Practice with Esei: The Spider and the Fly

<-- Gurashi had been showing off the gardens in new celest/went to a timequake/eventually went to watch a play in Hallifax with Calioliahali before realizing they needed to meet up and practice talent show act with Esei!

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "*a curious and embarrassed thrum* Dearest cousinling...!"

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "...times is flies!"

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "Would you still be able or wanting to practice this monthly? I spent so much time being distracted! I am sorry to makes you waits."

Esei tells you, "...ah, hm... a moment."

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "*assent* Is fine! Ahm. Are you wanting practices to be private? Or ... can peoples watch us? B-because have been spending time with fellow friends and allies, yes? But it is your numbers, so it is your rules."

Esei tells you, "It can be public, but if people would like to wait until the actual performance to watch..."

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "I-is just, have been entertaining companies! I do not think she minds! You are a goodly dancers! We will be goodly dancers."

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "Is just one persons. Well, two with Bizi."

Esei tells you, "Where shall I meet you?"

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "Here! Me! Stage, right??"

You feel a slight tug within your chest and the air around you sparkles with motes of bright light.
You sense Esei pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

Esei emerges from a cloud of icy, freezing fog, their eyes glazed with the chill of the grave.

You look at Esei hopefully.

You eyes light up as you smile.

Saluting, you say, "Cousinling!"

Esei nods solemnly.

Calioliahali offers Esei an almost too-quick salute.

Pointing, you say, "Miss Calioliahali!"

Esei tilts their head curiously at Calioliahali.

Calioliahali Skydrifter says to Esei, "Greetings."

Happily, you say, "We have been having the most wonderful times! We will probably play more -ghodaks- hopefully after you and I practice! So hopes is O-K, if she watches us practice? She will not spoils it for siblings I do not thinks. I hopes."

Esei arrives with a basket of silk ribbons under one arm, head tilting the other way.

You have emoted: Gurashi throws Calioliahali a teasing grin, looking back to Esei. "Ribbons..."

You have emoted: Gurashi wiggles in excitement, reaching out to take one of the ribbon ends, examining it curiously.

Calioliahali's gaze drifts to linger upon Esei, and she remarks softly, "It is well understood if you would prefer to rehearse in private."

You have emoted: Gurashi immediately bites their lower lip, looking hopefully to Esei.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

You look at Esei hopefully.

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

Suddenly, you say, "Ah! Oh, uh."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at themselves. "W-what sorts of shapes would be bestest for me to be, for this?"

Esei sets the basket down carefully, tilting their head again. The silk ribbons are long and varied shades of reds, ranging from near-black to very pale pinks. They shake their head slightly at Calioliahali's statement, then looks to you and hums softly.

With a flourish, Esei slips a graceful bastard sword of shadowed steel into a silvered leather scabbard.

You have emoted: Gurashi plucks thoughtfully at their tunic, canting their head to the side.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "This one is fine, unless you would prefer another."

You fidget impatiently.

You have emoted: Gurashi considers their elfen self, long ears drooping a little. "Ah, O-K. Was making sure ..." They scrunch their face at the ribbon again. "Is gonna be enoughly?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I hope so."

Calioliahali nods quietly as she retakes her seat upon an opera bench of elaborately engraved marble, her gaze drifting between Esei and you patiently.

Calioliahali sits herself down.

Calioliahali sits herself down on an opera bench of elaborately engraved marble and makes herself comfortable.

Calioliahali misses the bench the first time but utilizes her wings to correct the maneuver.

You have emoted: Gurashi wraps the ribbon they are holding around their hand thrice, humming. "So what's the plans?"

Caught in a sudden bout of whimsy, you twirl about the room in idle circles.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you whisper, "How many ribbons do I gets to spins withs."

You think to yourself: ...can I be more dancerly...?

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought.

Cold, clean breezes eddy through the air, driven indoors by the constant winds that buffet the city.

Thoughtfully, you say, "...oh, ah, I know!"

You take a tattered ebon stole woven with half-decayed poppies from A Brass Belt of Excellent Curiosities.

Esei ponders the stage for a moment longer, lips thinning out for a moment before they turn their gaze to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi clutches the stole near to themselves. "I can makes myselfs more dance-y, "They express. "Me but dancer-i-er." They attempt to explain, approaching the stage and vaulting up onto it with some effort, ignoring the stairs completely.

You brandish a tattered ebon stole woven with half-decayed poppies menacingly.

Esei blinks.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...if that is what you would like."

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

You nod your head emphatically.

Bizirik, the leothin rests on the bench beside Calioliahali, its head creeping ever closer to the trill's hands, snuffling softly.

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought.

You have emoted: Gurashi gently shakes out a tattered ebon stole woven with half-decayed poppies before wrapping it about their shoulders, momentarily awash as their usually bright self is awash in twilit and ebony hues, veil obscuring their face until they part it. "Ta-da!"

You slip into a tattered ebon stole woven with half-decayed poppies.
You slip a tattered, ebon silk stole around your shoulders and smile with grim satisfaction as veils of utter blackness consume you.

You raise one hand elegantly in a gentle curve above your head and extend the other in front of you for balance as you twirl in place.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I've an idea for how to set up the stage for the introductory half with the Spider, before the Fly enters the dance, if you'd like to listen."

(OOC Clan): Esei says, "Ok that's super spooky."
(OOC Clan): Esei says, "As Gurashi slips a tattered, ebon silk stole around their shoulders, a dark smile curves their lips as their figure is consumed in utter blackness."
(OOC Clan): Esei says, "Put that back where it came from."
(OOC Clan): You say, "A lithe, ebon veiled dancer wreathed in black stars poises gracefully here."
(OOC Clan): You say, "It's a good sotle."

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi wriggles their nose, letting the veil again mask their appearance. "Sure things."

Calioliahali absently reaches one of her hands toward Bizirik, the leothin, watching the proceedings wordlessly.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Some of the silk ribbons to be hung on rings suspended from the ceiling, so that the Spider can weave a web there... Some of the ribbons would have to trail across the floor to form part of the web that the Fly would be caught in."

Bizirik, the leothin presses its long and angular head into Calioliahali's hand, thrumming softly, tail slapping the bench behind it.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks very slowly, visible behind the thin dark veil. "...I have never, uh, danced in the -airs- before," They marvel quietly. "Hanging on things ... th-that's gonna take a lot of practice!"

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Esei, "How do you even do it!"

Calioliahali's calloused palm lands flat upon Bizirik, the leothin's head, remaining there.

You have emoted: Gurashi excitedly bounces up and down. "I know what you are meaning, I have seens it before! We are going to do THATS?"

Caught in a sudden bout of whimsy, you twirl about the room in idle circles.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Myself, certainly..."

Esei pushes the basket onto the stage, then pulls themself up to join you there.

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi considers the basket full of its many colorful ribbons, plucking through. "Do need helps setting up?" They wonder, looking up at Esei curiously.

After a long moment of consideration, Esei pulls out a rose-colored silk ribbon, easily four times their height and as wide as their hand. They ghost their fingers carefully along the fabric, as if looking for something that cannot be seen.

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought.

Esei's body and features begin to melt like wax, then solidifies into a faeling.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask, "Ah! Oh! Should... I helps?"

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "I could be a faelings, and then..."

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at the ribbons they hold, then up at the rafters. Then, they begin to helpfully collect the ribbons, offering them to the faeling. "Let me know," They whisper.

Calioliahali eventually summons the presence of mind to flex the hand upon Bizirik, the leothin's head, administering unpracticed scratches. She continues to gaze upon the two on the stage in silence.

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

Esei flits high overhead, tying the ribbon loosely into place over one of the lowest rafters on the stage, so that the ends trail gently on the stage's surface. They take a dark ribbon from your hands, hanging it up nearby on a rafter, then another and another until the ends trail loosely together into a vaguely weblike pattern.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...something like that. I believe we'll need to install rings into the rafters in one fashion or another, if temporarily, so that the audience can better see the Spider's movements."

Your melodic voice sings into Calioliahali Skydrifter's mind, "*through the physical touch with your calloused hand against the leothin's strangely smooth coat you can feel the leothin's mind brushing alongside yours, happy little snuffles accompanying emotion: yes good happy pets pet the me good wingy lady good wingy lady*."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you whisper, "Wowee."

Esei pulls another ribbon from your hands, making an interior circle within the web, carefully stepping on none of the ribbons as their eyes trace the movements and placements of each.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the faeling as they move to hang up ribbons, helping where they may, blithely dancing along the stage below as they do so, humming to themselves.

Calioliahali's tears her gaze away from the stage to regard Bizirik, the leothin quietly, then becomes more dutiful in her application of scratches and pets. After she has determined her hand no longer requires supervision, her attention once more returns to the now beribboned auditorium.

Esei nods solemnly.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Gurashi, I presume you can keep to a beat..."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, chattering softly and happily before thumping its head against the side of Calioliahali's leg, snuffling comfortably.
Swaying, you say, "Can do my best."

You have emoted: Gurashi dances closer to Esei, pursing their lips.

Esei starts thumping out a loose beat with their heel, reminiscent of the Shadowbeat, as they close their eyes and cock their head, as if listening to something.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Calioliahali Skydrifter thinks to herself: *there is a sudden sense emanating from the trill that she believes Bizirik is a satisfactory creature*.

You have emoted: Gurashi's ears twitch, and they are unable to mask the look that crosses their face. They sway, then nod quickly, several times, eventually in time to the beat Esei offers.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts once, entire being huffing as it pointedly ignores the stage and the dancers upon it.

Keeping the beat as they speak, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Gurashi, you know how a fly moves, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi is swaying in place, their long ears drooping, disturbing their veil. "Annoyingly and around foods, yes."

Calioliahali lips suddenly part and a sound not unlike mirth helplessly issues forth.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Work that into your dance, while keeping the integrity of that. Yes?"

Bizirik, the leothin snorts again, shifting, head squished against the side of Calioliahali's leg.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Esei a look, nodding, then lifting both hands ... and, giving their cousinling a curious look, begin to lightly flit about the stage, not unlike how they normally behave at domoths, granted with much more graceful motion.

As they spin nearby, you say, "Annoyyyiiiiing~!"

(OOC Clan): Calioliahali says, "This casting is perfection."
(OOC Clan): You say, "LOL."
(OOC Clan): Calioliahali says, "Esei deserves awards."
(OOC Clan): Esei says, "I cannot express the amount I am laughing my ass off right now."

Caught in a sudden bout of whimsy, you twirl about the room in idle circles.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Just so... Now, stand just offstage for a moment?"

You have emoted: Gurashi blithely dances offstage, disappearing until there is an audible 'whumph', followed by a squawk of surprise.

From offstage, you say, "O-K!"

(Shadowlight): Qillilitli says, "Anyone able to help with a Life domoth upgrade?"
(Shadowlight): Alarin (from the Aetherways) says, "We will be able to."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, remaining seated.

(Shadowlight): Calfuray says, "Would be happy to."

You have emoted: Gurashi quietly pokes their head out from behind the curtain as they remain hiding backstage, furrowing their brow.

(Shadowlight): Calioliahali says, "I will be available to arrive late, if that is permissible."

You have emoted: Gurashi flashes Calioliahali a grateful, apologetic smile before disappearing back behind the stage, now watching Esei eagerly.

Esei carefully pulls each ribbon from its starting place, except the first one that hangs in the center of the web; each spare ribbon has been carefully folded and tucked into their belt in a manner that, when pulled free, they come loose without issue. For a moment they flit high above, standing atop the rafter with the first in their hands. Visible only briefly to you, they take a moment to adjust their stance, wrapping into the ribbon to get themself started. Then they step off the rafter, carefully swinging down in a manner not unlike a spider.

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

Bizirik, the leothin shakes out its entire body as its wings fade from sight, snuffling up in the direction of the stage before a back leggy sticks out and it slumps back in its spot, comfortable at the trill's side.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches in silence from their hiding spot, eyes wide.

Calioliahali renews the vigor in which she applies scratches to Bizirik, the leothin, traveling the length of the creature's head for full coverage.

A flare of light explodes in your mind's eye as the Pulsing Orb of Glorious Life goes into play.

After a moment of swaying in place slightly, as if considering their next move, Esei swings through the air in an arc to the placement of the second ribbon, clinging to the rafter carefully. Then they swing to the next, pulling free a ribbon that trails behind them before it is wrapped into place, and the next, until eight ribbons have been placed on the rafters. They swing back to the center of the web, dropping the last ribbon into place below them in a circle. In silence, it looks rather just like a person swinging gracefully through the air rather than dancing.

Esei turns to look at you, giving you a short nod.

Esei proceeds to climb back up to the rafter, ribbon coiled up in their hand as they watch you carefully.

Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

Bizirik, the leothin leans its head into Calioliahali's scratching hand, thrumming happily, its eyes shut and lips curled into a smug grin. Upon the stage, Gurashi finally emerges at Esei's behest, arms raised as they twirl onto the stage and begin to move about, pretending to find many interesting things to look at, carefully stepping around the ribbons.

You dance delightfully.

The ominous booming of the shadowbeat echoes faintly from a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst scythe on Esei's hand, and their eyes flicker with wyrden flames.

Esei slowly slides downward, eerily silent as they swing to pull a dark ribbon into your path.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks off, as if distracted by the distant voices speaking elsewhere, drawn then to the sound of the wind buffeting the opera house's walls. They dance in a wide circle, looking like they've completely forgotten about Esei until they spot the ribbon and pause uncertainly.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** briefly, a fly stuck to a spiderweb, its wings buzzing furiously as it tries to escape. **.

You have emoted: Gurashi's lip twitches behind their veil as they gaze down at the ribbon before them, then discreetly towards the 'spider' above, at last dancing over it, around it, then delicately, finally, stepping upon it.

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard, bending into a half bow before rising again, foot still upon the ribbon.

Esei slides further down, swinging to the nearest other ribbon, sending it swaying directly into you.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little noise as the ribbon is caught by their hand, and they wordlessly wrap it around their forearm, clenching it within their fist, head bowed, veil obscuring their expression from the audience for the time being.

Bizirik, the leothin stretches languidly.

You think to yourself: *as the second ribbon finds their arm, a growing sense of unease - it will not be... scary right? will be no dangers, just silks and ribbons - if they have fear their cousinling will release them*.

Esei slides even further down, turning midair as they swing towards you, now face-to-face with the other changeling as they reach out to gently place their hands on your shoulders.

You have emoted: Gurashi jolts abruptly, unexpectedly turning only to find themselves face-to-face with Esei. Their expression twists a little bemusedly behind the veil.

Bizirik, the leothin cracks open an eye, snuffling softly as it begins to pay attention to the stage.

You think to yourself: *a ripple of surprise - that was fast*.

Calioliahali continues to gaze upon the stage in silence, although she has begun to lean forward almost imperceptibly, wings flexing momentarily.

Esei tightens the ribbon around your forearm, before swinging to the side and grabbing a third, and then a fourth ribbon, returning to the side of the Fly as they wrap the ribbons around your upper body. The wide, long spans of cloth serve well, spanning most of your chest and hips as Esei moves further down in a professional manner.

You stare blankly into space.

You have emoted: Gurashi is unable to refrain from making a little sound of surprise, their flitting stilled as Esei moves with such speed and precision that they hardly have time to react. Quickly their gaze drifts down, then over their shoulder as their arms are suddenly restrained to their chest, veil crinkling.

You think to yourself: *their heart begins to beat again, like before - faster now, though, less with delight and more with growing unease - a dance - is silk, just silk just -silk-*.

Bizirik, the leothin rises slightly, bumping into Calioliahali's hand as it does so, shaking out its head and snorting softly, turning to watch the stage more presently.

Esei wraps further down your legs, trussing you up in a cocooning manner, before they come to the ribbon you had stepped on before. The faeling pauses for a moment, as if deciding what to do with it, and then ties it around your ankles, leaving the elfen's feet free. They return to the head, wrapping the ribbons securely around your neck, then they pause, gently tapping your shoulder with a claw.

Esei tells you, "Gurashi," their voice is not over the aether, but directly in your ear as a whisper. "I need you to say yes to me wrapping up your head."

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't react to Esei's tap immediately, standing there stiffly. Eventually their head lifts, looking towards Esei, giving the faeling a Look between the two of them. A dreadful one, somewhere smack dab between petrified and nil-bent. They steel their resolve, setting their jaw, giving Esei the tiniest of nods.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts softly, tail raising behind it as it watches.

Calioliahali flexes her hand upon Bizirik, the leothin's head, carefully removing it as she leans further forward, her wings tensing more notably.

You think to yourself: *their heartbeat at this pace makes their chest feel heavy, their stomach feel queasy. are they feeding into the notion of themselves being a fly to a spider with this act? or, empowering themselves by facing up to it? or, neither? or - both? they let out a breath they didn't realize they were holding at this*.

Esei's face remains expressionless as they wreathe your head in red silk ribbons. They grab onto the other side of the ribbon, giving it an experimental tug before yanking on it, pulling you up into the air by the ankles.

You have emoted: The noise that the elfen makes when they leave the ground echoes throughout the opera house, one of terrified surprise. Gurashi thrashes violently against their restraints, causing the woven cocoon to jerk and sway where it hangs.

You think to yourself: *for a time, they are calm, able to accept the silk, able to admit that at least it is not so bad, warm and soft and -- then they are NOT ON THE GROUND and all that earlier calm and bravado is replaced with nothing short of pure and utter confusion and terror*.

Calioliahali's wings unfurl to their full expanse behind her, the motion sending roseate feathers rippling outwards to either side of her. She gazes upon the struggling you intently.

Esei swiftly pulls themself into the air after you, hurling to embrace the elfen tightly in their arms.

Esei tells you, "** there is a soft flurry of murmurs that ripples through the aether, urging for calm, for peace - you will not be hurt, there is control in this. **."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to struggle for a time even after they are embraced, fighting against the faeling's arms until something unseen encourages them to stop, though they continue to hang there, trapped, face hidden from sight.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "*you can feel your cousin's heart thundering through their chest, the mild tremor as they quake silently within the ribbons*."

Calioliahali visibly relaxes from her seat upon an opera bench of elaborately engraved marble, her attention turned away from the scene to a distant point above as she rises to her feet.

You think to yourself: *they are UPSIDE-DOWN the blood is rushing to their head to their ears making them feel dizzy in their panic, their heart thundering through their body - they are fine, yes FINE just -fine- this is the LAST TIME they agree to do a performance Esei writes without reading it firstly*.

Calioliahali gets up off an opera bench of elaborately engraved marble.
Calioliahali spreads her arms wide, and the air between her hands begins to warp and twist, dancing with brilliant multicoloured light as she bores a hole through the fabric of the planes.
A swirling gateway of brilliant light pierces the air before Calioliahali, boring a hole through the very fabric of the planes. Calioliahali ascends confidently through the rotating gate, which shimmers and snaps shut behind her.

Esei gently pets your back through the silk cocoons, humming faintly. Their legs tremble slightly where they are wrapped in their own ribbon, hanging from the rafter.

Calioliahali tells you, "*inextricable strands of relief extend toward and attempt to wrap around you through the aethers, not unlike your silk bindings*."
With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Just one last movement, Gurashi, and then we will be done."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a strangled little noise within the cocoon, unable to grant Esei confirmation as to whether the noise is positive or not.

Esei disentangles from you, bracing themself on the ribbons like a swing before launching themself high above the stage, leaving you to swing alone and upside down. Their wings fan out to catch the draft, landing gently on the rafter. They quickly make the steps to where you hangs from, pulling the elfen up, up, up in slow, careful intervals before you joins them hidden from the audience.

Your melodic voice sings into Calioliahali Skydrifter's mind, "*a feeling not unlike panic - panicked! but grateful! - painterly depictions of familiar, recently visited places decorate the aethers - the marble facade, the dancing fountains, the Gardens of Rhapsody - gratitude starting to be more clearly painted than the panic*."

Now both unseen, Esei carefully maneuvers you to sit on the rafter, unwrapping the elfen's head first, then their chest, letting the ribbons flutter to the distant ground below.

You have emoted: The moment Gurashi's face is freed, they are open mouthed and heaving for air, drenched in sweat. They wiggle, giving Esei a pleading look, eager to have their arms freed.

Esei loosens the ribbons around your shoulders and upper arms, allowing the elfen to remove the rest for themself.

You have emoted: Gurashi wriggles their arms free from the cocoon, immediately clawing at the rest of them, working their hips and legs free, eventually crumpling onto the rafter, clutching the support as they continue to catch their breath.

Esei crouches awkwardly, patting you on the head.

Heaving for air, you say, "S..." They swallow hard, "sorry! T..."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "That sc-scared me! T..."

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to you.

Inhaling slowly, you say to Esei, "D... did I do ... a... a..."

Esei waits patiently, petting you on the head.

Finally, you ask Esei, "...did do... O-K?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Yes... perhaps less flailing next time."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods shakily, wiping at their face with their hand before looking down. "Y-you are -strong-," They whisper.

You have emoted: Gurashi peers down to the stage below, frowning, leaning forward on the rafter. ".......howdoIgetdown."

Qillilitli claims the Pulsing Orb of Glorious Life from the Domotheos of Life.

A sense of uneasiness permeates the area as Calioliahali patrols in from the northeast with rigid authority.

Esei's lip curls up slightly at one corner. "Do you want to use one of the ribbons to get down?"

Calioliahali suddenly alights back to an opera bench of elaborately engraved marble, re-taking her seat upon it.

Calioliahali sits herself down on an opera bench of elaborately engraved marble and makes herself comfortable.

Bizirik, the leothin sits at the base of the stage, snuffling softly at Calioliahali's arrival as it gazes up at the two performers that are currently up amongst the rafters, just barely out of sight though their quiet conversation is audible.

Softly, you say, "U-uhm ... O-K."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans over, then scrunches their nose. "Wait, I can just..."

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi (there is a moment where the elfen sits up in their spot, closing their eyes, their flesh awash in pale golden light, eventually blooming and growing and spreading out into two fluffy, albeit crooked wings.

Esei's body and features begin to melt like wax, then solidifies into an elfen.

You have emoted: There is a moment where the elfen sits up in their spot, closing their eyes, their flesh awash in pale golden light, eventually blooming and growing and spreading out into two fluffy, albeit crooked wings. When Gurashi opens their eyes, they are trill, carefully balanced upon the rafter.... only to immediately teeter and nearly fall right off of it, latching on with a squawk before their off-balanced self can do so.

You reach out and embrace your hidden heritage of a changeling, and slowly transform into a trill.
Your race is now that of Trill.

You have emoted: Gurashi clings to the rafters, then grabs at the ribbons, then begins to make their wildly flapping, awkward descent towards the main stage. When they land, they teeter and almost fall over, one of the ribbons they grab managing to keeping them upright.

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

Esei wraps the Spider's ribbon loosely against their waist, where it trails downward to hook around their ankle in a lock; then they, too, descend, albeit in a much more graceful manner.

Calioliahali quietly observes your descent, tensing only momentarily.

You have emoted: Gurashi pants, standing up taller, folding their arms over their chest, looking towards Calioliahali and offering an awkward smile. "S-sorry! T-thank you, for, ah, waiting," They warble out to the other trill, brushing their head-feathers out of their face. They glance towards the door, curious, then back at Esei, smiling as they slowly remove a tattered ebon stole woven with half-decayed poppies, returning to their normal bright color palette.

You remove a tattered ebon stole woven with half-decayed poppies.
With a gasp of pain you unweave a tattered, ebon silk stole from your shoulders, the shifting, decay laden fabric ripping sluggishly and torturously from your body like a second skin.

You shiver violently.

You have emoted: Gurashi wordlessly tucks the stole away, keeping their head ducked.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts from its spot at the base of the stage, tail slapping against the ground.

Silent, Esei begins pulling the ribbons free from the rafters, piling them back into the basket of woven hemlock bark.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "U-uhm. Can, ah, helps you, uh, when you are ready again, to... oh!"

You pat a motley wicker basket in a friendly manner.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Let me helps."

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi crouches, then vaults into the air, awkwardly flying back up to the rafters, dismantling the ribbons they come across in an effort to aid the elfen. Each section they finish they alight back upon the stage clumsily, dumping the ribbons at last into the basket their cousinling carries.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Done."

You sway anxiously in your spot.

Esei nods solemnly.

Calioliahali folds her hands into her lap as she continues to observe patiently, sparing you the faintest of smiles, remaining silent for the time being.

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...music."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I have something in mind, but I am not... per se, a musician or bard."

Solemn, staid voices can be heard from somewhere outdoors, rising and falling in emotionless, precise monotone.

You have emoted: Gurashi brushes their headfeathers away from their face, watching Esei curiously. "What do have in minds?" They ask, turning to hop down off of the stage, nearly toppling over when they land, managing to right themselves next to where Calioliahali sits.

You flap your wings excitedly at Calioliahali, gusting the air about her.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles at the other trill, looking up at the elfen cousinling. "What do means?"

You sway anxiously in your spot.

Esei steps off the stage also, humming thoughtfully. "Well, the beat I showed you before we begun," they say quietly. "The drums would be the main part. Violins tuned to the Shadowbeat's melodies throughout, and a flute when the Fly begins their dance..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's wings flap and they shimmy in place, folding their arms over their chest. "That sounds fine," They say up to Esei as they arrive on the ground floor. "I means am certains can, ah, find peoples who would play those parts... thinks Hallifax has orchestras, maybe, possibly. Can talk, to, uhm." They rub their face. "Miss Tli or Friend Yilan probably maybe."

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Will say if you can, ah, hire a musicians or three."

You shrug helplessly.

Esei tilts their head curiously at Calioliahali.

Calioliahali offers simply, "I do not believe it will be an issue."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down towards their feet, shuffling in place, fidgeting with their many prayer beads.

Calioliahali Skydrifter says to Esei, "The orchestra is generally amenable to assisting those who may require it."

Esei hums thoughtfully.

Calioliahali Skydrifter says, "If necessary, I will field any expenses."

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffles. "I would, ah, helps, too. With funds," They fret quietly. "If need... thems."

You fidget impatiently.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles dazedly at Esei. "U-uhm, thank you for thinking of me," They offer with a wave of their hand, warbling quietly. "Am, uh, glad could do a less job." They pause. "Will flail less, next time."

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "Ahm.... do need anything else. Do," Their voice rises uncertainly, "need to practice any more, this month?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Not this time, I think."

Calioliahali's smoky blue gaze drifts to settle upon Esei quietly.

Esei tilts their head curiously at Calioliahali.

Calioliahali Skydrifter says to Esei, "I believe your performance will be well-received."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods several times, finding something near their feet to examine once again.

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to Calioliahali.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Is that a general assessment, or is there something specific that prompts you to say this?"

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about, checking to make sure the stage is clear of any residual mess, looking to make sure their pack is fully and safely closed and ready to go. Beside them, the leothin gently snuffles, nosing at the trill's hand until they assent, petting their creature companion many times.

Sparing a brief glance for Gurashi, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to Esei, "It was engaging enough that I felt as though your partner was truly in danger."

A look of understanding crossing their features, Esei nods their head slowly.

You fidget impatiently.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't notice Esei's look, distracting themselves with making sure they are all sorted.

Bizirik, the leothin leans on you seeking consolation.

You pet Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Perking up, Bizirik, the leothin begins to chitter and thrum, its tail sweeping back and forth across the ground. It cranes its neck to gently headbutt your side contentedly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Bizirik, the leothin, "Yes, yes, you are goodly, yes."

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly.

Bizirik, the leothin dramatically leans against the trill, lolling its head back as it gazes up to look at them. Gurashi squints.

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

Caught in a sudden bout of whimsy, you twirl about the room in idle circles.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ah, ouhwah, u-uhm!" They flit about at the base of the stage. "Do, uh, either of you need any things of me, or mind if I steps away for a tiny bit? I have to lets my mind wander," They confess shyly. "Just for a bits."

The air around Calioliahali blurs as she chants under her breath. She shakes her head and blinks in confusion.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings their hands together, casting an apologetic look in Calioliahali's direction, wings flapping once before tucking against their back.

Esei shakes their head.
Esei pats Bizirik, the leothin in a friendly manner.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Esei.

Bizirik, the leothin leans on Esei seeking consolation.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "T-thank you for letting me helps."

Calioliahali's attention refocuses upon you, and she remains quiet for a long moment before shaking her own head. "I will be available upon your return, whenever that may be."

The Mantle of Starlight flows gently against your form, twinkling stars shifting across its surface as the starry infinity continues its eternal motion.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles sheepishly, crookedly, again pushing their headfeathers from their face. "Of course!" They warble, lifting their hands. "Thank you, ah!" They flit up closer to the other trill, bouncing about her. "I had such a fun time! I enjoyed spending times with you! Many thank yous for giving me so muchly of your times, Miss Cali!"

You give a heady crow of delight, your swiftly-beating wings sending you skyborne before you lightly touch down once more.

Esei's body and features begin to melt like wax, then solidifies into a trill.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Calioliahali, "I enjoyed every minute, yes yes! Sorry could not helps in the Domoths! Am sorry!"

Esei idly twitches their tail.

Calioliahali tenses as you draws near, shaking her head again dismissively. "It was, as ever it is, a pleasure, Gurashi. I look forward to our next encounter."

You have emoted: Gurashi trips over Esei's tail the moment they finish taking on a trill-shape, nearly wiping out but catching themselves on Bizirik, the leothin's haunches. "AH, goodness," They warble after they land.

Bizirik, the leothin gives you the once-over, eyeing you suspiciously.

You sway anxiously in your spot.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "Sorry!"

You chirp happily at Calioliahali.

You chirp happily at Esei.

Calioliahali Skydrifter thinks to herself: *a mixture of barely restrained emotions ripple away from the trill*.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Bizirik, the leothin, "C'mon, you! C'mon."

Esei's tail snakes closer to them as they turn and eye you for a moment.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, rising as the trill vaults onto its back. "I loves you both!" Gurashi says suddenly, bringing their hand to their chest to form the shape of a heart. "Stay goodly and kindly, will sees you soonly!"

You bring your fingertips together in the shape of a heart.

You wave goodbye.

<-- nyoooom