"You are a poem. You are a song."

You tell Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed, "And...there! I think my work is done for now."

Zitto tells you, "May I join you?"

You tell Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed, "Of course!"

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

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Zitto comes into view.
Preceded by fluttering red streamers, a black paradise parrot with green-feathered wings arrives from the ether in a graceful descent.
Zitto has entered the area.

-l
Before a veil of light.
One or two light fluffy clouds drift lazily through the sky. An ancient cluster of oak trees stretch into the sky, their imposing presence marking the very centre of this verdant glade. Amongst them, countless branches and roots entwine into an intricate, honeycombed structure: a massive dome that rises from the forest floor to the canopy. Thin sheets of glistening amber fill the space between the wooden limbs, forming gleaming, semi-transparent windows that reveal the gardens found within. High grasses and wildflowers surround this dome, from patches of lilies and violets to the occasional bluebell and rarer tulips, creating a lush quilt of colour. Visible in the distance, the trees, grasses and plantlife thins, the Eastern Serenwilde's wasteland held back by a sparkling veil of light that hums deep, low notes. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Impeding all entrance into the gilt dome of the Ambervault, the Wheel Gate stands resolutely. A hornbeam sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. Embraced by a fluttering cloak of springtime flowers, Sparrow Longfellow whistles pleasantly to himself as he converses with the trees. Colourful and exotic to behold, a black paradise parrot preens green-feathered wings here, fluttering red streamers dancing about his form. Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed drifts here, vibrant blossoms
surging out of the ground around him.
You see a single exit leading northwest.

You have emoted: Lief flits nearer to Zitto immediately upon his appearance, giving him an affectionate peck upon the cheek. "Hello," she smiles.

Zitto smiles at your kiss. "Lovely to see you, dear," he says as he wraps his arms around you, careful not to disturb your wings.

-l zitto
He is a nimble faeling prismatic demigod. Though he is short for his kind, his straight posture gives the impression of greater stature. He is lithe, though not particular muscular. His angular face appears youthful in spite of his years, with cobalt blue eyes that stand sentinel above a jagged, aquiline nose.  His mannerisms are lively and animated, with eyes that jump about and an occasional smile, as if at a joke only he is party to. Rising from his shoulders and elbows are flowing strands of cinereous mist, a mark of disfavour that trails upwards like the strings of a puppet. Appearing sallow and unhealthy, his colouration seems strangely muted and unattractive beneath the truedisfavour of Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan.

His black hair has been slicked back against his scalp, glistening with the pomade used to achieve the effect. It leaves a pronounced widow's peak outlined against his forehead, creating an austere look that is as intimidating as it is debonair.
He is wearing:
a pair of vined forestwalker's boots
an engraved ring of gold and beryl
a pair of sleek black trousers subtly accented with gold
a dark moss-green linen shirt.


You have emoted: Lief offers Zitto a squeeze, and then draws back a bit, her gray eyes twinkling with color. "Have you ever been here?" she asks, gesturing about herself - to the honeycombed structure and the veil of light in the distance.

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

Zitto considers his surroundings with an increasing expression of awe. "If I have, I never took the time to note it. It is lovely," he answers.

You see a deer wander through a clearing in the distance.

You have emoted: Lief puffs up a bit with pride at Zitto's comment. "The dome is the Ambervault," she explains. "Sparrow here was charged by Glinshari himself to watch over this place. And just beyond..." She motions past the structure, to the glittering light. "That is the eastern Serenwilde."

A radiant aura of blue light glows forth from the Glinshari Circle, signalling that the Flame of Glinshari shines with great strength.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "I do not believe I have ever taken the time to properly explore the Serenwilde. I should, at some point, now that I am relatively welcome."

You have emoted: Lief's eyes twinkle as she listens to Zitto, the pride that gilds her colors never fading. "Yes," she says, reaching out to take Zitto's hand in hers. "There is no place more beautiful in all of the Basin, I think, though there are beautiful places everywhere."

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.

The musky scent of loam and leaves fills you with vibrancy.

Zitto accepts your hand happily, lifting it while bending to plant a kiss on the back of your hand. His tone serious, he replies, "Wherever you stand is the most beautiful place in the Basin, dear."

Birds fill your ears with serenades of happiness and love.

You have emoted: Lief smiles fondly at Zitto, lingering with him in quiet for a moment.

You think to yourself: I want to...I could...

You think to yourself: ...I should wait for the right moment.

-p gate
A perfect circle cut into the Ambervault's curving dome, the Wheel Gate is made from an aged moonhart tree, the heartwood fine-grained and silvery. Whomever crafted it did so with great patience and care, as upon its surface are images not unlike a frieze that tells the story of Ellindel and Glinshari through the year: planting trees in springtime; healing and summoning fae during the summer months; culling and hunting as autumn passes; and finally, enjoined in a warm embrace as winter approaches. The faint presence of some enchantment lingers upon the gate, a charm or spell that suggests that this structure is more than meets the eye.
It is strangely weightless.
It has the following aliases: gate, gates.

You have emoted: Lief suddenly motions toward the Wheel Gate, beaming at Zitto. "This is what Elexia painted upon my back!"

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "I see that you are with your dear Zitto now, sister, but if you still desired to talk, I'll be about for awhile yet."

A squirrel skitters through the treetops somewhere above.

You tell Regent Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "O-oh, yes! It's really, really important."

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "Truly?" A very faint hint of worry creeps into her voice. "Nothing is amiss, I pray?"

You tell Regent Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "N-no, I do not *think* there is..."

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.

Zitto seems to notice the gate for the first time. Examining it, he asks, "In all it's detail? I knew Elexia was skilled, but that is truly masterful work."

You think to yourself: How did Elexia know when it was right...?

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "Whatever the matter is, we'll work through it together."

You have emoted: Lief squeezes Zitto's hand, flashing him a grin. "I would imagine it holds its every detail - what with how long she spent jabbing me with her needle."

With a playful grin of his own, Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Do you imagine she takes joy in the jabbing?"

You have emoted: Lief only laughs in answer before tugging Zitto along. "Let's not give Sparrow too much to gossip about here. He tells so many stories about Ellindel and Glinshari which give me cause for concern."

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

Zitto begins to follow you.

You have emoted: Lief considers for a moment longer before she takes to wing, pulling Zitto along.

Zitto follows you northwest.
Zitto follows you southwest.
Zitto follows you northwest.
Zitto follows you northwest.
Beneath an ancient lime tree.
There is but a light breeze blowing. An ancient lime tree grows amidst a small clearing here, surrounded by lush, verdant grass. Its thick branches provide shade and calm to its surroundings, namely a hodgepodge of wild flowers that grow amongst the greenery and produce a pleasant odour in all directions. The clearing is enclosed by a wide variety of trees and bushes, leading back into the forest; meanwhile, the passage westwards is blocked by a wall of blackthorn bushes. An oak sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem.
You see exits leading southeast, south, and west.

You have emoted: Lief flits nearer to an ancient lime tree, where she allows her feet to touch the earth again. "I didn't know one of these grew here," she says with some surprise, gazing up into its boughs.

The howl of a distant wolf momentarily silences the crickets.

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

Zitto strolls up behind you and wraps an arm around you before joining you in gazing up into the tree. "I'm glad to know the forest occasionally still surprises you," he says playfully.

You have emoted: Lief fidgets idly with her kimono's sash, resting her hand against her middle as she gazes upward. Zitto's arm around her causes her to lean back comfortably into his support, her wings stretching idly before tucking themselves comfortably in place. "Would it be a Forest if it didn't hold surprises and wonder for even the elders?" she asks with a grin.

The howl of a distant wolf momentarily silences the crickets.

You have emoted: Suddenly curious, Lief looks over at Zitto. "Does Hallifax hold such surprises sometimes?"

Zitto seems about to say something, but cuts himself off as you begin your question. He seems almost disappointed to answer, "It holds wonders, though for one who's lived their all his life, few surprises. The Garden is the only new development in the Overcity that I'm aware of."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "Though as for you, you surprise me each new day when I find I love you more than the day before, though I would not have thought it possible."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 12th of Dioni, 567 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You have emoted: Lief studies Zitto's cobalt eyes, his words slowly settling in. And as they slowly settle in, they provoke a sanguine blush that creeps up her neck and over her cheeks. She laughs despite - or perhaps because - of her embarrassment, and gives Zitto's chest the smallest of pushes. "I thought you said it was impossible to love me any greater than you do," she teases.

You tell Regent Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "When...when did you know it was right?"

Zitto chuckles as you push him, basking in your reaction. His face is full of joy as he gazes at you adoringly. Drawing close again, he whispers to you, "And so it is. I could not love you more than I do now. It simply is not possible. And yet tomorrow, I will."

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "When the time was right...?" For a moment, there is a pause, as if your sister is mulling over the words. "...My sister, my dear, dear sister." Warmth floods her tone. "You speak of him, yes?"

You have emoted: Lief turns fully in Zitto's arm, burying her head against his shoulder quite suddenly with a muffled sound of protest. "Zitto," she complains, her entire face radiating warmth against Zitto's shirt. Her hand still against his chest, she lets it simply rest there, no longer a push.

You think to yourself: Why do I feel so *helpless*?

You tell Regent Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "I...I do..." The weight of her embarrassment is practically palpable on the aethers, so strong one could almost touch it. "It is just...binding oneself to another, how do you know it is - that it is right?"

Zitto says nothing, but turns to hold you in both arms. He rests his own head beside yours, his quiet breaths warming your neck. He is silent for a time, content to hold you and exist in this moment.

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "My sister..." There is a warmth and gentleness in her tone. "I each shard may find a different answer. To bind one's self to another - forever - it is a difficult and intimate ask. But, for myself, it was when I could scarce imagine a life without him anymore. When he felt intertwined with my soul in a way both elating, but almost - almost dangerous, as if his parting were unthinkable." She pauses, for a few moments, before continuing. "When you have already become one but two. And you wish to bare that bond before the whole of the world, and accept that person into every facet of your life and your being. That is when I knew."

The horizon glows with burnished shades of orange and red, heralding the imminent arrival of Father Sun upon the rim of the world.

You have emoted: Lief's fingers curl into the fabric of Zitto's shirt, and she lingers like this until her tensions subside, her posture noticeably relaxing into something better approximating an embrace. Slowly, she draws back to gaze into Zitto's eyes. Her own swim with colors - sometimes swirling thoughtfully together, an embrace of tender peach and lilac - sometimes roiling with chaotic tumult, brighter and harsher with crimson and stormy blues. Finally, her fingers against Zitto's chest relax, too, and she scoops up one of Zitto's hands into her own. "Do you speak truly?" she asks softly. "Knowing me for who I am, for how I am - for how frightened I may be, for how I am myself in my absoluteness?"

After swallowing a breath, you ask, "For how I am certain to one day hurt you, as careless as I can be?"

You tell Regent Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "It - it frightens me, sister. I feel as though I scarcely know him, and it frightens me. What if my judgment is wrong? What if I am not ready, and I only hurt him?"

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "Knowing you for who you are, I know you could not hurt me. It is because you are so absolutely you, so free in being yourself, that I love you. It is a freedom you have shared with me, for which I will forever be grateful."

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "Whenever one is considering such a monumental change in one's path, there will be doubt, and there will be fear. But in your heart, I think you already know if he is the one. And if he is? Then those questions do not matter, for I am of the belief that this Colour, when nurtured mutually between two, will inevitably rise and conquer."

You have emoted: "That is how so many loves end," Lief says softly, her hand squeezing Zitto's own. "With pain. Isn't it? I've seen it, and I've read about it, and how else might pain happen except when it is inflicted...?"

You think to yourself: He...wouldn't hurt me, but I am so careless.

Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic sun's luminous presence as he climbs higher into the sky.

The wisps of condensation in the sky spread slightly as a few light clouds develop.

You see a deer wander through a clearing in the distance.

Zitto raises his free hand to rest it against your cheek. Looking tenderly into your eyes, he affirms, "The only way you could hurt me is by being absent from my life."

You tell Regent Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "I..." She trails off, hushed, though her emotion hangs upon the aethers still. And so she remains for a time, until her words sing across the aethers anew, "I would be lost were he to leave my side. I want to learn him more. And he - he shows me so very much about myself, too. I cannot help but feel myself growing, and growing, and *growing*."

You see a deer wander through a clearing in the distance.

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "You are, my dearest, sweet sister, you are," comes her soft reply. "And, so is he. You two have built each other up, changed each other, touched hearts in a way only you can truly know the depths of. But, what is within shines without, and it is something we all can see in the both of you."

You have emoted: Lief is quiet for some time, her eyes searching Zitto's own, hers still shifting in color and in brightness. Slowly, she leans her cheek into Zitto's palm, and then she closes her eyes. Softly, but fervently, she whispers, "You've come into my life so recently, and - and everything has changed. *Everything*." Her eyes remain closed as she speaks. "And I don't know what to do with myself but continue to grow, growing as wild as my heart feels, as fearful as it shakes me."

You think to yourself: Elexia is right.

You think to yourself: My questions...they matter, but they do not matter more than this.

You think to yourself: I - cannot stop myself from growing. And he is growing, too. I can sense it. Can he sense it?

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

You tell Regent Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "It-it frightens me. It truly does. But...I cannot protest what you say, when I think I see it with my own two eyes, even when they're closed."

Zitto continues to look into your eyes as he listens, hanging on your ever word. He whispers back to you, "I feel as though I have grown so much since I met you, because of you. All that I am now, I owe to you." As he finishes, his eyes suddenly shift into a kaleidoscope of colors as if to emphasize his growth on this new path before returning to their natural blue.

You have emoted: With Zitto's words, Lief opens her eyes again, and she simply cannot look away. She bites on her bottom lip, a moment of hesitation overwhelming her.

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "Love is a frightening thing, isn't it? But beautiful, enthralling, enrapturing..."

You think to yourself: My heart is beating so fast...

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: Slowly, Lief draws Zitto's hand to her sash, and she presses his fingertips there, where a little round object can be felt. And then she draws away, and pulls the object out, her hand trembling faintly. Slowly, she unfolds the cloud-blue silk, and reveals a honeyed beryl engagement band to Zitto. Her voice cracks around her words. "I do not know what to say, Zitto. Around you, I fear I know nothing at all, save that I cannot imagine ever being apart from you. I do not have a poem to recite neatly to you, or a song to sing, save the song within my heart - one without words, one that needs no words."

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.

Zitto gasps slightly when he sees the ring. His adoring expression deepens, his smile now warm and wide as he looks at you with tender eyes. He is near speechless in response to your proclamation, struggling to find words. At last he manages, "You are a poem. You are a song."

You get down on one knee and, while holding forth a honeyed beryl engagement band, you declare your eternal love for Zitto, and ask him to marry you.

Zitto, with a look of utter joy on his face, accepts your proposal of marriage.

The smell of wildflowers wafts past your nose.

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

Zitto accepts the ring with a smile, though his eyes are wet. Having placed it on his finger, he examines it careful in something like awe.

Zitto slips into a honeyed beryl engagement band.

You have emoted: With the cloud-blue cloth still in her hand, Lief watches Zitto ease the ring onto his finger. She is blinking rapidly, fighting against a crashing wave of emotion that threatens to overwhelm her completely. After some time, her voice a cracked whisper, she says, "I love you, Zitto."

Zitto looks to from the ring to you as if awakening from a dream. "I love you, Lief," is all he can manage. He leans towards you and says with a gentle kiss all the rest of those feelings which he cannot put into words.

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

The wisps of condensation in the sky spread slightly as a few light clouds develop.

You have emoted: Lief responds to the kiss with a sweet, tender one of her own, and tears finally wend their way down her cheeks. She pulls back eventually, and wipes at the dampness with one billowing sleeve, and asks with a laugh as she does - her voice still creaking like a tree in a violent wind - "Do you like it? I know it's simple, but you bring so much warmth and light into my life. You are my sun."

The wind whistles eerily through the trees.

Zitto looks back at the ring, his face the picture of absolute joy. "It is perfect," he assures you. "The beryl is such a thoughtful gesture, and the ring itself is beautiful." He looks back to you, and with a playful smile adds, "Almost as beautiful as you."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 13th of Dioni, 567 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You have emoted: Lief draws Zitto's hand back into her own, her gaze, now reddened with her tears, turning down to admire how the ring sits upon Zitto's finger. "I didn't know if it would be inappropriate," she confesses softly, gradually regaining her steadiness. "Since, as you told me, the beryl is important to House Shevat, and...well...I am uncertain they will be well pleased."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "I am pleased. Beyond pleased. And any of my family who truly care for me will be happy for my sake."

The light spread of cloud overhead fluffs up into sparse cotton bodies.

The wind whistles eerily through the trees.

You have emoted: Lief squeezes Zitto's hand, unable, for a moment, to look him in the eye despite the little smile that tugs at her lips.

You think to yourself: This is right.

You think to yourself: There is so much joy in my heart - and there is so much joy in his heart - and that is right.

You think to yourself: Goodness, but I love him...

You think to yourself: I want to know everything about him.

You have emoted: Lief's eyes finally lift, and in their gray depths flicker glimpses of honey and coral, of rosy pinks and the cerulean of an endless expanse of sky. "You are happy, then," she says softly, smiling.

Zitto meets your gaze, his eyes a flickering with a rainbow-variety of colors. He affirms, "I am the happiest I have ever been. The happiest I will ever be, I think, barring a single day which is yet to come."

You have emoted: Lief lifts Zitto's hand to her cheek, which she presses into it. "I do hope you are ready for the questions that will come," she says, voice uplifted by notes of bubbling laughter.

The horizon glows with burnished shades of orange and red, heralding the imminent arrival of Father Sun upon the rim of the world.

Zitto grins at you, asking "These sort of questions?" He adopts a tone of mock-inquiry, turning his head slight to one side and then the other, impersonating a questioning crowd as he asks, "How are you so blessed? What's your secret to courtship? Does she have any sisters?"

The smell of wildflowers wafts past your nose.

You have emoted: Lief outright laughs to this, lowering Zitto's hand from her cheek yet unwilling to relinquish it completely. "I *do* have sisters," she manages with a shake of her antlered head. And then she adopts another tone entirely, one full of inquisitiveness belied somewhat by the heady teasing notes which thread through them. "'When is the wedding?' 'How many children are you having, five or seven?' 'Why won't you try your new sister's peep chili?'"

Zitto adopts a serious expression for a moment, his smile fading into a tight, flat line. He answers your last question by insisting "I will be dead and in the ground before I try peep chili." He holds his stern expression for a few seconds more before breaking into a chuckle and planting a kiss on your forehead.

The musky scent of loam and leaves fills you with vibrancy.

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.

You have emoted: Lief laughs again with Zitto's answer, her antlered head giving another merry shake before Zitto's kiss brushes her forehead. "I hope you are well-practiced at resisting pouts and sulks, then, my dearest love," she says, grinning as she opens her eyes to gaze upon Zitto once more. Her gaze bears a glittering glint of mischief. "My family finds it all but impossible to refuse our Coraline. I try to keep an open mind - try anything once, really."

Incredulous, Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "You've tried it?"

Stoutly, you say to Zitto, "I have eaten an entire pot of it."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "And yet you live. Unbroken indeed."

You have emoted: "My sister's broken heart would have hurt me worse than the storm I suffered," Lief agrees, releasing Zitto's hand to touch her heart.

Zitto nods slightly in understanding. "Maybe, if I am very lucky, she just won't notice I'm there," he speculates. "It worked well enough in Gaudiguch."

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: "I daresay you'll be the center of attention for at least a bit." Lief's eyes sparkle with merriment, and then she cannot help herself - she kisses Zitto's cheek before she turns to gaze up into the branches of the lime tree. "You are the very first person I've ever truly felt a match to me."

The wisps of condensation in the sky spread slightly as a few light clouds develop.

Zitto joins you in once again contemplating the lime tree. His voice earnest and halting, he answers, "I have never loved anyone as I love you, and I am honored to have a place at your side." Absently, he rubs his cheek where you kissed it, the smile on his face once again growing.

The smell of wildflowers wafts past your nose.

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 see a deer wander through a clearing in the distance.

You have emoted: Lief glances sidelong at Zitto, watching the sunlight dapple over his face through the leaves of the lime tree above. She is quiet for a long moment, a smile still upon her lips, before she says to Zitto, "The honor is equally mine. I so earnestly wish to see a smile upon your face, and that I can bring it to life, that...that you smile so much around me, it fills my heart to bursting."

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.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "You bring me so much joy, I cannot help but smile. It seems to be the sun shines brighter when you are around. The forest is greener. Everything in my life is made better by having you in it."

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

You have emoted: Lief's own smile deepens, pressing into her freckled cheeks and lighting her eyes with her joy. "Are you certain you are not a poet?" she asks, her voice barren of any teasing whatsoever. "You give rise to such music within me."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "I'm sure you're poet enough for both of us. I'll stick to my scholarly books, I think. And the occasional cruel trap of a literary book."

You have emoted: Lief's smile becomes a grin, and she bumps Zitto's shoulder with her own. "Jolanthe really *will* be your sister-in-law, now, and you are terribly cruel for planning to inflict this upon her."

You think to yourself: We will be *married*.

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

You turn quickly as a twig snaps behind you.

All innocence, Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "She doesn't -have- to review the work. It can simply go uncritiqued."

You have emoted: "If she recused herself on the basis of your reputation," Lief laughs, "then *I* would be the one stuck reading it. Your future wife."

You have emoted: Lief's laughter dies down, and a flush creeps across her still-smiling cheeks.

You think to yourself: His wife. And he will be...my husband.

You think to yourself: I've...never imagined...it's so hard to imagine still.

Zitto freezes momentarily at your words. He whispers to himself, "my future wife." He sits in wonder for a moment before turning to embrace you once again.

You have emoted: Immediately, Lief folds her arms around Zitto in answer, her grip surprisingly tight as she leans into him. Carefully mindful of her antlers, she presses her cheek into Zitto's cheek, warmth to warmth. Softly, she says, "My future husband."

You think to yourself: I've never thought... never, once in my life thought...

Zitto whispers into your ear, "I love you". He sits there, his arms around you and his cheek against yours, and sighs happily.

The chirping of crickets surrounds you in a medley of night-time music.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 14th of Dioni, 567 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You have emoted: Lief makes a happy sound in her throat as she lingers for quite some time. When she eventually draws back, it's to straighten and study Zitto with overwhelming fondness and affection. "I do hope you understand," she says with a little laugh, "that I will now be more invested than ever before in beating you in the world library."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Dear, you seem to be laboring under the misapprehension that I ever had a chance of competing with you in the world library."

You have emoted: "I've read what you've written," Lief says, her grin colored by delight. "I absolutely believe you could if I am ever not vigilant."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "I suppose if you and Jolanthe were to take a decade-long vacation from writing, I might have a chance."

You have emoted: Lief shakes her antlered head in earnest. "My dear, it will be absolutely no fun at all competing if you won't engage in a little bit of banter about putting up your very best fight!"

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "Ah, my scholarly works shall put the nations to flight. I shall be the avenging wrath of Hallifax, humbling those who thought themselves academic peers of the Overcity."

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

You have emoted: Lief lifts both her hands to her mouth, covering a delighted giggle as she shakes her antlered head once more. "I do look forward to the competition! We had such an easy time of it last time," she declares through her laughter, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says, "Dear, do you mind if I attend to a little business in the overcity? It's not much, only I promised a friend I would help them prepare some things for their shop."

You have emoted: Lief's laughter dies down into simple but overwhelming fondness. "Please don't let me keep you," she says warmly. "We shall have forever to spend together now. We have promised this."

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed says to you, "You are my dearest treasure. Thank you. I'll be back before long."

You have emoted: Lief leans in to kiss Zitto's cheek before she nods. "I shall be here," she smiles.

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

Zitto takes the Quintessential Mandala of Resplendent Harmony in both hands and bows his head. Swirling ribbons of colour race outwards from the mandala, wrapping about Zitto as he begins to break down into an infinite number of small, fractal shapes before flaring outwards in a fractal swirl, dissipating into the air.
Zitto has left the area.