duethielle?"

Desperate to explain it, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe exclaims to you, "You, Your Order, and Your Goddess are killing Mine!"

You think to yourself: Me?

You have emoted: Lief blinks slowly, staring at Gurashi.

Hissing, voice low and pained, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Is like is -dying-, Miss Lief."

Once more curt and insistent, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "And am having to do my part to save Him."

A wave of exhaustion creeps over Gurashi's features, and he rolls his head away, the same morose expression that greeted the faeling to the lake returning.

Bizirik, the leothin whines softly, nostrils flaring.

You have emoted: "But..." Lief begins to protest, but trails off, her mouth snapping shut as though to silence whatever she may have been ready to say. She shakes her antlered head again. "I...I know things look bad," she begins anew, "but I think...I don't think..." She exhales, then whispers, "I have faith in my Lady. I wish you would understand what that means...why I would, if you think me to be a good person."

You have emoted: Lief swallows, then steadies herself, once more gazing at Gurashi with scarcely blinking eyes. "I think that pulling away from me will harden our hearts to one another. I think I have seen this happen before. To me, with another friend. And I think I do not want that to happen."

Flat, sad, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "She did not sound sad when announced to whole entire Basin that 'they would consume Him from inside'"

Glorious rays of morning light burst forth from Father Sun's crown as it peeks over the world's edge, announcing a bright and shining new dawn.

Leaning forward, a thread of desperation weaving into her words, you say to Gurashi, "I held onto hope that maybe he would...that maybe he would still want to share his thoughts with me, that maybe he would still want to talk with me as friends. But he doesn't, and he doesn't, and he *doesn't* care about me anymore."

Throwing up his arms, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "But DO care, which is why am doing this!"

Planting his hand on the ground firmly, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks you, "You -have- to stay away from Lord Silence, O-K?"

You have emoted: "He *did* care about me before!" Lief's hands unclasp, revealing themselves again, and they stretch out as though she might want to grab onto Gurashi. But she stills herself and draws a deep, slow breath in. Settling back, she lifts her sleeve to her eyes again as she looks away, dabbing them.

Gurashi flails about helplessly.

Gurashi's eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across his face.

Gurashi suddenly drops his bag onto the ground beside him and pulls out his kerchief, offering it with a dramatic bob of his arm.

Gurashi stares implacably at you.

You think to yourself: I am not alone. I am *not* alone. Even if he discards me.

You think to yourself: I am not alone.

Argent moonlight pierces the blue glow of the Flame of dae'Seren upon you, enshrouding you momentarily in a silver mantle.

You have emoted: Lief blinks rapidly, still furiously brushing at her eyes, a sniffle of emotion snuffling from her nose. She either doesn't see Gurashi's offer, or she doesn't take it.

Gurashi holds the cloth out further.

Gurashi frowns at you.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe whispers, "Miss Lief."

The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his shining golden rays.

You have emoted: Lief grimaces, then slowly lowers her sleeve to gaze over at Gurashi with reddened eyes. With a shaky hand, she reaches out and gently pushes his hand down. She snuffles once more, but after a deep breath, she manages to calm herself to something approaching steadiness.

You think to yourself: I am not alone.

You think to yourself: But maybe they are trying to make him alone.

Gurashi frowns at you.

Gurashi lowers the kerchief but keeps it out.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe whispers, "Do not know what else to do."

You have emoted: "Then don't stop being my friend," Lief says to Gurashi, her voice still thick with the same emotion bringing red into her eyes and cheeks. "I don't understand your fear, but I would like to try. I would like to share the burden. I would like to be your friend, too."

Shadows swirl around Gurashi's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around his hand.

Continuing the hunt for his dark mate, Father Sun presses forward in his journey, lowering himself in the sky yet still casting even, full light upon the land.

Gurashi stares hard at you, shaking his head once in a great motion. "You do not want to share this." He says flatly.

You have emoted: Lief flinches, but finds Gurashi's eyes again. "Then it must be immense." She wriggles a bit in her seat, squaring her shoulders back, and asserts, "I have stronger shoulders than you might think."

Gently, you say to Gurashi, "Besides, things feel lighter when they are shared. I'm not asking you to put it *all* upon me."

Gurashi stares implacably at you.

Shadows grow longer in anticipation for the return of their dark mistress as Father Sun's chase brings him closer to the world's edge.

As nightfall steals the last vestiges of daylight, a slender leothin's muted coat begins to shine with a violaceous radiance, and a double pair of wings materializes, grandly extended as if they've been there all along.

You have emoted: Lief returns Gurashi's stare, quiet but steady.

Gurashi finally chitters softly, lolling his head back and very suddenly flopping back.

You have emoted: Lief exhales slowly through her nose. "Gurashi. Will you please allow me to be your friend?"

You think to yourself: Like you were for me.

You think to yourself: What...did He do to him...

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty, spreading darkness across the land.

Gurashi doesn't answer, sprawled on his back in the darkness as night settles in. Bizirik stands, closing the short distance and once more dramatically laying beside him.

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

You have emoted: As night settles in and the moon's light replaces it, shimmering over the lake, Lief makes a quiet sound in her throat, a soft "hm."

Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

Gurashi stares towards the moon itself, gaze mostly hidden beneath the rim of his hat.

From his flattened spot, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe whispers, "Can please bring something to Binky and Miaei for me whenever go...?"

Softly, you say to Gurashi, "Of course."

Gurashi sits up after a while, movements slow, noodley. "Here," He whispers, producing two familiar baskets. "Wanted to ask Miss Duethielle to bring these to them but..."

Gurashi gives a ravenwood picnic basket to you.
The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "//pretend it is 2."

You have emoted: Lief accepts both baskets, hooking her arm through their handles. She hesitates for a moment, studying Gurashi with her other hand resting against the side of the ravenwood weave. "Until you want to stop being my friend," she says softly, "I will not abandon you. I will talk with you soon."

Gurashi doesn't answer, returning to sitting up and resting his folded arms across his knees, staring at the lake.

Bizirik, the leothin whines softly, looking after you.

You have emoted: Lief lifts her hand from a ravenwood picnic basket to stroke Bizirik, the leothin's head. "The same goes to you," she says to her with warmth. "I will see you soon."

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "...ah-wait."

You have emoted: Still stroking Bizirik, the leothin, Lief glances over at Gurashi.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 8th of Dvarsh, 549 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Gurashi suddenly leans over, losing his hat in the process. He swiftly wraps all four arms around you in a tight embrace, the picnic baskets creaking as they are squished.

You have emoted: Lief squeaks in surprise, but reaches her free arm around Gurashi to return his hug properly, and tightly. Or as properly and tightly as she can, given how she's being smushed along with the baskets.

Gurashi pulls away a few moments later, settling back into his original spot wordlessly.

You have emoted: Studying Gurashi, Lief's eyes shine with emotional steadfastness. "Soon," she promises, her wings fanning behind her, humming, lifting her from the earth and carrying her to the west.