The words remain even as they travel throughout the docks, "...good...good...good...good..."

<--Gurashi in manse, getting some power and making some foods when Cheli woke up and wandered in to say henlo, showed a letter she had received from Elexia (I do not have the VERY beginning of this log, weep)...

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

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "She was a little worried that I was... um. Well, wyrden still, so she was kind of wary first, yes. It makes sense."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly, taking one hand off of a Splendid Clock of the Dawn. "Did have a goodly time?" They ask, opening their other arm to invite a hug.

You blink incredulously at Cheliyi.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Cheliyi, "...Wyrden...still?"

Cheliyi glances down at the shadowfire still clinging to her skin.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "It is not... a bad assumption, to make."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Quietly, you say, "Oh - because of Her favors..."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Shifting in place, Cheliyi says, "I told her no. And then the conversation continued. Almost left, but they told me it was okay to stay."

You nod your head emphatically.

You give Cheliyi a friendly squeeze.

Smiling, you say to Cheliyi, "That is goodly."

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

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Not sure if I should... talk to her, though. I'm sure she's very nice, but... a lot of people seem that way, apparently."

Cheliyi glances askance.

With a nod, you say, "Are lots of goodly peoples, yes."

With an encouraging smile, you say to Cheliyi, "Can promise Miss Elexia is one of the goodly ones. Is a very goodly one."

Cheliyi purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

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

Slowly, Cheliyi says, "If you trust her, I will try to as well."

You have emoted: Gurashi's lip twitches, turning into a frown, almost inaudible as the murmur to themselves. "...mmm, mine-child...."

You think to yourself: * a morose thrum - why only trusts -me- to tell who to trust...? guilty and ashamed *.

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously at you.

Frowning, Cheliyi asks, "What is it, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi rests their hand upon Cheliyi's shoulder, smiling lightly.

Smiling still, you say to Cheliyi, "Just do not want you to be unhappy is all, no."

Cheliyi peers at you unscrupulously.

Frowning, Cheliyi says, "You are sure? Is there someone I need to bonk with a shovel?"

You think to yourself: ... soft enough to...

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, then hurriedly shakes their head. "No - not at all."

Cheliyi purses her lips, and nods.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Cheliyi another squeeze, offering a bigger smile. "Elexia is a very goodly persons, yes," They say more insistent, "would be very fine to talk to her, you would."

Smiling brighter, you say, "She was Miss Lief's sister! We were not as closely, but always enjoyed talking with her, yes."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Cheliyi snuggles up close and leans comfortably on you.

Canting their head, you say to Cheliyi, "Am glad Miss Millie is so very kindly to you. And am glad have been able to visits the other Forest."

You pet Cheliyi ingratiatingly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Nobody has been giving you more troubles, have they?"

Cheliyi hums softly, her mauve frills vibrating with song.

Dryly, Cheliyi says, "Only Miss Lillirallia, but it wasn't even trouble, no. She walked into my room, turned her back on me, and then walked away. It was a little funny, yes."

You blink.

Furrowing their brow, you say, "Eh? That is weirdly."

With a confused laugh, you ask, "Just looked to find you just to pretend she did not want to find?"

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

You smirk at Cheliyi.

Humming, Cheliyi says, "I found Uncle Sutekh, too. We talked for a long while. He got upset with some clan stuff, which was why he was napping it off. Caught him up on what's happening, and he said the second best place was Serenwildes, apparently."

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

Dryly, Cheliyi says, "Of course, I think he just doesn't like Celest muchly. Had to tell him that even if they did really dumb stuff in the past, there are some nicer people there."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans against the clock, canting their head the other way now. "Yeah, Tridemon mentioned you were both talkings..." They smile weakly, "I had to leave the clans because I never -go- to Grimkeeps, and so am not very -good- Grimkeeper." They sigh.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Cheliyi narrows her eyes to thin slits.

Cheliyi sighs quietly, and rubs at her brow.

With a sage nod, you say, "When am ready to be more expedition-y will rejoins."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Did not know was dramas, though? I did not really ever hear peoples talking."

Grumbling, Cheliyi says, "Celest is -supposed- to be the nicely place. But noooooo they have to be mean and stubborn. No wonder they like Glomdoring so much."

You blink.

Confused, you ask, "...Celest?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks even more confused, biting their lip. "W...what was said?"

Cheliyi gesture vaguely. "They talk about Light and Love and all of that. Which is -good-, I like that! So why does everyone have to hate -anything- that isn't them? Just because Magnagoran's -exist- doesn't make them bad! Like Uncle Sutekh!"

Cheliyi huffs.

You blink.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Quietly, you say, "...is like that wherever you go, really..."

Cheliyi deflates, her frown deepening with frustration.

Irritable, Cheliyi says, "Well it's -dumb-."

Quieter, you ask, "...will always find peoples who think differently is 'bad', and will try to use powers in places to make it be that way. Even in New Celest. Glomdoring." They look up at the sky. "Magnagora...." Their shoulders sag, and they too suddenly seem deflated. "...keep trying, but I do not think Sutekh will ever like New Celest fully, no. But keep trying to tell the NICE things that -do- happen, when they happen.... do... do you not like New Celest very muchly, either?"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Cheliyi sighs quietly, her frills drooping as her tail drags on the ground behind her.

Cheliyi leans on you seeking consolation.

Softer, Cheliyi says, "No, no. I like it."

Suddenly wrapping the mugwump up in a hug, you say to Cheliyi, "Always the meanest who are loudest - but does not mean the not-means are not-theres."

You grab protectively at Cheliyi.

Quietly, Cheliyi says, "Just do not like some of the rules. Or peoples."

You have emoted: Gurashi says nothing at this, offering only a small nod.

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Smiling warily, you say, "That is O-K."

Fainter, Cheliyi says, "Sorry, sorry. Have been trying to not get as angry, recently, but it is not working. Did not mean to spook you or anything."

You shake your head.

Quickly, you say to Cheliyi, "No no - is O-K."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Are feeling feelings."

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

Cheliyi sighs quietly, her frills drooping as her tail drags on the ground behind her.

Quieter, you say to Cheliyi, "Is O-K."

You reach out, pulling Cheliyi into a tight embrace.

Softer, Cheliyi says, "I guess I should write a letter back. Do not know, how to feel about talking to one of Lady Mayela's peoples, though. Even if Lord Silent... She still hurt Him, yes. Do not know how to feel."

Cheliyi hugs you with no small amount of effort, pulling you into a tight embrace.

Quietly, Cheliyi says, "He hurt -you- so I probably shouldn't care, but I still do."

Cheliyi coughs softly.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Lady Maylea, rather."

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs, wraps their wings about Cheliyi, hanging their head. "The Divine fight," They whisper, the mugwump wrapped up tight. "Sometimes viciously. Meanly.... does not mean that the peoples who follow them are badly." They look up, frowning. "We follow our Divines for differently reasons and feel differently about the things They choose to do."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You glance askance.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up, furrowing their brow.

Cheliyi leans into the embrace, silent.

Looking down again, you say, "Am goodly friends with Mister Nelras even though he is avatar of the Lady Welkin, who is -not- a goodly friend with my Shofets, no...." They heave a great sigh. "I do not know. It is confusing."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...hard. Is hard. Knowing who to trust and befriends, yes."

You pet Cheliyi ingratiatingly.

You glance askance.

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Finally, Cheliyi says, "Guess I should write a letter, then. Maybe make her some foods in return."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

You have emoted: Gurashi's smile falters, then fades, leaving their face oddly unreadable. Arm still around Cheliyi's shoulders, they guide the mugwump towards the nearby bench, sinking to sit upon it. They flap their wings once, clumsily folding them together.

Cheliyi leans against your side, before staring up at you with concern. The mugwump takes one of your hands in her own, giving it a firm squeeze. "If... if you are upset, I can listen. You know that, right?"

Nodding, you say, "I know."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Right now, am not upset. Promise."

You have emoted: Gurashi's wing twitches, ears flat. "Just worried. Trying to think how to give goodly dadly advice, am."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

With a faint smile, Cheliyi says, "Must be hard, with a daughter who keeps having newer and newer problems, yes. If only there was a book, or something."

You shake your head.

Softly, you say, "No."

You think to yourself: * suddenly remembering the concern on their own father's face as they frantically clawed through -stone- to get inside - how he must have felt *.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly tightens their grip, a strange look crossing their expression. Their eyes glaze over, and they force a little smile. "No. It is not."

You think to yourself: * guilt - guiltier *.

Cheliyi creases her brow in a frown.

Quietly, you say, "...am sorry. That peoples have hurt you."

Looking down, eyes still shiny, you say to Cheliyi, "Am sorry that mas made it feel like you cannot ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard. "Do not want you to feel like peoples cannot be trusted. Like have to field every persons. That should ask me, or, even Tridemon, if someone is O-K." They swing their left leg somewhat, tucking it behind the other where they sit. "...everybody has differently opinions of everybody else."
Cheliyi opens her mouth as if to say something, but pauses.

With a squeeze, you say to Cheliyi, "All can do is see for yourself. Find for yourself..." Their smile breaks, "and....sometimes that leads to -hurt-. Yes."
You glance askance.

Quickly looking back, you say to Cheliyi, "But there are so many more wonderful peoples in the worlds than unwonderful ones."

Cheliyi's lips work soundlessly for a moment, until she grimaces and grits out a sigh. "I just..."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Pained, Cheliyi says, "I don't want to befriend someone who would -hurt- you or Dad, ever again."

You gaze softens as you smile.

You reach out, pulling Cheliyi into a tight embrace.

Cheliyi hugs you with no small amount of effort, pulling you into a tight embrace.

Quietly, Cheliyi says, "Don't want to be used, or somehow make you feel terrible or scared. I would do anything to make sure you and Dad are okay. Anything."

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs heavily, nuzzling their chin into the top of Cheliyi's head. "Is O-K."

Cheliyi grabs protectively at you.

With a little laugh, you say, "You do not have to worry so muchly about me or your dad, no. Tridemon is -very- capables of taking cares of himself... though." They glance down at their joined hands, "is never a bad idea to give him extra hugs. Make sure he knows how muchly is thought of even when is asleeps."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances at Cheliyi with a little smile, eyes still shiny. "Would do the samely, though. For you - for him. Know that feeling. Is goodly - and hard - to want to protect."

Cheliyi audibly swallows, and nods.

You have emoted: "Miss Evette and Xenthos both still do not acknowledge my being," Gurashi says at last, looking down. "And Miss Afollia still gives me the shakes very muchly... but for as muchly as it hurts to not be able to talk to them - to not be as loved as used to be. Know that I hurts them -too-." They frown a little, stroking Cheliyi's hair. "And peoples who are hurts naturally want to retaliates. Is nature. Is nature to want to protect yourselfs. Ones you love."

Comprehension flashes across Cheliyi's face.

At last pulling back, you say to Cheliyi, "All that can do is do our bestest."

Cheliyi curls her nose up and grimaces awfully.

Quieter, Cheliyi says, "... I always thought they were being silly. Guess I owe them an apology, yes."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "And sometimes is not enough, and that is..." A hard swallow, and another smile. "...O-K. Cannot be helped."

You shake your head.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "No."

Cheliyi pulls away, but draws your hand into her lap. she continues to fidget with their fingers, lips pursed.

You have emoted: Gurashi's tears suddenly bubble up more visibly, shining in the corners of their eyes. "Were not being silly. They are not being silly. Have to protect themselves too, in own ways. Yes," They whisper, staring at their hands.

You gaze softens as you smile at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "What was..." Perking up, they add, "Oh, right. Just."

Looking forward, you say to Cheliyi, "You are very smart."

Cheliyi blinks.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "And observants, yes. Smarts and observants."

Cheliyi smiles weakly. "I keep not noticing things, though."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Faintly, Cheliyi says, "Did not notice you getting hurt, did not notice my siblings getting hurt, did not notice how much Glomdoring was hurting me... I was blind to it all. The spectacles did not help, no."

Cheliyi chuckles, the sound soft yet bitter.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes their head once. "Do not think is a very goodly example," They start to explain, lifting a hand. "Mean - the Glomdoring....because when are there... is just - is normal. Everyone says is normal. Yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

You reach out and touch Cheliyi.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Is differently now."

Cheliyi nods, exhaling with a small hiss. "I guess so, yes."

You pet Cheliyi ingratiatingly.

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

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

With a big nod, you say to Cheliyi, "Is O-K to be cautious, yes. But," They lift their free hand to poke the mugwump in the middle of her heart. "Do not steel off hearts all the way, O-K? ...peoples are so -good-."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "...but also do not feel like have to rush in arms opens giving everybody hugs either - can be cautious, meant."

Cheliyi lets out an involuntary giggle at the poke, smiling faintly. "I... okay."

You gaze softens as you smile at Cheliyi.

You reach out, pulling Cheliyi into a tight embrace.

You think to yourself: * a tiny sigh *.

Cheliyi snuggles up close and leans comfortably on you.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi asks, "Planning on doing anything fun, today?"

You blink.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Uhm..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up, ears flat. "Maybe... talk to mothies? But... had not decided. Am trying to help the city get more anomalies?" They look down at a platter of sliced powderfruits and cream. "But have only given two, think."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Had no plans, no."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Embarrassed, you say, "The mothies might need someone to talk to them..."

Pausing, Cheliyi says, "I... um. Snuck into the Shofet's city, because I wanted to visit Aschwar's poppies, but ended up just sitting on the dock because I did not want to barge in, no. Can I come with you?"

You blink.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi blushes furiously.

Canting their head, you ask Cheliyi, "The dock? Which one?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks far from displeased at the news, wings flapping once.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "The one with the boats? And sailors? and the not-ocean? With a beacon."

Blinking, you say, "Ah ... ahhhhh," They smile, "dock of yearning."

You give Cheliyi a friendly squeeze.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Cheliyi, "Would love to have companies yes? Would like to go visit the Shofets's realms?"

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Cheliyi begins to follow you.
==== Cheliyi is following you ====

Cheliyi squeezes your hand.

Finally OWHOs
These faithful of the Divine Order of Mysrai, the Beckoner Beyond the Maze are online:
Gurashi, The Heart's Friend
There is 1 mortal in your Circle (and below) on this Plane and 0 on other Planes.

You have emoted: Gurashi's expression suddenly changes, and they blink twice, confused. "Oh, the..."

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

Amazed, you say, "A NEW SHOFETS."

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Saw the weirdly truefavor, it looks nicely, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi rises from the bench, wings a-flapping. "THEY HAVE A NEWLY SHAPES! HOW WONDERFUL!"

You fan your wings excitedly at Cheliyi, whipping up a slight breeze.

You boggle at Cheliyi.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Newly favor? A newly favor?!"

Cheliyi gestures at your wings. "Is like your wings, but... metal? Super sharp."

You have emoted: Gurashi spreads their arms out wide, still clearly disbelieving. "Sharp metal wings?!" They look over their shoulder.

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim, "Amazing!"

You boggle at Cheliyi.

You give Cheliyi a friendly squeeze.

With a huff, you say, "O-K."

The dock of yearning.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Reaching out like a grasping, splay-fingered hand into the starry emptiness of the Void, this dock is weathered and weary despite the lack of actual rain or waves. The wood creaks worrisomely with every footfall and passing cart, sometimes even shuddering as though buffered by some intangible zephyr, but that doesn't seem to have stopped the sailors who drop anchor here or the porters who haul their cargo. The oil lamps that skewer the dock cast a slightly greasy light through the gloom. Several ships bob up and down in the empty air; their cargo is heavily bundled in ropes and tarps, and the vessels themselves are kept in place by a tangled mess of moorings, both seeming to strain against their restraints. Copper-clad and gleaming with a mirror-walled lantern at the very top, a beacon looms here at the edge of the dock. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here.
You see a single exit leading southeast.

Pointing, you ask, "Here?"

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps up towards the end of the dock, wings flapping. "Ahhhwah, the void sea," They wave their arms overhead, looking out at the waters beyond. "Is too dangerous for peoples like you and me, but Aschwar and the Shofets can go out there, yes!"

Cheliyi nods, humming contently.

Soft fur brushes against your ankles, leaving a strange warmth in your skin. When you glance down, you glimpse the fading remnants of feline footsteps in the dust.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down, smiling as little feline footsteps appear in the sand at the end of the dock. "Vrima," They hum, then wave.

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Curiously, you ask Cheliyi, "Wanted to visit the poppies, said?"

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Canting their head, you say to Cheliyi, "They are nicely poppies - goodly ones, in the atriums, mean."

Cheliyi hums softly, her mauve frills vibrating with song.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks out over the sea again with a broad smile. "Always wondered what was out there....are things that can eat!" They chirp.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Like the chitin one, or the fabric one, yes. Very nicely."

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "One time Aschwar came back with fishes JUST for Bizi to eat."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Wonder what they tasted like...."

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

Laughing, you say, "Like regular fishes! I think? It is the only time I have ever seen Bizi eat so much she got -full-."

Bizirik, the leothin glances askance.

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

Cheliyi pats Bizirik, the leothin in a friendly manner.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Cheliyi. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

Bizirik, the leothin lounges near the edge of the dock, back leggy dangling off.

Cheliyi flops on the dock beside Bizirik, the leothin, humming softly.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at Cheliyi, watching the mugwump settle in beside the leothin. "Is a nicely space," They chirp again, bringing their mandolin forward and testing the strings for their tune.

Looking down, you say to Cheliyi, "Ah, do.."

You glance askance at a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars.

Cheliyi looks back up from the dock, rolling onto her side. "What, yes?"

Feathers puffing up hopefully, you ask, "...do want to hear a song?"

Cheliyi sits up, curious.

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi flaps their wings twice, then settles down onto the dock beside Cheliyi and Bizirik, letting their own legs hang off the edge. They begin to pluck away at their instrument, swaying slightly as their attention is drawn seawards.

Cheliyi flips up her tinted lenses, watching you with a soft smile.

Gazing off over the water, you sing, "In quiet of the evening, when birds stop their singing, and peoples slow down from their rush..."

Frills twitching idly, Cheliyi closes her eyes and tunes in.

You have emoted: "Listen - can feel the hush," Gurashi croons softly, wings fanning open behind them. Beside Cheliyi, Bizirik stretches out wide, limbs trembling with the exertion before it goes floppy once more.

Swinging their legs, you sing, "When all is blue is where will wait for you, and your starry sky eyes."

A whooping cry can be heard from a distant rooftop, and you see a swarm of thieves descend upon it like birds upon crumbs. The cry is soon amplified into a rousing chorus of raucous crows that echoes throughout the Shifting City before it vanishes altogether.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over their shoulder, smiling back towards the city, their wings flapping again.

In an airy, melodic voice, you sing, "Glittering, sparkling starlight comes out to bid us a goodnight." They lean in, nudging Cheliyi's shoulder as they sing softly still, "Oh wish we may, wish we might."

Fluttering as if caught by a breeze, the silvery threads of tinsel weave about in a haphazard pattern: conjuring new constellations and shapes as they glow from the sidereal light of the wreath's fine filaments.

Bizirik, the leothin stretches languidly.

You hum softly to yourself.

Cheliyi leans against Bizirik's flank, her frills twitching at the distant cheer. Giggling softly at the nudge, she tilts her head, eyes still shut.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to play, letting the words be silent for a time, admiring the school of crimson-and-white fish that swims overhead.

Eyes shut, you sing, "Lonely birds they are squawking, and the street lamps are talking."

A sickening squelch precedes the lethargic entry of a spindle-spined moth caterpillar from the southeast. x80000

Cheliyi opens an eye as the spiny caterpillars slink in an out, eventually settling her gaze on you.

Brow furrowing, you sing, "Trees all begin to sway as Night bids farewell to Mister Day."

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

Cheliyi snuggles up close and leans comfortably on you.

Looking up at last, their gaze distant, you sing, "This song is true - always wait for you."

A smile at last gracing their lips, you sing, "And your starry sky eyes."

You glance askance at Cheliyi.

You eyes light up as you smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to play but fails to keep singing, making a bit more room for the mugwump to snuggle up to them.

Cheliyi listens, content.

Softly, Cheliyi asks, "When did you come up with that song, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to flap their wings at any moths that come a little too close, warding off the spiny creatures as they continue to watch the water. "Loooong long time ago," They explain finally, looking down. "Originally came to mind when was thinking of Miss Duethielle, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi's smile stays the same, attention drawn to the water.

Cheliyi hums, unbothered by the small gusts of wind. "I think you told me about her, before. Something about ice skating?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly, a slight blush darkening their cheeks as they continue to play. "Mmhmm! She is in Serenwilde. Lives in Serenwildes. She and her friends Mister Binky and Miss Miaei are vendors there, yes - came for their party, they did."

Looking down at their instrument as they play, you say, "She came to Celest's Festival of Light before then - Miss Duet, I mean. Came to the party and danced in a mask so everyone thought she was the Lady of Roses because of her loooong hair and her magical tattoos, yes."

You hum softly to yourself.

With a little laugh, you say, "She came up to me, because was playing the musics, yes - and she liked my tattoos."
In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "And she liked me musics."

You cough softly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "My."

Cheliyi stares blankly at you.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi asks you, "You had tattoos?"

You remove a pair of gardening gloves.

LOOK ME
They are a feathered trill starlit demigod changeling. Downy plumes of vibrant orange cascade in a tumble around their head, the cluster of feathers stopping just short of their shoulders and moving at the slightest breeze. A cluster of snow-white feathers grow near their right temple. A natural mask of downy black feathers have sprouted around their eyes, covering the upper portion of their face and fading in with the colorful orange feathers at the hairline and temples. A moderately-sized, crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek, pink where it would otherwise be black. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen at the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. Two tufts of feathers gather where their ears would normally be, adorned by long, curling feathers that react to their mood. Their eyes are wide and inquisitive, a stunning gray that looks almost blue against the bright orange and striking black feathers. They stand just shy of six foot even, with a thin, willowy build, their skin sandy and smooth. Hanging half-limp behind them are a pair of great apricot-colored wings, the covert feathers nearest to their back the same ebony-violet as the feathers that cover their brow and cheekbones. Their wings are sleek and shiny, evidence of recent grooming efforts. >>Tattooed on their hands is an illustration of a bumblebee constellation. <<

Cheliyi looks at their hands, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops playing long enough to remove their gloves one finger at a time, at last giving their hand to Cheliyi. "See?"

Cheliyi traces the constellation curiously. "It's nice, yes. Makes sense that she complimented it."

With a little laugh, you say, "Yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at their hand fondly. "She was so nicely to me." Much quieter, they add. "She made my heart sing so loudly whenever was around, because she liked musics, too. Made her a gift, yes - made her two." They laugh.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Keep meaning to visits. And keep meaning to takes you. But times is flies."

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

Touching their hand, you say, "Still send letters sometimes. And know she is doing O-K." They smile still. "She is with her wife, yes - Miss Olikai."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

The corners of Cheliyi's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

Teasingly, Cheliyi asks, "Always the married ones, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up again, face slightly flushed. "Mmhmm."

You smirk at Cheliyi.

You have emoted: Gurashi hangs their head, laughing suddenly, as if caught. "Ah - s-sorry! Do not follow all of my examples!!"

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

Cheliyi scolds you angrily.

The corners of Cheliyi's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

You reach over and ruffle Cheliyi's hair fondly.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Cheliyi.

Looking down at their instrument, growing quiet, you say, "...ah ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly, a look of recognition crossing their face. "...I wrote it for Miss Duet. Because I wasn't going to visit her anymore - because, thought would put her and her friends and loved ones in dangers."

Looking at their marbled reflection in the water below, you say, "But she would not let me."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Smiling, you say, "Say goodbye, mean."

Softly, Cheliyi says, "That was kind of her."

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to swing their legs again. "Was nice to hear her say." They laugh. "And then, she sang... ahh - the whole forest felt it."

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes their hands together. "Have made me want to write Miss Elexia too - to say hello to friends from First Forests, yes."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi blinks, slowly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...s..."

You stare blankly into space.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...sorry - rambled! Got rambly."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "No, no. I am just... the forest heard her?"

You nod your head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Mm - her voice was so clear and beautiful, all of Serenwildes could hear."

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts their hands to their tufted ears, cupping them at the base of either. "So beautiful..." They repeat.

A brilliant poppy of rainbow obsidian displays a myriad of brilliant colours before its petals flash momentarily coalescing into a shade of bright ivory.

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Softly, Cheliyi says, "Sounds like a nicely person, yes."

You pet Cheliyi ingratiatingly.

You glance askance at a vivid red-orange poppy.

Cheliyi hums softly, her mauve frills vibrating with song.

Watching the ships bob up and down, Cheliyi says, "... I don't think I ever actually asked, no. Why did you join the Beloveds? I know that you wanted to make your own Will and make choices, but, I... mm."

You blink.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Surprised, you say, "...why? Ah..."

Light spreads across your back in numerous colours and hues, enfolding you like butterfly wings.

You have emoted: Gurashi gazes off ponderously, legs no longer swinging. "...can remember... for long time - for many months, years even, was just friends with Beloved. Like am friends with anyone else."

Turning their mandolin so it is no longer in their lap but resting against their back, you say, "...there were lots of little things that had me curious, yes. Lots of things that happened when was around - even though am not a beloved."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Er - was not a Beloved, mean."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

A strange moment passes where you realise that you cannot seem to remember the last few minutes, the spot in your memory slipping away from your grasp and only leaving you to recall the faintest scent of citrus.

Looking down at the water, you say, "...Aschwar being asleep and hearing my songs... why they were called the Liar in the first place.... knew Akuuko - before they got hurt." A sad smile. "The story of how the Shofets found Aschwar. All of these things - was like looking through foggy window, yes, on a warm rainy day..."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, their expression suddenly confused before they gasp and touch the back of their head, whipping around. "Hey! Not allowed!" They call out after the thief disappearing between the alleyways. "Am telling a stories!"

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Puffing their cheeks, you say, "...mmm, mmm, how did... oh! Yeah."

Suddenly, you say to Cheliyi, "And then Miss Shulamit -asked- me."

Cheliyi squints. "Were... yeah. About Beloveds."

With a nod, you say to Cheliyi, "She asked if I wanted to be a Beloved. Just asked if I wanted to join. And Aschwar was with her, yes."

With a confident nod, you say, "She had asked. And. I had never really -thought- about joining an Order before. Not even a little."

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

You glance askance.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Well, O-K, maybe a little..."

Cheliyi snuggles up close and leans comfortably on you.

Softly, you say, "Miss Afollia almost got me to join the Lady of Roses's ... but, only really liked SOME of Her Tenets ..."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Dryly, Cheliyi says, "Miss Afollia kept asking me, as well."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You nod your head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "It is her job."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little hum. "...that is how I asked, yes."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Dearest Shulamit asked me. And I asked Xenthos."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles sadly. "He told me not to get hopes up too highly. Heard he even went to talk to the Shofets about stuffs himself..."

Cheliyi purses her lips, gaze growing distant.

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

Softly, Cheliyi says, "And then all of the... things happened, yes."

(clan): Cheliyi says, "Gurashi told her that they were beloved, and that they had made an oath not to."
(clan): Cheliyi says, "And she remembers the time at the MR."

You have emoted: Gurashi purses their lips. "...She didn't say -no-," They say at last, shoulders sagging slightly, squinting in confusion. "But Xenthos said the disfavor said otherwise..."

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: * a thrum of doubt - maybe, maybe you just willfully wanted to misunderstand *.

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows their brow again, just as quickly shaking their head.

You gaze softens as you smile at Cheliyi.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "And then Miss Sebitti found me, yes..."

Cheliyi's grasp tightens slightly on your own, and she sighs. "Miss Sebitti... the ghost friend, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles, nodding, ear flicking. "Yes - dearest of ghosties," They whisper, cheek mushing atop Cheliyi's head.

Faintly, you say, "...in the Glomdoring, was always a disconnects," They begin slowly, ear twitching. "...everywhere, really..."

Stampeding feet can be heard as you catch sight of an enormous saffron owl soaring overhead, being pursued by a mob of thieves across rooftop with nary a concern for gravity.

Cheliyi hums absently, agreeing with you. "Everything feels-".

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Cheliyi snorts.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't seem bothered by the flash of orange and saffron making its way across the nearby rooftops. "...Divines are so -bigly-. But, We are made from Thems."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "The Shofets is very bigly. And all-powerful. They went through -time- and -space-. And the Lady of Roses made an entire -commune- come into existence. And Mister Lord Silence? His daughter is the -Night-."

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

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Gently, you say, "I .... know what mean - and agree with how feel. About not wanting to be used." A pause. "Wanting for it to be O-K, yes. To feel safe and trusting."

Softly, you say, "...is why never wanted to join Anybody, for long long long, long long time."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at their reflection in the water below again, ears flat. "Mister Lord Silence had plans for me, yes, but would never tell me what they were ..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...and the Lady of Roses...."

You have emoted: Gurashi sets their jaw, puffing their scarred cheek out slightly, with a small, audible "pff".

Cheliyi says nothing, leaning her head against your shoulder. Her eyes close, and a few moments pass, until you abruptly notice that she isn't breathing.

Cheliyi eventually lets out a slow stream of air, exhaling sharply.

Quietly, Cheliyi says, "Mm."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at Cheliyi again, offering a tiny squeeze.

Suddenly, you say to Cheliyi, "I should not have lied about it. Should have been more bold with my feelies. Braver. Open-er."

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

Softly, Cheliyi says, "Well, it is something you learned. I guess that is all that matters."

You have emoted: Gurashi says nothing to this, giving Cheliyi a gentle squeeze, staring out over the void sea, face hidden by their plumage.

You think to yourself: ... courage ...

You have emoted: Gurashi nods once.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "... the Shofets is nice to Their Order..."

Barely audible, you say, "...mm - mean, sometimes peoples do dummy or mean things, and then They punish thems... but They are not..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "They are not unkind."

A whooping cry can be heard from a distant rooftop, and you see a swarm of thieves descend upon it like birds upon crumbs. The cry is soon amplified into a rousing chorus of raucous crows that echoes throughout the Shifting City before it vanishes altogether.

Cheliyi watches you carefully, and sighs. "I... I know. They're... really nice to you. It's good. Wish more Divine were like that, but that's probably rude."

You have emoted: Gurashi keeps their face carefully out of view, wings fanning open and closed again. "There are lots of peoples who say the Shofets is -very- not nicely," They say calmly. "Is only my experiences."

Cheliyi frowns at you.

Cheliyi does not attempt to see their expression, but instead stares implacably at you.

Gaze locked on the distant void sea, you say to Cheliyi, "I see plainly before me how muchly They really -love- Their Beloved. Not just Their order, but Those Who are gone from this reality now - Those dear to Their hearts. Have seen how fars would go to express Their love."

Bizirik, the leothin looks exhausted and opens her mouth in an enormous yawn.

Cheliyi's stare softens, and she hums in agreement,.

Speckles of cold stars open overhead, winking coldly in the silvery fog canopying the city.

You have emoted: Gurashi sets their jaw. "Seen how muchly it hurts Them too. Because pain and love are often hand and hand and is careful balance to maintains the feelings that gets from thems."

A strange moment passes where you realise that you cannot seem to remember the last few minutes, the spot in your memory slipping away from your grasp and only leaving you to recall the faintest scent of citrus.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi huffs.

You have emoted: Gurashi's legs cease swinging. "Love is every..."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, blinking.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...HEY."

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

You lazily draw your wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

Dryly, Cheliyi asks, "You are saying?"

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly shakes their head, reaching up to cover their face with a hand. "I have met many Divines, but They were the only Ones who ever made me feel -safe-."

Legs folding under the dock slightly, you say, "And O-K to be Gurashi."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "And even if have done unkindly things, it is not who They are, because -I- have done lots of unkindly things -too-."

You sniffle softly.

Cheliyi creases her brow in a frown.

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "That is good, then."

Like an echo through the streets, you hear the same words repeated along the wind on the dock in a broken stutter, "...that is good..."

(clan): You say, "Did you learn illusions."
(clan): You say, "*points gun*."
(clan): Cheliyi says, "NO."
(clan): You say, ":D."

Cheliyi sits up, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffles again, wiping their face less-than-discreetly with their hand before wiping that same hand on their pants.

You gaze softens as you smile at Cheliyi.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Cheliyi's shoulder another squeeze, then wraps the mugwump up in a hug both with their arms and a wing and a half, sighing.

In the gentle lull of the Shifting City's ephemeral existence, the voice cuts in and out. Yet rather than dying in consistency, the words remain even as they travel throughout the docks, "...good...good...good...good..."

Cheliyi glances back at you, tense with worry until she slowly relaxes in their embrace.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts their gaze, feathery ears satelliting forward to listen to the words echoed back from the city. Slowly they smile, squeezing Cheliyi tighter.

You think to yourself: ...the goodliest reality...

You think to yourself: ... * softly, echoed desire - want to be good, yes - need to be good to make the goodliest ... *.

Cheliyi seems no less wary, though she gives you a faint smile. Slowly, she takes their hand, squeezing it with gentle frown.

The words, despite their cheer and conviction, become further and further warped as they continue their wave-like travel throughout the docks, until abruptly -- they die. There is only a sense of unease in the air, an inherent wrongness that you cannot seem to shake.

Cheliyi sits up, positioning herself in front of the trill with a fierce glare.

Something settles in your gut, tipped with iron and laced with the deep chill of ice. Something left over from an age you cannot remember. Fear.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks off beyond the docks, the smile that graced their lips moments before slowly beginning to fade as the palpable unease settles in.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Cheliyi's frills flare, but she stands her ground, vigilant. However, her display of 'strength' only seems to accentuate her small size.

At once, the unease vanishes and becomes focused enough in point that you can place the source. Something has appeared over your shoulder, and the faintest pull of ragged breathing can be heard rattling just over your shoulder.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Cheliyi rise, abruptly scrambling to their own feet, albeit clumsily. "Oh, whoa," They whisper, quickly resting a hand upon her shoulder. "Cheliyi..."

Cheliyi whirls around, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi stills, staring at the mugwump, keenly aware of the presence behind them. Wings pulled inward as tightly as they can be, they slowly turn, not removing their hand from their daughter's shoulder.

Cheliyi blinks, her fierce expression settling into confusion.

As still as a statue, Mysrai looms at the entrance to the docks, far away yet feeling as though He were still standing over your shoulder even when He is locked in your vision. He makes no words, and He offers no break to the tension and fear hanging in the air...tension and fear that hangs palpable about Him.

The dock of yearning.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Copper-clad and gleaming with a mirror-walled lantern at the very top, a beacon looms here at the edge of the dock. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Instilling a deep sense of unease and fear into His surroundings, Mysrai, the Beckoner Beyond the Maze looms here like a statue. Cheliyi frowns deeply, lines creasing her forehead. She wields honeysuckle-scented stationery in her left hand and an overflowing raspberry tart in her right hand.
You see a single exit leading southeast.

LOOK AT THAT THERE BECKONER
The impossibly sharp planes and edges of this man's features are almost so severe that He could be considered a statue. Every so often, however, a pulse of movement like the quivering of muscle or the spasm of tendon will send the hideous shrieks of metal upon bone through the air away from His Divine form. Emerging from a gaping wound along His back that rises to a barbed point upon the area between His shoulder blades, His spine has been riven from its position by thick branches of dark metal. Capped in bone, the long, scythe-like wings trail voidcopper energies like auroral curtains, fading out into nothingness before they can ever be fully observed. Streaks of many-hued scales wash across His pale, ivory skin, and each dying mote of energy tinges them further indigo and golden, splashes of clour surrounded by precise, calligraphic phrases that curl across His arms. A cloud of dark black hair sparkles and jumps with ribbons of copper and snapping scarlet, tied loosely behind the God's head and cast aloft by sparks of shifting paradigms. Long talons, sharper and harder than steel, grow from the tips of His many-jointed hands and tear at the very aether with the occasional movement of His hands. The extreme angles of His face creak and protest each movement, save for the constant of His eyes; gaping, lidless holes of naught but voidstruck darkness through which abandoned stars spin endlessly in cold, languid revolutions.
He is wearing:
a swirling crown of saffron hieroglyphs, burning the aether in the space between His wings;
an ivory pair of Divine silk harem pants that contort viciously around His twisted legs.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, then blinks again, then a third time, their fingers digging slightly into the mugwump's shoulder as they gaze at the Figure, at first unfamiliar, then ... no. Could it?

Cheliyi swallows thickly, and and looks up at Their eye-less gaze with no small amount of worry and confusion. The mugwump opens her mouth to say something, perhaps a greeting, but no words escape her lips.

Unmoving and wide-eyed, their voice high and curious, you ask, "...... Most Beloveds?"

Cheliyi glances askance at you.

You think to yourself: * this strange foreign familiarity - something in their heart cries out instinctively fear, but another part is just so -certain- - has to be? another-- *.

Voidcopper energies burn and hiss as your attention focuses enough to hear them past the blood pumping through your ears. A cacophonous riot of bone against metal is heard as abruptly the statuesque Divine moves, His jaw cracking violently to the side and His wings flaring out to either side. When He speaks, it is as though He moans through His mouth, yet the words that greet your ears are alluring and sweet, a thousand husky baritones against your ear in a thousand different tones, "Yes, My Beloved?"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "'lo."

Cheliyi blinks rapidly.

Cheliyi bows respectfully to Mysrai.

You have emoted: Gurashi's grip loosens, but still never leaves, lingering like a tether to Cheliyi's shoulder, some offering of reassurance. "Most Beloved," The trill marvels aloud, taking a step closer, then another, "thought that felt a -change-... ah! You are differently - look differently...! OH--" Suddenly they drop down at the waist, bowing profusely. "Good morning! Oh!"

Light spreads across your back in numerous colours and hues, enfolding you like butterfly wings.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* a thrum of excitement and disbelief * Dear one...! The Shofets has a ... pointy - sharply? Ominous-ly newly shapes.....!"

Mysrai is before you one moment, and before you can even blink He is gone again, and you hear His ragged breath closer, and once again behind you. Even a simple turn will see Him standing at your side, just out of the peripheral as a taloned hand comes to rest on your shoulders, each finger curling down to grip lightly with far too many digits on each finger. "You have succeeded, My Gurashi?"

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

Cheliyi blinks as Mysrai seemingly teleports beside you, staring intently at Their hand as it rests on her father's shoulder.

You have emoted: Gurashi jumps at the touch, startled by the suddenness of the movement. "I did--" They exclaim as they rise fully, face breaking into a smile. "I -- She said - uh, the Empyreals said that She would help. Ah! But, with a small conditions," They grimace slightly, "but She said all healing requires some sacrifices? Did not tell me -what-. But," They smile more hopefully. "Do not think it would be so great as to impede their healing...?"

Shimmering colour catches your eye, and you turn your head to see orange paint slowly fading from a nearby wall - the temporary glyphs praising the Thief of Hidden Apogees burning away from the Divine power suffusing the Shifting City.

Cheliyi's gaze flicks to the glyphs, and she smiles faintly.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* affirmation, the aethers suddenly flooded with voidcopper and sound, deafening - glimpses of the Divine, many jagged shapes and metal, extra joints? like your left hand - familiar - -happy- *."

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

"I am sure that what She will ask will be within My power to grant," Mysrai's voice whispers alluringly in your ear, and you find yourself nodding at the sincerity of His words. He raises His opposite hand and with a flourish of His too-jointed digits there is a small fall of precious gems and gold from His hands, quickly replaced by fine flowers, and then expensive jewellery. "All that the Maze stretches over is Mine to offer, after all."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Hmm. Interesting."

Cheliyi nods along, only to pause, and look very confused. Faintly, the mugwump squeaks out, "The Maze?"

You have emoted: "Yeah, yeah," Gurashi bites their lip as they nod, a bit of confusion crossing their face as they do so. Their ears rise again and they look up towards the Beckoner, wings flapping happily. "You are a differently shapes again...mmm...Beckoner," They whisper suddenly, knowingly. "Are the Beckoners."

Though His expression never changes, seemingly forged from the same alien metal that emerges from His back, you nevertheless feel as though He now has eyes for Cheliyi only.

Cheliyi blinks.

"I am..." As before, Mysrai's mouth does not move to shape the words, and only the rattling of wind pushed through His immobile face can assure you that He willed the words to be as they hiss and coil about your ears like the honeyed word of a trusted parent or teacher. "...and you have done quite well. What reward would you ask of Me?"

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a beckoning motion at Cheliyi, excited at their own understanding unveiling before them, either choosing not to address or not noticing the gems or flowers or jewelry as they form within Mysrai's hand.

You blink.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Think I should come say hi?"

Cheliyi looks back up at Mysrai, meeting Their gaze evenly. Her lips purse, and she eventually manages to work out the words, "Sorry if that was a rudely question. Also... I am assuming you mean for Dad, so..."

Cheliyi glances askance.

Cheliyi coughs softly.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "You, rather."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Mysrai.

Mysrai's face remains emotionless, staring forward towards the end of the docks as though He can see both nothing and everything that lays beyond its borders with His unceasing gaze.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confusedly between Cheliyi and Mysrai, at last pointing to themselves. "What - wait, do actually mean me?"

Dryly, Cheliyi says, "I do not think I did a giant task for Them, so yes, you."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Well - do not think would hurt? They look -amazing- and differently - but also I am confused. And They are very fast moving. Here and there and whoosh! Amazing."

Mysrai's grip tightens ever so lightly against your shoulder before relenting again, His fingers leaving small tears against the vermillion fabric of your shirt. "Your childling speaks sensibly, My Beloved. A boon, within My power, is owed to you for the completion of this task."

(clan): You say, "MY SHIRT."
(clan): You say, "Cries."
(clan): Cheliyi says, "Yes I'd like a new shirt."
(clan): You say, "YEAH."

You think to yourself: Childing? Oh - is cute.

Cheliyi's gaze widens, and she stares at the tears with no small amount of worry.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "I'm sure you need hugs, too."

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the southeast, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at their shirt, surprise crossing their expression at the grip before they again look at the Beckoner, not so much worried as confused. "...but - the reward is that Aschwar gets better...isn't it?"

You catch a flash of saffron out of the corner of your eye, and turn to see a thief darting away to leave naught but a glittering trail of fading colours in his wake.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks at Mysrai, acknowledging Tridemon's arrival with a little flutter of their wings and flash of teeth in a grin. Their expression returns to its previous state as they gaze upon the Beckoner, ears flattening atop their head.

A faceless, indistinct citizen exists.

Tridemon freezes for a moment after walking in from the southeast and seeing Mysrai, but moves to stand nearby you after the moment passes.

"Assuredly, My Beloved. Yet even still for the prize that shall be won from this, there is reward greater. You have done for My Heart that which others thought impossible, and for this My generosity shall be full. Perhaps, though..." Mysrai's voice of a thousand alluring whispers fails off with the jagged, rattling gasp that escapes His mouth, and there are several moments as though He is pondering greatly. "...perhaps you would be willing to accept the gift from My Heart, then, as you have aided them above all else?"

You blink.

Cheliyi blinks, slowly.

(clan): Cheliyi says, "I just got it. why gurashi is the hearts friend."

You have emoted: Gurashi's plumage ruffles as they puff up slightly, again . "...mmm, mm, dunno." They look at the hand upon their shoulder, observing the slightly torn fabric. "Only if they felt like wanted to -give- one, maybe? But do not want them to feel obligated, You know?" They look up again, staring into Mysrai's emotionless face, rising to stand on their tip-toes to bring them closer.

You think to yourself: * suddenly - a passing thought *.

His voice coming from a thousand sibilant, alluring whispers around you rather than His mouth, Mysrai, the Beckoner Beyond the Maze says, "If this is your wish, Beloved."

A strange moment passes where you realise that you cannot seem to remember the last few minutes, the spot in your memory slipping away from your grasp and only leaving you to recall the faintest scent of citrus.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Cheliyi huffs under her breath.

You have emoted: Gurashi sinks back to stand flat on their feet, wobbling slightly. "Or maybe when Aschwar is all done, they can play more... more time to rest?" They chirp suddenly. "One of the best parts of being Beloved is getting to be with one anothers. And, they have been working hard, lots, doing important things for You and the others." They smile. "But is important to play too, yes...!"

His voice coming from a thousand sibilant, alluring whispers around you rather than His mouth, Mysrai, the Beckoner Beyond the Maze says, "Childling, tire you the distraction of your weighty thoughts? Would you care for focus?" <-- sent at same time as my emote, confusion abounded as thought They were talking to ME

You look at Mysrai hopefully.

You nod your head sagely.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi blinks.

Tridemon reaches out to touch Cheliyi on the shoulder lightly.

Cheliyi winces, and nods sheepishly. "Apologies, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi's ears and gaze swivel around towards Cheliyi and Tridemon, curious.

Mysrai's neck creaks as though the joints were crying out in protest as His statuesque head turns to face Cheliyi for the moment. "This, I can offer, be you willing to bear the distraction of pain. No more than the scraping of a knee, and this shall offer you freedom from the weight which chases you."

You blink.

You stare at Cheliyi, eyes wide.

You stare at Mysrai, eyes wide.

Cheliyi blinks.

You think to yourself: ... the distraction of...

Cheliyi pauses... seriously considering the offer.

Faintly, Cheliyi says, "Um... I appreciate Your offer, yes. Do not want to just... shy away from issues, no. Feels like I will not fix it."

You think to yourself: * c o n f u s i o n *.

His voice coming from a thousand sibilant, alluring whispers around you rather than His mouth, Mysrai, the Beckoner Beyond the Maze says, "Forget not the entrance you have found, nor the experience it takes, then. Your journey is led by your own feet, and only you may decide the destination; no matter what avenues you may see lain before."

You have emoted: Gurashi's own gaze softens as they listen to Mysrai's words, staring intently at the mugwump.

You think to yourself: ... O-K - will be O-K ...

Cheliyi blinks slowly, and nods. "I... thank You, yes. Sorry that I... um. Sort of glared at You. Didn't know it was You."

You think to yourself: * a sense of longing, wishing could offer the mugwump the same sort of comfort *.

A strange moment passes where you realise that you cannot seem to remember the last few minutes, the spot in your memory slipping away from your grasp and only leaving you to recall the faintest scent of citrus.

The reluctance and resistance that meets every one of Mysrai's movements cries out again as He turns His head once more; the ear-piercing screech of metal upon bone sending stars across your vision before His voice returns to once more tempt you with the sweetest whispers, "If this is truly your desire, My Gurashi, then I shall assure My Ash that their training shall be cut short, that they may..." A strange flavour of fear shoots up your spine as His whispers take on an amused cant, His voice more sinister than it has ever been as he finishes, "...play..."

(clan): You say, "Squint."
(clan): You say, "There was no C."

Cheliyi blinks, brow furrowing with confusion as she seemingly tries to reason with her own emotions.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to smile, though their ears stay flat atop their head. Their wings flap again. "Yeah...y'know, like sandcastles and cake tags and stuffs," They whisper, meeting the sinister tone with a confused little warble.

The sense of unease in the air rises to an abrupt climax of dread before Mysrai is suddenly gone, leaving no trace He had ever existed here except for the brief sound of fabric fluttering in the wind, vermillion silk dancing in the faint wind your wings create as they expand to fill the space He had occupied.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi glances again at the tears in your shirt.

Eventually, Cheliyi asks, "... Do you think They got my cake?"

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little grunt, stepping after the Thousandfold as They vanish abruptly from sight. Their hand rises to their shoulder, as does their gaze, gently plucking at the torn fabric.

Overhead, the sky is blotted out with the massive, rainbow-hued wings of a dreameater moth.

Cheliyi pauses, and squints.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Or does this form not like cake...."

Cheliyi huffs.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "They probably got the cake, yes."

Cheliyi hums softly, her mauve frills vibrating with song.

Pondering, Cheliyi asks, "When do you think Mixter Aschwar will be able to play?"

You have emoted: Gurashi gazes off towards the end of the dock still, fidgeting with the tear in their shirt as they smile at Cheliyi's comment. "...ah - am not sure." Another pause. "...I did not see a mouth. Is perhaps why has not gotten back to you, maybe..."

You have emoted: Gurashi turns their attention now to Tridemon as well, smile brightening even further. "Hello, dear one."

Cheliyi nods slowly, and then hums. "Well... it's not like They have to eat it, anyways."

Tridemon hugs you compassionately.

You have emoted: Gurashi returns the embrace, shoulders sagging. "Did see," They whisper, looking up, dazed, dreamy. "They have a new shapes, yes, newly shapes."

Cheliyi fidgets in place, staring off into the distance.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns their attention again to Cheliyi, smile waning somewhat. "...mine-child?"

You give Tridemon a friendly squeeze.

Cheliyi blinks, jolted out of her thoughts. "Mm. Just thinking. They offered to help, but I don't... mm. Yeah. Meant what I said. Not even sure how the scrape on my knee would make it hurt less. Still... it was really nicely of Them to offer, yes."

Mysrai, the Beckoner Beyond the Maze has bestowed His divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 30 months.

What Cheli @ Tridemon saw:
You start as ethereal metal sprouts from betwixt Gurashi's wings, rising into scythe-like wings of metal from which energies begin to spill down towards the ground.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi watches the wings appear with wide, wondering eyes.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows their brow with a bit of confusion, wings flapping once gently. "...your knee?" They ask, looking down, not noticing the wings appear behind them, too busy inspecting Cheliyi's leggies.

Cheliyi shakes out her frills. "Um... yeah. When They said They could... unburden me, I think? I'm not sure how it would work, but they said it would be painful like scraping your knee. Do not want to just... escape from my burdens, though."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Cheliyi suddenly grimaces. "Not that... I wasn't already doing that by leaving Glomdoring."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Tridemon, confused by the 'very neat' paired with Cheliyi's comments.

A strange moment passes where you realise that you cannot seem to remember the last few minutes, the spot in your memory slipping away from your grasp and only leaving you to recall the faintest scent of citrus.

Grumbling, Cheliyi says, "So many thieves...."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks a few times, ruffling their own hair softly. "Told you - Saints kicked them outs..." They exhale, looking down the dock again. "Are just playing...!"

Shaking their fist back down the streets, you say, "But my family's brains is OFF LIMITS!"

A strange moment passes where you realise that you cannot seem to remember the last few minutes, the spot in your memory slipping away from your grasp and only leaving you to recall the faintest scent of citrus.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Cheliyi peers about herself unscrupulously.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Now they are doing it on purpose."

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes their fist a second time, then starts laughing. "Ah! Perhaps," They smile wider, "we go back to my manse? Now they are teasing," They giggle, nodding in agreement.

You have emoted: Gurashi plucks at one of their head feathers, curious.

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Cheliyi takes your hand, and then pokes at the second set of wings curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Cheliyi's hand a squeeze, yet oblivious. "Come come."

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

You gaze softens as you smile at Tridemon.

Looking at their shirt again, you ask Tridemon, "Can you please fix this when we get back?"

You give Cheliyi a friendly squeeze.

You give Tridemon a friendly squeeze.

Suddenly yelling into the streets, you say, "O-K, monks! We love you! Stay outs of our thinks, thanks!"

You beam broadly.

<-- runs home and thru the AP where one of Chel's friends (Millien) was

A chilling, forestal curiosities room.                 (#HAH_1)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. 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. A brightly colourful tapestry depicting a bear filled picnic has been hung on a nearby wall. A small table hewn from a ravenwood trunk has been upended here, providing a small surface on which to rest various objects. Depicting the four trees of Glomdoring in stylistic renditions, a woven, rose-scented rug spreads across the floor. There are 2 lyre-backed chairs here. 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 A Stack of Cats is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. A marble archway stands here, elegantly arcing up from ground to ceiling. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see exits leading north (open door), east (open door), south (open door), and southwest (open door).

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Cheliyi, "Did want to say hi?"

Cheliyi shakes her head.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "It's alright, yes. Will probably catch her later."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles more broadly. "Mm, O-K."

You look at Tridemon hopefully.

You stare at a vibrant vermilion shirt, eyes wide.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

You stare at a vibrant vermilion shirt, eyes wide.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Cheliyi smiles wryly at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi plucks at the hole in their shirt again, eyes wide and pleading.

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales, their ears flicking back again. "Said something about scraped knees? What did say in brains?"

Cheliyi hums softly. "Said that They could help me be distracted from my heavy thoughts by helping with something that would hurt a little. Bring focus?"

Suddenly understanding, you say, "Oh. That is right."

Looking down, you say, "Pinch ourselves to check for wakingness. Something like that... ah, but the things you have been thinking...?"

You think to yourself: Heavy thoughts?

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Cheliyi purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

Softly, Cheliyi says, "I guess I just... think a lot. Now. About how I feel. And it always feels like I am aching in my chest."

Quieter, Cheliyi says, "Also thought the Shofets was Lord Silence, at first. And then how weirdly it was that Shofets was scary, but kind, but Lord Silent was not scary, but actually cruel."

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "But, it is fine. Do not really know how to fix it, but don't want to forget, either. Then I might make more mistakes."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns as they listen, head canting to their side. "...feelings are heavy, yeah," They agree at last, nodding once. "Like stones in the middle of your heart....and, you -shouldn't- forget, no. Feelings are meant to be felt, because once are realized, then, can go -forward-."

Thoughtfully, you say, "Can be mindful of the past... while not letting it weigh you down with every steps of the futures. A hard balance."

You think to yourself: Balanced on a knife's edge...

Brilliant sunset hues bathe your surroundings in a vividly carmine afterglow.

Cheliyi watches you intently, slowly absorbing their words. "It... mm. Does not feel like stones, no. Like the inside of my chest has been burned, and is just aching from the aftermath. Do not know how to go forward from one of those."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Cheliyi, listening, blinking slowly. Suddenly their mouth is moving and making sound before they realize it, both pairs of wings flaring open and flapping in sync, sending shining bits of voidcopper raining about the room behind them . "Fires make rooms for new growth - someday."

You stare at Cheliyi, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly lifts their hand to cover their mouth, frowning. "...did not mean that kind of burning."

Tridemon gives you a friendly cuddle.

Cheliyi smiles faintly. "It's okay. It's technically true, yes."

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "...as someone..."

Softly, Cheliyi says, "Maybe I will be able to grow something new in my chest. It will still take a while. And probably some water."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi silences themselves, nodding several times.

You reach out, pulling Cheliyi into a tight embrace.

Loudly, you exclaim to Cheliyi, "And many hugs!"

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

Cheliyi hugs you with no small amount of effort, pulling you into a tight embrace.

(clan): Cheliyi says, "What were they gonna say >.>."
(clan): You say, "As someone who once thought they'd never be able to move forward either, they know that she will eventually get her footings again, and until then they'd wait with her until she were ready to go."
(clan): Cheliyi says, "Sob."

Dryly, Cheliyi says, "Maybe Dad has not fixed your shirt, because he likes seeing your shoulder, yes."

The corners of Cheliyi's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

You stare blankly at Cheliyi.

You blush furiously.

Cheliyi grins smugly.

Stammering in surprise, you exclaim, "W-w-w-w-what??!"

Cheliyi looks rather like a certain leothin as she hides a laugh.

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly.

You have emoted: Gurashi covers their shoulder with a squawk.

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly stops, staring over their shoulder, eyes wide.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi lowers their left wing, then raises it again, eyes widening further as the metal wing spreads open wider behind it. "...uh."

Cheliyi stares blankly at you.

Squinting, Cheliyi asks, "... did you not notice?"

Tridemon pets you ingratiatingly.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes their head, turning slowly, ponderously. "They are..." They try to turn more, try to grasp the wings themselves, but seem afraid to actually touch. "So big!!!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "....is this gonna ruin my bed."

Worriedly, you ask, "Am going to have to sleeps on the floor?"

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "No, no..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "But maybe."

Cheliyi ponders the situation, and reaches up to touch the wings once more. ... Only for her hand to pass through.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Doesn't look like it will tear your bed, no."

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "O-K..."

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks again, then suddenly looks at Tridemon. "Do I need to find another tailior?" They ask suddenly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Tridemon, "Is O-K if are busy, just need to know, yus!"

You have emoted: Gurashi fishes out an ebon throwover cloak striated with lilac patterns from their pack. "It is a nice shirt..."

Cheliyi nods her head sagely at you.

Grinning, Cheliyi says, "I could help, but I am more used to jewellery, yes."

Cheliyi wiggles her fingers threateningly.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

With a huff, you ask, "Perhaps next time?"

Reaching up to rub their eyes, you say, "U-uhm..."

Embarrassed, you say, "Need to rest. I do."

Apologetic, you say, "Sorry."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Can fix the shirts next time..."

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Tridemon, "Next time?"

Cheliyi hugs you with no small amount of effort, pulling you into a tight embrace.

You have emoted: Gurashi says this hopefully before launching forward and throwing their arms around both.

You join in on the group hug, stretching your arms out to either side and joining in on the love.

Adoringly to Tridemon and Cheliyi both, you say, "Love you, yes."

You give Cheliyi a friendly cuddle.

You give Tridemon a friendly cuddle.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "With all of my hearts."

Cheliyi peers at you unscrupulously.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi asks, "You have more than one?"

The corners of Cheliyi's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

You nod your head sagely.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Must - wear them all on my sleeves."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Whatever THAT means."

Softly, Cheliyi says, "Love you too."

You give Cheliyi a friendly squeeze.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Say hello to Miss Elexia for me, if see."

Cheliyi hums contently.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly brings up a wing - both left wings - to shield themselves and Tridemon from Cheliyi's view briefly. Just long enough for them to plant a chaste kiss upon Tridemon's mouth, parting with a giggle.

Tridemon flops down onto the ground.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Am slain. By kisses. Woe."

You have emoted: Gurashi drops their wing, staring down at the lucidian on the floor. "...if was the case you would have been dead long times ago."

You nudge Tridemon with your foot, checking for signs of life.

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

Bizirik, the leothin begins to follow Cheliyi.

Tridemon gives you a friendly squeeze.

You give Tridemon a peck on the cheek.

You eyes light up as you smile.

Flailing, Cheliyi says, "No murder on the carpet!"

The corners of Cheliyi's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks between both mugwump and lucidian, visibly hesitating as they approach the doorway to the kitchen. Their gray-blue eyes scan the room once, and they hum, finally turning away.

<--away!