Who Says A Dance Needs Music?

<-- after Azula's coronation, Gurashi was playing with some them-shapes at home and trying out that gender-bender mirror when Tridemon surprised them with a most excellent encounter :O

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A cozy living room above the kitchen.                  (#HAH_5)
A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Eleven steps, all different dimensions and carved from dark ravenwood lead to a comfortable little living area. Dark floors contrast the gentle green shade painted on the walls, and bright, flickering wall sconces. A curved ceiling looks as if it has been scooped directly out of a tree, and thick support joists criss-cross the expanse. Delicate muslin curtains cover either window and barely touch the floor. On both window sills sit half a dozen tiny planters with newly sprouting flowers and herbs inside. Three plain oak doors typically stand closed, but whiffs of lavender and petrichor can be detected when they open, briefly displacing the delicious smells of the kitchen below. The diminutive size, low lighting, and soothing colors of this room invoke a sense of ease and respite. An elegant wall sconce featuring numerous large poppies juts from the wall, holding a flickering candle. There are 2 soft couches decorated with needlepoint poppies here. A tapestry depicting the creation of the lyrebird is proudly hanging here. A lush beige carpet is spread out on the ground. There are 2 elegantly carved ravenwood armchairs here. A small dark brown tea table stands here. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of Of All The Rainbow, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of No Longer Alone, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered. A painting of A Future Endeavor is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall.
You see exits leading east (open door), southeast (closed door), southwest (closed door), northwest (open door), and down (open door).

look me
She is an ordinary human lost demigoddess changeling. They stand several inches shy of six feet tall with a slender build. Their arms and legs are lanky, soft hands either balled loosely into fists at their side or resting on their instrument. Their most prominent three knuckles of the same hand are faintly scarred, star-shapes etched across their skin. Their sandy skin has been reddened from exposure to the sun, causing an array of tawny-colored freckles to appear upon their round cheeks and thin, upturned nose. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen near the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. A moderately-sized, crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek. Perhaps the most noteworthy thing about them is their untamed mop of fiery red hair, complete with a few strands at their part that fail to obey the natural laws of gravity. A shock of bone-white hair has grown in along their temple. A pair of vacant gray-blue eyes gaze out from below red bangs, their color striking against all the surrounding warm hues. Shadows cling adoringly to her, reluctant to surrender their grasp on one with the favour of Nocht, the Silent. A steel-hued scar traces along her cheek, gifted by Terentia, the Even Bladed, for her mettle in the field of battle. A single voidstruck eye, full of brilliant saffron stars, stares out from the middle of her forehead.
She is wearing:
a circlet of crystal thorns visible beneath their bright orange hair
Refined Boots of the Paladin, worn and weathered from use
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet which jingles softly on their left wrist
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a driftwood ring of sea breezes fitted tightly to their left middle finger
a well-worn apron covered in colorful pockets tied tied behind their back
a royal blue silken shirt that is just barely too big, sleeves rolled up and collar upright
loose black trousers that cling tightly to their hips.

 Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the northwest, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

Tridemon leans in to kiss you on the cheek.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses at the top of the steps, smiling. "Hi, hi..."

You have emoted: Gurashi rises to her tiptoes, leaning in to kiss Tridemon sweetly. "How are you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi cants her head.

Tridemon gives you a friendly squeeze.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "You're ver' cute."

Taking your hands, you say to Tridemon, "Miss Auriella said to expect words from the Star Council. That they'd discuss it."

You fidget impatiently.

Your melodic voice sings into Allixea Ysav'rai's mind, "Ah ... * a morose thrum *."

You think to yourself: ... cute ...

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to tuck her hair behind her ear. "Anyway. More waiting," She huffs, looking up and squeezing your hands. "Tell me of your month! What have you been up to?"

You tilt your head and listen intently to Tridemon.

You give Tridemon a friendly squeeze.

<-- private conversation with my favorite Allixea!
The cold voice of Allixea sends chills down your spine, "Honestly every city needs more Gurashis."

You think to yourself: * a sudden distracted throb *.

You glance askance.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the center of Tridemon's chest, mind clearly elsewhere.

Tridemon shakes his head.

Tridemon coughs slightly. "Oh... not a lot. Bit of hunting. ... And that's it."

Quickly returning her attention to your face, you say to Tridemon, "Oh? Oh."

Your melodic voice sings into Allixea Ysav'rai's mind, "That are feeling that want to go try something differently... that is YOUR heart and your choosing, it is."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I wanted to ask the Star Council about your application, but... I didn't want to be pushy about it."

You shake your head.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Th-they haven't even talked to me yet."

You fidget impatiently.

The eyes of Tridemon go briefly out of focus.

You think to yourself: * a nervous throb *.

Voice bright and clear, you ask, "Wh...at if they say no?"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Then they will find themselves soundly thwapped with a rolled-up booklet of mildly dirty limericks."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Nervously fidgeting and shifting and swaying in her spot, you say, "That will not make them change mind."

You shake your head.

You think to yourself: * a dull throb - then, an ache *.

Pinching the bridge of her nose, you say, "Ah."

Huffing, you say, "I should not worry!"

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Because it will do no good."

You fidget impatiently.

You think to yourself: * an anxious thrum *.

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

You lean against Tridemon, eyes half-closing.

Quietly, you ask Tridemon, "Can we hunt together next month?"

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

You gaze softens as you smile at Tridemon.

Tridemon claps his hands together, and a fountain of coloured light leaps into the air.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly yelps in delight, shielding her eyes from the brightest of the colors before wheeling around excitedly, face lighting up.

You think to yourself: * a burst of colors to match the fireworks, slowly swirling, then sinking *.

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

You blink in surprise as Tridemon grabs your hands and twirls you about the room.

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

Mid-twirl, you exclaim, "Fwah!"

You weave a glamour of sparkling motes and release them.
     *      *      *
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        *   *   *
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      |   POOF!   |
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        *   *   *
       *    *    *
      *     *     *
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Tridemon gives you a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi grins from ear to ear, catching her breath. "There is no music!" She sticks out her tongue.

Tridemon tilts his head curiously.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Is there supposed to be?"

Voice bright and clear, you say, "...ah."

You stare blankly into space.

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

You think to yourself: * a thrum of excitement, another splash of color - a dance - was practically a dance *.

You have emoted: Gurashi shuffles in her spot, smiling.

Tridemon ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

Sheepishly, you say, "S-sorry, Miss Allixea was asking for my advice ..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "How tired are you right now?"

Voice bright and clear, you say, "... mm ..."

You think to yourself: * a thrum - a dull ache *.

Laughing wryly, you say, "I slept so much - but it didn't go away ... I'm ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi bobs her head side to side. "Worn out."

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Too tired for a surprise trip, then?"

You blink.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "... I can walk."

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts a foot, wiggling it.

Tridemon reaches out to take your hand, pulling you along.

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 follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters to The Name of the Sound of the Waves.
walkwalkwalk
You follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters southeast to the Celestial Sea Ballroom.

The Celestial Sea Ballroom.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. This grandiose ballroom is wreathed in pearlescent walls that soar high overhead to support a resplendent, glass-tiled dome panelled with crystal-clear windows, allowing an unobstructed view of Celest's empyrean skies. A ring of five slender, glistening coral columns upholds the dome overhead, sculpted into the silhouettes of the Holy Supernals of Celestia, offering blessings upon all who pass beneath their auspices. Limned in silver, several clerestory windows of stained glass line the upper walls, portraying the luminous figures of seraphic angels, towering archangels, radiant devas, and rosy cherubs outlined against sunny azure skies. Nine lively fountains of cascading tiers, each sculpted as a representation of the seaside city's beacons, lie close to the walls in fanciful sprays and tricklings of crystalline water; inset with polished sea glass, the raised edges of their basins provide a comfortable place for ball-goers to rest and converse. The dance floor is wrought of milky alabaster, inlaid with beautiful, translucent panels of pale green sea glass that create a many-rayed replica of the Star of Celest. Through the panels, the rippling Inner Sea waters can be seen, the silvered and golden flickers of fish and other marine creatures flashing in and out of sight as they traverse a colourful underwater garden, filled with sea anemone, coral, and seaweed beds. A colorful lantern of sea glass and shells fills the area with a rippling blue light resembling shallow waters. Stretching from wall to wall, a cream-hued carpet provides lush comfort underfoot, streaks of bright gold adding a touch of swirling elegance. There are 2 deep, high backed leather chairs here. There are 3 deep blue, crystalline chairs here. There are 5 dark blue translucent chairs here. Lustrous with a glossy sheen, an elegant dining table lends its pearlescent beauty to the room. A cookie shaped into a realistic wave is here. There are 7 bottles here. There are 8 shot glasses here. There are 2 crystal champagne bottles here. 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.
You see a single exit leading northwest.

You tilt your head curiously.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Oh gosh my food is still all here."

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

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Shaking her head, you say, "I should take it to the ... uhhh."

You snap your fingers.

You snap your fingers.

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Tridemon worriedly. "The peoples who wanna eat it...

Tridemon leans in and gives you a kiss on the cheek... "There's no music. But that's no reason not to dance."

You blink.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi grows quiet, her eyes widening as she stops looking at the few remaining piles of food. "...huh?"

You think to yourself: * the colors soften, then throb ... a curious tendril of pink *.

Tridemon reaches out to you with one hand.

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

You think to yourself: * ba-bump *.

Singing drifts in from outside, faintly muffled.

You have emoted: As the color from her curio settles about her, Gurashi reaches out, delicately setting her hand within Tridemon's.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

The soft tinkling of seashells hanging from a colorful sea glass lantern draws one's attention as it fills the room with a rippling blue light reminiscent of shallow waters.

Tridemon squeezes your hand and pulls you in closer, leaning in to give you a kiss on the forehead before beginning to lead you across the dance floor in a deliberate, rhythmic set of steps... which seems to match the song of the ocean that sings around him.

You have emoted: Gurashi is very literally almost swept off her feet, letting out the faintest squeak of surprise as she chases after Tridemon's steps. She tightens her grip on Tridemon's hand, at first focused on her feet, then on the lucidian's face, the colors in her gray-blue eyes swimming.

You think to yourself: * ba-bump *.

You think to yourself: * as the aquatic melody rises around them, so does the color swell, glitter, churn hypnotically *.

Tridemon gives you a small kiss on the lips as he leads the dance to the beat of the seaborne song that's been with him from the beginning, speaking of time and tide, wind and wave... without instruments. Without words. Just the heart of the Pure Waters.

You have emoted: Gurashi's lips remain parted, expression twisted in awe and surprise, following the lucidian's lead with little coaxing. Several times she seems very near to speaking, but she lets herself be swallowed up in the song instead, swallowing hard.

You think to yourself: * the colors brighten, then glow, and glimmer like bright and shiny water - water - the sound of rushing water *.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

You think to yourself: * ba-bump *.

You think to yourself: ... this sound ...

You have emoted: Suddenly, Tridemon hear notes rising within Gurashi's throat as she begins to hum along with the melody, eyes half-lidded as she continues to gaze adoringly at the lucidian.

Tridemon pulls you along with his current, his ebb and flow, flashing you a brilliant smile as you starts to hum, putting notes to the song that they're moving to. That he has always moved to, without realizing that it was a song.

You think to yourself: * another great welling up of color to match the bright clairvoyant notes of the aquatic melody - kaleidoscopic shades of pink, of gold, of blue and violet *.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps away from Tridemon, lifting the lucidian's arm to aid in twirling herself in place. The toes of her boots squeak as she does so, and it is all she can do to keep from giggling and interrupting her hummed harmony.

You think to yourself: ... was always this bright? ...

You think to yourself: ... or, this clear ...

Tridemon slows down all too soon as he guides you back to where the dance began, starting to bring the dance to a close... but it seems like the dance and song could go on. In an endless loop- a cycle as timeless as the tide.

The soft lambency of passing hummingbirds filters in from outside, shedding light on a dark night.
It is now the 20th of Kiani, 571 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 23 days until the New Moon

You have emoted: Gurashi is unable to refrain from letting out a little sigh, interrupting her hummed harmony as she squeezes Tridemon's hands tight. Suddenly her lips part, and the hum is now a note sung aloud, echoing about the ballroom, dipping and cutting playfully.

A flurry of whispers rush over the Basin of Life, murmuring of the return of Nocht, the Silent to mortal perception.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Tridemon slows and stops, standing still again, looking upon you with a smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi releases her right hand and quickly wipes the corner of her mouth, offering an apologetic smile.

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

Tridemon pulls you in closer again, against his chest, resting his forehead against yous.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about the ballroom quickly, gaze sweeping over the shadows. "Your song is very--" Her compliment is stopped short as she is tugged forward, and she puffs her cheeks, squeezing her eyes shut before peeking up at Tridemon.

You think to yourself: * a silvery skein of anticipation - alert, on alert *.

With a huff, you say, "... is very goodly."

Tridemon gives you a kiss on the forehead, before glancing over at the shadows as well. "...Mm."

A blinding ember leaps from the Phoenix's Aureate Brazier of Radiant Genius held by Tridemon, illuminating the area as the aether around it shimmers in vibrant colours.

You think to yourself: * continued lingering anticipation, as if waiting, expecting, any moment - something will happen *.

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

Tridemon pats a glowing ember in a friendly manner.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "...ah...!"

Leaning back to eye the mysterious light source, you say, "What is THAT."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's an ember from my brazier. A dreamglimpse ember."

You have emoted: Mindful to keep her left hand in Tridemon's, Gurashi reaches out with her right, threatening to touch the glowing ember. "It is ... kind of blinding!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mmhmm. Very bright, for banishing shadows."

You think to yourself: * teeming with colors -- *.

Suddenly, you exclaim, "Your song is beautiful, actually!"

You have emoted: Gurashi whips her head around, looking away from the ember. "You are so lucky - you get to walk with it every day...!"

Tridemon leans in and kisses you on the nose as you looks away from the ember.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

You have emoted: Gurashi's hands return to take both of Tridemon's, squeezing. "...can we keep dancing for a little longer?" She asks in a voice barely above a whisper, the ember behind her casting deep shadows across her form.

Tridemon pulls you in close again, wrapping his arms around you and squeezing lightly as he begins to move again, slowly.

You have emoted: Gurashi shuts her eyes, though this time she does not resume her singing, following along with Tridemon's steps serenely.

You think to yourself: * teeming and thrumming, anticipating - * ... am O-K ...

The rumble of distant thunder heralds Kosuke, the cloud-bound Long as he flies in and loops himself around you several times like a draconic cocoon, handing you a large platter of bacon wrapped steaks within before he flies off.
The rumble of distant thunder heralds Kosuke, the cloud-bound Long as he flies in and loops himself around Tridemon several times, forming an odd cocoon before flying off.

Caught in a sudden bout of whimsy, you grab Tridemon's hands and twirl him about the room.

Tridemon flashes you a joyous smile.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

You have emoted: Gurashi pulls herself in towards Tridemon again, smiling as she steps in time and tune with the lucidian, her hands squeezing tightly.

You think to yourself: * the deep, low rumble of water *.

Tridemon kisses you passionately.

You think to yourself: * another wave of color, swelling, then fading, thrumming, throbbing - the continued dull rumble like deep water, or moving earth *.

You blush furiously.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I am yours, and you are mine. Right?"

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses awkwardly mid-step, left foot still raised as she is smooched. Dazedly, she nods at Tridemon, her hair an equal shade of red as her hair. "...yus."

You think to yourself: * churning color - it is O-K *.

You think to yourself: ... maybe I am not always watched ...

You think to yourself: * a hopeful swell of color as her eyes trace over a nearby shadow *.

You look at Tridemon hopefully.

Tridemon gives you a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets both feet rest against the ground, rising to her tip-toes to return the kiss to Tridemon in earnest.

You think to yourself: * g r a t e f u l *.

You think to yourself: * m a g e n t a *.

Tridemon squeezes you again as he returns the kiss.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi sinks back to stand flat on her feet, lifting Tridemon's hands within her own, gazing up adoringly, dazedly.

You think to yourself: * the sound of water becomes more prominent, the rumble softening and replaced with tinkling seashells. The mindscape swells with ocean hues, coaxed by the lantern overhead and the sound of the sea that drift in from outside *.

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

Her eyes watery, you say to Tridemon, "... thank you."

You shuffle your feet uneasily.

Tridemon embraces you with great ardour.

You reach out, pulling Tridemon into a tight embrace.

The soft lambency of passing hummingbirds filters in from outside, shedding light on a dark night.

You have emoted: Gurashi says nothing else, burying her face into Tridemon's chest and folding her hands together against his spine. She heaves a great sigh, swaying lightly.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... want to go home and rest?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods without pulling her head away from Tridemon's chest.

Tridemon flashes you a joyous smile.

Tridemon subtly moves to grab a cookie before starting to lead you home.

Tridemon picks up an ocean wave cookie.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Oh - wait."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "The non-merian quarter."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "I got ... loooooots of leftover foods - we should deliver it real quick or I will definitely forget."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters northwest to on Nautilus Pompilus Street, in the non-Merian quarter.

You greet Hirin, an adolescent trill with a sincere smile.

Cocking his head to one side, Hirin, an adolescent trill says, "Yeah? Are you here to bring food for the Non-Merian Quarter?"

Voice bright and clear, you exclaim, "I am, I am!"

Hirin, an adolescent trill places the gifted food into his bag, testing its strength with a gentle jostle. "I think I can carry more before I go and make some deliveries. If you can bring anything else, that'd be great!" x30

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "... I am sorry - I didn't think it would be this uh."

You glance askance.

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

You nod your head emphatically.


You give beef stewed with figs and mushrooms to Hirin, an adolescent trill.
Shoving the gifted food carefully into his bag, Hirin, an adolescent trill remarks, "I think that'll do it! I'll be off to do some deliveries! Be back soon!"

You eyes light up as you smile.

Hirin, an adolescent trill turns around and runs deeper into the quarter, ducking and disappearing into a sidestreet.

You sway anxiously in your spot.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "There."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "No hungry peoples tonight."

You beam broadly.

Tridemon gives you a thumbs up.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Quiet and awed, you say to Tridemon, "...thank you for the dance."

Tridemon gives you a friendly squeeze.

You follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters south to A brightly-painted sunroom.

Tridemon flops down onto the soft carpet.

You ruffle your own hair, attempting to make yourself presentable.

You flop down onto the ground.

You have emoted: Gurashi heaves a great sigh, reaching up to rub her eyes. "...how do you feel?"

You glance askance at Tridemon.

You think to yourself: * silvery anticipation *.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Tired. Satisfied. ... More tired."

Amused, you ask, "...satisfied?"

Glancing to your arm, you ask Tridemon, "...you were not in any pain?"

You reach out and touch Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. No."

You have emoted: Gurashi takes Tridemon's left hand, lifting it and kissing each knuckle carefully. "Good."

Mouth still pressed to your fingers, you say to Tridemon, "Causenowwegottagodancinmore."

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

You have emoted: Gurashi scoots closer, still clinging tightly to your left hand.

You lean against Tridemon, eyes half-closing.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... it is sleep now."

Snuggling closer, you whisper, "Sleep with me."

You have emoted: Gurashi fumbles with her belt, huffing.

You take a large wool tartan picnic blanket from a Rope Belt of Advantage.

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up just long enough to shake out a large wool tartan picnic blanket, draping it across herself and Tridemon before she flops back down, grimacing as her head conks against the floor upon her return.

Voice bright and clear, you whisper, "Ow."

Your eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across your face.

You have emoted: Gurashi goes limp, then flops to face Tridemon, snuggling close. "I will find you next month... soonly..."

The gray light of morning bleeds through the branches of the Ravenwood trees.

Tridemon snores loudly.

You give Tridemon a peck on the cheek.

You are exhausted and open your mouth in an enormous yawn.