Caressing your ear, the voice of Eritheyl whispers, "The Liar, we know their name! Well, some of us do...but I had to share it with you specifically!"

You tell Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded, "Oh???"

You tell Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded, "Gorgogs can meet their fate later!"

Caressing your ear, the voice of Eritheyl whispers, "Oh yes, Tsakali revealed it to us as they tried to wake them. The Lord and Lady appeared but They were...still very hurt."

You tell Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded, "Perhaps, once the storm is past, They can start truly healing!"

(trying to find a brooch to get less gorgog stinky)

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Turns out the brooch only had one charge, and now it's gone!"

You give a pained sigh.

Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded says, "Oof..."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Eritheyl, "We should...go somewhere!"

Eritheyl closes his eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of his surroundings.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You sit yourself down on a soft couch decorated with needlepoint poppies and make yourself comfortable.

Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded smiles impishly and says, "My favourite place in all the Temple, next to the Tenemos."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Here? Is very nice."

You nod your head gravely in acknowledgement of the point.

Eritheyl sits himself down.

Eritheyl wags his tail happily.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Tell me what was said! But not the name yet. Everything else first!"

Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded says, "Not much was said, Tsakali and Ashira tried their very best to reach out to the Liar and wake them. They did not stir, but there were visions...I cannot quite recall at this second."

You have emoted: Shulamit glows shades of ivory, indigo, and grey.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "There's been many!"

Eritheyl nods his head affirmatively.

Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded says, "The Great One appeared briefly as I said, but They did not say a lot...just bits and pieces..."

Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded says, "Danger, Beloved, Abyss among other things..."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Friend Liar, being mentally strong, should have strong people around them so they can grow strong."

Eritheyl nods his head in agreement.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "The abyss?"

Eritheyl nods solemnly.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded says, "They were very much in pain, and stumbled away through a tear quickly as They arrived."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded says, "I have to go away very quickly too, but their name! It is a pretty one, perhaps you could try as well to wake them with it."

Eritheyl wags his tail happily.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Yes. That is what happened when I was there as well."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "They were hurt, badly, but holding together in the way divine do."

You think to yourself: Poorly and not accepting help, but maybe mortals can't help.

Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded whispers to you, "Keep it very secret, even from the Beloved who may share it too freely to start."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded whispers to you, "Their name is Aschwar."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Once friend is awake, they can choose who to share it with."

Eritheyl nods his head affirmatively.

You have emoted: Shulamit ponders the name, rolling it around her brain like a new thought.

Eritheyl wags his tail happily.

Glowing in tune with her words, you whisper, "Do you think we should go now? Do you think we should wait for more Beloved to help weather the storm?"

Eritheyl Ryseni, of Ways Discarded says, "It is worth a shot, they would be glad of your presence either way I take it. But I have to disappear!"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Oh! Oh!"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Eritheyl, "You be well. Stay safe!"

<Eritheyl leaves cause work>

You think to yourself: Aschwar...such a heavy name for someone still growing.

You feel emboldened as you breathe in your own exotically-charged aroma.

You think to yourself: I can ponder how to speak to friend once I get there?

You get up off a soft couch decorated with needlepoint poppies.

You think to yourself: Er, right. How do I leave.

<leaving temple chant>

You think to yourself: I remembered!

You have emoted: Shulamit seems distracted for a moment, before looking around.

<I've come out of the wrong area somehow?>

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Oh!"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Wait. How am I here. That's not where...okay."

Caressing your ear, the voice of Tsakali whispers, "Hello, Beloved Shulamit."

You tell Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi, "Hi! Hi hi! Hi hihihih."

You tell Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi, "Eritheyl spoke with me?"

Caressing your ear, the voice of Tsakali whispers, "How does the day find you?"

Caressing your ear, the voice of Tsakali whispers, "Oh?"

You tell Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi, "It finds me clad in shadows, and knowing things!"

Caressing your ear, the voice of Tsakali whispers, "Mmm, auspicious."

You tell Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi, "Do you know things? You know many things!"

Caressing your ear, the voice of Tsakali whispers, "Those that know, know they need to know more."

You settle to the ground in a cross-legged position, inhaling deeply. As you bring your hands up to rest open-palmed at either side, you exhale, clearing your mind.

Tsakali smiles softly at you.

You feel emboldened as you breathe in your own exotically-charged aroma.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Tsakali, "Yes yes! We don't know enough. So we...shouldn't say things? Maybe."

You have emoted: Shulamit looks mildly baffled at herself.

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "For now, that is for the best for all."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi smiles and says, "However, our friend here stirs on and off, and feels our presence. It is reassuring."

Glowing in tune with her words, you whisper, "Eritheyl told me names, and maybe it's all of it, but maybe it isn't, and that I should be quiet, but."

Tsakali's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Waving a hand, confused, you say, "Eri did not say I should be quiet."

Kyalrhin has assigned you editing rights to the masterpiece titled, "".

You tell Kyalrhin Ysav'rai, "Ah...?"

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "Perhaps Beloved Eritheyl trusts you to know how to keep safe things which are important."

Tsakali taps their nose knowingly.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Tsakali, "Eritheyl is very very wrong! But I will try!"

You think to yourself: I must not think names. No names.

You think to yourself: Everyone is friend now.

Tsakali grins mischievously at you.

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "I have faith in Their Prism."

Glowing in tune with her words, you whisper to Tsakali, "I hope they can hear their name soon, again."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi smiles and says, "I hope so too."

You take a deep breath and allow your mind to calm, and your crystalline body begins to shift in colour.

Glowing in tune with her words, you whisper to Tsakali, "Should I say what I know, to them?"

You have emoted: Shulamit looks mildly confused at everything for the moment.

Canniboss Kalas Malarious, Doomsayer echoes, "Happy Dvarsh Doomsday!"

You have emoted: Shulamit winces at the loud echoing shout.

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "That is your choice, or not. I have revealed my knowledge of their name, knowing the consequences of such. If you wish to speak it, you must also accept the consequences."

The chill of the grave descends upon your surroundings as the voice of Ashira proclaims, "Hare Mysrai!"

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You have emoted: Shulamit seems to ponder this, rolling thoughts around in her brain.

Thoughtfully blue, you say, "Not the type of consequences you know beforehand, I see."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "For most of us, yes."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "For most of us, yes."

You have emoted: Shulamit tilts her head at Tsakali, glowing a confused shade of citrine.

You have emoted: Shulamit inches over close to the Liar without touching them, murmuring softly to herself and them.

<interruptions>

You purse your lips pensively, glowing a thoughtful shade of dull grey as you carefully gather your thoughts.

You have emoted: Shulamit disrupted from thought.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Kyalrhin is showing off someone gave her an egregore for testing."

Showing that they understands, Tsakali nods their head slowly.

You have emoted: Shulamit shakes her head slowly, leaning close to the Liar.

You have emoted: Shulamit rubs her temples, exasperated.

You have recovered balance on all limbs.

Tsakali tilts their head and listens intently to you.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Kyalrhin is being rude."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "How so?"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Sent a scroll on the egregore without prompting. I said okies."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "They said a thank you would suffice, but they supposed I wouldn't offer that."

"Would you want them dealt with, My Shining?"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "I said okies again. Not sure why it required a thank you, I didn't ask for it and don't need it."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "She means well."

Tsakali shrugs helplessly.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Then, "Are you a follower of Monkey with all the ooking.""

You have emoted: Shulamit frowns, sighing softly at the question.

A sense of discontent and upset echo in your mind at your words, along with the faintest feeling of hunger. "All you need do...is ask."

To the air around herself, you say, "While I want her to stop, I don't want her...harmed. I just wish she understood I could not give her my egregore, as egregore baby refused to do anything with them or me."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "She thinks I snubbed her, and is now just being...wibbly about it."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "You could just snub her, or tell her you aren't interested in hearing about it."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "Oh."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Tsakali, "I think...They wish...for blood."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Tsakali, "I do not want Kyalrhin to die or worse. I will just snub her."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "They wish for a lot of things."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Thank you, but. I will do this. If she gets more wibbly about things."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Maybe I will change my mind."

Tsakali wraps a comforting arm around you.

You have emoted: Shulamit slumps slightly, tiredly.

You have emoted: Shulamit slowly closes her eyes, breathing for several moments slowly as she gathers her thoughts once more.

Slowly opening her eyes, you say, "Consequences, paths, and storms. Hm."

Tsakali tilts their head and listens intently to you.

Glowing in tune with her words, you whisper to the Liar, "We'll always be here, dear friend. Whether your name is Aschwar, or you have gained a new name, or titles, or so much more as you grow, and we help you grow. We love you. I love you."

Tsakali nods solemnly.

You have emoted: Shulamit glows soothing shades of indigo and ivory, hand resting gently on a pillow next to the Liar.

You think to yourself: Friend must know we are here, and will be here.

The Liar's eyes open abruptly, their natural colours completely lost in a wash of brilliant gold that overtakes your own vision, and soon you find yourself lost, your body floating in nothingness.

Within a sandstorm of chaos energy.
There are no obvious exits.
You are transported by the power of the Divine.

You have emoted: Shulamit looks around, both surprised and yet not. Maybe surprised by the environment.

Within a sandstorm of chaos energy.
A primordial sense of dread strikes at your soul in this wide open and somehow still claustrophobic space. There is no escape from this storm of dark sand in sight, though this strange space seems to stretch on forever. Illuminated only by flashes of red lightning that cause the gases lingering in this place to swell and burn both the eyes and the flesh. A strange, dark floor stretches in every direction, seeming to pulse while remaining entirely still.
There are no obvious exits.

You take a deep breath and allow your mind to calm, and your crystalline body begins to shift in colour.

“Wh...who's there?" The voice is familiar, and carries with it the scent of honey, though no source is easily discernable in the chaotic storm that surrounds you. "How do you know my name?"

Glowing as brightly as possible, you say, "I am Shulamit. I call you my friend."

"M...Miss Shulamit?" There is a brief flicker of gold in the distant storm, moving too fast to keep track of as it goes left, right, up, and down. "Why...how..."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "You came to us, without a name, or family. We have tried to be your family. You slept, and sleep, and we just wish you to be happy, and healthy, and safe with us. Your name, we heard, smidges. As you dreamed, we dreamed. And wished to help you."

You have emoted: Shulamit winces at sounds from far outside the clouds of dust, somehow still loud. "Malarious is...a loud person."

You have recovered balance on all limbs.

A sudden, sinking realisation pools itself in your gut as you hear the Liar...no, Aschwar's voice quietly, and morosely, say, "...I didn't tell you my name."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "You did not. You did not get to before you slept."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "And I am sorry you did not get to share. But...I have been worried. A name could reach you, in the dreamings and nightmares."

"...they told. They promise they wouldn't tell." The voice is distraught, choking back a sob. "You...I didn't have to be ME. I was able to be anyone, and I just wanted..."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "When you awaken, because I have full faith you can and will, we can act as though we've met for the first time."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Oh, friend. Friend!"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "You can always be anyone!"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "I have been through so much less than yourself, and have changed so much! You can always shift, and change. It is always there, even if it's hard."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "And I will be there. If you want. We will be there, if you want!"

Grief grips your heart in a vice as the light explodes in multiple directions before coalescing beyond the storm directly before you - barely visible beyond the storm and lightning, "...why? I didn't...I never asked you to care. No one asked you to care. I'm...I'm nobody."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "And They did not tell. We heard. We plumbed, deeply, worry and feared, but hopeful."

Glowing pink, you say, "You are a friend! A good friend! A deep friend! You do not have to ask us to care to do as such. Because we just...we do?"

You have emoted: Shulamit looks confused, waving a hand around. "Caring is how we show we care."

You think to yourself: A tautology? Hm.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "You deserve love and affection, and we have an abundance. I've been told I have too much. I would love to share with you, and give gifts, and tell you stories, and hear your stories. It's what friends do for friends."

"...I...I don't know where I am. There's darkness everywhere. I'm not hurt, but I don't know where to go. I thought I heard friend Gurashi but...but I keep having dreams. So many bad dreams. There used to be so many more, but then I smelled honey-milk, like the Shofets used to give me, and they stopped coming so often."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "I don't know where you are either. I am...within your mind? Perhaps. With you here, it is warm, no matter how different it looks to me. But I am far less traveled!"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "I will stay here forever, if that's what you need."

Glowing a cheerful pink, you say, "I would hope we can both wake up though, as out there Gurashi has me shaped tarts."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Oh! I have one! Would you like it."

You ponder a lucidian-inspired lemon tart thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

"Your voice...it's...it's..." The voice slowly begins to grow distant, and it is hard for you to keep even footing as the floor begins to warp and wobble beneath your feet.

"...so bright..."

You have emoted: Shulamit holds arms out, steadying herself with a tart in one hand as balance aide.

You have emoted: Shulamit smiles brightly, even as the world gets wobbly, glowing cheerful pink and yellow.

You think to yourself: I try to be bright, for all friends to be warmed by when they are cold.

You think to yourself: I am glad to be bright for them.

"You have found them, My Shining. But only My power can take them from here." The familiar, echoing voice of the Thousandfold echoes in your mind. "Are you prepared, then, to take them from here? To face the storm?"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "It is scary, to be true. But until we face it, it can not pass. You can't repair damage until it's done, like hurricanes gnawing at coastlines."

You have emoted: Shulamit glows soothing shades of soft blue, reminiscent of a harbour after a storm.

"Assert yourself, My Shining. For My power has been with you for so long, slumbering within you until you needed it. Call to it, My Beacon, and make your paradigm known."

You think to yourself: Assert myself? Let me think. Er.

You have emoted: Shulamit puffs up brightly, reminiscent of a tiny sparrow. "I am Shulamit, and friend is whoever they wish to become, and we would like to go home."

A brief flutter arises in your chest, like the divine spark you fanned so long ago, fluttering from the link you share with the Shofet. Yet it remains only a flutter, just noticeable within yourself.

You have emoted: Shulamit stands tall, shining as bright as possible. "We are strong. I am strong. I have been a beacon for many lost ships, and will be again. But only if we both go home. And home is with other friends."

You think to yourself: That's very assertive!

The spark swells, and within your chest you see the smoke that wafts beginning to glow; taking shape. Arcane hieroglyphs of a tongue that you do not know, yet whose strange sigils bring meaning to your mind, begin to swirl within them - yet they are only half-formed, drawing images of yourself standing atop a lighthouse, shining brilliantly towards the distant vision of Aschwar floating on their back in a dark sea.

You have emoted: Shulamit hums softly, focused on the light inside, glowing brightly as she thinks of her friend, of the basin and the wonders within, and the Shofet, colours shifting between soothing shades.

"Remember. You are Mine, and you Are. Speak, My Prism, and impose your Will, for your Will and Mine ever ring in accordance through your Paradigm."

Glowing yellows, pinks, and whites, you say, "Come home with me, friend. We will weather the storm, together. Together we will be bright. I will be bright, so you may be whoever you wish to be, in the light."

As you speak, the smoke within your body splits, forming hieroglyphs so similar to the ones you have seen countless times before. You see the brilliant glow shining through your body, illuminated through the prism of your very flesh to pierce the dark abyss, and shine upon Aschwar. They appear to grow closer and closer, until you realise that you are flying through the darkness - approaching them with an arm outstretched.

You have emoted: Shulamit continues to glow brightly, cheerfully.

You think to yourself: Oh! Flying! It's always exhilarating.

You draw close to their form, and their mismatched eyes open as your hands come to touch them gently. "Missus...Friend...Shulamit?"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Friend! Dear friend! Friend who can be whoever they want to be!"

You have emoted: Shulamit continues to glow cheerful colours. "I am sorry your sleep has been so rough!"

"Aren't you afraid?" Despite their mass, it is simple for you to manipulate their form here, pulling them closer to you. "I don't want you to be lost here, in the dark."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "I am never truly afraid when I am with a friend. And if I am without one, I think of them and their memories keep me warm!"

Glowing ivory, you say, "And the darkness itself holds no fears for me."

(Veiled): Tsakali (from the Realm of the Shofet of Abyssal Scales) says, "Beloved Shulamit, are you ok?"

"Take them home, My Prism. It is your right."

"I...am sorry you worried, ma'am."

You have emoted: Shulamit pats the Liar gently. "I will always worry about you, as you are a friend, and I worry of friends. We will be safe. Come home with me."

You have recovered balance on all limbs.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "There's lemon drop cocktails, and lemon tarts and...there's a lot of lemon things you have yet to try! And honey cakes, and cup cakes!"

You have emoted: Shulamit holds her arms outstretched, glowing brightly, soothingly.

Your eyes are drowned in a brilliant blue as your link to the Shofet flares into prominence, revealing a world where the sky and the ground are one. You stumble forward, the glass-like ground you walk upon cooling your scarred and blistered feet. You wish you could stop to watch the clouds that crawl above and below, but you know that you must keep going until you find the Veil. They would see you too easily here, and you are starting to get so hungry. An unfortunate rumble plays in your stomach, startling you back to reality as your link quiets at last.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "No matter the nightmares, we will be here. I will be here."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "It is always easier to weather a storm with help."

With an easy tug, you bring Aschwar into your arms, trailing through the darkness as you approach the place you know as easily as yourself, for it is your home. Like soaring through glass, you shatter the darkness and emerge once more within the cozy bedroom, looking down at the blinking, odd-coloured eyes of Aschwar, the Liar.

<nyoom home>

Tsakali ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says to you, "Well, you didn't get broken."

Mysrai has imbued you with great powers, use them wisely.

You have emoted: Shulamit stumbles for a moment, before smiling at Tsakali before turning instantly to Aschwar, the Liar, glowing brightly.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "Hello dear! Welcome home!"

Tsakali beams broadly at Aschwar, the Liar.

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says to Aschwar, the Liar, "Hello, you."

You have emoted: Shulamit glows a soothing shade of ivory, bathing both Tsakali and Aschwar, the Liar in warm light.

You think to yourself: Oh! Oh! I feel as I did so long ago. Fuller.

A brilliant light suffuses the firmament as the weirdly echoing, strangely sane, voice of Mysrai, the Thousandfold paints reality in pastel hues, "Shulamit. My Shining Prism. Forever will you paint the world in your pure paradigms, as My Sacrosanct. You have found yourself once more."

Tsakali grins mischievously at you.

<congratulations followed>

As quickly as it came, the voice peters out and the distant glow becomes mute before vanishing altogether, leaving only the faint afterimage of multicoloured beams of light behind your eyes.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Oh! Oh! I should...say a thing!"

Reality buckles and warps as though some great form is smashing down upon the ground, only ceasing when a storm of chaos energy begins to rage and Mysrai steps from its depths.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Or!"

Tsakali bows respectfully to Mysrai.

You think to yourself: Curtsey.

You curtsey gracefully before Mysrai.

Mysrai leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi smiles and says, "Hare Mysrai."

You think to yourself: Hugs! Like old times!

You give an elated gasp as you envelop Mysrai in a massive bearhug, glowing a cheerful citrine colour.

You think to yourself: Oh! Wait!

You think to yourself: They might!

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Oh! Maybe...maybe not this time! But forehead kisses always lead to hugs! Do they? They did!"

For a moment, the dark wound in Mysrai's side does not seem to bother Them, and They gently wrap an arm around you in return. "You have done well, My Prism. Now...weather this storm."

You think to yourself: They did!

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "I will float on!"

The austere form of Mysrai slowly devolves as Their breathing turns ragged and They dissolve into black sand that falls down to the floor in a sheer curtain of glistening granules.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Oh! Oh!"

A perfectly peaceful bedroom.
Covered in a thick layer of patchwork gold and black fur, Aschwar, the Liar rests here with a smile on their face. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A plump little goose lantern sits here, waiting to be lit to fly into the sky. A slightly shiny pink mugwump lantern sits on the ground here, little webbed feet curled up underneath. Cast uncaringly to the ground, a discarded yellow rose lies here. Lending a chill to its surroundings, a tulip of dusk lies here. Like a beautiful mahogany replica of the real fruit, a platter of delicately sliced chocolate oranges sits forgotten on the ground. Tsakali is here, pondering thoughtfully. They wield the Brilliant Sceptre of Life in their left hand and the Pulsing Orb of Glorious Life in their right hand.
You see a single exit leading down.

Glowing a concerned shade of green, you say, "Tsaaaakali?"

Tsakali peers about themself unscrupulously.

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "Present?"

Aschwar, the Liar slowly manages to prop themselves up among the pillows, staring in abject horror at the dark sand staining the reed mat where Mysrai had stood.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "They turned into sand. I've never seen Them do that. Are They okies? Oh. Friend!"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "Are you okies? You are awake. They are sand. Can we reforge sand?"

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "They are wounded, but with one less thing to draw Their attention from Their wound. Perhaps They will heal faster now."

You think to yourself: Brain scattering with words like tiny shards of glass.

Quietly, raising a paw to cover their mouth, Aschwar, the Liar says, "What...what happened, how long was...They look...I..."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says to Aschwar, the Liar, "In time, we will explain everything. For now, you are home again, safe and among those who love you."

The favour of Mysrai has worn off.

Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales has bestowed Their divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 30 months.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "Oh, yes! We must make sure you are okay! You've been asleep for some time. Can you wiggle toes well?"

Tsakali grins mischievously at you.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Fingers?"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Ears?"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Oh! We have the same boots!"

Aschwar, the Liar gulps and withdraws their paw, looking slightly morose before raising their head and looking at you. "Yes, but you can't see them under the boots. Yes, too," they say, wiggling their clawed fingers, before they offer the smallest of smiles and say, "N-no, not my ears."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "The boots are good and soft. Oh, ears maybe don't wiggle. I've never had any."

You think to yourself: Even as an aslaran those centuries ago, I didn't really have tufted ears.

A strange look crosses Aschwar, the Liar's face as they look into the middle distance, saying, "Why is...it so quiet?"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "We will figure out what happens now, and you are with us, so that makes things happier, and happier is easier to solve."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "They...became sand. I think it is probably not good. But..."

"Where...am I?" Aschwar, the Liar looks around the room, clearly confused for several long minutes before they seem to remember, saying, "Oh. This is...my room? I never had my own room. That's right, I...I got to paint the ceiling however I wanted..."

A tangled hekoskeri blinks and shuffles about impatiently.

Tsakali clears their throat.

Tsakali nods their head at Aschwar, the Liar.

Tilting her head a few ways around, you say, "It is your room! Your own. There's more downstairs, as well!"

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says to Aschwar, the Liar, "It is your very own room. The orange thieves tend to come and go out of it, you may want to lock your windows."

Quietly, Aschwar, the Liar says, "Orange...thieves? I'm sorry, I...they are the...the ones who helped me write my letters."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "They are, and they helped us find you. And, in a way, they also helped us speak to you in your dreams."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "They have been watchful while you slept, as well as Beloved and Gurashi and Esei."

Tsakali nods their head at you.

Frowning a small frown as they squint carefully, Aschwar, the Liar says, "There was one...he was noisier than the others. Always saying things he didn't say, and calling me naughty names, but in a nice way. He liked to visit...I hope he comes soon."

You have emoted: Shulamit slumps slightly, glowing a sombre shade of blue.

Scowling, Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "He's a scoundrel, but he means well. We owe him a debt of gratitude, among other debts."

Aschwar, the Liar blinks, suddenly, their eyes curiously sharp as they turn their gaze to Tsakali. Their voice is hard, and they simply say, "You told."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "To aschwar I did, and I accept responsibility for my actions."

Tsakali clears their throat.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "He was here when I was, and he let slip what he had seen in the visions. He was...punished for saying as well."

Aschwar, the Liar rises unsteadily to their feet from the pillows, their enormous height in this enormous room making you feel quite small as they glare down and say, "You PROMISED!"

You have emoted: Shulamit watches Aschwar, the Liar, small but unafraid. "Dear?"

Shaking their head at Shulamit, Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says to Aschwar, the Liar, "You're right, and I am wrong. I will not take it back, and would do it again. It is your name, and it is a good name. It helped us reach you."

Aschwar, the Liar's lips tremble and their eyes water as they stare down at Tsakali, paws curling into tight balls as they say, "But...it was my secret to share, not yours. You..."

A fat tear spilling over the lid of Aschwar, the Liar's green eye can only be seen for a moment as they turn away from Tsakali and say, "You are a bad friend."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "I betrayed your trust, and it hurt me. It hurt me more to see you sleep without waking, and seeing that your name spoken aloud caught your attention, I did what had to be done."

Softly, Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "Yes, I am."

You have emoted: Shulamit glows somber shades of blue and silver.

With a small tremble in their voice, Aschwar, the Liar says, "You...you are...you said..."

Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "There are times when one must do the wrong thing for the right reasons, and I will take the blame for it. No other in the Beloved should do so."

You think to yourself: Not even Ixchilgal? He does many weird things for good reasons.

Aschwar, the Liar turns and in an instant their eyes are ferocious, the hieroglyph on their forehead flaring brilliantly as they say, "I do not want to see you. You are a bad friend."

Rising to their feet, Steward Tsakali Mes'ard, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "As you will. It is good to see you waking again."

You have emoted: Shulamit breathes out slowly, quietly watching Tsakali and Aschwar, the Liar.

Tsakali dips their head in greeting, a flurry of ivory petals swirling around them momentarily before dispersing.

With a sigh and a breath of fresh air, the curling tongues of smoke about Tsakali dissipate as they departs to the down.

You have emoted: Shulamit watches as Tsakali leaves, turning towards the towering Aschwar, the Liar, glowing mottled shades.

Aschwar, the Liar's face is stoic until the small furrikin escapes through the hatch, at which point they break down into tears and fall to their knees on the reed mat, pressing their paws against their eyes to catch the tears.

You have emoted: Shulamit reaches over to Aschwar, the Liar, arm outstretched. "Would you like to be held, dear? Or would you like silence? Or would you like a tart?"

With an absolutely miserable tone, Aschwar, the Liar says, "I wish I'd never crossed the Veil. Things were easier back then. Or...I wish I'd never...I...I wish I couldn't remember anymore." They do not refuse you, though, and in the moment they bemoan their fate, the youthful cant of their voice is made readily apparent.

You have emoted: Shulamit wraps an arm around Aschwar, the Liar, soothing and comforting as possible, murmuring softly. "It is okay dear. Things are hard, sometimes, cruelly, impossibly so, but we are here, and we will help you. We will be here when you need us, even if it's just a shoulder."

Gingerly, Aschwar, the Liar leans some of their weight against you, eyes downcast as they ask, "Does it ever get better?"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "Yes. It gets better. Even if it feels like so long, there always is a point of warmth, of kindness. And we will try and bring it to you, if you can't not go yourself."

You think to yourself: Can't...not...

Confused at herself, you say, "Even if you need help to find it."

With a sad smile, Aschwar, the Liar says, "All I wanted was to be friends with everyone, and I just...threw away my very first friend. But I am so angry with them, they...they promised."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "Oh, dear friend, goodest friend. Sometimes we can be mad at our friends. This does not mean we're still not friends!"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "They can hurt us, and must make it up, but I know they care for you deeply, and would give everything to help."

Quietly, their voice withdrawn, Achwar, the Liar says, "...but I called them a bad friend. That was so mean of me, but...I was so angry."

Gesturing to their glyph, Aschwar, the Liar says, "I guess the Shofet planned for that. Maybe that's why everything is so quiet."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "It is okay. Emotions are high. They betrayed your trust, and you are right to be upset. When you have calmed, I am positive they would come back once more, with gifts for you to make it up to you."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Hm? It is very quiet. I talk a lot, I've been told, and don't always notice the silence."

Aschwar, the Liar heaves a soft sigh, and they say to you, "Gifts won't make my name a secret any more. But...I guess I could never run away from it." They shake their head at your response and say, "No...it...is quiet. You are quiet, when normally you are not. I...it's like I can hear, but I can't fully hear. I know it is confusing, but I do not know how to explain it."

You ponder the situation.

Aschwar, the Liar says, "Miss Shulamit?"

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "You are...sedated? I do not know many things..."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say, "Sorry, I am pondering, and slow."

Aschwar, the Liar says, "...could...could I be alone for a bit? I am glad you woke me up, but...there is a lot to think about."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "No. But you can always become who you wish to become. And of course dear. It is a great great thing to think about. May I kiss your forehead? You are so tall, it is hard."

Glowing softly, smiling, you say, "Can always forehead kiss later."

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "You rest well. Have some tart."

Aschwar, the Liar offers a small smile and scrunches down to offer you their forehead.

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Aschwar, the Liar's brow.

You give a lucidian-inspired lemon tart to Aschwar, the Liar.

Glowing in tune with her words, you say to Aschwar, the Liar, "You be well. I will go rest down in the dining room."

Aschwar, the Liar takes the tart in their hand and looks it over before flopping back onto the
enormous pile of pillows to stare at the stars above.