Rescue and Resolution

<-- Me sitting in Xenthos's manse

A peaceful glade.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Trees thrive here, encircling the wide glade, their immense trunks giving an impression of age and majesty. Only one tree grows within the glade itself-- a massive Ravenwood which stands proudly in the center, its branches thick and concealing. A carpet of soft grass covers most of the ground in the open space, though a few large rocks break the surface, their tops worn flat and smooth and kept meticulously clean. This affords ample space for one to rest and relax, choosing either the soft comfort of the grass or the smooth surface of the rocks depending upon personal taste. A small segment of the glade has been turned into a miniature garden, in which grows violet irises and well-tended rosebushes arranged in tidy rows. The fragrance of the flowers permeates the air with a heady aroma. A pink carnation, a purple tulip, a cool tulip of dusk, a bright yellow rose, an entrancing red rose, a tiger lily, a midnight black rose, a delicate iris, a purple tulip, a purple tulip, a purple tulip, and a midnight black rose blossom within a beautiful, lush garden. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. You see a sign here instructing you that WARES is the command to see what is for sale.
You see exits leading north, east, southeast, up (open door), and down (closed door).

You flop down onto the ground.

You hear a couple sharp raps emanate from the reinforced door to the up.

You blink.

You give the reinforced door to the up a couple solid raps.

You tilt your head curiously.

Ilistala emerges from the shadows, curiously looking around.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard pounces on you, sending you rolling head over heels with her.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.

Ilistala melds into the shadows, quickly disappearing from view.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little sound of surprise as they are pounced upon.

You flail about helplessly.

The reinforced door to the up is opened from the other side.

Xenthos closes the reinforced door to the up.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares at the flailing you, and then attempts to flail about herself, looking quite awkward in the process.

You blink.

You flail about helplessly.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard flails harder.
Ilistala, an enormous leopard falls over.

Bizirik, the leothin looks between you and Ilistala, an enormous leopard, eyes half-lidded and snorting once.

You have emoted: Gurashi rights themselves, giggling and reaching out to offer the leopard a few loving strokes along her back.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rolls over as she falls and gets back to her feet swiftly, beginning to groom a paw as if such a thing never occurred.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 19th of Roarkian, 566 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 19 days until the New Moon

You think to yourself: ** joyous warm hues - good - so good **.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

You have emoted: Gurashi scribbles: 'hi good evening how are?'

Xenthos ponders the situation.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Good morning to you as well."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "A very early morning."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I am doing well. How are you?"

Lord Zitto Shevat, a Servant Renewed shouts, "Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan, my eternal soul is Yours forever!"

You have emoted: Gurashi heaves their shoulders and smiles, rubbing the back of their neck before writing: 'am O-K - lots of big brain things.' They purse their lips, short tail wagging twice. 'had a whole dream!' They inhale excitedly, then exhale as they continue writing: 'but do not remember - aschwar was there.'

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You give a curried egg sandwich to Bizirik, the leothin.

You whisper quietly in Bizirik, the leothin's ear.

With a toss of its head and some noisy chatter, Bizirik takes a curried egg sandwich from you with its smaller set of forelimbs and scampers off.

Bizirik reappears with a smug look on its face, sauntering up to you to encircle you endearingly before sitting down, tail slapping the ground once with pride.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head curiously at you.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to you.

You ponder the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes their head slowly, rubbing their forehead. 'something interrupted.'

Ilistala, an enormous leopard inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.

You think to yourself: ** familiar - so familiar **.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a little grumble, tossing its head.

Zitto tells you, "**A crackling feeling of happiness, reminiscent of curry spices** Your tender attentions remain a consolation in the face of this frustrating situation, good friend."

You think to yourself: -- a sound like fluttering wings --.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly writes: 'what if is khep?'

You stare at Xenthos, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns around the notepad, holding it out.

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Do you think it is?"

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, cupping their hands over their ears thoughtfully. They stand perfectly still, listening, tail wagging twice.

You think to yourself: ** searching for something familiar, recognition - a pulse, a buzz ... **.

You think to yourself: // *somewhere - a feeling like a ripple in water* //.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally nods, staring back at Xenthos.

You think to yourself: ** familiar - is familiar **.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And? Anything else that you could discern from it?"

You have emoted: Gurashi purses their lips, still covering their ears with their hands. They shake their head.

You think to yourself: ** far - is far far away **.

Bizirik, the leothin grumbles softly again, tossing its head and reaching up to scratch at its nose, as if fending off something irritating.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.
Light spreads across your back in numerous colours and hues, enfolding you like butterfly wings.
You pet Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders sag lightly, and they write: 'i do not think i should wait. waiting does not feel right.' They pause. 'am bad judge of that though.' THey hide their face behind the notepad.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "When would you like to go, then?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes widen, and they gasp, standing up straighter.

You think to yourself: ** now! Immediately! ah... **.

You have emoted: Gurashi claps their hands on their face, wrinkling their nose.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs and puffs, clasping their hands higher on their head, as if still trying to listen. After a time, they write: 'there will maybe be many kephera down there waiting - what if cannot find her? not kephera - no hive mind.'

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

You think to yourself: ... ** was not very good at connecting with her ... but ... **.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks off, listening to something unseen.

You think to yourself: ** I could not... but... **.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** curious washes of blue and gray **."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "'lo."

You sense the sweeping gaze of Tridemon looking upon you.

You have emoted: Gurashi excitedly taps their fingers together, tail wagging twice.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** a wash of pink and gold - Tridemon, Tridemon Tridemon **."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Yes that's me."

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a sudden beckoning gesture, tail still wagging.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** where are? need **."

Xenthos begins to follow you.

<-- runs to my house

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** a familiar pulse - like before, at the beginning and end of the dream - must be Khep **."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to focus on something unseen, wrinkling their nose.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** the curiosities room - need to find her - has been too long, and would not be calling if was not in troubles **."

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a high-pitched whine, its tail slapping the ground behind it.

You think to yourself: ** eagerly waiting - would know **.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

Tridemon arrives in a cone of sparkling light.

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Tridemon hopefully.

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.

You have emoted: Gurashi bounces from one hoofed foot to the other, tapping against the ground excitedly. They wave in greeting at Tridemon, bouncing up and down.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard sniffs Tridemon, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from him is.

You think to yourself: ** nervous and excited and help and oh boy! bright pastel colors on top of warm shades - came! **.

Tridemon raises his hand in greeting to you and says "Hi!"

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs Ilistala, an enormous leopard, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from her is.

You think to yourself: ** a recollection - that feeling, like a pulse - it is familiar - is it Khep? she must be desperate, if is calling out like this, yes? yes?? **.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon, bouncing from one foot to the other. They glance towards Xenthos and Ilistala, huffing.

You think to yourself: ** uncertain shades of color - do not -know- but feel is off - something is off **.

You fidget impatiently.

Tridemon coughs softly.

You think to yourself: ** regret - should not have waited this long **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "That wasn't a pulse from Khep."

You have emoted: Gurashi's mouth form a perfect 'o' of surprise.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to Tridemon.

Bizirik, the leothin grumbles softly, tossing its head again.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The intensity was off. That was Nepra."

You blanch suddenly.

You think to yourself: ** a recollection of ... tall, yellow, black, and -loud- **.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares implacably at Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi claps their hands over their cheeks, pulling down and staring at Tridemon in confusion.

You think to yourself: .... ** but why would she be doing that **.

Tridemon shrugs helplessly.

You think to yourself: ** fretful - is not constant though like before! was looking for before? **.

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

For a moment, bright vermilion hues paint the surroundings, giving the illusion of everything being aflame. Shortly thereafter, a passing cloud obscures the sun and everything is dark once more.

You have emoted: Gurashi paces side to side anxiously as the room fills with an ominous red glow.

You think to yourself: .... ** but why would be looking for **.

You think to yourself: ** unless WANTS us to look for **.

You have emoted: Gurashi faces away from the group, mulling quietly over their own thoughts.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, the first thing that springs to mind is that Khep... wasn't as stealthy as she should have been."

You think to yourself: ** oh heckity does that mean is setting a trap? wasps don't set -traps- that is spiders - oh-- **.

You have emoted: Gurashi loses even MORE color in their face, gasping.

You think to yourself: ** miss KHEP **.

You flail about helplessly.

You think to yourself: -- ... ... --.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs and puffs quietly to themselves, turning again to face Xenthos and Tridemon.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'need both of helps because xenthos is big and strong and tridemon you can still hear hives.' They scribble hurriedly. 'do not want to accidentally hurt miss khep.'

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard turns her attention towards you as her ears perk up in interest.

You think to yourself: ** imagining the worst - what is the worst? could be too late **.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard waits expectantly for you to continue.

You think to yourself: ** but, have killed many kepheras before yes? why do suddenly feel so nervous **.

You think to yourself: -- not nervous - anticipation --.

You have emoted: Gurashi catches Ilistala, an enormous leopard's stare, reaching out to cup the leopard's face in their hands.

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.

You think to yourself: // ........ *a distant thrum* ..... //.

You think to yourself: ** good girl **.

A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

You think to yourself: ** anticipation - apprehension - do not like waiting **.

Tridemon lets his left eye rotate to the pupil-less opal segment, focused on listening instead of seeing.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly releases Ilistala and crouches down, beginning to draw something in their notepad.

Bizirik, the leothin creeps forward, laying down in front of Gurashi as the sileni hurriedly draws something. After a time, they finish, lifting the notepad up and showing it to Xenthos, then Tridemon. A very crude drawing of what must be a kephera, banded in black and white and looking angry. The stick figure is holding a very long stick. Gurashi taps on the doodle, writing beside it: 'nepra'.

You think to yourself: // .... *far off, another thrum* ..... //.

You have emoted: Gurashi scribbles: 'she is very big if we find her - only seen her in brains? and was scary and loud.' They pause. 'probably could beat her up but still!' They look up at Xenthos worriedly.

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "We have faced Zenobia herself."

You think to yourself: ** a resurfacing fear - can convince to be nice? **.

You nod your head sagely at Xenthos.

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: ** recollection - She was reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally big **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. Nepra is a very large vespid-morph kephera princess. Spear or lance user. Possible poison."

You think to yourself: ** poisons...! forgot....! **.

You glance askance.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Also extremely loud. No concept of an inside voice."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Terrible temper to the point of being rather... feared by those who have to associate with her."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods several times, writing: 'is mad - is mean to other kephera!' They huff and puff.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Also, if you see a bright pink moth-morph kephera about the size of a wakabi, be sure to punt her."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

You think to yourself: ** blurred recollection, hushed conversation **.

You blush furiously.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to Tridemon.

You think to yourself: ** suddenly - muted colors **.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard bares her fangs, before snapping them shut viciously.

You think to yourself: ** negation - do not want to see **.

Bizirik, the leothin grumbles softly, pressing its head into Gurashi's hanging left hand.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "She is, however, likely to avoid direct confrontation."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts and prods until Gurashi pets it, chattering.

Bizirik, the leothin bares its own teeth, showing off its many teeny tiny sharp fangs.

You think to yourself: ** apprehension **.

You think to yourself: // *suddenly another pulse - a loud buzz, accompanied by a pin-prickling sensation - direct* //.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, suddenly scratching at the circlet upon their head, wrinkling their nose.

Bizirik, the leothin growls menacingly.

Bizirik, the leothin reaches up with its secondary limb, pawing at its face.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares implacably at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi scratches harder at the circlet, then narrows their eyes, listening.

Tridemon ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Not really sure if she's actually hearing what's spoken aloud..."

You think to yourself: // *a clicking, ticking - another far off buzz, like a yell that cannot be made out* //.

You think to yourself: Miss Khep.

Bizirik, the leothin grumbles again softly, suddenly pulling away from Gurashi's hands and slinking off, looking determined.

With a gentle chirr, Bizirik whips around and eagerly traipses off to find Evette.

Your melodic voice sings into Evette, The Primordial Scourge's mind, "** The leothin paces anxiously before you as it arrives, chattering softly. It sinks to sit, then rises again, then sits again, tossing its head until it is given the flower. With a knowing look, it bares its teeth in a strange grin and slinks back off, pausing every so often to see that you are following **."

Bizirik slinks into the room, thrumming audibly as it circles you. With a pleased snort, it settles down before you to deliver an elegant pink rose into your hands.

Tridemon pats Bizirik, the leothin in a friendly manner.

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Evette hopefully.

Evette blinks.

You have emoted: Gurashi wraps their arms around Bizirik in confusion as the leothin returns, then looks up at Evette, blinking with equal surprise.

You have emoted: Gurashi's mouth forms another perfect 'o'.

Looking uncertain, a caliginous leopard nudges Bizirik, the leothin with her foot.

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.

Evette, The Primordial Scourge asks Bizirik, the leothin, "Are you sure you wanted me here?"

Bizirik, the leothin shows Evette its teeth again in an odd sort of grin, thrumming happily. Gurashi looks both confused and pleased to see Evette's arrival, offering a friendly smile.

You think to yourself: ** miss evette? why? is because is so strong and nicely? **.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.

You think to yourself: ** oh - must be those things! **.

Evette chews on her lip a moment before whispering "Hello there" at everyone gathered.

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

A caliginous leopard romps playfully in circles around Ilistala, an enormous leopard.

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

You have emoted: Gurashi tip-toes over to Evette, reaching out and waving a little. They lift up their notepad, face flushed as they point out a scary drawing of a big kephera, jabbing their finger at it several times.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Evette, "Welcome."

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "** distracted muted colors **."

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "** discussion - a plot - overheard, a small, growing gathering - a rescue... **."

Esei tells you, "** A harsh brush of red illuminates the dark aether, and then is gone. **."

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "** a descent, into unknown - chasing after answers **."

You see the following people here:
Tridemon, Xenthos, Evette, Gurashi.

Evette chews on her lip, deep in thought.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at the drawing, then looks up at Tridemon, then Xenthos, lowering the page.

Evette's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

You blink.

<-- gives out snacks

Huffing, you give a fresh platter of centaur blood pudding to Evette, The Primordial Scourge.

The corners of Evette's mouth turn up as she grins mischeviously.

Evette, The Primordial Scourge smiles and says to you, "Thank you."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, face flushing slightly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Thank you."

You think to yourself: // *another pulse, louder, like someone banging against the side of something hollow, and metal* //.

You twitch spasmodically.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up and scratches at their circlet again, scrunching their right eye shut.

Xenthos draws a deep breath, looking around at everyone gathered nearby, his expression serious.

Evette radiates a powerful aura of vitality, which winds protectively around her body and vanishes.

Tridemon glances over toward you, eyes narrowing slightly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Gurashi's voice has been lost. This has been the result of a series of remembrances of a past- not the past of who he is now, but what he was before finding the Portal. Some of you may know more details than the others, but I ask you to please bear with me. It is important that all of you know what we plan, and why."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "He-who-was once lived in the Hives, and went by the name "Tiso." There were three others, friends of his. Khepqet- Khep- and Nepra were both assigned to become princesses of the Hives, and Amun was destined to be a prince, but Tiso was allocated to more mundane drudgery. Still, this did not stop them at a young age from spending their time together and being friends, though in the normal order of things it was destined to be torn asunder."

You think to yourself: ** uncertain ripples of blue and gray ... **.

The sun, unable to pierce through the thick storm clouds, manages only to bathe your surrounds in an eerie golden-green glow.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns their full attention to Xenthos, right eye still half-shut as they itch at their circlet, listening.

The very air itself seems to bend as Xenthos speaks, his words ringing with power and authority. <-- AWW YEAH GODMOTES

Xenthos pauses a moment, glancing at you, before he continues on. As he does, Ilistala steps over to you, purring softly against your body.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "After they were separated, Amun heard that his closest friend had been allocated to be a drone in the Akhari hive, eternally tending to the hatching and growth of new kepheran young, and was concerned. Amun used his status as a prince to be reassigned to Akhari, and Tiso was then tasked with attending Amun's requests, which were rather less onerous than that of the nurses' constant demands for help with the eggs and larvae."

Tridemon OOC: *notices a mild censorship of Tiso's duties in the hives.*

You have emoted: Gurashi's face flushes deeper at this, their shoulders bunching as they listen to Xenthos, gripping the edges of their notepad firmly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "This arrangement worked, for a time, but in the hives the wishes of the males are of low bearing. Another princess had a passing fancy and decreed that things would change, that Amun would be divested of his secretary. In a panic, the two hatched a plot to flee from the Undervault, following the caravans to the surface from a safe distance, where they had heard that things were different."

You glance askance at Evette.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Yet this was not to be. Khep did not wish to lose her friends, and was distraught. She discussed this with her friend, Nepra. And Nepra... Nepra brought this to the Queens of the Hives, who do not dare let any drone deign to have free will."

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to you.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Thus, Amun was executed. He had been a prince, and his crime was unforgivable to the Queens."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Because Khep had reported the transgression, she was given the task of what to do with the lesser drone- to see him similarly slaughtered, or exiled from the Hives to waste away in the tunnels, alone and abandoned."

Evette purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "She had just lost one friend. She chose exile. And thus, Tiso was cast out into the tunnels... but with a target on his back. For Nepra had cared deeply for Amun, and seeing Tiso live where Amun perished was unacceptable. She swore to see him dead. And Tiso had no knowledge of life anywhere except in service in the hives, so his fate would seem to have been sealed."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard continues purring softly against your side, looking at you with concern.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Khep, however, decided to break with the Hives once more. She found the cramped maze of tunnels that lies beneath the village of Duum, and secreted Tiso away within to keep him safe. He was, however, broken. Lost. Alone, most of the time. He managed to find his way to the surface, and to the Portal, and then Tiso was no more."

Loud to the point of seeming reverberation, cicadas play out buzzing dissonances.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Now, we come to Gurashi. All of you know him well by now- and, importantly, he knows and trusts you."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Relatively recently, he fixed his antennae- and when he did, Khep found him once more. More importantly, so did Nepra. The two have been speaking with him from afar, and their words jarred forth the ghost of memory in Gurashi's mind, the haunt of a frightened drone named Tiso. Tiso, who clutches to his vocal cords, refusing to let them go, grasping ever tighter in fear, and anger, and loss."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Tiso is not real. Yet, he also is. Memories of the past can hold great weight, especially when they come crashing upon us unbidden."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "While Nepra spitefully spewed threats, Khep sought to make amends for her actions. She apologized... and most recently, she volunteered to acquire some personal effects of Amun's from the Hives, to help bring closure to the Tiso-that-is-not. This was some months ago, now, and she has still not returned."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Our plan is to venture to the Hives and search for her. Ours will not be a peaceful venture. The bugs of the Hives will not wish to see our presence- they declared war upon our home, after all, and they will stand in our way. But they will fail. They will fall. We will seek out any trace of this Khep, to discover what happened to her, and to put things right with Gurashi."

Xenthos draws another deep breath as his speech comes to an end, casting his lone eye around at everyone assembled.

You think to yourself: ** each word, each description, accompanied by a visual - a memory, some blurry, some clear, painted in bright brush strokes, splashed with gray, marred in red - strange - how strange - a sense of disconnect, like ... did all of that -really- happen **.

Xenthos looses a heartfelt rallying call, rallying others to his cause.
Evette is drafted into The Hunt.
Tridemon is drafted into The Hunt.
Xenthos drafts you into The Hunt, and you step into formation behind your new commandant.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Are there questions before we begin?"

You shuffle your feet uneasily.

With Xenthos' plan spoken, you feel a burgeoning feeling of prowess and pride blooming in your chest.

Evette seems lost in her own thoughts for a moment or two, glancing up at Gurashi every now and again before nodding her head at herself. "Not from me" she says.

You fidget impatiently.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out an excited little chirp, tossing its head before just as quickly growling and rising up to stand, shaking out its entire body and chattering softly up at Gurashi.

You think to yourself: // *another pulse - definitive. an invitation. hurry. hurry. * //.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard turns her gaze to Tridemon for a moment, dipping her head slightly once.

You follow Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist to the Aetherplex Chamber.

You think to yourself: ** a rush of anticipation, hands feeling suddenly like ice **.

<-- rush down to the Hives! Except we got lost because am enemy

You flail about helplessly.

You think to yourself: ** xenthoooos! **.

You see the following people here:
Evette, Gurashi.

You flail about helplessly.

Xenthos commands The Hunt to maintain unity.

(clan): You say, "LOL."

<-- enters Hivey

An entrance in the limestone, ringed with crystal flowers.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. A perfectly hexagonal doorway has been cut into the limestone to the northwest, and through it a garden of shimmering halite and gypsum flowers can be seen. A slight dampness hangs in the air, clinging to the face and skin. Further south, a dim light shines through an opening in the rock, revealing low-hanging stalactites suspended from a crystalline net. Another doorway has been cut into the stone to the east, fixed with a finely threaded curtain of tiny crystal beads. Drenched in blood, a midnight-eyed savage lingers here appraising her surroundings.
You see exits leading east, south, and northwest.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard sniffs around at the ground, before looking up at you.

Bizirik, the leothin begins to snuffle the ground as soon as they've entered the hive, chattering softly to itself.

The air hangs heavy as an almost imperceptible buzzing fills the air; filling you with a tension that nestles in the back of your molars.

Bizirik, the leothin abruptly thunks its face against the ground, scooting forward several inches, as if rubbing itself on something it finds pleasant.

Bizirik, the leothin chatters softly, suddenly narrowing its eyes and looking off towards the east, hissing and slinking off ahead of the group. Gurashi gasps, breaking into a run after it.

<-- run after!

A tiny, beaded alcove.
The walls of this tiny room are teeming with an eclectic collection of crystal beads, hanging in great swooping curves from the waxen walls in long strings of glittering beads. Strands of beads stretch from arch to floor in both of the doors to the west and to the south, providing a semblance of privacy to the otherwise open tunnel system. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings.
You see exits leading south and west.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard searches around the room, sniffing at the walls.  The beads hanging all over the room rustle and move as her nose pushes them around.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up slowly, eyes scanning the many strangely bead-like bumps that cover the wall. They follow Bizirik, who is still sniffling and snuffling along the floor, tail dragging behind it.

You think to yourself: ** curious - looking - what is looking for ... **.

Tridemon peers about himself unscrupulously.

You have emoted: Gurashi puts their face up close to one of the bumps, watching their partially opaque reflection distort until they move away, following Bizirik.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'll go forth to search. They'll object to me less."

Tridemon turns towards the south and steps forward, instantly collapsing into a torrent of water that rushes outwards with a thunderous crash of water. <-- zips in and out

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

A tenebrous leopard sniffs Gurashi briefly before placing her own nose to the ground, taking in the various scents and odors within she inhales deeply.

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Tridemon hopefully.

You blink.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The hive has been largely emptied."

You think to yourself: // *another ripple, louder now, closer than before* //.

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps up to another bead, standing on the tips of their hooves to peer at the chamber inside.

You have emoted: Gurashi scrunches their nose and moves on, then looks at Bizirik, who is pawing at a section of the wall, jaw hanging open as it chatters in excitement.

As Liah searches amongst the walls, following the scents and traces of kephera that hovers around Gurashi, a scent tickles her nostrils.  She looks up, towards the walls, as Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head to watch the other leopard.

Tridemon ponders Bizirik, the leothin thoughtfully, looking her up and down.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, stopping in its digging...

Bizirik, the leothin covers her mouth and sneezes.

With a wistful look on his face, Tridemon touches Bizirik, the leothin.

Bizirik, the leothin flops down onto the ground.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** from the thrumming connection where you touch the leothin - here - was here - was here **."

The wide multitude of fungal and kepheran scents hanging in the air are nearly overwhelming, yet there is something that leothin, leopards, and alike seem to recognise.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard shifts her gaze from Liah to an otherwise-unassuming portion of the wall, covered in hanging beads.  Her tail twitches once.

Tridemon reaches out with the end of his staff to prod lightly at the section of the wall that Bizirik, the leothin was pawing at.

Letting out a brief sigh of disappointment as she exhales a tenebrous leopard looks up at Ilistala as various bits of debris kick up from her breath.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard's ears flick as Tridemon's staff moves aside the beads, revealing a hole in the wall- apparently freshly carved from the wax, the edges not yet softened.

Bizirik, the leothin watches Tridemon reaching out for the wall before it, observing the leopard's in their silent communique with flared nostrils before returning to stare at the lucidian.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans slightly to the right, as if trying to get a better view, their short tail wagging anxiously behind them.

Tridemon leans in closer to peer at the hole, squinting slightly at it... and pushes the end of his staff deeper into the hole as a makeshift probe to see if anything's in there to be poked at.

Pouncing to find a free space beside Ilistala a tenebrous leopard begins scratching the hole in the wall with her claws hurriedly.

Xenthos steps closer to the wall, laying one hand upon it. The beads press into the wax as he examines the hole. The staff sinks in, a soft rustling sound emerging from the hole. Then, the tinkling sound of assorted metallic objects brushing one another as the staff reaches the end of the hole.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi again tries to stand tall on the tips of their hooves to see what is going on, huffing and puffing anxiously at the back of the group.

You think to yourself: ** what is it? what is it ? **.

You think to yourself: // *a sense of impatience* //.

Evette ponders the situation.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard moves to the side as Liah claws at the hole, waxen chunks being torn to the ground.  Suddenly, the contents within fall free, tumbling to the ground.  Various bits and pieces of jewellery, small keepsakes- and a stole.

PROBE STOLE
At a length of nearly six feet, this samite stole looks like a tapestry of sunset-hued threads. The years have not been kind to the garment, however. Evidence of its age is seen in wear around the center and the edges, where hems once sewn with care to prevent the fragile material from coming undone have become frayed. Looking closer, one learned enough in Kepheran culture would recognize the unique shapes of each of the previous Princes of Akhari. Each figure has been tirelessly embroidered into the fabric, their regal forms linked together by hand or elbow. The bodies eventually taper to an ornate detailing of one half of the Great Seal of Keph, its mirrored half reflected on the other tapered end of the stole. A permanent stain of ruddy red-brown has soaked through the shining fabric to the back, lending to its aged appearance.

Bizirik, the leothin sits up at last, chattering. It snuffles about at the items, excitedly nosing the shinier ones and nibbling at the stole, tail sweeping back and forth behind it.

You have emoted: Gurashi shuffles around the gathered bodies, their shoulders bunched as they shuffle around the group, eventually crawling under Ilistala to get to the front and examine the belongings.

You have been recognised by Xenthos for: For GURASHI!  And TISO!  And KHEP!  But really, for GURASSHIIIIIIIII!
You just earned 1 daily credit. That's all for today.

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to Tridemon.

Tridemon looks over the rest of the items before letting his gaze go back to the stole. "The stole is the important part, here. There should also be a book and a knife... somewhere?"

Covered in wax, the small bits and bobs are noticeably free of book; though a waxy crystal may hold what is a knife buried up to its hilt.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I wouldn't be surprised if she got caught midway in what she was doing."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard moves towards the stole, sniffing it.  The samite stole is large, nearly six feet in length, and notably old.  Its edges are frayed, and it is adorned with the shapes of many kepherans.  A ruddy red-brown has soaked through the back of the stole.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly gasps aloud, their eyes laying upon a tattered samite stole of kepheran royalty just as Tridemon has spoken of it. They scramble forward, collecting a tattered samite stole of kepheran royalty from the ground and gathering it up in their arms with surprising care.

Tridemon reaches out to pick up the waxy crystal, lifting it out of the rest the items before handing it off to Bizirik, the leothin. "Hold onto that."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns at the stole as they hold it, their expression hard to read.

Evette tilts her head curiously at you.

Bizirik, the leothin takes the crystal by comically opening its mouth as wide as it possibly can, looking like it is considering eating the hunk of wax, dagger and all. It does not. It snorts, pleased.

You think to yourself: -- immediate recognition - suddenly, listless - as if he had been sitting, waiting patiently this whole time --.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at those gathered, frowning. After a minute they pull out the notepad, hurriedly writing: 'where is Miss Khep?'

Sitting down next to the wall and chucks of wax a tenebrous leopard begins grooming the several spots of wax accumulated between her claws while keeping her well trained eyes upon the hole.

Looking around, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Not here. Perhaps someone might be able to follow her scent."

Bizirik, the leothin hacks, choking up a little on its grip on the crystal before spitting it out entirely, catching it and opting to hold onto it between its forelimbs.

Bizirik, the leothin looks quite pleased.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Good girl."

Bizirik, the leothin chatters excitedly, then begins to scent the air, lowering its head near the ground. Gurashi silently gathers up the rest of the belongings - what little there is - scooping them into their pack without taking much time to look them over. The stole never leaves their hands, however.

You think to yourself: -- antsy - excitedly waiting, familiarity --.

You think to yourself: // *another impatient pulse - louder. hurry.* //.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard looks up from the bits of items as you finishes collecting them, her head turning to the south and east.

You think to yourself: ** a swell of emotion and color - their heart beating birdlike inside their chest - gosh, haven't felt this busy in brains since made antennaes all better **.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Someone's getting impatient about the whole thing. And annoyingly loud again."

You glance askance at Tridemon.

<-- walkies

A hallway of marbled wax.
This section of the hallway is simple and unadorned, except for the stark contrast of the brilliantly coloured doorway to the south. The whole of the hall is constructed of a pale, marbled wax; the marbling of which is so faint that it is nearly indiscernible. The hall continues to the west and to the east; to the east, an ornate mural has been carved deep into the pale walls. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. Drenched in blood, a midnight-eyed savage lingers here appraising her surroundings. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare.
You see exits leading east, south, and west.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard paws at the waxen floor here, sniffing around, hunting any errant scent that she recognizes.

Bizirik, the leothin chatters, now heading up the tail end of the group, suddenly seeming increasingly nervous as it glues itself to Gurashi's side. IT bumps into the sileni repeatedly, causing them to veer off course as they follow the leopard closely.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Evette runs her fingertips along the edges of the ornate mural hanging upon the wall.

Bizirik, the leothin growls menacingly.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard as Ilistala continues to hunt for scents, Evette's fingers follow the tracing of the mural upon the wall.  Suddenly, Ilistala rushes off to the east.

Ilistala melds into the shadows, quickly disappearing from view.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon as they are bumped into again, grunting and pushing back against Bizirik.

You blink.

You flail about helplessly.

You follow Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist south to a golden wax passage.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs and puffs, running after Ilistala, an enormous leopard, mouth opening as if they were trying to call out after her.

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

Bizirik, the leothin chatters, looking over its shoulder and hissing softly, more agitated than it had been before.

You think to yourself: // *thrumming - anticipation* //.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard awaits you in this room, sniffing around.  She appears to have lost the trail she was chasing for the moment, or perhaps is following something that moved in circles within this passage.

A golden wax passage.
The wax of this passage is an unusually brilliant gold, flecked throughout with the dust of shimmering gems. The walls are overlain with ropes of pure white wax, formed into filigreed vines and lacy tendrils. Glowing stones are placed at the ends of vined branches, as glowing flowers to light the area. A babbling fountain glows to the east, its happy gurgling lightening the heavy silence of the underground. A wildly multi-coloured doorway interrupts the western wall, and the tunnel continues to the north and to the east. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. Drenched in blood, a midnight-eyed savage lingers here appraising her surroundings. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare.
You see exits leading north, east, and west.

You have emoted: Gurashi comes to a halt once more, no longer following the mural with their eyes, staring at the flower-like lights that hang from the ceiling, confusion on their face.

You think to yourself: ** a wash of blue, deeper indigo - concern - miss khep **.

You think to yourself: ** wouldn't have stayed so long **.

Xenthos watches Ilistala hunt around for the scent. For those perhaps slightly less fixated upon the leopard's movements, the signs of a scuffle can be seen, dragging off to the east, markings upon the floor evidence of a struggle.

Bizirik, the leothin seems disinclined to move far from Gurashi's side, head bowed as it stares at the ground near Ilistala's feet in silence, nostrils flaring.

Tridemon remains more or less simply watchful, eyes never stopping their movement for more than a few seconds, taking in the walls, the floors, the ceiling...

You have emoted: Gurashi eventually follows Bizirik's gaze, furrowing their brow. They take one step forward, then another, following the trail, their head bowed.

A luminescent, bubbling fountain.
A large fountain is built against the northern wall, its wide oval basin jutting out into the path. The fountain bubbles and gurgles, and a faint silvery mist rises up above the luminous liquid. The fountain itself is molded entirely of wax, and is striated with patches of green, glowing mold. The hall continues to the south and twists out of sight as it leads to the east. A doorway in the wax can be seen to the far west. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings.
You see exits leading south and west.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Light spreads across your back in numerous colours and hues, enfolding you like butterfly wings.

Evette fiddles with her dagger in her hands. Spinning it round and round within her palm she suddenly stops as Gurashi and Tridemon depart to the east.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard comes to a halt in this new chamber, avoiding the fountain.  The signs of a scuffle are even more prominent here, large chunks of the waxen floor gouged out.

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales sharply, sinking down to crouch, lightly touching the ground.

Pouncing off to the northern wall a caliginous leopard bounces up on her back legs and peers into the babbling fountain, cautiously looking for anything that appears to be moving within the liquid.

You think to yourself: // *persistent buzzing* //.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts their gaze from the ground to look around the clearing, rising to join a caliginous leopard at the fountain side.

You think to yourself: ** worry - gray-blue worry, deepening - no good **.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "...mm. Be sure to be watchful of what is up above."

You think to yourself: ** oh - a distant memory - of something... looming overhead, not unlike a fisher **.

Nothing seems to be moving within the fountain- but the faintest glint of light can be seen coming from some object within, near the back of the fountain, barely discernible through the bubbling water. Heedless of this discovery, Ilistala, an enormous leopard abandons her hunt to go to you, softly purring against you comfortingly.

The silvery mist spills out over the edge of the fountain, the only thing disturbed by the leopard's investigation.

Tridemon looks over at the fountain and frowns slightly, muttering to himself and extending a hand out toward the liquid to attempt to still the contents with Aquamancy.

Ducking her head down a bit causing the mist to swirl and twist within the air. A caliginous leopard begins pawing the liquid within the fountain, attempting to reach the glimmer of light within.

You have emoted: Gurashi wraps an arm around Ilistala, an enormous leopard's neck, leaning against the leopard and turning their attention from the looming ceiling to the silvery mist that pours from the fountain, drawn to a caliginous leopard and Tridemon's movements.

You think to yourself: ** that - what is that? **.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps closer to the fountain, still holding a tattered samite stole of kepheran royalty tightly to their chest with their right hand as they rest a hand on the lip of the structure. They click their tongue against their teeth, attempting to get a better look.

Xenthos steps closer to the fountain, watching the leopard fish. After a few tries, one of Liah's claws catches upon the object within, pulling it free. It appears to be a bracelet formed of a tangled morass of black-and-purple, loosely tied. Upon its knot is a small silver charm, which bears the letter "G."

You blink.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You think to yourself: ** instant recognition - that--.

You think to yourself: --is bracelet that got Miss Khep.

You have emoted: Gurashi nearly falls into the fountain in their rush to try and grab at and get a closer look at the piece of jewelry, an expression of horror crossing their face.

You think to yourself: ** silvery anticipation - blinding white fear - her's! is her's! **.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard blinks as you rushes by, crouching instinctively. After a moment, she stands up and follows the sileni, looking curiously at the bracelet.

A caliginous leopard untangles the bracelet from her claws and deposits it into Gurashi's hands.

You think to yourself: ** belongings partially hidden - drag marks - signs of struggle - now, this? why would take off - wouldn't take off **.

You have emoted: Gurashi sits on the edge of the fountain, examining the bracelet closely, but they need little prompting. They fish out their notepad and hurriedly write: 'khepqet's'.

You flail about helplessly.

The perception of time momentarily slows to a fraction as Lachesis studies the Tapestry of Fate, carefully measuring each strand before making notations in a great tome. Time rushes forward as the memory fades, yet the feeling remains that your history in Lusternia is recorded in the great annals of fate, for better or for worse.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard turns her attention from you to Tridemon.

A caliginous leopard sits down next to Gurashi, turning her head upwards to watch him closely.

You think to yourself: ** she would not take off - was taken off - why would take off **.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes their head, reaching up and rubbing their hand against their face.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. Khep's. Bait? A guide? A trail left by her? Or left by Nepra?"

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Tridemon, "It could be either. Yet I am not sure we have much of a choice but to follow it."

Evette ponders the situation.

A soothing warmth suddenly wells up within you as you sense Evette's spiritual aura intertwine with your own.

Evette bows her head and closes her eyes, radiating a brilliant healing aura.

A warm tingle runs through your body as Evette touches two fingers to your forehead, shifting a brilliant aura to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't seem to be listening fully to Tridemon's musing, looking from the bracelet to the stole, then to Evette, frowning.

You sniffle softly.

Evette nods her head at herself.

You think to yourself: ** worry **.

<-- suddenly, kephera!!

A kephera worker fluidly steps in close to Xenthos, grasping his wrist in one hand and snaking his arm around Xenthos's waist before flipping him solidly across his thorax and sending Xenthos to the ground.

Tridemon abruptly focuses on the sudden appearance of the worker.

A kephera warder has been slain by Xenthos.

You see the following people here:
Evette, Tridemon, Xenthos, Gurashi.

You narrow your eyes to thin slits.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

<-- more fighting!

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales sharply in surprise, looking like they might topple into the fountain before the workers and warder are swiftly removed.

Xenthos moves into action as the kepherans appear, giving them no chance to attempt to interfere. "We should move," he says, once they have been defeated.

You begin to follow Xenthos.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Evette nods her head in agreement.

You think to yourself: ** present once more - wavering **.

Xenthos nods his head as the hive is left behind. "I think we can safely say that they know we are here, now."

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs softly, clasping their hands on the sides of their face.

You shake your head.

Evette chews on her lip, deep in thought.

You think to yourself: ** but she wasn't here **.

The hives buzz with activity, the sound of chitinous feet scraping against the ground.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "One of you needs to follow the trail- her scent is likely heavy upon the bracelet."

Xenthos tilts his head curiously.

Evette, The Primordial Scourge says, "If I were much of a tracker, I would volunteer."

You have emoted: Gurashi's teeth chatter, and they look down the pathway, loosening their grip on the bracelet and holding it out.

Bizirik, the leothin leans forward and snuffles at the bracelet, tossing its head and lifting its head to scent the air, tail sweeping back and forth.

You think to yourself: // *a thrum - they know* //.

Bizirik, the leothin growls menacingly.

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs Ilistala, an enormous leopard, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from her is.

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs a tenebrous leopard, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from her is.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts and grunts, tossing its head and impatiently shuffling in place, sniffing the bracelet, then the air once more.

Bizirik, the leothin leans on you seeking consolation.

A tenebrous leopard pounces away from Ilistala's side and dips her head into Gurashi's arms. Inhaling the scent of the bracelet, she abruptly puts her head down and begins inhaling the scents of her surroundings.

Bizirik, the leothin seems keen on gluing itself to Gurashi's side once more, shifting and snuffling anxiously.

You tilt your head and listen intently to a tenebrous leopard.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard steps forward with Liah, watching curiously as Liah's attention is drawn to the east.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a sudden, high-pitched whine.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard dashes into the room right on Liah's heels, and the two continue southward, charging through the hive.

<-- follow follow, fighting along the way

Eastern Teyseht Square.
A continuous flow of protective energies radiates from a shield shrine of Weiwae nearby. This large square is paved with large slabs of stone tightly packed together. Bright light filters in from the pulsing ceiling high above the hive. The area is wide enough to accommodate great crowds of people at once. A large platform has been carved up from the stone to allow a place for officials to make proclamations, announcements, or perform ceremonies. The platform rises up high enough so that the persons near the back of the square are also able to see the proceedings. Latent psionic activity rushes through the area taking on a nearly physical form. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand. Drenched in blood, a midnight-eyed savage lingers here appraising her surroundings. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare.
You see exits leading northeast, southwest, and northwest.

You think to yourself: ** ah --! **.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And here they are, attempting to stop us."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Kill any who get in our way."

You think to yourself: // *persistent, still, over the din - hurry* //.

You think to yourself: ** focused - stay focus - keep an eye out for her - where **.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard emerges from the other side of the hives, having dodged the kepheran sentries, and continues pursuing Liah along the tunnels- still heading to the east.

You think to yourself: ** miss khep **.

A kephera warder leaps through the air and twirls his spear, slicing lightly across your chest again and again.

You think to yourself: // *a sharper buzzing among the din - a sound - like a laugh* //.

Lashing out with three well placed kicks, a kephera monk drives his foot into each of Evette's legs before ending with a solid kick to her gut.

<-- so many buggies to kill - Tridemon watched because rules but that's fine <3

Ilistala, an enormous leopard paws the ground and shuffles about impatiently.

A tenebrous leopard sniffs the ground softly, attempting to find the trail once more.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses long enough to catch their breath, wiping their hands on their pants as they look about the square, listening to the sound of distant kepheran footsteps and commotion.

As the sound of battle fades, Xenthos flicks the kephera blood off of his blade and then brushes chunks of carapace off of his armour. The two leopards both leap onto the large platform.

You think to yourself: ** oh - familiarity **.

You think to yourself: ** have been to this square before **.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly grows still, looking up towards the platform with wide eyes.
Evette wipes her hand across her face, causing blood to smear under her eyes and over her nose.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard circles around the platform once, then comes to a halt before a large waxen tablet, affixed to a board.

Tridemon looks back and forth, silent through the violence, scanning the surroundings and making sure to watch the ceiling.

A tenebrous leopard runs her head along the board, pushing it gently.

You have emoted: Gurashi clambers up onto the platform with some effort, scooting up towards the tablet as they rise back to their feet.

A tenebrous leopard shakes off her fur, causing the blood that splattered off of the now dead kephera worker to rain down upon the area.

You have emoted: Gurashi grimaces, shielding their face from a tenebrous leopard, staring squarely at the tablet before them.

The worker rushes in, attempting to rescue the tablet from the investigation of the leopards, but is immediately struck down as Xenthos watches, motionless.

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to you.

Evette bows her head and closes her eyes, radiating a brilliant healing aura.
A warm tingle runs through your body as Evette touches two fingers to your forehead, shifting a brilliant aura to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi grips the edges of the tablet and leans forward, their lips slowly mouthing out the words written upon it, a growing expression of concern upon their face.

You think to yourself: ** oh no **.

Turning to Gurashi as a look of worry overcomes her eyes, Evette, The Primordial Scourge asks, "What does it say?"

You have emoted: Gurashi begins to transcribe what they see upon the tablet into their notepad, a haunted look taking over their features. They finally turn back to the group, holding out the page where they have neatly written: 'Thus awaits those who fail the Queens: The traitor Khepqet shall be cleaved from us. Her name shall be forgotten, her future denied for eternity. Obey, or meet the same fate.'

You think to yourself: ** oh no **.

You think to yourself: ** more pointed, deep gray** oh -no-.

Evette purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

You think to yourself: ** a recollection of a swung weapon, cutting down... no - no no, no **s.

You shake your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrinkles their nose, then looks at those gathered, frantically hopping from one foot to the other.

You think to yourself: ** oh no oh no **.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It does not sound as if we have much time remaining."

You shake your head.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to a tenebrous leopard, "Would you care to lead us onwards once more?"

You think to yourself: // *impatient: tap. tap. tap.* //.

A tenebrous leopard nods her head at Xenthos before hopping down off of the platform. Nose buried in the ground she inhales deeply, attempting to find the trail once more.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard leaps after Liah, the two leopards racing off into the distance even faster than before, even as the angry buzzing of the hives grows louder, determined to stop the invaders.

<-- run run run

You think to yourself: ** uneasy mauve - do not feel good **.

You think to yourself: ** oh - home - is home **.

You think to yourself: ** was home **.

You think to yourself: -- a strange disconnect - familiarity --.

You think to yourself: -- just as soon as it has come - gone again --.

You sway impassively in your spot.

Bizirik, the leothin growls softly, pawing at the ground near Gurashi's feet, sniffing again.

As the group enters this hive full of warriors, large numbers of kepherans pour from all directions, attempting to beat them back. Laying about with fang, claw, and blade, Ilistala and Xenthos work to drive them off.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little gasp of surprise, so taken aback they grab their mandolin, and rather than play the strings, jab an approaching worker in the face with it, sending them off-balance enough for Evette to finish.

You follow Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist east to a dimly glowing passage.

You think to yourself: ** oh dear **.

Evette adjusts the setting on her mechanical spider quickly before setting it to fire at the first Kephera she sees.

Esei tells you, "...cousin?" <-- woe like 2 hours later

The Rasheperan guardroom.
Scores of Hive warriors pace mechanically along the walls, prepared to defend their Queen at all costs. The available light reflects ominously from the porous chitin plates of their armour. The cells of the workers have been built to the north and an armoury to the west. A long passageway to the south leads to the Hive commons. The soft sound of burbling water drifts in from the east, indicating the hive's well. The entrance to the southeast has been narrowed slightly, leading to an extravagant throne room. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. There are 4 kephera warriors here. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare. Drenched in blood, a midnight-eyed savage lingers here appraising her surroundings.
You see exits leading north, east, southeast, south, and west.

You think to yourself: ** oh - urgent - be careful -- **.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes their head, waving their arms and writing: 'must be careful not to hurt khep if see her!' They quickly attempt to draw the kephera, but only wielding a quill, find themselves woefully ill equipped.

The kepheran warrior runs into the room, at the head of a squad. The mechanical spider aimed by Evette tears down the first one, his limbs severed as his body explodes into many chunks- and the unfortunate kepherans behind him are directly in line of the continued blast. Within moments, the whole squad is deceased, and Xenthos nods. "We're in for a fight here."

You stare blankly into space.

Evette sucks thoughtfully on her teeth.

You think to yourself: // *louder now - tap. tap.* //.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Xenthos's comment, their tail no longer wagging. They properly grip their instrument, closing their fist around the bracelet and squinting down the passageway.

The new room is similarly filled with a horde of kepherans, desperately attempting to fend off the invaders. These warriors are no more successful than the last, and you press on, undaunted as Xenthos takes up the rear, fending off the kepherans pouring in from behind.

Bizirik, the leothin chatters, not letting any of the offending kephera get close enough to Gurashi for the sileni to make a move against them.

Evette rapidly fires her mechanical spider, sending various bits of flesh and blood clots into the air.

This guardroom is fulled with more kepherans, each brandishing their weapons enthusiastically as they throw themselves at you, wave after wave, seemingly unceasing- and even more continue to charge in from behind, held off by Xenthos and Ilistala who stand firmly in their path, letting none pass.

You have emoted: Gurashi scans the kephera as they endlessly seem to pour in, strangely calm among the din, a tattered samite stole of kepheran royalty still clutched against their instrument, now joined with the bracelet, all of which are clutched against their chest.

You think to yourself: ** looking - where is she where is she **.

A caliginous leopard catches the stray ankle of a Kepheran worker trying to sneak into the area. Ripping the flesh from the legs, the would be assassin falls to the ground pouring blood from the wound.

You wince in pain.

As the endless waves of kepherans slowly diminishes, torn to pieces or laid low by discordant tones, the outlines of a cage can be seen against one of the back walls, bars made of iron.  Continuing to fight at the back end of the room, facing the Queen's chamber Ilistala, an enormous leopard leaps into a cluster of six kepherans. She lays about herself with mighty claws, severing one head here, a leg there, and other body parts that cannot even be discerned as the bugs fall dead.

Back to you, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We'll hold them off. Find what you can."

You think to yourself: // *suddenly buzzing softer - perhaps overwhelmed by the chaos of the fighting. or worse: deliberately not there* //.

Slinking up to the fallen kephera smugly a caliginous leopard opens her mouth to bear her fangs, roaring as she rips the flesh from the creatures face.

Tridemon peers about a bit, abruptly focusing again, this time on you, attempting to get a direction from the pulses of communication, turning toward each of the exits in turn.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Xenthos and Evette with wide eyes, then nods, bunching their shoulders. They look back at the onslaught of kephera, then towards Tridemon, letting out a short squeak of fear before rushing towards the cells just barely visible at the far end of the guardroom.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Workers' cells? Hmm. Perhaps. Let us see..."

<-- Tridemon darting aboot

You have emoted: Gurashi jogs forward, suddenly finding themselves face-to-face with a warder twice their size. They let out another terrified noise and duck just before the kephera can strike. Instead, the warder meets Bizirik's eagerly waiting jaws, and with little mercy the leothin snaps the kephera's neck and slams the creature to the ground. It lets go as if the gesture were nothing, tail wagging as it looks up at Gurashi for approval. The sileni huffs, lightly kicking the corpse as if to show it who is boss.

You flail about helplessly.

A cluster of eight warriors stands between you and the cage, brandishing their weapons menacingly as you approaches. On the other end of the room, Ilistala, an enormous leopard continues to fight the oncoming horde. She leaps aside as one kephera attempts to stab her in the side, and it does not get a chance to react as an enormous blade descends from above and cleaves it into two twitching pieces.

You flail about helplessly.

You think to yourself: ** among the chaos - oh heckity heck--! **.

A kephera warrior leaps into the air with a spinning kick, landing with perfect balance.
A kephera warrior tests the air with thin antennae, faceted eyes glimmering.
A kephera warrior leaps into the air with a spinning kick, landing with perfect balance.

You have emoted: Gurashi crashes into the nearest cell - unfortunately empty - they press their face to the bars as they investigate, then move on, squeezing by Ilistala, an enormous leopard as she rends the kepheran guard to little bite-sized chunks.

Bizirik, the leothin catches a flying arm, looking pleased.

Beating her wings vigorously Evette lands atop of Liah's head aiming her mechanical spider at a clustered group of kephera. Unflinching she pulls the trigger.

You have emoted: Gurashi moves onto the next cell, finding it too empty, growing more panicked as more and more warriors filter in.

You think to yourself: / *a familiar chirr* /.

Tridemon walks calmly up toward the cells after you, utterly ignoring the violence happening not far away, scanning each of them in turn, perking up at a certain sound and moving to zero in on it.

Six of the eight go down, leaving but two more remaining between you and their guarded prize. It is now possible to see the huddled form of a kepheran inside between them, curled up on the ground. As the fight continues, Ilistala, an enormous leopard charges a worker attempting to break the blockade, twisting her body to get in front of him and slam him to the ground where his carapace shatters. He does not get up.

You have emoted: Gurashi spots the form at the same time as Tridemon. They look up at the two guards separating themselves from their friend, starry eyes growing wide.

You think to yourself: ....!

Tridemon watches the guards for a moment, before rummaging around among the things he has on his person.

Taking notice of the kephera standing in the way of Gurashi a caliginous leopard leaps up off of the ground and bites down tightly upon one of their shoulders. Dragging them to the ground, she claws and claws at them until they do not move.

Tridemon begins to wield an Orb of the Queens of Keph in his right hand.

Tridemon hurls an Orb of the Queens of Keph east.

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

You think to yourself: ** ooooahhhhh!!! suddenly - a bright flash of red, a jolt like lightning! **.

You have emoted: Gurashi throws their balled fists into the air and lets out a strangled little battle cry, suddenly charging towards the remaining guard.

The two remaining warriors level their weapons at the charging sileni, appearing confident of their chances- but then there was just one, as a leopard appears from nowhere and drags it away. On the other side of the room Xenthos watches the orb fly overhead, and then land right in the middle of a group of kepherans who go flying like pinballs at the Wayfaire.

Silently stepping over to the last remaining kephera Evette grabs hold of their neck and twists. Accompanied by repulsing pops and cracks the kephera falls to the ground in a dishonorable heap.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes advantage of the confusion from the orb and the chaos of the attacking leopards, still uttering a battle-cry as they charge forward, only to witness Evette landing a finishing blow... . They look bewildered.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues's mandibles click against her face, and she peers out through the cage from her spot seated on the ground, looking like she has seen better days. "...well I cannot say I ever expected to see your faces again," She comments, antennae sagging.

A tenebrous leopard sniffs an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from her is.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "** distraction - the sound of fighting, then, urgent - must hurry, focuse **."

The horde of kepherans finally seems to be drying up- even those charging into the room from behind have either perished or retreated. Silence descends upon the room, only the heavy breathing of the combatants remaining. Within the cage, a princess sits upon the ground. Faint buzzing emanates through the hive still as Xenthos looks back over his shoulder at the speaking princess.

<-- still fighting!

Ilistala, an enormous leopard paws the ground and shuffles about impatiently.

The air shudders as a tear splits reality, running vertically in a multicoloured display of light. Through it swaggers a particularly large kephera, even taller than Xenthos by a few inches. Her carapace is is marred from years of exposure to the Undervault, evidence of a lifestyle not accustomed to most princesses. Brilliant golden-yellow bands alternate with deep obsidian, from her broad shoulders down her narrow thorax to the very tip of the jagged, broken stinger that marks the end of her abdomen. Each of her four plated arms and both legs are pitch black, ending in vicious, hooked fingertips. Her round head is the most notably discolored, stained with deep ruddy tracks trailing away each of her four eyes, and you realize as you look closer that she is completely blind on her right side. Firmly clutched in one hand of the kephera is an Orb of the Queens of Keph. The artifact thrums with psionic energies, emanating from the kephera to it and back once more, constantly building upon one another. The resulting psionic feedback is intense, creating a field that feels almost like a physical barrier, preventing you from approaching.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs and puffs, approaching the cage, but stopping suddenly at the sudden rush of psionic energy. Their starry eyes widen and they take a step back, letting out a little noise of surprise.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. Wonderful. The loudest has arrived."

Suddenly chittering anxiously as she leans forward with considerable effort, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Gurashi ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks like a deer transfixed by the light of a wizzer box, staring at the wasp-looking kephera and rising slowly to stand fully in their spot. Beside them, Bizirik's heckles rise and they growl viciously, hunkering down beside the sileni.

"TO THINK IT COULD HAVE BEEN SO EASY... / ALL THIS TIME SPENT CHASING YOU DOWN, WHEN ALL I NEEDED WAS THE PROPER LURE." She laughs loudly, angrily. "/ THEY USE HIM AS PROPAGANDA NOW, BECAUSE OF YOU. A WARNING TO ALL OTHER MALES ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE GIFTED AS HE WAS, AND THEN BETRAY YOUR QUEENS." Bitter buzzing suffuses the air as she continues. "THIS IS THE LEGACY HE IS ALLOTTED, BECAUSE OF YOU, TISOHEPSUT / AND WHAT ABOUT YOUR LEGACY? WHAT DID YOU LEAVE BEHIND BESIDES DESTRUCTION AND DISMAY? A PRINCESS WHO ABANDONED HER HIVE. MY BROTHER, WHO HAD EVERYTHING AND RISKED IT ALL, FOR WHAT - FOR YOU?! HAH." Behind her, the form of a leothin can be seen sneaking by as she continues, oblivious. "/ YOU DO NOT GET TO PLAY INNOCENT - YOU -KNEW- THE CONSEQUENCES AND YET -YOU- DID NOT TURN HIM AWAY - IT IS YOUR FAULT. YOU HAVE TAKEN EVERYTHING FROM ME-- / --SO AT LAST" - she gestures to Khep, Xenthos you, Evette, and Tridemon - "I AM GOING TO RETURN THE FAVOR."

Hissing, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "The -Orb- ..."

You blanch suddenly.

The hives grow loud with angry buzzing as the anger of the Hive mind begins to press down around you.

You have emoted: Gurashi flinches as they are addressed, recoiling in their spot. In the cell beside them, Khep grunts and pulls herself to one knee, leaning against the cell. "Keeper," She calls out worriedly in Tridemon's direction.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts softly as the kephera speaks, wholly absorbed in her owns words and failing to notice the leothin. Her tail thumps once as she circles away from Gurashi, body driven closer and closer to the ground as she struggles against the weight of the psionic field as Nepra speaks - rather, shouts.

Bizirik, the leothin squirms against the ground, subtly, wriggling closer and closer, until she is within reach, and with a swift jerk of her jaws she clamps onto Nepra's leg and shakes her head viciously, teeth sinking into the wasp's carapace with a crunch.

You think to yourself: ** suddenly - shock! Bizi!!! **.

Tridemon stands straight, glaring at Nepra, pushing back against the psionic field with his own will- projecting static into an area only a few inches from his skin. Little more than an island, an oasis. But he stands.

You have emoted: Nepra's face twists as she emits a shriek of pain and turns her attention to the leothin. The strength of the psionic field diminishes, now focused upon the creature at the kephera's feet, flattening the leothin to the ground. With another shriek, this one filled with rage, Nepra lifts her free foot to smash the skull of the impudent Bizirik. Unable to move, the leothin's eyes roll upward to watch, and a low whine comes from her throat. Suddenly, a shrill, hoarse voice fills the chamber - "BIZI!" Gurashi can be seen rushing towards Nepra, hunched over against the psionic barrier but heedless of it, intent only upon saving the leothin. They dive forward, body crashing against the descending foot and causing it to strike the ground beside it instead.

You have emoted: Nepra stumbles, off-balance from Gurashi's impact. Then: The psionic barrier winks out entirely, the sudden absence freeing your body to act as the Orb falls to the ground, accidentally dropped.

Xenthos grasps his blade as he rushes at the now-vulnerable princess, Ilistala running at his side as he leaps. "Now! Kill her!"

Adjusting her mechanical spider once more, until the buttons glow a faint green Evette aims the weapon at the imposing princess's head before squeezing the trigger.

Tridemon reaches out with one hand after the orb falls, calling up another pulse of Aquamantic power- wrapping the Orb in layers of ice that grow and freeze it to the ground in a jagged lump to prevent easy recovery.

You have emoted: Gurashi cries out in surprise as the smaller of the kephera's right arms finds the side of their head, sending them spiraling off balance and tumbling into Bizirik, who is still huddled on the ground. She raises an arm, shielding herself from the onslaught of bullets from the mechanical spider, the weapon leaving jagged hunks of her carapace missing and bleeding. Her mandibles click and she seethes in the adventurer's direction. "TOYS," She mocks, turning again towards Gurashi, lumbering towards the sileni where they are crouched beside the leothin.

Rushing in from behind the crowd a tenebrous leopard puts her head down as she approaches the princess. Avoiding the blow from Evette's spider, Liah bears her fangs towards the kephera's throat. Locking her jaw once connected, the leopard shakes her head vigorously until a chunk of flesh is torn from the target.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues inhales sharply, pulling herself to her feet, watching the chaos unfold but helpless to do anything about it. She pulls against the bars, then slumps, catching her breath.

Spitting the flesh from her mouth onto the ground a tenebrous leopard stares at the princess and snarls fearlessly, pure hatred and murderous intent written within her features.

You have emoted: The wasp howls as she is torn into, slumping forward but still standing, driving her chitinous claws against the leopard's face to push the beast away. She quickly covers the wound, narrowly avoiding stepping on Gurashi as the sileni scrambles further away, arms stretched protectively over Bizirik.

You think to yourself: ** panicked washes of white - silvery anticipation - panicked washes of red - oh gosh oh gosh oh no oh gosh! **.

Xenthos completes his leap, arriving as the other blows are just striking Nepra- landing just past her. Ilistala digs her teeth into Nepra's leg as she lands, holding it securely in place, shaking her head vigorously as the princess staggers from the combined blows. More incoming webbing from the mechanical spider wraps around the princess, dissolving her carapace as a large chunk of her throat is torn out. Wheezing, the princess staggers, attempting to gather her mental strength once more, staring daggers at you. A psionic spike darts for the sileni, thrumming with power- but then the attack dissipates, torn to shreds by Tridemon's will. Then Xenthos completes his attack, spinning, his enormous blade slashing viciously at the kephera's leg- severing the tendon. Slowly, she topples, landing upon the ground with a loud *thud.*.

Esei tells you, "** A soft, cursory brush. **."

Tridemon watches as the princess falls, looking inexplicably sad for a few moments before turning away toward the cage holding Khep. "Wax. Application of fire? Or of cold and blunt force? Hmm."

You have emoted: The princess shrieks again in pain, a sound that reverberates throughout the hive as she hits the ground. Gurashi cries out in muffled surprise, suddenly finding themselves face to face with Nepra. The sileni stares in horrified silence, assuming the wasp has fallen .... until she looks up, suddenly, mandibles clicking noisily against her face. She reaches forward, grabbing Gurashi's leg and pulling them with little effort towards her.

You have emoted: The sileni lets out a shriek of terror as they are pulled, grasping for something, anything to fend her off - finding Bizi's small forelimb, finding the cold bit of crystal and wax they located earlier. Gurashi's fingers desperately close around the crystal, and they swing it hard against the side of Nepra's head, trying to fend her off as she closes her hand around the sileni's throat. Panic-striken, Gurashi swings the crystal again, and again, letting out another strangled cry of terror. Until there is an audible crack, and suddenly the crystal won't pull away.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues never takes her eyes off of the altercation outside the cell, her fingers wrapped tightly around the bars.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up very, very slowly, their eyes wide as they feel something warm and wet begin to drip on their face. They look, seeing the knife, no longer encased in crystal, stuck nearly to the hilt inside the skull of a very confused, slowly slackening kepheran princess.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues finally tears her attention back to Tridemon, still gripping the bars.

You have emoted: Shaken, Gurashi spends the next few moments silently squirming out from under the fallen princess, their eyes wide. They reach up, the right side of their face smeared with her blood. They touch their face, pull their fingers away to stare...

Xenthos inhales slowly, taking a deep breath as he looks around at the room, completely covered in the detritus of dead kepherans. Then he slowly walks towards you, his feet shifting the corpses as he travels, leaving a wake behind him. When he gets to you, he lays a hand upon your shoulder, nodding.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "It is done."

Xenthos flicks his gaze to Khep for a moment, then back to you. "And now?"

You think to yourself: ... ** deep, horrified realization - was amun's knife ** ....

The soft voice of Olethea tickles your ear, "Are you well....?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Nepra for a time, looking up only when they feel Xenthos's hand on their shoulder. They open their mouth, then close it again, looking towards the cell.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "** at last a response - emptiness - uncertainty **."

Your melodic voice sings into Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart's mind, "** faint, distant - empty and uncertain **."

The soft voice of Olethea tickles your ear, ".. **A quiet and nervous tremulo of woodwinds**."

Esei tells you, "** A soft, familiar swatch of lilac and rose forms a scarf around your neck, giving off gentle waves of love and affection. **."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues frowns, dropping two of her four arms away from the bars. Her forehead rests against the crystalline bars as she looks back at Tridemon, muttering: "I do not suppose you have a key, or super-heated device of some sort to get me out?" She scoffs, though a mournful waver on her voice betrays her calm, outward demeanor.

The soft voice of Olethea tickles your ear, "I'm... going to come by, okay?"

Your melodic voice sings into Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart's mind, "** a non-answer - silent - distant **."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hmm. .... not hot enough."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly rises to their feet, no longer facing Nepra. No - they face the Orb of Queens, still partially frozen to the ground nearby, thrumming gently with the psionic energies left behind by the princess.

You sense Olethea pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.

You feel the shifting currents of elemental magic running through your veins, and realise that you are, in fact, a super-heated device of some sort. <-- this was for Tridemon :P

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "** the feeling, reflected, but ... **."

Her head tilting back, an imposing kepheran princess's antennae begin to twitch, the light of her glowing abdomen pulsing faintly as she gazes off in response to some unseen conversation.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues creases her brow in a frown.

You sense Esei pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.

A caliginous leopard takes her gaze off of the kepheran for moment to glance up at Olethea in some form of greeting.

Olethea nods her head at a caliginous leopard.

LOOK ME
Standing at a scant four foot ten inches, they are an alluring sileni wyrden demigod. The slender curves of this creature's form, from their slight shoulders to their dainty, six-fingered hands, lend them a youthful, wholesome appearance. Their right hand has been scarred upon the palm, as if with a sharp object, and their most prominent three knuckles of the same hand are marred. A heart-shaped face houses a sheepish smile and a pair of large, expressive, slate-blue eyes, their brilliant white pupils resembling stars framed with dusky auburn lashes. Their long cheeks and thin, upturned nose both bear a permanent shade of blush, accentuated by the greatest cluster of freckles. A moderately sized crescent-shaped scar marrs their right cheek, brightly visible against the deep hue of their skin. Their smooth skin is tawny in color, covered in a smattering of auburn freckles. An unruly mane of bright, apricot colored hair is clustered in wavy clumps atop their head, parted on either side of their head by a pair of curling, deep sable ram's horns, the left horn slightly shorter and stumpier than the right. A shock of bone-white hair stands out along their left temple, the tuft tucked delicately around their horn. A pair of velvety soft black ram's ears hang down from below their horns, twitching every so often in response to foreign sound. Beginning along their midriff is a thin coat of apricot-colored wool, a hint of pure white spots seen poking out from the top of their pants. Their backwards-tilted legs are slender and fawn-like, covered in downy tufts of orange fur and coming to end with triangular, sable black hooves. A short orange and white tail can be seen occasionally wagging behind them. They walks with the truefavour of Orael the Anomaly. They walks with the truefavour of Ianir the Anomaly. Scarlet hieroglyphs dance along their cheekbones and swirl towards their temples, filling the area about their head with the clear indication of Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan's strongfavour.
They are wearing:
finely tailored black dress trousers fitted snugly to their legs and worn high on their waist
a circlet of crystal thorns pressed far too-tightly to their head
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet which jingles softly on their left wrist
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
Refined Boots of the Paladin which stop just shy of the knees
a soft blouse of dove-grey cotton fitted to them loosely
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree affixed tightly to their left middle finger.

A caliginous leopard blinks incredulously at Esei.

Esei furrows their brow in thought.

Tridemon ponders it a bit more as he watches the bars again... and sighs slightly. "I rather dislike this." He says, before reaching out and grabbing the base of two of them, one in each hand, and starts channeling elemental fire- with rather less familiarity than the cold and waters, but he's still a master elementalist.

Olethea shuffles from foot to foot as she arrives down the beam of light, visibly restless and concerned.

<-- some kephera sneakies and fighting

Olethea blinks.

Esei blinks.

Xenthos howls as an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues hacks into him.

Wagging his finger in censure, Xenthos fixes an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues with a glance of disapproval. She nods meekly then settles down.

Esei stares blankly into space.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues watches Tridemon work, taking a step back to let the lucidian work, huffing.

Esei glances askance.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out, gently touching the Orb of Queens and breaking it free from its rapidly-melting prison. They stand up straight, tucking the orb under their arm for later disposal as they start back towards the group, not yet registering Olethea or Esei's arrivals.

You think to yourself: -- suddenly - anticipation --.

You think to yourself: -- familiar anticipation - waiting - waiting --.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops, looking down at a tattered samite stole of kepheran royalty, as if remembering they still have it.

Tridemon keeps channeling the elemental fire, heating the bars he's holding more than the others- but the closest four are also starting to sag out of position as they're weakened. Eventually, he huffs and backs away, looking very tired. "Someone hit those while they're soft."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues's mandibles click against her face as she watches. "Are you well?" She asks the lucidian, voice dipping with concern.

Xenthos steps forward to the bars, winding up his katana and turning the flat of the blade towards the bars as he swings it. The sword hesitates slightly at each bar, but manages to power through the melting portion of each, tearing the cage open.

You have emoted: Gurashi tucks the Orb of Queens beneath their arm so that they make take the stole properly between both hands, frowning as it unfurls, the long tattered ends tumbling out onto the ground beyond their hoofed feet.

Something strange occurs as Gurashi takes the tattered stole between their hands, starry eyes scanning the dull material. A gentle pulse of psionic energy, no more than a whisper, silvery wisps like visible skeins of anticipation streaking across the floor, fading as soon as they've arrived.

Looking around the blood-soaked cavern with increasing agitation, Olethea's attention snaps to Tridemon as he speaks. She pats down her belongings, looking for something that could be hefted as some form of weapon, failing to find one before Xenthos takes care of the cage.

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales as they stare down at the stole, bringing the fabric up towards their face, pressing it to their cheek, breathing deeply.

All at once, there is a rush of psionic energy that floods away from Gurashi's body, filling the chamber around you in a dazzling display of chaotic colors. Like looking through an enchanted pair of spectacles, you can suddenly see the ground between your feet is covered in thorny, translucent vines. A tangled mess that spreads untamed over the walls, seeming to come from the same disturbing source: the glass circlet atop Gurashi's head.

Olethea blinks incredulously at you.

Evette blinks.

Tridemon waves off the concern. "I'm fine. Fire is not my forte. Takes more effort to channel properly. And this isn't one of the standard operations of-" His voice suddenly cuts off as he looks toward you.

Something brushes against your back, creeps along your skin. A presence. No, presences. A din of countless disembodied voices begins to echo off of the walls, pouring into your mind, flooding your senses with a droning buzz, the chitter of mandibles, the scraping of carapace. Joy. Fear. Duty. Shared emotion, shared thought, shared task. The Hive Mind. Such chaos might be enough to drive a lesser being mad, but your trained minds bear it. The vines at your feet begin to writhe, as if responding to the noise.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues glances about alertly, her antennae twitching as she scans the immediate area.

Esei narrows their eyes to thin slits.

Olethea glances over her shoulder, paranoid.

Her head tilting back, an imposing kepheran princess's antennae begin to twitch, the light of her glowing abdomen pulsing faintly as she gazes off in response to some unseen conversation.

You have emoted: With glazed eyes, Gurashi takes either end of the stole between their two hands, running their thumbs over the smooth fabric. There is something almost ceremonious with the way that they handle the cloth. With utmost loving attention they smooth it out, then close their eyes, bringing their left arm over their head to let the vestment settle about their form.

You slip into a tattered samite stole of kepheran royalty.
As you wrap a tattered samite stole of kepheran royalty about your form, countless foreign voices fill your mind, whispering to one another -- to you. You feel calm settle over you like a veil. The chaos becomes comfortable, and the presence of many becomes welcoming.

Working to attempt to free her feet from the vines Evette beats her wings together quickly attempting rise to Liah's shoulder.

The colors change, like a wave crashing upon a shore - brighter, a warm golden glow overtaking the other colors and settling about the chamber. As the voices are drowned out to a mere murmur, realization and familiarity settles all around you like a veil.

Esei furrows their brow in thought.

Barely audible, rasping out into the chamber, you say, "... Aaaaaaaaaa .... mmmm ...."

Her voice quiet, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "Are you all, all r--?"

Evette turns abruptly towards the sound of Gurashi's voice.

Olethea turns her attention towards you as her ears perk up in interest.

You have emoted: Gurashi's knees give beneath them as they sink to the ground. Suddenly, the vines thrash and churn, then rip away from the walls and the ground, flinging themselves towards Gurashi and engulfing the sileni's form in a lashing, writhing mass of golden chaos, obscuring them from your view.

Though impossible to make out behind the twisting walls of writhing vines, you know they are an alluring sileni wyrden demigod. <-- new desc! lol

In the receeding din, you realize that the voices you have been hearing are being given shape. Ghostly images of kephera long past begin to appear, traversing the tunnels as they had done before. Like a replay of the scene on a stage, only sped up slightly, the insectoid beings come and go, traversing the tunnel, stopping, talking, fighting. Repeat. An endless loop, each being tied to one another and to their hive with a small, golden threads that wrap about them, like spider's silk - the psychic web --

-- "Hurry up, Tiso!" A friendly, buzzing male voice calls out. Laughter. Elation. While all the other psionic figures seem to move in high-speed, a pair of males appear, youthful given their size. Despite their ethereal, golden appearance, they look as if you could reach out and touch either one of them. You recognize Gurashi's - no, Tiso's - distinct features, regardless of his small size. The young kephera laughs, then trips and falls with a squawk. The other male stops long enough to help him up, and they burst into carefree laughter, resuming their chase. Just as soon as they're here, they are gone again, vanished around a corner --

Sharply, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart exclaims, "Gurashi!"

Esei places a hand on Olethea's shoulder, shaking their head.

Olethea hops restlessly from foot to foot, frowning.

-- The two appear again, slightly older and joined by another - the princess you've come to rescue. A woven crown of glowing fungus and cave lichen is placed upon Tiso's head, crude in its craft but wholesome nonetheless. The trio is quiet, a silent conversation passing between them that you cannot hear, but can feel. You are good. You are loved. And you will be. Forever --

-- Suddenly behind Evette, another passing memory. Gurashi. Older. Panic is distinct upon their face as the other kephera holds their shoulders, speaking soft and reassuring. They are both terrified. "She cannot keep you forever." The slender kephera says, expression twisting with anger. Terror beats like the frantic flapping of a bird's wings sympathetically within your chest. "I will get you out" --

-- so miserable and desperate for calm, for safe --

-- "Shhhh, shh - I am here." Hot pinpricks wash over your body. Every bit of you tingles as if your limbs are just being roused from sleep. You are painfully aware of your body. You ache in every joint. You cannot move. Huddled together a few feet away, the two males again, the more slender of the two holding Tiso's hanging head against his chest. For a second, grief is replaced with comfort, relief. Adoration. "I ..." --

Evette turns to catch a better view of the memory, narrowing her eyes into thin slits.

-- "I will not accept it!" The prince stands in the center of the room now, surrounded by so many of his own kind, pleading before two Queens, one imposing, the other stout. "Forgive me my Queens, but - sometimes, we must MAKE things simple!" Amun's buzzing voice resounds throughout the chamber. "She has proven that not all Princesses are trustworthy!!" He paces, manically arguing his case. "All we have done all our lives is the very same - to listen, and obey! And what has it brought us? Nothing - we are no greater or less than we were one-hundred years ago! Laid to waste at the whim of travelers we are unprepared to face!"

"We MUST make change if we are to survive! Let us be a simple first step!" The wasp clasps his hands over his heart, squeezing a fistful of the stole's fabric. "I beg of you - make this rig--"

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues looks away from the projection as Amun's voice is abruptly silenced by great swinging motion of the taller Queen's bladed hand. A collective shock. The air is sucked from the room. Blue-violet waves of psionic energy ripples visibly off the princess in waves as she rocks with her own grief, still standing within her cell, unable to watch her own ghostly spectre as it kneels over Tiso...

... The memory of Khepqet reaches for Tiso, cups his face. Her voice is soft, sympathetic, compared to the high-pitched keening coming from Nepra as her world shatters around her. Foreheads touch. Apologetic. Then, she grips Tiso's left antennae firmly within her right hand, and with the left

Though you feel no pain the moment the antennae is cut, all of the soft golden light is drawn suddenly back to its source, taking with it the ghostly images and leaving the room dim and colorless in its absence. All save the final shape of Tiso, a phantom, here-and-there, still slumped on the ground where Khepqet left him beside still-writhing mass of thorny vines that consume Gurashi.

... a gentle pulse of blue, and violet ...

Olethea fusses haplessly at her wings, eyes darting ceaselessly between you and the memories.

...what a horrible stillness...

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues's shoulders heave as she keeps turned away, unable to meet the eyes of the other adventurers, staring at the kepheran ghost still sitting limp and defeated nearby. Finally, she opens her mouth, mandibles clicking once as she utters a hoarse, "Gurashi..."

Muted, golden light continues to pulse throughout the vines as they writhe. All at once they stop, as if a switch has been flipped and whatever current powered them was severed. They begin to grow dull and sag, some visibly cracking and flaking off.

You have emoted: As you gaze upon the spot the slowly crumbling mass of vines, a bit of a form can be seen within, wreathed in a gentle psionic glow. Bit by bit the vines continue to fall away, breaking down until at last Gurashi emerges, dazed. Gurashi, the kephera. Familiar, chitinous body, broad shoulders, four arms, sharp angles... except...

LOOK MEEEE
Standing just shy of two meters in height and wreathed in a roiling psionic energy, they are a compound-eyed kephera wyrden demigod. Their entire body is plated in a black and gold chitinous exoskeleton. A round, honey-hued head houses two pitch-black eyes, along with a long, thin pair of antennae that dip and bob at the slightest noise. A small pair of mandibles sets on either side of their mouth, clicking frequently. Dual sets of pitch-black arms are affixed to their torso, the primary set of which are long and slender, while the second are thin and refined, folded before themselves. A long abdomen hangs to their thigh, ending in a sharp stinger and banded in uneven stripes of gold-and-black. Their legs are long and covered in thick black plates, ending in small, segmented dual-toed feet. Two pairs of glittering blood-red wings hang from their back, fluttering with each passing breath. They walks with the truefavour of Orael the Anomaly. They walks with the truefavour of Ianir the Anomaly. Scarlet hieroglyphs dance along their cheekbones and swirl towards their temples, filling the area about their head with the clear indication of Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan's strongfavour.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a shuffling step forward. They seem somehow more diminished than they were before, either a trick of the light. No, definitely shorter, thinner, darker, the colorful bands of their body more of a dull honey shade than their usual sunset hues. They look upon their spectral double, blinking slowly, taking them in. Psionic energy ripples from their body like steam, roiling in the air behind them.

Esei takes a half-step back.

The longer you look, the more you realize that it is not just Gurashi standing there. There is a second shape atop their own, like a misplaced, or misshapen shadow. A splash of gold on against a canvas of black. Familiar - the slender kephera from the other visions - the Prince. He looks as though he wants to move, but he cannot, bound to Gurashi's form. Urgency makes your heart race again.

Olethea's tail flicks agitatedly behind her.

AT LAST.

You have emoted: Gurashi shudders violently as anticipation tears through their body. They look at their mirrored self, the one that had time and time again so violently rejected and denied them anything.

... for a moment, you too understand: how they had carried all this grief and guilt with them for so long. The tragedy was so fresh to them then - still is now. A burden so great it lodged itself into your throat like a stone. How much was lost, so beyond your control when all you had sought was some modicum of joy.

The ghostly figure rises to his feet, staring at Gurashi, his eyes wide and filled with recognition.

You can all feel it. They want this joyous reunion. They feel like they deserve it, after everything, after all the things they've seen. All they've been through - together.

Olethea's eyes begin to well up with tears, unbidden. She lifts a hand, to dig at one.

Softly, in a buzzing dual-toned voice, you whisper, "... Tisohepsut."

The spectre takes one step, and then another, then lurches forward, throwing itself at Gurashi, caught by suddenly awaiting golden arms. The room again fills with warm golden light - a shockwave, a reaction, unmistakable in its purity and enthusiasm.

AT LAST.

You think to yourself: ** the great wash of relief you expected come after having your heart broken and repaired and broken again never does. but that is... O-K. you feel O-K **.

Your heart leaps as you are met with a feeling like falling fearlessly - AT LAST, I FOUND YOU AT LAST - only soaring delight.

You think to yourself: ** bittersweet calm settles over you like a blanket. somewhere, deep inside, there is a sigh waiting to be released, one that will rattle you to your core. maybe another time. maybe not even then. for now, you are happy. grateful to be the one facilitating this reconciliation **.

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.

The two turn and turn as if tumbling, arms entwined. Bright, buzzing laughter fills the room, until there are no more forms and only shapes and colors and thread. They weave about the room, almost tangible before your very eyes.

Olethea sniffles softly.

It does not matter what comes next. Warm, and secure. Like returning to a meld. Relief. Surrender. The Orb of Keph pulses, dimmer now.

AT LAST...

The images retreat, memories swallowed up and eventually dissipating into the air, leaving only the faint echo of laughter in their wake and a lingering heat.

... As soon as both beings vanish from your sight, the presence is gone, and the autonomy of your own mind returns. All of the remaining psionic energy that once poured from the orb like water from a jug has evaporated and left nothing in its wake but quiet, awed freedom.

You remove a tattered samite stole of kepheran royalty.
With great hesitation, you carefully unwrap a tattered samite stole of kepheran royalty from about your form, and you find yourself unable to suppress a sigh as the terrible silence of its absence fills you with deep longing.

LOOK ME
Looking somewhat diminished, they are a compound-eyed kephera wyrden demigod. standing shy of two meters tall, their entire body is plated with a charcoal-black chitinous exoskeleton, housing a broad honey-hued thorax. At the very center of their chest is what looks to be a scar, or a stain of blue-violet, permanently marring their carapace. Two bulbous red eyes sit on either side of a wedge-shaped head, and a long, thin pair of antennae protrude from atop their skull, the left permanently sagging. Where their mouth would be sits a pair of marred, jagged mandibles. Dual sets of spiny black-and-orange arms are affixed to their torso, the top set of which are long and thewy while the second are spindly and pulled close to their chest. A long abdomen hangs down to their knees, is angled away from their back and ribbed in full muted bands of orange and black. Their legs are long and covered in thick orange plates with tiny black spines tracing down the back of their calves, ending in small segmented dual-toed feet. Set on either side of their lower back are two delicate orbs that rasp and click as they take deep, slow breaths. Two pairs of veiny, translucent wings looking far too small for their body size hang stiffly from their back. They walks with the truefavour of Orael the Anomaly. They walks with the truefavour of Ianir the Anomaly. Scarlet hieroglyphs dance along their cheekbones and swirl towards their temples, filling the area about their head with the clear indication of Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan's strongfavour.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi breathes quickly and quietly, stock still in their spot, no longer glowing, or wreathed in psionic energy. Simply themselves.

You have emoted: Gurashi lowers their gaze to the stole, then look up at those gathered, mandibles opening and closing, antennae testing the air. They open and close their mouth, shuffling silently...

Evette opens her mouth to speak, however quickly closes it without uttering a word.

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Tridemon looks you up and down for a few moments, nodding. "Well done."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly seems very aware that they are not alone, looking up in surprise, their eyes widening. They chitter, then look surprised by the sound of their chittering, reaching up to their face, patting it twice.

Still sniffling, Olethea meekly asks Tridemon, "Is that good?"

A faint blush against your carapace as you feel a presence take note, a thrum of approval resonating through your chest. A gentle encouragement: "Speak."

Rasping from their years-long mutism, you say, "... am ..."

Olethea turns her attention towards you as her ears perk up in interest.

Her head tilting back, an imposing kepheran princess's antennae begin to twitch, the light of her glowing abdomen pulsing faintly as she gazes off in response to some unseen conversation.

Softly, from her cell, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Gurashi ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi clears their throat, their wings snapping open and shut behind them. They look very unsure how to finagle suddenly having four arms again, eyes wide as they juggle the stole, the orb, and two empty hands.

You clear your throat.

Esei takes a few steps closer to you, slowly reaching out to you with one hand.

Cheerier, though no less raspy, you say, "...here."

Olethea's eyes well up again. Without another word, she crosses to you and hugs you around the middle. If... just for a moment.

Pulling away and wiping at her eyes, Olethea tries to gently nudge you towards your family.

You have emoted: Gurashi's smaller right hand finds Esei's in their uncertainty. They look at the top of Olethea's head, then over towards Tridemon, and Xenthos, and Evette in turn, blinking.

Esei gives your hand a reassuring squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi allows themselves to be guided over to the others, at last looking at Khepqet, who has folded all four of her hands over her mouth, looking like she might cry, were she able.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, nervously feeling at the center of their chest. They still look very uncertain, gaze sweeping over those gathered in disbelief.

You think to yourself: ** what happened - what happened - was all like a dream - was, and then wasn't **.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Would you like a hug, biye jatadure?"

Olethea turns away from the group slightly to hide behind a wing, still sniffling.

With significant effort, the voice deep and buzzing, you say, "...can ..."

Esei tilts their head curiously.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Esei, "I'm fairly certain that was permission for the hug."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances aside towards the kepheran corpses that scatter the ground - towards the wasp princess still slumped nearby. They quickly look away, until their attention is drawn to Bizirik, chattering softly.

You nod your head emphatically.

Esei wraps their arms around you in a gentle hug.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues buzzes softly, standing on the outskirts of the group. She too looks towards Nepra, then quickly looks away. "I should offer rites," She comments to no one in particular, dragging a hand down her worn face.

Olethea tilts her head curiously at an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues shakes her head at Olethea.

Tentatively, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart asks, "...Khep?"

Softly, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Do not concern yourself - I will handle it."

A caliginous leopard sniffs an imposing kephera's hand cautiously.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues glances askance at a caliginous leopard.

Flatly, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Does Gurashi always surround himself with so many felines?"

A caliginous leopard stares implacably at Ilistala, an enormous leopard.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard nods her head emphatically.

Tridemon drops a poofy, seal point ragdoll kitten.
A poofy, seal point ragdoll kitten looks like nothing more than a giant white puffball until she blinks and opens gem-like cerulean eyes.

Olethea laughs weakly. "Yes."

Olethea glances askance at Tridemon.

A caliginous leopard romps playfully in circles around you.

With a frown, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "More concerning - Gurashi. Your father knows I exist."

Still rasping, each word a labored effort, you say, "... al... ready ...did."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, "Indeed, I do."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers to you, "...do you need a drink?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, "On the other hand- I think you have made a pretty decisive break with the Hives, and their Queens. Given that they are trying to execute you."

Olethea peers at Gnomish Industries Multitool unscrupulously.

You shake your head.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues frowns at Xenthos.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues glances askance.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, "No? I rather suspect that is better than the alternative- they declared war upon the Glomdoring. Those who serve them are thus... well."

Xenthos casts his gaze around at the bodies piled everywhere, before returning it to an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues.

Evette snaps her fingers together.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues scoffs, shaking her head and reaching up to rub again at her forehead. "Mm."

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a soft little whine, pushing its face into Gurashi's hand. The kephera curls their fingers against the leothin's snout, still looking quite dazed as they are embraced.

Quietly, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "We *like* Gurashi."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues glances up quickly at Olethea. She stares at the viscanti, something more behind her voice as she speaks. "I know."

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales again, then coughs, shutting their eyes. Still holding a tattered samite stole of kepheran royalty close to their chest, suddenly says again: "... could w..." They clear their throat, trying harder. "...home."

Esei nods their head at you.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues glances askance.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart asks an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, "Did... you want to come?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It might be best if Khep does not come to the Glomdoring, for the time being."

Olethea looks at Xenthos and comprehension flashes across her face.

Evette nods her head at Xenthos, showing her acceptance.

Olethea creases her brow in a frown.

Olethea nods her head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I imagine that we will have to have some... discussions."

Breathless and buzzing, you whisper, "...sorry ..."

Olethea purses her lips, deep in thought.

Olethea tilts her head curiously at Tridemon.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I must be departing."

Evette ponders the situation.

Evette, The Primordial Scourge says to Xenthos, "Be well."

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart asks Tridemon, "You don't live in the Glomdoring, could you....?"

Flatly, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "I can always occupy the Keeper's manse until I get permission to occupy yours."

Evette, The Primordial Scourge says to Ilistala, an enormous leopard, "You too."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues gives you the once-over, eyeing you suspiciously.

You give a horrified gasp.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, "I believe that Gurashi's aether manse would suffice quite well."

Olethea curtseys gracefully before Xenthos.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues glances at Xenthos appraisingly, antennae twitching in his direction as she turns her attention to Xenthos.

A look of understanding crossing her features, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues nods her head slowly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Be well. Get some rest. You need it."

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says to Xenthos, "Please be well, Fang."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

You nod your head at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "We will talk more next month."

Olethea smiles softly at you.

Light spreads across your back in numerous colours and hues, enfolding you like butterfly wings.

You nod your head emphatically.

Xenthos tilts his head curiously at Evette.

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Evette, "Shall we stop by His Realm, first?"

Evette nods her head affirmatively.

Evette leaves, following Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

You see the following people here:
Olethea, Esei, Tridemon, Gurashi.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "...So fast."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, reaching up and touching the side of their head, still looking dazed.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues creases her brow in a frown.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart asks an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, "Um... nice to meet you in person?"

Sarcastic, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Well I have been stuck in this room for the better part of a year and frankly I would rather not be here any longer."

Olethea nods her head emphatically.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Any objections to. You know."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues gestures vaguely.

Olethea shakes her head.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "I'm following friend Gurasi."

Still sarcastic, though she watches Gurashi closely, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "....departing. To greener pastures and such the like."

Smiling sheepishly Olethea That reminds me, I still need to teach him to garden....

Smiling sheepishly Olethea mumbles, "That reminds me, I still need to teach him to garden...."

You think to yourself: ** wave after wave of .... rich, saturated color **.

You think to yourself: ... garden ...

Tridemon ponders a dazzling red high-heeled hat thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Tridemon gives a dazzling red high-heeled hat to an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Have a mildly ridiculous hat."

Olethea blinks.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says to Tridemon, "What in the Basin is that."

Esei stares blankly into space.

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Olethea peers at a kephera warrior unscrupulously.
A kephera warrior stares at Olethea suspiciously with his faceted eyes. <-- lol

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "...We should go."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon suddenly, blinking slowly.

You think to yourself: Home.

Tridemon touches his fingertips to his hand, illuminating the temporal tattoo upon it. The air beside him warps, as a clock-like portal manifests.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You can take that shortcut."

<-- nyoom

The Name of the Sound of the Waves.
Stretching out in every direction is a somewhat oddly colored beach- rather than white or brown or red sand, the sand here is largely a bluish-violet. In the immediate area though is a wide, pristine beach blanket covering the warm sands, along with a wide, colorful umbrella that shades a portion of the blanket from the eternal noontime sun. Next to the blanket is a wooden sign which has been planted deep in the sand, with the words 'Out to Lunch' painted neatly across the weathered boards in black and gold. Off to the north, a forest of rising bamboo can be seen in the distance. The light of day shines brightly. Perpetually ticking away the hours, the Immortal Clock of Past's Restoration stands proudly nearby. Sparkling liquids bubble up from a fountain here. A pair of albino alligator shoes ripple with an oil-slick iridescence. Appearing to spit fire from its curling maw, a dragonsnap lily has been abandoned here. Dusan, a coruscant wyvern, lurks in the shadows here.
You see exits leading north, east, and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about the beach, surprised.

Surprised, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Oh."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "-This- is not your manse."

You shake your head.

<-- Tridemon shows up

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at their own link to their wonderclock, looking confused. They shuffle across the beach awkwardly until Tridemon arrives.

Bizirik, the leothin thrums softly and soothingly, still standing beside Gurashi, its head pressed into the kephera's smaller right hand.

Esei blinks.

Olethea exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at a notepad covered in flowers and pollen-dusted bees. They start to flip it open, as if out of instinct, then pause.

A soft breeze stirs the nearby sand, leaving gentle arcs in its wake.

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

Softly, still hoarse and buzzing, you say, "... ah ...sorry, for ... w... orry. Mm."

You chitter at Olethea with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Olethea smiles softly at you.

You open your mouth but say nothing.

You think to yourself: ** weird - weird feels weird **.

You think to yourself: ** talking is -weird- **.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says to you, "I'm just... glad you're back to yourself again. I missed you-you."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

Esei offers you a bottle that smells faintly like chilled wine.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "You'll have your music back properly, now. With song."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Gathering her skirts in hand, Olethea dips low into a deep and formal curtsey before Tridemon and an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues. "Thank you both for helping him."

You think to yourself: ** oh - considering suddenly the possibilities - a flurry of color **.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues frowns at Olethea.
the land.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes the bottle from Esei, holding it to their chest as they gaze out towards the sea in a daze.

Glancing towards Tridemon, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "I am hardly worth praising."

Bitterly, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "... had I managed to not get -caught- as I have for the last thirty years of my life." She scoffs. "It does not matter now."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues glances askance.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You think to yourself: ** sharp recollection - suffocating, the towering wasp looming like a bad dream over you .... **.

You shiver violently.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says to an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, "I... I respectfully disagree. I don't fully understand or.... know. What happened, but.... You gave him a reason to find himself again and that is not an easy.... Starting a journey is still help."

Glancing now at Esei, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Perhaps we should be thanking this one, then."

Esei glances askance.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...for what."

To Esei, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Were you not a healer, none of this would have come to be." Almost sweetly, she adds: "Also, I -absolutely- would have gutted you that first day."

Olethea glances at Esei a moment, before dipping into an equally graceful, formal curtsey before them.

Dryly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Thank you."

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "...Thank you. All of you."

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Olethea chuckles softly, sighing.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I barely did anything."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues smiles, though it does not reach her eyes. She looks away suddenly, off towards the sea within the manse.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Showed up. Breathed. Hugged one of my most favorite cousins."

Tridemon gives a poofy, seal point ragdoll kitten to Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart.
Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Here, have a kitten to make you feel un-useless."

Olethea blinks.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I love you dearly, but Filib is currently competing with you as 'best cousin'"

Now visibly confused, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart asks Tridemon, "Thank, thank you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks very slowly, their antennae twitching, the left one sagging at the news.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

A gentle rolling of waves laps at the sand's edge.

You think to yourself: **shades of blue** Oh dear - is a competition...? When did start.

Olethea pets a poofy, seal point ragdoll kitten with the same expression of utter bafflement.

Quietly, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "You are quite cute, though..."

Esei winces in pain. <-- they leave

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues suddenly hangs her head, letting out a sound. She turns away from the group, exhaling sharply, buzzing, loud. "Well. As much as I would love to continue standing around regaling the events of the previous few days," She trails off as Esei leaves, frowning.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "Ah, Esei left...."

Buzzing gently, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "They did."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues folds her arms over her chest, staring now at Gurashi.

Olethea tilts her head curiously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't seem to notice they are being stared at, gazing blankly out over the slowly lapping waves of the beach. They still hold the stole tightly to their body with their right hand.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 25th of Roarkian, 566 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 13 days until the New Moon

You think to yourself: ... ** quiet - so quiet **.

Olethea runs a hand through her cascading, fiery red curls, stroking the tresses gently and tucking a lock back into place.

Gently, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart asks, "Gurashi?"

Staring at Gurashi still, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Yes. It will be quieter now."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Olethea as they are addressed, mandibles clicking anxiously against their face.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart asks, "Time to rest, maybe...?"

Olethea tilts her head curiously at an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues does not immediately respond, staring back at Gurashi, who looks off distractedly once more. "Mm. Rest. If we can."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues steps up to the other kephera, gently judging them. "Hey."

Softly, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "I see.."

You gaze at an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues appraisingly, antennae twitching in her direction as you turn your attention to her.

You chitter at an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues with energetic clicks of your mandibles.
Almost unwittingly, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues begins to chitter back at Gurashi, mandibles clicking with equal enthusiasm.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues narrows her eyes at you in an unnerving manner.

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Suddenly clapping a hand over her left mandible to make it stop, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Ahhhh - do not do that."

Olethea chirps inquisitively.

You think to yourself: ** oh - O-K **.

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Olethea exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says to Tridemon, "One of these days we should catch up over tea again."

To Olethea, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "We'll drop -you- back off in the forest," And to Gurashi, she adds, "and you to bed. Or, wash first."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "In the meantime, I'm going to head into my house. The exit to the manse is directly down."

Tridemon turns towards the north and steps forward, instantly collapsing into a torrent of water that rushes outwards with a thunderous crash of water.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues drags a finger across Grashi's carapace, rubbing her fingers together as she pulls away blood and grime.

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the down, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei.

Quietly, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "He may need a bath."

You have emoted: Gurashi turns, shuffling in the direction Tridemon directed, nodding.

With a subtle warble, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I brought tea this time."

Calmly, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Yep."

Esei lazily draws their wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

Olethea smiles softly.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "Thank you, friend Esei."

Esei pours pale dandelion tea from a bottle into a shot glass.
Esei gives a shot glass to Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart.

Esei pours pale dandelion tea from a bottle into a shot glass.
Esei gives a shot glass to you.

To Esei, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "We're evacuating the Keeper's home and returning to the forest you deem as your own."

With a subtle warble, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, "I am the Forest's."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** rippling psionic energy - you can feel it, colorful shades getting fainter the further away they get **."

Olethea smooths a crease out of a dark, hazy gown of smoke and shadow.

You sway impassively in your spot.

With a subtle warble, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Try the tea."

With a subtle warble, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "It should help your throat a bit."

With a subtle warble, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...any of it. I'm sure I've given you plenty."

You have emoted: Gurashi clears their throat, still holding the glass to their chest, staring off into space.

Her head tilting back, an imposing kepheran princess's antennae begin to twitch, the light of her glowing abdomen pulsing faintly as she gazes off in response to some unseen conversation.

Softly, with some effort, you say, "...m..any thank ...s."

Esei nods their head at you.

You reach out, wrapping all four arms around Esei as you pull them into a tight hug.

You's shoulders sag slightly as you sigh.

Esei smiles softly at you.

Esei wraps their arms around you in a gentle hug.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

You sniffle softly.

Esei touches their forehead to yours fondly.

Softer, you say, "...night..."

<-- goes home

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "/ *softly* Thank you, Keeper... /."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** suddenly, pointed, familiar, quite clear - Nepra - apology. did try. did not mean to **."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** recalling you, channeling energies unfamiliar - scalding ** ... you are O-K?"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Mm. I'm fine. It's not like I'm unfamiliar with fire. I just don't much like using it. ... I look forward to when you return to music properly. When you're not exhausted."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "/ *bright and clear, buzzing* Oh -damn- I missed this /."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** a pointed sigh **."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** softer, though, as if making absolutely sure, the blurred images of you burning the cage again ** Promise?"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "It might not show very often, but I AM a master elementalist- which includes fire. Just an application I've seldom used."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... are you feeding Khep and Bizi?"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** as if on queue, the sound of dishes clinking - a task - taking care of, because she was stuck away for so long - and good, good Bizi - so good and brave ... **."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** curried eggs and cheeses and herbs - delicious fragrances reach you over the aethers **."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** suddenly - you are aware you are being thought of - a wash of blue-violet, edged with pink **."

You give a curried egg sandwich to Bizirik, the leothin.
You give a cheese kabob to Bizirik, the leothin.
With a toss of its head and some noisy chatter, Bizirik takes a curried egg sandwich from you with its smaller set of forelimbs and scampers off.

Barely audible, you say, "Deliver to Tridemon."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** for you, too - for hard work ** Keep up strengths."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Thank you."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** assent, softened with exhaustion - a flurry of colors - warm, golden light, the sense of gratitude reflected back at you ** Should be thanking you."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "/ *thoughtful buzzing* You two are talking /."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "** fainter, fading with distraction and exhaustion **."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Mm. I'll probably be asleep soon. *A vision of a couch*."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "/ I could tell by the look on his face. *a sharp, buzzing laugh* It has been a long month. Rest is deserved. *softer still* It is nice to be back. /."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "/ *a strange disconnected feeling, both feeling Gurashi wander away while also watching Gurashi wander away* /."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "/ *quiet* I doubt he would have gone if you did not come /."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "/ ... so thank you /."