A Gift, Received

<-- So after Gurashi's meeting with Nabithia some time ago and coming up with an idea of giving an instrument to Lady Lantra, Faragan created the instrument and Gurashi finally delivered it to the Fulcrux, because they didn't know when else they should do it. They also delivered some OTHER news (not long after Mysrai's departure) ...

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks, their short tail wagging behind them, starry eyes scanning the ground. "O-K. In we go."

You part a sparkling veil of white mist, leaving your surroundings in a bright shimmer of water and light.
The Fulcrux of Lantra.
The rush of running water echoes throughout this alabaster sanctuary, its white pillars surrounded on all sides by shimmering waterfalls. Breathtaking stars twinkle across the misty falls as they collect into a luminous gazing pool, its rippling waters clear and sparkling as they reflect the open expanse of the celestial sky above. Caught in a graceful dance of duality, an immaculate white koi fish circles its dark twin in the glittering depths of the basin, continuing in a silent push and pull as their silhouettes form two halves of a whole. The white, blue and pink petals of assorted lotus flowers crown these starry waters with their regal beauty, standing at the feet of several stone priestesses who guard this place. The statues bow their veiled heads in silent prayer, each bearing a tilted celadon urn that overflows with the boundless light of healing waters. Shimmering over with water and light, a sparkling veil of white mist draws a starry curtain here. Impossibly still at the centre of this luminous pool of water and light, a single star lotus flower blooms brighter than all the others, its heart radiant as the dewy petals unfurl to reveal a beautiful, enchanting light. Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie perches here with a mischievous glint in his eye.
There are no obvious exits.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts their starry gaze as they arrive within the Fulcrux, politely bowing in their spot. They turn to look at Cheliyi and Calioliahali both, smiling politely. "I have got this parts, yes. Thank you for coming with me!" They whisper faintly, brandishing an elegant lute adorned with daisies and doves. Bizirik proceeds to sit upon the ground near the entrance to the Fulcrux, snorting patiently.

Cheliyi bows to the master shrine of Lantra a warm smile slipping onto her features as she waits patiently beside Bizirik, the leothin.

Calioliahali lingers nearby, steel blue gaze following your movements in silence.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns around, quietly jogging further within the Fulcrux, eventually approaching the master shrine of Lantra and bowing before it. There, they hoist an elegant lute adorned with daisies and doves into their arms, quietly plucking out a quiet, familiar, bittersweet melody: the song sung just a quarter of a day within the Gardens of Celest. As they finish the final instrumental chord of 'You are the Light of My Soul', they inhale deeply, silencing the strings with a six-fingered hand.

You drop an elegant lute adorned with daisies and doves.
Luminous waters wash over an elegant lute adorned with daisies and doves and ripple with light, submerging it entirely until it vanishes from view.

As you offer Mount Zoaka's Titanium Brazier of Explosive Transformation unto Lantra, the Empyreal, the offering vanishes in a swirl of water and light, enveloped completely in a celestial glow that leaves only a soothing white mist in its wake.

Their voice quiet, you say, "Ah, Lady Empyreals - good morning. It is me - Gurashi. And - my family, yes yes. I have come here to Your Fulcrux, be-cause, I have this gifty for you. The lutes! That just delivered?" They frown. "I am sorry for my tardiness in delivering it. The ideas was actually conspired between myselfs and Your lovely follower, Nabithia, yes yes. She is so kindly - You are very lucky."

You have emoted: Gurashi folds their hands together over their heart, lifting their gaze to the master shrine of Lantra. "Back when the ideas was conspired, yes - way back before the Drowning of the Basins or You having to heal the Lady of Lagoons... remember, learned that You and the Lord Silence were -siblings-, yes. I remember thinking at the time, that that sort of thing must have been hard to reveal..." They pause to take a breath. "We wondered - Nabithia and I - what it must have been like. Being crechemates in a time before things were bad? I wonder now, worry what it is like being awake in the Basins at the same time as Him. But... You Two cannot be friends, be-cause of where You boths live now..." They look over their shoulder before returning their attention to the shrine.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "It is hard to bring up old pains. Am sorry for taking so longly to bring this gifty to You but - I wanted You to have Your very own instruments, yes. So that You could learn to play it if You wanted to." They puff up a little in their spot. "Sharing memories of peoples who are no longer with us, or, doing the things that they used to do. It is a goodly way to keeps thems in our hearts, yes?" They pat their chest to emphasize this. "Your most dearest Rhapsody - She was a musicians. Maybe, it would bring some joy, to spend some time learning how to play musics like She did, when Your time is less occupied ... a way to bring joy to Yourself when are needing it yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi purses their lips, considering Mount Zoaka's Titanium Brazier of Explosive Transformation as they rise back to their hooved feet. "I also, ah ... wanted, to let You know ... though... it is likely You already know ... the Most Beloved..."

You think to yourself: *how do they phrase this part - how do they use their words in a way that express how they feel*.

In a rush of summery warmth, the rich smell of grasses and flowers rises around Cheliyi in a sultry wind. Briefly, her face is dappled with patterns of sunlight through waving grasses.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "... ah - They and, Beloved Aschwar - They are ... traveling, for now ... and, so, i-it might be a little while, before, Aschwar can come to be healed ..." They wring their hands together. "I do not know when They will get back... but I know They WILL come back, so ... I do not know if I need to convince You all over a-gain when They come back to heal thems be-cause t-they were very much still ...." Their shoulders sag. "Not... I just. If I must do anything, to, ah, continue to aid Your Order, for having even been -willing- to, ah, aid the Most Beloved's, then - am here, to do the thing."

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a tentative, embarrassed step backwards. "Thank You for all You do, for my family and my daughter. We are so proud of her, yes we are." They smile back towards Cheliyi, then at Calioliahali, then bow to the master shrine of Lantra. "And thank You for all You do for New Celest. It is an honors to lives there, yus."

Flustered, you say, "U-uhm. This is the parts I am bad at." They take another step backwards. "The goodbye parts."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You quickly bend at the waist to offer a polite half-bow.

Blurting out, you say, "Stay goodly and kind! A-and go in Love and the Light in all things!"

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts in amusement from its spot as the sileni comes clambering back over to their family. "O-K O-K O-K let's go," Gurashi whispers, ushering both Cheliyi and Calioliahali out.

You part a sparkling veil of white mist, leaving your surroundings in a bright shimmer of water and light.
Calioliahali follows you ether.
Cheliyi follows you ether.

~~~16 IC MONTHS LATER~~~

<-- Gurashi and Cali (both faeling) were checking on the Archon's guild shop when...

A faint twinkling of sidereal motes draws you to the Fulcrux of the Empyreal, borne on a soothing breeze that passes like a gentle sigh.

You blink.

Soft and ariose, you say, "... ah."

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Calioliahali a firm squeeze, their brow knitting together, head lifting. "I," They pause, then lower their head again, kissing Calioliahali's forehead. "I need to go." They suddenly withdraw, holding the smaller faeling at arm's length.

Soft and ariose, you say, "I love you too!"

Soft and ariose, you say, "But - ah - She is, ah - summoning me! So, I need to go answer She, oh yes."

Calioliahali's eyebrows knit together as she peeks up at you. "Ah, I... be safe. Please."

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Calioliahali's brow.

Gently, you say to Calioliahali, "It is O-K. Do not be sorry for crying. Thank you for crying for me." They boop the smaller faeling's nose. "I always appreciates it."

You strike a pose.
Bizirik, the leothin strikes a pose.

You suddenly shout, "POOF!" as if expecting something.

You speedwalk veil to The Fulcrux of Lantra.
You have reached your destination. <-- path track please
The Fulcrux of Lantra.
The rush of running water echoes throughout this alabaster sanctuary, its white pillars surrounded on all sides by shimmering waterfalls. Breathtaking stars twinkle across the misty falls as they collect into a luminous gazing pool, its rippling waters clear and sparkling as they reflect the open expanse of the celestial sky above. Caught in a graceful dance of duality, an immaculate white koi fish circles its dark twin in the glittering depths of the basin, continuing in a silent push and pull as their silhouettes form two halves of a whole. The white, blue and pink petals of assorted lotus flowers crown these starry waters with their regal beauty, standing at the feet of several stone priestesses who guard this place. The statues bow their veiled heads in silent prayer, each bearing a tilted celadon urn that overflows with the boundless light of healing waters. Shimmering over with water and light, a sparkling veil of white mist draws a starry curtain here. Impossibly still at the centre of this luminous pool of water and light, a single star lotus flower blooms brighter than all the others, its heart radiant as the dewy petals unfurl to reveal a beautiful, enchanting light.
There are no obvious exits.

Soft and ariose, you whisper, "Oh the boots brought me right in he-llo-."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "Light's blessings upon you, child of the Light."

You have emoted: Gurashi straightens as they rise in the air, gasping and bowing before the pool of water. "Good afternoon, Lady Empyreal!" They say, raising their voice to be heard. "How are You? How have You been?? Have heard there've been lots of changes in Your Order, lately! How exciting!"

There is a faint flicker of amusement that ripples forth from the luminous pool, causing the star lotus to bob slightly on the twinkling waters.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "That is indeed its own matter. Change can be difficult for many, but ultimately, I find what has occurred among Mine positive. Regardless, I sense that is not the reason you prayed unto Me."

You think to yourself: *their murky head clears at least long enough to remember the most fleeting of details - new Avatar, lots of essence - at the question, they struggle to remember what was said - the passing of the lute, the very idea of it coming to live in their mind after the playdate with Nabithia, spinning on the merry-go-round--*.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "So this is Nabithia's doing? That explains much."

Soft and ariose, you say, "G-gave a, give." They wring together their small hands. "It was in response to something that, happened a while ago. Gosh - before You were so busy with the Lady of Lagoons, even." They hesitate after mentioning the Elder, nodding slowly. "I mean..."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "You may speak of the imprisoned Elder Goddess if you wish. Her name invokes nothing in Me but disdain."

Soft and ariose, you say, "M-Mister Faragan was the artisans who made it!" They bunch their shoulders. "I thought having one of Your Own would make it, ah, better."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "That is kind of you. I am certain that My Anointed Faragan was pleased to craft it thus."

You have emoted: Gurashi knits together their brow. "No, but, I was just going to say that ah. I tried to get it made back, then, but... then the World started to end..." They chew on their lower lip. "And, so, I am sorry. I worry in its belatedness, it is not as..."

Looking towards the pool, you say, "Anyway. I hopes that You like it, yes. It is important to haves an instruments of Your very Own, isn't it? I think so."

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.

There is a thoughtful quality to the way motes of light dance across the still waters, languid and peaceful.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "I held no expectation that you would craft such an instrument for Me. Thus, there is no sense of tardiness to be had, for it was a gift given freely and without My asking."

You think to yourself: *their mind drifts back to the Voice of Rhapsody, of those that strum the lute in Her Garden to hear Her song, to be closer to Her - an internal sigh, painted with soft pastels*.

Though the music of rushing water has filled the long silences that find themselves in this Fulcrux, this one stretches for far longer, imbued with a sense of tension that is so subtle you only recognise its presence after it releases like an exhaled breath.

Soft and ariose, you say, "...the Lady Rhapsody makes such beautiful musics ... so -many- peoples are capable of learning, to play. Musics - it is something that brings me great comforts when is little else that does." They pause. "And, it is nice, to remember the Ones who are not with us so presently, anymore, by, doing things to brings us closer to Thems." They lace together their hands. "I do not know if You know how to play. But. That..."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns at the exhalation, their head turning this way and that. Eventually they come to settle at the edge of the pool, leaning over to study it, holding onto one of Bizirik's secondary paws to keep from falling in.

You think to yourself: *a sigh - words - their brain is so murky today, how do they pick the right words*.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "I do not." The reply is given simply and without fanfare, ringing in the emptiness of the Fulcrux as it echoes across the stretch of water. "It has been a long time since I have tried."

 You have emoted: Gurashi's colorful eyes scan their own watery reflection, and they sink to crouch at the water's edge, hugging their knees. "Do You want to learn how?" They tuck their chin against their arm, frowning. "Or... is, too bigly feelings - maybe...?"

The faintest mist coalesces at the surface of the luminous pool, wreathing it so that your reflection is shrouded from view completely. It lingers like morning dew, wreathing the statuettes in whirls of fog, as another silence stretches -- this one thoughtful with contemplation.

You think to yourself: *the murk clears again - well what would -they- feel in such a situation? it hurts to lose - it hurts just as much as it is nice to be reminded--*.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "You have experienced a loss yourself recently, have you not?"

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly, continuing to hug their knees. At the mention of the loss, their eyes suddenly glaze over, and their insect-like wings droop behind them. After a long silence, they let out a barely audible but clearly heartbroken little "Yes."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "I sensed that the Thousandfold's presence has long departed the Havens, though its manner was abrupt and strange. I wonder if you know of it?"

You think to yourself: *they see themselves diligently watering the poppies in the atrium, the marigolds out back, the little tree that's taken root in the field - dusting tables and cabinets, just in case*.

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

You have emoted: Gurashi's chin quivers a little, and they tighten their hold on their knees. "...something, the Most Beloved had been working on, did." They suddenly seem to struggle to find their words. "...it did not go... And, They were sad, and, angry. And -sad-. So sad..." They search for their missing reflection, huddling in their spot. "And, They had to go, like They sometimes do. When feelings get Too Big." They linger on this thought for a long time. "...but, Aschwar is withs Them, to make sure They are O-K."

The thin film of mist becomes denser, shrouding you in a thick blanket of starry white as the admission is weighed and measured in the stillness.

You think to yourself: *their mind floods with recollections of the previous years, from that terrifying, fateful day - the shattering of painted glass and the wall that kept them and their friends from being able to do anything, from helping - the loudness of the event, all the blood and the -noises- --*.

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

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "Ah. So They tried that once more." There is a bitter quality to the words, of one who is at once unsurprised and simultaneously disappointed. "We should be grateful I suppose this is all that occurred."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "Mysrai has ever been impatient and reckless."

You think to yourself: *--They did this - we all did this - their complacency despite how off it felt, how much Aschwar tried to prevent it from happening--*.

Their voice wavering, you say, "... They really." They take a deep, trembling breath. "...T-They really believed They could."

Dense and suffocating white light flares from the luminous pool with churning mist, glaring in the unforgiving brilliance of its displeasure.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up, as if they might be able to see the sky overhead. Then, at the light, they grimace, recoiling slightly.

Suffocating white light froths from the centre of the luminous pool in blinding rays as a cold, feminine voice echoes, "And did the Traitors not believe They could wield the Soulless essence without consequence? Dynara created Us with limitations. The Hamadhi had to learn that swifter than most."

Suffocating white light froths from the centre of the luminous pool in blinding rays as a cold, feminine voice echoes, "I thought Mysrai had changed. Disappointing."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks like they are at an utter loss of words, withdrawn from the edge of the pool only so far as Bizirik allows them, the leothin snorting and sitting stalwartly but a foot away from it's edge. They open their mouth, then close it, their eyes flooding with tears.

The mist thins and recedes from the luminous pool, its surface glassy and smooth as the blinding light upon it fades.

You think to yourself: *they don't know what to say how do they words anymore - everything until that point had made sense - they were a Confidant - they were doing good they were supposed to do good but that was... *.

Finally, meekly, you say, "Am sorry."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "Your patron's sins are not your own. You have not witnessed all that I have, child, in My thousands of years of existence."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "For all the forms that Mysrai embodies, They are in some ways... predictable."

You think to yourself: *their heartbeat thunders in their ears, pierced only by the Goddesses's voice - forms - the Moth the Resin Child the Urchin - all these Shapes that gave them nothing but hope and self-worth*.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans forward again at last, though they tremble now from head to foot, hand prepared to shield their eyes at a moment's notice. "...pr... predictable...?"

The faintest sound of feminine laughter, though empty of mirth, ripples about you in a hollow, resonant echo, dancing through the fog.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "It is no matter. I thank you for bringing such to My attention, child, unpleasant news as it is."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi retreats again, bumping into Bizirik as they do, curling up against the leothin's leg. They nod their head in tired acknowledgement of the fact but remain mute after, staring at the distance they've placed between themselves and the pool.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "Loss is painful, no matter its source. I wish you well in your mending from it." There is another pause, this one halting, before the voice continues, "And... I thank you for your gift, unexpected as it is. I understand the sentiment behind it well."

You think to yourself: *they've calmed but only a little, their mind still feeling like its submerged in deep, lukewarm water - they remember their last visit, before the arrival of Vaevaya - now this, now this? the word echoes in their head - 'disappointing'*.

With a little nod of their head, you say, "...o-of course."

The mists thin and recede, vanishing in the aether in hazy wisps of dewy light that twinkle and are no more.

Soft and ariose, you say, "...Nabithia is really nice. You are so lucky to haves she, I thinks. She is a, ah, goodly she."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine voice echoes, "She is. I am most pleased with her among My Immaculate. Light's blessings upon you, Gurashi of New Celest."

A sparkling veil of mist descends upon the Fulcrux of Lantra, bathing you in water and light. When it is gone, only echoes ripple in the luminous pool before you.

You have emoted: Gurashi bows their head, pushing themselves to their feet. "Uhm, of course. Ah, uh, stay, goodly and kindly, yes." They watch as the light recedes, leaving them to stand before Bizirik again, looking at a loss of what to do. Eventually it is the leothin who leans down and gently plucks the faeling up by the back of their Mantle of Starlight, eliciting no more than a muffled grunt from the faeling. Bizirik snorts, turning and proudly sauntering towards the entrance to the Fulcrux, head held high.

You part a sparkling veil of white mist, leaving your surroundings in a bright shimmer of water and light.