A Tour, A Psalm, and A Guilty Seed

<-- Gurashi asked Cheliyi if she was busy, and rushed over and kidnapped her from the Aetherplex

A narrow, claustrophobic cave.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Little more than a hollow in the side of the mountains, the interior of this cave is swept with eddying trails of sand from the without. The walls are crude and unmarked by any hand: the ceiling dips low, toothlike protrusions sending flickering shadows over the cavern floor and walls. The air is stale, still, and unmoving; only the murmuring of the desert wind beyond the cavern suggests at the existence of life. Oilslick patterns ripple across the silken folds of this veil as it flutters between two paradigms.
You see exits leading out and through a fluttering veil.

Cheliyi smacks her lips. "It is very dry here, yes."

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I wonder how Mixter Mboagn fares, yes."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Mmm. This is the volcano outside of the city of Gaudiguchs. But."

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures toward a fluttering veil. "This is the entrance to the Shofets's realm. I promised you once that would show you around, if were interested." They fold their hands together politely, smiling at Cheliyi. "Would you like to see the realm of My Dear Divine?"

You look at Cheliyi hopefully.

Cheliyi blinks, suddenly glancing around the trill to peer at the odd veil.

You fidget impatiently.

Sheepishly, you say to Cheliyi, "Y-you do not have to!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "But you may! I would happily show you!"

Cheliyi slowly nods, before smiling. "It sounds very lovely, yes! Let's go."

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

You eyes light up as you smile.

You bounce up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly reaches out to grab Cheliyi's hand. "Perfect. Let's go!"

Cheerful, you say, "Stay close! I cannot take you within the temple, obviously, but..."

Cheliyi looks around curiously, before squinting at the stone walls.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "It is quite warm here - a little stifling, yes. Fends off less ... mmmm, cannot think of good word."

Cheliyi follows you down.

Ascending cliffside steps.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. A glassy walkway over the fog comes to an abrupt curve here: from the edge, risers ascend into thin, foggy air. High above, the bulk of some massive cliff looms, pendulous folds of rocks dark and ominous even in the feverish fogs. White marble obelisks adorned with blue whorls of paint mark the bottom step, their own tops bearing coppery bowls with offerings of resin-scattered coals.
You see exits leading southeast, west, and up.

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously.

Inhaling the cool air as they reach the bottom of the descent, you say, "Ahh - behold!"

Soft fur brushes against your ankles, leaving a strange warmth in your skin. When you glance down, you glimpse the fading remnants of feline footsteps in the dust.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "There is so much fog, yes."

Cheliyi pauses, and glances warily at the copper bowls.

You nod your head emphatically.

Cheliyi follows you southeast.
A view of foggy terraces.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. The Shifting City drops away here, remnants of houses and streets hanging limp and deflated from the edge of a vast stony cliff. Far below, terraces descend into fog, winking with light from different portions of the city. Far below, the fog overtakes everything, hanging in miasmatic splendour: vast, nightmarish wings of shifting, prismatic hues break the clouds like sails, dreameater moths soaring above and feeding upon the streets themselves.
You see exits leading southwest and northwest.

Cheliyi blinks.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "You are going to see lots of weirdly things!"

Reaching for the pouch upon their belt, you say to Cheliyi, "But just as many amazing ones, too!"

Digging into a small, overstuffed pouch, you pull out a single poppy petal, your fingers glistening with a strange, oily shimmer.
You give a wilting poppy petal to a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar.
Paradigms shift as a maddened dreameater moth grows impossibly larger, quivering between rainbow and putrid shades before finally exploding in a wisp of a nightmarish incomprehensibility.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I think a cat just touched me? But I did not see them, no."

Watching the moth twist and contort into being before them, you say, "Oh! Yeah! That was Vrima!"

<-- influences a moth to show

You compliment a maddened dreameater moth on her outstanding intellect and physique.
A maddened dreameater moth puffs up her chest and a crazy gleam enters her eyes as she vigorously agrees with you that her intelligence and strength far surpass anyone else's.
Paradigms shift as a maddened dreameater moth grows impossibly louder, quivering between rainbow and putrid shades before finally imploding into a wisp of a nightmarish incomprehensibility that fades from your perceptions.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Bidding the creature farewell, you say, "See!"

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "This place is -so- weirdly."

Cheliyi giggles happily.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "But pretty."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "...it is definitely different! But! Like!"

Beneath an inverted fountain.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Polished grey marble overlaid with looping whorls of blood-hued tile and ivory hangs above this wide, septagon-shaped plaza of copper and indigo. The waters within the fountain burble perfectly in key from the mouths of monstrous fleshy creatures that merge into female and male dracnari, their robes held aside to reveal the full potential of flesh melting into Enlightenment. Templars stand guard above, their breastplates inlaid with pentagrams, with septagrams, with nonagons and incomprehensible, secretive sigils. The fountain hangs perfectly aright, waters flowing from lips of Illuminati to the basin, merely upside down amidst the roiling fog of the Shifting City. Emblazoned with the Red Hand, a gleaming, energy-wreathed altar of ivory and scarlet rests here.
You see exits leading north and south.

A bright gleam in her dull gaze, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "What is an entire place of -raspberries-, yes!"

Cheliyi coughs softly.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "If, that is."

Cheliyi giggles happily.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "There are a lot of places to see ....ohhh! See, that probably is most definitely a thing."

You nod your head sagely at Cheliyi.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Now you are getting it. Mm. But. Yes. The many things here are really mind bendy. But also, like said, very beautiful. There are some nicely notable places..."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Counting on their hand, you say, "We can... visit the ampitheatre, and go find and say hello to Miss Vrima, who you met a minute ago..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim, "And, Aschwar's house, of course! Oh and the dreamdocks!"

You bounce up and down.

A citizen wanders by, vague and flickering, vanishing rapidly into the paths and roads of the Shifting City.

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond exclaims, "Lets go, yes!"

Soft fur brushes against your ankles, leaving a strange warmth in your skin. When you glance down, you glimpse the fading remnants of feline footsteps in the dust.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ah! There she is again!"

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

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "O-K... let me seeee if I remember.."

<-- me looking for something in wrong part of the city for a little while

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "It didn't blow up, right...."

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Beneath mist-shrouded monuments.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Massive stone figures jut down from the sky, floating above the pavement by mere handspans. Wide, unmortal eyes gaze outwards from alien faces: weirdly-jointed limbs fold at moist, fog-touched breasts, mudras emerging in manifold fingers and claws. To either side, blocks of faceless buildings sit sideways between their more properly oriented forms: smaller houses rest, roof-down, atop.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, and west.

Speckles of cold stars open overhead, winking coldly in the silvery fog canopying the city.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond asks, "They can -explode-?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh, the realm exploded recently, yeah. Kinda blew up a little."

Comprehension flashes across Cheliyi's face.

Casually searching, you say, "Is a little smaller than was before..."

The eastern edge of the Dreamdocks.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. An arch straddles the street here, made from bones and flowers and forgotten masonry, with a few paper charms tied around its lintel; on one side the Labyrinthine Market bustles, while to the west the Dreamdocks extend into the endless nothing of the Void-fog. A stone brazier emitting curlicued clouds of noisome smoke squats next to the arch, but it lacks an obvious mate save for a discoloured intentation marking where its twin once stood. The buildings are tall and narrow, like bitter widowers, their rooftops exaggeratedly pointy and roofed in the dreams of hanged men and a healthy coating of tar. A throng of carts clogs much of the street and makes it difficult to go more than a few steps without being confronted with another souvenir merchant or vendor of questionably-acquired goods.
You see exits leading north, northwest, and up.

"Ahah!" you exclaim triumphantly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim, "Ah, I was in wrong part of city. Let us go see the docks first, since we are closest!"

You bounce up and down.

You give Cheliyi a friendly squeeze.

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Oh oh - also, do not be afeared if you feel the ground drop."

Cheliyi blinks.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "It is not for reals."

Cheliyi giggles happily.

You pet a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar ingratiatingly.
A lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar shivers as you approach, its mandibles clicking eagerly.

A dockside garden.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Bowing sharply to one side, the road awkwardly circumnavigates the flower garden that someone has planted here, boardwalk and paving wrenched forcibly out of the way as though by some enormous hand. The garden itself is separated by the star-riddled emptiness beyond by a metal grating stretching along the edge of the green, a trio of viewing platforms jutting out over the un-water and connected to the garden by a short series of stairs. As for the garden itself, it is mainly grass and wildflowers with river-stone paths winding through it, though there are a number of bushes sprouting up at odd intervals: these bear pink crystal blooms and tiny glass vials half-filled with attar of roses. Though a tight fit in places, there is enough space for a sizeable cart to enter from the dock beyond and pass into other parts of the city. A faceless, indistinct citizen wanders the City, looking oddly familiar. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here.
You see exits leading northeast, southwest, and northwest.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously.

Gesturing out towards the vast void-black ocean towards the west, you say, "Look - it is like a sea!"

Overhead, the sky is blotted out with the massive, rainbow-hued wings of a dreameater moth.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "There is an entire -ocean- out there, beyond where you and I could go. Not even the Sacrosanct can! Except Beloved Aschwar!"

The dock of yearning.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Reaching out like a grasping, splay-fingered hand into the starry emptiness of the Void, this dock is weathered and weary despite the lack of actual rain or waves. The wood creaks worrisomely with every footfall and passing cart, sometimes even shuddering as though buffered by some intangible zephyr, but that doesn't seem to have stopped the sailors who drop anchor here or the porters who haul their cargo. The oil lamps that skewer the dock cast a slightly greasy light through the gloom. Several ships bob up and down in the empty air; their cargo is heavily bundled in ropes and tarps, and the vessels themselves are kept in place by a tangled mess of moorings, both seeming to strain against their restraints. Copper-clad and gleaming with a mirror-walled lantern at the very top, a beacon looms here at the edge of the dock. There are 2 lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillars here.
You see a single exit leading southeast.

You eyes light up as you smile.

Cheliyi looks out over the sea, before glancing back up to you. "Why is it so hard to swim it? Can you not breathe it?"

Standing near the edge of the dock, you say, "I think it is reality bending or something. It is not like water. More like a void."

Cheliyi blinks.

Gazing down into the inky darkness swimming at the base of the dock, you say, "Maybe is just water."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Aschwar made it sound dangerous so I have not tried to drink it or swim in it. It is just something that only the more Divine can do - a place Divines can go?" They tap their chin. "But it is very beautiful to look at, isn't it?"

Cheliyi ponders the void thoughtfully, before bending down to try and touch the water.

(clan): Cheliyi says, "Gurashi don't let chel touch the proverbial power socket dejksncjknsksd."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh! Mine-child--."

Cheliyi stops just above the surface, glancing back up curiously to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly reaches out to touch Cheliyi's shoulder. "Oh! I wouldn't, just to be safe..."

Cheliyi hums, before nodding slowly and pulling her hand back to her chest. "That is... probably goodly, yes. It is like the weirdly water in Lord Nocht's fulcrux."

Speckles of cold stars open overhead, winking coldly in the silvery fog canopying the city.

Cheliyi takes your hand, before pulling her gaze up to the stars.

The Shifting City fades around you. Your stomach drops into nothingness, falling endlessly before the surrounding buildings and streets recondense.

Cheliyi's grip tightens minutely for a moment, before the mugwump's shoulders relax.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a deep breath as the sensation befalls both of them, then offers Cheliyi a reassuring smile. "Mmm, let us go see Beloved Aschwar's house, then?"

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Pointing at the colorful villa upon the rise, you say, "See it over there? We gotta wind around to reach it!"

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "He might be sleeping, yes. But I have wanted to meet him!"

You nod your head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh am sure you will soon!"

Before the Monastery of Orange Thieves.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Sharp aromas hang in the air in the street before the monastery, rising up from scattered heathens, the entrails of kneeling shaddocks and the blooming hearts of tangerines. Porcelain shingles crown the tall, sun-burned walls of the building, avoiding snow-capped cupolas and skewed oculi that overflow with stains and the smoking exhalations of stolen orchards. Pools of molten metal have been tended like sacred fires outside the monastery and from their churning liquid hearts grow tall and branching trees of obsidian and glass that hang heavy with brindled brass feathers and swollen jewels. Idols of cast-off rind and copper bones have been hung from the branches of the forge-copse; dozens of mutely screeching monkeys and a single, unreachable, terrified puss. A pair of broad, coppery doors rest here, panels emblazoned with devices of mantra-adorned oranges.
You see exits leading east, south, and west.

You pat a pair of broad copper doors in a friendly manner.

Cheliyi closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "This is the Orange Monastery! I cannot take you inside because is for Beloved only, but, it is where Miss Sebitti went to after she left me!"

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

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Cheliyi.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "This is where the thi-- monks live! So many of them! Hundreds even!"

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously at you.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Cheliyi, "Did you know they can walk on walls? The monks?"

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Like Lady Viravain's children, yes?"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "That must be so hard, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi plants their foot against the wall. "Yeah, it is magic only they know, called Yu Ken Leep! Beloved Lenara hopes to someday be able to do that too..."

Cheliyi giggles happily.

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, glancing towards Cheliyi. "Ah - yeah ... but do not need spider leggies to do it!"

Foot still against the wall, you say, "Can do it like this! Just walk on up!"

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Cheliyi peers at the wall, before trying to put her bare foot against it.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

When nothing magical happens, Cheliyi lets her foot fall with a giggle. "That is weirdly, yes. But cool!"

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a 'step', trying to walk up the wall, but merely falls back to their flat foot, laughing as they fall back as well. "Yeah! Imagine if it works! I have seen it work!"

A lush sandstone courtyard before a grand villa.
Aesthetically geometric sandstone tiles lead the way towards the grand, multi-tiered villa rising ahead. Lush, long-bladed sedge grasses envelop the sand-strewn path, tall clusters of woody bamboo parting nearer the abode where the avenue opens into a large courtyard. Nestled within the grasses are a number of abstract statues depicting noble hawks and cobras, clear water pouring from their beaks and fanged mouths into basins cradled below. Surrounded by an intricate arrangement of small pools and complex fountains, pale stone benches and narrow monoliths of dark marble circle the courtyard, offering opportunities for tranquil rest and reflection. Beyond the yard rise the golden-wood columns of the villa, each supporting wide mahogany eaves from which hang chimes of miniature golden bells interspersed with bright crimson metal poppies that lend their delicate tintinnabulation to the music elicited by even the smallest stirrings of air. The immense statue of a proud jackal rests upon its haunches at the top of the wide sandstone stairs rising before the towering archway that marks the threshold of the villa, the dark animal's triangular ears and snout held high as its scarlet eyes watch over all who pass.
You see exits leading east and in.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ta-da!"

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures about grandly. "Behold! The outside of Beloved Aschwar's home!"

Cheliyi gazes up at the villa, her eyes widening. "That is.. a very bigly house."

You nod your head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Mm!"

Cheliyi follows you in.
Within a comforting, rosy solarium.
An enormous, rectangular space, this solarium is spacious while still managing to offer a comforting sense of home with a number of beige-cushioned mahogany divans in a variety of sizes arranged strategically throughout the airy room. Columns hewn from honey-coloured wood line the area on all sides, their surfaces painted with freehand brushstroke visuals loosely depicting sky-blue cranes, seafoam dragons, black jackals and other mystical creatures amongst orange bamboo and palm fronds. In the centre of the solarium is a wide, golden basin filled with red sand, a number of standing kyphi sticks filling the air with serene aromas as the incense smokes peacefully within its vessel. Above, the ceiling is formed of nothing but pieces of stained glass assembled in complex geometric patterns which combine and divide to form shapes reminiscent of the natural world - fragments of bright blue, soft yellows and pale oranges intersperse throughout a predominance of rosy pinks, their forms melding into patterns eliciting images of flowers, eddies of sand and suns. There is something about the designs which conjures sensations of peace, amicability, comfort and safety, delicately colouring the light passing through the segments of glass.
You see exits leading north, northeast, northwest, and out.

(Veiled): Zeebin says, "Brightest greetings, Beloved."

(Veiled): You say, "Oh my! Many greetings, Beloved!!"

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

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ohhh, Beloved Zeebin is awake! It has been so quiet lately..."

You shake your head.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ah! Behold!"

(Veiled): Zeebin says, "Ah, Gurashi! It has been too long, mmm... How does the ochre sand suit your feet?"

(Veiled): You say, "It has been far too quiet here lately! Yeah!"

Excitedly, you say, "Beloved Aschwar is the BEST at growing -plants-. Look, they made me these!"

You display a vivid red-orange poppy for all in the room to see.
You display a shifting, living poppy of ivory petals for all in the room to see.

(Veiled): Zeebin says, "I agree - I seldom find anyone walking the Shifting City's streets."

Cheliyi looks around, nudging one of the massive cushions with a foot. "Everything is so... nicely here," the mugwump hums softly, her expression gentle.

(Veiled): You say, "Am here now! I am! With my mine-child, Miss Cheliyi! She has never had the pleasure of seeing the City, so I was giving her a tour!"

(Veiled): You say, "You can come say hello if want! And meet her if have not already!"

You nod your head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Mm! Beloved Aschwar is muchly beloved, yes."

(Veiled): Zeebin says, "I don't believe I have met her, no. I'd be delighted."

You wink knowingly.

Cheliyi follows you northeast.

Chaotic sand patterns within a tiered rock garden.
Tiers of rock elevate different portions of this sizable garden, long grasses spilling over each level and across wide, pale granite paths trailing through and around the tiers to allow the terrace to be admired from all angles. Sustaining the resident plantlife, fountains and small streams have been constructed to mimic natural waterfalls and rivers, albeit in miniature size and contained within their rocky borders. Between these enclosed segments of garden span wide swaths of sand, interrupted here and there by small sculptures formed of balanced rocks. These sculptures offer a contrasting sense of discipline to the chaotic patterns raked into the sand around them, the lines confounding and nonsensical but never connecting, bewildering in their complexity but somehow aesthetically pleasing. A young cherry tree rises from one of the tiers at the far edge of the garden, fragrant pink petals scattered over its immediate environs.
You see exits leading southwest, west, and northwest.

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Cheliyi, "Do mind meeting my fellow order member and teacher?"

Cheliyi shakes her head.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "They will be nicely, yes?"

Shyly, you say, "His name is Zeebin! He is Saffron, too!"

You nod your head emphatically.

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Mm!"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Then okay, yes."

(Veiled): Zeebin says, "Hrm, this door is broken again."

(Veiled): You say, "We have just arrived at Beloved Aschwar's villa and are looking at the pretty peaceful rock garden if want to find us yes."

Cheliyi glances curiously at the cherry tree, her expression softening.

(Veiled): You say, "Oh - door?"

A single fish swims by in midair, scales flashing with ivory and flame-hued luminescence.

Cheerful, you say, "Isn't it beautiful here? So peaceful. Ah! There is the fishy!"

Cheliyi giggles happily.

(Veiled): Zeebin says, "From the lower Galleries to downtown by the Bridge of Lunarose."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "It is, yes. I can see why you like it. It is... different from home. But not too different, no."

Zeebin arrives from the west.

Cheliyi greets Zeebin with a nod, her frills puffed respectfully.

Zeebin inclines his head politely to Cheliyi.

Zeebin gives you a peck on the cheek.

Zeebin gives Bizirik, the leothin a peck on the cheek.

You chirp happily.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Brightest greetings, Beloved, and beloved of Beloved."

Excitedly, you say to Zeebin, "Hello, hello!"

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "That is a lot of beloved."

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim to Zeebin, "Zeebin! Beloved Zeebin! Please meet my mine-child, Miss Cheliyi!"

You point accusingly at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi smiles shyly, bobbing her head once more in greeting.

Nodding sagely, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "We fan the flame of a mighty love indeed in these parts of the world. So lovely to meet you, Cheliyi."

Cheliyi hums softly, her salmon frills vibrating with song.

You have emoted: Gurashi's wings open and close, flapping excitedly behind them. "Yes! I was just telling her that you are my teacher in Saffron! And my fellow Beloved Saffron!" To Cheliyi, they add, "It is not too terrible having so many Beloved, do not think, eh?"

You bounce up and down.

You beam broadly.

Cheliyi smiles brightly at you, her frills puffing with joy.

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I have always thought of love as plants, yes. Strong and sturdy. Why does everyone call fire love?"

Leaning forward, you say to Cheliyi, "Because of how warm it feels!"

Cheliyi frowns in confusion, but nods slowly nonetheless.

Bowing his maned head, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Not so good a teacher these days. I can hardly catch any of my students! You are all becoming too skilled in the monkish arts, methinks."

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says to Zeebin, "If Dad is your student, then you must be a goodly teacher, yes."

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

You bunch your shoulders as you giggle softly at Zeebin.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Zeebin, "Is not your fault! We have all been busy in our lives, we have...!"

Cheliyi hums softly, her salmon frills vibrating with song.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Anyway, I was showing my dear one the Shifting City! Because it has so many neat things to see!"

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Oh, -so- many wonderful things indeed!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I was gonna show her here, and, we looked at the docks, and I wanted to show her the garden and amphitheater place and."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "We gotta find Vrima! She keeps saying hi but we cannot see her!"

You snap your fingers.

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I know where she likes to spend her time muchly but..."

Offering Bizirik some clawed scritches, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I suspect Vrima will be found when Vrima wishes to be found."

A wry smile spreads across Zeebin's face.

Zeebin begins to follow you.

You bounce up and down.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Mm!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh! But, first, the place with the poppies!"

Zeebin follows you northwest.
Cheliyi follows you northwest.
Strange poppies within a verdant atrium.
Myriad stone planters, raised rock-wall gardens and hanging pots overflow with a variety of flora within this revivifying atrium, the vibrant petals of peonies, orchids, azaleas and chrysanthemums providing magnificent drops of colour amongst the greenery. Areca palms spread their narrow-leaved fronds from tall standing pots, shading the various benches and asymmetrical travertine paths that wind through the arrays of plantlife while glassless windows overlooking the villa's environs offer a view of the flower-bedecked trees, pools and towering statues relieving the desert sands that span as far as the eye can see. Before these windows splash fresh waters within an ornate limestone fountain, chaotic carvings decorating its surface while gold leaf spirals around them. Surrounding this fountain are raised tiers lined with a collection of wide-mouthed, soil-filled vases, each nestling its own assortment of curious poppies: among the traditional red, white, yellow and pink blooms are others shaded different hues of the rainbow, some even being composed of entirely different materials altogether. Iridescent chitin, cotton-like fibre, translucent crystal and even a few feathery species gather in clusters, their lofty position suggesting that they are undoubtedly the muse of the garden's caretaker. The centre of the atrium is dominated by a robust spiral staircase of gilded gold railings and cream-hued stone that circles up towards the higher floors of the villa, the structure well-supported upon reinforced pillars. There are 2 lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillars here.
You see exits leading southeast, south, southwest, and up.

You nod your head emphatically.

Zeebin's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "This is the neatest room! This is where Beloved Aschwar grows their flowers!"

Cheliyi blinks.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "It is where they grew mine! See? See?"

Zeebin's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi bobs their head side to side, both a vivid red-orange poppy and a shifting, living poppy of ivory petals catching the light.

You beam broadly.

Cheliyi looks around the atrium, her mouth slipping open into a soft "oh" of wonder.

Excitedly, you say to Cheliyi, "I had a feeling you would like this room."

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

Softly, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I do, yes."

Stepping lightly through the flowers, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Oh, I forgot! I brought a little welcoming gift for you, daughter-of-Gurashi."

You eyes light up as you smile.

Cheliyi lets go of your hand, hesitantly stepping forward towards the poppies of inorganic material before she pauses and glances at Zeebin with a curious gaze.

Zeebin reaches Cheliyi mid-turn with his shoulder facing towards her, and completes a full revolution in pirouette before settling to face Cheliyi.

You eyes light up as you smile.

Cheliyi jolts, before blinking up the Beloved incredulously. She cups the candy in her hand, before suddenly beaming.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond exclaims, "Thank you, yes!"

Pressing the candy into the mugwump's hand before stepping and swaying back through the flowers, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Just a little piece of the Shifting City for you."

Still giggling, you say, "A gift!"

Cheliyi holds the candy to her chest, before slipping it into her pack.

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

Coughing, you say, "I was also telling mothies as I caught them that they were very good."

You glance askance.

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

Zeebin follows you south.
Cheliyi follows you south.
Crossing a serene, stained-glass bridge.
Supported by hefty sandstone columns, this bridge arches gently from the aromatic solarium to the verdant atrium in a shallow curve. Below is nothing but an expanse of gold-and-coral-hued sand within a sunken square, revealing that the villa is in fact elevated upon sturdy blocks of stone. Above, the tiers of the abode rise on four sides to an open sky, a few balconies overlooking the bridge while otherwise smooth sandstone walls are broken only by wooden eaves the hue of burnt umber. The floor of the bridge itself is constructed of reinforced stained glass lain in pleasing geometric patterns, shades of bright blue, grassy green and vibrant orange entertaining the eye. Verdant ferns and trailing plants top the posts supporting the bridge's beige wooden railings, their foliage tumbling about them in a lively display. There are 2 lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillars here.
You see exits leading north and south.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron exclaims, "Many moths indeed. Mha aa moh mha dza!"

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Yeah! Moth moth, mothie mothie dzaa!"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Moffie? Ma... da."

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Cheliyi coughs softly.

Zeebin pats a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar in a friendly manner.
A lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar shivers as Zeebin approaches, its mandibles clicking eagerly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "It is an ancient language!"

Cheliyi nods slowly, clearly not understanding at all.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "Wait - do we know what that means?"

You tilt your head and listen intently to Zeebin.

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

You shake your head.

You confide in a maddened dreameater moth how much you admire her dazzling mental and physical skills.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "It is the mantra of the moth. If it has a meaning, it is beyond me."

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "How ... what did say?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "... m...aaaa mooooth mmoooooothie dzaa?"

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Cheliyi giggles happily.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "We looked at the monastery doors alreadyyy."

Swaying back and forth to an unheard rhythm, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I'd be delighted to recite the Psalm of the Maddened Moth if you would like the unabridged version?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "There are lots and lots of bridges, too!"

You blink.

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Zeebin, "Oh! We are going to the ... stage place anyway!"

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron asks, "Oh, did you visit the gardens?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Zeebin, "Do it there!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "We are going there!"

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Zeebin points to the southwest.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "There's one down that way, too."

Zeebin follows you southwest.
Cheliyi follows you southwest.
Gazing on twisting terraces of City.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Vermillion moss runs rampant along the once-white stones, swallowing angular masonry and geometric urban planning in red peat, scarlet wetness and spores of saffron. Rectangular mounds and triangular hills reveal buried windows at their feet and yellowed pools drown letterboxes and weathervanes in the shade of azure-crowned maples and sun-bleached poplars like obelisks. A spectacular view of the disorderly terraces is framed by the trees, a City in ascendance that must surely waver and fade like a fever-dream or mirage. Ever-rebellious, the walls and buildings jostle each other for room when out of sight, pausing like children, innocent, when they feel they are being watched. A faceless, indistinct citizen wanders the City, looking oddly familiar.
You see a single exit leading northeast.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ohhh... I do not come here so often..."

The Shifting City fades around you. Your stomach drops into nothingness, falling endlessly before the surrounding buildings and streets recondense.

Nodding, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Few people do, but I find the view and the moss garden just so delightful."

You have emoted: Gurashi runs their fingers along the moss. "There are so many places to see! We were talking about how some of them are so -strange- but all very beautiful."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I like to sit at the docks... oh!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Zeebin, "Do you know if the water is safe? To touch?"

You stare blankly at Zeebin.

Cheliyi pats the moss gently, her expression curious. "Everything is such a weirdly color here."

Cheliyi blinks.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "To touch? Maybe! To swim? Certain Death."

Cheliyi blushes furiously.

Cheliyi coughs softly.

Zeebin nods his head emphatically.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "So about the stage, yes."

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim, "Yes! To swim is bad... oh yeah stage!"

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Ah, I had best ask the Library to please let me have the scroll! It is... quite a long Psalm though. Are you sure you want to sit through the whole thing?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Think issss....."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Cheliyi. "I would not mind, but Miss Cheliyi is the guest! So if she does not mind?"

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Only if it is not hardly for you, yes."

Nodding, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I shall find you upon the Isle of Lunarose then! I must fetch that book."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I have never heard the full thing before..."

You bounce up and down.

Zeebin rubs his paws together and sashays off to the northeast.

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly hugs Cheliyi tightly before grabbing her hand. "O-K, let me see if can remember where it is."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "They are nicely. I am glad they are your teacher."

<-- walkie walkie

Amidst webbing of cotton and cashmere.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Warm, soft cashmere yarn mingles with more solid lengths of cashmere along this road, anchored in the remnants of broken walls and to lengths of voidcopper planted in tiny islets of floating dirt and pavement. Granny squares soar overhead, feet of rosettes and mesh blocking out the endless twilight of the alien firmament. Warm cottages constructed from poles and soaring afghans of cream and carmine strands line the roadway. Tilted eyes gleaming with sundry saffron stars, Vrima, Eater of Moths lounges here. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here.
You see exits leading north and southwest.

You have emoted: Gurashi hums as they lead Cheliyi along by the hand.

You eyes light up as you smile.

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim, "Here she is!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Behold!"

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

You pet Vrima, Eater of Moths ingratiatingly.
Ebon stars overtake the brilliant saffron in Vrima's eyes, and for a moment reality about her warps, revealing a beast far larger.

Cheliyi greets Vrima, Eater of Moths with a nod, her frills puffed respectfully.

Adoringly, you say, "You may pet her if you like! She is friendly!"

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

Cheliyi gently scratches Vrima under her chin.
Glassy spines shimmering with oddly mesmerising slickness, a lethargic moth caterpillar creeps to the north.

You pet Vrima, Eater of Moths ingratiatingly.
Vrima, Eater of Moths stretches languidly, scripture-wrought wings dusting the ground in the forgotten prayers to the Lord-and-Lady.

Still petting the creature, you ask Cheliyi, "Isn't she beautiful?"

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

You beam broadly at Zeebin.

Zeebin begins to follow you.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Zeebin, "We found her!"

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Zeebin flashes Vrima, Eater of Moths a joyous smile.
Vrima, Eater of Moths opens its fanged maw in a wide, feline yawn.
Vrima, Eater of Moths inches bashfully over to Zeebin and nuzzles him tenderly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "The loveliest Vrima!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Vrima, Eater of Moths, "The goodliest eater of moths."
Vrima, Eater of Moths licks her lips.
Purringly, Vrima, Eater of Moths says, "Delicious moth dreamsss..."

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

Cheliyi giggles happily.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "And she -talks-."

Providing Vrima with just a few scritches, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Vrima is a treasured member of the Beloved."

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

You nod your head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "She helps feed the mothies!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Anyway, O-K, the place is..."

An amphitheatre at the centre of an island.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. A vast voidcopper column descends from the fog-filled, starry heavens here, planting itself deep into the centre of an ivory amphitheatre. Row upon row of benches carved with poppies rise upwards from the broad, flat basin: above each, an umbrella of different material floats. Some, sideways, are clearly blown from glass, while others are made of silk, candy, fish scales, or even the skins of strange beasts or beings. One appears to simply be a black trenchcoat masquerading as an umbrella. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, and up.

You nod your head emphatically.

You chirp happily.

<-- 5 moths enter

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "So many mothies coming to listen!"

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Cheliyi giggles happily.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Sorry, sorry."

Cheliyi pats you in a friendly manner.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ohhh."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "You do not control them, no."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Vrima won't let them pass, so they can't get off Lunarose island."

A sickening squelch precedes the lethargic entry of a spindle-spined moth caterpillar from the north.

A shifting, living poppy of ivory petals displays a myriad of brilliant colours before its petals explode with a bright flash coalescing into the shade of scarlet blood in the blink of an eye.

Gazing out of the corner of their right eye, you say, "Ohhh, so -red-... oh! Anyway!"

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Cheliyi hums softly, her salmon frills vibrating with song.

Quickly ushering off the final moth, you ask Zeebin, "Uhm! You have a thing you want to sing for us?"

Waving a scroll about before unfurling it, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Ah, yes, that's right."

You have emoted: Gurashi drops down into a spot beside Cheliyi, all visible bits of plumage ruffed. as they settle in.

You tilt your head curiously.

Zeebin seems to struggle to find a comfortable place to stand, seeming ill at ease with standing still long enough to recite the verses writ upon the scroll.

Cheliyi sits down, her tail automatically curling around you in some sort of subconscious hug. She looks up expectantly at Zeebin, her dull eyes sparkling with excitment.

Zeebin yowls unhappily and shivers.

Cheliyi hums softly, her salmon frills vibrating with song.

Cheliyi beams broadly at Zeebin.

Zeebin shivers violently.

You nod your head emphatically.

Standing statue-still instead, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Much better. A single voice under the spoor-muralled heavens."

You have emoted: Gurashi's left wing droops across Cheliyi's back, like a feathered arm pulling her in close. "You can perform it however want, yes."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron sings, "Oh come to us, children of the Scarlet Wings.... Oh come to us, children of the Scarlet Wings."

Frills twitching idly, Cheliyi closes her eyes and tunes in.

Gesturing to the moths, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Taste our dreams, our hopes, our fears. Drink our pain, our love, our needs. Purge us of all our weaknesses, and let us know the glory of your Mother with Scarlet Wings."

Lifting his hands towards the sky, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Breathe deep of mystery and take to the air, stir the skies to passion with your beating wings, with your fluttering heart. We offer up ourselves, our inks, our blood, our praise, and we ask that you carry these gifts to your Thousandfold Mother with Scarlet Wings."

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up a little straighter, feathered ears flicking back and forth as they listen intently.

Cheliyi tilts her head every so slightly, her eyes still closed.

Pulling his hands inwards to his chest, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Know our minds and take our hearts, seek transformation within and we will follow, drawn to your example as your kin, drawn to your radiance and your illumination. Drawn deep into the silken folds of your presence, drawn from nothing to be anointed with ash and dust."

You glance askance at a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar.

Spreading his hands wide, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Let inks be reshaped into our trumpeting ivories so that we might work you true cocoons, of black and white and darkened blood. Our quills, as our swords, will be dipped in your likeness, our tongues and our lips will be as your gaudy wings. Our eyes will see, as yours, the beauty of your Mother."

Stretching his arms outwards, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "We part the fluttering veils, of silk, of flame and smoke. We rise and fall. We dip, we weave, we dance your eerie dance, to follow in your weird ways and experience the Shifting City in so very many ways that we never once imagined."

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans forward in spite of themselves, their eyes wide.

Continuing with a toothy smile, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "We bring you offerings, we bring tribute, we bring you celebration and sacrifice. We pave the way with copper, with resins, with fallen petals. We work the wya with blood, with our own and with that of others, we light the way as blazing beacons, with pain and with truth gilded in ivory, our minds swathed in midnight and dawn."

Outstretching a hand to a passing moth, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Sweet sisters, sweet maidens on the wing, know your worth and rise to strike us down - harry us with the voice of an oracle, with the menace of shadows, and the might of malice. We shall quake and bow before you, and know who we might be."

Tugging his arms back towards his body, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Kiss us then, children of the Scarlet Wings, and breathe into us wine and smoke and dreams. Teach us what we know, remind us. Who might we be? Watch over our simple, clumsy paths, as we stumble blindly down them."

Turning his face to the sky, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Will you, then, soar and thrum with reckoning unmatched by any creature of night and bright air? Stealing across the vastness on wings of nightmare to catch us as we dream and drive us forth, or to drive us mad and off our own beaten track? Will you show us the way, or will you blind us?"

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to lay their hand gently against the side of their head, fingers resting against the petals of a vivid red-orange poppy.

Dipping his scaly muzzle downwards, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Perhaps you seek to guide us, as beacons, as your Mother with scarlet Wings before you? We have been lost and blinded by we have not been struck deaf. We hear your whispers, we hear your cries. We hear you, wracked with fever, with visions."

Cheliyi frowns ever so slightly, her discolored cheek scrunching in confusion.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "We stare into our lidded eyes for a truth that was always there, as clear as tattoos on our eyes, spelled out with veins, with blood and vessels, as beating and as red as the Moth with Scarlet Wings. With words still running hot from our centre."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans lightly against Cheliyi, their draped wing drooping.

Lifting his hands upwards again, with more urgency, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "The world is yours to prowl and fly, blood is yours to take, words easily pried from tongues and inky fingers. Raise the cup, cup of dreams, of blood, of honey. Drink deep of us and, in essence, drink deep of the wine of life."

Laying one hand upon his chest, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Take our words, our heart into your own. For we are your veils, we silken striders. Through we Beloved, you are Beloved, and through your trials, we are tested. Know love and pain and freedom. Take to your throne, your lofty skies."

Cheliyi hums softly, her salmon frills vibrating with song.

You hum softly to yourself.

Lifting one clawed hand delicately, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "As you rise, like banked embers and plumes of smoke, look down on us, the Devoted and Beloved, we weep and sing out in exhaltation, while you shrug off hopes and doom. Mha aa moh mha dza! Your song, as dust, falls in eddies onto our tongues."

Repeating the strange phrase, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Mha aa moh mha dza! Sing we left beneath, as we take up our arms, raising blades and quills and voices as we seek to kiss the wind, the wake of the Moth with Scarlet Wings and so we wake and dream again."

Barely audible, you whisper, "Mha... aa..."

Approaching the climax of the Psalm, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "But never for long, for echoes surround us, your fears and cries support us, as we seek to join you on the wing to help you find your way, for the great beyond is vast and uncharted, even for a child of the Moth with Scarlet Wings."

Sublime happiness clear on his draconic features, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "We wield Her ways in agony and realise that no pain is greater than isolation and delusion, for departing from the world of mortalkind inflicts a most severe sense of loneliness upon even the most free and flighty souls."

Cheliyi finally opens her eyes, her frills focused on Zeebin with rapt attention.

You lean against Cheliyi, eyes half-closing.

Closing the Psalm and binding the scroll with the final moments of the Psalm, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "We wield Her ways in bliss, for we realise that no pain is greater than unity and illumination, for in all the vast world of mortalkind, Love and Will are the sharpest blades, and every one of us is they."

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi suddenly stiffens.

With a wry smile, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Such is the Psalm of the Maddened Moth."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over their shoulder and smiles warmly at Cheliyi, canting their head.

You feel that Zeebin deserves some congratulation, and so you clap wildly.

Cheliyi smiles weakly and claps, though her demeanor is much quieter.

With a chuckle and a shake of his frail head, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I did warn you it was a lengthy verse, friends. But its message is important, and should be remembered."

Softly, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "That was lovely, yes. Thank you muchly for reading it."

Whispering, you say to Zeebin, "It was very beautiful."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks aside at Cheliyi, canting their head and giving the mugwump a firm squeeze. "Did not mind length at all."

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...mha ... aaa..." They look at Zeebin for clarification. "...moh ..... uh."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...mmmm, dza."

You look at Zeebin hopefully.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Thank you for taking the time, yes. It had lots of wisdom in it, yes."

Nodding in agreement, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron recites, "Perfect. Mha aa moh mha dza."

Relieved, you say, "Mha aa moh ...mha dza..."

Almost chanting , you whisper, "Ha aa moh mhaaa dzaaahaha mhaha moh mhaaa dzaaa."

You cough softly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Will work on it."

The corners of Zeebin's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Cheliyi pats you in a friendly manner.

You gaze softens as you smile.

Cheliyi slowly removes her spectacles, blinking rapidly.

Cheliyi coughs softly.

Looking about the amphitheatre, you say to Cheliyi, "What do you think so far? I know the city is kind of wild. Is a lot to see, yes."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "It is lovely."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "A little weirdly, but lovely. Especially Mister Aschwar's house, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi's joyful expression dampens the barest amount, and their wings open and snap shut. "Beloved Aschwar has a most lovely villa, yes. I mean, there's more to see, but, it is a lot to see in one visit."

Zeebin nods his head sagely.

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I would not be surpised, no."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "The spiral garden downtown is lovely, in my opinion."

You nod your head emphatically.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Oh, or that swing on the hill? A bit strange, but pleasant nonetheless."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Also the room that is just pillows..."

The corners of Zeebin's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I like the rooms along the Lunarose island..."

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

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "But mostly I like the dreamdocks."

You sway anxiously in your spot.

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I like the Dreamdocks too. They're very underappreciated, I think."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Mm! We spent lots of time standing there looking. It goes out so far..."

Zeebin pats a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar in a friendly manner.
A lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar shivers as Zeebin approaches, its mandibles clicking eagerly.

Cheliyi nods slowly.

You hold no "petal".

You give a horrified gasp.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oops."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I ran out of petals."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I will get more later..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "When finish talking to them."

You hum softly to yourself.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Cheliyi.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "That's why I prefer to ask Vrima to hand them out."

The corners of Zeebin's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ah! But she misses them!"
Glassy spines shimmering with oddly mesmerising slickness, a lethargic moth caterpillar creeps to the northeast.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "She does miss some, it's true. She must get bored before she's all the way done."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "If you ask Miss Vrima nicely, she will hand out petals to caterpillars for you, yes."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "But ... she misses, understandably."

Cheliyi smiles gently.

Lines of power flare up along Zeebin's body, connected by shimmering points of light. For a brief moment, his body becomes a canvas displaying the constellations of Lusternia before the light flickers and fades away.

Zeebin stares up at the sky, body still and unmoving.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances over their shoulder briefly, listening to something unseen.

You blink.

Softly, you ask, "... oh - B-Beloved...?"

Cheliyi winces at the shimmering light, before glancing away from Zeebin.

Tilting his head to listen but remaining focused on the firmament, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Mmm?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...nothing."

Curiously, you ask Zeebin, "How do you do that?"

Searching for something in the sky, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Do what, Beloved?"

You have emoted: Gurashi slips their hand again into Cheliyi's, swaying lightly as they stand beside the mugwump. "The stars upon your body."

With a wry smile, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Something very similar to your butterfly wings, I imagine. A curio, mapped out upon my scales with golden needles."

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond's mind, "* continued lingering color, muted, quiet * ... is Mixter Esei getting married today?"

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

Cheliyi tells you, "Hey, it is okay, yes. Love you muchly, okay? **muted grey, flooded over by gentle green**."

Quietly, you say to Zeebin, "It is very beautiful looking, is all. I know of a friend who would like to have something like that."

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

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond's mind, "Ah! No I - * unable to hide the surprise in their voice, even over the aethers * Why are you not there?"

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond's mind, "I am not keeping you, am I? * a worried thrum *."

With a smile, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "It is one of my favourite treasures. It is the dance of Indigo and Saffron in the sky. A Celestial procession."

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "It is very beautiful... though most starry things are..."

(clan): Esei (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Gurashi."
(clan): Esei (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Help."
(clan): Xenthos (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Filib Shee-Slaugh catches sight of Akuuko, the Rewoven and then looks away, and then, not so subtly, looks back at him."
(clan): Esei (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I cant breathe."
(clan): Xenthos (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Hmmm."
(clan): You say, "...................................................................."

Cheliyi huffs at you with quiet amusement, her smile soft.

Cheliyi tells you, "No. I was not invited. I am happy to be here anyways, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks at Cheliyi, their feathered ears flicking back, surprised.

Cheliyi pats you in a friendly manner.

Zeebin ponders the situation.

Aloud, you say to Cheliyi, "They didn't invite...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly covers their mouth with a hand, turning bright red. "Oh! Sorry!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I said the quiet part out loud!"

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

You blush furiously.

Cheliyi tells you, "**a sudden flare of pained loneliness smothered by sheer determination**."

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

Shaking his head, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "If anyone can keep a secret, Beloved, it is me."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "It is fine, yes. It seems to be family only, yes."

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

Cheliyi tells you, "I did not say muchly because I was more worried about you."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly wraps their arms and wings both around the mugwump, squeezing her tightly to them. "O-K. Am happy could be here to see the city with us then."

You give Cheliyi a friendly squeeze.

Looking up, you say to Zeebin, "We got not-invited to a thing!"

Cheliyi flashes Zeebin a grateful smile, although her dull gaze doesn't linger for long.

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Looking down at Cheliyi with a huff, you say to Zeebin, "That's all."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Ah, I see..."

Cheliyi hums softly, her salmon frills vibrating with song.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I was worried it was a not-invitation for one reason, but, it was a different reason."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says to you, "It makes sense for me, yes. It is mostly unfair to you."

You shake your head.

Quickly, you say to Cheliyi, "Is O-K."

With a grin, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Well, then we have a teachable moment, perhaps."

Smiling earnestly, you say to Cheliyi, "I am so happy to hear everybody is awake, yes, and doing something so happy together."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Zeebin.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Listen closely! Beloved Zeebin is a good teacher!"

Cheliyi blinks.

Zeebin utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Closing her eyes, Cheliyi aims her frills at Zeebin, the salmon-pink appendages twitching curiously. She seems to be listening intently.

You have emoted: Gurashi keeps Cheliyi wrapped up in an embrace, swaying as they listen to Zeebin, gray eyes wide.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "It sounds as though you have already mastered the lesson I was about to give, Beloved! Though someone else may have made a decision to exclude you, how you choose to respond and from what perspective to view the situation is going to determine what the reality of the situation will be."

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

You nod your head emphatically.

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Quietly, you say, "I COULD be sad."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I could sit at home, and mope, and wish I was there and think about being there."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances towards Cheliyi. "...or, I could show my mine-child one of the neatest places in the Basin, yeah?"

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Mm."

Cheliyi creases her brow in a frown.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "How fortuitous you also didn't get invited! A weirdly bittersweet coincidence."

You bounce up and down.

Cheliyi blinks.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "To invite and hold a hurt, to allow doubt to pit and erode your confidence, or instead, as you have done, to celebrate the happiness of others, even from afar, and instead choose your own happiness in the moment. I believe you have chosen very wisely, Beloved. You have chosen Love over isolation."

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

You nod your head sagely.

Suddenly, you say, "I love them."

Softly, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I know you do, dad."

Firmly, you say, "I am so happy they are getting married."

Zeebin beams broadly.

Quieter, you say, "They have wanted a family as long as I have known them."

With a nod, you say, "And now, they will have it on -papers-."

Cheliyi smiles softly, although her shoulders still tense. "It is goodly that they have found it, yes."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Things in paper are sacred indeed. Each page is a pin in a skein of perspectives that snarl and stretch along the continuum of infinity."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "To have it on paper is to say "For a moment, no matter what else may come, this happened, this mattered to me, I was here"."

Zeebin nods his head sagely.

You nod your head emphatically.

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I never thought about it like that before."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Dad and I are not official on paper, no. But I do not think that hurts our family, no."

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

You smile sadly at Cheliyi.

You nod your head emphatically.

Giving the mugwump a squeeze, you say, "Mm."

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "I can write it down now? It won't be on stamped paper but -do- have a notebook."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I think that you are not as inclined to need those pins in the skein of your life, Cheliyi. Yours is the spider on the web, the Sun in her thorax."

You wink conspiratorially at Cheliyi.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Zeebin.

Cheliyi blinks.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "A sun in her thorax..."

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "... I have -no- idea what that means."

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "A bright spot?"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I am not wise enough to understand, no,."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Who can say with certainty? You will no doubt discover it in time, as you master the tides of heart and home. It is written."

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "I think means you are a sunny spot on a spider's tummy?"

You have emoted: Gurashi squints at Zeebin, looking at Cheliyi suspiciously.

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "I think."

Zeebin nods, satisfied with his interpretation and the certainty of his insight.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Maybe, yes."

You nod your head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Yes, a sunny spot."

You have emoted: Gurashi throws their arms around Cheliyi, nearly knocking them both over with the force. "My bright and sunny mine child in the forest of shadows, yes!"

Cheliyi giggles happily.

Zeebin utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Almost tipping over, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond exclaims, "Hey-!"

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

You have emoted: Gurashi's wings flap furiously, keeping them both on-balance and upright.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

You give Cheliyi a friendly squeeze.

With a chuckle, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Transformation is yours, Cheliyi, let it guide you towards anywhere you wish to go. Your father is an excellent example of that, I think."

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

You have emoted: Gurashi nuzzles their face against the top of Cheliyi's head, wings still flapping.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Mm, yes. Dad is the best kind of change, I think. Even if they are silly sometimes."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Hey!"

You give a horrified gasp.

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

You have emoted: Gurashi peels away, agog. "Who are calling silly!?"

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, tail slapping the ground.

Cheliyi wheezes.

Eyes twinkling with mischief, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Silly change is the most important change, sometimes. Just to break the mold."

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Finally catching her breath, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "It is."

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

Zeebin ponders the situation.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says to you, "I think change will be upon us soon. We should speak soon about what will come next for you and I."

You have emoted: Gurashi hums, their wings flapping a few times as they begin to settle down from their rush of excitement. "Oh! My, yes!"

Cheliyi smiles brightly at you, her frills puffing with joy.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Zeebin, "Oh oh! Uhm! I Am. Further! Deeper? In the Order now! I think! They let me in! That is why They gave me the poppy!! So, more responsibilities probably yes?"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Zeebin's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

LISTEN POPPY
Your vision dims as some vast, unfathomable mind brushes yours, stars spinning madly in the depths of some great void as a voice murmurs, "Walk ever with My grace, little one, and know that the Light shines in a paradigm just as darkness falls in another." <-- my POV
Expression glazing over and filling with countless stars, Gurashi stares blankly at nothing, their lips absently mouthing words that fall without voice. <-- 3rd person

You gaze softens as you smile.

Zeebin turns his attention towards you as his ears perk up in interest.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "It has been too long since we have seen the star-eyes."

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders sag suddenly, a strange expression crossing their face. One of relief, then one near to tears, then one of joy.

Cheliyi frowns at you.

Cheliyi frets over everything that might go wrong.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Are you okay, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to touch their temple, nodding. "Mm. I am just fine."

Patting Cheliyi's hand reassuringly, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "The star-eyes was once the sign of the Thousandfold. Gurashi will be safe, no matter what."

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi tenses at the touch, before relaxing significantly. "I see. That is goodly to hear."

Wings flapping as their gaze returns to normal, you say, "Ooohwah..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "... They are so goodly."

You sway anxiously in your spot.

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Inclining his head as he retreats a ways, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Did you hear what They were trying to say with the poppy?"

Softly, you say, "I did."

With a soft smile, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "It is a precious thing. A sign of Love. I am glad you finally have your poppy in hand."

Stalking through the air with a predatory gleam in her eyes, Vrima, Eater of Moths emerges from the up.
Vrima, Eater of Moths licks her lips.
Vrima, Eater of Moths pounces upon a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar, gnawing upon her hungrily.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at Cheliyi, wings flapping twice. "They told me before, and the poppy said to me again: 'walk ever in My grace, little one, and know that the Light shines in paradigm, as darkness falls in another, yeah."

Cheliyi blinks.

You pet Vrima, Eater of Moths ingratiatingly.
Vrima, Eater of Moths curls around you with a distorted purr, jade-bristled fur rubbing abrasively against your leg.

Zeebin smiles softly at Vrima, Eater of Moths.
Vrima, Eater of Moths opens its fanged maw in a wide, feline yawn.
Vrima, Eater of Moths inches bashfully over to Zeebin and nuzzles him tenderly.

Cheliyi deflates ever so slightly, but her smile does not fall. "I am so, so happy for you, yes."

Cheliyi hugs you compassionately.

You reach out, pulling Cheliyi into a tight embrace.

As they squeeze the mugwump tight, you say to Cheliyi, "The Light helps offset the Shadows." As they part, they flash a toothy grin. "And Shadows give depth to the Light."

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

A wry smile spreads across Zeebin's face.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I know, yes. If it was bright all of the time, my eyes would hurt -so- muchly."

Cheliyi giggles happily.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "The stars cannot shine without Mother Night's beauty, no."

Zeebin smiles softly to himself, pulling a handful of indigo tints from thin air with one hand, and a handful of ochreous saffron with the other.

A sense of well-being and calm fills the air and warms your heart as an enormous tae'dae with black and gold fur strides in from the east.

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

Cheliyi blinks.

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim, "Oh!"

LOOK ASCHWAR
Radiant gold and inky black compete for prominence in the thick fur that covers this enormous tae'dae's body, the well-groomed hair shifting like fields of wheat and clouds through the night sky with each movement. Despite their thick limbs and eleven-and-a-half feet of height, an aura of well-being and contentment radiates off of their body, only enhanced by the gentle smile that is nearly always present on their muzzle. Glittering mis-matched eyes, the right brown and the left green, stare with a gentle warmth at the world around them, only inches below a pair of fuzzy ears with several notches missing from them. A brilliant red hieroglyph crackles in the centre of their forehead, flaring occasionally with small tendrils of red lightning. They are nicely dressed in a comfortable pair of deep grey trousers, held up by a burgundy belt of leather, and a three-layered tunic of bright red-violet cloth that fits them nearly perfectly. A hooded coat of striking vermillion hues hangs atop this, flower petals hand-sewn across its embroidery and circling the black star easily visible on their back. Light tan, a pair of strap boots are a stark contrast to their fur and have been decorated with little, hand-drawn moths. Shifting colours swirl around them in a small space, creating an aura of delightful serenity for all who pass through it.
Aschwar has an air of extreme strength.

Zeebin flashes Aschwar a joyous smile.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 10th of Juliary, 573 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 26 days until the New Moon

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Brightest greetings, Beloved!"

Cheliyi squints at the tae'dae in front of her, slowly slipping back on her spectacles.

Cheliyi blinks owlishly, until her gaze seems to settle with a creaking sigh.

Excitedly, you exclaim, "Hello! Hello!"

Wings flapping excitedly as they bound over, you exclaim to Aschwar, "Beloved!! What a wonderful surprise!"

Cheliyi smiles shyly, and offers a wave.

Aschwar carefully readjusts their coat, looking very much as though they had just rushed away from something physically straining if the scuffs on their trousers are anything to be judged by. "Hello, Beloved and not-Beloved."

Aschwar peers carefully at the caterpillars nearby, who quickly begin to disperse elsewhere.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops before Aschwar, beaming brightly up at the tae'dae. "I am so happy you are here! My - Cheliyi! Th - she," They fumble over their words in their excitement, pointing back at Cheliyi.

You flail about helplessly.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "We have not long concluded a reading of the Psalm of the Maddened Moth - I'm afraid you've just missed it."

Aschwar curiously cants their head to the side, squinting for a moment, and then asks, "Did...Wait. They didn't write that one, did They?"

Zeebin shakes his head.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Old Nirsaad did."

Cheliyi giggles, and steps forward to greet Aschwar with a small bow. "Gurashi is my dad, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods enthusiastically, flitting back over to Cheliyi. They wrap an arm and wing around the mugwump's shoulders, ushering her up to Aschwar proudly.

You point accusingly at Cheliyi.

You think to yourself: * a swell of color and a great sense of pride - beHOLD! the - the goodest! the bestest!! *.

Cheliyi lets herself be bundled about, holding back a burst of giggles.

You think to yourself: * brimming with excitement *.

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Aschwar nods their head slowly in understanding at Zeebin before turning towards you and Cheliyi, canting their head to the side with more apparent curiosity as they stare down at the two. "Cheliyi?"

Cheliyi nods slowly.

You have emoted: Gurashi waves their hands jazzily before Cheliyi, leaning in, then stepping back, huffing excitedly. "Yes! Cheliyi - my mine child!"

Aschwar's eyes widen at that, and then they squint with quite more than a little suspicion between you and Cheliyi, pointing a claw at facial features, then body, and then eyes, as though trying to piece together some great puzzle.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi blushes furiously.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aschwar.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Aschwar, "I picked her!"

Perking up, you say to Aschwar, "And she picked me!"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "They did not make me with the wasps and bats, no. Picked!"

Cheliyi beams broadly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Aschwar, "I did ... she is not ... we are not like, the same shard. No."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Cheliyi awkwardly. "I don't.... think..."

Plaingly, the tenor of their voice obviously confused, Aschwar says, "...good, because I was really curious how mister Tridemon and Friend Gurashi were able to make something that looks like neither of them."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up again. "I --".

(clan): Cheliyi says, "I WILL DIE ON THIS HILL **wheeze**."
(clan): You say, "I will die with you."
(clan): You say, "Holy fhskla."

You stare blankly at Aschwar.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh. I."

Nodding eagerly, Aschwar exclaims to you, "Yeah, my insidey thoughts looked just like that!"

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

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Cheliyi giggles happily.

You have emoted: Gurashi holds their sides, peeling away from Cheliyi as they roll with laughter.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Just like Mama and Mboagn!"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "It would have been even more confusing if I was like my siblings, yes."

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Aschwar blinks.

Aschwar peers at Cheliyi unscrupulously.

Aschwar peers at you unscrupulously.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "AAAAAaaa no! I - picked!" They wheeze softly, "Not... my ...aaaaaaaaahaha ha. Ha! Ha."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

With a tinge of upset on the edge of their voice, Aschwar says, "Siblings?"

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Cheliyi blinks.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh - uh, I did not adopt all the siblings...."

You glance askance.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Miss Cheliyi is a WYRDENWOOD, and so she is one of the many trees, and so her siblings are the forest! The, other trees!" They flail. "Not... THAT."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Aschwar, aghast.

Cheliyi nods slowly, looking vaguely confused. "Yes, like Brother Rowan, Cousin Blackthorn..."

Aschwar blinks.

Cheliyi smiles gently, her frills puffing with joy.

As they cross their arms over their chest, Aschwar says, "No, now you are making up of words. I have learned ALL the races, and there is no such things as Wyrdenwoods."

Zeebin ponders Cheliyi thoughtfully, looking her up and down.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi creases her brow in a frown.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "But it is true, yes. I do not lie."

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "...O-K, uh, we can show you can't we?"

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says to Cheliyi, "I admit, you don't look a lot like a Wyrdenwood."

Cheliyi blushes furiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Cheliyi. "I have a blanket!"

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

You nod your head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly fans out their wings, moving to block Cheliyi's view from those gathered and vice versa, ushering her away towards the edge of the clearing.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Heyas. You spin the wheel yet?"

Aschwar squints suspiciously, and then sighs, holding up their paws before them. "N-no, it is quite okays. I will believe you, but how come I can learn all of them, and then there's MORE?"

You have emoted: Gurashi proceeds to take an emerald fish blanket out, shaking it out a few times and holding it up in front of Cheliyi, wings still flared.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "There are more races than we know in the world, for certain."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "No! We are visiting dearest Beloved Aschwar and Beloved Zeebin! Miss Cheliyi and me!"

Zeebin nods his head sagely.

You think to yourself: * protect! *.

You nod your head sagely at Cheliyi.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Oh, in the Shifting City?"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Mmhmm! We can spin the wheelie after! Can come say hi of course!"

Cheliyi stretches out her branches, suddenly much, -much- taller.

You bounce up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps back, lowering the blanket and grinning toothily.

Excitedly whipping around, you say, "BeHOLD."

Cheliyi blushes a bright green, giving a shy wave.

Aschwar thinks about this for a moment, and then claps their paws together, causing a painting to fall out of a bright burst of sand, which they look at. "Like the dorflin, I suppose. But that is different because even the Shofets knows abou them."

You suddenly scoop up a painting of a Dorflin. <-- absolutely missed this in the moth spam :sob:

Zeebin ponders the branches reaching far, far higher than you is tall.

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says to Aschwar, "Now see, I've never heard of a dorflin."

Pointing up, you say, "My TALL STRONGLY CHILD MINE."

You nod your head sagely.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I am badly for hugging, like this. So sometimes I am nostalgic and look like before, yes."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Cheliyi.

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement at you.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Door.... flin."

For a long moment, it does not even seem as though Aschwar will notice that there is anything different about Cheliyi, before all of a sudden they do and their jaw drops open in a perfect circle. "Whoa...you are almost as big as the Shofets..."

Cheliyi blinks.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh! I saw a drawing of one of those once! Aschwar showed me!"

You beam broadly.

Pondering to himself, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Like... like the child of a dwarf and an elfen?"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "That sounds like a nice time."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Come say hiiii."

You become abruptly aware of the painting of the dorflin which you picked up from the ground.

You eyes light up as you smile.

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

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

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi beams broadly.

Cheliyi hugs Tridemon compassionately.

Aschwar shakes their head, tearing their gaze away from Cheliyi and looking back towards the ground to say, "No, it looks li--" They pause, investigating the place they had left the painting, before whispering, "Did...a mothie take it?"

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond exclaims, "Mister Dad!"

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

Tridemon raises his hand in greeting to Cheliyi and says "Hi!"

Tridemon hugs you compassionately.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "It has three leggies! And-- ah!"

You reach out, pulling Tridemon into a tight embrace.

Zeebin greets Tridemon with a sincere smile.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Three legs? Oh, oh, like one of those... fae? Tripoderos?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I have it!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "'lo, Aschwar. 'lo, Zeebin."

At last pulling away from Tridemon, you give a painting of a Dorflin to Aschwar.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Aschwar, "Sorry! I have it! I have it! Here!"

Aschwar raises a paw in greeting towards Tridemon, saying, "Mister Tridemon. It is good to be seeing you and knowing that you did not make a tree by having babies with Friend Gurashi."

You stare blankly at Aschwar.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi chokes on her laughter.

Zeebin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Aschwar sagely nods their head as they once more drop the painting to allow others a chance to see it.

Cheliyi ponders a painting of a Dorflin thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks dazed, reaching up and covering their mouth with a hand as they clear their throat. "Yes! No! Definitely! But - a dorflin!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I remember the story!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Aschwar, "You said it ran around and ate fruit!"

Zeebin scratches his head in confusion.

Tridemon blinks slightly, tilting his head at Aschwar. "... That is, indeed, a good thing for you to know."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "It has a wheel?"

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "So weirdly..."

Aschwar nods their head and says, "Like one of the big carriages that goes around the Basin! And they use it to crush the hard shells of the fruit, and eat its sweet insides up!"

Tridemon gives a painting of a Dorflin to you.

Mystified as he stares into the painting, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I wonder what wheel-based Divine turned into the dorflins..."

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

HELLO PAINTING?
This artistic painting shows creative skill with a brush, but the actual
content seems to be of some fantastical creature the artist may have
only heard about in passing. It bears an extremely large painting of a
rather round looking creature, the actual shape a little fuzzy and
indistinct. It bears two strong kangaroo-like legs on its rear end, with
two knees per leg. The legs are pulled down a bit, showing off their
articulation, although the artist doesn't seem to know how the knees
work, and has each knee at a different angle that if this creature were
real, would probably hurt quite a bit. Interestingly at the front,
instead of another set of legs, the creature bears a single large wheel.
There seems to be no place for the wheel to attach, and instead has just
been painted onto the front of the creature as if someone took a wheel
and handed it to the being to hold. Its skin is a dark grey colour and
flat-looking, reminiscent of dolphins. A small plaque proclaims this to
be a painting of a 'Dorflin', whatever that may be.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "That is actually very smartly... I used to just use rocks."

You ponder a painting of a Dorflin thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Simply, Aschwar says, "If you had a big wheel for a leg, then I think it would be easier to use that than to try and pick up a rock with it."

Off-handedly, you say to Aschwar, "This is a very good painting."

With a bright smile, Aschwar exclaims to you, "Missus Friend Shulamit made it, because my drawing was not so very good!"

You give a painting of a Dorflin to Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond.

You eyes light up as you smile.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I need to catch her - we keep missing each other."

Zeebin nods his head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Whoosh - gone in a flash."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Only pops in to give a cookie and say she loves me and gone again."

Your shoulders sag slightly as you sigh.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "It's getting harder to catch other members of the Beloved these days."

Zeebin scratches his head in confusion.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Zeebin, "I am often around!"

With a laugh, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "When I wake, I'm usually on my own in here!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Beloved Lenara and Beloved Reko wake early in the months as well, I see them both often! Uwah."

As they nod, watching the painting pass from hand to hand, Aschwar says, "So how come you all came to visit? Did you want me to try and call the Shofets? Because I can, and They'll come, to make sure I don't want anything important."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh!"

You flail about helplessly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "No no!"

The corners of Zeebin's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Cheliyi takes the painting gently, pondering the creature depicted with a frown. "I hope their legs did not hurt too muchly, no."

Cheliyi blinks.

Beaming, you say to Aschwar, "I just wanted to show my dear mine-child the Shifting City!"

Comprehension flashes across Aschwar's face.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Aschwar, "We looked around the ground floor of your home but did not go upstairs - and we looked at the dream docks, and we looked at the doors before the monastery and talked about trying to figure out how to walk on the walls and then we listened to the Maddened Moth poetry!"

Cheliyi goes still before she exhales softly, and passes the painting to Tridemon.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Aschwar, "It has been a wonderful month!"

You beam broadly at Cheliyi.

You give Cheliyi a friendly squeeze.

Cheliyi smiles, her lips softly creaking with amusement.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Aschwar, "Oh! And, Mixter Esei is getting married today!"

Throwing their arms in the air, you say, "At last!"

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon shifts his eyes suspiciously from side to side.

You beam broadly.

As they curiously tilt their head, Aschwar says, "They are? Are you waiting for it to start, or did it already happen?"

Cheliyi glances askance.

Taking Cheliyi's hand in their own, you say, "Already happened, I think."

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Mm, neither of us are invited Mister Aschwar, no."

Cheliyi coughs softly.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Mixter, I mean."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I wonder if Lady Carakhan would know which Divine became the dorflins..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at the wyrdenwood, bouncing up and down. "It is O-K! We had a wonderful time here!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Zeebin, "Oh!"

Cheliyi flashes you a quiet smile, her leaves shaking with amusement.

Veils flicker across the sky, heralding a cry of utmost relief. In the aftermath, the whispering skeins fade slowly from existence, leaving the sky stained scarlet and copper in their wake.
Zeebin whimpers softly in pain, their face slack and their eyes far away. Abruptly, they cry out in relief as oil-slick energies whisper across their skin.
Glassy spines shimmering with oddly mesmerising slickness, a lethargic moth caterpillar creeps to the east.

Cheliyi blinks.

You think to yourself: * a deep thrum, and a dull, ache - no, is not so bad - happy. happy for. *.

You blink.

Aschwar quietly says, "Th-they're not from this wo--" Towards Zeebin before their muzzle turns into a terribly awful frown. "You were not invited? That is not a very kindly thing for a friend to do. Mixter Esei and the whole Basin was invited when mister Nepenthe and--".

Cheliyi frowns at Zeebin.

Aschwar blinks incredulously at Zeebin.

You stare at Zeebin, eyes wide.

Glassy spines shimmering with oddly mesmerising slickness, a lethargic moth caterpillar creeps to the northeast.

Whispering, you ask Zeebin, "Beloved ...?"

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond asks, "Are you okay, yes?"

Blinking, stunned and confused, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Ouch."

Reaching out to offer support, you ask Zeebin, "W-what happened?"

Akuuko, the Rewoven shouts, "WOOT WOOT for the happy two!"

Curiously, Aschwar says, "D-did you think about Their Sister, Belov--."

Zeebin shakes his head.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly looks up at Aschwar.

Aschwar's face visibly pales and the aura about them disrupts as they look out into the distance.

Cheliyi blinks.

Sputtering ash from his mouth, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I did -bleh- I did not. I did mention the Lady of the Sea?"

The aura continues to hang in disparate colours as it painfully attempts and reattempts to resume its casual, peaceful swirling.

Cheliyi goes still as Aschwar pales, glancing around warily. She steps in front of you, although the wyrdenwood seems unaware of her actions.

You have emoted: Gurashi's brow suddenly twitches, and they too stop moving, their wings drooping curiously.

There is a brief moment of unrepentant longing and unrestrained pain at something passing on the wind, striking you in the gut with such force that it threatens to drive you to your knees; bringing tears to your eyes with a morose sorrow that bubbles from some unknown place within.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Zeebin, "Sometimes it's best to simply leave the past where it lies. Particularly when it's been left behind on purpose."

You have emoted: Gurashi's lip twitches, their eyes suddenly filling with tears in response to something unseen.

Plucking melted golden needles from his scales, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Noted. Do not ask about the dorflins in future."

Cheliyi looks at you and begins to perspire, wringing her hands and fretting over every little thing.

As Aschwar's lips part, the voice that escapes their muzzle is different entirely from the one that you have come to expect even from this brief encounter. Gone is the happy cheer, and gone is the delightful tenor. Instead, a heartbroken, empty voice whispers, "...he sounds...so happy..."

Cheliyi blinks.

Zeebin tilts his head curiously at Aschwar.

Cheliyi creases her brow in a frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly looks towards Aschwar, face ashen.

Comprehension flashes across Cheliyi's face.

Weakly, you say to Aschwar, "... Aschwar..."

Zeebin creases his brow in a frown.

As you take a closer look at Aschwar after this statement, you find yourself saddened as you realise that they look far older than they appear. Flesh sags and fur appears sallow and lifeless as it hangs limp; they look almost malnourished and deathly thin as they stare out towards the distant voidstricken darkness beyond the Shifting City.

More firmly, you say, "...Beloved Aschwar."

Cheliyi quietly takes your hand, her expression pained as she watches the tae'dae deflate. "Mixter Aschwar..."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out hesitantly, resting their hand atop Aschwar's paw, looking up.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says to Aschwar, "Beloved, come back to us."

A sharp crackle breaks the silence and tension in the air as the hieroglyph atop Aschwar's forehead flares to life, striking them not-so-genetly upon the nose and forcing them to blink several times.

Cheliyi blinks.

Aschwar blinks and staggers backwars, reaching up their free hand to cover their nose as they whimper, "Oooooow!!" For the briefest moment, the overwhelming presence of an unsettling, alien mind hangs over you before it fades just as quickly; taking with it the image of the broken tae'dae and leaving them once more hale and whole.

You have emoted: Gurashi now rests both of their hands gently upon Aschwar's paw, tears streaming down their face. "Is O-K." They insist softly, wings folding in.

You give a horrified gasp.

Zeebin blinks and slowly looks between you and Aschwar, not understanding what has occurred.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Aschwar wrinkles and huffs out of their nose, giving the strangest, most bear-like sneeze you have ever heard that escapes several motes of scarlet energy that appears to have been stuck in their nostril. The aura about them resumed and stable once more, they ask, "H-huh? What do you mean, Friend Gurashi?" They then appear to become more aware of themselves and look around at those gathered asking, "W-why are you all staring at me? Did I say something funny?"

Tridemon drops Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory.
Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory begins to follow Tridemon obediently.

Cheliyi stares blankly at Aschwar, her expression crumpling before she coughs and looks away. When her gaze returns, she just smiles gently.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory, "Quick, come up with a distraction."

Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory blinks incredulously at Tridemon.

Shaking his head, Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Not at all, Beloved. Cheliyi here was just saying how much she enjoyed seeing your poppy garden."

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Yes, yes. The flowers were so beautiful!"

Aschwar blinks, and then their face splits in an enormous smile. "Really? You like my poppies?" They laugh lightly and say, "Most peoples who are not Beloved do not like them very much, or ask me to grow different things."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly ducks their head, lifting a hand to wipe at their face, wings suddenly flapping hurriedly behind them. They remain silent, looking over at Bizirik, who watches the tae'dae warily from a distance.

Cheliyi blinks.

Bizirik, the leothin scents the air a few times, tail slapping the ground as it wiggles eagerly.

Cheliyi creases her brow in a frown.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Why would they not like them? They are pretty and lovely, and have a nice sound, yes."

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "You are a goodly gardener."

Bizirik, the leothin creeps forward slowly, chattering softly and working its way into the crowd, weaving its way around those gathered, thrumming soothingly.

Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory manages to look confused as she looks around, eventually focusing about half a dozen eyes on Aschwar.

At last speaking up, their voice faint, you say, "Is true."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I cannot stop looking at my poppies..."

You gaze softens as you smile at Aschwar.

Aschwar laughs again, the sound delightful and airy and just a tad too sweet, though the last though is stricken as they reach a paw up to cover their fangs until they can calm themselves. "Well, that is very nice of you to say. I am supposed to help your Friend mine dad Gurashi learn how to be gardening in hi--" They pause, noticeably, stare at you for a moment, and then continue, "--in their garden at home."

Nodding their head sagely, Aschwar says, "Of course, that is after I finish helping the Saint, and sweeping up all the dust and gross things out of the Vaults, and lifting the big chests, and carrying things where she needs them."

The corners of Zeebin's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Perking up, you say to Aschwar, "If you ever need help with anything, let me know, O-K?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I LOVE to clean."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory.
Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory turns itself to focus on Gurashi, giving off a crystalline chime of acknowledgement.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I am keenly interested in the Vaults of the Saint! I imagine they're alike to the Archives of the Library!"

Zeebin brandishes Tully's Golden Broom menacingly.

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I am also an excellent cleaner of things."

Taking a golden broom by its handle, Zeebin sweeps the room of imperfection and a golden glow emanates from the ground.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "A... vault. Like weirdly caves?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... the moths are restless."

You pet a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar ingratiatingly.
A lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar shivers as you approach, its mandibles clicking eagerly.

Zeebin nods his head emphatically.

Cheliyi nods slowly, her chimes clinking against one another in a soft melody.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "It is because I started to talk to them..."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I wonder if its the Psalm?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...and then I got distracted talking to my precious mine-child."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly wraps a wing clumsily around Cheliyi, huffing.

Aschwar nods excitedly and offers further explanation as they gesture excitedly with both paws, though the one still held by you does little more than yank your hands this way and that with their excitement. "Yes! See, when the Shofets was the Thief again, He decided that He wanted to bring it back, because it was a secret job that the Saint was supposed to be doing! And she did it very well, so as her reward, she is going to get a very big kindness as the Thief makes them come out where everyone can see all her hard work!"

Zeebin beams broadly.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets themselves be tugged this way and that, not making a peep, ragdolling about in a blur of orange plumage.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I can't -wait- to see it!"

Cheliyi blushes a bright green, before nodding slowly to Aschwar's words. "That sounds amazing, yes."

Cheliyi giggles happily at you.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Secret things being shared is -very- Saffron."

Zeebin nods his head sagely.

A brilliant smile on their face, Aschwar says to Zeebin, "Yes! It is so big! And there's this one big circle thing that keeps turning, and it's all His! All things that the thieves have brought back to Him, in their worship."

You nod your head emphatically.

Zeebin claps his hands together merrily.

Aschwar's smile dips a little at that, but then they exhale and smile regardless. "All of the thieves."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I knew it! Breaking and entering is -definitely- part of His worship! Tonatiuh will be so relieved."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh, oh! I know this one..."

Cheliyi laughs openly, her branches creaking harmoniously with joyful amusement.

Aschwar tilts their head curiously towards Zeebin, and then you. "I would like to hear more. It can be a very goodly test, because I know EVERYTHING." They look rather proud, and then hastily amend, "A-about the Shofets."

The corners of Zeebin's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Cheliyi smiles, her lips softly creaking with amusement.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says to Aschwar, "We're maybe almost ready for Gurashi to have their test, actually."

You have emoted: Gurashi's wings flap happily, and they nod, reaching up to rub their eyes. "Yes! I think so?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks towards Cheliyi and Tridemon. "As long as there is not maths..."

Cheliyi smiles at you, her wooden chest puffing with pride.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says to Aschwar, "I was hoping to be able to give them a few practice testings for confidence, but if they think they're good to go, then who am I to stop the two of you?"

The corners of Zeebin's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

You blush furiously.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says to you, "You would be goodly either way, yes."

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "P-practice testings?"

Aschwar shakes their head.

Wings flapping in concern, you ask, "Oh - should I worry? Do I need to practice?"

Aschwar says, "No, no, not a big testing like the Eye or the Beacon do. I am not s'posed to do that, the Shofets says so."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Oh? Oh, well alright then! Not to worry!"

Aschwar says, "But if you tell me, then He DIDN'T say that I couldn't tell you if you were wrong or right about anything or what you might want to practise on before your real tests."

The corners of Zeebin's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Aschwar looks very incredibly proud of this slight bending of the rules that you are fairly certain was always intended.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says to you, "How about it? Want to have a practice test for the Beloved?"

Cheliyi smiles, her lips softly creaking with amusement.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "... I ... is it O-K? Not everybody here is a Beloved-beloved, though everybody here is very dearly beloved."

You ponder the situation.

Zeebin nods his head sagely.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Rightly so, rightly so. It would be a violation of my oath to secrecy to conduct it with everyone gathered here today."

Cheliyi frowns, her branches drooping ever so slightly. "If I need to leave, that is okay, yes."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I was actually thinking we might be able to meet with Beloved Aschwar when Gurash is perhaps not so... busy?"

Motes of prismatic light briefly fill the area with a multitude of tiny rainbows.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a brief chirp of surprise. "Oh. Er. Will do whatever need to but I DID invited Miss Cheliyi on this tour and Tridemon to say -hi- so I do not want to be rude and kick them out but also do not want to ignore my duties to the Shofets and Beloveds no no."

Aschwar offers no response, simply looking back and forth between the Beloved with an expectant, happy, and altogether simple little smile on their face.

Cheliyi blinks.

Stalking through the air with a predatory gleam in her eyes, Vrima, Eater of Moths emerges from the up.

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

You pet Vrima, Eater of Moths ingratiatingly.
Vrima, Eater of Moths opens its fanged maw in a wide, feline yawn.
Vrima, Eater of Moths inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron asks Aschwar, "Perhaps I can take advantage of your tutoring while Gurashi continues their tour?"

Vrima, Eater of Moths rubs up against you, purring like a cat.
Vrima, Eater of Moths rubs up against Zeebin, purring like a cat.

Tridemon blinks.

Vrima, Eater of Moths glomps a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar playfully, knocking her over in her enthusiasm.

Cheliyi gently reaches out and attempts to catch a prismatic mote in her hand, but to no avail.

Zeebin beams broadly at Vrima, Eater of Moths.
Vrima, Eater of Moths stretches languidly, scripture-wrought wings dusting the ground in the forgotten prayers to the Lord-and-Lady.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Vrima, Eater of Moths, "Yes! What a good catch!"

You chirp happily.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "That is a good idea."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I will continue to show Miss Cheliyi and Tridemon around and you and Aschwar can talk."

Aschwar says to Zeebin, "If you would like, mister Beloved Zeebin."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "But when you get done talking let me know!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "And, I will come back?"

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

Aschwar says, "...but maybe at my house, where there are not so many mothies?"

Zeebin nods his head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi flits back to stand between Cheliyi and Tridemon, beaming.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "An excellent idea, Beloved."

Aschwar nods their head sagely before wandering off.

The world seems a little less pleasant as an enormous tae'dae with black and gold fur departs to the east.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh! Ah!..."

Cheliyi hums softly, her leaves resonating in tune with a set of bone chimes affixed to her branches.

You have emoted: Gurashi's arms droops slightly as they watch Aschwar wander away, canting their head.

Faintly, you say, "... Aschwar ..."

Quietly, you say to Zeebin, "...have a goodly tutoring. Yeah. Talk about happy things."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Maybe."

Zeebin nods his head emphatically.

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

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I usually try to keep the peace, yes. Not sure what happened today."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Could ask... could not hurt to ask..."

You reach out and touch Zeebin.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Zeebin, "Many thank yous for reciting the psalm. Was beautifully done."

Cheliyi visibly deflates, her branches drooping with a creak. "Mm. They seem nicely, and deserve nicely things."

You nod your head at Cheliyi.

Daintily sniffing the air, Vrima, Eater of Moths shakes out her wings, stalking off to the east.

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

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

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "I'll not keep them waiting then."

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Enjoy the tour, and the candy!"

Cheliyi nods slowly, her chimes clinking against one another in a soft melody.

Zeebin gives you a peck on the cheek.

You nod your head emphatically.

Zeebin gives Bizirik, the leothin a peck on the cheek.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Zeebin. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

You give Zeebin a friendly squeeze.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.

Zeebin inclines his head politely to Tridemon.
Zeebin inclines his head politely to Cheliyi.

Beloved Nirsaad, Zeebin al-Saaoud the First of Saffron says, "Warm sands, friends."

Zeebin leaves to the up.

Quietly, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "It is because of Mister Akuuko, isn't it."

You think to yourself: * a nameless sort of pain, deep seeded, guilty .... *.

Stalking through the air with a predatory gleam in her eyes, Vrima, Eater of Moths emerges from the east.

A shifting, living poppy of scarlet petals emits a puff of sweet-scented smoke. From within, a soft humming rises, and the petals begin to slowly shift to mirror-bright rainbow obsidian.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods just once, hands folded tightly at their chest.

Cheliyi sighs quietly, branches creaking with the weight of drooping leaves.

Black, starry mist coalesces into Dusan, the coruscant as he gives a folded-wing crow package to Tridemon before disappearing again.
Black, starry mist coalesces into Dusan, the coruscant as he gives a folded-wing crow package to Cheliyi before disappearing again.
Cheliyi blinks.

You think to yourself: ... * a recollection of the web-covered staff, resting against the corner of the bedroom *.

Cheliyi gently pulls you into a hug, her branches wrapping around you like a leafy embrace.

Cheliyi glances down at the package, one of her vines deftly unwraping the packaging while her arms remain around the trill.

A folded-wing crow package flutters apart in wisps of vellum as the last of its contents spill into Cheliyi's hands.

Cheliyi smiles softly.

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

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says to you, "You should open your package, yes. Sibling Esei sent us wedding food."

Gently, you say to Cheliyi, "I did not get a package. Nor did expect one."

Cheliyi creases her brow in a frown.

Her voice a feline purr, Vrima, Eater of Moths says, "How rude."

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "O-oh. I thought Mister Dad's was for you."

You shake your head.

Crouching down to pet Vrima, you say, "It was for Tridemon."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "It is O-K."

You pet Vrima, Eater of Moths ingratiatingly.
Vrima, Eater of Moths stretches languidly, scripture-wrought wings dusting the ground in the forgotten prayers to the Lord-and-Lady.

You think to yourself: * the ache is there, regardless - happy for them. -am- happy for them *.

Tridemon hugs you compassionately.

You gaze softens as you smile at Tridemon.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Anyway... I was giving a tour..."

Pointing off, you say, "There used to be a LOT more over there...."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "But then it BLEW UP."

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "Poof."

Cheliyi inhales softly, screwing her eyes shut as her branches shake with some unknown emotion. The moment soon passes, and the wyrdenwood's expression softens. "Let's go then, yes?"

As she rubs her paw behind an ear, ruffling the fur there purposefully, Vrima, Eater of Moths says, "You should bite their toes for being so rude. It is the only way to ensure they change."

You blink.

Cheliyi smiles wryly at Vrima, Eater of Moths.

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Showing a willingness to bite people is a good way to make them take you seriously."

The corners of Tridemon's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Dryly, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "To eat someone is a third date sort of thing, yes."

Vrima, Eater of Moths licks her lips.

Vrima, Eater of Moths pounces upon a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar, gnawing upon her hungrily.

Vrima, Eater of Moths smirks.

Daintily sniffing the air, Vrima, Eater of Moths shakes out her wings, stalking off to the up.

Laughing, you exclaim, "M-my teeths are not really built for that kind of biting!"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You flail about helplessly.

Cheliyi pats you in a friendly manner.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "How do you know so much about dating?!"

Starry shadows herald Dusan, the coruscant as he deposits a folded-wing crow package into your hands before dissolving into mist again.

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her leaves rustling with laughter.

Cheliyi blinks.

Aghast, you say to Cheliyi, "Oh my GOSH how many dates have you and Mister Glaisne been on--."

Esei tells you, "** Again, that sensation of ice water being poured over your head. You see Bizirik, outlined by orange and gold light. **."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...ahaaaa!"

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

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

You nod your head sagely.

Cheliyi smiles, her lips softly creaking with amusement.

Nodding, amused now, you give a folded-wing crow package to Bizirik, the leothin.

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

Bizirik, the leothin takes the origami, and proceeds to eat it whole.

You stare blankly at Bizirik, the leothin.
Perking up, Bizirik, the leothin begins to chitter and thrum, its tail sweeping back and forth across the ground. It cranes its neck to gently headbutt your side contentedly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh my gods no."

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Only a few dates, yes. But he likes to flirt."

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi laughs openly, her branches creaking harmoniously with joyful amusement.

Panicked, you say, "WHAT WAS INSIDE OF YOURS."

You flail about helplessly.

Cheliyi pats Bizirik, the leothin in a friendly manner.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Cheliyi. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "It was probably just food, yes."

You have emoted: Upon seeing the leothin is not choking or dying a horrible suffering death, Gurashi relaxes, lolling their head back.

You lean against Tridemon, eyes half-closing.

Finger extended, Tridemon pokes a bewitching wyrden rose lantern.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Tridemon, "She will be the death of me."

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

You tilt your head curiously.

Cheliyi nods slowly, her chimes clinking against one another in a soft melody.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a massive belch into the air. <-- not me

Bizirik, the leothin licks her lips. <-- not me

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Bizirik, the leothin, "Be sure to tell Mixter Esei thank you, O-K?"

You have emoted: Gurashi plants their hands on their hips, leaning forward. "They sent that just for you."

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi frowns, but says nothing.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at you.

You reach over and ruffle Bizirik, the leothin's hair fondly.
Perking up, Bizirik, the leothin begins to chitter and thrum, its tail sweeping back and forth across the ground. It cranes its neck to gently headbutt your side contentedly.

Grinning, you say, "O-K let us go a second time."

Amidst saffron spools.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Massive sheafs of paper provided cores for balls of yarn and thread stacked off to the sides of this street. The tail ends have been crocheted together into a great meshwork grid: between those, thinner threads provide lace flowers and spiraling double stitches for paving. Bamboo poles are propped between the saffron-hued balls of yarn, their lengths draped with half-finished scarves and the outlines of thin-threaded doilies. Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory hovers here watching the world around her.
You see exits leading east and northwest.

Gesturing, you say, "This area is very soft, as you can see, yes."

You think to yourself: ... * curious *.

Tridemon follows you north.
Cheliyi follows you north.
A granny square.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Double stitches and regular loops of chain stitches form a vast, soft square over the void. White, blue, red, and yellow form the layers of the square: their exteriors frizz and give rise to numerous tumbleweeds of oversized fibers that roll off into nothingness from the edge of the yarn-wrought pavement. In the distance, at the centre of a vast web of crochet, the glint of a massive needle rises from a spiral of yarn. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here. Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory hovers here watching the world around her.
You see exits leading northeast and south.

Cheliyi nods slowly, her chimes clinking against one another in a soft melody.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...very soft."

Tridemon follows you northeast.
Cheliyi follows you northeast.
On a corner made of blankets.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. The rope webbing composing the pale pink backbone of this winding thoroughfare is all but obscured. Afghans of all varieties are piled in thick layers atop, providing a somewhat solid passageway between yarn-wrought buildings propped atop crossed and many-looped knitting needles. Above, only a few loose stitches provide a framework in which patches of the starry nothingness that is the heavens float like pools of still sky-waters. Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory hovers here watching the world around her.
You see exits leading east and southwest.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "SOOO soft."

You bounce up and down.

Curiously, you ask Cheliyi, "Is the wedding still going on? Do people talk about it? How are you?"

Cheliyi smiles, her lips softly creaking with amusement.

You have emoted: Gurashi slips one hand into Tridemon's, the other's finding Cheliyi's, wings fanned out behind them like a feathery orange wall of protection.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I am... okay. They are just being happy. Which is goodly."
You nod your head emphatically.

Thoughtfully, you say, "I feel like this is Lunarose island..."

Cheliyi hums softly, her leaves resonating in tune with a set of bone chimes affixed to her branches.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "It is!"

Cheerful, you exclaim, "That is why it is so soft - because it is Miss Shulamit's family's!"

Rambling on, you say, "She is very important to the order, yes. Their shiniest beacon. The best Shulamit."

Tridemon follows you south.
Cheliyi follows you south.
Lunarose Bridge between floating fragments.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Jagged, inverted cones of dirt and pavement speckle the Void, floating like bobbing corks in water. Roots trail from their pointed, conical bottoms: atop, bamboo poles are anchored, providing support for the woven rope handrails of this narrow bridge. Underfoot, the boards are coated with faded ivory and copper enamel depicting phoenixes wing and wing against a moonlit desert night: to either side, slips of paper bear official writ painted over with prayers scrawled out in thick, inky calligraphy. Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory hovers here watching the world around her.
You see exits leading north and south.

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her leaves rustling with laughter.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I love her to bits! I should show you the lighthouse!"

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "She was very nicely from the times that I saw her, yes."

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "Did tell you the story of how she waited for -- eh?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stops walking, canting their head.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...O-K, not here."

A faceless, indistinct citizen exists.

Cheliyi blinks.

Thoughtfully, you say, "Well, Zeebin and Aschwar are still having a tutoring ... oh! Have either of you spun the wheel? We can go do that after we look at the lighthouse! I cannot think of many other places to see..."

You nod your head at a faceless, indistinct citizen.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at a faceless, indistinct citizen.
A faceless, indistinct citizen stares blankly at you.

A faceless, indistinct citizen goes about his business.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "They did not have a face, no."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "No, they do not!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Aren't they neat? They live here!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Some even have names! But they don't tell us."

Cheliyi nods slowly, frowning to herself. "Mm... they look like how I used to see people before I bought my spectacles."

You boggle at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi shrugs helplessly.

You think to yourself: ... Miss Sebitti ...

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Colors and sounds helped, yes. And smells."

You nod your head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Am glad have those glasses now! So can see the world clearly!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Is so beautiful, right?"

Cheliyi smiles, her lips softly creaking with amusement.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "It is, yes."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Around here..."

Beneath a gleaming coppery beacon.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Polished and gleaming with a coat of resinous deposits, a massive beacon hangs from the top of an upside down tower. Light projects from within, a massive bonfire refracted by twisting mirrors. The light bows downwards, drooping in a waterfall of prismatic hues over the edge of the cliff and into a fog deep beneath this section of the Shifting City. Wings flicker in the depths, exposing nightmarish shades brightened by the beacon into near reality. At the edge of the pavement, a narrow stair descends further into the Shifting City. Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory hovers here watching the world around her.
You see exits leading northeast, west, and down.

You nod your head emphatically.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Right here."

You have emoted: Gurashi's wings flap happily twice.

Zanthasiel, the Rainbow Glory folds her wings around herself before vanishing, scattering motes of rainbow light.

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures up towards the lighthouse overhead, smiling. "This is where Beloved Shluamit waited for dearest Sebitti and became the Beacon that brought her home the first time!"

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Tridemon.

Cheliyi looks around with quiet curiosity, humming softly to herself. "It is very nicely. And that is amazing, for what Miss Shuluamit did, yes."
In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Yeah, I get tired if I sit in one place too long..."

You sniffle softly.

Looking over their shoulder, you say to Cheliyi, "... uhm - I - that was not how my tours of the city NORMALLY go, but I am SO happy you could finally meet Beloved Aschwar and Beloved Zeebin."

You eyes light up as you smile.

Cheliyi smiles, her lips softly creaking with amusement.

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I am happy that I met them too, yes. And I..."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I hope that Mixter Aschwar feels better soon. If they think about Mister Akuuko again."

You think to yourself: ... * suddenly, skeins of deep red among the gray * .... was it worth all their pain.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Cheliyi, scanning the wyrdenwood's face closely. "I hope so too."

You think to yourself: ... did this.

Ascending cliffside steps.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. A glassy walkway over the fog comes to an abrupt curve here: from the edge, risers ascend into thin, foggy air. High above, the bulk of some massive cliff looms, pendulous folds of rocks dark and ominous even in the feverish fogs. White marble obelisks adorned with blue whorls of paint mark the bottom step, their own tops bearing coppery bowls with offerings of resin-scattered coals. A faceless, indistinct citizen wanders the City, looking oddly familiar. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here.
You see exits leading southeast, west, and up.

Cheliyi glances up to the massive bonfire, her fingers twitching.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Er. I think... for now, perhaps we will go to spin the wheel ,yes?"

Cheliyi nods, once.

You think to yourself: * a throb of gray and red, and faint buzzing * .. i did this ..

You have emoted: Gurashi offers their hand, smiling.

The air seems oddly no less empty than it was before.

Cheliyi takes it, and smiles a little gentler.

You think to yourself: * the buzzing continues, incessant *.

<-- Went to spin the wheel, then went home, and was about to log out when Esei showed up oAo (I lost some of the log sob)

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Blood or no blood."

Bizirik, the leothin paws at the air, snuffling and snorting happily.

You think to yourself: ...

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

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Esei.

Esei stares blankly into space.

Bizirik, the leothin opens its jaws, revealing its many, many teeth.

Whispering, you say, "Both."

Glancing up, you say, "She wants both."

Esei glances between Tridemon and Cheliyi, entirely ignoring you.

<-- more lost log ;A;

Cheliyi pats a cat of black ink in a friendly manner.

Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

Bizirik, the leothin takes the sorbet carefully within its jaws, tail slapping the ground as it rises... then turns in its spot, trotting over to Gurashi and snorting.

You stare blankly at Bizirik, the leothin.
Perking up, Bizirik, the leothin begins to chitter and thrum, its tail sweeping back and forth across the ground. It cranes its neck to gently headbutt your side contentedly.

Whispering as they take the dessert, you say to Bizirik, the leothin, "You are supposed to be eating it."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, sitting down in front of the trill and chattering noisily, tossing its head back and forth as it arguing its point.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Esei.

Bizirik, the leothin returns to the food once it has passed off the dessert, leaning over the other sorbet and both chickens and devouring them hungrily.

A cat of black ink skitters up to you, planting her paws on the trill's knees and begins to knead and purr.

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

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Akuuko came to my wedding."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I think he was the emissary for the Lady. Who actually showed up."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "And surprised me."

Esei nods their head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly looks towards Esei, their ears falling flat against their head.

Voice rising, you ask Esei, "...oh?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Poor Luce had to stare at a shirtless man the entire time."

Cheliyi smiles weakly, pulling off her spectacles.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters has left the realm of Lusternia.

Tridemon is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, his soul safe until he returns to Lusternia.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "...did something happen when you were gone?"

The wind sings quietly as it passes through the branches of the ravenwood trees.

Cheliyi hums softly, her leaves resonating in tune with a set of bone chimes affixed to her branches.

Cheliyi removes a pair of thin spectacles.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "....what is an emissary?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at the spot Tridemon once stood in, visibly distressed.

Cheliyi frowns at you.

Cheliyi takes your hand, expression softening.

Weakly, you ask, "He had a good time, yeah?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares directly at Esei now, eyes wide.

Esei appears entirely oblivious of you and your words, petting Bizirik.

Her expression twitching with some dark emotion, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "... We visited Lord Shofet's city, yes. It was weirdly and full of fire, but nicely. And we met Mixter Aschwar. Who was... hurting a lot, on the inside."

Cheliyi closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

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

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "But they are okay now. How was Mister Akuuko?"

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

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

You have emoted: Gurashi's fingers curl at their sides, arms folding over their chest uncomfortably as they stare hard, unblinking at Esei.

Cheliyi hums softly, her leaves resonating in tune with a set of bone chimes affixed to her branches.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Was he happy?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I like to think so."

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Adjusting, but that's no shock."

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "... has he ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up to Cheliyi, suddenly worried.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Esei, their wings drooping slightly.

Voice cracking, you ask, "D-did he pick?"

Cheliyi hums noncommittally, before quietly shifting her weight. "Did Mister Akuuko make a choice? To stay with Lady Viravain?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I think he made that choice some time ago, now."

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

Very quietly, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I see."

Esei pats Cheliyi in a friendly manner.

You think to yourself: .... * a pang * ....

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Do not worry over him too much. He is happy in the Glomdoring, and I am glad for it."

You have emoted: Gurashi again looks at the empty spot Tridemon stood just minutes prior.

Cheliyi frowns, but says nothing.

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrinkles their nose, lifting a hand to their heart.

Cheliyi tells you, "**the colors seem muted, as if she's holding back some swell of emotion** Are you alright Dad? I'm here, yes."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Something wrong, jatasere?"

Cheliyi stares blankly at Esei.

Cheliyi closes her eyes, rubbing at her brow for a moment.

Esei tilts their head curiously.

Slowly, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I am happy that Mister Akuuko has come home. But he has left many in the process. It is hurting them. And that upsets me."

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "But, it is his choice. And I will not fault him for choosing happiness, no."

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

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "Does he get my letters ..."

Cheliyi exhales, though she seems no less stiff than before.

You think to yourself: * the pang returns, then - ice cold and numbing, spreading from limbs to their core *.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Does Mister Akuuko receive letters? Or is he usually sleeping?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "He never mentioned letters to me, no."

Cheliyi hums softly, her leaves resonating in tune with a set of bone chimes affixed to her branches.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "So if so, I don't know."

Esei shrugs helplessly.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I see."

Cheliyi pats an adolescent vinestalker in a friendly manner.
Fixing her gaze on Cheliyi, an adolescent vinestalker thumps her tail against the ground, a raspy clicking sound rising from the back of her throat.

Esei begins softly humming low, dark tunes.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "Well, thank you for the food, yes. How was Sister Ethna?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "She was alright, though her soul was tugged away."

Cheliyi smiles, her lips softly creaking with amusement.

You have emoted: "Do not think letters get read, very muchly," Gurashi whispers finally, folding their hands together, voice strained. They drift to Cheliyi, laying a hand on the wyrdenwood's arm. "Dear one. I must go. Many thank yous for coming with me." They glance over their shoulder briefly. "Would you see that Esei finds their way out of manse safely?"

You gaze softens as you smile at Cheliyi.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond asks, "Did Lord Nocht attend?"

You think to yourself: * s a d *.

Cheliyi pats you in a friendly manner.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "If He did, it was not physically."

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says to you, "Of course, dad. Rest well, I love you very muchly."

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

Cheliyi flashes Esei a quiet smile, her leaves shaking with amusement.

You move about quickly and lose Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond.

You reach out, pulling Cheliyi into a tight embrace.

With a gentle creak, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi, the Pebble in the Pond says, "I'm sure He was watching, yes."

Cheliyi hugs you compassionately.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, sitting down.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I would like to think so, yes."

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.

<-- retreats upstairs :C

You have emoted: Gurashi stands quietly within the living room, listening to the murmurs of conversation fade downstairs, the ticking of branches against the walls, the rustle of grass outside ...

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* quiet and colorless * I am going to go to sleep, dear one ... do you need any thing...?"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Not right now... ... are you alright?"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* quieter * Do not know."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "I was happy, earlier. A lot. Showing off the city to Cheliyi, even knowing Mixter Esei was being married."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Because they can be happy elsewhere yes? That is fine."

You have emoted: Gurashi sinks to sit on the edge of the bed, hands clasped tightly together in their lap.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "...I think Akuuko is gonna stay in the Glomdoring."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "... Aschwar's face ... * a pang * You couldn't feel it, but ..."

Brilliant sunset hues bathe your surroundings in a vividly carmine afterglow.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* their voice small and wavering * Ah - I wish I hadn't mattered."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Mm. Akuuko might find happiness, there. You've found more happiness over in Celest, aye? Mm. Aschwar... might end up doing something a touch drastic."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "I AM happy in Celest but it also feels like am being hit very hard in my heart when peoples from back home will not even stand in same -room- as me in a timequake - and - I - why --."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Mm. The Lady of Thorns is a sore loser."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* flustered * But think about what Aschwar lost."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "And Xenthos - there were a lot of losers - why did have to be winners and losers?"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "I do not WANT Aschwar to be sad."

You think to yourself: I do not want to be sad.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Every time think am getting closer to making things better, am reminded how very badly I left them."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* there is a buzzing, a sound akin to frantic chittering, though their voice is far-off and small still * I ... this mess feels so -big- sometimes, I do not know what to -do-. I am very tired."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "I am tired."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "I am going to sleep now yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi sinks within their bed, not even bothering to kick off their boots as they grip the nearest edge of their comforter and proceed to pull it over their head, all but disappearing beneath it with an audible sigh.