A Sweet Visit!

<-- dropped in to visit Crumkane's godrealm, then I went to see His Fulcrux cause never have!
You follow Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary east to an aromatic cavern littered with crumbs.

You tilt your head curiously.

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

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary laughingly says, "Now tell me that's not a magnificent entrance."

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary has lost you.

Tsakali begins to follow you.
==== Tsakali is following you ====

Tsakali urges you onwards.

You have emoted: Gurashi says nothing, staring at a cascade of sticky caramel.

Guided by an unseen hand, the cascade of sticky caramel parts, allowing you clean passage through the otherwise messy torrent of goo.
Tsakali follows you ether.
The Fulcrux of Crumkane.
Glittering sugar coats every inch of this large cavern, the saccharine crystals clinging to the rocky walls beneath them. Moisture drifts through the sweet air, collecting upon the stalacties and stalagmites that have formed from the sticky covering, a steady dripping echoing throughout the space as the sweetened water collects into tiny droplets. A large clearing sits central within the cave, a moat of caramel pooled around the tiny island, connected to the outer ring of the room by a bridge of bubblegum bricks that stretches over the bubbling goo. Connected to this river of confectionary liquid, a waterfall of molten brown falls from a slit in the wall, replenishing the flow that travels through. Mushroom-shaped pastries cling to the sugary facade of the grotto, each iced in translucent frosting that glows brightly, casting soft shadows that weave throughout the area, while mossy green sprinkles grow in patches upon rock candy boulders scattered throughout. Surrounded by the scent of warm pastry, an enormous golden horn rises from the ground, its tip curled to the sky, out of which an unending supply of cupcakes frosted in vivid jewel tones spills. A cascade of sticky caramel falls out of a slit in the wall, plummeting into a bubbling pool that lies beneath it. A latticed honeycomb bottle rests here. Smelling faintly of kafe and cocoa, a marbled biscotti wedding cookie rests here enticingly. Decorated like a vibrant burgundy dahlia, a plump spiced wedding cookie lies here. Resting easily where it remains, a shallow, disc-shaped cup resides here, awaiting its drinker. Her shafts of light moving erratically in orbit, a worked ivory egregore with strange, black-starred halos waits here.
You see a single exit leading through a cascade of sticky caramel.

You blink.

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

Tsakali grins mischievously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at their remarkably unsticky self, smiling.

Tsakali jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Alary pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Tsakali.

Alary pops into existence, stumbling a bit as reality warps briefly into chaotic rainbow hues.
Chromatic rays sear the air as Ankaa strides in from the ether.

Tsakali beams broadly at Alary.

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary says to Alary, "Hey, I missed you."

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

Alary glomps Tsakali playfully, knocking them over in their enthusiasm.

You have emoted: Gurashi covers their mouth, smiling up at Alary broadly.

Alary beams broadly.

You think to yourself: ** O-K O-K O-K, shrine! Mister Shrine! **.

You pat the master shrine of Crumkane in a friendly manner.

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Missed you too, friend."

Alary beams broadly at you.

Alary wags their tail happily.

You offer up Lady Tejas's Ultimate Brazier of Anomalous Ascension to Crumkane, Lord of Epicurean Delights. <-- a humble 5k esteem offering weep

You drop a nest-shaped meringue carrying a chocolate egg.

You nod your head emphatically.

You drop a palm sigil.

Alary pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little noise, looking down at Alary and beaming.

Tsakali utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Tsakali says, "Pssshhhh..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's smile falters a little, and they glance down, shuffling.

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says to you, "It's okay."

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary says to Alary, "Oh, uh. Has the Urchin spoken to you lately?"

Alary shakes their head.

Esei tells you, "** You feel a soft, subtle brush against your mind... **."

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We only realized the Urchin was embraced upon sensing out our current favor with Them, to be quite honest."

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "D-does the Urchin want something of us?"

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary says, "Yeeeeeah, something like that."

Tsakali glances askance at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up, smiling.

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary says to Alary, "I'm sure She'll find you soon enough."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

You beam broadly at Alary.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'not scary!'

A sweet blast of air accompanies a jovial voice that echoes from within the horn, "By all means, do continue discussing in exquisite detail what particularly the Urchin wishes of you lot in the comfort of My own Fulcrux."

You stare blankly into space.

A sweet blast of air accompanies a jovial voice that echoes from within the horn, "I daresay I am utterly perishing of the curiosity."

You thrust your palm towards your forehead and hit it with a resounding *smack*!

Tsakali utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils exclaims, "Welcome home, Lord Crumkane!"

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns beet red, scrambling for their notepad: 'S O RRY' they clumsily scrawl out.

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary says, "Sorry about that, Lord Crumkane. After exploring Your realm, Gurashi wanted to see Your fulcrux, and then Your shrines."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "** the start of a response, curious - then, alarmed! **."

You blush furiously.

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We'd offer to cook You something, but frankly, no one would wish that and we might actually burn down the entire city if we tried."

Esei tells you, "Are... you alright?"

A sweet blast of air accompanies a jovial voice that echoes from within the horn, "Gracious, is the darling little mute bug there with you? I'm afraid it's a bit difficult to hear through this dratted thing at times."

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Indeed he is!"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Alary pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at the notepad, then around the Fulcrux, confused.

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary says, "They are! I'm not sure how they lost their voice, but they're here."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "** a-a-a-ffirmation! **."

Esei tells you, "....are you -certain-."

A sweet blast of air accompanies a jovial voice that echoes from within the horn, "How terribly inconvenient. I wonder if it should be as simple to find a voice as to lose it. What do you suppose?"

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Hm."

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "We are unsure if it is by choice or by nature, Lord Crumkane, but vows of silence are not unheard of."

Alary blinks.

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Oh, that was an unintentional pun."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back and forth as they are spoke about, all the while distractedly looking around the Fulcrux for the source of the voice - everywhere, it seems.

Tsakali considers you for a moment before shrugging. "I doubt it's intentional. Maybe internal."

Tsakali grins mischievously at you.

Alary shrugs helplessly.

Tsakali points accusingly at the master shrine of Crumkane.

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Something we can examine upon a later date."

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

You think to yourself: ... ** ripples of embarrassment - another rush of apology, and guilt! **.

Alary pats you in a friendly manner.

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "If it pleases, Lord, we will depart so as to no longer bother You."

A sweet blast of air accompanies a jovial voice that echoes from within the horn, "A bit curious, though not unreasonable, I suppose. I should not like to take a vow of silence. Imagine the wonderful things I might never be able to apprise you morsels of. Tiresome!"

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks, looking about the Fulcrux awkwardly again as they are patted, stepping closer to the other Beloved.

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to touch their lower lip, canting their head.

A sweet blast of air accompanies a jovial voice that echoes from within the horn, "Scarcely a bother. My curiosity was not facetious, though Mysrai may take slightly more offense at any perceived indiscretions."

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "And, let us say this again, welcome home Lord Crumkane. We're delighted to ... well, we suppose currently hear You once more!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "** affirmation ... the smell of melting sugar and embarrassment and delight **."

A sweet blast of air accompanies a jovial voice that echoes from within the horn, "They are quite mercurial, I fear."

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "They are ... what They are, Lord. We have followed Them for nearly our entire lives, and we do so joyously and with fervor."

Esei tells you, "Mm... inside Lord Crumkane's realm, then?"

Alary chuckles long and heartily.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down, then suddenly writes: 'brought more fancy eggs that had at party yesterday - and pie and cupcakes, just in case the Urchins was here but mostly for You!' They hold the pad out to Tsakali, then Alary, then the air, as if expecting it to be somehow read.

A sweet blast of air accompanies a jovial voice that echoes from within the horn, "As so many do, I am given to understand. I shall never see the appeal in willingly being hurtled into a volcano, but I suppose it is quite comfortably warm for an instant or two."

Tsakali nods their head enthusiastically at you.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "** negation - an image of the Avenger - sticky caramel falls - the Fulcrux **."

You blink.

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary says, "You know, it really is. And there's this nice smell of well-cooked meat before you die, just for a second."

You think to yourself: ** a volcano? a candy one? **.

Alary attempts to grin, but something goes terribly wrong.

You narrow your eyes at Tsakali, canting your head and peering at them suspiciously.

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Gurashi wishes You to know he has left "fancy eggs" for You, Lord."

Esei tells you, "Hrm... I see."

Alary blinks.

Esei tells you, "Do you need help?"

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary says, "Sort of a sizzling sound you only hear if you fell feet first."

A sweet blast of air accompanies a jovial voice that echoes from within the horn, "Ah, how delightful! Truly a highlight of the festivities yestermonth."

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

Alary nods their head enthusiastically.

<-- Esei poofs in

Esei tells you, "Too late."

Tsakali dips their head in greeting to Esei, a flurry of ivory petals swirling around the two of them momentarily before dispersing.

You blink.

You nod your head emphatically.

You beam broadly.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

You bounce up and down.

Esei drops a dish of grilled fish seasoned with herbs.

A sweet blast of air accompanies a jovial voice that echoes from within the horn, "Do return once you've located your lost voice, quiet bug. I should like to render My approval properly for that effort."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods and begins to carefully set out confections that they'd brought with them, almost excitedly, mindful not to take up TOO much space to leave room for more, later, of course.

You tilt your head curiously.

You blush furiously.

You nod your head emphatically.

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Alary gives you a peck on the cheek.

Alary bows respectfully to Esei.

Alary tugs urgently on Tsakali's sleeve.

Tsakali tilts their head curiously at Alary.

You have emoted: Gurashi only blushes deeper as they are pecked, shoulders bunching. They continue their task.

You ponder the situation.

<-- drops many foods

You beam broadly.

You have emoted: Gurashi holds up the tarts suddenly, looking excited and writing: 'Friend Shulamit!!'

You nibble on a lucidian-inspired lemon tart.

You give a lucidian-inspired lemon tart to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk.
You give a lucidian-inspired lemon tart to Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary.
You give a lucidian-inspired lemon tart to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils.

You bounce up and down.

You beam broadly.

Tsakali taps their nose knowingly at Alary.

You have emoted: Gurashi stands up straight as they finish, wiping their hands on their pants and looking at the master shrine of Crumkane once more, bowing.

You think to yourself: ** ripples of gratitude, yes - unable to say so, but happy! welcome home! **.
You beam broadly at the master shrine of Crumkane.

Esei reaches out and touches you.

You have emoted: Gurashi whips around to face Esei suddenly, writing: 'told you is nice!'

Alary blinks.

Esei stares blankly at you.

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary says, "He doesn't even get angry that we licked the gummy bears."

Esei gives Tsakali the once-over, eyeing them suspiciously.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "You licked -what- now?"

You glance askance.

You nod your head emphatically.

Alary swallows sharply, single eye blinking owlishly for only the briefest moment before the expression gone, returned to the jovial nature of their current shape.

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary says, "I'll be honest, they're kind of short, but the apple and grape ones are my favorite."

Party Pasha Tsakali Mes'ard, Veiled Visionary frowns and says, "Poor raspberry bear. I don't even think I've seen a blue raspberry."

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "If you lick a gummy bear, you can then stick it to someone with skin or chitin."

Esei stares blankly into space.

Tsakali stares blankly at Alary.

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "And then it sticks."

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

You blush furiously.

Esei smiles delicately, infinitely mischievous as she stares at you. "That so, Arch-Preceptor?"

Barely pausing to breathe, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Blades Betwixt Ebon Veils says, "Mhm!"

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly writes: 'Mister Lord Crumkane was nice, should not clog up His Fulcrux!!'

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Alary lifts a finger and points off into the distance, before lurching forward and yelling, "Nyoom!"

Tsakali nods their head emphatically.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

<-- and then we LEFT lol