Playdates and the Lost and Forgotten

<-- Was talking about meeting up to introduce people to the playground when WE DID THE THING

LOOKIT ME
Standing at a scant four foot ten inches, they are an alluring sileni kindly demigod changeling. The slender curves of this creature's form, from their slight shoulders to their dainty, six-fingered hands, lend them a youthful, wholesome appearance. Their right hand has been scarred upon the palm, as if with a sharp object, and their most prominent three knuckles of the same hand are marred. A heart-shaped face houses a sheepish smile and a pair of large, expressive, slate-blue eyes, their brilliant white pupils resembling stars framed with dusky auburn lashes. Their long cheeks and thin, upturned nose both bear a permanent shade of blush, accentuated by the greatest cluster of freckles. A moderately sized crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek, brightly visible against the deep hue of their skin. Their smooth skin is tawny in color, covered in a smattering of auburn freckles. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen at the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. An unruly mane of bright, apricot colored hair is clustered in wavy clumps atop their head, parted on either side of their head by a pair of curling, deep sable ram's horns, the left horn slightly shorter and stumpier than the right. A shock of bone-white hair stands out along their left temple, the tuft tucked delicately around their horn. A pair of velvety soft black ram's ears hang down from below their horns, twitching every so often in response to foreign sound. Beginning along their midriff is a thin coat of apricot-colored wool, a hint of pure white spots seen poking out from the top of their pants. Their backwards-tilted legs are slender and fawn-like, covered in downy tufts of orange fur and coming to end with triangular, sable black hooves. A short orange and white tail can be seen occasionally wagging behind them. Great wings of ethereal metal emerge from their upper back, raining motes of copper-huen energy that dissipate with the hum of Mysrai, the Beckoner Beyond the Maze's truefavour. A shifting pearlescence graces their skin as they walk with the truefavour of Carakhan, Sculptor of Waves.
They are wearing:
a starry wreath of celestial light set atop their head like a halo
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
the Mantle of Starlight which flows dreamily about their shoulders and back
a breezy blue cotton tunic which hangs flatteringly from their form
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet which jingles softly on their left wrist
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a shifting, living poppy of teal-coloured petals worn delicately upon their left wrist
a driftwood ring of sea breezes fitted tightly to their left middle finger
simple white linen trousers which swish around their legs freely
Refined Boots of the Paladin, worn and weathered from use
a purple tulip tucked behind their ear.

Your snout twitches and trembles at the air, sensing through a striped badger nose upon your face the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.
You make out the scent of Kennian coming from the Pool of Stars.
You make out the scent of Falaine coming from the Pool of Stars.
You make out the scent of Selia coming from the Pool of Stars.

Your melodic voice sings into Selia's mind, "Shall I come to you?"

<-- MANTLE GO
The Pool of Stars.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Meeting in the radiant heart of New Celest, the broad city streets come together in a large, open plaza of marbled stone. Rising in the centre of the plaza is a structure of noble and luminescent pillars which suspend a round, ring-shaped platform twenty feet above the light-studded surface of the pool below. The atmosphere within the structure and around the pool bristles with a warm, electrical energy, giving a slightly disorienting sense of dizziness and euphoria. A gradually ascending stairway winds its way about the inside of the pillars, leading towards the upper level of the structure and offering a bird's eye view of the pool. An enormously wide circular pool, as dark as the night sky, glitters softly between the columns. His form suffused with soft light, the Keeper of the Pool of Stars stands here attentively. A statue of Zenobia the Queen of Queens stands here, memorializing her noble spirit. An imposing sword of radiant white metal has been driven deep into the ground in a silent statement of intent. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A mosaic tiled chest stands here, ready to share donations given. There are 10 archons of Eternal Light here. There are 10 cavaliers of the Light here. There are 10 Kusalas of the Tahtetso here. Glowing gently with a soft blue light, a delicate dreamcatcher has been permanently hung here. A low, protective growl escaping his muzzle, a ruddy Nyalian mastiff sporting bronze platemail etched with sigils awaits instructions from his companion. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker is here. She wields a luminous symbol of justice in her left hand. Divine radiance limns the figure of a holy champion who stands guard here, travailing against the ongoings of injustice. Selia is here. She wields a luminous symbol of justice in her left hand.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest, and up (open door).

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

You have emoted: Gurashi's tail wags excitedly.

Selia tells you, "Yes, please! I'm not sure where yo--."

The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power. x100000 throughout the entire convo at the Pool

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Maaaagiiiiiic."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars reaches out and dips a hand into the Pool of Stars, closing his eyes for a moment.

(Celest): Aeldra (from the Astral Plane) says, "Always good to have many people awake."

LOOKIT SELIA
She is an ordinary human. Hers is an appearance of middle grounds - she is not remarkably tall nor short, for a human, coming to about 165 centimetres in height - and her weight is about half that much in kilograms, giving her a slightly overweight appearance. She looks to be about thirty years of age, or thereabouts; past the prime of youth but not yet  facing down withering old age. Long red hair crowns her head, drawn into a pair of braids, one behind each ear, twisting and twining their way down past her shoulders. Her face is round and pale, somewhat resembling a snowball, offset by eyes the off-green colour of opals, which are in turn behind a pair of half-moon pince-nez. Her cheeks' freckles are another accessory, another small detail alongside the little bump of her nose and pout-lipped mouth. As the gaze goes down, one would note that her physique doesn't seem to be an especially martial one; the weight described above is obviously not from muscle but from a plumpness that is carried mostly around her abdomen and hips, giving her a body shape akin to a lopsided pear. The rest of her skin is as snow-pale as her face, and similarly splattered with freckles just about anywhere one might look. A steel-hued scar traces along her cheek, gifted by Terentia, the Even Bladed, for her mettle in the field of battle.
She is wearing:
luminous robes of a finely woven silk that mostly obscure her form
white leather knee-high boots
a pair of fingerless black gloves
a wide sash of bright gold silk wrapped around the waist, ends hanging to one side
a beret hat of soft white wool that is slightly askew
a softly glowing white backpack
a white gold necklace of devotion
a silver band set with pale pink hearts
a platinum-and-silver ring inset with a blazing ruby
a Shakiniel's shield ring
a star-etched diamond ring
a dusky gold ring bearing a brilliant topaz, especially well-cared for compared to the other rings
a simple gold ring.

LOOK FALAINE
Tall and powerfully built, her steel blue skin and graceful ear fins make it clear that she is a noble merian lady. The lines of her muscles are neither lean nor elegant, but rather the hard and thick-veined ones of a long-time warrior, an impression strengthened by the easy grace and fluidity of her motion. Her trim waist and wide shoulders and hips maintain a sort of femininity, though few would mistake it for softness. With a strong jaw but fine cheekbones and a straight, understated nose, her striking features tread the line between handsome and pretty, though are memorable regardless. Almond eyes hold the teal and aqua hues of a tide pool, with a dark blue frill along her eyelids that mimics lashes nearly perfectly. A strong human heritage is clear from the similarity of her features, but also from the long braid of thick indigo hair bound neatly down her back with glossy red-orange cords. Inside the slits of her neck gills and the webbing of her long, draping ear fins, the same coral red brightly accents the cool blues of her coloration. The smoothness of her skin is broken with patches of fine, silky scales in variegated shades of blue, from aqua to cerulean, with the occasional hint of coral red. With a dignified posture and alert eyes, she seems every bit the dutiful knight.
Three slender fins crown her head, the centre fin rising slightly higher than its neighbors. Faintly azure in hue, the colour deepens as her fins extend outward into a darker, royal colouration. Tiny shells adorn the fins, nacreous and shimmering in the light.
She is wearing:
militant prayer beads of the Even Bladed wrapped tightly around the belt
a resplendent stole of fine chain links
a silver and blue suit of Celestian field plate
a blue steel star-crested greathelm
a mirrored vambrace strapped to the right arm
a silvered mantle of the drawn blade.

Selia smiles and says to you, "Of course. It has a way of following you around."

With interest, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says to Selia, "What sorts of clothing?"

You have emoted: Gurashi twirls in delight, sending the Mantle of Starlight flaring up and dancing about with them. "Wait, no! It is LITERALLY magic!" They enthuse, grabbing the mantle by the ends and ending its dreamy floating so that the sileni may thrust handfuls of fabric forward to show it. "A magic!"

You tilt your head and listen intently to Selia.
You tilt your head and listen intently to Falaine.

After a pause, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, ".. can I make requests?"

Selia says to Falaine, "Oh...ceremonial sorts of things, generally designed around my profession. But yes, I'd welcome a request!"

The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.

Selia says to you, "Ahem! Well, here are the designs. I don't drink much, so I'm not sure of the finer points of difference between them..."

Selia gives a torn piece of notepad paper to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi hums and watches, listens, ears twitching in tandem as they stop yanking on the Mantle of Starlight, letting it drift about dreamily again. "Ohhh paper!"

Falaine smiles wryly, leaning forward. "You would not -believe- the difficulty of findinga pair of serviceable trousers."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Oh this paper has writing on it."

You have emoted: Gurashi brings the page to their face, considering. "Hmmmmmm."
<-- read recipes
Excitedly, you say, "Drinks...!"

With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "Oh! Hmm. Pardon me, please!"

You beam broadly at Kennian.

While you looks over the page, Selia glances over to Falaine. "Trousers?" she asks, a bit blankly.

Falaine nods solemnly. "Aye. The offerings at the Aetheplex range from gaudy to .. well, grotesque," she finishes after a moment, a dark look flashing through her eyes.

You nod your head sagely at Falaine.

Without looking up from the page, you say, "Pants is hard to finds."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Too tight! Too small. Too ... hole-y."

Falaine nods her head at you, showing her acceptance.

You nod your head sagely at Falaine.

Selia says, "I would be happy to help you out with those. And...yes, I agree about the 'plex's design offerings. It seems the South has something of a monopoly. Sanguine this, shadowy that..."

You have emoted: Gurashi resumes reading, tail wagging a mile a minute behind them as they do so.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Darkly, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "Merian skin."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Selia blanches a little bit. All she does is nod mutely.

Quietly, you say, "Yes, peoples make pants out of some awful things and other peoples wear thems."

You glance askance.

Moving on, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "Anyway. Some serviceable leather breeches in neutral colors would be very welcome."

Selia says, "I've just the thing. One moment!"

After a pause, a bit sheepishly, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "Or... perhaps a nice indigo."

Selia leaves to the north.

You eyes light up as you smile.

With a little smile, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "And she's off. Her enthusiasm is lovely to see, is it not?"

Looking up hopefully, you say to Falaine, "Bets will find something good! Have had problems finding pants be-fore."

You nod your head emphatically.

You beam broadly.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "She is! It is!"

The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.

You have emoted: Gurashi hums, risings to the tips of their hooves before falling to stand flat again after they wobble. "Indigo pants would be pretty," They marvel finally, cupping their unscarred cheek.

Selia arrives from the southwest.
An archon of Eternal Light exclaims, "Salut, Selia!"

Selia gives comfortable brown leather trousers to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity.

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

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "She is back!"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you exclaim, "She has pants!"

Falaine's cheeks stain a dark cerulean, but she nods. "Aye, pretty," she mutters, then turns and smiles at Selia. "These will do wonderfully in the interim. My thanks, lass."

You beam broadly.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "You are a goodly clothing maker!"

You brandish a chef's apron menacingly.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Lookit this aprons she made for me! She is a goodly sewers."

Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity thinks to herself: [the concept of herself as pretty hits her mind and bounces away skittishly].

Selia says, "Oh, no no, I hardly compare to the other seamstresses of the land. I only do what I can...!"

You hum softly to yourself.

Smiling, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says, "It is a good apron, and- my, the Pool certainly is.. dazzing today."
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.

You nod your head sagely.

You narrow your eyes, peering about suspiciously.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Hmm hmm."

The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.

The sound of rushing water fills the air for a moment before falling silent.

Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity thinks to herself: So... painfully... sparkly.

The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.
The Pool of Stars glitters with sudden power.

You have emoted: Gurashi too gazes at the Pool, though they seem not terribly bothered by all of its glitter and glow. "Someone must be making the Pool VERY happy!"

Selia says, "I think that it's Alarin, linked to the Astral Plane. But I'm not certain."

Lolling their head back, you ask, "Perhaps someone is giving it powers?"

Selia says, "I can't reach him from here to ask him."

A ruddy Nyalian mastiff paws at the ground absently, a low whine escaping his muzzle.

Your melodic voice sings into Alarin Rian's mind, "Are you giving astral powers to the Pool right now?"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "It is O-K, I bothered him."

You have emoted: Gurashi pokes the air, then pokes the air again, and again. "Mental pokings."

You hum softly to yourself.

Falaine smiles. "Well, it is a good thing. It rather hurts my eyes, alas, so I will go somewhere a bit more peaceful. Go in the light, both of you."

The cold voice of Alarin sends chills down your spine, "Lady Aeldra is, aye! I actually need to depart. I will return soon!"

Selia lays a hand on the forehead of Falaine, who glows with a sparkling silver light.

Falaine needs kawhe.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Oh! It is Miss Aeldra actually."

You beam broadly at Falaine.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Falaine, "Stay goodly, and kindly!"

You bring your fingertips together in the shape of a heart.

Adding her comment to Gurashi's, Selia says to Falaine, "Please!"

Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity thinks to herself: Peaceful.. how relative. [a memory of roars and screams, steel against steel, and the comforting feeling of belonging].

Light glinting in her eyes, Falaine gives the Paladin salute, and swears herself to her duty.

Falaine leaves to the north.
With perked, upright ears, a ruddy Nyalian mastiff lopes away to the north as if he were alerted to some danger ahead.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles still, tail wagging a little less enthusiastically. "That was fun. Pants are fun." To Selia, they turn, smiling up at the human. "Your papers! You gave me this papers."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "You asked questions, here - abouts brews and colddrinkies and spirits and the differences."

You look at Selia hopefully.

Selia says, "Ah, yes. I'm not sure of the differences between them. I try not to drink..."

You nod your head emphatically.

Understanding, you say, "Me either, me either. Just teas and the stuffs that does not make me drunk."

Happily, you say to Selia, "Cold drinks are for things like party punches and lemonades, yes. Drinks! That are COLD typically!"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Brews are for things that you brew - like, teas! Or, beers."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Brews is usually a mix of boths. Are also ciders, yes. Brewed drinkies."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "SPIRITS are for the -hard- alcohols, yes."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Spirits are things like, liqueurs and... gins and whiskey."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "The things that make your face go," They squish their cheeks to emphasize their point, "make your insides all hot."

Selia watches with near fascination!

Selia says, "I see! Perhaps best avoided."

You have emoted: Gurashi shrugs. "Some peoples really like to be drunk," They smile, bemused. "I do not. It makes someone else in control of me!"

You look at Selia hopefully.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "I personally... mmmiiiight not drink the last one, mineselfs, but I do not think they are bad designs. I like the commodities on the last ones," They grin, returning the page. "These are fun! I thinks you have labeled them well. A brews, I mean.""

Beaming, you give a torn piece of notepad paper to Selia.

You hum softly to yourself.

Selia says, "It's rather frightening, to have the barrier between thought and word and deed thinned."

You nod your head emphatically.

Selia says, "Perhaps I'm less brash than I ought to be!"

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "Thank you for designing things! They help the city! Is goodly!"

You have emoted: Gurashi twirls in place. "Well, help everyone in general, realy."

You cough softly.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Really."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Because, then are more things for everyone to have."

Selia says, "We'll hope that the Charites feel the same way. I think some of these brews might be a bit, ah...unique?"

You nod your head emphatically.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "I have seen weirder things, I thinks."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "Hopefully it will not be a troubles."

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

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

You have emoted: Gurashi twirls in an idle circle around Selia as they listen and talk. "Are you in the catalogues? So peoples can look up all the many things you can makes?"

Selia ponders a pearl-encrusted turquoise catalogue thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Selia looks surprised and says, "I'm not."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Oh!"

Selia says, "Though, I assumed everyone was by default."

You shake your head.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "They are actually not, by defaults! You have to ask, to add."

Selia says, "And now, I am."

Selia nods her head at herself.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Selia.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Ah! You found the <page> already! Good!"

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

A labyrinthine, shifting poppy displays a myriad of brilliant colours before its petals shift to a vivid silver colour.

Selia says, "I've been working on some combative things lately. I'm certainly no master of it but I am starting to understand how to wield the powers that I have, for whatever reason, been given to wield."

Selia lifts a luminous symbol of justice for a moment.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi considers the symbol, their starry eyes wide. "Aaaaaahhhh, that is exciting, isn't it?" They look back to the human's face, flashing a toothy smile. "It is a bigly responsibilities!"

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

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "You were given the powers to wield, because probably felts you could wields it well!" They clap. "At least that is my guess. I am a bard. I have always been a bard. I do not know how to use... holy justice symbols."
Y
ou fret over everything that might go wrong.

You brandish a peacock psalterium lyre menacingly.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "I have hit peoples with my lute before."

With a rather uneasy laugh, Selia says, "I wouldn't say I know how to use it, either! But it was given to me by the Judge, and I would fain question his wisdom in so doing."

You grin mischievously at Selia.

Confidently, you say to Selia, "Then thoughts you would use it well, then. Must be."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "Are having a good time? With all the learning, even the hard stuffs - like combats."

Selia seemed to be about to say something else, but pauses to consider this question for a few moments.

Her tone that of one who has chosen words quite carefully, Selia says, "It is fulfilling to serve."

You have emoted: Gurashi hugs their lyre to their chest, looking up at the human before them expectantly.

You tilt your head curiously.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask, "Fulfilling?"

Selia thinks to herself: I never thought to ask myself whether it was....fun. Or a good time.

Curious, you ask, "Do you have funs, though? Is it fun?"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "I know sometimes, it can NOT be. I know sometimes combat is ugly and painful and frustrating." They puff their cheeks. "But not always."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Selia.

Selia strokes her cheek with a thoughtful thumb.

You have emoted: Gurashi does another twirl around Selia, briefly disappearing behind her before reappearing at the front, balancing on a single hoof.

You have emoted: Gurashi wobbles, then puts down both feet, waving their hands jazzily, awaiting a response.

Selia thinks to herself: Let's see, which was the fun part, then? Swarmed by aslarans? Psychic assault by the illithoids? The Astral massacres?

Selia says, "I'm not sure if I'd say it's been 'fun'. But I find my waking days enjoyable."

You have emoted: Gurashi considers Selia's expression as she says this, head canting to the side, ears twitching.

Looking more closely at Selia's expression, hers is a thoughtful and somewhat dour one.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns a little, stepping closer. "Are you O-K?" They ask, curious. "Sorry if was a hard questions."

Coming out of her reverie, Selia says, "Oh!"

Selia says, "I wouldn't say it was hard. I simply hadn't thought to ask myself if I was really having fun. The world seems imperiled, and there is much to do. Is it the time for fun...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shrugs. "Why cannot be boths?" They blink. "World is in danger - have fun... savings it," They grin slightly, then let their expression falter, sheepishly rubbing their arm.

An exquisite chorus of melodies wavers lightly in the air, accompanied by the rich, vibrant notes of a violin.

You have emoted: Gurashi sways. "You can sing a song while you are doing your chores. And you can make friends when you are in a place where are lots of new allies have never met," They hum, looking about, then back up at Selia. "You are always working so hard! Fighting for the Light, doing so many nicely things!"

Selia crosses her arms and cocks her head.

Selia says, "Ah, right. I suppose that the Hallifaxians are..."

Selia considers for a few moments.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Selia.

Selia thinks to herself: How would I describe them?

Selia says, "...personable enough?"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "They are great!"

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

Selia says, "But I would prefer to keep my distance from those of the southern forest."

Selia says, "As I adventured last month, I happened upon one of our supposed allies laying waste to--."

Selia nods her head at herself.

Selia says, "To the Kepheran hives. Well, one of them."

You have emoted: Gurashi wobbles again, nearly falling over. "Laying waste to..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's lip twitches.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "...yeah."

Quietly, you say, "They do! They, do..."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly. "The Glomdoring and kepheras have a long and bitter histories, they do."

You sense the passage of Kennian to the east with a fluffy pair of ursine ears.
Kennian arrives from the east.

Kennian beams broadly.

LOOKIT KENNIAN
She is a noble imperial merian. Her skin is the shade of the sea at night. Although she is considered short for her race, a pair of hardened horn-like protrusions erupt from her forehead and curve backward making her appear taller. Though at the base the horns are the same dark blue-violet as the majority of her body, the colour ends abruptly to be replaced by a bright gold. That same gold can be seen in the shade of her irises and the long, wispy thin fin that begins at the crown of her head and flows as she walks, getting ever less full until it tapers off just below her neck. Her face is a perfect oval, ending in a narrow chin. Her ears are pointed on both ends and lay nearly flat against her head. On her neck are small gold-flecked gills that do not appear to be functional but simply ornamental. She has a desirable hourglass figure with breasts that are small but symmetrical. Her waist pinches inward in contrast to wide hips just below. Her limbs are long and lithe; not particularly well muscled, ending in thin fingers and toes that appear to have some honey-coloured webbing.
She is wearing:
a canvas backpack
a simple gold ring
a simple gold ring
a simple gold ring
a simple gold ring
a simple gold ring
a simple gold ring
a simple gold ring
a fashionable armoured jacket
a star-misted gown of champagne silk and tulle wisps
high-heeled, hyacinthine shoes with golden soles.

You gaze softens as you smile at Kennian.

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

Selia says, "I am not an expert in those histories, but...it seems a strain on things."

You have emoted: Behind Gurashi , feels Bizirik, the leothin bump into them, causing them to stumble a little until the sileni reaches back to pet the creature on the head.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

Bizirik, the leothin leans on you seeking consolation.

Selia says, "Ahem, that is, on our alliance. It seems that the current coalition is destined to be brittle."

Softly, you say, "New Celest and the Glomdoring have been allies for longers than I have been waking, as a fate-touched. Seems weirdly... but - they, get along..."

Glancing off, you say, "But... yeah. They, do not like the kephera very muchly! Bad histories. A bad, history."

Kennian looks about herself, rubbing her chin thoughtfully.

Selia's arms are still crossed. She adjusts her stance slightly, her expression still thoughtful.

You have emoted: Gurashi hums softly, petting Bizirik's face. "The Queens tried to burn down the Forest, in the past. And since the Queens that are reborn are the same Queens from the past..." They smile wearily. "Is the same goals as the first. A never-ending conflicts."

Pale gold in hue, the wreath about your brow shimmers in a steady pattern, like unto a heartbeat in its gentle pulsation, crowning you in a flickering halo before settling still once more.

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

Puffing their cheeks, you say, "Thinks after all this time Queen Mumhatuti might be down for some talkies."

You shrug helplessly.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Selia says, "I suppose it's not as though they could simply ask, either."

Selia says, "I have been to the Undervault a handful of times. It's...quite an expedition!"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles sadly, not offering a verbal response to this.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Yeah! A big trip."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "A BIG Undervaults...!"

You nod your head sagely.

Selia puts a torn piece of notepad paper into the Pool of Stars.

Selia kneels by the pool and slips the sheet of paper into it. Apparently she hasn't anything to say on the subject either, for now.

You see the following people here:
Kennian, Selia, Gurashi.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "...ah, but, fun."

You look at Selia hopefully.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "I hopes you can have fun, too."

Selia says, "Fun! I'm...not really sure what it is I do for fun."

Selia says, "As I recall from before my rest...the position of Celestine is one of prestige and weight."

You have emoted: Gurashi considers Selia at this. "Ah, I see, I see..." To this, they add, "....but have you ever been on a swingsets a-fore?"

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

Selia says, "...A what?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes widen, and they blink once, twice. "A swingset."

Kennian tilts her head curiously.

Making a rocking motion with their hands, you say, "Swiiiiingsssss."

You stare at Selia, eyes wide.

You stare at Kennian, eyes wide.

Swaying back and forth, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "Like this?"

You have emoted: Judging by the look on Gurashi's face, the sileni is suddenly VERY excited. "Yes but imagine -sitting-."

Selia looks on, wide-eyed. "I'm not sure...?" she finally says.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a GASP, then thrusts out both their hands, one for Selia, the other to Kennian. "WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO SHOW YOU?" They say a little too enthusiastically.

Taking the offered hand, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "Absolutely!"

You bounce up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Kennian's hand a squeeze, their other still offered to Selia, fingers a-wrigglin' excitedly.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 12th of Shanthin, 593 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 15 days until the New Moon
The air around Kennian blurs as she chants under her breath. She shakes her head and blinks in confusion.

Aural Tildarmin yells, "Glory be to New Celest, the City of Light! Within these walls reside the Sanctifiers of St. Loathys, the Magisterium of the Holy Father, and the Archons of Dawning Hope!"

Happily, you say, "We are fortunates to have a park! New Celest is the luckiest - we have the best park!"

You see Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker yell, "Glory be!"

You beam broadly.

Selia begins to follow you.

Looking a bit out of her depth, Selia says, "Um, certainly...!"

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Do not worry! It is not far from here."

Kennian begins to follow you.

Kennian nods her head emphatically.

NYOOM
In the park playground.
Pale, watery light floats away from a shield shrine of Carakhan nearby. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Thick dreamy cotton clouds are spread across the firmament. Here in the north end of the grassy expanse, a section of New Celest is dedicated to the young, and the young at heart. Wood and metal structures are solidly screwed together, to encourage physical activity, fun, and games. One of the more exotic creations is the two-headed dragon. After climbing a ladder, people can hop down the maw of the dragon, spiraling down its tubular body and popping out at the bottom, which is also shaped in the image of a dragon's head. Surrounded by an aura of clarity and calm, a sculpture of the Loving Radiance stands here, captured in blissful repose.
You see exits leading north, southeast, and southwest.
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Ta-da!"
Forks of black lightning strike up into the sky from the depths of the Balach Swamp, sending the dark clouds above swirling ominously.

You have emoted: Gurashi releases Kennian and Selia as they arrive, turning and gesturing wildly. "Be-hold!" They exclaim, standing before the dragon-shaped playground equipment that houses the slide. "Our playground!"

Kennian gives a short gasp of elation.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "We gots a slide and a climb-on thingy, and a merry-go-round, and," They jog over to a pair of swings hanging from a metal frame. "A SWINGS."

You have emoted: Gurashi sits down in one of the two for an example. "You puts your butts here! And then someone PUSHES you, and you hold on real tight and you SWING and go higher and higher and it is just like flying without any of the fears of falling!" THey jump right back up. "Do wanna try? Can try anything!"

Kennian stares up with a wide smile at a sculpture of the Loving Radiance. "It's so pretty!"

Eagerly, you say, "Mister Alarin is working on getting us a see-saws, too."

You nod your head emphatically.

Selia looks on, rather confused. "Admittedly," she says, adjusting her glasses, "I've never actually...been here before...?"

You face lights up as you smile brightly at a blessed sculpture of the Loving Radiance.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Kennian, "Isn't she nice? She makes the playground fun. Sometimes she makes bubbles!"

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

Kennian claps her hands together merrily.

With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "Bubbles!"

Xiran Stormcrow, Scribe of the Woodbine has entered the realm of Lusternia.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "You haven't? You should come! Our park is great! We have such a big park, the field and the duck pond..."

You nod your head emphatically.

Happily, you ask, "Can show you how to do any-things if you want! I would be happy to show?"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "The merry-go-round makes you reeeeeeeeeally dizzy!"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "And the slide makes you go from up to down real FAST."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "And the swings gives you flying without fears of falling, it is great!"

With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "Oh! I'd like to slide!"

Selia says, "Show us!"

You have emoted: Gurashi points at the playground equipment nearby, nodding. "The ladder is on the side! Are a couple ways to get up."

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

(Celest): Romaan says, "Hail, New Celest."
(Celest): Aeldra (from the Aetherways) says, "Tidings, Sir Romaan."
(Celest): You say, "Good evening, Mister Romaan!"
(Celest): Selia says, "Good evening, Sir Romaan."
(Celest): Falaine (from the Realm of the Even Bladed) says, "Greetings, Sir Romaan."

Kennian bounces over to the nearby slide with a giggle. She climbs up the ladder side of the dragon and sits on top with a grin.

(Celest): Romaan says, "How is everyone?"
(Celest): Kennian says, "Hello, Sir!"

You have emoted: Gurashi beckons for Kennian to follow, scrambling to the dragonesque equipment. They begin to scale the side of the metal-and-wooden structure, eventually making it to the top that houses the mouth of the slide, sitting beside the merian. "O-K, put out your leggies straight when you slide down, yes? And arms up!"

(Celest): You say, "Am O-K! How are you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles down at Selia from this great height. "Do wanna come ups?"

Selia thinks to herself: Probably better to see how it's done first.

Somewhat hesitantly, Selia says, "I'll...see what you do first?"

Kennian straightens her legs but grips the side with momentary hesitation. "It's REALLY high!" She leans to peek over the edge at Selia.

(Celest): Romaan says, "It is a shame about losing Estelbar."

You have recognised Selia for: For engaging in fun conversation <3 And serious ones. Gurashi's whole being is about having a good time so getting to teach others how to play is legit my favorite XD <3.

(Celest): Falaine (from the Realm of the Even Bladed) says, "Indeed."
(Celest): Kennian says, "I went to go help Ms. Trundle so maybe they'll like us more again."

You have emoted: Gurashi wiggles a little, settling behind Kennian and giving her shoulder a squeeze. "It is! But you will be O-K!"

Suddenly the butterfly's wings flap, a child-like, feminine giggle echoing from a blessed sculpture of the Loving Radiance, as if children were at play nearby.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Kennian, "Just do not LEAN real far, just stay sitting up!"

(Celest): Aeldra (from the Aetherways) says, "I'll agree easily, but at times it is more about mustering the forces at the precise moment. I have missed the revolt myself."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

(Celest): Romaan says, "I agree Aeldra. It is all about timing."
(Celest): You say, "Yeah, I wokes up after it had already ended, bwah! It is O-K, next time! We will gets thems nextly time."

With a deep breath Kennian pushes off and slides down the dragon. She can't help but elicit a "Weeeeeee" as she goes.

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

You cheer wildly!

Selia cranes her head up to watch as Kennian begins her descent. And as she picks up speed. The human takes a step back.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Kennian slide with an audible "whee!" themselves, tail wagging a mile a minute as they watch the merian reach the bottom. "Perfect! A perfect slide!" They scoot forward, sticking out their leggies before themselves and getting ready to slide, waiting for the bottom of the slide to clear. "What did think?" They call down.

Kennian reaches the bottom of the slide and stumbles a bit as her feet hit the ground faster than anticipated. She rolls on to her back and promptly bursts into uncontrolled laughter.

With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "That was AWESOME."

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

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

Glancing speculatively between the equipment and the pair using it, Selia says, "...it doesn't hurt?"

Bizirik, the leothin stands over Kennian at the bottom of the slide, snuffling at the merian curiously, tail raised.
With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "Not at all!"

Happily, you say, "It is fun!"

Selia blinks incredulously at Kennian.

Selia says, "Fun..."

Kennian stares up at Bizirik, the leothin with a wide smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi waits at the top of the slide still. "Come on up!" They call down to Selia, pointing at the ladder behind them where one may climb to the summit of the equipment.

The barest tip of Bizirik, the leothin's tongue flicks out, licking Kennian on the nose.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

Kennian squeals in excitement.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Kennian.

Bizirik, the leothin promptly flops onto the grass beside Kennian, rolling over, and over, and over, eventually writhing around as if it found something unpleasant to roll in.

Selia looks at the ladder. Then at you, above. Then, a rare sight, a rather cocky halfgrin blooms on her features. Employing her golden wings, she ascends to your level smoothly.

Kennian giggles happily.

Selia says to you, "Simple!"

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to wait patiently until Selia has reached their level, offering a hand at the last moment to aid in Selia's ascension. "See? So high!" They comment, gesturing around. "And what a pretty view, right? Can see so far!"

Kennian completes two full rolls to move out from the bottom of the slide to avoid being landed on.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "Do you want me to go firstly? Or do you wants to go a-fore me?" They look down at teh bottom where Bizirik and Kennian are rolling about. "I think it is clear for us!"

With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Be careful! I think she's coming down!"

Bizirik, the leothin snorts indignantly, rolling another full rotation.

Selia lifts a hand to her hand, to stifle a bit of a giggle. "After you," she invites you.

You eyes light up as you smile.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "O-K!"

You have emoted: Gurashi wheels around and faces forward on the slide, tail wagging a mile a minute. They raise their arms and scoot, scoot, scoot forward until they begin to slide. "WheeeeeeeeeeEEEeeee!" They squeal as they descend, increasing speed. Unlike Kennian, when they reach the bottom, the result is anticlimactic, the sileni sitting there, arms raised, feets hanging over the grass once they slow to a stop. "WAHOO!"

You have emoted: Gurashi scrambles out of the way, moving to join Kennian and Bizirik, the leothin and looking up at the top of the slide. "Come on down! Come slide down! Is your turn!" They call to Selia.

Kennian giggles happily.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Aeldra whispers, "Is that a private gathering, Gurashi?"

With mounting apprehension, Selia eyes the slide before her. She settles herself onto its apex and edges forward. Gravity soon takes up the mantle, whether she wants it to or not, and is soon bearing her downward. She raises her arms, but in more of a warding, defensive gesture...!

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters's mind, "*Their voice is loud and happy and enthused* MISS KENNIAN AND MISS SELIA HAVE NEVER SEEN THE PLAYGROUND."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters's mind, "There are SLIDES."

Before she knows it, Selia has reached the bottom. She dares to crack a green eye open, her face pale.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters's mind, "So no - is not privates!"

You give Selia a wild cheer!

With an audible "baa", Yvai, the battle sheep trots from the southeast.

LOOKIT AELDRA
She is a nimble faeling empyreal demigoddess. She's framed by a pair of delicate, ethereal butterfly wings of dark sapphire blue. She's moderately petite even for her race, with a slender figure of upright bearing. Her head is crowned by a cascade of auburn coloured ringlets, the hair falling freely down her back and framing a face of visibly elven heritage, with high cheekbones and and slightly pointed, small ears. Her bright, emerald eyes rest like dark pools inset freckled with spots of sapphire blue, watching her surroundings with curiosity and contrasting with her smooth ivory skin. A pair of small, twisted antlers protrude from her forehead, just above a tattoo of a stylized, sapphire blue chalice upon her forehead. Woven into her hair are several beautiful violets, their sweet and subtle fragrance surrounding Aeldra. A faint, almost ethereal mist surround her at all time, following her as she moves. Soothing mists of water and light weave about her in a
sparkling white veil, marking the truefavour of Lantra, the Empyreal.

Her hair is worn in long, neat ringlets, a lush, beautiful auburn in hue. Tightly-wound curls fall artfully down her back, while a slender, single ring uncurls at her forehead, glossy and bespeaking both style and grace.
She is wearing:
a pair of thin spectacles, resting on the tip of her nose
the Mantle of Starlight glittering behind her, secured in place by a simple brooch
Immaculate Prayer Beads of the Empyreal Goddess wrapped around her left arm
a glass ampoule of bottled starlight dangling from a thin chain around her neck
an elegant bracelet of white roses clipped to her left wrist
a silver chain bracelet set with sapphires around her right wrist
a strapless sea-blue gown of tidal waves
a black silk scarf woven with moonstone constellations worn loosely around her shoulders
a pair of black velvet shoes
black silk elbow-length gloves adorned with golden threads.

You have emoted: Gurashi scrambles over to Selia, laughing as the human arrives at the bottom of the slide, unharmed. "Miss Selia! You did it!"

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Aeldra.

A bit dazed,, Selia says, "Oh. Yes. Yes, I did."

With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "You did SO GOOD!"

Selia looks confused and says to Kennian, "Did...did I?"

You have emoted: Gurashi is laughing too hard to speak proper, clapping a hand on Selia's shoulder excitedly. "You did it! You did! A whole slide!" They laugh, looking up at Aeldra's arrival. "Aeldra! Good morning!"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you exclaim to Aeldra, "Did you see! Miss Selia was on the slide!"

Aeldra flits in, rising an eyebrow at you as soon as she sees you. "I ... well, that certainly is a huge miss in the educating of our young and returning citizens." Her eyes sparkle with amusement.

You grab protectively at Selia.

Aeldra shakes her head at you.

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says, "Too slow to catch that, am afraid!"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "SHE SLID FAST."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "So did Miss Kennian! SO FAST her feets didn't catch her!"

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Kennian climbs to her feet and dusts herself off.

With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "So fast."

You have emoted: Gurashi too eventually pushes themselves to their feet, offering their hands to Selia. "What did think? Are O-K? It is awfully high and awfully fast, isn't it?"

Like a rising sun, Selia slowly gets to her feet.

You beam broadly.

Selia says, "So...fast. :."

So says Selia , looking undecided.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, giggling. "It is very fast! There are other slower play-things, too." They point back towards the swings. "Like those! Can go however fast or slow you wants!"

Happily, you say to Kennian, "You can go again, if want!" They hum, "Once we are clear! Am glad you liked it so muchly."

Excitedly, you say, "My mine-child knows even how to climb UP the slides to get to the top, ignoring the ladder..."

You have emoted: Gurashi wiggles. "I cannot do it with these feets."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask Aeldra, "How ARE you? How are?"

You look at Aeldra hopefully.

Somewhat sanctimoniously, Selia says, "I am not used to moving fast. Wisdom dictates that one move forward slowly, and deliberately, after carefully considering..."

Kennian giggles happily.

Smiling, you say, "I do not know what wisdoms you learn from playing, except not to jump off the swings too high and not to get so dizzy you cannot walk after being on the merry-go-round."

Aeldra smiles softly at you, "am well enough, thank you. Tiny hinges of frustration, but nothing that can't be dealt with." looking around "I hope the same is true for everyone."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

On unsteady legs, Selia moves away from the slide. She still looks shaken from the 'ordeal'.

You nod your head emphatically.

Happily, you say, "Yeah! I am O-K..."

With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "Doing so well! I will have to slide again later, though. I have to find shrines!"

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Selia rise and move away, furrowing their brow slightly, hands tucked in their lap. "Oh! Shrines."

You nod your head emphatically.

Aeldra tilts her head slightly at Kennian, "What kind of shrines, maybe we can be of assistance?"

You tilt your head and listen intently to Kennian.

Selia glances over to Aeldra at the offer, but holds her tongue for now.

You have emoted: Gurashi dusts themselves off, rising at last to their feet. Without further prompting they move over to the nearest swing and flop down into it, leaving the other open still. They listen, not actually swinging, merely sitting with the barest bit of sway to their motion.

With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "Lady Terentia's shrines. And thank you for offering to help. I think since it's a task I should try first to do it myself."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask, "Yeah - Whose shrines?"

You eyes light up as you smile.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you exclaim, "Oh! The Even-Blade!"

Kennian nods her head emphatically.

Aeldra nods in understanding. "I'll not interfere with tasks, I suspected you were just looking for one to offer."

Kennian beams broadly.

Happily, you say, "She is very nice. I know you will find some shrines for Her, Miss Kennian! They are many."

Selia's gaze falls onto you as they move onto the swing. She makes her way towards the sileni.

Selia says to you, "And I...push you on this, do I?"

You blink.

Kennian waves goodbye.

With a playful lilt, Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker says, "Have so much fun!"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles and looks over their shoulder towards Selia excitedly. "Yes! Oh - do you want me to show you, firstly?" They suddenly grip the ropes with all their might, wiggling excitedly in their seat. "You can sit first if want! But if you are pushing someone you just do it gently, in the middle of the backs!"

You beam broadly at Kennian.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Kennian, "Goodly lucks!"

You look at Aeldra hopefully.

You look at Selia hopefully.

Kennian leaves to the southwest.

You see the following people here:
Aeldra, Selia, Gurashi.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over at Aeldra, then at the still-open swing beside them. "Can come join us! If want!"

Aeldra shakes her head lightly at you, "Thank you. Being so used to flying, am not seeing the appeal of these swings. Besides, they seem a little large for me." she says. "But please do go ahead!"

You have emoted: Gurashi giggles a little. "I remember, Miss Reyqae was so small, I would just hold her in my hands when would swing, so we could go to-gether. Is always a way," They smile. "I hope she is doing well!"

Aeldra claps her hands together, "Am sure that she will be alright and I hope she'll return to us sometime."

Selia uncertainly lifts her hands after secreting a luminous symbol of justice away somewhere. "Like this?" she asks, planting her hands on your back. She pushes forward, not really enough to cause much motion.

Selia thinks to herself: I can't imagine how this is meant to feel like flying.

Aeldra watches Selia and you with clear interest. "It is an interesting construction."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, looking at Aeldra still even as they feel the hands on their back. They rock forward a few inches, then swing back a little. "A goodly first attempts - can push a little harder, if want! I am holding on, I promise! I will not fly off!" They say as they swing an inch higher.

Insistently, you say, "It is to fly! Without the fears of flying!" They correct themselves, "Once get high enough."

Bizirik, the leothin moves to sit beside Aeldra, yawning pointedly.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask, "Bizi you can swing too, the other one is free, see?"

Selia pushes again, a little harder. It's pretty easy to tell two things: she is unused to touching others, and she hasn't much at all in the way of physical strength. But she tries all the same!

Bizirik, the leothin doesn't seem like it wants very much to move, watching the exchange placidly from its spot beside the faeling.

You have emoted: Gurashi swings a little higher with this, for a moment crossing their sileni-legs at the ankles and swinging a little higher. As they swing back they giggle, "You are doing it!" They encourage Selia. "You are doing a goodly job, yes! A natural pusher, you are!" They begin to rock their legs, helping aid them in swinging higher now, almost as high as the human is tall.

Aeldra's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Excitedly, you say, "Is almost to points where can swings mineselfs! Once you," They continue to talk even as their voice gets fainter the further away they swing, "get high enough, then do not need the pushings! Can! Almost fly! Yourselfs!"

You beam broadly.

Aeldra flits up higher into the air, watching you and Selia swing. "I would recommend to not try to fly without wings though!" she exclaims at you.

Selia leans backward slightly as you pendulums back towards her. She meets the sileni's back with her hands and heaves forward again, the strength of the motion half on purpose and half out of surprise. Whatever the reasons, this is a more forceful one!

As they are swinging, you say, "Tridemon jumped off the swings once! It was AMAZING, he went all the way over--."

You have emoted: Gurashi gasps as they feel Selia push them hard, fingers gripping the ropes so tight their knuckles grow lighter in shade from the force. They let out a wild laugh as they arc forward again, announcing their glee with an audible "WheeeeEEEeee!!" They look over their shoulder, laughing back at Selia, "DO NOT LET ME HIT YOU!" They scream enthusiastically.

Selia starts to trace a cobalt blue pentagram in the air before her, with the hurried and irregular motions of panic as you hurtles backwards. Halfway through she abandons the idea and dives to the side, narrowly avoiding exactly what the sileni had warned her about.

Aeldra's eyes widen with a horrified gasp escaping her as you nearly slams into Selia.

You have emoted: Gurashi laughs as they swing back and Selia zips aside at the last second. "SORRY!" They wail, swinging forward again, their laughter wild and constant. "See! How high! I go!" They cry, now swinging higher than Selia is tall, beaming brightly.

Their voice louder and softer and alternating between depending on how near or close they are to either of their fellow Celestians, you say, "That! Was close!! Ahaha!"

Aeldra neatly dodges out of your way as she flits over to Selia, "Are you alright?" she asks, her voice carrying a hint of concern.

You have emoted: Gurashi too tries to keep their eyes on Selia and Aeldra as they swing, no longer kicking their legs to make themselves go higher and higher.

Selia lies facedown on the ground.. When Aeldra comes to see her, the human can be seen trembling, wracked with...mirth. She lies on her side, laughing to herself - and to all around as well.

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up a little higher in their seat as they continue to swing, swinging lower and lower, gravity eventually beginning to take hold.

Anxiously, you ask Aeldra, "Is she alive!?"

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly.

Once she realizes that Selia is laughing Aeldra bursts into a fit of giggles as well.

Between fits of giggles, Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says to you, "I... I think so, yes. Positive!"

Gentle pink bubbles descend upon the wind, dancing about a blessed sculpture of the Loving Radiance. Almost looking as if it were itself singing, a gentle voice begins to sing of love, joy and hope.

You have emoted: Gurashi grunts, sticking their hooved feet to the ground from time to time to help more rapidly slow their swinging. Eventually they are low enough that they feel safe enough to simply 'hop' out of the seat, landing with a grunt, then scrambling over to join Aeldra and Selia, entire body wobbling as they do so. "Yeah? Yes? I didn't feel me hit you but I might have!"

You have emoted: Gurashi leans over Selia, blinking, then realizing Selia_she is laughing. "Oh!" They giggle, looking at Aeldra. "Oh! That is laughing."

Selia says, "No, I'm fine! I'm fine, you're all so kind to check, but all is well!"

Aeldra finally regains her composure as she nods to you, "I must admit... the frantic casting of a half completed pentagram was a nice touch." she states matter-of-factly.

In disbelief, you say, "She was making a pentagrams?!"

Selia manages to get enough of a hold of herself to sit up.

You eyes light up as you smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi settles on their knees on the grass here, beaming. "It is differently funs when you are ON the swings," The sileni insists to Selia, smiling. "Thank you for pushing me!"

You grin mischievously at Aeldra.

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

You beam broadly at Selia.

Readjusting her glasses, which had been knocked askew in the melee, Selia says, "...Truly, it was my pleasure."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters asks Selia, "Perhaps you would like to try it yourself?"

You nod your head emphatically.

You look at Selia hopefully.

Selia quickly dusts herself off.

Selia says, "Me? Try it myself...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to rub at their forehead, clearing away some beads of sweat that were beginning to gather along their brow from all the enthusiastic rushing about. "Yeah! I am a very goodly pusher," They insist. "You do not have to go as high as I did, Miss Selia."

Selia glances past you to the swings behind them.

You beam broadly.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "You can just swing, a little." They rock their hand back and forth to emphasize. "It can be relaxing, too."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says, "I would trust Gurashi to know how to gently push a swing."

You nod your head sagely.

Confidently, you say, "Am a masters."

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up a little taller, puffing up their chest a little with pride.

Selia glances from Aeldra to you and back again. She rises to her feet, looking a bit uncertain. "Very well," she declares. She strides towards the strings purposefully.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi scrambles to their feet, giving Aeldra a not-very-subtle toothy grin and two-thumbs-up.

Aeldra flits back out of reach, hovering in the air, her sapphire wings beating gently to keep her aloft as she watches. "I am sure you got this, Selia. And it hopefully will be joyful!".

You have emoted: Gurashi rushes over to the swingset, moving to stand behind the one they occupied before. "Just get comfy! And, do not let go of the ropes, O-K? That is the most important rule."

You bounce up and down.

"O-K!" Selia echoes, as she seats herself upon the swing and (of course) grips the ropes with all the strength her hands can muster.

You have emoted: Gurashi grins, gently grasping the ropes below Selia's hands. "I will not make you go very high, I promise!" With all their sileni might, they gently pull back on the ropes, causing Selia to move the barest amount, rising back a few inches... then, Gurashi releases the ropes, letting Selia gently arc forward. "Pyaaaaah!" They step back a little, watching the human as she begins to swing back towards them. "Do not be a-feared, am gonna give you some pushes too - little ones!"

"Little ones!" Selia exclaims, her knees squeezing together and her eyes tightly shut, posture slightly hunched as she lurches forward and then backward, less than 20 degrees' worth.

You have emoted: Selia can feel one of Gurashi's small six-fingered hands press in the center of Selia's back, just below the shoulder blades, gently urging the human forward with the barest bit more momentum, making her swing a tiny bit higher, but not terribly so. "Is this O-K? Not too high?" They ask hopefully, smiling.

Beaming, you say, "Feel the winds! Smell the air! When eyes are closed, it is almost like being in the airs! Like a real bird!"

"Oh, they're closed!" Selia's posture suggests that she's rather terrified: hunched inward, knuckles white, eyes obviously very, very tightly closed.

You have emoted: Gurashi's enthusiasm dies a bit, and their smile wanes the barest amount. "Oh! I mean," They laugh, hand finding Selia's back again, though their push is less a push and more a comforting touch, a reminder of their presence, "you are not in danger! You are, O-K! I am sorry, if this is scary! Do you want to stop?"

Gently, you say, "Can swing, even lesser, if you wants...!"

With a tremulous nod, Selia says, "Okay...! Lesser!"

Aeldra smiles softly, "I need to go check something, but I'll be back for more swing shenanigans!" she says as she waves and darts out.

Falling into a light trot, Yvai, the battle sheep trots out to the southwest.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask, "Lesser - O-K!" The sileni lets Selia swing a few times without the aid of their touch, letting the swing fall several inches, so that it is rocking back and forth no more than a foot or so off the ground. "Is this O-K? Does this feel O-K?"

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

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Selia closely, considering the human's reaction, hand still finding her back from time to time to 'push', though not quite.

You look at Selia hopefully.

Selia dares to crack a bespectacled eye open. She looks around. And again. "...I was never much higher than -this-?" she asks, incredulous.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes their head. "A little higher!" They enthuse. "You were REALLY high when were on the slide, remember? It feels really scary if you do not know how high are going!" They grin a little, pushing gently, letting Selia swing still.

Selia exhales slightly as her other eye opens. "I suppose you're right," she admits. Her posture unknots somewhat as the scene goes on. "And this is...you do this for fun?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, letting Selia swing more idly. "One of thems."

Idly, you say, "I also go swimming and go baking and climb trees and explore places and climb on things in those places."

You have emoted: Gurashi hums as their hand touches Selia's back, letting her arc forward in the tiniest of swings. "Everyone has differently things they find fun."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "I know some friends who do not like the playground at all, but they LOVE to go swimming." They grin. "Or ones who hate the water and love to bake. It is goodly to have many fun activities. OH, I like to draw on the ground, too. With chalks, or paints? That is always fun even if am not very good."

You hum softly to yourself.

When you come round to see Selia's face, you find a distant expression, but one that is not troubled or morose, but rather tinged with a slight smile.

Selia smiles and says, "I think I am better than I have been in a long time."

You have emoted: Gurashi's tail wags behind them, and they cant their head dramatically to the side, ears dangling.

You look at Selia hopefully.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Really? Oh, good!"

You clap your hands together merrily.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "You should come back and play with me, a-gain! We can do other stuff, too!"

Selia says, "I'd like that very much!"

Selia says, "But it does sound as though the time for our parting is near."

You have emoted: Gurashi flashes Selia a toothy grin. "Thank you for coming to see! The rest of the park is really nice, too," They insist, bouncing up and down.

You nod your head emphatically.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask Selia, "Are you opposed to hugs?"

You tilt your head curiously.

Selia pauses, considering.

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts their head the other way now. "I," They clap a hand to their chest, "am a hugger. But know many others are not."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Fist bumps are also O-K!"

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Selia.

Slowly, Selia says, "Usually I am. But friends are an exception."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles broadly, then opens up their arms, ceasing their bouncing, allowing Selia to come to them. "Hoo-ray!"

As though unfamiliar with the motions, Selia eventually approaches you and wraps her arms around them.

You reach out, pulling Selia into a tight embrace.

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes Selia tight, arms around the human's midriff, squeezing tight. "Thank you, again!" They chime, looking up, tail wagging as they loosen their grip.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "Stay goodly, and kind, yes? And go in Love in all you do, yes!"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "And in the Light!"

With a firm nod, Selia says, "Yes!"

<-- suddenly, cat!
Esei tells you, "Ah, enjoy Tsillah."
Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "Ah! Oh my!"
Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "I will!"

Selia says, "I must attend to some of my duties, as well. But we shall do this again sometime."

Esei tells you, "Set her down, a moment? She wants to do something."

You have emoted: Gurashi steps back further, offering Selia a toothy grin. "O-K! Yes, please! I am often around doing something like this," They hum. "Can just let me know. Or I will let YOU know."

You drop a cat of black ink.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "She is at my feets!"

A cat of black ink promptly sits on your foot, purring loudly and seemingly... smug.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Selia, "Good luck, in all of your doings...!"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down as their hooves are claimed by the inky black cat, blinking.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "She stole my feets."

Esei tells you, "Oh?"

You shake your head.

You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Gurashi's hand.

Esei tells you, "Both of them?"

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "The left one."

A cat of black ink purrs as she rubs her face insistently against your leg.

Selia smiles and says, "You may seek me out anytime, Gurashi. I am happy to call you a friend."

You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Gurashi's hand.

Equally cheerful, you exclaim to Selia, "And you, Miss Selia! Take care, my friend!"

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to a cat of black ink, "Youuuuuu are soooooo sillyyyyyy."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask a cat of black ink, "Would you like to swing?"

Selia departs with another smile and a hand raised in blessing, leaving you to tend to a cat of black ink.

Selia leaves to the southeast.

A shifting, living poppy of silvery petals exudes a puff of eerie, resin-scented smoke before its petals mysteriously shift to a vibrant shade of teal.

A cat of black ink clings to your leg, peering suspiciously at you and then the swing in question.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at a shifting, living poppy of teal-coloured petals.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to a cat of black ink, "Do not worry, we will not realy."

You have emoted: Gurashi settles on the ground beside the cat, petting her adoringly. "You are so good."

You sense the sweeping gaze of Esei looking upon you.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

You feel a slight tug within your chest and the air around you sparkles with motes of bright light.
You sense Esei pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.

Esei emerges from a cloud of icy, freezing fog, their eyes glazed with the chill of the grave.

LOOKIT ESEI
Pale porcelain skin covered in freckles, they are a graceful elfen wyrden demigod changeling covered with black feathers. Their maroon hair hangs just past their shoulders, pulled into a loose braid that swings between their shoulder blades; curtain bangs loosely frame their face, shifting and falling to cover their visage at any moment. Sloe-dark eyes are set in an aristocratic face that belies neither femininity nor masculinity, solemn and oft expressionless. Their ears are long and slender, decorated with freckles and minute, silvery scars. Their build is akin to that of a dancer's, lithe and willowy, while their hands are an artist's, slender and elegant. Each finger is tipped with a black claw, while their palms are lightly scarred and calloused. They stand at six and six inches tall exactly, with broader shoulders than one might initially anticipate. Tattooed on their chest is an illustration of a cadaverous ribcage overgrown with ravishing black roses. Shadows cling adoringly to them, reluctant to surrender their grasp on one with the truefavour of Nocht, the Silent.
They are wearing:
an intricate, structured ensemble of dusk
a phantasmal shroud of shadows worn loosely around their shoulders
Ebon Prayer Beads of the Silent Lord wrapped around one wrist
a circlet of the Shee-Slaugh house delicately placed against their temple
a wedding armband of eternal night resting on their left bicep
a silvered leather scabbard tied loosely at their right hip
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree attached to their left forefinger.
A cat of black ink sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up from their spot on the grass, a cat of black ink splooted against their legs. "Hi!"

A cat of black ink scrambles up your leg, stepping with more-than-weightless paws on the sileni's thigh and stomach as she snuggles up against your chest, purring loudly.

You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.

A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Gurashi's hand.

Tired but happy, you ask, "How are? How are?"

You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Gurashi's hand.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I am... alright."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles. "That is goodly!" They lift a cat of black ink carefully, cradling her near to their chest, tickling her little nose. "Any newly newses?"

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I suppose yes. But also not really."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask, "Suppose but not really?"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask, "So newly news but not really newly news?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Well, it is new to me, but less so to the People involved, I imagine."

Esei tilts their head back and looks up at the sky.

You have emoted: Gurashi lolls their head back as well, gazing up towards the night sky fondly. "How is everyone?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "We are alright, I think."

Esei settles on the ground, pulling their knees close to their chest and wrapping their arms around it. Their ear twitches in response to the sculpture, eyes flicking up to watch it.

You tilt your head curiously.

You have emoted: Still gathering Tsillah close to their chest, Gurashi scoots over to sit beside Esei, now too staring at the statue.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask, "Isn't it cute?"

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...no."

Even softer, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Gurashi, how is it that you see the world?"

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I do not know. I can't see myself."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Esei, "Well, no, but know yourselfs."

You blink.

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

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

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** gurashi, surrounded by light and golden threads; bizirik, surrounded by blues and purples and flickering gold; cheliyi, dripping water with withered roots; xenthos, an aura of mirrors and scars... **.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Esei curiously. "Why're asking this stuffs?" They ponder aloud curiously. "You comes to ask me lots about things like this, sometimes. I wish could give a better answers, for you." They puff their cheeks.

You tilt your head curiously.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

Esei shakes their head.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Nothing important."

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

You ponder the situation.

With a smile as they lean forward, you ask Esei, "Have made any newly friends? In the Forest?"

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

You tilt your head and listen intently to Esei.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask, "...yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows their brow. "Perhaps is not a yes or a noooooo," The sileni protests tiredly.

Esei turns their deadpan stare to you, and raises an eyebrow.

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

Earnestly, you say to Esei, "Friends are important! Even the newly ones!"

You bounce up and down.

You see the following people here:
Esei, Gurashi.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "You and I have wildly different definition of 'friend', Gurashi."

You have emoted: Gurashi considers the elfen beside them, then wobbles slowly, and finally falls over, splaying out on their back, a cat of black ink held to their chest.

Staring at the brightening sky sleepily, you say, "I guess that is true."

Staring up, you say, "You visit me lots, which makes me happy - but want to make sure you are not lonely, either."

You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Gurashi's hand.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi hums to themselves, petting a cat of black ink. "Yeah, you know."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Do I?"

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi lolls their head a little, staring at Esei, albeit upside down.

Esei calmly places a hand on your face, covering it entirely.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "I mean, even -I- get lonely," Their face is covered by the hand, though they continue to try to speak still muffled, "bu' iff O-'ay cauf iff on'y fome'imef."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Esei removes their hand from your face.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles pleasantly at Esei. "Many thank yous."

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

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask, "Mmm?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...do you ever wonder..."

Esei shakes their head.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Esei patiently. "No no," They insist, "say it. I wanna hear your thinks!"

You have emoted: Gurashi wiggles, then carefully lifts Tsillah overhead, setting the cat aside as they roll over to rest on their stomach instead of their back.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Do you ever wonder what it was like for Them, when They were young?"

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks hard, cupping their face to support themselves as they rest their on their stomach, legs kicking in the air behind them. "Oh, gosh, all the time."

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

Smiling, you say, "We are pieces of them. Of Someone." They glance up. "Did you know that the Shofets and Lord Architect are super duper duper super really hecking old? Like REALLY old old! Primal-y old, even!" They giggle. "Like to imagine, Them seeing the other Elders come into being, come to be born. They must have been happy."

You hum softly to yourself.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask Esei, "What did you have in mind? What do you think about?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...nothing."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Esei, "Can imagine, a very young Mister Lord Silence?" They giggle. "Or, a newly formed Lady Sculptor? I have to wonder what She looked like, a-fore She had to do all that swimming..."

Shadows swirl around Esei's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around their hand.

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Yes, I could imagine Him very young."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "However, that may be less than wise."

Your melodic voice sings into Humble Kennian, A Saltspeaker's mind, "Mmhmm! Can see previous days like that too, with 0 1, 0 2, and so on."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask, "Why?"

You blink.

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "He is Wyrden, is He not? Does it matter to Him what He was before?"

Smiling to themselves, you say, "The way, that the Lady Empyreals plays with Tavi - it makes me thinks She enjoyed playing, with Siblings, younger ones, or similarly ones." They relax a little, removing their hands from their face and folding them instead under their chin. "I wonder if Divines had swings in... wherever They lived, before the Basins... or pools to swim in... guess could swim in the air...."

Esei's left arm twitches, almost violently.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Esei a bemused look. "Then why even bring it up!" They respond to the comment about the Silent Lord, giggling. "I bet He was the best at Hide and Seeks, if that was a game. He is very quiet and dark - easy to hide."

You have emoted: Gurashi hums happily. "But, I do not know."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Esei.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "I have to wonder if any of Them ever got to play like we do now. Already share so many other emotions, similarly so, we do. With Thems?"

You have emoted: Gurashi rambles on, plucking at a few blades of grass, tail wagging and legs swinging.

Esei bows their head, shaking their head with what is either amusement or dismay.

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I wouldn't know."

Smiling, you say, "Me either."

You hum softly to yourself.

You have emoted: Gurashi plucks another blade and tosses it to the wind.

With a sigh, you say, "I hope They were happy, for a time. When They were young? I hope so."

Softly, you say, "Hearing stories that are told - They loved Her so muchly. It must have been good, for a time."

You gaze softens as you smile.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Mm."

You beam broadly at Esei.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "...Her?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods wordlessly.

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

Esei pets you ingratiatingly.

You have emoted: Gurashi hums to themselves, plucking another blade, smoothing it between their fingers. They attempt to blow through it, producing a high-pitched squealing whistle of a noise that doesn't last particularly long as the sileni starts laughing moments after.

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

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Remember what I talked to you about?"

Esei gives you a half-way meaningful look out of the corner of their eye.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks once, twice, thrice. "We talk about lots of things - which thing?" They scoot a little closer, discarding the blade.

You look at Esei hopefully.

So soft they might be inaudible, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Amberle."

You have emoted: At the very mention of the name, Gurashi furrows their brow deeply, no longer fidgeting with the grass. They say nothing, watching Esei with quiet curiosity, awaiting the next words.

Esei nestles their chin against their knees, toes curling in the grass, and remains silent.

Sadly, you ask, "...whats about Her?"

As nightfall steals the last vestiges of daylight, a slender leothin's muted coat begins to shine with a violaceous radiance, and a double pair of wings materializes, grandly extended as if they've been there all along.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...there is a reason..."

Esei shakes their head.

You have emoted: Gurashi carefully moves to sit upright again, no longer splayed on their stomach on the grass, tucking their legs under.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I should not tell you."

Frowning, you ask, "...do you know somethings, about Her?"

Esei shakes their head.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "One that was with Her. One of the many many Firsts that died."

You have emoted: Gurashi's fingers curl a little in their lap. "...I thought, She faced the Soulless a-lone? I thought, the Others stayed back, to safety?"

Esei shakes their head.

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes widen more. "Did Others get hurt, too? When She...?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "The Book of Aslarn... says there were over three hundred who went with Her. Though, She was at its front."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods warily. "They could all hear... feel, Her..." They wince, as if remembering something unpleasant. "I remember - I did not know, they all went with Her, though. Were close enough, to..."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "The Soulless ripped apart Their formation, yes."

Esei pets a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.

Weakly, you say, "...did Many... were lots, lost?" They frown. "Do you know of One that fell, then? I do not know the names, from the histories. And, I am bad, at old old names anyway..."

You blush furiously.

Gently, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "His name was not listed in the Histories as we know them, as far as I know."

Esei shakes their head.

You have emoted: Gurashi sways side to side. As they consider Esei's expression, they scoot closer, and closer, tail waggling behind them. Then, they finally come to a rest directly beside the elfen, leaning so their cheek squishes against Esei's shoulder.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares up adorably, starry eyes wide.

Quietly, you ask Esei, "He?"

Esei sighs faintly, as if exasperated at your expression.

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

The pointed tips of Esei's ears twitch to some errant sound.

The pulsing glow emitted from Light's Glory surges brilliantly, a shining beacon of hope that reaches across the entirety of the Basin of Life.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Not something I am... comfortable speaking of, at any rate."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I need to go meet someone."

You tilt your head curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up straight again, nodding at last. "O-K." They frown a little. "Can tell me, though if want, someday? If is still heavy, on minds." They frown a little more. "That is sad, that Someone else did not make it."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "They deserve, to be remembered."

Awkwardly patting Gurashi on the face, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Be well."

You have emoted: Gurashi cants their head to the side, watching Esei depart.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

You see the following people here:
Gurashi.

You sniffle softly.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You think to yourself: *slowly whirling colors, a sense of confusion and concern - Others... there were Others, that got hurt? That died, even?*.

You think to yourself: *a sense of embarrassment, of unknowing of their histories, a dull thrum in their heart, an ache that spreads to the pit of their stomach - that is so sad*.

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

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

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

You think to yourself: *a sense of sympathy*.

Your shoulders sag slightly as you sigh.

<<LATER LEFT TO GO HAVE SOME BIG HECKIN THINKS>>

At the Shanty Town Memorial Fountain.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. One or two light fluffy clouds drift lazily through the sky. Away from the shaded respite of palm trees and saltwater pools, the gardens open to a flat, circular area of iridescent seashell tiles. Colossal statues span skyward around a water feature in the centre of this section, together forming the Shanty Town memorial fountain. Beach stones, painted with the free expression of childrens' imaginations, line the shallow, raised-edge of the memorial monument. A copper plaque tinged with a patina of green and brown is set within the grouted sea glass pathway, noting the contributions of the Rising Tide Community Centre to commemorate the lives lost in the Shanty Town. Clumps of flowers, wilted and mishandled by small hands, blanket the ground before the monument. They lie interspersed with bouquets, portraits, and lit candles - tokens of love and grief by survivors both young and old. Another willow-arched stone bridge crosses over the water here, adjoining to the island in the lake to the south. A perfectly unblemished sphere of copper slowly spins in place at the heart of the Shanty Town memorial fountain, surrounded by towering sculptures adorned in colourful vegetation.
You see exits leading east, south, and west.

The memorial fountain to the shanty town victims is a feat of construction and aquatic ingenuity. A perfectly unblemished sphere of copper slowly spins in place, powered by the force of water that creates a fine glistening sheen across the surface. The copper ball rests inside a giant seashell as if a rare pearl presented to the towering, prodigious beings portrayed in marble and vegetation surrounding the water feature. Each statue is entirely covered with an arrangement of living plants, the heads crowned with an intensely hued assortment of biennials and flowers shaped so that some suspend farther from the statues than others to reflect masculine and feminine humanoid figures. Every statue is turned toward the water feature in individual pose; hands outstretched toward the copper pearl. From fingertips and palms, flowing waterfalls spill over leafy fingers into the shell below, swirling around the base of the copper ball, the source of its movement.
It weighs about 2500 pounds.
It has the following aliases: fountain.

READ PLAQUE
Dedicated to the memory of the victims of the shanty town massacre. Let this monument be a place of remembrance lest we forget our apathy which allowed it to happen. Permit the shanty town to be a Celestian lesson in the need for empathy and compassion.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up towards the memorial fountain thoughtfully, short tail wagging behind them. They consider their surroundings, taking the time to carefully dust off the bases of the statues.

You have emoted: Gurashi moves closer to the fountain itself, taking a little extra time to make sure the debris around the plaque is cleared away.

You hum softly to yourself.

Motes of celestial cosmic energy flicker gently above the darkened city, flaring upwards from the spires of the Deep Blue Cathedral.

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

You think to yourself: *wondering, wondering endlessly about the question asked - other Elders, They died? when the Lady Amberle made Her last stand...?*.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, turning their attention to the Shanty Town memorial fountain, humming pausing.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to remove a purple tulip from their hair, considering the flower, its petals just beginning to show signs of wilting.

You have emoted: Gurashi twirls the flower in their hand, then leans over, gently setting the bloom into the water, watching it slowly drift about. They rise from their spot at the fountain, curiously moving about to observe the long-faded portraits that decorate the memorial, tail oddly still behind them.

You think to yourself: *remembering the fevered look on Esei's face the months before, wild-eyed and panicked - they must have learned something sad, or new - THEY certainly didn't know Anyone else who died*.
Soft mewlings betray a kitten crying for its mother somewhere nearby.