The Liar and Emptiness

Aschwar looks up from the flowers at the sound of crashing waves, smiling softly at you, "Hello!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say to Aschwar, "Are you well?"

"Oh, uh..." Aschwar looks down at the flower they were just inspecting and gives a soft smile that
quickly falls away to a frown. "Parties used to be too bad. Even the one Friend Gurashi did. So many
sounds, and colours, and voices, and now...it is still loud, but it's the wrong loud. I am not sure how
to feel, so instead of being sadly I thought I'd come look at the flowers."

Wreathed in skittering violet sparks, a flashing copper wyvern glides in from the south on golden wings
limned with cloying incense.
Shadows pour out from the south, heralding Dusan.
Bewitching melodies drift languidly upon the air, heralding the entrance of Gurashi, riding Bizirik,
the leothin, as he glides in from the south.
Bizirik stalks in from the south, wings spread as it clicks and thrums softly.
Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Gurashi hopefully.

Esei reaches out and touches Gurashi.

Aschwar blinks, the frown suddenly disappearing from their face as they offer the other arrivals a
small smile, "Hello to everyone else! Did you not want to do the dance?"

Gurashi pauses in the doorway, timidly knocking. "Hi! Sorry! We are... intruding!"

Aschwar says, "Missus Friend Shulamit says it is very fun."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I am not one for dancing."

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo exclaims, "Oh! There was dancing!"

Thoughtfully, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "A lady spilled her drink on my feet."

You have emoted: Tridemon starts to say something before Gurashi and Esei enter, and he turns his
attentions toward them, and then back toward the Tae'dae priest.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ....you did not have to yell, Miss Khep.

The chill of the grave descends upon your surroundings as the voice of Ashira proclaims, "Enemies
welcome as well. Just contact me for amnesty!"

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...I cannot dance."

Evette ponders Esei thoughtfully, looking them up and down.

Aschwar frowns softly and points towards one of the nearby fountains that sprays over a path, "Looks
like that's supposed to be a bath, for if you're too hot. I don't think anyone would be mad if you
washed!"

A shrine-shrewn, cavernous garden.
The cavern ceiling above is dotted with numerous openings in this section of the pyramid, where an
entire section of walling has been placed down to mute whatever noise may escape its inners. Long,
spiralling walkways wind through gardens lined with small shrubs and flowering cactuses carefully
cultivated to survive the desert climate while still providing a pleasant look to the eye. Fountains
made of marble spit water in forceful arches over certain paths, creating alternate pathways cradled in
a fine spray of mist for those seeking a reprieve from the heat. Five gazebos are placed an equal
distance from each other, the white marble they are constructed of graffitied with hand-painted prayers
to the various Divine. Small offerings of origami, food parcels, and even small daggers have been left
in front of the appropriate, bare altars as citizens of Gaudiguch pay their respects to their Pantheon.
Covered in a thick layer of patchwork gold and black fur, Aschwar rests here with a nervous smile on
their face. Wreathed in skittering violet sparks, a flashing copper wyvern unfurls golden wings limned
with cloying incense here, bright eyes shining a smoky pearl. Dusan, a coruscant wyvern, lurks in the
shadows here. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural
golden bio-luminescence. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living
shadow. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Gurashi
An'Ryshe, the Crescendo is riding on Bizirik, the leothin. He wields a wooden lute engraved with
spiders in his left hand and a whimsical copper spatula in his right hand. Master Esei of the Ascending
Dusk floats here, suffusing the air with the sickly-sweet scent of blackthorn blossoms. They wield a
dark, curved silver athame in their left hand.
You see exits leading east, southeast, and south.

Gurashi chitters at Aschwar with energetic clicks of his mandibles.

Esei's hands begin to glow with scalding warmth and they passes them over the surface of Gurashi's
body, removing the dirt and grime covering him.

Aschwar says to Esei, "It is okay, Friend Esei. I still do not know what dance is. Even if Friend
Missus Shulamit tried to tell me."

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Ahhh - haha! Many thank yous, Frien-- oh."

Ayisdra has entered the area.

You tilt your head curiously.

Esei smiles softly at Aschwar.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "Music moves you."

Evette removes a heavy damask stole of ebon threads.
The shadows beneath a golden-eyed savage in black matte leather lash her body violently, seizing her in
a vice-like grip. She shudders and quakes - but only momentarily, for the blackness shatters into
obsidian shards that vanish in midair, revealing Evette.

Evette nods her head at herself.

Aschwar frowns, looking at you curiously before they say, "But...I move me. I don't want anything else
to move me."

Bizirik, the leothin sits at the far end of the room, raising its head and snorting.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to Aschwar, "Ah, it is not... uhm..."

Gurashi ponders the situation.

Softly, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "A voluntary movement."

Esei begin humming low, dark tunes.

Evette D'Rose, The Primordial Scourge whispers, "I'll be right back."

Gurashi suddenly steps forward, raising his lute. "It is like, something that you feel like doing when
hear musics, yes! Uhm, do you listen to lots of music?"

Departing amidst skittering violet sparks, a flashing copper wyvern glides out to the east on golden
wings limned with cloying incense.

Aschwar says, "It is not voluntary? What...is voluntary?"

Gurashi tilts his head curiously.

You think to yourself: I'm not sure... how to bring up what Gurashi did to himself in front of him...
... the Liar should really be informed, but...

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I believe both Harbingers and Minstrels
involve involuntary motion."

Gurashi glances askance at Xenthos.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "Voluntary? That's when you do something of your
own free will."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Aschwar, "Voluntary is 'something you
choose to do on your own.'"

Esei nods their head at you.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo exclaims, "Well yeah but that is for combat stuffs -
what about just regular dancing!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "Gaudiguch seems to be big on that."

Aschwar's face falls at the mention of hearing things, although they quickly try to hide the
crestfallen frown with a soft smile. "Oh, no, I uh...I only think I remember hearing songs in the
dark."

Esei tilts their head curiously at Aschwar.

Esei closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.

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

Gurashi raises his arms in shock, clasping his hands to either side of his head, bending the rim of his
hat. "....would you like to hear some music, Friend??"

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Some songs are unheard."

Gurashi nods his head emphatically.

Aschwar kneels down and uses their claws to snip a large, pointy flower from a blooming shrubbery,
rising to examine it closely. "I can hear music from over there, though! Songs are different, I think?
'Cause you have to sing them. I think."

Aschwar nods their head towards the Hall of Sword and Song.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Gurashi has a song."

Gurashi blinks.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If you would like to hear it."

You think to yourself: Too many people here. It would be rude to ask. And they wouldn't answer, I don't
think. ... Can't really ask to get them alone, either. That would just be creepy.

Gurashi's carapace turns a bright shade of crimson as he blushes.

Xenthos tilts back his head and inhales deeply while twitching a wolf's snout.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "E-er."

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: XENTHOS.

Wreathed in skittering violet sparks, a flashing copper wyvern glides in from the east on golden wings
limned with cloying incense.
Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Evette hopefully.

Evette reaches over and ruffles Ilistala, an enormous leopard's hair fondly.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against Evette.

Esei urges Gurashi onwards.

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

With several beats of her wings, Evette alights upon Xenthos's shoulder.

A soft breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

It is now the 10th of Estar, 555 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Tilting their head curiously, Aschwar says, "If Friend Gurashi would like to sing, I remember they sing
very pretty from his party."

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ...wonder, if ...

Gurashi blinks.

Looking away sheepishly, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "...aaaaaaahhhhhh."

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: Wait his party.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks Gurashi, "Perhaps your bard song?"

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to Gurashi.

Beautiful wings of ice spring up from Xenthos's shoulder blades, expanding wider than any mortal's
could, elegant yet cold. Crackling with the motion, they begin to fall apart, dissipating into the air
as mist.

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

You think to yourself: ... I'll just do that, then.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ... oh! I know!

Gurashi suddenly looks down, hefting up his lute and holding it ready to play. He tests the strings
quickly, before breaking into soft, familiar notes.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: Maybe, if play one of the songs that they heard
while they were sleeping...

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: What did I play again....


Aschwar tilts their head curiously.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: / *intensely observational, a soft grating noise
accompanying the buzzing now* /.

Aschwar says, "If you do not want to, you do not have to."

You have emoted: Tridemon takes a deep breath, and closes his eyes, most of his crystalline form
shifting from violet to a deep, calm blue as he exudes a sense of calm- somewhat more literally than
most, since he's also broadcasting the sensation psionically.

As you feel the waves of psionic power wash out from you, there is a sudden, violent absence as they
wash over where Aschwar should be. You can clearly see them, but your power flows around them. Not
ineffectively, as you are used to seeing with psionic burnout, but as though they were a void in
existence.

Esei settles to the ground in a cross-legged position, inhaling deeply. As they brings their hands up
to rest open-palmed at either side, they exhales, all tension leaving their body.

Glancing around at the others, Aschwar says, "I mean...maybe your friends would like to come and see
the shrines that are here? I think there's one for all the Shofets of Gaudiguch."

Aschwar frets as they suddenly realise that this may not, in fact, be something you enjoy and worriedly
look towards the pyramid.

You have emoted: Tridemon suddenly frowns, though he doesn't let up with his efforts, very small sparks
of amber alighting along his skin as his eyes snap open.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: Wh...

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to Aschwar, "It's alright."

A soft breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to Aschwar, "Gurashi holds many songs inside of him. It may take
him time to find one that is right."

Gurashi chitters softly, shaking his head, "No - you are fine! It is just, has been a while since
played!" He explains.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Songs and bees."

Evette nods her head in agreement.

Dryly, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Yes, he contains many bees as well."

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "....Esei is... mostly right am just."

Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard walks up to Gurashi and listens intently to Gurashi's chest, seeking the
sounds from within.

Frowning as they look curiously at Gurashi's chest, Aschwar says, "Why did you eat bees, Friend
Gurashi?"

Gurashi continues to play on his lute, suddenly half turning away as Ilistala, an enormous leopard
approaches. "I didn't eat bees! They are already in...side of me!"

Esei nudges Gurashi suggestively.

Aschwar says, "...do all bees in this world come from Friend Gurashi?"

You think to yourself: ... a void? Why... how...? ... are they accidentally destroying it? Absorbing?
... feeding?

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Aschwar, "We're not sure how they got
there, either."

Gurashi's eyes bug out as he boggles in amazement.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "I do not think so."

Gurashi stares at Esei, eyes wide.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to Esei, "I do not know how to... do that on
command."

Gurashi's carapace turns a bright shade of crimson as he blushes.

Esei wrinkles their nose and sniffs.

Xaakxaak has been immolated upon a ferocious, crackling pyre within the Fire Blossom Gardens in a
vengeance game.

Esei sucks thoughtfully on their teeth.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: / ... Something's -definitely- wrong, Ti-- *another
grating sound* - the Keeper /.

(Celest Development Team): Lorina (from the Aetherways) says, "The paladins could have an unspoken rule
or what not where they do not knight someone unless they are a paragon. Or a Celestine can anoint a
"squire" paragon into a "knight" paragon."

Miratomi has been aged to nothingness in a vengeance game.

Closing their eyes, Esei bows their head in supplication to the glory of the Wyrd. As they offers their
silent prayer, shadows ripple over their skin, ephemeral vines curl up their limbs, and the scent of
roses suffuses the air around them.

Aschwar appears even more confused than they did before, and you can almost see them working out how
bees could possibly live within Gurashi's chest.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard is clearly doing the same thing.

Softly, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "It was a joke, Friend. We are fairly certain Gurashi
does not contain bees."

Esei glances askance at Gurashi.

You have emoted: Tridemon turns his full attention toward the Liar at this point. "Although Gurashi IS
somewhat more hollow than the usual Kephera."

Laughing with embarrassment, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "U-uhm! When am happy my insides
sound like bee hive so say am filled with bees.."

Gurashi glances askance.

Evette flashes Gurashi a joyous smile.

You think to yourself: This makes the question more important. Much more important.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: What ... uhm, his colors look O-K, though - well,
mostly. I... I didn't...

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: *clearly overwhelmed by holding multiple
conversations and carrying a tune*.

Aschwar frowns in confusion before simply nodding and saying with a soft smile, "When I am happy, I
just smile. I do not think I make any noise. Should I try?"

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "You do not need to."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "But many laugh."

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to Aschwar, "Ah! You know, that brings back
around to the voluntary thing."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "An aslaran I know lets out a chuffing noise when he is happy."

The walls of the pyramid sputter and lose the last of their brilliance for just a few moments before
the sun's rays begin to refract from the glasswork capstone, lighting your surroundings once more.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "Could always try purring, too. Ilistala and
other cats seem to like doing that."

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

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to Aschwar, "Sometime, someday, you will be so
HAPPY that you WILL make a noise, or something, maybe, and then that would be something you wanted to
do but didn't know it."

Gurashi beams broadly at Aschwar.

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

Frowning in confusion, Aschwar says, "Chuff? I thought that was when you smoke the adult plants."

Esei stares blankly into space.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...excuse me."

Gurashi blinks.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "That's huffing. Chuffing is a kind of short
noise not entirely unlike a pleased grunt."

Esei shakes their head.

Esei nods their head at you.

Aschwar tilts their head as they listen to you before simply saying, "Oh! That makes much more sense."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I've not yet mastered laughing, so normally I just exhale
harder than I usually do..."

Gurashi continues to play his lute, looking a little embarrassed. "Am sorry. Sometimes the songs take
their time. Maybe will just play this? If do not mind or am not too loud..." He fumbles, looking down
at his instrument.

Esei gives Gurashi a friendly squeeze.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: Why can't... I think of a song.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: Know so many!

With a small amount of bitterness in their voice that is quickly covered up, Aschwar says, "No one is
too loud right now."

Gurashi tilts his head, gaze softening as he frowns.

Aschwar shakes their head, ignoring their own words and smiling pleasantly at Gurashi.

Gurashi's gaze softens as he smiles at Aschwar.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: *a sudden deep ache*.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you mutter, "Sho... I say s...thing?"

Esei leans over and gently places one of their hand on Aschwar's.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo asks Aschwar, "Friend - did you get my letter?"

You blink.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "... didn't mean to say that out loud."

You cough softly.

The smell of decay assaults your nostrils.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: / ... now he's bei... coy - out ..th it /.

Esei smiles wryly at you.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo, "It's PRIVATE. And also
extremely concerning."

With a small nod, Aschwar says, "Oh, yes, but...I could not read all of it. Only my name, and small
other words."

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

Showing that he understands, Gurashi nods his head slowly.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo exclaims to Aschwar, "Ah! Uhm, look look!"

Tashishi has been immolated upon a ferocious, crackling pyre within the Fire Blossom Gardens in a
vengeance game.
Afrit has entered the area.

Esei closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.

Gurashi points up, his antennae bobbing in turn. "Wrote about this!"

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

Gurashi's left antennae sags slowly.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "...about Friend Aschwar??"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo, "It's about not being
simple psionic burnout."

With a small, happy gasp, Aschwar exclaims, "Your long-fur grew back!"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "It's ... not??"

Esei shifts their eyes suspiciously from side to side.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: *a sinking feeling*.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to Aschwar, "Yeah!"

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: Am i chopped liver.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to Aschwar, "Now I can hear other kephera! And do
some big brain stuffs! I am even learning illusions."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo, "No, it's not. It's...
different."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "What is it??"

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: Miss Khep?

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say to Esei, "You are not chopped liver, you are
entirely the wrong color for that."

Esei stares implacably at you.

Aschwar cannot seem to hide when their face falls this time, and they quietly say, "...oh..." before
turning away and looking at their flower some more.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "...are you."

Esei clears their throat.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo exclaims to Aschwar, "...no, but, I am learning,
because thought maybe could help!"

Dripping water echoes in the distance.

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back
against the ground with potential delight.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "It went... extremely poorly at first."

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to Aschwar, "Our big brain stuffs are not all
that different. Well, maybe a little - but I have never had -any- experience, and you have had LOTS of
experience."

Esei smirks.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "He stabbed me."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Just a bit."

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

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ...I ... I can't... hear you, Miss Khep...

Carrying on, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo asks Aschwar, "Figured maybe combined the two would figure
something out, right?"

Glancing at Esei with a horrified expression, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to Aschwar, "Am
still working on the -how-."

The smell of decay assaults your nostrils.

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I got better."

The scarlet heiroglyph atop Aschwar's head crackles and scarlet lightning flares up and out, circling
around before fading out with the scent of burning ozone.

Gurashi blinks.

You think to yourself: A psionic void? A psionic VACUUM?

Gurashi blinks.

Esei subtly leans away from Aschwar.

As the lightning flashes, your psionic senses are muted in a powerful, alien force that suppresses them
to little more than a silent buzzing.

Glorious, sunset-hued flames spiral up and around a flashing copper wyvern with golden wings limned
with cloying incense as she breathes them into being, causing the flames to dance around her in a
colourful display.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: *suddenly, a low, near silent buzzing like static,
and a lingering sense of dread*.

Quietly, as they drop the flower, Aschwar says, "Sorry, that happens sometimes. I...do not know why."

Gurashi twitches spasmodically.

Bizirik, the leothin twitches spasmodically.

You think to yourself: ... Do You want them not to know about what I've sensed?

The smell of decay assaults your nostrils.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo exclaims to Aschwar, "...ah! It must be ... big brain
stuff!"

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

Esei caresses a phantasmal shroud of shadows gently.

Aschwar shakes their head and says, "I think...I think I am too sadly for the party. I am sorry."
Quickly, they turn and run with a speed you did not know they could possess, sprinting almost as fast
as a panther towards the inners of the pyramid.

The world seems a little less pleasant as an enormous tae'dae with black and gold fur departs to the
east.

Evette creases her brow in a frown.

Dazed, reaching out, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "W.."

Gurashi staggers suddenly, placing a hand on the side of his head.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "Alright, that was..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "That was less than ideal."

Gurashi's eyes widen as he stares at you.

You ponder the situation.

Multichromatic glyphs float through your mind's eye, the oddly echoing voice of Mysrai, the Shofet of
Abyssal Scales ringing from them, "...secrets...yours? ...not? ...choices...Will...naughty...decisions?
...your choice...."

Gurashi lets his arms drop, his lute spared by its shoulder strap.

Esei reaches out and touches Gurashi.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It is almost as if they do not like
psionics... as if such is traumatic to them."

Esei stares implacably at Xenthos.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ..........

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "So speaking about it is... disturbing to
them."

You shake your head.

Xenthos tilts his head curiously.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "I can't tell you about it. It's not anyone's
business but the Liar's."

With a sudden rush, the force of psionic power emanating from Tridemon returns - the scent of burning
ozone fading at last.

Gurashi's eyes widen as he stares at you.

Evette lays a hand on your forehead, and your body tingles with a healing warmth.

Esei suddenly squeezes Gurashi's arm tightly, exhaling sharply.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: *buzzing, crackling* T.. ..m.n?

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "And it might even be a secret from themselves."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "Which means that the question has taken on a new
urgency..."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "...are you alright?"

An angered, frustrated shriek erupts from the Gaudiguch Gossip and echoes across the city, stunning it
into silence for only the briefest of seconds.

Gurashi watches you, though he seems unfocused.

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "Hmm? I'm fine. ... I was being suppressed by the
Shofet for a moment. Not something to be complained about."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "... why? What did it look like from the
outside?"

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ...he Shofets ...

Quietly, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Smelled like burning..."

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ....

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: *the sinking feeling returns*.

Evette D'Rose, The Primordial Scourge thinks to herself: Looked almost like the same thing that
happened earlier to Gurashi's friend.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I -felt- the psionic field return to you."

Evette raises a black stone athame up and makes a circle in the air. A radiant torc forms from the
ether and settles around her neck.

Perhaps it would be safe to discuss what you felt? You should probably keep your deductions to
yourself, however. Those...those are far too dangerous to let into the worried minds of the youth.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ...ss Khe...?

You have emoted: Tridemon heaves out a small sigh. "... Do you really want to know what I found? It
might not be safe to know it."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I've never been too concerned with safety."

Evette nods her head at Xenthos, showing her acceptance.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But the scent appeared when the symbol
flared up."

Esei sucks thoughtfully on their teeth.

Dripping water echoes in the distance.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: Please, do not l... ..he Shofets hurt y.. ..or it.

Gurashi blinks a few times, remaining still and quiet as he watches you.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "That's just a scent associated with lightning in
general."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "... though usually not burning."

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ..t was that.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "... what was I saying?"

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: Why is it... ..ch a secret.

You have emoted: Tridemon seems slightly more confused than normal.

Gurashi stares at you, gaze softening and face filling with concern as he frowns at you.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "... Oh, yes. ... It's not the usual psionic
burnout."

Glorious, sunset-hued flames spiral up and around a flashing copper wyvern with golden wings limned
with cloying incense as she breathes them into being, causing the flames to dance around her in a
colourful display.

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

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ...se don't g... ..rt.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "The Liar isn't suffering from incapability as we
know it. They are a void in the psionic fields."

Gurashi tilts his head curiously at you.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "And that is ALL I will say about it."

Esei nods their head at you.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ... a ..id?

Ilistala, an enormous leopard ponders the situation.

Esei nudges Gurashi suggestively.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "Whatever conclusions you may draw are your own.
But I do not recommend spreading this information. At all."

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to you.

Dripping water echoes in the distance.

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

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

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: *faint* ...they in danger?

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you say, "You might come up against some Divine
displeasure. Plans and mystery and wheels within wheels."

A flashing copper wyvern with golden wings limned with cloying incense bobs her head several times just
before trotting off.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, having remained silent and still at the far end of the room. It watches
you closely, licking its snout.

The smell of decay assaults your nostrils.

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back
against the ground with potential delight.

Esei tugs urgently on Gurashi's sleeve.

Gurashi shakes his head.

A caliginous leopard trots in with head high, butting Evette gently with her head.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: *bit by bit, returning to some clarity* ...f was a
void... ...en...

You have emoted: Tridemon mutters something to himself, but the only clear word ends up being something
that might have been 'hunger'.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ...ould not exist?

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ..t th... DO exist? Wait.

You blink.

You have emoted: Tridemon seems to realize he said something out loud just then.

You quickly devour a delicious slice of lemon cheesecake.
Preceded by airy whipped cream and sweet candied lemon, the tart, refreshing taste of lemons and rich,
velvety cream cheese melt seamlessly together in your mouth. The exquisite texture and flavour of the
cheesecake enthralls your senses up to the very last bite.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: *sudden, jarring* ...Illi...thoid?

Esei tugs urgently on Gurashi's sleeve.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ...is what were trying to say, Miss Khep...?

Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked
tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.
A black direwolf tilts back his head in a low, resonant howl.

Dripping water echoes in the distance.

Esei tugs urgently on Gurashi's sleeve.

Gurashi finally looks down at Esei, coming around. "Hi."

Gurashi chitters at Esei with energetic clicks of his mandibles.

Esei pats an aether room box in a friendly manner.

A caliginous leopard begins to follow Evette obediently.

Esei tilts their head curiously at Gurashi.

Evette suddenly loses focus in her eyes and shudders, then looks curiously refreshed.

Evette releases a tenebrous leopard origami and it flutters into the air and around her, its charm
dissolving into the air around her as the vellum disappears in tiny motes of dust.

You have emoted: Tridemon glances sharply over at Gurashi for a moment before turning his attention
back to the cake he'd been eating.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ... is that... a thing?

The smell of decay assaults your nostrils.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: Wait ..it wait bu. .. a tae'dae?

Esei tells you, "You seem to need some peace and quiet. I have some, if you want it."

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: *confusion grows*.

Gurashi looks increasingly confused, listening to Esei but not hearing. "Oh, uh, that is... maybe
another time." He adds, clearly lost in thought.

Faintly buzzing, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Am sorry."

Suddenly holding his head, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Am chasing a thought do not want it
to go away."

Gurashi's left antennae sags again.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, you mutter, "Might not wa.. .o catch up to it, either."

The smell of decay assaults your nostrils.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: ..... es that mean Friend Liar is...

Xenthos traces a word on the surface of a primaeval shadowglass snowglobe of dark fauna, and then
shakes the globe vigorously. He stares intently at the swirling particles that float within the globe.

Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to himself: Technically Soulless?

Gurashi blinks.