Be not afraid, Love and Will

A sacrosanct, smoke-filled cavern.
Muted traceries of paint outline the bas-reliefs graven into the stone of this cavern. Here, a curving woman wrapped in flamelike blossoms rises out of the rock: there, a robed man lifts his lantern. Other figures rise amidst them, in turn becoming warriors, scribes, sages and children arrayed in bewildering, interlocking patterns. Sigils and starfields fade from the skins of each figure, radiating from occlusions of crystals within the walls; shallow, broad bowls of stone rest beneath them, ringing the cavern. Smouldering coals lie within, casting what little light there is within this darkened sanctum. Oilslick patterns ripple across the silken folds of this veil as it flutters between two paradigms.
You see exits leading north, east, west, and through a fluttering veil.

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

With a whisper of energies and a glimpse of changing paradigms, the veil parts, allowing you passage beyond.

The Fulcrux of Mysrai.
The walls of this rounded chamber are dimly illuminated by burning coals within a copper bowl at the centre, but remain no more distinct than any of the shadowy carvings upon their surface. At times, the walls seem as though they are mere veils between open air and the fire-illumined ring: at others, they are whirling sand or solid stone. Despite this, figures in various races shift and change, gone in seconds or less, with the only constant remaining the pinpricks of alien constellations within. The ceiling is a canopy of silk, or veils, or shifting realities, with loose poppy blossoms floating amidst it, or upon it, in tears of white and red and indigo. Oilslick patterns ripple across the silken folds of this veil as it flutters between two paradigms. Veils of reality bounded by skeins of ivory and blood-hued blossoms twist and shiver above a poppy-inlaid vessel filled with burning coals.
You see a single exit leading through a fluttering veil.

You have emoted: Cheliyi shuffles in, keeping her hands close to herself as she exudes a chill. The mugwump eyes the coal brazier warily, and sighs again. "Hi hello.... hope You are well. Don't know... why I'm here. But wanted to say hello."

Tongues of flame crackle into being, blossoming into an inferno that whispers verses of alien song before solidifying into Mysrai.

You blink.

---> aaaaa look shofets!

Waves of heat dance around the slight form of this amber-skinned, flat-nosed adolescent of some unrecognisable species. Set deep within Her face are two sockets filled with voidstruck darkness, illuminated by a fantastic, spiralling galaxy of scarlet stars. Two broad-based spiralling horns of pale gold rise from Her temples, curving outwards to the width of a wagon wheel before turning back and facing the points towards Her long, fire-hued hair that hangs down Her back in cascading waves. Although slight curves have begun to fill out Her form, most of Her body has been stripped of the fat of a child to leave Her appearing nearly gaunt. Her sharp bones protrude at awkward angles as Her legs, arms, and wrists carry more joints than necessary. Across the rest of her skin wind slender serpents of scarlet flame traced with tattoos of ivory blossoms in matching patterns across Her bare arms; nearly lost to sight beneath the tongues of fire which lick away from Her inked flesh. Faint melodies can be heard within Her company, though it is sung in a strange alien tongue far beyond mortal comprehension.
She is wearing:
a swirling crown of saffron hieroglyphs, burning the aether in the space between Her horns;
aubergine robes of contorted voidcopper filigree that are bunched around Her shoulders, leaving Her arms bare.

The glow of the Resin Child's horns is hypnotic in the light of the fulcrux, and as She tilts Her head curiously a blur of gold lingers behind their movement, slowly following after as She stares towards you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi shivers faintly, her frills tinted with frost. "Oh... um. Hi! Look very nicely, today." Her dull gaze trails Mysrai's form, frowning slightly at the gaunt angles and protruding bone. "Mm... do You... um. Want some food? Did not bring any of my own, but still have some of Cousin Tikki's..."

Mysrai, the Resin Child says, "...Il...Dza...Sra..."

You blink.
You stare blankly at Mysrai.

Mysrai, the Resin Child says something unintelligible in an unfathomable eldritch tongue.

You think to yourself: Oh what does that -mean-, am I hearing weirdly again?

You have emoted: Cheliyi subtly flicks her frills, frowning to herself.

You begin to wield a platter of hot and spicy dog sausages in your right hand.

Mysrai steps forward, Her feet making no more sound than the lightest of padding against the floor of the fulcrux as they are briefly visible in the shifting of Her robes. Undeniably graceful, Her motion is more akin to a dance than not as She spins and twirls before coming to rest in a small crouch to bring Her face mere centimetres away from your.

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks again, involuntarily swallowing and beginning to back away before she seemingly steels herself and stays steady. Wordlessly, though perhaps because she cannot utter any, she offers a platter of hot and spicy dog sausages.

You think to yourself: **the flames that curl and flicker across Their skin are too close too close it will burn again it will hurt again no- no- b r e a t h e**.

An instinct fills you from a place unknown. Offer the sausages, place them on the floor before Her. Drop them.

You drop a platter of hot and spicy dog sausages.
Flames erupt in a merry crackle, burning a platter of hot and spicy dog sausages away in a riotous melody of alien song.

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles sheepishly.

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

Mysrai, the Resin Child says something unintelligible in an unfathomable eldritch tongue.

The frost on her frills slowly dissipating into mist, you say, "Ah... sorry, yes. Do not understand what You are saying, no. Would respond, if I could."

You think to yourself: At least... it is warmer, here.

In an instant, Mysrai's hand is at your cheek, and the flames are there as well. Burning, crackling, and snapping with snippets of alien verse that fill your mind with praises to the Resin Child and testaments of Her benevolence. Yet where there should be a painful agony, the fire that licks at your skin feels like naught more than the splashing of a cool lake underneath the summer sun.

Mysrai, the Resin Child says, "Dza..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi visibly flinches with fear as the flames lick over her skin, almost tearing herself away, only to hesitate, and frown. Her tail lashes behind her, the mugwump clearly shaken as her gaze flicks down to the fire with befuddlement. Slowly, she relaxes, looking up at Mysrai with confused awe.

You think to yourself: **nonono- wait. wait. it doesn't... the sudden pit of fear in your stomach slowly fades, leaving copper in your mouth and an odd warmth in your chest.**.

You close your eyes and focus on Mysrai's voice, frills turned to them.

Mysrai, the Resin Child says something unintelligible in an unfathomable eldritch tongue.
In Mysrai's speech, the song about Her releases but bare snippets that...perhaps in madness, appear to ring true to the common tongue. "...cont......ne'....fear....contr...f the...paradigm. Your Will, ...bo...ll, shall shape the reality........Be not afraid, once-M..................Love shal....mad...free."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks rapidly, tears welling up in her eyes. Hoarse, she murmurs, "I... I don't... I'm not one of Yours, though. So, why..."

The hand around your cheek shifts as She unfolds another joint, allowing Her to better cradle your cheek and take the weight of your neck from you. A soft smile splits Her face, though you note that at its apex Her mouth also begins to split vertically where Her cupid's bow should be.

Mysrai, the Resin Child says, "...Il...Dza...Sra..."
Mysrai, the Resin Child says something unintelligible in an unfathomable eldritch tongue.

You think to yourself: **like a wall, the inability to understand, why would They care, followed by hurt and longing choking out your words, it feels nice, it really does, you wish it could be like this all the time, but life isn't like that, it isn't allowed to be like that for you, you don't get it**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows thickly, her gloved fingers twitching as she resists the urge to scrub away her tears.

The song is too tender, too sweet for your mind to begin to parse any of that which She says this time as your emotions and insecurities begin to drown out the whispers of alien tongue. Darkness looms in the distance of the fulcrux, shadows moving like so many monsters and serpents that threaten to consume were it not for Her presence.

You think to yourself: **once again, the willow over the pond, darkness flooding the skies like a fiery storm as the smog sweeps in, "the shadows are no longer your ally," please don't leave, don't leave, it's going to be so dark and you can't be blind again please no-**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi curls inward, as if to diminish her presence.

With a sudden snap of Her neck, Mysrai's head begins to rapidly shake and contort before Her mouth splits in four directions, peeling backwards to reveal the face of your father emerging from within Her esophagus, complete from His orange hair to the streak of grey. With a kind face and a gentle smile, he asks, "Will you let your fear hold you back forever, Mine-Child?" Then, like it never happened, his face is gone, and you are once more staring into Her strange, alien face.

---> me losing my shit in ooc clan

(And Everything Nice): You say, "MYSRAI WTF."
(And Everything Nice): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "Such a mood."
(And Everything Nice): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "I told you."
(And Everything Nice): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "They're v good at that."
(And Everything Nice): You say, "NO."
(And Everything Nice): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "What."
(And Everything Nice): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "Did they bite you."
---> gives gurashi the emote
(And Everything Nice): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "MINE-CHILD."
(And Everything Nice): You say, "MYSRAI U FUCKER I KNOW YOU'RE READIN THIS."

You have emoted: Cheliyi flinches in place as Mysrai contorts and changes, her eyes widening with disbelief as she stares blankly at her own father's face. Her mouth, opens, then closes, visibly concerned. "... Please do not tell me You ate them."

Mysrai's mouth curves once more into a smile, and She barks out a harsh laugh that is echoed in a multitude of song verses. Alien laughter fills the fulcrux like the pealing of church bells, ringing loud and clear before the very aether near you begins to warp.

Gurashi blinks.
Gurashi is mid-step and mid-swing, a wooden training katana raised overhead when they suddenly come into the Fulcrux, wobbling on their feet and stumbling forward.
Gurashi stares blankly into space.

Mysrai, the Resin Child says something unintelligible in an unfathomable eldritch tongue.

You have emoted: Cheliyi giggles along with Mysrai, almost involuntarily, though the laughter quickly morphs into a choked sob that she cuts off with a cough. "Um... do not want to be controlled by fear forever, no. But it... it doesn't..." Her gaze flicks to Gurashi as they enters, giving a faint, watery smile.

Gurashi wheels around, shaken, blade extended outward defensively. Immediately, however, they see you there, and their concern softens. They blink slowly once, twice, the sword lowering as their body relaxes, turning their attention now to Mysrai.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *the fulcrux - shades of black and white, save Cheliyi - bright waves of pink and violet and apple green and blue swirl around her chaotically - and the Other Figure - a myriad of colors - all of them, glittering brilliantly, blindingly - Them*.

As the hand presses just a touch more firmly against your cheek -- a squeeze of comfort perhaps? -- the faint whispers of Her song can once more be heard making the briefest of sense. "...fa...whole...hale....My...procl...ch...form?"

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *no extra joint nor lick of fire intimidates them, instead outlined in brilliant colors to make Them look like an impressionistic painting - b e a u t i f u l*.

Your memory skitters as the last few seconds fade in a blur of joy and song.

Gurashi silently holders their blade, brushing their hair out of their face as they slowly creep forward. They too eventually rest a hand upon your, finding the mugwump's shoulder as they sink to a knee before Mysrai, bowing to the Elder, then flicking their gaze to you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks slowly, her frills twitching almost feverishly as she tries to make sense of Their song. Her gaze blurs for a moment, before she blinks again with clear confusion.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *a fluttering sensation - relief, knowing she is in goodly hands - they gaze upon the Thousandfold again, colors swirling up in painterly strokes - permission? to help understand the bits of language lost without... a single golden thread dances before their mind's eye*.

You think to yourself: **warmth and joy, chasing away the chill and bitterness, maybe the fire isn't that awful, maybe it slowly eats away at the bloodied briars, it's... it's nice.**.

As the song spins about you in faster and faster refrains, new verses supplementing the old as the Resin Child is praised and the shadows are kept at bay, you hear a snippet in Common sung in repetition. Growing stronger and stronger until the suggestion is no longer, but instead a directive and a need that nestles deep within your chest. "...be not afraid...Love and Will...be not afraid...Love and Will..."

Gurashi closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.

---> arix pops in sob

The veil flutters aside as Arix passes through in a shivering of crimson and copper energies.
Actual Best Bear Arix Mes'ard, the Ruffian says, "Oh."
The veil flutters outwards into a skein of copper and crimson energies, obscuring Arix from view.

Gurashi's fiery gaze begins to water, and they exhale softly, expression briefly euphoric at the sung words. They give your shoulder a gentle squeeze of affirmation, as if to remind her they are indeed there.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's tail curls around her leg like a small, self embrace, the mugwump visibly relaxing and wordlessly touching the center of her chest. "I... mm. Okay."

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *wondrous and confused - a conversation between Them and she? will have to ask when is finished - but, ah --*.

You think to yourself: **the words, echoing across the pond like a shower of pebbles creating a cascade of ripples, be not afraid... love and will. your chest is meant to grow kinder things than bitterness.**.

You smile gently, frills puffing with joy.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *--unable to help it, another swirl of colors to match the Thousandfolds - uwah - She is -so- beautiful! This Shofets, The Shofets...*.
Gurashi huffs, puffing their cheeks.

The explosion that follows should be a deadly holocaust of flame; a raging pyre that consumes all and devours even the very mountain within which you stand. Yet as the inferno roars about you, lighting the fulcrux in stark brilliance, you feel as though you are submerged within a pond on a warm summer's day, currents of motion caressing your body in loving passes. Slowly, the form of the Resin child peels away like the flaking of paint, until She is gone and you are left with none but each other within the eruption of flame.

Gurashi closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.

Slowly, the blossoms of flame begin to die off, and it is as though you are among blossoming meadow, with manifold petals sweeping through the air. Your eyes are treated to a phantasmagoric display of colour and emotion as you smell each hue and taste each scent.

As the last of the cinders begin to fall, shadows once more return to linger beyond the veils, yet in this place there is no threat to them; merely the darkness which is the companion of light, and the bedfellow of that which would stand in it.

Gurashi's tail twitches, lashing again as they watch and breathe in deeply, unbothered by the flame, instead lingering in the aftermath of Their departure.

At last, the fulcrux is as it was, and you feel the last of the Resin Child's presence fade away. No matter how hard you try, the words and formations of Her song escape your grasp, leaving only a pleasant melody within the back of your mind.

A single clawed hand rises to touch the back of your hair comfortingly as Gurashi's gaze dances along the colors and light, quietly humming to themselves.

Mysrai, the Resin Child has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 15 months.

The veil flutters aside as Arix passes through in a shivering of crimson and copper energies.

Gurashi hums softly to themself.

Arix clenches his fists and grits his teeth.

Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile at Arix.

Arix drops vibrant gloves of indigo and copper.

Flames erupt in a merry crackle, burning vibrant gloves of indigo and copper away in a riotous melody of alien song.

(And Everything Nice): Gurashi says, "She re-upped my favor woo."

The veil flutters outwards into a skein of copper and crimson energies, obscuring Arix from view.

Gurashi blinks.

You have emoted: Cheliyi wordlessly seizes as the inferno appears, only to stop, breathe, and relax. Her tail flicks back and forth as she takes in each sense and feeling, content despite the apparent agitation. Sniffling, she wipes at her eyes, and smiles brilliantly. "Thank You," she murmurs, staring at the fading flames smiling at the slight melody.

You think to yourself: **as the briars crumble into ash, something new and brilliantly red sprouts from the remains. A poppy.**.

Fluttering as if caught by a breeze, the silver threads of tinsel draped along Gurashi's wreath weave about in a haphazard pattern: conjuring new constellations and shapes as they glow from the sidereal light of the ornament's fine filaments.

Gurashi continues to hum, their tail too lashing behind them as they stare at the spot where once stood the Divine. They look down towards the mugwump, curious.

Sniffling, you say, "Um... just came to say hello, but They..."
You smile softly.
Quietly, you say, "They're nice."

At last breaking their silence, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Am fine," They chime in, "when I arrived - They were showing you was ...hales!"

You stare blankly at Gurashi.

Gurashi lifts the hand not resting on the mugwump into the air, flexing it.

You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.

In gentle, dulcet tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Look. All of the pieces."

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: Just... not the rightly shapes.

You have emoted: Cheliyi wordlessly pulls Gurashi into a tight hug.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *a thrum of embarrassment, quickly snuffed out*.
Gurashi reaches out and gently grabs you, pulling you into a tight embrace.

Softly, you say, "Always the right shape."

Gurashi's tail lashes forward to rest against your own leg, lightly curled about it. "Are O-K?" They ask, reaching into their pack to pull out a kerchief, offering it to her. "Were saying hello? Because, yes - They -are- very nicely..."

Suddenly amused, you say, "Thought They had eaten you. Used your face to ask me a question, and it sort of... popped out of their mouth? Was a bit spooky."

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *another sigh and a sense of longing - this newly Shapes... could listen to songs forevers and evers*.

You cough softly.

Gurashi stares blankly at you.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Their, rather."

In gentle, dulcet tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "...I what?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi opens her mouth and mimics pulling something out and mimes talking with her hand.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Like that."

Gurashi's eyes widen as they stare at you.
Gurashi stares blankly into space.

You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.
You give Gurashi a friendly squeeze.

A charge of energy flows through your soul.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: *Trying to envision the sight? but unable to quite picture it like she said. a face inside a mouth? a face inside HER mouth? my face? that is not how faces work, or mouths, the childlike drawings in their mind scrambling into nonsense and colors and the residual melody of Her farewell*.
Gurashi huffs, puffing their cheeks.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Did not think They would like. Actually eat you, though. At least uh... not without asking? Was still something I just asked."

With a sage nod, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "If They needed to eat me, would be O-K. But has not happened." A pause. "Yet."
Gurashi glances askance.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: Would taste good?

A wry smile spreads across your face.
Dryly, you say, "Never want to find out, no."

Gurashi sighs, then rises slowly, offering both hands now to you, curious.

You have emoted: Cheliyi takes Gurashi's hands, leaning into them with a quiet sigh. She pauses, and glances down at her skin. "... Not frosted. Hm."
You begin to follow Gurashi.
You smile softly.

---> look me, NEW FAVOR SO PRETTY

Small and cheery, she is a glistening mugwump tidal demigoddess of axolotl descent with pearly skin and mauve-tinted frills. Her stature is not unnatural for a mugwump, barely above 4'3" and sturdy with a clear fitness that implies years of climbing about trees and swimming through swaths of swamp. A messy bob of magenta hair flows from her scalp, tangled with shiny knickknacks, small origami, and albino feathers. Hints of withered willow leaves mingle with her pink locks, the sprouts reluctant to part from her hair. A single, amateur braid hangs from her disheveled bangs, upkept with clear affection. Affixed to one frill is a tiny set of bone chimes, so small that it almost seems like an earring. Her skin has a soft, oily sheen akin to most mugwumps, but strangely enough, the skin becomes abruptly dry and brittle in some places. Most notable of these are her forearms and a large patch around her eyes, the complexion discolored to an uncomfortable beige, rough to the touch. Hints of pink colour the damaged skin, implying frequent fidgeting and rubbing of the tender areas. Her eyes fare no better, the traditionally midnight orbs a faded, milky grey. When caught in a certain light, they seem to almost glow with an unnatural haze. A bright grin reveals normal teeth with suspiciously wooden canines, hinting at her past life as a some form of druid. Thick bark clings to the soles of her webbed feet, another permanent addition to her form that seem to replace any need for footwear. A long, thick tail twitches occasionally behind her, stirring up dust and litter with each sweep. The pale frills that would usually extend from her tail are torn and scarred, the wounds long since healed. A sparkling circlet of sugar crystals dances about her head, marking the truefavour of Crumkane, Lord of Epicurean Delights.

---> aaaaaaaaa

Faint traces of alien song can be heard around her, sung in lilting tones and ululations that defy mortal capability.

She is wearing:
an entrancing red rose
a hat of sensational blooming stuck firmly on her head
a circlet of living vines lining a hat of sensational blooming much like a living ribbon
a pair of thin spectacles with a secondary set of tinted lenses that flip up and down as needed
a dangling earring of willow leaves through her right ear - like frill
a leaf-green woollen blanket pinned over a dark moss-green linen shirt like a shawl
a gentle water lily brooch proudly securing a leaf green-woolen blanket in place
a dark moss-green linen shirt tucked into her skirt, the sleeves rolled just above her forearms
a long skirt of shadows cinched snugly at her waist with a thin vine
an airy bracelet of the cloudswept sky fastened snugly around her left wrist
a jewelled bracelet of the Three of Night tethered loosely in place with a withered vine
a pair of supple leather hunting gloves fastened tightly to her palms.
A charge of energy flows through your soul.

Gurashi blinks, their touch no less feverishly hot than it was against your own skin now. "What is not? You is not?" They ask, tail lashing this way and that.
In gentle, dulcet tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Oh!"
Gurashi turns to the master shrine of Mysrai, bending at their waist to offer it a polite half-bow.

You blink.
Comprehension flashes across your face.
You bow respectfully to the master shrine of Mysrai.

As they rise, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to the master shrine of Mysrai, "For You! Most Wonderful Beloveds!"
Proudly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to the master shrine of Mysrai, "Thank You for taking such goodly care of my Mine-child, yes, yes."
Gurashi whips their head around to look at you again, giving her hand a squeeze. "Ready?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles up at Gurashi, giving them a gentle squeeze. "Mhm."
You think to yourself: **deep green and brown, you love them more than you can express**.

The melodious sounds of alien song fade from your mind as the Resin Child turns from the Basin of Life once more, the sky ceasing to burn with Her departure.

You follow Gurashi, The Heart's Friend to a sacrosanct, smoke-filled cavern.