"MY MARIGOLDS!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Was checking on a thing."

You nod your head emphatically.
You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Is gonna be my birthdays in..."
You have emoted: Cheliyi checks a winsome winged wrist watch.

The hands on a winsome winged wrist watch read about half past seven o'clock in the evening.
The phase of the moon is the Waning Gibbous.

In your world, it is 2021/05/18 01:28:26.
Today is the 2nd of Shanthin, 589 years after the Coming of Estarra. The phase of the moon is the Waning Gibbous.

In your world it is Tuesday, the 18th of May, in the year 2021.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Three days? Want to do somethings?"

The sounds of waves entice your ears, drawing your senses on a salty journey.

You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Not sure what to go do, frankly. ... I don't do a lot most of the time."

You ponder the situation.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Hm. Have any favorites to do, besides sitting on the beach?"

A charge of energy flows through your soul.

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: What do I like to do in the world... there's... not much these days, honestly. ... Could check on the seas, but that takes like two minutes at best and isn't really much of a hobby or activity..

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.
Eyes wide, you ask Tridemon, "Want to find something fun to do, for a day?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm... perhaps. Not sure what's out and about to do right now, though. ... maybe Aschwar's at home."

---> zoomies to Aschwar's house

A lush sandstone courtyard before a grand villa.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Aesthetically geometric sandstone tiles lead the way towards the grand, multi-tiered villa rising ahead. Lush, long-bladed sedge grasses envelop the sand-strewn path, tall clusters of woody bamboo parting nearer the abode where the avenue opens into a large courtyard. Nestled within the grasses are a number of abstract statues depicting noble hawks and cobras, clear water pouring from their beaks and fanged mouths into basins cradled below. Surrounded by an intricate arrangement of small pools and complex fountains, pale stone benches and narrow monoliths of dark marble circle the courtyard, offering opportunities for tranquil rest and reflection. Beyond the yard rise the golden-wood columns of the villa, each supporting wide mahogany eaves from which hang chimes of miniature golden bells interspersed with bright crimson metal poppies that lend their delicate tintinnabulation to the music elicited by even the smallest stirrings of air. The immense statue of a proud jackal rests upon its haunches at the top of the wide sandstone stairs rising before the towering archway that marks the threshold of the villa, the dark animal's triangular ears and snout held high as its scarlet eyes watch over all who pass.
You see exits leading east and in.

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

Within a comforting, rosy solarium.
An enormous, rectangular space, this solarium is spacious while still managing to offer a comforting sense of home with a number of beige-cushioned mahogany divans in a variety of sizes arranged strategically throughout the airy room. Columns hewn from honey-coloured wood line the area on all sides, their surfaces painted with freehand brushstroke visuals loosely depicting sky-blue cranes, seafoam dragons, black jackals and other mystical creatures amongst orange bamboo and palm fronds. In the centre of the solarium is a wide, golden basin filled with red sand, a number of standing kyphi sticks filling the air with serene aromas as the incense smokes peacefully within its vessel. Above, the ceiling is formed of nothing but pieces of stained glass assembled in complex geometric patterns which combine and divide to form shapes reminiscent of the natural world - fragments of bright blue, soft yellows and pale oranges intersperse throughout a predominance of rosy pinks, their forms melding into patterns eliciting images of flowers, eddies of sand and suns. There is something about the designs which conjures sensations of peace, amicability, comfort and safety, delicately colouring the light passing through the segments of glass.
You see exits leading north, northeast, northwest, and out.

You have emoted: Cheliyi shuffles inside hesitantly, glancing back at Tridemon.

Raising her voice slightly, though the stage whisper cancels it out, you say, "Mixter Aschwar? Are home?"

Tridemon follows you north.

Crossing a serene, stained-glass bridge.
Supported by hefty sandstone columns, this bridge arches gently from the aromatic solarium to the verdant atrium in a shallow curve. Below is nothing but an expanse of gold-and-coral-hued sand within a sunken square, revealing that the villa is in fact elevated upon sturdy blocks of stone. Above, the tiers of the abode rise on four sides to an open sky, a few balconies overlooking the bridge while otherwise smooth sandstone walls are broken only by wooden eaves the hue of burnt umber. The floor of the bridge itself is constructed of reinforced stained glass lain in pleasing geometric patterns, shades of bright blue, grassy green and vibrant orange entertaining the eye. Verdant ferns and trailing plants top the posts supporting the bridge's beige wooden railings, their foliage tumbling about them in a lively display.
You see exits leading north and south.

Tridemon follows you north.

Strange poppies within a verdant atrium.
Myriad stone planters, raised rock-wall gardens and hanging pots overflow with a variety of flora within this revivifying atrium, the vibrant petals of peonies, orchids, azaleas and chrysanthemums providing magnificent drops of colour amongst the greenery. Areca palms spread their narrow-leaved fronds from tall standing pots, shading the various benches and asymmetrical travertine paths that wind through the arrays of plantlife while glassless windows overlooking the villa's environs offer a view of the flower-bedecked trees, pools and towering statues relieving the desert sands that span as far as the eye can see. Before these windows splash fresh waters within an ornate limestone fountain, chaotic carvings decorating its surface while gold leaf spirals around them. Surrounding this fountain are raised tiers lined with a collection of wide-mouthed, soil-filled vases, each nestling its own assortment of curious poppies: among the traditional red, white, yellow and pink blooms are others shaded different hues of the rainbow, some even being composed of entirely different materials altogether. Iridescent chitin, cotton-like fibre, translucent crystal and even a few feathery species gather in clusters, their lofty position suggesting that they are undoubtedly the muse of the garden's caretaker. The centre of the atrium is dominated by a robust spiral staircase of gilded gold railings and cream-hued stone that circles up towards the higher floors of the villa, the structure well-supported upon reinforced pillars.
You see exits leading southeast, south, southwest, and up.

Tridemon looks around a bit, peering out through the various exits.

You have emoted: Cheliyi sort of glances up the staircase, though the attempt isn't exactly thorough. The mugwump pauses, and sighs. "Is probably napping off the feels, or somethings. Still, poppies look as nice as evers."

A faint rumbling underfoot precedes the entrance of a slightly dirty Aschwar from the rear gardens.

Tridemon blinks.

You blink.
You stare blankly at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.
You think to yourself: ... need a bath.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart looks around with confusion before blinking and glancing between Tridemon and you. "Oh, it is mister Friend Tridemon and missus mine-child Cheliyi. I am sorry, was in the garden and did not hears you at first."

You have emoted: Cheliyi opens her mouth to respond, only to visibly pause. Her brow furrows, and she mouths out the words "missus mine-child" silently with clear confusion.

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Oh, it's fine. When you're busy, you're busy- and can't be expected to drop everything for unannounced guests."

You nod your head at Tridemon, showing your acceptance.

With a small smile, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "But it is not very nicely to ignore guests. Friend Harbo told me that you were here, before went to go steal some more stuffs."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Just wanted to come ins, see how are, yes." She blinks, and cants her head curiously. "Harbo? Is that one of the ruu....eally nice thieves?"

You think to yourself: **embarrassment, but stubbornly sticking to your guns, they keep stealing your brains which isn't very polites**.

Strangely, there is an utter absence of psionic energy that flows around Aschwar - not as though they did not exist, but as though a vaccum were sucking away anything that might pass through there.

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "I am...having trouble brewing this tea."

Your frills twitch as you detect an errant sound.

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "It says I do not have ingredients but I do."
Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Any advice, cooking teacher?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Flower Fanatic Velcora Lunarose, Queen of the Foxes, "Ah uh... is it the right type of tea?"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart rubs at the back of their head and gently kicks away some of the dirt from their paws before entering the atrium and resting a small trowel you did not see they were holding on a nearby table. They nod, and affirm, "Yeah, Friend Harbo is the new bestest thief, since Akuuko doesn't live here no more. I am..." They pause, and consider their words for a moment, and then shrug, "I am."

Tridemon ponders the situation.
Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, you certainly are. No disputing that much. ... unlike some of those faceless citizens which I'm sure about half the time just plain aren't."

You think to yourself: **a pang, and further sense of unease at the name, Akuuko, purple scales and a jumble of feelings, ah, no, focus.**.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Mhm. Being is generally a good things, from my experience."

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Yes...should the tea be in my rift, in a bottle, or in the keg I'm trying to brew into?"

A light-hearted giggle escapes Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's mouth, and they smile, but the aura about them continues to churn melancholically in tones of sepia and grey - a far cry from the normal, exuberant aura of tranquility.
Quietly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Well, would you likes to come upstairs? Have some walnuts to share, and some nicely tea."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Flower Fanatic Velcora Lunarose, Queen of the Foxes, "Ohhhh, ah. Cannot be already liquids. Must be in leaf form! Ask other cooks, yes."

Tridemon tilts his head slightly at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart at this point. "Are... you doing okay?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi begins to nod at the offer, though she pauses at her father's question. The mugwump simply falls silent, watching the two taller ones converse.

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Leaf?!"

At the question Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart pauses and grips tightly at their scabbard. So tightly, in fact, that the katana within can be heard trembling against the interior casing. They exhale almost imperceptibly and answer, "I am not sure, mister Friend Tridemon. It is days like this I wish my head was fixed, and that I could hear everything again. I think I have messings upped, and I am scared for Friend Gurashi."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Flower Fanatic Velcora Lunarose, Queen of the Foxes, "Mhm. When checking the Aetherplex, should look for riftables, not kegs, yes."

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Thank you master chef!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. I was with Gurashi when... whatever it was started happening. Could hear their reactions."

You think to yourself: **the light, fluttering sensation in your chest fading, concern weighing down a willow's boughs like stones affixed to the branches...**.

Tridemon looks up at the ceiling for a few moments before continuing. "It is almost inevitable that in any relationship- love, friendship, or otherwise, that you will end up hurting the other somehow. Not necessarily on purpose. And not even by anything you might be doing."

Turning on their heel, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart angrily snaps at Tridemon, "But if you love someone, then you are supposed to say you are sorries and not be mean, and do better. Not be...be...be so mean!" Then, they seem to realise their temper has gotten away from them, and they sheepishly look down, "N-not...I am sorry, I did not sleeps so well. But that does not mean it is okay for me to be mean, neither."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks slowly at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's flare in temper, a single tail lash the only indication that it may have spooked her. She glances again at Tridemon, and attempts to say something, though her mouth works soundlessly for a few moments. She lets out a frustrated huff, and tries again.
Quietly, you say, "You did what I have wanted to do for a long times, but was always to afraid to. Was very brave of you, to try and help. Did not go the way you want, which is okay. Things usually do not go our ways, no. I... I agrees, with you. But, peoples are complicated. Like they always are."
You have emoted: Cheliyi rubs at her brow, while Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie shrinks in a flurry of mist to hop on her unoccupied shoulder. The magpie warbles softly, butting his head against her cheek in an oddly feline fashion.

With a soft huff of air escaping them, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart hugs their scabbard close to their chest and quietly say, "I think Friend Gurashi should just drink deep, and forget. There is no more kindness in that man, who does not want to help, or hurt, or do nothing but stand there and use tricksy words. He is filled with sloths, and that is a SIN." They shake their head and continue, "If they forgot, then they would not hurt no mores."

You think to yourself: **another flare of fear, running deep into your bones, you don't want them to forget you- no, no. first, that's selfish, and they promised they would try not to. it's their choice.**.

Tridemon doesn't step back at being snapped at, though his left eye rotates, bringing the segment of his eye that is pupil-less opal to the fore. "It's... not okay, what Xenthos is doing, no. And yes, it's going to keep hurting until one or the other gives in." He sighs a bit, tapping his fingers along the wood of his staff. "Forgetting might well be the best answer, yes. But... how much would be forgotten? To make the pain of leaving go away? It's pain borne of love, and it would need to wipe away their love of every single thing they left behind."
Tridemon blinks.
Tridemon shakes his head slightly again. "Conversation's gotten... very heavy and serious. Too serious for standing, I think."
The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips as you glance at Tridemon.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart smiles softly and begins to move towards the stairs, gesturing for you to follow as well.
The world seems a little less pleasant as Aschwar departs to the up.
Tridemon follows you up.

The villa's cozy living hall.
Mahogany wood panels the walls of this living space, wide windows overlooking the surrounding grounds where distant flowering orchards, enormous monoliths and palm-bordered oases can be viewed. In one corner of the hall resides a simple kitchen furnished with a clay range and oven in addition to intricately-carved floor cabinets and ceramic-bearing hutches depicting various fruit-bearing trees. Another corner of the hall features an easel displaying a half-finished painting, a nearby bench sporting a myriad of brushes and open jars of paint that threaten to spill upon the already-stained mats underfoot. A work table surrounded by large stools occupies another corner, though this space seems to be dedicated to wood carving if one is to judge by the assortment of chisels, knives and wood chips scattered around it. The final corner of the hall is closed off, a glimpse of a latrine visible through the open entryway. A wide, wooden spiral staircase with golden railings occupies the centre of the hall, leading to the atrium below while continuing upwards to meet a vast hatch concealing a higher room from view. Resting on a nearby counter, a jar of honeyed chestnuts is nearly a quarter empty. Aschwar lingers here with an oversized scabbard clutched tightly in their left hand.
You see exits leading north, up, and down.

The world seems a little less pleasant as Aschwar departs to the north.
Tridemon follows you north.

A mahogany dining room with succulent-topped tea tables.
This grand room is dominated by an enormous mahogany table, the many chairs encircling it large enough to accommodate sizable individuals. The ceiling is lofty and the floor is a warm-hued wood, well-tended with chaotically-patterned rugs warming the feet at key locations around the room while potted dracaena and fig trees display their lavishly long leaves in every corner. Shelves along the many-windowed walls are filled with a range of knickknacks including framed flowers, small statuettes of wood and stone, vases painted with unusual imagery, jars of sand and, commanding attention, a giant dragon's tooth mounted upon a stand. At the southern end of the room rests a sitting area separated by standing screens decorated with poppies, cherry blossoms and long grasses that reveal several low tea tables and plush sitting-cushions occupying the area, potted succulents serving as centrepieces. The walls are of rich mahogany and at regular intervals are fitted with paper-backed wooden lattices constructed in pleasing geometric patterns, some of the rods weaving and winding in a manner which seems impossible to follow with the eye alone - a suitable complement to the distant vision of the Shifting City visible beyond the villa's walls through the open windows. Aschwar lingers here with an oversized scabbard clutched tightly in their left hand.
You see a single exit leading south.

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances around, her worried demeanor fading into one of pure curiosity as her gaze runs over the various trinkets lining the shelves.

With a slow, steady tromp, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart moves around the table until they come to their oversized seat, pulling it out and sitting. At last, they loose the scabbard from their grip, setting it on the table immediately before them. After a moment, they blink, and ask, "W-would you like snacks? Or drinks? Can get some, if you do."

You think to yourself: **momentarily distracted from the weight, where is -that- from, is that a dragon tooth? so much pretty sand, and so many -flowers-...**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi begins slowly inching towards one of the larger jars of sand, before she suddenly blinks and comes to herself. "Ah, um. Did say...? ... Drinks. Right. Um, if you'd likes to. Do not mind either ways."

Tridemon nods a bit while taking a seat somewhat near Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's while keeping an eye on which chairs have the most wear to them and avoiding those. "Always best to have serious conversations while seated, in my opinion. That way if things get too heated it takes more effort to stand up and smack someone. And it's far more dramatic to stand up and storm off in a huff than to just leave outright."

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles wryly, only to blink and blush faintly as she notices she's the only one left standing. With very little grace, she sort of scrambles over to where Tridemon sits, sitting on the side closer to Aschwar.

Muginn shakes out his feathers, the plumes suddenly glowing with an ethereal haze. Ripples of mist pool at his talons, writhing with silent, screaming faces that leave hoar-frost in their wake.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart smiles and stands, shuffling over to a nearby screen and pulling it aside to reveal a more comfortable low table that would appear to be their primary one for use. Pushing aside a tray that appears to still hold their morning fare of some rice porridge and fruit, they pick up two ornate tea cups covered in silver and gold before pulling a bottle closer. Carefully, they use their claws to pluck the stopper from its mouth before pouring some sweet golden poppy tea into both with a practised ease that makes clear they have been trained in the art of serving, sometime in their past. Placing the cups on another tray, they pick it up and return to the table, pausing behind Tridemon and you long enough to place the saucers and cup before each of you in turn.
Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart gives an ornate tea cup covered in silver and gold to you.
Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart gives an ornate tea cup covered in silver and gold to Tridemon.

This heavy tea cup has been crafted from pure gold. Thin wires of silver
criss-cross the tea cup, creating a lozengy pattern. Small diamonds have
been strung along the silver wires, meeting at the crossing of the
wires. The rim of the tea cup flares slightly, and has been left clear
of any designs, creating a smooth drinking surface. The base of the tea
cup is been studded with diamonds, which have been carved into small
lozenges.
It has 9 months of usefulness left.
It weighs 6 ounce(s).
It has been stamped with the seal of The Lunar Rose Bookbinding Cartel.
Sweet golden poppy tea sloshes about in it.
It has the following aliases: cup, glass.
You begin to wield an ornate tea cup covered in silver and gold in your left hand.

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

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart returns once you have been served to the table and pours theirself a cup, returning with it slowly to their seat and sitting once more. "Was part of my job, in my old home. Even though was an awful place, learned how to do many good things. But..." They smile softly at the tea as they look down at it, the cup positively diminutive in their massive paws. "...do not remember who taught me, or them doing it. Just know that I know how."

A rush of summer warmth passes through you as you smell grass and flowers and glimpse the limitless blue of a perfectly blue, sunlit sky.

Gently taking the cup into her hands, you say, "Many thanks, Mixter Aschwar. Are very goods at it, much more gracefuls than when I try to pour things."
Pausing, you say, "Then again, am usually pouring things down my mouth in -combats-, so."

You think to yourself: **a flicker of recollection, sounds of absolute chaos while you shove a gingerbread man-shaped vial into your mouth while running for your life, ah, so fun,**.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart smiles softly and then raises their cup into the air, balanced upon one paw in a toast towards the two of you. "Please, drink," they request before pulling the cup back towards themselves and using their claws expertly to grasp at the rim of it and gently lift it to their lips in a positively demure sip.

The bright, bell-like voice of Caleb rings in your ear, "Thanks for the soup."

Tridemon nods slightly to you. "Learning how to properly drink in stressful situations is important. You wouldn't believe how much sanguine purgative used to stain back in the day. Had to throw that entire robe away."

You stare blankly into space.

A golden firefly squid drags itself in.
A golden firefly squid flails about helplessly.
A golden firefly squid scuttles away.

Tridemon sips green tea from an ornate tea cup covered in silver and gold.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, and glances down at her cup. She squints, and attempts to sip as quietly as possible. It is not quiet.
You take a drink of green tea from an ornate tea cup covered in silver and gold.
Your movements become fluid as you drink the green tea.
Sipping at this tea, you are greeted by the floral notes of the golden
poppy - mild and a tad bitter, cut with sugar and a spiced blend of
earthy green tea. The brew is warm and easy to swallow, leaving your
mouth slightly tingly with an aftertaste of cinnamon, clove, and
cayenne.

Acknowledging Tridemon's point with a grave nod of their head, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "You will get whipped, and have to sleep in the kennels, if you spill."

Shimmering colour catches your eye, and you turn your head to see orange paint slowly fading from a nearby wall - the temporary glyphs praising the Thief of Hidden Apogees burning away from the Divine power suffusing the Shifting City.

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks slowly at this, letting her cup come to rest back on the table. "... whipped?" She asks, without thinking, before shaking her head. "No, do not have to answers, sorry. Am glad you are here, instead."

You think to yourself: **looking at the tae'dae before you, w h i p p e d? a surge of fury, tamped down with an internal sigh.**.

Tridemon raises an eyebrow at that. "That sounds far more unpleasant than having to shop around for a new set of robes."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: One of the reasons I ended up a tailor, frankly.

Another perfect sip precedes Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's answer, and they look entirely at peace as they do so; the gentle tilt of their head to inhale the aroma of the tea, the silence of their sip, and the almost imperceptible clink of cup against saucer. "It was. I know it happened, but I do not feels it no more. I cannot remember it." They place heavy emphasis on these last four words as they gently lower the saucer to the table, revealing that even those two sips were enough for their enormous mouth to have drained it to naught but the dregs.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "As if... it was a story someone told you, about someone else?"

You think to yourself: **another flicker of unease, but grave acknowledgement, they cannot... remember the pain. a good thing.**.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart pauses to consider this point, gently rubbing a long, golden claw over the petal of a poppy upon their scabbard. "Yes, sort of. Not like someone else told me, but like...I told me. I know it is true, but when I try to think more about it? There is just..." They trail off, clearly looking for words to express the experience.
Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "It is like when you are walking near the waters, and it is very morning. And the clouds come off of the water, and they are so soft, and wet, and all around you. You cannot see anything else, no matter how hard you try, or how long you look."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Nothing beyond the surface."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods twice towards Tridemon, a relieved smile upon their face. "Yes, I think that we are saying the same things."

A whooping cry can be heard from a distant rooftop, and you see a swarm of thieves descend upon it like birds upon crumbs. The cry is soon amplified into a rousing chorus of raucous crows that echoes throughout the Shifting City before it vanishes altogether.

It is now the 4th of Shanthin, 589 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Tridemon looks off into the middle distance, bringing the teacup back up to his lips for another sip.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's frills twitch absently as she watches the two of you with a slight frown.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Something similar happened after I built that chain... but it broke and everything came back. It wasn't meant to last.

Softly, you say, "I... I -know- it is a good thing, to not feel pain. But thinking about doing the same thing for myself, forgetting the pain itself, just... forgetting. It seems scary. Makes me scared for Dad, a little."

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.

You have emoted: Cheliyi gives Tridemon's arm a gentle squeeze.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart breathes a bit heavily through their nose, and gently state, "Am sorry, do not mean to worries anyone." Their soft gaze proves their point true, earnestly looking towards you with their off-coloured eyes and they say, "Am also scared for Friend Gurashi. Because...pain is so bad, the Shofets had to do a small spell, to help them holds it back. But will not last forever, because is not supposed to. It is only supposed to help them until they can beat it themselves, and...and..."

Blinking, you watch as a fish swims through the air nearby; its scales entirely bleached of colour save for a sloppily drawn, smiling face in vibrant saffron upon its side.

As they grit their paw into a trembling fist, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Do not think that mans will ever let them beats it. Wants them to always feel pain, because he thinks that is love."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. Sometimes, the source of your pain is something that you need to keep. Other times the only way to heal is a complete excision."

You have emoted: Cheliyi's face falls further as Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart explains, only to flash with a tight fury that fades as quickly as it flared. Swallowing thickly, she adds quietly, "In Glomdorings, feels like you are taught that a lot of painful things are supposed to be love. Because it is supposed to toughen you ups. Maybe have a biased view."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's eyes glow brilliantly for a moment, and a hundred voices echo their own as they recite, "Pain can teach, yes, My Heart. But when pain grows beyond tutelage, it poisons the mind, and does more harm than good. One must know when to care, and when to hurt. When to strike, and when to save. When to relent, and when to reinforce."

You have emoted: Cheliyi jolts slightly, almost spilling her tea as Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart speaks with a voice unlike their own. She relaxes, slowly, like a cat lowering its hackles.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Pain is useful for finding limits. And little else."
Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "And anger... anger is for pushing yourself into action. It's not something that's meant to be held close."

You glance askance.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's eyes slowly fade back to their normal brightness, and they quietly nod in agreement. "...can do anything you want in the Beloveds, so long as you do it in Love. And Friend Gurashi has...has so much Love. But Love and pain...they are..." They falter, and a watery film rushes to their eyes, quickly spilling as they shake their head, raising an arm to brush at their cheeks. "...am...am sorry. Because am the Shofet's Book, know too much about Love and pain."

You think to yourself: **a ripple of guilt, you're still -terrible- with your anger. should be better. and an internal wince, when you used to think so much pain was normal, and fine when it happened to -others-, and young ones...**.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Yep, we're both terrible with anger.

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles weakly. "Do not have to be sorry, about that. Is you feeling, which is nothings to apologize for."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Was so angry, when was near him. Wanted to squash his head underneath my paw, and put Damascene through his heart...and think the Beloveds felt that. I think...Friend Gurashi felt that..."

Blinking, you watch as a fish swims through the air nearby; its scales entirely bleached of colour save for a sloppily drawn, smiling face in vibrant saffron upon its side.

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Do you want your treats now or should I wait until your birthday starts?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances up at the nearby fish, smiling faintly, though it quickly tugs back down into a frown. "Ah... yeah. Would be upsettings, if I felt that someone wanted to like... kill Dad or Mister Dad," she admits with a wince.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart raises a paw to their chest and quietly explains, "We are all linked. Can feel each other, when are feeling very strongly. Is mostly Sacrosancts...and the Shofets...but am still Their Heart, so think my feelings still happen, too."

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Flower Fanatic Velcora Lunarose, Queen of the Foxes, "**a willow creaking gently over the pond, worn and weary** Ah, would love them. Am having a... bigly conversation, right nows, though. Do not have to waits on my parts, though."

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

You think to yourself: **a flicker of understanding, then pained sympathy, if they felt that... they must have been so worried. a sense of conflict, understanding, almost agreeing with Aschwar's anger, but also fearing your father's pain and upset that it would cause, so complicateds...**.

Softly, you say, "Ah, have remembered them mentioning they noticed how you feel, yes."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart sighs as what little wind was in their metaphorical sails seems to depart, frowning as they mutter a quiet apology.

You shake your head.
Gently, you say, "If what you says is true, cannot control it, were not doing it to hurt them. Then again, probably should not be the person you would apologize to anyways, but do not think you need to apologize for being you."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart gives a gentle smile at that, and looks up appreciatively towards you, and then glances towards Tridemon. "Am not going to ask Friend Gurashi...to drink, do not think. Even if I wants them to. Am going to let them make up their own mind, even if it makes me sad. Because...that is what family is supposed to do."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Well, frankly, this makes me a lot less worried about what would happen if they do choose to drink. Which is good, since they've started..."

A whooping cry can be heard from a distant rooftop, and you see a swarm of thieves descend upon it like birds upon crumbs. The cry is soon amplified into a rousing chorus of raucous crows that echoes throughout the Shifting City before it vanishes altogether.

Tridemon trails off, seeming to have lost the train of his thought.

You think to yourself: **a burst of warmth at this, even though the sentiment is still muddled with other complicated feelings,**.
With a faintly amused smile, you say, "Does this mean you're my uncle, Mixter Aschwar?"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart frowns and looks far more attentively towards Tridemon, curiously prompting in a gentle voice, "Started...?"

You glance askance at Tridemon.

Distracted by the question, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart offers you a small smile and says, "Can be parts of the family if you would like, too, missus mine-child Cheliyi. So yes, would be your uncles, I think."

Tridemon looks up abruptly. "Mm. Might be something they want to keep secret, but will definitely be something they tell you sooner or later..."
Tridemon ponders the situation.
Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "If you want to know, I'll have to ask you not to mention it until they do."

Though they look a little nervous at this, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart exhales a long breath before taking up a pleasant smile and shaking their head at Tridemon. "Already know so many secrets, mister Friend Tridemon. And I trust Friend Gurashi, so if they wants to keep a secret, then will not try to snoop no more."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'll encourage them to let you know anyway, if they haven't already told you the next time I see them. It's not a terrible secret, it just makes being worried about them... complicated."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods their head and gently runs a claw over another poppy petal, their face drawn in quiet thought. "Am thankful," they say after a few moments, "And will hope that...no matter whats, you will not ever do what mister sir Xenthos did to Friend Gurashi. And hope that...since you can hear things like I used to...you can help them feel betters, or distract them at least. They love you two, so very muchly."

You think to yourself: **distracted, from the heavier conversation at hand, Uncle Aschwar... Auncle? Wait, was asking them to be an Uncle rude? Heck.**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi suddenly comes to, paling significantly. "I would never," she vows quietly, "do that to Dad. Would try and move the mountain ranges, for thems."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Taking advantage of Gurashi's love and using it as a weapon against them... That would be a truly terrible thing, and is anathema."
Tridemon ponders the situation.
Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "That's... probably not a word you've heard much of. Accursed is close enough."

You think to yourself: **the very concept bringing horror, dad looking at you with the same amount of pain, or worse, staring you down with absolute coldness, it would tear your heart out, especially since it would be -your fault-**.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods slowly in understand, and then they brighten, and for a moment a hint of their luxurious aura of tranquility can be seen around them - visibly lifting your spirits as the bright colours wash over you. "Do want to know a goodly secrets?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks owlishly, her shoulders lowering slightly. "Ah, is it..." a quiet cough to clear her throat, "is it okay to knows?"

Tridemon leans forward slightly, one elbow on the table for a moment before he moves it off. "Oh? A goodly secret? Sounds... goodly." His eyes quite literally twinkle with mischief at this point.

Muginn shakes out his feathers, the plumes suddenly glowing with an ethereal haze. Ripples of mist pool at his talons, writhing with silent, screaming faces that leave hoar-frost in their wake.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart smiles brilliantly and nods, reaching into their coat and rummaging around for a bit before removing a large block of soft wood. They turn it over, and in horrendously messy --truly so awful that even the Gods should take offence-- script that looks as though it were drawn by a child, there is clawed: 'ASchUUAr'

You stare blankly at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.
To herself, you murmur, "A, es... see... h... u, u... a double u... ay... r...."
Comprehension flashes across your face.

With childlike excitement, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart exclaims, "It is my names! Have learned how to write my own names!"

You smile brightly at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, your frills puffing with joy.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Oh gosh, it is your names! Is that how you spells it? Don't think I have seen it written, before."

Looking down at the block of soft wood, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Am learning to write and reads, and has been very slow, but can sound out lots of letters and words now. Am not very fast, or very goodly, and make lots of mistakes...but can reads and write now. Want to write Friend Gurashi a nicely letter, for their births day, because people here really like their births days."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Tridemon smiles as he looks over the wood. "Could be neater, but you're still learning. First the basics, and then refinement, yes."

Seriously, you say, "I remember how hard it was to learn to writes, when I was little. My Brother Rowan spent so many daytimes trying to get me to write clean enough to read, yes. Your hand hurts a lot, at firstlies. Have a pen? Or just using claws?"

(Celest): Faragan (from the Aetherways) says, "Be well people of the light."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Also... possibly one of the thieves will end up telling them the difference between a W and a double-U.

Looking back up quickly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Just claws. Do not have big enough brushes to write with...or made for paws..."
Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart exclaims, "But please do not tells! Not even the Beloveds know, and am going to try and surprise them. But had to show SOMEONE!"

You think to yourself: **a faint recollection, a chiding voice drifting through the leaves, "make it sharper, sapling. That looks like a two, not a zee." frustration, but determination to do -better-**.

You nod your head emphatically.
You have emoted: Cheliyi mimes tying her mouth shut.

A rush of summer warmth passes through you as you smell grass and flowers and glimpse the limitless blue of a perfectly blue, sunlit sky.

Thoughtfully, you say, "Could try to make an bigly enough inkwell, to dip your claws into. Can use your claw like a pen, and not have to scratch wood."

Sheepishly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Have tried, but am too strong, and my claws just go through the papers. So wood is best, for now."

Tridemon ponders the situation.
Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Perhaps something like..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi nods slowly, murmuring softly to herself. "Wonder if could use my jewellery tools to make you a big pen... probably nots."

You blink.
You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

An illusion appears in midair, of a glittering pile of sand that streams into an inkwell that suddenly appears, before coming out coated in ink. The sand then forms up into the form of a delicate letter 'P' and presses against a piece of parchment that appears out of nowhere as well.

You stare blankly into space.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart curiously tilts their head, asking, "Want me to writes...with sand?"

Eyes wide with excitement, you say, "Can sands hold ink? Should try, should try!"

You think to yourself: **a sense of excitement and pride, that's -my- mister dad, so smarts**.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "An application of skills you've already built in new ways. Even if nothing comes of it, it won't hurt to give it a try, right?"

Stampeding feet can be heard as you catch sight of an enormous saffron owl soaring overhead, being pursued by a mob of thieves across rooftop with nary a concern for gravity.

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods their head slowly, and then say, "Can do like paintings, if can find a very big piece of paper. Like did for mister Binky! But will need a VERY big piece of paper, because my letters are so bigly."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Can start big, and the letters start to get smaller over times, yes. But is probably easier than claws ripping your papers, yes."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I am suddenly imagining the kind of origami message that you'd send on a piece of paper that big, and it's both amusing and terrifying."

You grin mischievously at Tridemon.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: *An origami swan the size of a goat... or a Bizigami the size of the original...*.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart giggles happily.

You have emoted: Cheliyi looks positively delighted at the prospect.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "An origami you can -ride-."
You clap your hands together merrily.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Am good with origamis. Because just have to fold, do not have to press very hardly at all. Is how I talks to all my friends now."

You think to yourself: **a childish mental drawing of the mugwump atop an origami crow, shouting "onwards!" in blocky script**.
You have emoted: Cheliyi giggles quietly to herself.

It is now the 5th of Shanthin, 589 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart blinks and then gasps, standing abruptly as they exclaim, "MY MARIGOLDS!" They snatch their scabbard and then quickly offer you and Tridemon a respectful bow, continuing, "Please do not be mads, but have to run and finish taking care of my flowers! You can stay long as you likes, but have so much more work to do to make sure they are all happies and nice in the back garden."

(And Everything Nice): You say, "... new custom beast idea."
(And Everything Nice): You say, "BAHAHAHA."
(And Everything Nice): You say, "Wheeze i just thought of "MY PEONIES" and "THEY'RE MARIGOLDS"."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Flowers are important! Go take care of them, we'll be fine."

You nod your head emphatically.
You wave goodbye at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

The world seems a little less pleasant as Aschwar departs to the south.

Watching them depart, you say, "... Guess I have an uncles, now. Auncle? Should have asked..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Well. I feel better, and I think Aschwar does, too. How about you?"

Through the windows covering the halls, you can clearly see the enormous tae'dae running through the immense gardens that scale the lands to the back of their villa - their arms flapping madly as they rush towards a freshly dug field with several hundred pots of marigolds clearly waiting to be planted.

You have emoted: Cheliyi can't help the quiet snort that escapes her as Aschwar flees to their garden, only to pause at this, looking down to her lap.

You think to yourself: **you do feel better. still a little worried, that will linger... but better. at least Aschwar seems a little happier.**.

You take a drink of green tea from an ornate tea cup covered in silver and gold.
Your movements become fluid as you drink the green tea.
Sipping at this tea, you are greeted by the floral notes of the golden
poppy - mild and a tad bitter, cut with sugar and a spiced blend of
earthy green tea. The brew is warm and easy to swallow, leaving your
mouth slightly tingly with an aftertaste of cinnamon, clove, and
cayenne.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "We probably shouldn't linger too much longer. The Beloved will probably show up sooner or later looking to talk to the moths."

You nod your head at Tridemon.

You have emoted: Cheliyi stands up, casting one last curious glance at the shelves before waiting patiently for Tridemon.

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Happy birthday love."

Tridemon stands up as well, several of his joints audibly popping as he uses his staff to lever himself upright out of the chair. "That... wasn't the best chair to pick."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Flower Fanatic Velcora Lunarose, Queen of the Foxes, "Thank you, love. Long conversation is almost overs, can come there soon, yes."

You stare blankly at Tridemon.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Ohmygods."

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Take as much time as you need of course."

You have emoted: Cheliyi shuffles over to Tridemon, patting him down as if to make sure nothing is grossly out of place.

Tridemon looks very healthy for a tricentenarian.

You wipe the back of your hand across your brow in relief.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Okay, let's go home, where sand is much softer."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.