A perfectly ordinary bedroom.

l me
This revolting maggot reeks of disease and decay, its pale white flesh glistening with fetid, eye
-watering moisture. It chitters mindlessly to itself, squirming and wallowing in its own filth that
exudes from the vile insect. A truly rancid stench surrounds this maggot, which is unnaturally large
and offensive in appearance.

You think to yourself: Hm...

You think to yourself: So, where does an Unveiled begin their studies?

You think to yourself: Ah, OHELP ADVANCEMENT.

Composed by: Mysrai
Composed on: 7th of Vestian, 481 CE

The most basic method of attaining rank within the following of the
Great One is to build upon the tasks set forth by Their Sacrosanct.
(OHELP TASKS)

THE SACROSANCT: They ded

You think to yourself: Oh dear, this is very out of date. None of these people wake.

ohelp belovedtracking
Composed by: Ixchilgal
Composed on: 7th of Vestian, 496 CE

You think to yourself: Surely the Tracking... no, this is also defunct.

ohelp structure
Composed by: Altrea
Composed on: 11th of Juliary, 392 CE

help orderpaths
Composed by: Eritheyl
Composed on: 13th of Juliary, 392 CE

ohelp tasks
Composed by: Altrea
Composed on: 11th of Juliary, 392 CE

You think to yourself: Hrm. The tasks are also defunct, presumably. They were written nearly two
centuries ago by Their Hand.

ohelp welcome
Composed by: Leta
Composed on: 15th of Kiani, 358 CE

You think to yourself: Very well. With no teachers, no scrolls, and no information, Unveiled are
merely not able to advance.

You think to yourself: So where would they go... Hrm...

You think to yourself: That is to say; where must I go?

help loginmessages
No match found for "loginmessages", trying a search...
Search results for "loginmessages":
   No matches found.

No match found for "daily", trying a search...

help messages

order privs
[HINT]: ORDERMESSAGE.

>---------[ The Divine Order of Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales ]---------<
--> ...blood...revenge...what is Mine...will be Mine AGAIN...it is
    not HERS!!!

--> While the Shofet is not in Their full senses, seek out the
    Sacrosanct for guidance in whatever may try your heart. If you need the
    assistance of Their Liar, Aschwar, a letter left within their bedroom in
    the Shifting City will find them.
>------------------------------------------------------------------------------<

Comprehension flashes across your face.

You think to yourself: Ah, I see. Aschwar is the only means of advancement.

You think to yourself: Well then, once I have arms again, I will be able to write a le-... Oh. Hrm.

You think to yourself: Perhaps I will have to crawl up there, then.

You have emoted: Zeebin squelches in displeasure as he considers the long road to the Isle of Qatoc.

TRAVEL SPAM

---------- v37468 -----------
The villa's cozy living hall.
Lingering about with a happy smile, Aschwar suffuses their surroundings with well-being and
contentment.
You see exits leading north, up, and down.

Aschwar turns from whatever it is that they were cooking and gasp as they see you enter.

You have emoted: Zeebin wriggles up the stairs with considerable difficulty, leaving a fetid trail
behind him.

l me
This revolting maggot reeks of disease and decay, its pale white flesh glistening with fetid, eye
-watering moisture. It chitters mindlessly to itself, squirming and wallowing in its own filth that
exudes from the vile insect. A truly rancid stench surrounds this maggot, which is unnaturally large
and offensive in appearance.

Mandibles chittering as he speaks, you say, "Bright greetings to you, Their Liar."

Aschwar opens their mouth in concern and looks as though they are about to say something, but then
see to think better of it and nod. A few moments later they seem to think better of their thinking
better and ask, "What happened?"

With an amiable wiggle, you say, "When last we spoke, you mentioned wanting to know what bugs sound
like. I thought perhaps I would be able to make the best of my current predicament and satify both
our curiosities."

With a nervous laugh, Aschwar says, "Well, I didn't see any of my origamis that look like you,
Beloved."

You think to yourself: I will avoid troubling them, if at all possible.

You have emoted: Zeebin stretches his mandibles wide, jetting a squirt of maggot juice as he
attempts to smile.

You say, "All the better - this would be quite a length to go to in order to present you with an
insect you had already seen."

Wiggling in the direction of the meal still being prepared, you say, "Don't burn anything there on
my account, Beloved."

Aschwar looks where the juice lands, and then over the a nearby cupboard - seeming relieved when
they see a mop leaning out of it. "Well, uh..." They shake their head and say quickly, "N-no! I'm
still getting everything ready to go on the stove."

You have emoted: Zeebin balances his grotesque head above his tiny, many-legged body like an infant
struggling to sit upright.

Dozens of little legs writhing along his belly, you say, "I was hoping I might be able to trouble
you for a little guidance this evening, if you do not mind the interruption?"

Aschwar shakes their head and wipes their paws on their tunic, "No problem! How can I help you?"

Maggot juice pooling around him, you say, "Well, They have reminded me that I should be seeking to
tread the path of the Unveiled to the First Paradigm, but all of the scrolls are so old and
outdated, they simply aren't useful any longer."

As the stench intensifies, you say, "You see, according to the information I have available to me,
there is currently no way at all to advance among Their Beloved."

With a spasm of his mandibles, you say, "Even writing books for the library didn't seem to help."

Aschwar scratches their head thoughtfully and then quietly say, "Well, that's just not true!" They
laugh lightly and say, "I mean, I don't know what your scrolls say because I can't...really...read
them, but I do know that I've seen people advance!"

Gesturing with their paws, Aschwar says, "See, people don't just get to join the Beloved no more.
The Shofet has them talk to Them, 'cos no one else has been trained enough to do it but me. And when
they talk to Them, They have them tell Them what their dreams are. What their goals are, and if They
judge them well, they join. Then, when they are ready, they are supposed to gather all of the
Beloved they can get together, and tell everyone about a goal they set, that will help them get
closer to their dream."

With a small smile, Aschwar says, "Then, the Shofet has us all listen to them, and talk to them, and
says we're 'testing our Wills against their Truth, so it can be refined'. People say things that are
silly, or wrong, and the person has a chance to fix them, or talk back about it. And then, the
Beloved all judge whether or not it is a worthy goal, and if it is, they are advanced."

Simply, Aschwar says, "Then, once you reach the goal, you're s'posed to call everyone together
again, and let them judge whether or not you actually reached your goal."

Ooze-clung head bobbing up and down, you say, "Oh, I remember the Shofet told me that first part
when They returned to us. I told Them my dreams and goals, to find the Nirsaad-that-was. I didn't
know about the second part."

Tilting their head curiously, Aschwar says, "Did you ever ask?"

You say, "Is that what Mama did? She stood in front of everyone and talked about her dreams, and
helped to fix the untrue things?"

You have emoted: Zeebin wiggles his head left to right.

Aschwar shakes their head twice in firm refusal. "Nope! Missus Friend Shulamit is one of the
Shofet's Avatars! She has her own special path, because she is such a pure...beacon? I think. It
confuses me a little, but the Shofet knows what They're doing."

You say, "Well, no. They had given me an instruction, and I followed it right away."

Bobbing his head up and down, you say, "Mama has always been like that."

With a light laugh, Aschwar says, "Well, if you didn't ask what you were supposed to do, how are you
ever supposed to find out? That is really silly, to focus so much that you do not ask things."

Squirting a jet of juice as his mandibles chitter, you say, "I suppose it was quite early? Perhaps I
missed all the times the rest of the Order has done that second part."

You say, "You see, They gave me an instruction, and after that, I just thought They were waiting, or
busy, or fighting, so I just kept doing things like write, and look after the moths, and audit the
library and the Temple, and start patching up the Labyrinthine Markets."

Aschwar gently places a paw against their cheek, looking with concern at you. "Hrm...I think I see
what your problem is, Beloved."

You have emoted: Zeebin quavers in place, trying very hard not to get ooze on their fur.

Crouching down, though they take care to avoid the ooze and juices, Aschwar says, "You are too sure.
You do what you think is right, and never ask if what you are doing is right. You need to be less
sure, and not be afraid to ask what it is you should be doing. Otherwise, you can do the very wrong
thing, and think you are doing exactly what it is you are supposed to do."

Aschwar gestures at your body with a long claw, a soft, sad smile on their face at your pitiable
form.

With a putrid ripple of his thorax that might be a maggoty shrug of contemplation, you say, "I've
been trained to keep everything quiet and secret, tight to my heart. Their express instruction. You
see, I definitely have that flaw, Beloved. That's why I do what I do - I follow Their instructions,
because I know that my judgement is broken."

Aschwar says, "But if you don't know, then are you following Their instruction, or your own
instruction?"

Sickly ooze dripping from his mandibles, you say, "I have only ever passed one of Their tests. So I
don't trust myself. I look outwards, and I follow Their instructions."

Aschwar shakes their head and quietly admonish, "But if you don't know that it is Their instruction,
you are only doing what you think They want you to do. Which means you are doing what you want you
to do."

You say, "Nobody can know what they do not know. You see, when They returned, and made us all equal
before Them, I celebrated - it was another chance to get to know Them. They made Their will known -
speak dreams so that They can come to know us once more. I did what They asked."

Aschwar nods their head, listening quietly.

You say, "After that, well, the Advancements scroll was still there. I started writing and doing the
things. But there was nobody to show them to. So I just kept doing tasks here and there, trusting
that when They judged someone worthy, that person would be the one to show them to."

Aschwar says, "But you didn't know, and you didn't ask. Otherwise, you would have known."

With a maggoty twitch of his mandibles, you say, "But I couldn't have known that I didn't know. I
spoke to Them. They didn't tell me the second part. I can't start second-guessing Them, asking what
else has gone unsaid. That would be very disrespectful."

Aschwar says, "You didn't ask any of the others. Or me. Or Them. You just kept on, thinking that a
Shofet would come to you and look for you and tell you what to do, when They are so busy with
everything else. I know you are much older than me, Beloved, but I feel like I need to tell you
something very important."

Aschwar says, "The only thing that I know in this whole world, apart from how much the Shofet loves
me, and me Them, is that there's a million and a half things that I don't know. The only way to know
things is to ask, and if you don't because you are scared then you will never know."

Aschwar says, "'cos however upset the Shofet might be when you ask Them, it looks like They were a
lot more upset by whatever you thought you knew that you didn't."

As his wiggling stills, the stench almost abates for a moment, you say, "I'm sorry, but I don't
quite understand it. The... the people are... difficult to understand. I am better with books.
Literal things. Even abstractions. It is how my mind works - I must break things down into pieces. I
know for a fact that I spoke to the Shofet about advancement, and They said to speak of dreams. When
I spoke of my dreams, They said we will all see if my dream holds firm."

You say, "I see now that you are explaining that the Shofet meant that my dream would be debated and
examined by the Order, but I could not have known that at the time. It is not something that has
ever been done in the Beloved, and They did not say that it was the new way by which it would be
judged."

Aschwar says, "There's lots that's never been done in the Beloved before happening, Beloved. I am
here. The Shofet is here. There is sand EVERYWHERE! And now? There's ghosts! And people going to
sleep for long times? There's so much. But if you keep thinking about how you think it should be,
and how it was, then you'll miss everything new."

You shake your head.

Aschwar exclaims, "But!"

You say, "I am not trying to cling to the past, Beloved, truly."

You say, "I am trying to find me, in the present."

Aschwar says, "But you are not asking for understanding. You are thinking you know answers, when you
do not."

Aschwar says, "Maybe the Shofet says things to you in a way They think you'll understand, 'cos of
how you talk to people, and then you don't, because Their paradigm is so different from yours."

You have emoted: Zeebin bobs his head up and down once.

You say, "It's always been that way between us."

Aschwar says, "'cos I found out that the Shofet is a Ebon right now. And I think that means that
They are supposed to be scary, and dangerous, but I don't think that's true."

Aschwar says, "But I don't think you're a Ebon."

You say, "Ebon can appear scary, Beloved, but it is truly loving, and fiercely protective."

Wiggling his head left and right, you say, "I have been Ebon, in bits and pieces."

With a pointed look, Aschwar says, "And I think you are lying when you say you are not clinging to
the past, even if you do not realise it."

You have emoted: Zeebin tilts his head, dripping ooze down his body.

Aschwar says, "You didn't ask Tsakali, or Missus Friend Shulamit, or me, or no one, when you were
thinking of what to do. You read old scrolls, from the past, and took that as what you should do."

You say, "That's not true, Beloved. I asked Mama. She didn't know. When I spoke to Tsakali, he
didn't know They were sending people to him."

Aschwar says, "And did you ask again, later? To see if they had learned?"

Wobbling on the spot, you say, "After satisfying Their instruction, and finding no information, I...
Hm... I did what I've always had to do. Stay alone, and work out of sight."

Swivelling the wet, black orbs that serve as eyes to Aschwar's face, you say, "Does... this mean I
shouldn't stay alone any more?"

Aschwar blinks and then shakes their head, standing back to their full height. "That is a very sad
way to live, Beloved. And They want Their Beloved to be full of life, and love, and talking. Yes, I
think you should not be all alone any more."

Tiny head sinking into his corpulent body, you say, "I... Am afraid. I've always been alone. My
heart is wrapped in Ivory, and locked away beneath the Library with the rest."

You say, "I can and have stared down Their wrathful aspects with tranquility and trust. So why...
does emerging back into the light make me so... sad? Anxious?"

Their voice heavy with concern, Aschwar says, "You will be more afraid, and even more alone if you
stay this way. You will not change, and you will not get better, and you'll keep ending up in spots
like this where you are hurt and confused and do not know what to do. But if you come to the rest of
the Beloved, at least if you are hurt and confused you will have lots of people around to help you
feel less hurt."

You think to yourself: I've never been afraid before. I've only been angry three times.

Their voice quiet and faraway as they turn towards the kitchenette again, Aschwar says, "Because
sometimes when you stay in the dark too long, you do not think you are worth the light. And you are
worried they will not want you."

Juice flowing freely from the sunken face, you say, "I... don't know that They do want me. I've
fought for a very long time to be me. The armistice I won was that I can be me in secret. In
private. If I don't share my ideas and my perspectives."

You think to yourself: Tranquility, Nirsaad. -Try- and compose yourself. Do not expose her to this.

You have emoted: Zeebin squelches as he attempts to still his writhing form, mandibles flapping
uselessly for a moment.

As they shake their head and begin to fiddle with the vegetables on the counter, Aschwar says,
"Maybe you were not private enough? That does not seem like...a good way to live, either way. Maybe
you are good, but you say you are you, and you know you, but I know that knowing yourself is very
hard."

Aschwar says, "Maybe you need to have more faith in what the Shofet is telling you to do."

You say, "Not... private enough. Hm. Maybe not. I should not have told Tonatiuh what he wanted to
know."

You say, "But, he broke into the archives. I had to warn him about what he'd seen. We had to tell
Them he saw the Black Book."

Aschwar's paws freeze for a moment before returning to chopping. "They didn't even like knowing
someone saw the White Book."

Shaking his head, you say, "He did not see the White Diary."

Aschwar says, "Tonatiuh did not. Ashira did."

You blink.

You say, "How did... Ashira..."

Aschwar says, "An accident, I think. The Shofet was very mad, and lots of people got punished."

You have emoted: Zeebin flaps his mandibles in an insectoid grimace.

You have recovered balance on all limbs. (1.399s)

You say, "I kept such good care of the archives for so long, too."

As they continue working on their food, almost absentmindedly, Aschwar says, "You did. But now, the
Shofet thinks there are more important things to worry about, and more important things to focus on.
If you do not work with Them, then you are not doing what They want. You are doing what you want."

Tone evening as his breathing, you say, "Right. Instructions. Back to instructions. I've spoken my
dream to Them. Now... I need to tell everyone else my dream?"

Aschwar says, "And they have to test their Truth against yours. They have to hear it, and challenge
it, and make sure that you are not going down a path that will leave you...alone. And unhappy."

You tilt your head curiously.

Aschwar says, "Then, if they all judge it worthy, you will advance. It is very simple."

You have emoted: Zeebin flaps his mandibles in a second insectoid grimace.

You say, "I think They will be more unhappy with me before long."

Aschwar turns and looks over their shoulder, smiling softly, "But I think They will be less unhappy,
if you are doing the right thing."

Shaking his head, you say, "Not at first. They never are."

With hesitation, you say, "What if..."

You say, "What if They were to ask me to abandon the dream I put to Them?"

Simply, Aschwar says, "I think that is a question only you can answer, Beloved."
300h, 2670m, 300e, 10p ex-say The Aspect of the Beckoner would and does do such things to test the Will. The Crooked
Gentleman did just that to me.

You ponder the situation.

You have emoted: Zeebin wobbles on the spot.

You say, "Continue following instructions and abandon my dreams. Or. Continue following instructions
and confirm my dreams."

You have emoted: Zeebin wobbles back and forth.

Aschwar's head turns back towards their dinner, simply chopping and listening to your wobbling
worry. "You say you trust Them, and if They tell you that your dreams have to be abandoned, I think
that would be when you have to show whether or not you mean it."

You say, "That dream is... to write things, and to design things, and to learn things and to
remember things... Those things are a part of me. They... It's my True Will. I cannot walk away from
that calling; I've tried."

Quietly, Aschwar says, "My calling was to live in a cage my entire life and only emerge to be
subjected to a cruel man's desires. My Will was to die. Quickly and painlessly. These things can and
do change, Beloved, but if you believe they cannot then they never will."

You think to yourself: Could They really be asking me to abandon my True Will? To never write or
make or study?

You have emoted: Zeebin squirts some juices in surprise.

You think to yourself: That is not what They taught us Will is.

You think to yourself: Would it be rude to discuss it? I think it would.

After a long lull, you say, "Should... I wait for Them to speak my dream to the Beloved?"

Aschwar says, "What did They tell you to do?"

You say, "Their instructions on the matter have been to tell Them my dream, and to do as if I have
freshly entered the Order for the first time."

Aschwar shakes their head quietly, "No, you are still of the First Paradigm. I do not think They
want you to start from the very beginning, or else you would not be."

Tilting his head, you say, "What is the advancement of the First Paradigm, Beloved?"

With a light laugh, Aschwar says, "Is your memory that bad, Beloved? To talk to the Beloved, and
tell them if you have accomplished your goal. To let them see, and decide whether or not you need to
keep trying or not."

With hesitation, you say, "Am... I allowed to do that? They just told me not to speak of it."

With a soft smile, Aschwar says, "I cannot say. You will have to say what your goal was, when you
talk to the Beloved, and the Shofet will almost certainly be there. Maybe it is time to choose an
easier goal, and...not be rid of your dream, but put it to the side for now? Then one day, when the
Shofet thinks everyone is ready, you can pursue it again."

Aschwar says, "Not a 'good bye', but an 'until later'."

You say, "Perhaps... Not the Sage in Indigo, just the Sage?"

Aschwar nods their head simply. "That does seem much easier, Beloved."

You think to yourself: I suppose that's Their will. Back into the dark.

As they place their dinner together and turn around, revealing a nice little salad, Aschwar says,
"But in the end, you will do what you will do. It's like the Shofet says, after all. You will, or
you will not. Those are the only outcomes."

With an unpleasant squelching sound, you say, "DO... They want me to go back into isolation? As an
anchorite, I didn't cause trouble to anyone who wasn't ready to learn about other paths."

You say, "If I'm causing trouble... I could..."

You have emoted: Zeebin grows still and sinks into himself, head retracting into maggoty pudge.

You think to yourself: I've troubled them enough. I should leave them be.

As they munch carefully at their salad, Aschwar says, "Well..."

Plumes of resinous smoke swirl through the air in spiraling tongues of coppery light and shadow as
Shulamit enters from the down.

Turning to the stairs as if they knew Shulamit would enter, Aschwar says, "I think you should ask
her."

You have emoted: Zeebin wobbles back and forth.

Only mildly disappointed, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to you,
"Zeebin."

Glowing a muddled shade of brown, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
you, "You are becoming squiggly with alarming frequency."

Squirting some juices in surprise, you say, "Oh, Mama! I have never been a maggot before. This is a
brand new experience."

Closing her eyes ever so briefly, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
you, "Right. It was your other sibling. Or was it...a cousin. Sorry, my mind is scattered."

You think to yourself: Mama shouldn't see me. She'll get upset.

As they quietly munch on their salad, Aschwar says, "Beloved Zeebin is having a very hard time
thinking of what he should do. I think you are the best person to help him, because you are his
mother."

Aschwar says, "And plus you do not have fur, so you can give him hugs and not get ooze stuck on you
for months."

You think to yourself: I'm not allowed to tell her about... what They asked. Hm.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
Aschwar, "Do in what sense? In life? As a maggot? As..I."

Shulamit wraps a comforting arm around you, bathing you in soothing ivory light.

You have emoted: Zeebin shrivels into himself, spurting a jet of goop onto the floor.

Simply, Aschwar says, "The Shofet is very mad, and had to punish Zeebin, because he was being very
silly and doing what he wanted, and not what They wanted."

Still very confused, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Oh. Well, that
is generally a silly thing to do."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
you, "What...is the margin of drift between doing and should be doing?"

You say, "I thought I was doing what They asked me to, but there was more They didn't say, and I
never asked about it again."

Continuing to munch quietly as they nod in agreement, Aschwar says, "And now, he is confused about
what he should do. Because he has to take the Advancement, and stand in front of the Beloved and say
his goal, and have them judge his Truth, to see if he's met it."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
you, "Oh yes. Asking questions is important so you don't go the wrong directions."

Showing that she understands, Shulamit nods her head slowly.

You say to Shulamit, "Did you know about the Truth and Judgement, Mama?"

Aschwar nods simply, falling silent except for the munching and crunching of lettuce and other
vegetables.

"Uhh..." stalls Shulamit.

Aschwar exclaims to Shulamit, "When we all gather together and listen to people's goals and ask them
questions, then see if they met their goal or not. Like the Devil, and Friend Tsakali did!"

Rubbing her face, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I know that the
path I walk is considered simpler to some, because it is always the path I've walked. I. Don't think
I attended those, Dear Beloved Priest."

Wincing, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Or if I did, my cracked
sieve of a brain does not remember well enough currently."

You say, "I don't think Tonatiuh has either. Did Thanisaad? I haven't seen them since..."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I
expect I know what the Devil's would have been though."

Aschwar says, "Anyone who is Between has. So...maybe the Devil hasn't."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says,
"About testing others and making sure none are getting complacent. Also maybe being a nudge."

Aschwar reaches up and taps at their chin thoughtfully. "I thought he did! He has been to a lot of
them, nudging and testing, yes yes."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says,
"Maybe? He is very good at the poking."

Shulamit mimics poking, glowing a red colour to mimic Ixchilgal's colourings.

Trying to keep things straight, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "So.
Either you...have said what path you on and were wrong, or..."

Black, starry mist coalesces into Dusan, the coruscant as he gives a flower shaped pipe to Shulamit
before disappearing again.

Shulamit quickly loses the trail, blinking at a pipe.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Oh.
This is a gift for you, Dear Beloved Priest."

Shulamit ponders a flower shaped pipe thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Shulamit gives a flower shaped pipe to Aschwar.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "From
Esei?"

Slightlyd istracted, Aschwar says, "What...is this for? Holding things?"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says,
"Pipes are for smoking. Sometimes things for health aches, sometimes for weed to relax."

Shulamit ponders a soporific pipe of a stretching jade kitten thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I
have my own in case I become unhealthy. But."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
you, "So you...were told what to do, but asked no questions, and it turns out what you did was not
the path you were meant for. Am I following?"

You say, "Well... I told Them my dream to become the Sage in Indigo again, just after They returned.
They said that the Beloved would be the judge of that. And that... was all. So I waited, and kept
writing things and doing things. I didn't know there was a whole... arbitration system involved."

Nodding simply and taking another munch, Aschwar says, "He did not ask."

You say, "When I asked you about it, you didn't know about it, and when They indicated Tsakali was
the guide to advancement, he was very confused because he did not about it either."

With a confused face, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I probably
wouldn't have realized either, but if told I had to talk in front of the Beloved, I would have.
Words?"

Shulamit scratches her head in confusion, the sound reminiscent of tinkling wind chimes.

You say, "After that, I kept doing my little jobs, and just waited."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Oh.
So you never took the initiative to speak with the Beloved, because you didn't know, because you
asked mama, who has a brain like the wide open Skarch."

Showing that she understands, Shulamit nods her head slowly.

Munch. Munch. Munch. Crunch. Munch. Munch. Munch.

You have emoted: Zeebin wobbles left and right vigorously.

Distracted, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Aschwar, "Where do
vegetables grow within the Shifting City?"

You say, "No, Mama, I asked Tsakali too, it's not your fault. I never heard anyone discussing any
sort of arbitration after that either."

Aschwar swallows and then points over their shoulder, "In my big garden. I grow lots of plants."

Shulamit looks over, nodding. "Oh! Plants are good."

As they pull out another large leaf and pop it into their mouth, Aschwar says, "And then what did
you do?"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
you, "So what now? You call the Beloved and speak with them? Oh, is there more?"

Shulamit glances about, her body turning a hazy shade of grey.

You say, "Well, I'm not sure exactly. I... might need to call the Beloved? But I've never heard of
it before, or seen it done. I don't know the rules."

You say, "I... there is... one more..."

You have emoted: Zeebin shrivels into himself, spurting a jet of goop onto the floor.

Shulamit peers curiously at her extremely moist child. "Oh?"

You say, "They said I must... forget... Indigo."

You say, "And Saffron."

Shulamit taps her fingers together, looking mildly sad. "Oh. Are the ways closed for the time?
Permanently? Either one though, I see. New paths, or old ones must be reforged? Maybe?"

You say, "They did not elaborate."

You say, "But Beloved Aschwar feels, I think, that it might be for now. Until people are ready."

With a soft shrug, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Then so it is. We
will forge ahead, and when it is time, cut...swaths of...cloth?"

Shulamit looks confused at herself.

Between munches, nodding emphatically, Aschwar says, "Yes! There's not enough people who know the
basics to worry about knowing about fancy and advanced stuff."

With an unpleasant squelching sound, you say, "It's not fancy and advanced to me. It's just... me."

The dazzling flash of coloured glass announces the stealthy arrival of an iridescent clockwork
dragonfly. Hovering just above Shulamit, it drops a savory Pie of Zesty Opportunity, then is off
whizzing through the air in a metronomic drone.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says,
"Ivory. Voidcopper. Scarlet. Those were the first three. Was Ebon o...one..."

An iridescent clockwork dragonfly rises effortlessly into the air, only to vanish in a dazzling
flash of glass and metal.

Shulamit peers at a savory Pie of Zesty Opportunity with narrowed eyes, glowing a suspicious shade
of slate grey.

You say, "Scarlet, Voidcopper and Ivory were the first. Then came Indigo and Saffron. Then came T
-Delusion. Then came Ebon."

Showing that she understands, Shulamit nods her head slowly.

Shulamit drops Euterpe, Muse of Music.

Highly distracted, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "One moment."

You say, "See? Indigo remembers. How do I give that up?"

Shulamit gives a savory Pie of Zesty Opportunity to Euterpe, Muse of Music.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says,
"Deliver to Orventa."
Her eyes sparkling softly, Euterpe, Muse of Music takes a savory Pie of Zesty Opportunity, before
waltzing away.

Her eyes shining softly, Euterpe, Muse of Music returns from delivering items, singing softly to
herself.

Looking pained, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Wrong pie."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Too
wonderous for my blood."

The dazzling flash of coloured glass announces the stealthy arrival of an iridescent clockwork
dragonfly. Hovering just above Shulamit, it drops a lemon custard pie topped with blueberry
meringue, then is off whizzing through the air in a metronomic drone.

Simply, as they eat, Aschwar says, "Scarlet, Voidcopper, and Ivory are what people probably have to
focus on right now. Ebon, because the Shofet is a Ebon! Then...once people know things, and are not
confused and worried and can do things on their own, then I think the others might happen again."

You think to yourself: I -can't- believe I almost said her name. Aloud. In front of Aschwar.
Tranquility, Nirsaad.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
you, "Yes yes. I was Ivory, in the start. I am Ivory, or...I am me, in the everywhere."

An iridescent clockwork dragonfly rises effortlessly into the air, only to vanish in a dazzling
flash of glass and metal.

Scratching her head, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Time is always
time. It goes. We'll go with it. Eventually little indigo boats."

You say, "I wasn't confused or worried until They showed me Their displeasure. I don't mind being
me."

Aschwar says, "From the little bit I know, it is like...some paths, come out of other paths? And
they are all little pieces of each other. But that just means that if you feel you are really
indigo, maybe you belong where indigo came from."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says,
"Which would be Ivory, I...I think."

You have emoted: Zeebin wobbles left to right in the negative, but hesitates to speak.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says,
"Spoken word, and proselytizing, given form to crafts that can also...talk..."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
you, "Speak. I do not have the memory anymore."

Shulamit sits down next to you, glowing softly.

Shulamit settles to the ground in a cross-legged position, inhaling deeply. As she brings her hands
up to rest open-palmed at either side, she exhales, all tension leaving her body.

You say, "Indigo and Saffron were given to the Ivory, that the Order might find peace in the wake of
Delusion. I kept Indigo. I suffered. I suffered deeply. They relented. I was given the heart of
Indigo and Saffron to hide away in secret, so that they were not lost, just hidden."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says,
"So...they will come once more? I'm sorry dear. My ability to follow threads is very diminished
currently."

You say, "That is for Them to decide. I just kept them safe."

Confused, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to you, "And so you will,
yes? But for now we go to basics."

Aschwar nods their head in approval of Shulamit's words, conspicuously continuing to eat their meal.

Munch. Munch. Munch. Crunch. Munch. Munch. Munch.

You say, "They have asked me to forget everything to do with Indigo-that-is-Saffron. Just like last
time."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
you, "Yes yes?"

You say, "But, as I know from experience, I cannot just stop writing, dreaming, and making things."

Extremely baffled, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "You can write and
dream and create on all paths, no? I mean. Alary is Ebon, and I have seen Alary create occasionally.
I don't think that memory is wrong. Maybe? Uh."

Shulamit glances about, her body turning a hazy shade of grey.

You say, "Al-Erleirauh, my Scarlet project, was a big book containing samples from all over the
Basin. It's still Indigo. My dream and meditation journals, written for Ivory, but they're all
Indigo."

Aschwar exclaims, "Alary made me a big book!"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
Aschwar, "The one with the big letters?"

Aschwar nods and points towards the nearby counter, where it appears much of the preparation for
their meal took place on top of the notebook.

Aschwar says, "It is VERY useful."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I do
not think I'm understanding...the problem here. You will always be Indigo, so any path you walk may
be that as well, but you still walk the path and learn of it? N...no?"

You have emoted: Zeebin twitches his mandibles, politely avoiding any jettison of fluids.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
Aschwar, "Also good for reading, but yes yes. Large large books are good for preparation of foods."

You say, "They have asked me to forsake Indigo, but it's not just a hat or a fine ring."

You say, "To advance, I need to speak my truth and have it tested."

You say, "My truth is forbidden."

Aschwar says, "I told him that I think..."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Peel
away the outside of the Indigo, into the Ivory core?"

p THIS BIG OL CUTE NOTEBOOK
This notebook is comically large, something that would rest easily in
the hands of larger races and be uncomfortable in the hands of smaller
individuals. Embossed on the natural leather cover are the large letters
of "A", "B", and "C". Each letter is dyed a different color, with the
"A" being red, "B" being blue and "C" being yellow. The leather cover
provides both protection and a measure of defense for the paper within,
and on the inner front cover is a place for someone to write their name.
Each page lays out a series of three lines, with two heavier blue lines
on the top and bottom and a lighter blue dashed line in the center,
allowing a guide for lettering. Above each section of these lines are
the letters of the common alphabet, with steps showing the exact brush
strokes for each letter.
It has no title and the author is listed as being Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales. It is
written in the common tongue.
It weighs about 1 pounds and 0 ounce(s).
It bears the distinctive mark of Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils.
It has the following aliases: notepad, pad, book.

Aschwar coughs and swallows, getting an overly large leaf clear before continuing to speak, "To make
an easy goal, and have a simple, nice Advancement. Not say good-bye to Indigo, but say 'until later'
to it. To be patient. That is apparently a very hard lesson to learn in the Beloved."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
Aschwar, "Fanatical devotion, or in my case, forgetfulness, can cause that, yes."

You ponder the situation.

You say, "Perhaps I am just aiming too high? Yes?"

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says,
"Small goal. Like...telling more stories at the Flame?"

Glowing pink, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I like stories."

You say, "I shouldn't be trying to realise my True Will, I should be... yes, doing other little
things."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says,
"Stepping stones, Zeebin. No throwing yourself across the yard."

Aschwar beams broadly at Shulamit.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "I'm
very sorry dear Zeebin, Beloved Priest. I have to rest. I'm. Going to do that a great deal for the
foreseeable future."

Simply, Aschwar says, "See, Missus Friend Shulamit is very smart."

You have emoted: Zeebin bobs up and down.

Looking pained, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says, "Not permanently.
Just...longer each month, most likely. I will be back."

Aschwar nods and then carefully wraps Shulamit in a tight hug, careful to avoid the ooze-stuck parts
of her flesh.

You say, "So the advancement isn't so much a dream as it is a task."

Aschwar says to you, "You are taking steps to fulfill your dream, Beloved."

Shulamit hugs Aschwar back before pulling away, making sure she got no ooze on them. She then holds
you closely, eyes squished shut as she allows herself to become very sticky.

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
you, "Small steps dear."

You think to yourself: Tranquility restored. Be at peace.

You have emoted: Zeebin bobs up and down.

You say, "Yes, Mama."

Glowing in tune with her words, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to
Aschwar, "I recommend some chives in the garden, if you don't already have some."

Shulamit nods her head emphatically.

Shulamit grows still and her lips begin to move silently.

Shulamit is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, her soul safe until she returns
to Lusternia.

Aschwar hums a happy tune.

Aschwar says, "See? Mothers are very good at knowing what to do."

Mandibles clattering open and closed, squirting secretions of satisfaction, you say, "So are
Priests, Beloved. You helped just as much as Mama did."

You say, "I have a task in mind that yokes my Will to Theirs..."

As they turn and move to place their bowl in the nearby wash basin, Aschwar says, "I think she said
it better, though. She helped you understand what I meant."

You have emoted: Zeebin bobs up and down enthusiastically.

You have recovered balance on all limbs. (1.348s)

You say, "Mama knows... what it's like to think like me. Or, I suppose I think like her."

Simply, Aschwar says, "You should practise. And...I would wait until you are not so squishy. I think
you will do better, and you will show the Shofet you have thought lots and lots about what you did."

You say, "I have no idea how long this will last, but it doesn't much matter to me. Thanisaad is an
illithoid sometimes, and despite the... excretions, I think I rather prefer this form to that. I can
work on making good my task in the interim."

Aschwar's paws slip, and the bowl falls to the bottom of the basin, shattering.

You think to yourself: Aschwar is so wise. I'm so glad they brought Mama along.

Wobbling on the spot, you say, "Beloved, your bowl!"

Aschwar's eyes are wide and wavering as they stare off into the middle distance, paws trembling in
the basin as they stand perfectly stock-still otherwise.

Angling his body towards you, you say, "Beloved? Are you alright?"

You think to yourself: On no... What's wrong?

Aschwar says nothing but quickly turns and runs past you, taking the steps four at a time and
leaving to their room.

The world seems a little less pleasant as an enormous tae'dae with black and gold fur departs to the
up.

The sound of a slamming door rings through the villa as the trapdoor leading up closes and latches
shut.

You think to yourself: Did I... say something wrong? I was just saying that Thanisaad is a
changeling, so I've learned that gross bodies aren't that gross, really.

There is no door to the up.

You realise that there is nothing upwards for you to glance at!
exits
You see exits leading north and down.

You have emoted: Zeebin wobbles in confusion.

Calling up the stairs, towards the trapdoor he has no limbs to knock on, you say, "Beloved Aschwar?
Are you alright? W-what's wrong?"

The gentle sound of sobbing and rocking back and forth can be heard from above, but no answer.

You have emoted: Zeebin disgorges a slick pool of wretched slime in alarm.

Calling out, you say, "Beloved? Would you like... to talk about it?"

You say, "I am bad at some things, but listening is something I can do...."

"...naughty..."

You have emoted: Zeebin wobbles in confusion.

The sight of black sand begins to fill the corner of your vision, dripping into the hall from
silvery cracks in the aether. You have a sudden, primal urge to get the Nil out of here before you
are discovered.

You have emoted: Zeebin wobbles in confusion.



TRAVEL SPAM

--------- 16:37:-2 ----------
Within an ivory eggshell.

You have emoted: Zeebin disgorges a slick pool of wretched slime, breathing heavily as fear and
exertion wring even more juice from his disturbingly moist body.