Another Day, Another Flower

<-- it is time, to give the Lady of Cocoons a visit

Within a serene glade.
There is a moderate breeze here. The expense of the mystical forest takes pause here as it opens up into a tranquil, aged glade of light and colour. At its heart is a long tableau of white marble, gleaming in the light with its mirror-polished surface. The joyful song of birds lends the area a serene atmosphere, their colourful feathers dancing among the blossoming flowers carpeting the small hill. Four pillars of sand flow onto a bed-sized slab of white marble which rises from the ground, surrounded by a nimbus of domotheon energies. Resting peacefully in repose upon the healing mound, the cocooned figure of the Goddess Li-varili is kept vigil by the gentle light of twinkling domothean crystals. Wreathed in aurulent ivy, a pristine healing mound gleams invitingly. With an intelligent countenance, a stormy-hued swan graced with pitch black wings glides through the air here. Veldrin D'Cente is here, shrouded. She wields a twisted staff in her left hand and a midnight black tear stained violin in her right hand. Tikki with a Blank face stands here, his presence perfuming the air with the warm scent of mouth-watering confections. He wields a sticky spatula of Solstice peppermint in his left hand and a starry bird of paradise lute in his right hand.
You see a single exit leading west.

You strike a pose.

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

Tikki says, "Good very early morning once again! Oh? It sounds like the Lady may be starting to stir then?"

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

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

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Possibly."

You have emoted: Gurashi cups their cheeks as they enter, eyes widening. "...S-She is starting to stir?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over at a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili, wide-eyed, creeping ever closer. "I hope You are feeling better, Miss!" They say to the cocoon before tracing a single fingertip over one of the magnolias hopefully. "How're you boths?" They ask of Tikki and Veldrin next, ears twitching.

Veldrin D'Cente thinks to herself: Rising from the grumble of voices a harmounius chanting starts, "Think bug Think bug Think bug!" Followed by giggling.

You eyes light up as you smile.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Greetings once more."

As you gently brush your fingertips across a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili, one of the pure white magnolia blossoms flowering about Her gently floats into your grasp.
"Take this pure white magnolia blossom, Gurashi," the calm, feminine voice of the Empyreal Goddess whispers to you, "and empower the misty wisps of Daeiv ma'Mornhai, that they may imbue it with their healing power."

Tikki giggles happily.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "She..well, sorta jammed a dream into our head and we nearly went off.."

Veldrin coughs softly.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles, collecting a pure white magnolia blossom near to their chest. "...was in your dreams?"

Tikki thinks to himself: Think Bug huh. That is a cute little nickname for them.

Veldrin ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

A ghostly willowisp dances in gaily.

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks, still holding the flower, wiggling in place.

The wind whistles eerily through the trees.

You shiver violently.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up, then back at the cocoon, then at the magnolia in their hands, eyes wide.


Tikki says to you, "Oh right, a reminder that the exhibit is going to be public so feel free to invite any non-enemied-to-Hallifax friends that you'd like."

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

Veldrin D'Cente says, "We wonder.."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "OH."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "I cannot WAIT."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Oh! But! Uh! Please excuse me I will be right back and then more talkies this flower needs to get a TALKIN' to."

Tikki nods his head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi runs in a small circle, a pure white magnolia blossom extended still.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Berightbackberightback."

<--- nyooms to quest

Within a serene glade.
It is quite cool. The expense of the mystical forest takes pause here as it opens up into a tranquil, aged glade of light and colour. At its heart is a long tableau of white marble, gleaming in the light with its mirror-polished surface. The joyful song of birds lends the area a serene atmosphere, their colourful feathers dancing among the blossoming flowers carpeting the small hill. Four pillars of sand flow onto a bed-sized slab of white marble which rises from the ground, surrounded by a nimbus of domotheon energies. Resting peacefully in repose upon the healing mound, the cocooned figure of the Goddess Li-varili is kept vigil by the gentle light of twinkling domothean crystals. Wreathed in aurulent ivy, a pristine healing mound gleams invitingly. With an intelligent countenance, a stormy-hued swan graced with pitch black wings glides through the air here. Standing majestically, a lady-like penguin with a sparkling, opalescent scarf surveys the surroundings. Veldrin D'Cente is here, shrouded. She wields a twisted staff in her left hand and a midnight black tear stained violin in her right hand. Eyes gleaming with daring, a Horizon Walker stands here armed and ready to face the vast unknown. Tikki with a Blank face stands here, his presence perfuming the air with the warm scent of mouth-watering confections. He wields a sticky spatula of Solstice peppermint in his left hand and a starry bird of paradise lute in his right hand.
You see a single exit leading west.

You reach out and touch a pure white magnolia blossom.
As a pure white magnolia blossom's petals unfurl, you hear the gentle voice of the Empyreal Goddess whisper: "This magnolia's heart is fully imbued with great healing light. Bring it to the cocoon bearing the Goddess Li-varili, and you may lend its power to My own."

You murmur softly to yourself.

Sutekh's elytra clack together sharply with a loud, if low, tone.

Sutekh glances at you appraisingly, antennae twitching in your direction as he turns his attention to you.

Tikki takes a curious chocolate chip cookie from a fesix bag of carrying.

Tikki gives a curious chocolate chip cookie to you.

Reverently, you whisper, "I have returned, yes."

Veldrin tilts her head curiously at you.

You see the following people here:
Sutekh, Veldrin, Tikki, Gurashi.

You drop a pure white magnolia blossom.
Boundless light flows forth from a pure white magnolia flower in its descent, floating gently towards a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili in a swirl of soothing energies. The entirety of the healing mound illuminates in answer, drawing strength from the offering.
The Goddess Li-varili's expression shifts as if dreaming, the illumined scars that once marked Her body now faint and dimmed by the healing light of the magnolias.
As if the Goddess's dreams are your own, they enter your mind unbidden: "Come back, my child," you cry out, weeping. You can hear how she is so frightened, so scared and alone. You never want her to feel alone, as you have. Who could have frightened her so, this child you have given the strength of all the world? If only she knew the power she held. If only she understood others should fear her, instead. You call out to her in the distance, but your words are thwarted, fading in a soothing veil of white mist that dares to seek to calm your mind. Why are you so helpless, when your child needs you?

Veldrin D'Cente says to Sutekh, "It is peeps from the candy land place, made into a chili."

You blink.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Oh--."

"Allow Me to thank you for your part in this healing ritual, Gurashi," the calm, feminine voice of the Empyreal Goddess whispers to you through the aether, before dissipating in a whirl of starlight.
You feel your health expand as the healing power of Lantra, the White washes over you in gratitude.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly claps their hands over their long ears, eyes wide as they consider the cocoon. "What."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Was banned at the last larger gathering.."

Veldrin tilts her head curiously at you.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says to Veldrin, "I meant the extra ingredient in the cookie."

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Which one?"

Veldrin D'Cente says, "The child? or.. there are apprently a few she is dreaming of."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says to you, "Yes, I got a ... vision, too."

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes are wide as they lean forward, scanning the cocoon. "...who..."

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

Veldrin D'Cente says, "The one of her seeking her child? that was ours..and why we nearly did bad things."

Veldrin coughs softly.

Veldrin slumps down, slowly throbbing a deep amber.

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: *a recollection of holding hands with a beloved one, then their disappearing into bubbles, grasping out at nothing as chains bind and drag.*.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Veldrin at this, their eyes shiny. "...the child, yes," They say, voice high and faint.

Veldrin gives a small divine cookie to you.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Aye..it is a rough one."

You have emoted: Gurashi takes the cookie slowly, dazedly, bringing their hands down now from their face. They crouch beside the cocoon, scanning the sleeping Goddess inside. "Is what you meant?" They ask Veldrin without looking at her. "What were talking about when..."

(I think I askanced or frowned at the cocoon)
You move to approach a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili.
Shimmering into existence, a barrier of immaculate white mist manifests before a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili in answer, preventing any action from being taken upon the resting Divine.

You have emoted: Gurashi balances on the balls of their feet, cups their cheeks and stares longingly at the cocoon, frowning. "...will She be mad, still, I wonder..."

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: I'll need to continue this if I want to understand what the both of them saw.

Resonant, calm, and clear, the sound of a distant feminine voice chants softly in a language beyond your understanding as faint motes of white brighten and arc about a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili.

Shafts of pale morning light pierce through the gloom from Father Sun's crown as it peeks over the world's edge, announcing a new day.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Yes.."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Hence the precautions."

You shiver violently.

Sutekh waves a long arm at the magnolias that clearly bind Her to the mound, indicating their restriction.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "We would seek the child and calm it, if it is here waiting for her will greatly temper her wrath."

Hugging their arms over their chest now, you say, "Miss Calfuray said magnolias were bittersweets cause of its..."
Brightening with a pulse of recognition, a misty wisp of healing light twirls in place with anticipation.

Resonant, calm, and clear, the sound of a distant feminine voice chants softly in a language beyond your understanding as faint motes of white brighten and arc about a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up at the wisp bobbing around their head now, ears twitching.
Veldrin nods her head at you.

Tikki says, "Such anger cannot fade so quickly, doubly so for the divine. But that there are those still willing to try and help Her get through that anger, to understand Her better, then perhaps in time Her rage and hurt will abate."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Oh ... ah ... that is a goodly idea..."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "I doubt such a maneuver."

Veldrin D'Cente says, "They are binding her even as they heal..we doubt she will be to pleased with all of us who helped reinforce her prison."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Did the Gods not indicate their desire to place the Sea spirit in stasis? She certainly would not be here 'waiting for Her to wake up,' if she were found."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Tikki says, "Perhaps not. But She'd hardly be the first patient a healer had to restrain for their own safety."

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales softly, closing their eyes. "She will be sad, then," They consider, hands returning to their face.

Softly, you say, "Poor Lady, poor Lady ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi sways where they crouch, rising finally. "I wonder why They have not found her yet - the Sea Spirits..."

You forecast that:
There is a moderate breeze here.
Thick dreamy cotton clouds are spread across the firmament.
It is quite cool.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "There is...a lot of Sea in the world, and in some very...dangerous places, as well."

Tikki says, "I would wager it's like trying to find a single teardrop lost in the sea."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Marne, Amberle, the Czigany Coast..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up thoughtfully, extending a hand, feeling for rain. "The weathers does not seems to be reaching the ethereals so badly, so muchly..."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "The oceans of the Wastelands may not be as easily trawled."

Tikki pets a stormy-hued swan graced with pitch black wings ingratiatingly.
A stormy-hued swan graced with pitch black wings rubs his beak on Tikki affectionately.

Sutekh touches their tabard thoughtfully.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Or the daughter can hide her self with all the power..or..she is everywhere dancing about the storms, making her own smog screen."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns a little. "A lots of Thems are looking, yes. I know Mister Lord Silence 'n the Lady Sculptor," They sigh heavily. "Thinks also the Others, too. All swimming together! Amazing..."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Veldrin.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Touching their chin, you say, "She must still be in sufferings, for how the weather rages, whether she is dancing knowingly, or, asleep in hidings..."

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Dancing may of been a nice way of saying, hiding in fear at every slight motion."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "O-oh, I do that."

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

Veldrin nods her head at you.

Tikki says, "It's sad, how many actions taken so long ago still cause ripples of suffering into the present day."

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Veldrin a tiny grin, then folds their arms over their chest again, wavering where they stand as they watch the cocoon. "How long has She been ... dreaming?"

Veldrin D'Cente says to Tikki, "We still can remember what some people said or did to us four hundred years ago about."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "It started this month."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "An old enemy showed up here and we just sorta..stood at each other."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Sutekh, "Just this months? Ah..."

You look at Veldrin, expression filled with concern as you frown.

A disarming sense of peace emanates from this sacred place as a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili rests in repose, as if the Lady of the Lagoons rests outside of time and space itself.

A look of understanding crossing his features, Tikki nods his head slowly.

Sutekh gives a twisted star to you.

Tikki says, "It's easy to hold on to something. It's hard to learn when to let go."

You have emoted: Gurashi gives themselves a squeeze, arms over their chest until they are handed the star, which they accept. "Oh, many thank yous!"

With especially precise folds, you assemble a springy leothin origami from four sheets of vellum.

Looking towards Tikki, Sutekh exhales a long and pensive breath.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Wounds leave scars."

Veldrin shrugs helplessly.

You look at Veldrin, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Nodding, you give a springy leothin origami to Contemptible Sutekh.

Sutekh holds the leothin origami carefully, cradling it in his hands as he stares down at it pensively.

You have emoted: Gurashi resumes holding themselves and the little origami, watching the cocoon. "She gots bigly ones. S'why is taking so long," They wonder aloud. "The scars, wounds."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Veldrin, "Have you played for Her yet this months?"

Tikki says, "Of course. To let go doesn't mean to forget, simply to move on. There is no way but forward, it's easier with friends, that's why I hope that, even if She is upset, that She will come to see that there are mortals and even divine that do really want Her to feel happy again. To not feel alone."

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: I am going to do it. Soon. Within the next two years.

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: No matter what happens, everything will be different.

Veldrin D'Cente says to you, "Not yet, we where rather disrupted by the dream."

Veldrin D'Cente says, "We are..processing it.."

Veldrin twitches spasmodically.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "So many memories and voices from her over the year have left things rather chaotic within.."

You have emoted: Gurashi's ears twitch, and they cant their head to the side, wandering in a slow circle around the cocoon. "It was heartbreaking yes," They whisper, finding themselves now standing behind the Goddess's head, peering down at Her with a frown.

The magnolia flowers that blossom before a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili unfurl with a dewy beauty, soothing in their mild and calming fragrance. They drape about the Goddess as if left in offering, even as they bind Her in place.

You have emoted: Gurashi's ears twitch, and they duck their head a little. "Do mind if I play? "They ask suddenly, looking up at those gathered. "No words, can keep talkies."

Veldrin ponders you for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Carefully tucking the origami away, Contemptible Sutekh says, "No, Gurashi. I would not mind. In fact, there is nothing I would rather hear."

Sutekh's elytra clack together sharply with a loud, if low, tone.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Aye, play on!"

Veldrin D'Cente says, "You endured our playing already."

Grunting and adjusting the pegs upon the tuning bridge, you say, "I need to have a talk soonly with one of my citymates, so cannot stay for super duperly longly..."

The corners of Veldrin's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

Tikki nods his head, settling in on the ground to listen.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, turning the peg left, then right, then left again, repeatedly plucking at the string to test for its pitch. Once they are satisfied, they nod and find a spot to lean against a nearby tree, drawing a finger across the instrument to produce a heavenly chord. "Ah, that is better."

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

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: Starhymn, or original composition?

Quickly, you say, "I-I do not have any words," They insist, "You do not have to not talks a-cause of me playing stringies."

Smiling, you play a few melodious bars on your instrument, causing the air to sparkle faintly.

Veldrin grins mischievously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles, watching the air about them glitter. "It is just background noises. Like the buggies!"

Veldrin tilts her head back for a moment, her form shifting slowly through the spectrum of colours.

Sutekh stares up at the sky, then winces tangibly.

Tone full of dread, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Eroee retrogade in the Skull."

You tilt your head curiously.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask, "Retrogrades is badly?"

Veldrin's ears perk up as her attention turns towards Sutekh.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "In that configuration.."

Sutekh exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from his lungs.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "My apologies. An outburst I should not have said aloud."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "It is...not relevant to the situation."

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: Only mine, because the sun is in Dragon. It's speaking to *me*.

You have emoted: Gurashi hums softly, resting the base of the psalterium upon their thigh, slowly plucking at the strings. "What are the stars saying?" They wonder aloud, producing a dreamy, almost bittersweet tune.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up curiously, expression placid as they play.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "It is..not a good omen for ambition based on love, as a simple interpretation. In fact, the inspiration of hate is likely this day."

Resonant, calm, and clear, the sound of a distant feminine voice chants softly in a language beyond your understanding as faint motes of white brighten and arc about a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili.

You smile sadly, wistful feelings welling up inside you.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Oh! That is ..." They glance at the sleeping Goddess, opening and closing their mouth a few times. "...I do not want to say fitting, because what happened was not done from hates, no."

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: I should let him go. I *need* to let him go. But this moment...at least I can listen.

A shifting, living poppy of burgundy petals displays a myriad of brilliant colours before its petals flash momentarily coalescing into a shade of bright ivory.

Sutekh exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from his lungs.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to play, expression briefly distant and dreamy as they gaze upon the sleeping Goddess's face. Suddenly their attention is drawn to the poppy on their wrist as the petals change from deep ruddy hues to brilliant ivory ones, and they smile, their melody shifting as well, brightening from bittersweet to hopeful, uplifting.

You hum softly to yourself.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Moon in the Glacier - hidden emotions. Volcano within Sidiak suggests thoughtful action will be most successful. Tarox in the dolphin - strife based on high emotions."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Aapek within the Burning Censer - boundaries set on relationships or partners."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Sun stellium with Papaxi in Dragon - at least a boon of good luck in philosophical thought."

You have emoted: Gurashi ceases their humming but continues to watch the sleeping Goddess, ear twitching, listening to Sutekh's words.

Tikki pets a stormy-hued swan graced with pitch black wings ingratiatingly.
A stormy-hued swan graced with pitch black wings rubs his beak on Tikki affectionately.

Sutekh's elytra clack together sharply with a loud, if low, tone.

Quietly, Contemptible Sutekh says, "That's all. I supposed that if I'd said something out loud I may as well finish the horoscope."

Veldrin D'Cente says, "We wonder.."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Quietly, Contemptible Sutekh says, "What do you wonder, Harbinger of Dark Fate?"

You have emoted: Gurashi seems like they are about to say something more, but their attention flicks to Veldrin now, head canting to the side as they play still.

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: Dark ascendance. I got the title wrong. Foolish. Idiot. If it was anyone other than Veldrin I'd be dead now.

Sutekh's elytra clack together sharply with a loud, if low, tone.

Sutekh exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from his lungs.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances towards Sutekh hopefully, offering a reassuring smile.

You look at Veldrin hopefully.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "She's...dreamweaving. To see if anything else is...'leaking.'"

You blink.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask, "Ahhh?? Ooooh?"

A soft voice enters your mind and whispers, "Boo."

You have emoted: Gurashi stops playing at this, fingers lingering over the lyre. Suddenly they let out a girlish shriek of surprise, nearly dropping the instrument in their fright.

You flail about helplessly.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "I apologize, but I must go collect thirty thieves' teeth for the Crowned Merchant."

You brandish a peacock psalterium lyre menacingly.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "I will be back afterwards."

Veldrin stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi points the lyre to the left, then right, looking for the source of the voice.

You narrow your eyes at Veldrin, canting your head and peering at her suspiciously.

Veldrin giggles happily.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Sutekh depart, furrowing their brow a little. They lower the lyre, then look at their other friends, smiling dazedly.

Veldrin D'Cente thinks to herself: A elderly soft feminen voice rise from the others, "Now see what you've done, you've give it more Anxietys" to childish giggling.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Pardon, sorry.."

You think to yourself: *the kephera departs and for a moment their mind fogs over, a sense of anxiety - morose and guilty*.

You have emoted: Gurashi pats their chest a few times delicately, staring at Veldrin. "Ah! Ahh, w-well, it was a funny prank," They whisper, finally forcing a little smile. "Nobody got hurts. It was funny. You scared me -good-."

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

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Aye, we do appolgize for the last time too.."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Veldrin.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask Veldrin, "Last time?"

Veldrin D'Cente says, "On astral, during the wildnodes.."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "...THAT WAS YOu."

You point accusingly at Veldrin.

A lady-like penguin waddles in from the west.

You open your mouth to say something, but speech fails you.

Sutekh's elytra clack together sharply with a loud, if low, tone.

Veldrin hums innocently to herself.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Veldrin, "YOU DID IT."

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

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask Veldrin, "YOU SPOOKED ME?"

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Veldrin, "I thought I was cuh-RAZY."

You flail about helplessly.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Is crazy a bad thing?"

Veldrin gives you the once-over, eyeing you suspiciously.

Tikki says, "I don't know if it's really possible to give Gurashi more anxiety than they have. Sometimes I wonder if they're made of it."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Ah! Uh, maybe a bad word ..."

Tikki hums innocently to himself.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "I thought, perhaps, astral insanity was making my minds dissolves even FASTER than usual."

You narrow your eyes at Tikki, canting your head and peering at him suspiciously.

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

Pouting, you say to Tikki, "I yam not mades of anxiety."

Seriously, you whisper, "Am just filled with it, yes."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

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

With a surge of fierce protectiveness in his tone, Contemptible Sutekh says, "If anyone has the right to be wary at all times it is Gurashi."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "I jest! I jest, I jokes! I tease!"

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: And yet he isn't.

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

Veldrin's ears perk up as her attention turns towards Tikki.

Veldrin D'Cente thinks to herself: A gruff old voice grumbles, "oh great, another one that can hear thoughts.."

The melodic chime of domothean crystals sing with healing light as they keep silent vigil over a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili, twirling in place as they assess Her wounds.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops their twirling, wobbling as they balance on their left leg, then drop the right, laughing.

Suddenly, you say to Veldrin, "I forgive you. It was a funny prank."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Veldrin.

Tikki says to Veldrin, "Apologies, I try not to listen in too terribly hard, I don't want folks thinking I'm being nosy."

Suddenly, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Gurashi, I've been going to a lot of...distant places and strange lands, and I saw something that reminded me of the angel Tridemon keeps company with. I drew it. Would you like to see?"

You blink.

You boggle at Sutekh.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask, "...oh - like Zanthasiel? Many eyes? Many wings? Was it on fire?"

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

Sutekh fumbles with a sketchpad, then holds it up.

Sutekh proudly shows off a sketch of the Kherubim of Gemini:
The Kherubim of Gemini is a spherical creature several yards across that floats effortlessly in midair, spurting gouts of blue flame all across her surface. She bears hundreds of pairs of off-white wings pointed in every direction that flap in a chaotic dance to keep her afloat and propel her as needed. Revealed in flashes beneath the wings are innumerable of pairs of eyes, some large, some small, some narrow, some wide, some almond-shaped, and some round, their irises bearing every colour imaginable. The eyes blink open and closed rapidly, the blue flames issuing from the pupils themselves. With so many wings flapping, a constant flurry of tiny feathers drifts from the creature as she slowly spins and hovers.

You have emoted: Gurashi's mouth forms a perfect 'o' of surprise. "Whaaaaaaaaaaaa...."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "She ..." They begin to count, mouthing the words, "has so many WINGS."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "And EYEBALLS."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out to examine the sketchpad more closely, practically sticking their face into it. "Where was she!"

Sutekh nods enthusiastically, pleased with your reaction. "There's a God inside of it!"

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

You blink.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you whisper, "...a god."

Veldrin tilts her head while gazing at Sutekh, her crystal body flickering curious shades of light green.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you whisper, "W-which? And why?"

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Gemini. What I sketched was the shell Kethuru built over Gemini's essence to try and devour her, but her will is too strong. That monster, the Kherubim of Gemini, is a Soulless spawn of the Almighty."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you whisper, "Ooooh."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you whisper, "Terrifying..."

Sutekh clicks, pleased with the ability to teach.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Her Will was too strong - that is amazing..."

You have emoted: Gurashi gazes up slowly, scanning the starry sky.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "It is the same way for all of the Twelve astral spheres - they're manifestations of Gods too powerful for Kethuru to subsume entirely."

Perking up, you ask, "Aren't they the ones you wakes up to form the, uh, Vindicator? The one that smacks the big Beasts that wanders around up there?"

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Is that why you can "purify" them and banish the beast?"

Veldrin tilts her head curiously at Sutekh.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh whispers, "Capricorn is a sileni that dances and sings weapons into existance and has swords fling themselves at his enemies. His hooves are shod with brass!"

Sutekh nods his head at you.

Sutekh nods his head at Veldrin.

Tikki says, "I don't have any sketches quite as fancy, but I -do- have a sketch of AE01!"

You have emoted: Gurashi turns away and makes a motion like swinging a stick to hit away opposition.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "...sings weapons into existence ...."

Falaine enters from the west, emanating an aura of immense power.

Tikki proudly shows off a sketch of an incomplete polytope prototype with wings of ever-shifting fractals:
Pulsating faintly with his own inner light, this incomplete polytope prototype shifts through the various shapes of the polyhedrons of Continuum, as if uncertain what his final form will be. With a halting motion, wings of ever-shifting fractals emerge from the vague impression of his unfinished shape. Almost incongruent with the rest of the polytope's body is the energy core that forms his head, a wobbly orb with blinking lights that resemble eyes. Rather than ligaments and imperfect mechanical pieces, his limbs are held together by a harmonic light as he hovers in mid-air, whirring softly. He is named AE01.

As Falaine gently brushes her fingertips across a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili, one of the pure white magnolia blossoms flowering about Her gently floats into her grasp.

His compound eyes fixated on Tikki, Sutekh's mandibles twitch to voice a brief, curious chirr.

Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity thinks to herself: [a sharp, wary notice of each person.. two particularly].

You have emoted: Gurashi's pupils dilate nearly as wide as they can. "Ah, that is incredible, yes," They cup their unscarred cheek, staring at the new sketch now. "Oh! POLYTOPE," They gasp, then notice Falaine's arrival, waving. "Ah! Miss Falaine!"

You see the following people here:
Veldrin, Sutekh, Tikki, Falaine, Gurashi.

You think to yourself: FIVE.

You lay out a spread of your finest cuisine and delicacies before your guests. Enjoying the food yourself, you delight even more at the sight of everyone indulging themselves in this epicurian feast, eating and drinking until utterly satiated. The fine meal not only lifts your spirits, but enhances your body as well.

Tikki hums a happy tune.

You have emoted: Gurashi remains perfectly still after the feast has feted, looking dazed.

Falaine glances over at you, lightly grasping the magnolia, and gives a cordial nod.

Falaine leaves to the west, emanating an aura of immense power.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Ah--."

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "Oh! What perfectly timing!"

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "And...and this is the beast! The Avatar of Kethuru."

Quietly, Sutekh gazes at the sky, as though longing to sail into the far reaches of space.

Sutekh proudly shows off a sketch of the Beast of a Thousand Fates:
The Beast of a Thousand Fates had once been a feathered trill, but what plumage he has is twisted and warped. His wings are near-skeletal, possessing only a few sooty black plumes, their forms misshapen as if they had frozen partway through melting away. Thousands of tentacles sprout from his once-noble body, curling, writhing and reaching out with sinister intent as they drip a filthy black slime. Rows of eyes run along his limbs and his arched spine, glowing mesmerisingly as he paces on all fours, naked with wings outstretched. His eyes possess no iris, no pupil, no sclera. Rather, they are a bulging mass of sickly gold run through with cracks of iron grey. As he moves, the cracks shift and change, seeming almost to ooze the surrounding xanthic hue like sickly pus. This remnant of High Prophet Ghani n'Rotri has shed his past like a shell: He is no mortal, no shard, no demigod; not anymore. His very visage, handsome, proud, and yet empty of all but malice, emanates the malevolent will of the One whose devouring hunger lingers through all fates and turns dreams to neverending nightmares.

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "I was just going to ask if you were still a-wake and a-round and excusing myselfs to leave so could talk to you! How fortuitous."

You shiver violently.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Oh, yes. Sad beasty."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "That thing hurts.."

The magnolia flowers that blossom before a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili unfurl with a dewy beauty, soothing in their mild and calming fragrance. They drape about the Goddess as if left in offering, even as they bind Her in place.

You have emoted: Gurashi begins to gather up their things after examining the sketch, grunting and swinging their lyre around to rest upon their back. "It hurts a LOT!"

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "Not for much longer, or I hadn't planned on such, anyway. I will hold off, though." <-- we agreed to speak!

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "Oh?"

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "And, ah..."

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "When will be nextly around, then? For I do want to speak on it, yes! It sounded important."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "I was looking for...appropriate stationery to send my missive, that you suggested I write, Gurashi, and I noticed there were a severe lack of...astrological designs."

You tilt your head curiously at Sutekh.

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "I was going to nap a while, but it can wait. I thought you'd left."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "So I designed a full set of twelve that will be coming public three per year."

You have emoted: Gurashi purses their lips. "Well that is a shame," They scrape their boot on the grass.

Veldrin ponders Sutekh thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "I can -- oh! No! I did not go! I suddenly ... you will see, when you deliver your magnolia."

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "I was caught up, unexpectedly. You will see."

Hesitantly, Contemptible Sutekh says, "I hope you don't mind if I may have used something that resembles your visage as a decoration on the one venerating Bumblebee?"

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "It is alright."

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "Er, see why, yourselfs, I imagine. Sorry. I will be around muchly this months to talk more!"

Veldrin D'Cente says to Sutekh, "Oh, did you ever get that letter sent? to ... Celest? you where talking about it with others here.. a bit back."

You have emoted: Gurashi cants their head dramatically to the side. "My visage?"

Sutekh nods his head at Veldrin.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says to you, "Yes."

Smiling, you say, "Bees are goodly!"

You think to yourself: *confused by the concept - a visage? me-sage? what would that even look like?*.

Tikki says, "It's a shame that there's not more constellations resembling ferrets for artistic interpretation."

Tikki nods his head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi cups their cheek still. "My vi-sage," They repeat aloud, dazedly, distractedly.

You blink.

Sutekh gives Tikki the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

You stare at Tikki, eyes wide.

Falaine enters from the west, emanating an aura of immense power.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask Tikki, "W-why not make one?"

Falaine drops a pure white magnolia blossom.
Boundless light flows forth from a pure white magnolia flower in its descent, floating gently towards a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili in a swirl of soothing energies. The entirety of the healing mound illuminates in answer, drawing strength from the offering.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Make one!"

The Goddess Li-varili's expression shifts as if dreaming, the illumined scars that once marked Her body now faint and dimmed by the healing light of the magnolias.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you whisper, "The power ...ah!"

Tikki ponders the situation.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "As if you were Darvellan!"

Falaine appears suddenly refreshed and rejuvenated as a gentle white light suffuses her in its immaculate glow.

You have emoted: Gurashi immediately looks towards Falaine, ears twitching.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "If only."

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: Qoivhae was so unhelpful.

Tikki says, "Certainly a possibility. Hrmmm."

You have emoted: Gurashi folds their hands together hopefully as they watch Falaine's expression.

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

Falaine slants an enigmatic look at you, her face neutral, then stares back at the cocoon for a long moment.

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: To make stars...the Papaxian woman was said of the merchants to have cast her True Name into the stars themselves. What does that *mean*? Everything related to the Mysterium is cloaked in so many riddles.

Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity thinks to herself: I'll not give the merian-killers the pleasure of seeing any discomfort.

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "*gentle and morose* You see...?"

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "I did not blame you one way or the other, Witness. Life happens, after all."

You have emoted: Gurashi's lips pull into a tight thin line, and they too look back at the cocoon, sighing loudly, shoulders sagging, looking positively deflated.

Tikki takes a curious chocolate chip cookie from a fesix bag of carrying.
Tikki gives a curious chocolate chip cookie to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity.

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "But yes. I see."

Tikki hums a happy tune.

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "Anyway. I am sorry you thought I lefts. I did not leaves. I will be around for many days yet if still want to talk after your naps."

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "These 'cloaking gems' often confuse me, especially when I forget that the city offers its own roster."

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "Yeah! I -- yeah! I often check that. Ah! I forget to turn mine OFF--."

You stare blankly into space.

You think to yourself: Tulahuar.
Your necklace ceases to protect you.

You narrow your eyes, peering about suspiciously.

Falaine lifts the cookie and stares at it, her brow furrowing. "What.. sort of food is this?" she inquires.

Tikki says, "It's a cookie! I promise there's nothing terribly weird or out of the ordinary in it."

With a hint of consternation, Contemptible Sutekh says, "I ate it and I still wasn't able to figure out what the special ingredient was."

Your melodic voice sings into Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity's mind, "It is my fault! I am so sorry. I am still here to talk a-bout it when you wake if you want to talky still, yes. No worries."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Something like caramel but not quite."

Falaine narrows one of her eyes slightly in a suspicious squint. "Nothing... 'terribly' weird? A 'special' ingredient?"

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a little face and grins. "It is a differently cookie. A goodly one," They comment, hands squeezing together again.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Falaine, "It is not poison if that is what you are worried about. It is ... differently - but, weirdly, not -bad-."

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: When did I get so trusting that I just let everyone give me food without even checking it for poison? How did I get so many friends like that that give me so much food?

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Falaine, "As someone who ... likes many foods with many flavors."

Tikki says, "If it makes you more comfortable I can go ahead and reveal it. It's unusual but not -bad-."

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

You nod your head at Tikki.

Sutekh glances at Tikki appraisingly, antennae twitching in his direction as he turns his attention to Tikki.

Repeating, you say to Falaine, "Unusual but not bad!"

You bounce up and down.

Falaine politely places the cookie into her belt pouch. "I will perhaps sample it later," she begins, then pauses and glances at Tikki.

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

Tikki says, "The ingredient isn't terribly common, and may sound off. But it's black garlic."

You nod your head sagely.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you whisper, "Unusual."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods as the birds seem to twitter with approval.

Faintly, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Black..."

Repeating, you say, "Garlics."

You nod your head sagely.

Falaine removes the cookie from her pouch again and studies it anew.

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: That's actually kind of genius.

Tikki says, "Otherwise it's a typical chocolate chip cookie."

Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "But... why?"

Sutekh chitters at Tikki with energetic clicks of his mandibles.

You have emoted: Gurashi hums, ears bouncing. "It is one of those foods that is, 'why does this exist', and then you eat it and go 'oh this is kind of good' but you may not like it but then you kind of -love it-??"

You narrow your eyes at Tikki, canting your head and peering at him suspiciously.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says to Tikki, "How novel! I have been a cook for decades and never even thought of using black garlic like that. And it even works."

Tikki says, "I wished to see just how far I could push the culinary envelope and still make something taste good!"

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "It still TASTES good but it is a COOKIE."

Falaine consumes a curious chocolate chip cookie leisurely, seeming to enjoy every bite.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you whisper, "Magics is unbelievable."

You let out a loud, happy gasp as you turn to focus on Falaine.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Not magic. Skill."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you exclaim, "But what is cooking if not a forms of magics!"

Tikki nods his head sagely.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "It's...cooking."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "You put these things together and then they become ... another thing."

Sutekh gives you the once-over, eyeing you suspiciously.

You ponder the situation.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "M-maybe it is skillful magics."

Tikki says, "Cooking is a lot like alchemy. Tasty, tasty alchemy."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "You are right, the magical foods are the ones that come from a bottle."

You have emoted: Gurashi cups their face, looking worried.

The magnolia flowers that blossom before a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili unfurl with a dewy beauty, soothing in their mild and calming fragrance. They drape about the Goddess as if left in offering, even as they bind Her in place.

Falaine brushes off a smear of chocolate from the pale metal of her gauntlet, and gives a courteous nod to Tikki. "It is an acceptable addition," she says.

Tikki hums a happy tune.

With a wistful look on his face, Sutekh touches a frosted silver armlet.

Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity thinks to herself: [a lingering discomfort at too much chatter, too many people].

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes out their head, then stands up a little straighter. "Ah, I have to go DO things," They blurt out suddenly. "I was only gonna be here for a little while but then - company," They gesture around with a hand and smile.

Falaine gives you a respectful salute.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask, "Do any of you need any things from me a-fore thens?"

You beam broadly at Falaine.

You give Falaine a respectful salute.

Falaine leaves to the west, emanating an aura of immense power.

Tikki hugs you compassionately.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi wiggles, giving Tikki a big squeeze. "I must write many things," They express. "I have letters to send!"

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

Tikki says, "She seems nice, if a bit...Mmm. Proper."

Tikki thinks to himself: Stuffy.

You have emoted: Gurashi quirks their mouth to the side.

Tone strained, Contemptible Sutekh says to you, "Only that you continue... being well. For the rest of your life."

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: There will be nothing left of me if I get this wrong.

Reassuringly, you say, "She is SUPER nice but like many have met gets a little antsy around big groups, yes! She is nice."

Tikki nods his head enthusiastically.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Tikki another squeeze before looking to Veldrin and Sutekh. "I do not suppose either of you's would like a hugs toos?"

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Merian are either spectacular or a walking atrocity. It is as if their entire race is cursed to never be mediocre."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Tikki, "And I owe you tea."

You gasp in delight, reaching out to boop Tikki lightly on the nose with a finger.

Tikki giggles happily.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Sutekh, "She is a pretty spectacular merians, I thinks."

Sutekh glances uncertainly at Veldrin, shuffling a bit on the spot.

You look at Veldrin hopefully.

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: I would, but in front of the Harbinger?

Tikki hugs Sutekh compassionately.

Tikki hums innocently to himself.

Sutekh chirrs with vague exasperation, placing a hand on Tikki's head as his side is hugged.

With a little coughs, you say to Veldrin, "Ah - uh, that was to you. I am sorry, I already gave Tikki hugs."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi's ears twitch again. "It is O-K if no! I am also," They lift a hand, balling it into a fist, "do fistbumps."

Veldrin gives you the once-over, eyeing you suspiciously.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask Veldrin, "What?"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles and balances from their left foot to the right, bouncing between the two.

Veldrin D'Cente thinks to herself: A slightly confused soft voice rises from other others, "..are they asking us to punch them?"

You have emoted: Gurashi quirks their mouth to the side and blinks once. "You are unfamiliar with fistbumps, then?" They ask the human curiously.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Unsure, none currently awake are familuar with the term or action.."

You have emoted: Gurashi's ears twitch. "Would you like to learn?"

Sutekh's mandibles twitch slightly as he voices a brief, curious chirr.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "You seem to be busy, maybe some other time?"

You have emoted: Gurashi laughs. "I will teach you next time then."

Beaming, you say, "It is a way to express appreciations like a hug, without all the touching. Just with hands. But more fun than a handshake!"

Contemptible Sutekh thinks to himself: What quests next, to take my mind off it? So many honors...

Veldrin tilts her head while gazing at Sutekh, her crystal body flickering curious shades of light green.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns to Sutekh suddenly and tip-toes to give the kephera a hug as well, squeezing tight, mindful of the spikes. "Stay goodly, yes yes!" They chime up at the kephera. "And have a goodly rest of your months!"

Sutekh chirrs, with a contented and relaxed air.

Veldrin inclines her head politely to those around her.

You give the world a smart salute.

Veldrin inclines her head politely to you.

You suddenly shout, "POOF!" as if expecting something.