Of Donuts and Leothins

(Celest): Gurashi (from a temporal rift) says, "Is anybody wanting any snacks to-day?"

(Celest): You say, "I have been well supplied with taffy, courtesy of Ferne, otherwise I would be
happy to sample the snacks. Do you make them yourself?"

(Celest): Gurashi (from a temporal rift) says, "Ah! Did! I did!"

From seemingly nowhere, Bizirik appears, a powdery donut shaped like a flower clutched in its set of
smaller forelimbs. It clumsily hands a powdery donut shaped like a flower over to you before
slinking back off.

Easily held in the average human's hand, this donut resembles a flower
made of five petals. Though completely engulfed in powdered sugar, the
barest hint of bright red dough is visible along the very bottom of the
pastry. A vaguely minty scent rises from this dessert.

(Celest): You say, "Pardon, but was that strange...Slinky creature yours? Or do unusual animals
often dispense baked goods here?"

(Celest): Gurashi (from a temporal rift) says, "Ah! Yes! Uhm - that is my Bizi! Bizirik!"

(Celest): Gurashi (from a temporal rift) says, "She will deliver foods to peoples for me, and only
sometimes takes bites. Speaking of, if ever find a bite missing from any delivered snackies
...please let me know."

(Celest): You say, "Ah. I have not encountered one of these Bizi before. Are they native to the
region? Of course, though I will not begrudge a nibble or two."

(Celest): Gurashi (from a temporal rift) says, "Oh - she is from the Undervaults! Like me! Or - at
least is where found. Do not know where is from originally! But she is very goodly! At delivering
foods and eating foods, especially."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Also... it is her NAME That is Bizirik! Bizi! She is
a ... ah *a swell of pastel colors, a thoughtful thrum* called a 'leothin'."

((I don't have high enough Planar to reply ;_; ))

(Celest): You say, "Simultaneously, from the sounds of it, yes."

You sent the following message to Gurashi: Ah, my apologies. I mistook you. I have not come across
such a species before. She is a fine beast, indeed. You are from the Undervault, you said? Are you a
Kephera also?

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Apologies - quakes got my attentions pulled. Would
like another snackies?"

Bizirik stalks in from the south, wings spread as it clicks and thrums softly.

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi looks suddenly to you, face lighting up as they smile brightly.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Good morning! Did not get
answers, so -here-."

Gurashi gives a dark chocolate and gold leaf tae'dae cookie to you.

Apologetically, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Cannot stay longly, just wanted to deliver
snackies, yes."

Feathered antennae flitting towards Gurashi in surprise, Avaris accepts the cookie
with a gracious inclination of his head. "Apologies, I was a bit lost in a reverie for a moment."

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

They are wearing:
a starry wreath of celestial light set atop their head like a halo
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
an indigo scarf dotted with lambent fireflies wrapped thoroughly around their neck and shoulders
a sunny tiger lily brooch pinned carefully to their scarf
a vibrant vermilion shirt which has been perfectly tailored for them
a well-worn apron covered in colorful pockets tied tightly behind their back
a hypnotic paisley saddlebag slung casually over their shoulder
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet which jingles softly on their left wrist
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a shifting, living poppy of violet petals worn delicately upon their left wrist
a driftwood ring of sea breezes fitted tightly to their left middle finger
rugged tan adventuring trousers which fit their form flatteringly
Refined Boots of the Paladin, worn and weathered from use.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "And let you meet my friends
more properly too, and..."

Gurashi lazily draws their wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

In a smooth harmony of buzzes, you say, "Of course, do not let me keep you. Thank you for the
cookie."

Gurashi points down at Bizirik, the leothin, then looks up at the kephera, beaming. "No need to be
sorry!"

Bizirik, the leothin strikes a pose.

Before you stands a bizarre creature of the Undervault. Minuscule violet scales smoothly cover this
being's form, though a myriad of softly glowing scars break the otherwise flawless coat. Two
glowing, pupil-less eyes are inset on its sharp arrow-shaped skull, and a noticeable under bite
gives glimpse to rows of razor-sharp teeth. On either side of its head sprout two soft, dark ears,
the ends of both cut short and ending in jagged tufts. Its body is long and thin, it's broad chest
tapering into slender hips accentuated by a ridge of deep red-violet pelage down its spine.
Carefully carried behind it is a tail that trails more than twice its body length. Hidden behind its
forearms is a second set of smaller limbs, curled in protectively around its midsection. All of its
three-toed limbs are willowy and dark. It stands delicately on the tips of its feet, long claws
scraping the ground as it walks. Brilliant golden bio-luminescent patterns spread like veins across
its body, bright enough to light up its surroundings. Sprouted from its back is a double-set of
violet-feathered wings, their dark plumage bending easily at the slightest breeze.
Bizirik, the leothin has an air of extreme strength.

Gurashi looks suddenly to you, face lighting up as they smile brightly.

Avaris examines the leothin with no small amount of curiosity, leaning over to
inspect Bizirik, the leothin intently. "She is a very fine creature, indeed."

Gurashi looks you over wondrously, blinking owlishly. "Yes! Brings the goodest of snacks!" They
chirp. The leothin gives the kephera few good sniffs, its tail sweeping this way and that, dragging
along the street.

Gurashi suddenly extends their hands, wings fanning open and closed again. "Am Gurashi! Am Gurashi -
is nicely to meet you!"

The inverted teardrop of Avaris's eyes glitter with a rippling wave of brilliant
blue light as he extends a hand towards Bizirik, the leothin, before looking to Gurashi. "May I?" He
pauses, then, and turns the hand instead towards Gurashi, straightening as he does so. "It is a
pleasure to meet you, Gurashi - I have heard of you from some others, I believe. I am Avaris."

Gurashi takes the proffered hand in their own, the other clasping them together lightly and shaking
several times with great enthusiasm. "Ah? Heard about me?" Their expression twists hopefully. "Maybe
goodly things? Anyway is so nicely to meet, yes! Is always nicely to see another kephera waking,
yes!"

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

Avaris seems unruffled by the energetic shaking, simply returning the grip with all
four of his own, firm, but not painful, despite the hard chitin of his hands. "Thusfar, yes, you are
spoken well of, fear not." Nodding, he releases Gurashi, and uses his lower left hand to pet
Bizirik, the leothin lightly while he speaks, "Ah, yes. I have met your daughter, Cheliyi, and
Iskander. I did not think to meet so many Kephera of similar appearance."

Gurashi's hands fly to their mouth as they give a short gasp of elation.

Gurashi's wings flap wildly behind them as they finally release the kephera's hand, smiling boardly.
"Yes! There are many tall kepheras that live here, many nicely ones who are very tall." Their hands
rise overhead, and they bounce up and down cheerfully. "Me too! Am from Undervaults, too, though,"
They twirl once, wings never ceasing their excitable flapping, "am a differently shapes right -now-.
But, am glad! Glad you found it here!"

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "To Celest, mean!"

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

Tridemon hugs Gurashi compassionately.

Gurashi reaches out, pulling Tridemon into a tight embrace.

Gurashi gasps aloud, starting to speak as Tridemon arrives, turning away from you long enough to be
hugged and return the affection gleefully.

The crimson plume of Avaris's antennae twitch towards Gurashi at the exuberant
motion, though he, by contrast, remains largely still, poised in a natural posture of noble dignity.
"Indeed, though it seems I am the shortest by a fair margin. Iskander, in particular, possesses a
most impressive stature." Clasping his hands at the small of his back, tucked beneath the large
cloak of his wings, he inclines his head to Tridemon before responding, "Truly? I had no idea that
so many could change their form, as you and your daughter do. Is it a power of your lineage?"

Gurashi peels away from Tridemon just enough to face the kephera again with a big grin. "Uhm, it is
not MY lineage - it is just magics!" They stand up a little taller, shimmying with no small amount
of pride. "Though hatched a kepheras and grew up a kepheras, discovered my insides were actually -
changeling-." They nod sagely. "Is changeling magics. The changelingiest."

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Some magics like...magical
hats! And uhm, illusions, like change selfs, let you change appearances, too...! Is wonderful, magic
is!"

Gurashi flits about happily, their plumage ruffling up, feathers puffed to make them momentarily
larger before they smooth out again as their excitement ebbs.

Avaris's chin dips repeatedly into the thick, lustrous fluff of his immense mane as
he nods slowly, his mien contemplative as he looks upon Gurashi. "Fascinating. Truly a wonderful
ability to possess, though I confess, I cannot imagine what it must be like to adjust to differing
forms." He gestures at the gleaming white chitin of his torso, the harmonious chorus of his
vibrating voice rich with curiosity as he asks, "Do you not miss the carapace?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Easier
to feel hugs without."

Tridemon hugs Gurashi compassionately.

Gurashi loops their arms around Tridemon's shoulders, hanging off of the lucidian dramatically as
they continue to flap. "Ahhh, I do not NOT miss it, but--" Suddenly they squawk as they are hugged,
laughing wildly.


Still giggling, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "The world is so bigly, and beautiful, and every
shapes can see it differently, and so ...it is. Hmm! What is the words..."

 Avaris dips his head aside in acknowledgement of the point, his tone pleasant as he
says, "There is that, yes. I suppose it is a give and take, as with most matters in life." The
feathered sweeps of his antennae shift and stir, as languid and flowing as if caught in a languid
current, as he listens attentively.

Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

Suddenly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Kephera is a lot better in many ways!"

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "If you stub your foots, it does
not really -hurt-."

Bouncing again, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend exclaims to you, "And fleshy beings do this weirdly
thing when they are eating where sometimes they bite the insides of their own -mouths- and that -
hurts-!"

Gurashi frets over everything that might go wrong.

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

Gurashi shivers violently.

Avaris looks down at the gleaming arcs of his wickedly sharp talons, uttering a
thoughtful buzz as he taps them upon the ground. He looks up at Gurashi, antennae flicking upwards
in surprise. "Is that so? That seems most unpleasant. Why do they do that?"

Shaken, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "I do not -know-. It is not something they can
-help-."

Gurashi lifts a dainty hand to their neckline, glancing about with uncertain disdain.

Rubbing their hands together, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "So are some ways in which kephera
is most definitely nicer yes."

Gurashi gives Tridemon a peck on the cheek.

Gurashi looks at Tridemon, face lighting up as they smile brightly at him.

Tridemon is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, his soul safe until he returns
to Lusternia.

Avaris disengages his lower right hand to lift it to his face, brushing the pointed
tips of his fingers acrosss the smooth portion where his mouth, presumably, lies. "I cannot imagine
how inconvenient that must be, the poor souls."

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "I -know-."

In a smooth harmony of buzzes, you say, "Does the difference in the eyes take a great deal of
getting used to?"

Gurashi ponders the situation.

Gurashi hangs their head in silence, a gesture of mourning. "They will be O-K, though. Resilient."
They look up again, smiling, wings flapping. "Oh! Oh, used to? Well," They smile. "Mostly was
getting used to differently size. Am bigger kephera! Smaller peoples." They hold their hand in the
air to measure their height. "...but yes, a little, think."

Gurashi's shoulders bunch as they let out a short giggle.

The upraised hand drifts from Avaris's face to the halo of dense fluff that rings
his head, where its plays gently with the faintly stirring tufts in a distracted gesture. "Yes, they
do possess a great deal of fortitude - They must, if they suffer such unwarranted pain, so often." A
thoughtful chirring, and then he nods. "Yes, I should think that the height alone would make for a
wildly different perspective. Do you change your form very often, or remain in one for long periods
of time?"

Gurashi tilts their head and listens intently to you.

Gurashi quirks their mouth to the side, feathery ears flattening and rising atop their head. "I
change lots," They say finally, nodding once. "I like to change lots. It is fun. Will see me like
this lots," They twirl, wings flapping as they wheel around to face you again, hopping up and down.
"Just look for orange! Look for orange and know is probably me," They tease. "I would show you mores
but, am needing to do the -resting- that did not do -before-."

Gurashi nods their head sagely.

Avaris watches the twirling with an air of benign amusement, the azure facets of
his eyes glimmering with a gentle wave of sparkling motes. "Duly noted. I shall keep that in mind."
He inclines his head politely, tone courteous as he bids, "Thank you for the company, and the
patience with my questions. Rest well, Gurashi. Light keep you."

Gurashi looks suddenly to you, face lighting up as they smile brightly.

Cheerily, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Of course! Of course! Hope get to talk to more,
lots, yes? In the future!"

Gurashi chirps happily at you.

You nod your head emphatically.

In a smooth harmony of buzzes, you say to Gurashi, "You will, of that I have no doubt."

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Stay goodly - stay kindly!"

Gurashi waves goodbye.

Gurashi waves goodbye.

Gurashi chirps happily.

With a great sweep of its tail, Bizirik breaks off to the south.

You think to yourself: "What an energetic soul."