Green Tea with Lemon: Lorina

Before the Matrix.
Banks of clouds roil about here. Suspended by four bridges of transparent crystal, an enormous circular walkway looks out over the crystalline structure of Hallifax. The walkway is made of semi-translucent gemstone with handrails around both the inner and outer circumference to prevent any unnecessary accidents. Though wispy clouds can be seen to move around the crystalline towers of Hallifax, the cool air here is only a gentle, serene breeze, as if the wind itself was tamed before the Nexus of Power. There are 5 cylindrical chairs of transparent crystal here. A large fractal banqueting table stands elegantly here. The graceful, translucent form of a bird of paradise dances in the air, the insubstantial image shifting through a constant stream of vivid colours. Radiating with an incandescent brilliance, the Matrix floats within the circular walkway, slowly turning and revealing flowering geometric patterns. Wind whipping through his wings, Fraesic Sunfar, Keeper of the Matrix is here, face upturned to the chill breeze. Long, lean, and vibrating with barely-contained energy, a greyhound sniffs about here. Glowing gently with a soft blue light, a delicate dreamcatcher has been permanently hung here. A statue of a diaphanous dodecahedron stands here, memorialising his noble spirit. Standing perfectly erect, Leeoh Vardan, Senior Deputy Commissar, supervises with a keen eye here. There are 10 Sentinel Deputy Commissars here. A creature of starlit shadow is here, blending in with the ambient darkness. Lorina Trueflight with a Nymph face is here, the shimmering outline of a mosaic suspended behind her. She wields an elegant silver rapier in her left hand and a sapphire lyre in her right hand.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, and in.

You tilt your head curiously at Lorina.

You give a small sloe cheesecake to Lorina Trueflight.

With barely a sound, a spherical entity enters from the up, its legs touch the ground with the lightest of motions.

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "What is this?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...cheesecake."

You give a small sloe cheesecake to Lord Librarian Ayisdra Ysav'rai, the Fractal Concord.

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "Why would one eat a cake of just cheese?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "It's... sweet?"

Comprehension flashes across Lorina's face.

You have emoted: Esei gives Lorina a look that might have looked pitying on any other person.

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "Is this a common delicacy in Glomdoring?"

Lorina tentatively sticks out her tongue and licks a small sloe cheesecake.

You purse your lips, deep in thought.

Lorina Trueflight says, "The strangest of berries."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I made it for a wedding, once upon a time. But unlikely to be a no."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "It is a blackthorn berry."

Lorina Trueflight asks, "Like those of the common blackthorn tree favored of the Wyrden Druids?"

"Oooooooooh!" Lorina says, eyes wide with wonder.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I was thinking more of the blackthorn as favored by Lord Nocht..."

Lorina Trueflight exclaims, "What a wonderful use of resources!"

Lorina Trueflight asks, "Oh, Lord Nocht?"

You hum thoughtfully.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Tis quite a story, from my understanding."

Lorina Trueflight asks, "I had no idea He had such favorites. What else are His favoirtes?"

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "Are you one of His favorites?"

You blink.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...I cannot claim to be."

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "Who is His favorite?"

Lorina tilts her head inquisitively.

You shrug helplessly.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "It is not something He shares with us, I reckon."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...I also wonder why you ask if -I- was one of His favorites?"

Lorina Trueflight says to you, "You smell like one of His favorites. Of roses and blood."

You have emoted: Esei blinks slowly.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "That would be more like the Lady, I imagine."

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "Is He one of your favorites?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I can neither confirm nor deny that statement."

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "But you would tell me though, if we weren't in public, right?"

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "You wouldn't remain silent on the subject?"

Lord Librarian Ayisdra Ysav'rai, the Fractal Concord says, "I'm not sure being not-in-public would help any. I'm sure the Silent Lord would still hear any ...lack of favoritism."

You have emoted: Esei blinks slowly.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "He is always watching."

You nod at Ayisdra.

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "Even watching when you do not share that He is your favorite?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...I will neither confirm nor deny that statement."

Lorina Trueflight says, "He must be... so disheartened by the slight."

You glance askance.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I am sure He will never fail to tell me when I have disappointed Him."

[lots of death after an aethership explodes]

Lorina Trueflight says, "My heart."

You raise a slender brow at Lorina.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Is it having difficulties?"

Lorina Trueflight says, "I sense a massive disturbance in the threads of Fate."

Lorina Trueflight says, "It is as if the Basin's timeline has edged closer to paradise."

Lorina raises her hand to her mouth and titters girlishly.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...do -you- have a favorite Divine, Madame Trueflight?"

Lorina Trueflight says to you, "I do not follow one, sadly."

Shadows grow longer in anticipation for the return of their dark mistress as Father Sun's chase brings him closer to the world's edge.

Lorina Trueflight says to you, "But my favorite is a secret!"

You tilt your head curiously.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Indeed. But that was not the question I asked."

Lorina tugs her chin thoughtfully.

Lorina Trueflight says, "My favorite would be Lady Lantra."

You hum thoughtfully.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Why?"

Lorina Trueflight says, "But She does not look favorably on non-Celestians."

"Oh?" Lorina exclaims quizzically.

Lorina Trueflight says, "Hmm, I enjoy compassionate beings. Selfless work on ensuring every day is brighter than the last."

Lorina Trueflight says, "Need to have someone out there making the world a better place for me to ruin."

You hum thoughtfully.

Lorina cackles hellishly.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "And how would you ruin the world?"

Lorina Trueflight says, "I jest. I wouldn't ruin."

Lorina Trueflight says, "I barely harmed it. Only a few things flooded."

Dryly, you whisper, "I'm sure."

You ponder Lorina thoughtfully, looking her up and down.

Lorina ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "What are you thinking?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I do not think you would like to know the true answer to that question."

Lorina Trueflight says to you, "I probably would not, as I normally can never truly tell the intentions of others. Everyone is too unpredictable."

You hum thoughtfully.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper to Ayisdra, "...you are my uncle, by the by."

Ayisdra ponders the situation.

Lorina Trueflight says, "What a bombshell."
Lorina Trueflight says, "Just rolls in, and rapture mines the Matrix."
Lorina Trueflight says, "Me, full on cloier, exploding."

The body of Popular Idol Kalliope Starheart appears in a flash and her soul descends to fill it, causing the previously expressionless face to fill with emotion.

Lorina Trueflight says, "And finally, Kalliope!"

Lorina applauds Kalliope heartily.

Kalliope raises one hand elegantly in a gentle curve above her head and extends the other in front of her for balance as she twirls in place.
Kalliope steps forward with regal poise, one hand graciously extended to her audience as she sketches an elegant bow.

Lorina gestures grandly towards Kalliope, loudly proclaiming, "Behold!"

Lord Librarian Ayisdra Ysav'rai, the Fractal Concord says, "The Ysav'rai used to be rather large. And the Slee-Slaugh used to be a banner house for Ysav'rai back many years ago."

Kalliope strikes a dramatic pose and puts on a radiant beauty queen smile.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Kalliope kneels and raises her hands and then sinks low to the ground before the Matrix, dealing obeisance.
Kalliope approaches the Matrix after standing, putting her hand upon it. Suddenly, it passes through, and then the rest of her. Bit by bit, Kalliope is broken down into the finest of particles before disappearing.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper to Ayisdra, "Great-grandparent Synkarin is your parent. I believe this makes you my granduncle. By half."

Ayisdra peers about himself unscrupulously.

Lord Librarian Ayisdra Ysav'rai, the Fractal Concord says, "Synkarin is not my parent."

Lord Librarian Ayisdra Ysav'rai, the Fractal Concord says, "He is my brother."

You narrow your eyes to thin slits.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Great-granduncle, then."

Ayisdra nods his head emphatically.

[Kalliope comes back from the Matrix world]

With extravagantly glamorous elocution, Popular Idol Kalliope Starheart says, "What was I arriving just in time for? Ominous standing?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Evidently."

Lorina Trueflight says to Kalliope, "We were discussing the intricacies of extra-Planar travel in a three-planet aetherbubble gravitational pull with astronomical variance eddies."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper to Lorina, "Do you have a favored style of tea?"

Lorina Trueflight says to you, "Yes, green."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Kalliope crosses her beautiful eyes and stares off into space blankly, adopting a clueless expression.

Lorina Trueflight says to you, "With vigorous amounts of lemon."

You ponder Lorina thoughtfully, looking her up and down.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper to Lorina, "Care to participate in an experiment with me?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...chemistry."

Your eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across your face.

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "Will their be unwilling test subjects?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper to Lorina, "Are you unwilling?"

"Uhh..." stalls Lorina.

Lorina Trueflight says, "Let's say yes to placate me."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Lorina begins to follow you.

[pathing]

With extravagantly glamorous elocution, Popular Idol Kalliope Starheart says, "Will the results and methods be subject to an ethics board review?"

You ponder the situation.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Depending on the reaction of the subject."

Lorina Trueflight says to Kalliope, "I am going to grow tentacles, I hope."

A beryl-tiled cookery.
Banks of clouds roil about here. Comfortably warm, the kitchen is filled with the delicious smells of food, a pleasing merging of aromas that teases the senses. Gold embellishments highlight the pieced-together walls, which is a glittering mosaic of beryl shards. At the centre of the kitchens is a granite top island, fitted with shelves and drawers equipped with all sorts of cooking utensils. Several free-standing cabinets filled to the brim with delectable ingredients both common and exotic clutter the northern wall. Eastward, large hearths rest against tiled wall, fires stoking beneath them and burning hot, while opposite them stand a handful of water basins for waste disposal and cleanliness. The ceiling is notably curved and is held up by broad, golden arches. Central to the kitchen is a large oven, next to racks of pots and pans that hang nearby. A creature of starlit shadow is here, blending in with the ambient darkness. Lorina Trueflight with a Nymph face is here, the shimmering outline of a mosaic suspended behind her. She wields an elegant silver rapier in her left hand and a sapphire lyre in her right hand.
You see a single exit leading south.

Lorina Trueflight says, "I can see I was mislead."

Lorina Trueflight says, "I thought we would be mixing volatile chemicals."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Citrus juice is an acid."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Is that volatile enough for you?"

With casual expertise, you brew up a bottle's worth of tangy lemon green tea.

Lorina Trueflight says, "Lie to me and say it is highly evil."

Deadpan, you whisper, "Evidently, I am force-feeding you essence of the Wyrd, which is surely to go well."

Lorina Trueflight says, "I've lived a few lifetimes and guzzled my share of Wyrd, thank you."

[giving Lorina some tea]

Lorina Trueflight says, "Oh, it is lemon."

Lorina Trueflight asks, "So what tea are you drinking now in the Wyrd?"

You ponder the situation.

Lorina Trueflight asks, "What is the new "it" drink?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...of my own design... or others'?"

Lorina Trueflight says, "Others."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Very few, aside from myself, have designed teas as of late."

Lorina Trueflight says, "Oh, how sad. There used to be quite a few teas rolling through Hallifax, at least, but this was one hundred years ago."

Lorina Trueflight says, "Tea parties, constantly."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I note you've gotten your enemy status with my Lord resolved..."

Lorina Trueflight says, "Oh, yes. Yes. Tau has been pressuring me off and on for years. Seemed like an easy enough task of contributing essence. I'm basically full of it."

You ponder Lorina thoughtfully, looking her up and down.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Why?"

Lorina Trueflight asks, "Why what?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Resolve the status?"

Lorina Trueflight says, "Become unenemied? Why not? It is more conducive to stable relations allowing me to operate unmolested by regulations and ire."

Lorina Trueflight says, "Very beneficial!"

You hum thoughtfully.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I see."

Lorina Trueflight says, "And He does not pester me."

Lorina Trueflight says, "I've never spoken to Him and He has not had any actons against me."

Lorina Trueflight says, "It's refreshing."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "And would you seek Him or His Order out?"

Lorina Trueflight laughingly says, "Oh, my. No."

Lorina Trueflight says, "I am not a subtle person. My... personality does not align at all, but I appreciate how He operates."

Lorina Trueflight says, "I mean, when I walk into a room, I demand all attention."

Lorina flips her waves of cosmic fire back casually.

Lorina Trueflight asks, "Why did you choose Him?"

You have emoted: Esei swirls the bottle in their hands, the tea within making a soft sussurus as they let out a low, thoughtful noise. "A simple question, for all that its answer is... complex..."

Lorina tilts her head inquisitively.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "The simplest answer is that I chose Him because I knew that it would be by His side I would flourish best. I could have chosen one of the other Wyrden Elders, and Each would have suited me fine. But I knew that my first choice was the best one I could have made, and it is not one I regret."

Lorina nods her head emphatically.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Perhaps, when I was younger, and met Him the first time, I would not be able to articulate it to you, or perhaps any other. But in hindsight..."

You shrug helplessly.

Lorina Trueflight says, "It is a good fit for you, at least from an unbiased, cursory view. He tends to stay out of the fray, so to speak, but still maintain a hold on said fray."

You raise a slender brow.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "In what way do you believe it is a good fit?"

Lorina Trueflight says, "Hmm, you prefer not to overly engage and bow out if the situation proves to be too public and will happily maintain distance. Commonly, you keep tabs on events."

Tilting their head, you whisper, "Do I, now?"

Lorina Trueflight smiles impishly and says, "You do."

Lorina Trueflight says, "That is not to say you don't demand the limelight from time to time, but you flourish in the periphery."

You raise a slender brow.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "What is a lime light?"

Lorina Trueflight says, "A stage term meaning one who focuses the crowd's attention."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Ah... I have only ever heard of it referred to as the spotlight."

Lorina Trueflight says, "It is an interchangeable phrase."

Lorina Trueflight asks, "Do you concur with my observations?"

Loralai arrives from the south.

Lorina inclines her head politely to Loralai.

Lorina uses an everlasting ember to kindle a fire inside an oven.

Deplorable Loralai says, "Oh, sorry."

Lorina Trueflight says to Loralai, "You are fine."

Loralai smiles softly.

Lorina Trueflight asks Loralai, "Do you require assistance in locating something?"

Loralai shakes her head.

You glance askance.

Deplorable Loralai says, "You are cooking something?"

Lorina Trueflight says to Loralai, "We were experimenting with tea recipes."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper to Lorina, "Your observations are, perhaps, not incorrect. More... data will have to be collected, I suppose."

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "So you require me to observe you more, unaware?"

Loralai folds her arms over her chest, quietly listening.

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "Then why do you think you are a good fit for the Silent Lord?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper to Lorina, "Everyone will observe, either knowingly or not. I suppose it matters little in how much I know of it."

Loralai's brow furrows, as she looks deeply confused.

You have emoted: Esei's black gaze remains steadily on Lorina for several beats, their wings fanning open and closed. "I think you already know the answer to that."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper to Loralai, "Do you require use of the kitchen, little one?"

Lorina tugs her chin thoughtfully.

Deplorable Loralai says to you, "No, I just... thought you were making tea..."

"Oh?" Lorina exclaims quizzically.

You hum thoughtfully.

You pour tangy lemon green tea from an aubergine and ebon bottle of Mother Night into a shot glass.
You give a shot glass to Deplorable Loralai.

Loralai sniffs a shot glass, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from it is.

Loralai sips green tea from a shot glass.

Lorina Trueflight asks Loralai, "You are Magnagoran, no? And Merian?"

Loralai nods her head at Lorina.

Lorina Trueflight says, "Interesting."

[changeling into elfen]

Lorina Trueflight says to Loralai, "Condolences."

Deplorable Loralai says to Lorina, "Hmm? For what?"

Lorina Trueflight smiles impishly and says to Loralai, "They eat Merian, frequently."

Loralai forces a slight smile, and shakes her head. "That is... unfortunate, yes. But I don't feel I am in danger."

Lorina gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Lorina Trueflight says to Loralai, "Then very good. I am glad they change their diets."

You think to yourself: ** ... an image of Gurashi chipperly cheering 'you eat what you are!' while consuming a kephera-based platter. **.

Deplorable Loralai says to Lorina, "You are Hallifaxian?"

You hum thoughtfully.

Lorina Trueflight says to Loralai, "Among other things, yes."

Lorina tilts her head inquisitively at you.
Loralai tilts her head curiously at you.

You offer a gentle "Hmm?" as you tilt your head curiously.

Lorina Trueflight says, "Nothing, nothing."

Deplorable Loralai smiles impishly and says to Lorina, "What, do you live in multiple cities?"

Lorina Trueflight smiles impishly and says to Loralai, "I am a Hallifaxian, but truly am other things besides just my city affiliation."

Loralai gives Lorina a slow nod. "Like what?"

Lorina Trueflight smiles and says to Loralai, "Prefer to lean into my work, with the Consortium. That is how I wish to be known, as I am sure you want others to see you besides a Merian?"

Lorina Trueflight says to you, "You should take me on a tour of the Silent Lord's realm, with Tau's consent."

Lorina Trueflight says to you, "Not this month, though."

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper, "Perhaps."

Loralai considers a moment, furrowing her brow again. "More than a Merian, but I am not ashamed of it."

Lorina Trueflight says to Loralai, "Good. You shouldn't be."

In a whisper, Deplorable Loralai says to you, "Could I come too?"

Continuing to whisper, Deplorable Loralai says to you, "Just wondering, I know you don't know me and I'm a Magnagoran."

You have emoted: Black eyes perfectly blank, Esei considers Loralai. "Is there no other specific reason?" The question is posed almost gently in their whispering voice, their hands coming to clasp behind their back.

Loralai eyes you a moment, and glances briefly at Lorina before saying, "I... I don't think so?"

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper, "I see..."

Loralai tilts her head curiously at you.

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper, "If, and only if, the Enur Il'dal is amenable. But..."

Lorina tugs her chin thoughtfully.

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "Is that what Tau is called?"

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper to Loralai, "Know this, little one, if you garner His attention: He generally dislikes those of the taint and the tainted city, from what I understand."

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper to Lorina, "That is her title within His Order, correct."

Comprehension flashes across Lorina's face.

Loralai smiles briefly and then nods to you, her expression turning more serious. She whispers back, "I will keep it in mind. Thank you."

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

Loralai inclines her head politely to those around her.

Lorina gives Loralai a respectful salute.

Deplorable Loralai says, "Nice meeting you both, I must go."

Loralai gives the world a smart salute.

Lorina Trueflight says, "Fair winds."

Loralai searches the air in front of her, then tugs upon an invisible strand of force.
Loralai turns translucent and then vanishes, leaving behind a cloud of sparkling motes of light.

Lorina Trueflight says, "Strange creature, that one."

Lorina Trueflight says, "She will not thrive within those walls, but I dare not tell her of her future."

You hum thoughtfully.

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper, "Perhaps."

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "So where were we?"

Lorina Trueflight asks you, "You feel at home within His service, yes?"

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper, "Yes."

You have been recognised by Loralai for: Brief but interesting conversation with a unique character.
You have been recognised by Lorina for: Let's chit chat about Nocht over tea.

Lorina Trueflight says, "I enjoyed exploring your relationship with Him. We should explore this further."

Lorina Trueflight says, "But... maybe at a later time."

You raise a slender brow.

Lorina Trueflight says, "I've been awake for a few days and I can feel it."

Lorina Trueflight asks, "You will continue your blackthorn propaganda, yes?"

Lorina Trueflight says, "Proselytizing the glorification of the blackthorn."

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper, "My my... Propaganda is such a strong word."

Lorina Trueflight says, "Ensure no other tree is as popular."

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper, "Perhaps you should visit His fulcrux one day."

Lorina ponders the situation.

Lorina Trueflight says, "If you so desire, I can."

Lorina Trueflight says, "But remember who I am, as a person."

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper, "I recall, yes."

Lorina Trueflight smiles impishly and says, "I am far from silent."

Lorina gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper, "Within His fulcrux, I believe you may receive a kernel of understanding regarding the blackthorn."

Lorina tugs her chin thoughtfully.

Lorina Trueflight says, "I will study it to see the source."

With a soft, darkly melodious inflection, you whisper, "Although, as it is His fulcrux... He is always watching."

Lorina Trueflight says, "I appreciate the cryptic reminders."

Lorina nods her head sagely.

You have emoted: Esei makes a cryptic symbol over their chest, murmuring faintly.

Lorina Trueflight says to you, "I'll be sure to study you more carefully."

Lorina waves goodbye at you.