// YOU DO NOT GET TO FORGET //

**After an incredible 5 hour aetherhunt and talking with Tridemon via tells about nonsensical stuff like writing songs for head voices and the bigness of aetherspace**

A cozy living room.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Extending off of the foyer, this living room is somewhat more expansive than the room to the south by about half. The floors are still the same pale golden wood with violet sparkles and whorls and coated for durability, but there are several places where comfortable cushions have just been strewn about in slight depressions along the floor, perfect for flopping into. Along the northern wall is also a kind of nook with further, sturdier cushions, made of some dark material that won't show stains. There are slightly raised walls of the same wood around the nook, which have been engraved, somewhat oddly, with dozens of images of dancing shrimp. The walls in this room have more of the special paper from the foyer, but this time the painted waves are joined by rising trees with thorny vines bearing roses draped along their branches. The ceiling in this room also continues the theme of stone tiles, a slightly darker blue than the ones in the foyer, and bear engraved likenesses of forest creatures between the ones that belong to the sea. In the northeast corner, a spiral staircase- contained by a cage of platinum-streaked wrought iron, around a central pillar of bright blue coral- leads up toward another room, though the narrow size of the stairs themselves would seem to indicate that it's meant for just one person to climb at any one time. There are 2 dark blue crystalline couches here. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand.
You see exits leading south and up.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans in, knocking quietly on the doorframe. "Hello~?" He calls in a sing-song voice.

You chirp happily at Tridemon.

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

Stepping in and over to the nearest couch, you say, "Is me! Came like said! Ta-daaaa."

Tridemon gives up a round of applause.

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 22nd of Juliary, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 14 days until the New Moon

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up, having chosen one of the many pillowed indentations on the floor, looking much more comfortable. "O-K," He says as he sinks, "this is eight times better than the collector chair, yes."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Precisely eight?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Evette D'Rose, The Primordial Scourge, "I did! Hope it is good!"

You have emoted: Gurashi shuts his eyes and nods, removing his hat. "Pre. Cisely."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Tridemon.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Staring up at the ceiling, you say, "Aetherhunting is really big and noisy. Would like to be a turret persons next time... maybe... though my arms get so shaky during Aetherflares and only hold the guns for a little bit......"

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, mandibles clicking.

Tridemon aims his imaginary aethercraft turret and begins blasting away. "Pew! Pew!"

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his head, grinning and nodding, antennae bobbing. "Yes yes! Exactly like that! Oh! It would be more exciting!" He throws up his arms and drops back again.

You ponder a delicate iris thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

You narrow your eyes at a delicate iris in an unnerving manner.

You think to yourself: ....when did get this.

Tridemon gives a cool tulip of dusk to you.
Tridemon gives a purple tulip to you.
Tridemon gives a warm tulip of dawn to you.
Tridemon gives a purple tulip to you.

You give a horrified gasp.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ah!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh! Hey, they are all pretty colors."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi takes each flower and arranges them by gradient from darkest to light, admiring the little bouquet. "Ta-da!"

Holding each one up to his carapace, you say, "...wait which should wear."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You think to yourself: Blueish one? Purple one? Other purple one? Orange one?

The sounds of unseen animals stirring for the coming day are audible behind the gentle whistling of the wind elsewhere in the manse.

You think to yourself: Blue one. No purple one. No, orange one. No, purple.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You can just wear all of them."

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click softly against his face as he stares off into space.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...that is an awful lot of flowers. Hmm."

You have emoted: Sitting up Gurashi removes his hat and sets it in his lap, quickly getting to work arranging the tulips along the band. He shuffles and swaps them about, switches sides, switches bunches, considers the options to make it look best...

You have emoted: Gurashi finally clusters three of the multi-colored tulips together, pinning them to the band of his hat with his brooch. The duplicate purple tulip finds a home pinned to the front of his cloak. He returns his hat to his head, then looks at Tridemon excitedly, throwing open his arms. "What think!" He chirps.

Tridemon gives the world a thumbs up.

You strike a pose.

You have emoted: Gurashi proceeds to flop back again, knocking his hat askew as he does so.

<-- bunch of astral deaths

You think to yourself: Oh - they are getting dead...

<-- another one!

You think to yourself: ....deader.

You suddenly shut your eyes, raising a hand to your beak as you yawn.

You think to yourself: / *a gentle, rousing chirr* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Did you come up with a song for Khep yet?"

Perking up, you say, "Have been trying to think of something, yes..."

You think to yourself: / *confusion.... chittering* ...wh - ...song? /.

You eyes narrow slightly as you grin, mandibles clicking.

Tridemon hums innocently to himself.

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Am working on it... a song for you, Miss Khep! Tridemon is helping."

You have emoted: Gurashi throws Tridemon a look, canting his head.

You think to yourself: / ..... *dumbfounded* What /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Wait, am I?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm not really musically inclined..."

You glance in Tridemon's direction, eyes narrowing slightly as you grin.

reaching for his lute and letting his back find the wall, you say to Tridemon, "You are going to help, yeah," He says encouragingly. "Even if is just tapping hand on leg. Get comfy get comfy."

You think to yourself: Actually...

You have emoted: Gurashi stops as he touches his lute, instead turning to his pack and pulling out his violin. He leaves the bow, however, holding the instrument in a strummed position, plucking the strings and testing for tuned notes.

The soft sounds of a zither being played and the cry of a crane in flight echo in from somewhere.

You think to yourself: / .... y..... **there is an odd, not-yet-before-felt sensation - embarrassment** /.

You have emoted: Gurashi casts a look in Tridemon's direction, antennae bobbing hopefully.

You think to yourself: Do not have to think of lyrics - but if have a tune in mind...

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon gets up off a dark blue crystalline couch.

Tridemon flops down onto the ground.

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

The sounds of the manse are abruptly replaced by the ambiance of the ocean- the rhythm of the wind and wave, of time and tide. They slowly start to resolve into actual notes, but it's more of a background rhythm than an actual tune.

You blink.

You think to yourself: *heartbeats skipping - a sensation of awe...*.

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes widen, and he looks around, fascinated by the new sound. Breath taken, he shuts his eyes and admires the melody as it starts to form, testing the strings of his violin pizicatto style, finding form in the song of the sea and drawing from it a melody...

You think to yourself: / *continued embarrassment, but now, also curiosity, a suppressed sense of wonder* /.

Closing his eyes and plucking along with the notes, you sing, "We~ never want to marry, or to die - want to lie on beaches and stare up at the sky." His mandibles open and close, not quite clicking against his face as he continues. "We~ live in castles made from sand. We both have adventures - dream of foreign lands."

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.

Tridemon leans back to listen, just keeping the illusory sounds going at this point.

You have emoted: Gurashi cants his head to the side, opening his eyes a little to stare at the empty nook opposite the living room from him. "These are just dreams of different times - are not mine, are maaaade up." He continues to pluck away, sighing heavily and playing along the lulling tune with the lulling of the sea.

You think to yourself: / *silent, though still very present* ... /.

Plucking away on the strings still and leaning to the side, you sing, "You~ do not act like a lady, like are told - you go on adventures. You are scarred and bold!"

You think to yourself: / ..... /.

Looking up at the ceiling thoughtfully, you sing, "You could be a druid, live among the trees... Could get lost in Icewynd ... where would prooooobably freeze."

You think to yourself: / *confusion* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi grins to himself, shrugging and giving Tridemon a hopeless look, still plucking his violin.

Tridemon shakes his head with a smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at his instrument once more, still plucking, grinning to himself. "Could be dreams of princesses who do not want to grow up..." The melody is briefly melancholic, before returning to its dreamy lilt.

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 23rd of Juliary, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 13 days until the New Moon

Softer, you sing, "Sugars, spice... all things that are nice." He stares off across the room again, nearly content. "Are made of these, is true - is true."

You think to yourself: / .........*an indescribable silence* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head, left antennae sagging. He keeps plucking the notes, then glances over at Tridemon again, shrugging, looking a little embarrassed himself. "Do not know if she liked it," He whispers loudly.

You carapace turns a bright shade of red as you blush.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "So, what do you call a facial expression where all four of your hands are covering your face in embarrassment?"

You blink.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't respond, squinting a little as he awaits to see if there is an actual answer.

You think to yourself: // ..... **a barely audible thud, like something gently striking a thick pane of glass** //.

You sniff softly.

Aquamantic symbols suddenly project themselves upon the very air in dark blue light, fading after a brief moment.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, I hear Madame Fluffbutt thumping at the wall..."

You blink.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You have emoted: Gurashi abruptly stops playing, setting the violin in his lap as he reaches up, touching his circlet. "Oh - I did not feel it!" He exclaims, flustered.

You think to yourself: / *silence... the embarrassment is replaced with a sense of wariness, but not alarm* /.

You think to yourself: / *quiet* They have be... .... g that for some ti.. .ow. It doesn't make sense /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Wait, did she hear me calling her Madame Fluffbutt?"

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his own gaze, as if able to look into his own mind, waiting...

You think to yourself: / No... no - they h.. ...n lingering for a -month- now /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "What, they've just been thumping against the barrier like... what, a moth with a lantern?"

The sounds of unseen animals stirring for the coming day are audible behind the gentle whistling of the wind elsewhere in the manse.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, scratching at the circlet and looking at Tridemon. Suddenly, he grins. "Oh my goodness. That would be funny."

You think to yourself: / If Tiso were a lanter.. ... .. /.

You think to yourself: *a sense of confusion* Miss Khep... you are kind of hard to hear. Why?

You think to yourself: / What? /.

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

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Curious, you ask Tridemon, "Interference? But why now?"

Tridemon shrugs helplessly.

You think to yourself: / *a sudden overwhelming sense of suspicion* What .. ..ey up to... /.

You glance askance.

Suddenly, you ask, "Miss Khep did you like your song?"

You think to yourself: / *distracted* What? /.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Tridemon breathes in, and closes his eyes, letting his psionic power fill the immediate area, before imprinting the impression of... mirrors. Dozens. Hundreds. Thousands. Cracking. Shattering. Becoming a hundred thousand glittering, sparkling, slightly distorted reflections.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up a little straighter in his spot, holding very still, watching Tridemon.

The Mantle of Starlight shimmers and twinkles as the starlit darkness that it is formed of continues its eternal motion.

You think to yourself: / *a chirr* Trying to dis......nt them? /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, an outright assault doesn't seem likely to work. Defensive barriers just make Crazypants go into a delighted rampage."

You think to yourself: .... *for some reason, an inexplicable sense of dread*.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, lightly touching his circlet again and looking very uncomfortable.

Tridemon lets another impression join the field of broken mirrors- luminous mist, made up of billions of tiny pinpricks of light, dazzling and dancing like innumerable fireflies.

You think to yourself: .. oh - bugs!

You have emoted: Gurashi's expression changes at once, and amidst all the chaotic flashes of light and mirrored reflections he finds a single firefly to focus on, chittering as it lazily floats on by.

You think to yourself: / Mmm. It's not .. ..d idea, really. In my experience, the best way.. ...al with her is ... ..st avoid her /.

You think to yourself: / *quickly, buzzing loudly* Not that I -couldn't- beat her in. ... .... ...mbat /.

You think to yourself: // *another barely audible tap, this time from the opposite side of the circle* //.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mmm. But they're also probably unfamiliar with the dynamics of aquachemantics."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to watch the fireflies, listening to the conversation but seeming elsewhere, left antennae sagging.

You think to yourself: / Right. But they will p...bably learn quickly /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, if they really want to go blind for a while, they're welcome to attack. That's what the luminated mist does, you know."

You think to yourself: ...... *a strange sense of deja vu*.

You think to yourself: / ....oh - blind?? /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, yes. All sorts of nastiness exists within the mage skillsets- Phantasms are quite nasty, too."

You think to yourself: / *a growing sense of dread* Ahh, that... /.

The soft sounds of a zither being played and the cry of a crane in flight echo in from somewhere.

You think to yourself: // **there is an odd sensation that ripples out through the hive connection, like a held breath of air being released... all other hive noise suddenly becomes hushed and tense** //.

You tilt your head curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi's attention drifts from the fireflies to Tridemon again, worried. "They will see things?" He asks quietly.

Tridemon tilts his head as well, listening. Gathering up a pulse of power. Releasing it with a sense of inquiry.

You have emoted: Gurashi sits forward a little, coming to rest on his knees, violin held to his chest as he continues to watch.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "If I were inclined. Phantasms work directly on the mind. Illusory claws that cause real cuts. A phantom that resides in the mind to afflict it with nightmares. Hooks into the mind to steal thoughts and sight, to see and hear through the victim's senses."

You think to yourself: // **the hush remains, anticipation, anxiety - many feelings that are entirely unfamiliar, waiting for the worst to pass ** //.

You think to yourself: / *strained and broken* ..o it - su.. ... .th .. .. .... /.

You look about in confusion.

Tridemon snorts slightly and closes his eyes tightly, letting out another wave of his psionic power- tying more concepts to it this time. Light and mist become aggressive, blinding. The mirrors shift, giving off purple mist that reach out like thorned tendrils to grasp and hook into the unwelcome minds- pushing nightmares to the fore.

You have emoted: Gurashi shrinks a little in his spot, casting his gaze now away from the many many lights and onto the slightly less disorienting ground.

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.

You think to yourself: / .... ... ...er!!! /.

You think to yourself: // **The churning nightmare visage and light continues to beam out into the seemingly unoccupied darkness of the outer mindscape .... a continued silence ...... heavy ... tap. Anticipation. tap. Fear. Tap taP TAP TAP -- without warning, just to your left, a WHAM!! as something immense plows straight into the lights, the nightmares, and crashes headlong into the barrier, causing the vines to tremble as a shock wave ripples through them** //.

You have emoted: Gurashi jolts, gasping aloud and clutching his head. "OHmygosh," He whistles in surprise.

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

Panicked, you exclaim, "T-thorns!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Thorns. Entangle. Grasp. Choke."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Grip. Break. Roots. Cling. Grip. Choke. Thorns."

You think to yourself: // **suddenly all the hive noise is back all at once, grinding and deafening as it was in the early days, angry, -so very angry-** //.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "They want in. Don't let them GO."

You have emoted: Gurashi whistles again in panic, flailing his arms and clapping his hands again on the sides of his head. He shuts his eyes tightly, antennae sagging. "Thorns thorns thorns," He whispers repeatedly to himself, bringing the image to fruition.

Tridemon closes his eyes, gathering up everything. Nightmares fading. Mirrors dissolving. Lights and mist winking out. Pulled back into him, into his center. "Okay, this probably isn't going to work, but..."

You think to yourself: *the trembling vines begin to sprout tiny pointed protrusions, mimicking the growth of roses, excruciatingly slow* C'monc'monc'monc'monc'mon.

You think to yourself: / *a sense of panic, but an inability to communicate, drowned out by all the din of the hives* /.

Tridemon keeps gathering it all together into a ball. Compressed tightly. Tighter. Smaller. Harder. Before unleashing it ALL in a wave that you might recognize, though it isn't aimed at you. A mass domination, carrying a single, overbearing command: SILENCE.

You think to yourself: // **a maddened chittering, violent motion, thrashing limbs and fighting against the grasping nightmares before they fade, charging blindly into the light, striking the barrier again, this time with something sharp, digging for something weak--** //.

Aquamantic symbols suddenly project themselves upon the very air in dark blue light, fading after a brief moment.

You have emoted: Gurashi reflexively flinches as he recognizes the spell, quickly covering his head with his arms, bracing for the worst though it never comes.

You think to yourself: // **the command works, amazingly - and the din suddenly winks out like a closed throat .... the anger only churns greater now at your insolence and how -dare- you** //.

Tridemon looks very tired, though not as tired as he did after the rescue. "Hah... spoken like a creature who's never thrown defiance into the face of a Soulless God."

You think to yourself: *again, something is familiar about this moment... but, what, what*.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "How dare I? I dare EVERYTHING."

You think to yourself: // **continued furious feelings, rage now directed away from the barrier, and towards the foreign voice. No words, just the impression that something now would like YOU no longer alive as well** //.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "// amends: **not that it didn't already. but even -moreso-**."

Tridemon sways slightly, seeming unfocused. "Arrogant little noble girl. Angry that she can't play with her favorite doll." He mutters, slumping into the cushions on the floor.

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 24th of Juliary, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 12 days until the New Moon

You look about in confusion.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ooa - Tridemon...!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Angry at everything. At nothing. At the silence. At things moving. At things staying still. At words..."

You have emoted: Gurashi scrambles across the short distance between himself and Tridemon, kneeling at your side and gingerly grabbing your arm. "You did it again!" He whistles.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Did not. Didn't sever any of myself this time."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Not hurt at all."

Weakly, you exclaim, "Still...! You are O-K? That was a lot of big brain stuff - you could still burn out... !"

You think to yourself: // **the sensations continue, mocking your assumptions - you think you know everything** //.

You think to yourself: // *the rage - now, bellowing laughter, then frustration, then delight, fury again, a whirlwind of emotions as the presence continues to stalk around the now thorny vined barrier, just beyond sight ** //.

Tridemon opens his eyes again, streaks and sparks of red starting to spread through his flesh, no longer bothering to restrain himself. Anger. Rage. Spreading himself out again, letting it out into the nearby mindscape. Rage, burning bright, blood-red... Old, old anger, with the strength of centuries behind it. Forgiveness that has been withheld for years, decades, longer than most in the basin have even been alive...

Eyes widening as he reaches for your hand, you say to Tridemon, "Tridemon...!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I've killed things stronger than whatever the hell she thinks she is."

You think to yourself: / ... *for once, seeming small, and timid - unsure of what to do, unheard and weaponless, staying stark still in the center of the circle* /.

Taking his hand nervously, you exclaim to Tridemon, "She is not worth it!! You should not get hurt!"

Tridemon snarls and brings everything back together, pulling all that anger, unforgiving rage back closer, but not quite inside of himself again. Instead, he holds it outside of himself, letting it slowly start to take shape into something long and thin... "Don't worry. Not going to hurl this at her."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans back a little bit, squeezing Tridemon's hand tightly, fearfully, watching the shape manifest.

You think to yourself: // **suddenly, a scoff, and a half-dozen hive voices all speak at once, most sounding surprised, unwilling** BUT I WELCOME YOU TO TRY //.

Tridemon starts restraining himself again as whatever it is takes shape. Red rage suddenly mixing with bands of deep blue resolve. "Oh, shut up, you mind-bending little twit. Khep, would psychicblocking Gurashi help at this point, or would it sever your connection?" He says as whatever he's building becomes some sort of long, wooden shaft. Nearly as tall as Khep.

You think to yourself: / *stammering* ... ... n't ... ow! What .... ....ng Ke.. ... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confused, listening to the conversation, eyes sweeping around the room, looking as unsure as the princess scrambling for answers in his brain.

You think to yourself: ..... *something like this has definitely happened before*.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Creating. It's what I do."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "//omg maid get out unless you're gonna help *lol*."

You think to yourself: // **just as loud as before** AND WHAT WILL YOU MAKE ME, TRIDEMON REGALIS? **there are more voices now, male and female, some new and old** A SPEAR? A PIKE? FOR MY HEAD AS YOU OVER-LANDERS ENJOY //.

You blanch suddenly.

You think to yourself: ...ooa! She knows Tridemon's name...!

You have emoted: Gurashi's entire body trembles anxiously as he continues to nervously clutch Tridemon's hand, watching whatever shape manifests in your other hand, listening to the chaos and voice with great apprehension.

Tridemon finishes the shaft- an impetus of pure rage, restrained by resolve- and starts to add something else to whatever it is. A blade, a curved blade, made from the desire to protect and preserve, to defend and stand fast, appearing as a kind of bright blue, metallic coral. "Oh, certainly a spear. But it's not for you." He says before... well, it's not quite the same as severing it. Offered as a gift. Past the barrier, to the princess in the center.

Aquamantic symbols suddenly project themselves upon the very air in dark blue light, fading after a brief moment.

Shadows swirl around your arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree digs itself more painfully into your finger.

The soft sounds of a zither being played and the cry of a crane in flight echo in from somewhere.

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows his brow, his expression strange as he makes sense both what is happening before his very eyes, and what is happening in his mind's eye. He watches, as within the circle, Khep suddenly straightens, long mandibles clicking against her face, looking at the spear, and then at Tridemon.

You think to yourself: Why do even need the spear .... *a growing sense of apprehension as the deja vu continues* Why is so angry, Miss Khep.

You think to yourself: / *a non-answer, accepting the spear finally, bobbing antennae and twitching mandibles* /.

Tridemon looks a little bit more tired... but not much. Giving gifts is much easier than hurling violence, after all.

You think to yourself: // WHY? **the voices suddenly deepen, demanding, anger growing - it registers the spear, cuing laughter** //.

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click softly against his face, and he looks up, then over at Tridemon, worried. "You are O-K?" He asks pleadingly.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mmhmm. 'm fine. Just don't much care for bullies... should introduce her to Shakiniel..."

You think to yourself: / ........ *a sense of determination, gripping the spear, gazing at the now writhing wall of vines* /.

Weakly, you ask, "Shakiniel...?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Shakiniel. Defender of the Dawning Hope. Protector of innocence. The Shield of Celestia."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Trying this kind of jackassery in her presence would have a certain angry kephera smeared across the landscape in seconds."

You think to yourself: // HOW - COULD YOU P O S S I B L Y FORGET **the voice asks, flabbergasted, angry, hurt - the barrier trembles as something strikes it again, ignoring the sharp pain from the vines** //.

You have emoted: Gurashi listens, sitting very still, his antennae flat against the back of his head. "The peoples of New Celest..." He says awkwardly, "are very good at that. Protecting. It is what makes you all so good."

You think to yourself: / *quiet* It is what .. ..es them g... allies to the Hives. *the kephera approaches the wall of vines, listening to the raging presence just on the other side* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Because he forgot everything, you raging bedsore! He doesn't even know what he was named! And he doesn't want to know! That's the nature of the Portal of Fate. What is can be made not, and what never was becomes a personal truth! Go try it yourself!"

You think to yourself: / .... *studying the barrier intently* ... nk you could l.. ..e out, Tiso? /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... An archway. You know the type. You know the one. The entry from faethorn to the Ethereal Glomdoring."

You think to yourself: // BUT THAT IS NOT -F A I R- **another WHAM, this one causing the vines to bend inward the barest amount before maintaining their rigidity* YOU DO NOT GET TO RUIN MY LIFE AND THEN -F O R G E T- //.

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Tridemon, unfocused, nodding slowly.

Tridemon reaches up to rub at his temples, seeming a touch more energetic. "Loud, hysterical, and incredibly angry. Are you sure you didn't leave a jilted bride waiting at the altar?"

You think to yourself: ..... *the barrier writhes, still solid, trying to unbraid, but the thoroughness and desperation of closing it earlier has made it tangled. It becomes harder to unwravel the more flustered he becomes*.

Blushing, you exclaim, "N-no! I d-don't know? Maybe?! This is pretty mad!"

You think to yourself: / *a touch of sadness, watching the writing vines* ..... no /.

You think to yourself: // **another SLAM, the sound of something dragging along the barrier, breaking off on thorns** YOU -TOOK- HIM FROM ME-- **SLAM** //.

You come back into focus as the blur illusion vanishes.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... as a person, or as a possession?"

You think to yourself: *unravel, faster, please! A single vine loops up, offering a little space to see through, into the flickering colors of the outer mindspace. Red. Lots of flickers of red, like lightning - hesitation* ... M-Miss Khep are you--.

You think to yourself: / Tiso, d... ..t /.

You think to yourself: // **as the gap appears in the thorn wall, a view out into the darkness. Flashes of red. Flashes of other colors too. Flashes of faces, feelings, starting to congeal and take shape, laughter, memory? This is something we are remembering, something happy, an unfamiliar voice laughing, friendly, bright citrine shades of yellow and black--** //.

You think to yourself: // **grating and overpowering, now a dozen voices, all wailing with the same pain of loss* HE WAS A -P R I N C E- **the voices continue to wail** BUT -YOU- -- //.

You think to yourself: / *a sense of urgency, now approaching the opening and trying to open it faster, enough for her to slip out, calling out desperately into the darkness* Nepra! That's -enough-! /.

You look about in confusion.

Tridemon suddenly focuses his eyes a little more, not seeming particularly energetic. "A name. Always helpful."

You think to yourself: .... Nepra...?

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to look confused, his grip on your hand weakening significantly.

You think to yourself: *the color of the vines suddenly becomes muted, wilting slightly as an archway falls open, big enough for Khep to slip through if crouching*.

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 25th of Juliary, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 11 days until the New Moon

Tridemon looks too tired to do much more than sit and watch... though he does pat you lightly on top of your head.

You think to yourself: *this name does not spark any memory. no nothing visible, nothing visual, nothing that makes sense visually, but feelings. Something feels out of place.... a disconnect* ...... Miss Khep ...where are you going?

You think to yourself: / Giving ... Keeper a break and doing what I do best: piss her off *a cocky smirk, and then a tightening grip on the spear, connection to you still fresh* Give me a few days and I will be back, ... ...ll be gone /.

You think to yourself: // YOU DO NOT GET TO FORGET-- **the voices cry, out of sync, noisy and gnashing**--YOU DID THIS, TISO **and then -- just as Khep slips through the barrier and into the mindspace, the presence at the barrier lifts. A piercing shriek of rage and the stomping of feet. The flashes of red and gold dampen, becoming blackness the further the strange presence gets...** //.

You have emoted: Gurashi says absolutely nothing, his expression bizarre, stock still. Until his head is pat. Meekly, he hangs his head, his eyes still wide, confused.

The sounds of unseen animals stirring for the coming day are audible behind the gentle whistling of the wind elsewhere in the manse.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... a weapon really does help with defiance. If only psychologically."

You think to yourself: *quietly repeating each confusing shouted word back in a slightly more tolerable volume* ...

Finally making eye contact again, you ask Tridemon, ".....she will be O-K ... ?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm... probably. If nothing else, she can always sacrifice the spear for her own safety."

Quieter, you ask Tridemon, "...you are O-K?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Dredging up old anger hurts, sometimes."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares back at Tridemon miserably. "Many apologies."

You think to yourself: *still repeating, endlessly, what does it mean? we don't want to know - Khep doesn't either - why? why? why?*.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Uhm - you should get some rest, Tridemon - I can sing a song for you, too,it was good when the music was playing, yes."

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Uhm - you should get some rest, Tridemon - I can sing a song for you, too," He fumbles for his violin, "it was good when the music was playing, yes."

Tridemon slumps back down into the cushions on the floor. "Honestly, I shouldn't hold onto anger so long. Can't help it. Rage. Pain. Mrrh."

You think to yourself: *this person does not love me no, that is not jilted love that is too deep of an anger no what is worse*.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "N-no! You shouldn't...!"

You have emoted: Gurashi remains in his cushion beside Tridemon, sitting straight up, buzzing with leftover adrenaline. "I... can get anything for you?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The question I asked wasn't irrelevant, you know. Did she want you as a person or as a possession.....?"

Tridemon closes his eyes again. "Mm. Tired."

You have emoted: Gurashi's wings flit beneath his cloak, and he remains seated, unsure how to answer. "...do mind if stay here for little while," He asks meekly, staring again at the empty space that would normally house Bizirik.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. Go ahead. I don't mind."

You think to yourself: .... a person?

You think to yourself: A possession ....

The soft sounds of a zither being played and the cry of a crane in flight echo in from somewhere.

You have emoted: Gurashi settles in to his own pillow beside Tridemon, holding his violin against his chest and gazing intently across the room.

You think to yourself: / *somewhere, deep and far away* ... we were unfair /.

You have emoted: Gurashi closes his eyes tightly, pulling his hat down over his face.

You think to yourself: / .... and you - unkind /.

Miserably muffled by his hat, you say, "Good night, Tridemon."