Make it count.

You take your clipboard in hand to write upon it.
 -*-  Composer  -*-                  (*help for help, *exit to exit)
-=-=- L1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- APPENDING -=-=-=
-=-=- L1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- INSERTING -=-=-=
->   Dear Sibling Esei,
2  >
3  > If this letter reaches you before I do, please know that I, first and foremost, love you so much. If not for you, I think I would have left the commune ages ago. You were one of my first friends, and then, my family. I hope we still can be, but if you do not wish it, I will not force it.
4  >
5  > The commune... hurt. Every day. It felt like I was rotting from the inside out, sibling, and I was becoming angrier and more unstable by the month. I was becoming someone not me, someone I did not want to be.
6  >
7  > I am sorry I was not wyrden enough. Not worthy enough. My absence probably makes me weak, since I did not go through the change Lord Nocht thought would be best. I **this next part is blurred by apparent water spills, though the pattern implies tears hastily wiped away.**
8  >
9  > I have left His order, as well. For now, I will not join any Order, or any City or Commune. I haven't left Glomdoring yet, as I plan to at least submit another production, but my mind is set. I need to sort out my chest. If you hate me for leaving you, I will understand. But please know it wasn't my meaning. I would still want to talk to you, and see Miss Tsalliah, maybe go to your tea room. Even still be your family.
10 >
11 > Always your sibling, if you wish it,
12 > Cheliyi

As you finish writing the letter, it contracts to fit your text, ensuring that no more may be written on it in the future.
You reach out through your bond with Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow and summon him from the stables. You sense him answering your call.

You portal to Root.
You portal to the Portals of Glomdoring.

Dark Tidings Postal Service.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The ominous caws of many black crows are a perpetual disturbance of the peace and quiet of this dark chamber. Dozens of them roost in the beams high above the floor, gazing down upon those below them with their beady eyes, some of them glowing with an ominous red eye like the spirit they sprung from. Countless feathers the colour of midnight cover the floor, sparkling softly in the faint light that appears to shine from the walls in places. Twisted roots churn their way into the ground, having been incorporated into the walls of the chamber, pushing into the onyx walls as if to break free of their confinement. A single desk stands in the middle of the room, a large black quill and ink placed upon it, those who make use of it can feel the countless gazes of the crows upon their back, as if pondering the words committed to paper here. A highly polished ravenwood desk sits here. A rustic chair made of ravenwood burl and wrought iron sits here. A dark ravenwood sign has been nailed to the wall here. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. You may MAIL letters from here.
You see a single exit leading west.
What do you wish to examine?

You address dusky stationery stamped with blackthorn flowers to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, and immediately a harried-looking faeling comes out to take it from you. She whistles, and a jet black crow comes flying into the room. The faeling attaches dusky stationery stamped with blackthorn flowers to the crow's leg, and it speeds away.

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the west, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei.
Black ink blooms from the west, heralding a small cat made of black ink.

You blink.

A cat of black ink rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

You blanch suddenly.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow trots in with head high, butting you gently with his head.

You have emoted: Cheliyi relaxes, petting a cat of black ink with a faint smile.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I hope I did not interrupt anything."

The loud caw of a crow heralds its entrance, as it drops dusky stationery stamped with blackthorn flowers into Esei's hands, then disappears into the shadows.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Tsillah missed you."

Quietly, you say, "Ah... um. No. I just... sent you a letter, actually."

Esei stares blankly into space.
Esei stares implacably at dusky stationery stamped with blackthorn flowers.
Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Timing."

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances away, guilty.
You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Cheliyi's hand.

You think to yourself: **g u i l t**.
You think to yourself: **you thought you had time to -prepare- for this.**.

Esei's thumb gently rubs over a section of the text.

Faintly, you say, "I'm sorry. If um. You're mad, that's okay."
You have emoted: Cheliyi rubs at her eyes, glancing away.

Quietly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Just bad memories."
Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I guess there is nothing I can say or do to make you stay."

Esei lets out a soft sigh.

You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows thickly, and shakes her head as her puffy eyes grow shiny once more.

Esei lets out a soft sigh.

You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows thickly, and shakes her head as her puffy eyes grow shiny once more.

Esei folds up the letter, creasing the folded edges.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow struts over to Esei, nudging them gently with his beak.

You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Cheliyi's hand.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I did not tell you my feelings about how Jatius and Caohite left the Glomdoring, did I."

Quietly, you say, "You did not. But they left you with so much work, and I remember..."
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "It was quieter, then."

Wryly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I don't think I told anyone, however."

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips as you glance at Esei.

You think to yourself: **the ache, anew**.

Esei lets out a soft sigh.
Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Caohite was my cousin, and my protege. Very nearly, she was my sister."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Jatius swore oaths- to the Hallowed- and..."
Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "He left anyway."

You crease your brow in a frown.

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "They left anyway."

Muginn shakes out his feathers, the plumes suddenly glowing with an ethereal haze. Ripples of mist pool at his talons, writhing with silent, screaming faces that leave hoar-frost in their wake.
Esei glances askance at Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow.
Muginn glances at Esei warily, before nodding once in approval.

Quieter, you say, "I never swore an oath, no. But I did promise to stand by and protect my family. I... I won't break that."
Suddenly, you say, "I mean it. The whole letter. I love you so much. I want to keep talking to you and being around you and Miss Tsillah."
Firmly, you say, "I want to be your sibling still. But... I can't survive in Glomdoring like this, no. Not -me- me. I can still be your family, from outside."

Esei turns their face away, something unreadable in their face.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, and wilts. "Of course, if you don't want that, that's... fine, yes."

You think to yourself: **it hurts. it -burns-.**.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I cannot be family with anyone outside."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow glances between the both of you, frown evident in his narrowed eye.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "That is simply... how things are."

You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows thickly, and quickly scrubs at her face.

Strangled, you say, "Okay. Okay. Then... friends? Or... if that is off the table, it is okay as well."

Esei steps back, shoulders hunched.

Fainter, you say, "Okay."

Esei snaps their face to look at you, eyes narrowed.

Quietly, you say, "I am here for you. It does not mean you are alone. Would love to come visit. If... if you want. But I understand that I am..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi trails off, eyes widening at the expression.

Flatly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Do not act like a wilting flower."
Esei lets out a soft sigh.

You think to yourself: **the ache burns your lungs and clenches your throat, why does it have to be like this?**.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I understand you are upset with me, by my words and actions, but you-."
Esei rubs their temples in frustration.
Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "If this is not who you are, change. Grow."

You have emoted: Cheliyi flinches at the tone, and nods meekly. "S-sorry, yes. I um. Just... mm. I'm not upset at -you-, no. Just... myself. For hurting you. It is not angry at you, no."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Certainly, you are no longer of the Glomdoring, I can sense that much with or without the context."

You glance askance.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "But you grew up here. If that must be your final act, as one of the Glomdoring..."
Esei reaches out, gently tilting your face up with the pads of their fingertips. "Make it count."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks slowly, her expression almost screwing up into another frown, before she purse her lips and steels herself. "I will."

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

Esei drops their hand, which fists at their side. Their dark eyes sweep over your face, as if seeking something.

You think to yourself: **the ache burns, but you grasp it in your hands and pull it close, letting it fuel you**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi stares back, unyielding, determined, as if invigorated by Esei's words.
You think to yourself: **... you want to ask for a hug**.

Esei turns away. Tsillah rubs her face against your fingers, purring gently.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Esei is snad."

You have emoted: Cheliyi suddenly swallows, overtaken by some swell of emotion, but scrubs her face and looks no different save for the moment of weakness. Her hands graze over a cat of black ink's fur, and finally, the frown slips back and tears run down her cheeks.

You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Cheliyi's hand.

A cat of black ink clambers onto the mugwump's shoulders, rubbing her cheeks against your, despite the tears melting away her inky body. She purrs loudly, kneading.

You have emoted: Cheliyi lets out a quiet, choked laugh, pressing a kiss to a cat of black ink's nose. Her voice wavering, she murmurs, "Think I can still visit you, Miss Tsillah? I'll bring a bunch of tints, yes."

A cat of black ink chirps happily.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "For the record, in the middle of this, vira gave me a tf."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "I dont know why."
(The Shadow Kindred): Afollia (from the Aetherways) says, "Mhmm, I saw, She's a very kind Goddess."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Oh hell she watching *runs*."

You think to yourself: **Make it count.**.

Still turned away, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Be well, Cheliyi."
Skeletal white blossoms flower along the flesh of Esei as their body splits apart into a blizzard of blackthorn petals that leave to the west.
A small, dark cat wanders off to the west, trailing pawprints of black ink.

---> From Esei's perspective, when they leave

"Do not be a wilting flower," whispers back to you from the shadows, and you feel the clutch of the Wyrd on your heart hold you like a mother tending to a child.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

You see Viravain, Lady of the Thorns in your mind's eye, holding a seedling bearing your name. Lovingly, She adds it to Her Garden, and you know that your death is merely a part of Her Web -- that She is the Gardener Who turns the Seasons of your life.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "......holy-."

Softly, lovingly, the sensation of motherly affection manifests as a hand upon your cheek, and you see the terrible eyes of the Mistress of Thorns staring at you, a smile stretching across Her face. "Well done, My Esei. Well done. Remember --" the sensation begins to fade, but Her voice continues, "In a forest, when one tree falls..." the image of Cheliyi leaving the forest flickers before your mind's eye. "...it merely makes room for another to grow stronger." Her eyes flicker before fading, and you see Her smile widen.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Holy-."

You have emoted: Esei's eyes flick upward, a faint smile briefly crossing their face.

---> okay Chel POV

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches Esei leave, her watery smile crumpling.
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.
You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

Faintly, you say, "Should write one for Glaisne, next."

You have emoted: Cheliyi scrubs at her eyes, again, pulling out her clipboard.

You take your clipboard in hand to write upon it.
 -*-  Composer  -*-                  (*help for help, *exit to exit)
-=-=- L1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- APPENDING -=-=-=
-=-=- L1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- INSERTING -=-=-=
->   My dear deer,
2  >
3  > I am sorry that I am sending this letter, and if you receivethis before I feel your waking, I want you to first know that I still love you. But, you must know, from me.
4  >
5  > I have left Glomdoring. I could feel my chest aching and rotting from the inside out, and it... it was making me into someone I did not want to be. Someone unkind and cruel and vengeful. Someone that did not wish for others to be happy, but rather to hurt and fall. I cannot... could not let that happen. It is not a path I wish to go down.
6  >
7  > Perhaps that makes me weak. Perhaps you find me awful, now. I would not blame you. But you must know, if not for you, I would have left much sooner, yes. You always brought a smile to my face, and warmth to my chest.
8  >
9  > If you no longer lov- **this part is crossed out**
10 >
11 > If you do not wish to speak to me again because I am no longer home, I understand, yes. But, I do want you to know that you were and are the first person I love, and always one of my family. At least, to me.
12 >
13 > May you be well and I love you always,
14 > Cheliyi
As you finish writing the letter, it contracts to fit your text, ensuring that no more may be written on it in the future.
You address dusky stationery stamped with blackthorn flowers to Fleshblooded Pupa Glaisne, and immediately a harried-looking faeling comes out to take it from you. She whistles, and a jet black crow comes flying into the room. The faeling attaches dusky stationery stamped with blackthorn flowers to the crow's leg, and it speeds away.

You have emoted: Cheliyi exhales, squatting down and wrapping her arms around her knees as if to shut out the world.

You think to yourself: **your siblings whispering and rustling, you foolish seedling, you fool**.

Tears fill your eyes and begin to slowly run down your face.


You think to yourself: **your throat clenching, silencing any cries, a hidden blessing, maybe**.
You think to yourself: I wish I had asked for a hug.

You have emoted: Cheliyi inhales shakily.

You think to yourself: Make it count.

You have emoted: Cheliyi exhales slowly, biting down a sob, and pulling up to her full height. She sets her shoulders, tensing, before letting loose another quiet sigh. "Make it count."

Your motto is now: 'Make it count.'