"You can do it."

[Immediately after the events of 'Always Watching'. Went hunting with good ol' e-dad.]

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I believe I have told you that you can talk to me if you need to, aye?"

Xenthos tilts his head curiously.

You blush furiously.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...right."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...thought could .... resolve."

Slowly, you ask Xenthos, "...what happened to Elder Goddess Amberle...?"

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Let's see."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I believe it was one of Their first encounters with the Soulless as these beings were coming towards the Basin of Life."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The First Circle were the mediators, the leaders. Those who tended towards peace and diplomacy, settling disputes."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And thus they chose to try to negotiate with the Soulless."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...that.... believed in patience, and understanding..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...so... were killed by Soulless..."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Not at first."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Xenthos.

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "They approached the Soulless peacefully... and They were surrounded, utterly."

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses in his steps, listening closely.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The Soulless attacked Them, seeking to consume, and devour. As the Soulless do."

You nod your head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "They had been instructed in a defensive formation, and were able to hold off the attack, for a time. Amberle was... confused. Why did the Soulless attack? Were they feeling threatened?"

You stare implacably at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The other Gods, those who had remained behind, insisted that the... 'diplomatic party,' consisting of almost the entirety of the First Circle, initiate what was known as the Daath Sequence to defend Themselves."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But Amberle refused."

You frown at Xenthos.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... was trying to be patient..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "She stated that she would try diplomacy again. Surely the Soulless could be brought around."

Closing his eyes thoughtfully, as if he is quoting from memory, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, ""Amberle refuses to order it. She thinks the Heralds misunderstood our intentions. She wishes to try to communicate one more time.""

You have emoted: Gurashi watches closely, wringing his hands together as he does so.
You have recovered balance on all limbs.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "She ordered the First Circle to cease their defensive efforts, so that She could communicate with the Heralds once more."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And They did."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "She said something about it being the moral thing to do... and they reached out, attempting to project a message of peace, and of love."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And that is when the Soulless struck, when They lowered Their defenses."

You have emoted: Gurashi clenches his hands together at the center of his abdomen, looking down.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The entire assembly of Gods that went to meet the Soulless perished utterly. And not only did They perish... They gave Their essence to Their enemies."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The Soulless grew so much stronger."

Weakly, you say, "... that is what He meant ..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And while the Soulless grew stronger, the remaining Divine were weakened, for They had lost so many of Their own..."

Xenthos tilts his head and listens intently to you.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "What did He say?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stops walking again, twiddling his thumbs. "...showed, Amberle, and last moments."

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Those last moments... I believe that the rest of the Divine were linked to Them at the time. Watching. Watching as Their brothers, Their sisters, were being torn apart."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "As They were being consumed."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "As They became naught but power to be used against Their former brethren."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, covering his ears. "...Was so -loud.-" He chitters weakly.

Lowering his hands, you say, "Said ... was shielding Bizirik ... from important lessons, but keeping her from being hurt..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I have never seen it myself, but I can imagine so. They were shouting at each other in dismay."

Xenthos tilts his head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods sadly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Oh, I think I see."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "This is something I have discussed with the Pack, from time to time."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...was being naughty. Had never seen her be so -bold- with stranger before."

You pet Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
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.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Of course had to be Divine..."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Let us say that there is a young pup. This pup is always venturing near the fire, drawn by something. The flickering of the flames, the warmth, the crackling sound. It does not particularly matter which. But the pup always returns. Sometimes the most important lessons are when you let the pup feel the consequences of its actions."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If it singes its nose... it learns a very valuable lesson, one that will serve it the rest of its days."

You have emoted: Gurashi listens as he walks slowly, half-paying attention to the path.

You nod your head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But if you keep protecting it, never letting it learn, it pines for what it knows not forevermore."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Being too protective, too nurturing, is to not let something -live-."

You nod your head sagely at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Your life is made of mistakes, lessons that you have learned, and your earnest desire to be better, aye?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods a few times, looking down at Bizirik. He runs a hand over the scar in the center of its back, causing the leothin to look up curiously. "Yes but ... when was misbehaving, wanted -me- to use pain to teach her."

Xenthos creases his brow in a frown.

Shaking his head, you say, "Can't do it."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I've seen you whack the nose."

You give a horrified gasp.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And say "Bad! No!""

Xenthos tilts his head and listens intently to you.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "B-but! That is not ... hurting-hurting...!!"

You flail about helplessly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It is a sharp dose of pain, meant to teach a lesson. It is not permanent, but pain does not have to be. Rarely so, in fact."

You stare implacably at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "You use it to guide, and shape."
You have recovered equilibrium.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Just as the fire might singe one's nose."

You have emoted: Gurashi turns red in the face, looking mortified.

Xenthos tilts his head and listens intently to you.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...because told Him that was teaching her with patience, and then
He told - showed - Lady Amberle, and ..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Said things - about Him, and Lady of Serenity."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Ah, I see."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But you have not always taught with patience. I have seen you show a firmer hand when needed, and that is important too."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods once, meekly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "As with most things, a balance is important."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If you do nothing but cuff, or scold... you will stunt her growth just as much as if you do nothing but whisper kind words."

Xenthos ponders Bizirik, the leothin thoughtfully, looking her up and down.

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...He said He was too slow to learn lesson, in time to help Lady of Serenity find the Wyrd..."

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Covering his face, you say, "Said that hoped was not too slow for those that care about, too."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "What is important in your case is that you are not alone."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The Glomdoring is all of us-- together."

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...also said is always watching."

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly looks up and around, a bout of paranoia visibly gripping him.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "There is time to learn lessons, when there are those around you who can do so in your stead. There is time to observe, and grow more sure of yourself, and your place, and what you must do."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods meekly once more.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But what you cannot do is just sit around, relying on others to always do it for you, for then you fall into the trap He laid out."

Xenthos stares intently at you, and a dozen faceless eyes open within the shadows to stare with him before closing again.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I have to ask... is it unexpected that things are always watching you?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The Glomdoring is alive."

You stare implacably at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Whenever you tread its woods, you are being observed."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Whether it be something as low as a weevil, or as mighty as the Wyrdling itself."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "This is not something to fear! It is something that simply... is."

You stare blankly into space.

You have emoted: Gurashi rubs at his eyes. "... is trying to teach lesson," He mutters. "Just, hope... can learn it. Before is too late."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Be firm when you must. Be gentle when you need to be. Listen to advice given, and take it."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods a few times, mandibles clicking against his face.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "That was Amberle's biggest fault, I think. She had a chance to save Her followers."

Voice warbling, you say, "...O-K."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "She was told what to do."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And She insisted that She would try once more what had already failed."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...but , She ... did not listen."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Did not... learn."

Xenthos nods his head at you.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Exactly."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It is possible that if the First Circle had not been consumed, that all the Gods together could have held back the Soulless. They managed to destroy the Heralds all, once."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...but is not what happened..."

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

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But by then, the Heralds had already feasted upon the First Circle, and were swollen in strength. And the remaining Divine were that much weaker. At least half of the force that destroyed the Soulless was lost, as well."

You nod your head sagely.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And the Heralds reformed, as all Divine essence does... reformed, and swallowed up the lost Gods, becoming even stronger once more."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And then it was too late, for all of Them."

You have emoted: Gurashi closes his eyes, nodding again.

You pet Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.

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.

[Went to family home after completing Tosha - longest run everrrr]

A peaceful glade.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Trees thrive here, encircling the wide glade, their immense trunks giving an impression of age and majesty. Only one tree grows within the glade itself-- a massive Ravenwood which stands proudly in the center, its branches thick and concealing. A carpet of soft grass covers most of the ground in the open space, though a few large rocks break the surface, their tops worn flat and smooth and kept meticulously clean. This affords ample space for one to rest and relax, choosing either the soft comfort of the grass or the smooth surface of the rocks depending upon personal taste. A small segment of the glade has been turned into a miniature garden, in which grows violet irises and well-tended rosebushes arranged in tidy rows. The fragrance of the flowers permeates the air with a heady aroma. A midnight black rose, an elegant pink rose, a vibrant sunflower, a striped orchid, a bunch of yellow freesias, a cool tulip of dusk, a bunch of yellow freesias, a yellow lily, a delicate iris, a bunch of yellow freesias, a cluster of snapdragons, and a bunch of yellow freesias blossom within a beautiful, lush garden. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves.

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

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

Thoroughly beat, you say, "...many thank yous."

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.
S
pirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It has been helpful, then?"

Petting Ilistala, you say, "Mm."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Before, when was at Master Ravenwood ... said that..."

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard licks your hand with her raspy tongue.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Walked by, and said ... that wanted me to learn lesson that was trying to teach..."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "But, do not know which lesson was. Would not tell."

You stare blankly into space.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Based on what you have said, it sounds like: If you simply wait, and wait, and wait, whatever you were trying to achieve will slip through your fingers."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Eventually, you must act."

Xenthos tilts his head curiously at you.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...He is not ready for us, though."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "Asked what He wanted, what could do, but did not say."

Nervously, you say to Xenthos, "What if ... needs -me- to do a thing."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Xenthos smiles softly at you.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "You need not worry about that."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The divine of the Glomdoring are not shy about telling us when They need us to act."

You blink incredulously at Xenthos.

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...well, is some small relief then."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "You won't have to guess what He is looking for."

You nod your head emphatically.

You twiddle your thumbs.

You lean on Ilistala, an enormous leopard seeking consolation.

Bizirik, the leothin leans on you seeking consolation.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Or do you mean, what if He asks you to do something specifically?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...mean, will have to do it, obviously."

You twiddle your thumbs.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...have to protect Glomdoring."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Yet..?"

You have emoted: Gurashi tiredly leans forward, resting his head on Ilistala's shoulder.

Xenthos raises an eyebrow, looking at you.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...is no yet."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Is just thing that will have to do, because, nothing matters but Glomdoring."

You nod your head sagely.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "No hesitation, no concern?"

Beads of sweat break out on your face.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...mean."

Xenthos continues to watch you calmly, his eyebrow still lifted.

Avoiding eye contact, you say, "...important thing is, Glomdoring ... if are told to do thing that ... was -not- good for Glomdoring, even by Divine ... then ..."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Why would one of our Divine tell you to do something not good for the Glomdoring?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "They, too, are part of our woods."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "They are a part of the Wyrd."

Xenthos tilts his head and listens intently to you.

Increasingly flustered, you ask, "Know, but, head always filled with 'what ifs'. What is what Lady of Serenity infected Lord Silence with made Him not think so clearly?"

You boggle at Xenthos.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Xenthos, "Has not ... done something like that, is just hy-po-thetical!"

You flail about helplessly.

Xenthos creases his brow in a frown.

Covering his face, you say, "Nevermind."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Such a hypothetical seems very unlikely, to me. But in that case, the Shadow Court is assembled and elected to judge and assess as well."

Through his hands, you say, "Worry about these things."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It is part of our service to operate on behalf of the Glomdoring, to provide guidance-- to use our experience to ensure that we take the right path."

You nod your head emphatically.

Abruptly dropping his hands, you say to Xenthos, "Feel bad about what did to Shashi. O-K."

With a miserable huff, you say, "Am sorry."

Xenthos blinks slightly at that statement. He says nothing for a few moments, then tilts his head at you. "Why?"

Miserably gesturing around himself, you say, "Because, have killed many things, and seen many things die, and they -always- come back, but this time did -not-, and even though was linked to Lady of Serenity, was expecting -babies-, and now those -babies- will never know parent, and know that is miserable because -Ishra- was so -miserable- losing Enadonella."

You flop down onto the ground.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Hmm."

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.

Defeated, from the ground, you say, "...am projecting."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "It is not the first time that the two of Them have clashed, and that something has perished forever. When the Divine fight, They do so seriously."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "They have... significant strength at Their disposal, and what They do tends to be quite permanent."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But as to the things we kill, and their being parents... you have slain moose, who likely have children of their own. And rockeaters. Even the centaurs."

You nod your head sagely.

You heave an almighty groan at the world.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It is -natural- that things die, and pass on."

You have emoted: Gurashi covers his face. "Know."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If you think about it, those such as you and I? We're the unnatural ones."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out another miserable sigh, dropping his arm from his face and staring up skyward. "...right."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Bound by the Fates into their tapestry, being woven in again and again."

You nod your head sagely.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I suppose that does not help much with what you are feeling, for emotions are powerful. They can oft defy reason, logic, and bury themselves deep within."

You stare implacably about yourself.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Do you remember the lessons of Black Sorrow?"

You nod your head sagely at Xenthos.

Xenthos tilts his head and listens intently to you.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Talked with Ishra about it lots."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Tell me."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Have to accept the bad feelings. Have to accept them, that hurt so much, so that can also start to get better from. And can move on."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Most importantly, do not let them fester."

You nod your head emphatically.

Shaking his head, you say, "Have been doing bad job of that lately."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And it sounds as if this has been. It has been... many months since then."

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, ".... guess so."

Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

Bizirik, the leothin stretches languidly.

Xenthos frowns thoughtfully before continuing, "Shashi's death was for a purpose, Gurashi. We do not know what it was, yet. Not precisely. We do not need to know, save that Lord Nocht believes it will help counteract what Lady Maylea did. If She had not struck, there would be no need for His taking a counter-stroke. He needed something strongly attuned to Her, and She would not have given it willingly. It was Her hand that delivered the blow."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods several times as he listens, letting out a long, whistling sigh. "...know."

You nod your head at Xenthos.

Xenthos shakes his head. "Again, logic and reason against what you -feel-..."

You frown at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "That sorrow you feel, it -is- important. Brother Crow does not actually tell us to ignore it, but to acknowledge its presence. To embrace it, and understand it. To not let it rule us."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Because mortalkind is oft bound by regrets."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods slowly, sitting up from his previous flop spot.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "He tells us simply to not let them become chains."

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Xenthos.

You twiddle your thumbs.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "It is somewhat difficult for me, at times-- I am drawn more to the technical aspects of a problem. If only I can provide enough information, it will surely go away, yes?"

You tilt your head curiously at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "But I've learned that it is not how we work-- not even myself."

You frown at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We are flawed, one and all."
You have emoted: Gurashi nods slowly, looking down ponderously at his hands, then back up at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It is not -bad-. It simply is. It is how we choose to continue that matters."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Many break. The rare few do not, and emerge stronger for it."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares intently at Xenthos, then nods, sighing again. "...like you."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

With a renewed, albeit tired resolve, you say, "...can emerge stronger, too."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

You hug Ilistala, an enormous leopard compassionately.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

Xenthos steps down off of Ilistala, an enormous leopard.
Ilistala, an enormous leopard begins to follow you.

Quietly, you say to Xenthos, "Many thank yous."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "...know, think are pretty great dad."

Xenthos smiles softly at you.

Xenthos lifts his hand and gently rests it on your shoulder. "You can do it."

You stare implacably at Xenthos.

You nod your head sagely.

Xenthos is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, his soul safe until he returns to Lusternia.

You stand up straight.

[Renewed vigor! Let's go to a Fulcrux and show how stronk we be!]

The Fulcrux of Nocht.
The image of a beautiful nighttime sky has been stretched across the fulcrux. Dim stars struggle futilely to compete with the terrifying beauty of Mother Night. The ethereal image wavers on occasion, the sky rippling like water in a pond. A lonely hill covered in tall grass leads up to a single shrine. Behind the shrine stands a large blackthorn tree. The tree is taller than most of its kind, extending upwards rather than outwards. Delicate blossoms shower down from its branches, creating a flurry of white petals and filling the air with the pungent scent of wyrden foliage. A complex series of stones orbit around a stygian orb here. A rippling image of a beautiful night sky has been magically wrapped around the fulcrux here. Partially hidden in the shadows, a formal pamphlet with a seven-pointed star has been lain aside here.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly looks up, hands clenched into fists. "...know can hear, wherever are," He says very quietly, very slowly. "...Came here to say that... will learn lesson. Whichever lesson may be."

The boughs of the large blackthorn moan loudly as they shake, sending a new shower of petals cascading across the fulcrux.

Speaking just above a whisper, you say, "Maybe have already learned."

You have emoted: Gurashi turns to look at a different spot within the fulcrux. "But, wanted to know, am willing to do whatever takes. To help get better, and to help Glomdoring." He pauses. "Even if means something that ... am not really sure is what want to do."

Relaxing his grip, you say, "Know that -will- get better. And, will overcome."

Keeping his voice respectfully low, you say, "And that self, and Bizirik, and all of Glomdoring are here for. No matter ...how great or small the task."

You have emoted: Gurashi stands perfectly still, listening to the wind, to the silence. His mandibles click against his face gently. "...know are always watching."