Crimson Lotus

Ashnezharr curls his lip and sneers arrogantly.

Veldrin inclines her head politely to Ashnezharr.

Ashnezharr gives Veldrin a respectful salute.

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

Ashnezharr gingerly plucks a dream mote from a delicate dreamcatcher.

Standing to one side of the cocoon in a posture of calm vigilance, Avaris makes no
overt acknowledgement of Ashnezharr's presence save for the faint twitch of an antenna in
Ashnezharr's direction, and the steady gaze of several of the lightforged eyes that adorn his wings.

You think to yourself: "More filth."

Ashnezharr gingerly plucks a dream mote from a delicate dreamcatcher.

In a mocking tone, Initiate Ashnezharr d'Murani, of the Dark Faith says, "Celestians standing guard
over the Lady. How noble, how appreciated."

The expression of the slumbering Goddess Li-varili changes faintly, as if dreaming, the magnolias
emitting a soft glow as She shifts and turns upon the healing mound.

Tridemon looks up and focuses on Ashnezharr, his colorless right eye flashing with deep purple for
an instant.

The featureless visor of his face expressionless, Avaris replies in an even,
resonant chorus of voices, "Magnagorans needlessly spewing vitriol. How shocking."

Ashnezharr glares at you with intense hatred, and a slight, ominous rumble echoes forth from the
ground.

Veldrin gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Unperturbed, Avaris maintains his equanimity, hands clasped beneath the dense,
feathered cloak of his folded wings.

In a deep Rockholmian brogue, Initiate Ashnezharr d'Murani, of the Dark Faith says, "I have yet to
spew vitriol, bug. I make a pilgrimage to commune with the Lady, and I have to endure the presence
of two emissaries of the Light."

Ashnezharr spits on the ground in disgust.

The angle of Avaris's alabaster jaw shifts slightly at this, as he observes, "You
make pilgrimage to the healing mound upon which She lies, in the care of my Lady of Light. You
endure far more than we mere mortal representatives of such. Does that burn you to think of?"

In a deep Rockholmian brogue, Initiate Ashnezharr d'Murani, of the Dark Faith says, "All that burns
within me is the undying hatred of the Duke, bug."

Tridemon rolls his eyes.

Tridemon pulls a book from a pocket of his robes to start going through the pages.

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

The lines that form the stylised eyes of Avaris's wings drift about the area in a
constant, steady vigil as he replies, almost idly, "Empty but for the hatred of another. How sad."

Veldrin ponders a scientific ledger thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Veldrin begins to wield a scientific ledger in her left hand.

Veldrin begins to chew on the corner of a scientific ledger.

With a sneer, Ashnezharr turns his gaze to you before speaking, "All pleasantries and niceties
aside, why do you stand guard here, emissary? Surely with the Goddess being in the...ahem, 'care,'
of your Lady of Light, She needn't any to stay with Her?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to
Veldrin, "Oh, that reminds me. We took that rock on a short tour of Mount Zoaka. To meet some
igneous cousins."

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

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Oh, yes, Gurashi mentioned that! did it have a good time?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, it
certainly wasn't complaining about it."

Veldrin appears to puff up slightly as her entire body glows a cheerful shade of citrine yellow.

An enchanting melody drifts upon the winds heralding the arrival of a graceful ryujin as she glides
in from the ether.

As Auriella gently brushes her fingertips across a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili,
the pure white magnolia flowers seem to shrink at her approach.

Veldrin D'Cente says, "That is good news! it will have lots of stories to tell Ignus then."

The seven, inhuman orbs of solid azure that are studded into Avaris's helm-like
visage remain facing forward, over Ashnezharr. "I do not believe that you would understand, were I
to tell you. I do not think that you possess the necessary familiarity with Devotion."

Drawn by the song of the sea, a graceful ryujin glides out to the west, a rivulet of water trailing
behind her.
You sense the passage of Auriella to the west with a faceted pair of crystalline ears.

Veldrin smiles softly.

In a deep Rockholmian brogue, Initiate Ashnezharr d'Murani, of the Dark Faith says, "The clangoru
are not to be taken for fools, nor should a d'Murani. Tell me of your duties and beloved Devotion."

The burnished plating of Avaris's immense chest expands and contracts in a slow,
unhurried rhythm. The harmonic, choral tones of his voice are cool as he says, "I do not respond to
commands from Tainted. If you wish for me to impart some measure of Wisdom to you, you will be
forced to swallow your pride and ask in a civil manner. Otherwise, you shall have nothing."

His tone becoming increasingly aggravated, Initiate Ashnezharr d'Murani, of the Dark Faith says,
"Such was a civil request, worm. Much like the aforementioned vitriol, were it a command, you would
know it."

Magrund, a brazen taurus stomps a brazen hoof with a contemptuous snort, alien vocalizations
resonating from deep within.

The measured, metallic tapping of chitinous fingers impacting lightly against the
adamant exoskeleton of Avaris's concealed hands is the sole sound that meets Ashnezharr's statement
for a time. Gradually, the impassive visor of the massive kephera's face turns down to study him
with an unreadable expression, his words almost mild in their curiosity, "Are you always so easily
needled, Magnagoran?"

Tridemon goes back to looking through the book.

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

Veldrin D'Cente says to Tridemon, "What are you reading?"

Veldrin D'Cente says, "We can hear the pages.."

Veldrin sways back and forth.

Announced by the ambrosial aroma of confectionary wonders, Tikki saunters leisurely in from the west
amidst a flurry of sugar and spice.
A graceful, heptagonal polytope with rainbow fractals smoothly hovers in from the west, emanating a
serene, halcyon aura.

Tikki blinks.

In a deep Rockholmian brogue, Initiate Ashnezharr d'Murani, of the Dark Faith says, "I am an
acoloyte of the Duke and the Lady of the Wounded Crust. You are but a mild annoyance. You have not
yet seen my aggravation--much less my Rage."

"'Lo!" Tikki quips cheerfully.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm? Oh,
it's Gurashi's autobiography."

Veldrin inclines her head politely to Tikki.

Tikki says, "A busy afternoon, goodness."

Veldrin D'Cente says, "Thinkbug has a autobiography?"

In a deep Rockholmian brogue, Initiate Ashnezharr d'Murani, of the Dark Faith says, "Regardless, I
haven't time for this roundabout conversation and pettifoggery. Do be in touch if you've something
useful to say, bug."

Ashnezharr spits on the ground in disgust.

Tikki counts on his fingertips and nods his head.

With great elegance, Tikki lays out a spread of exotic cuisine and delicacies before you. Along with
everyone else, you indulge yourself in this epicurian feast, eating and drinking until utterly
satiated. The fine meal not only lifts your spirits, but enhances your body as well.

In a deep Rockholmian brogue, Initiate Ashnezharr d'Murani, of the Dark Faith says to Tridemon,
"Meld my spittle, worm."

The cloud of smoke and cinder fades as Magrund, the taurus leaves to the west, the rhythmic pounding
of his metallic hooves growing inaudible.

Antennae twitching towards Tikki upon Tikki's arrival, Avaris offers a calm, "A
good afternoon to you, Tikki."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mhmm. An
exploration of their life, mostly what they remember from the Hives. Not an especially nice story
until closer to the end."

Zalan inclines his head politely to those around him.

You sense the passage of Zalan to the west with a faceted pair of crystalline ears.

Tikki says, "I certainly seemed to arrive at an...interesting juncture there."

Veldrin D'Cente says to Tridemon, "Hrm..intresting."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Gurashi
can probably print off a copy if you'd like to read it."

Mildly, lifting a gargantuan shoulder in a small shrug, Avaris says, "Not
particularly. The barking of small dogs. How does the day find you, Tikki?"

Birds fill your ears with serenades of happiness and love.

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

Veldrin D'Cente says to Tridemon, "Umm how long is it?"

Tikki smiles over to you and nods his head. "It finds me well yes yes. I was bringing Zalan to help
with the healing, they're off inspecting the area for a bit now."

Tridemon looks down at a fanciful book of flowery pastels. "Hmm... Well over fifty thousand words,
if I'd have to guess."

Veldrin D'Cente says, "That would be..a lot of clay tablets.."

Veldrin sucks thoughtfully on her teeth.

Tridemon tilts his head curiously.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Clay
tablets?"

Mores of starlight faintly flicker into your peripheral vision as a calm, feminine voice whispers to
you and you alone, "You have earned a respite from your vigilance, My Avaris. I would have you speak
with Me in My Fulcrux." Then the shimmering lights fade, and the voice fades with them.

Veldrin waves a hand infront of their face a few times as they say, "blind as a Veldrin we are, most
our reading happened while there was a geomancer guilds cause most things where stored as stone or
clay tablets some where."

Antennae snapping upright for a moment, Avaris clasps a hand to his chest in a
peculiarly gentle salute, before addressing nobody in particular, "I will depart for a time. Light's
blessings upon you all."

Caressing a veiled idol of the Empyreal Goddess gently in your hands, you focus your thoughts on
Lantra, seeking out Her Master Shrine and fulcrux.

You find yourself engulfed in a swirl of scintillating lights, drawn to your Patron's Master Shrine.
The Fulcrux of Lantra.
The rush of running water echoes throughout this alabaster sanctuary, its white pillars surrounded
on all sides by shimmering waterfalls. Breathtaking stars twinkle across the misty falls as they
collect into a luminous gazing pool, its rippling waters clear and sparkling as they reflect the
open expanse of the celestial sky above. Caught in a graceful dance of duality, an immaculate white
koi fish circles its dark twin in the glittering depths of the basin, continuing in a silent push
and pull as their silhouettes form two halves of a whole. The white, blue and pink petals of
assorted lotus flowers crown these starry waters with their regal beauty, standing at the feet of
several stone priestesses who guard this place. The statues bow their veiled heads in silent prayer,
each bearing a tilted celadon urn that overflows with the boundless light of healing waters.
Shimmering over with water and light, a sparkling veil of white mist draws a starry curtain here.
Impossibly still at the centre of this luminous pool of water and light, a single star lotus flower
blooms brighter than all the others, its heart radiant as the dewy petals unfurl to reveal a
beautiful, enchanting light.
There are no obvious exits.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Light's blessings upon you, My Avaris."

Emerging from a swirl of light, Avaris smoothly lowers himself to one knee, placing
all four of his hands over his heart. Head bowed, the layered chorus of his voice is at once warm
and tinged with concern as he replies, "Light's blessings upon You also, my Lady." He hesitates for
a moment, before saying, "I would ask how You are, but...Weary, yes?"

The ripples that radiate from the luminous pool slow, the lights about them dimming perceptively.
"You are not incorrect," the calm, feminine voice says at last. "There is much in My task that has
drained Me of strength, though it is a necessary part of its undertaking. And what of yourself, My
Enduring?"

The broad, sanguine lines that form Avaris's antennae curve down gradually into a
frown as the illumination lessens. There is a pause, in which he appears to weigh his response, then
says honestly, "Concerned for You. I know that You do what You must, but..." The gilded blades of
his clawed fingers trace whisper-light lines across his breastplate, the contact emitting a faint,
clear ringing tone. "I wish that You did not have to. I do not like it when You are so taxed, my
Lady."

Avaris taps at his chest with a small motion of one finger, no real hope in his
voice as he asks, "Will You take strength from me? I have some essence. Not much, but....More than
nothing."

You think to yourself: Resignation to a refusal, even before he asks.

Tendrils of mist pensively drift along the luminous pool, shimmering as the celadon urns pour forth
their life-giving water unto the Fulcrux's sparkling depths. There is a curiosity in the silence,
rather than an sense of unease or uncertainty -- it is a thoughtful pause, given before a serious
answer.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "I wonder if it would aid Me as you suspect. For yes, I do gain power from essence
offered unto Me, as all My Cousins do. Indeed, such offerings allowed the Lady Li-varili to continue
in Her foolish actions to awaken the Sea Spirit, even as She toyed with the fragile balance of
nature set in place long ago by Dynara. I am spent, in some regard, in a similar manner. Even so,
you may pour water into a leaking cup until it overflows, but the leak will remain."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "And as the Lady Li-varili becomes more hale and whole, the more intent She is upon
draining Me further and exerting Her will. It is a relentless push and pull, I find, with Her."

The koi fish in the pool continue in their graceful dance, their duality of black and white scales
seeming starker as the Goddess's words are spoken.

Facing the floor still, Avaris's attention is nonetheless fixed entirely upon the
pool, as the lightforged eyes of his wings gaze upon it with evident worry. Quietly, yet with a
firmness and fervor to his words, he says, "I would not see Your cup drained unto emptiness. Take
all that You require from me, my Lady. Every drop, if You have the need." The aureate, sharply
glinting knuckles of the kephera's fingers shift as he curls his fingers inward. "I am concerned for
what will occur when She is released, with Her strength restored, and Yours sapped."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "I see you do not harbour any delusions that She might be grateful for Her healing.
That is well, for I share your suspicions, and I fear too many do not wish to heed them."

The waters of the luminous pool flare with a quiet, radiant light, the mist parting to reveal a
familiar glassy scene: that of the cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili, while beside Her,
the cloaked figures of the she'nasim nereids whisper in secret, their words drowned by the
reflective waters. "What think you of the Bloodtide Coven's presence?" the calm, feminine voice
asks, Her intonation even and level.

A low, shivering tone of displeasure hangs in the air about Avaris in response to
this, the angle of his antennae growing steeper still. "She hates You for what You do, my Lady. She
will seek to harm You, in some way, for the healing You have provided. That is obvious. As for the
others..." A spiked shoulder rises in a slow shrug. "That is nothing new. They embrace enemies and
are blind to danger, deaf to warnings." He lapses into a brief silence, which is heavy with
deliberation as he studies the image upon the pool with evident distaste. "They think themselves
subtle, but their aim is painfully obvious. They seek to free Her, to sow discord, and will likely
work against You and all that You hold dear, however they can."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Yes. The Lady of the Lagoons radiates Her contempt quite strongly, in every fiber of
Her being. You would think it was I who placed Her in the Morokeche Seat, for all She hisses and
screams at Me with Her thoughts. I do not believe She is a Goddess inclined to believe in any
kindness. She is like My Brother, in that way."

A new post has been made to the Public board.

There is a brief sigh, breathless with laughter, as something distant attracts the Goddess's
attentions.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "You are correct. They are not subtle."

Dipping his head in a slight nod of agreement, Avaris replies, "Any situation where
She perceives that another has power over Her is like to elicit such a reaction." The sighing
laughter elicits a curious cant of his head, antennae twisting inquisitively. "Lady?"

((Avaris reads the news post Uzriel put up on Public, slandering Lantra))

As if parting through mists of water and light, the Empyreal Goddess quietly unveils Her soothing
presence to the Basin of Life.

Flatly, Avaris says, simply, "Ah."

Ripples of celestial light radiate across the firmament like water as the calm voice of Lantra, the
Empyreal rings out, "You wished to know My intentions, child of the Engine. You have made yours
quite clear."

An unforgiving white light crests over the horizon, burning with incandescent wrath. There is a
scream, then blessed silence.

Ripples of celestial light radiate across the firmament like water as the calm voice of Lantra, the
Empyreal rings out, "Help Me or do not. Make your choice. I have already made Mine."

You think to yourself: A powerful, sharp surge of adulation and fervent approval as his heart sings
with joy at Her display of power, of displeasure.

The light within Avaris's wings burgeons, swelling to a joyous flare, which
persists.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Forgive Me for such an abhorrent interruption."

His voice resembling more a rapturous hymn of joyous worship, so strong is Avaris's
pleasure, he says, "Not at all, my Lady. You need not ask for forgiveness for cleansing an
aggravating stain."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Such fleeting irritations are not how I would choose to spend My time."

Sobering, Avaris lowers his head in acknowledgement. "Understandable. I am sorry
that Your time has been taken, however briefly, by the unworthy."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Do not mistake My displeasure for the pestilence of the Engine for disdain towards
yourself. You are a pleasing distraction."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Such brazenness from utter filth is appalling."

You think to yourself: A hesitant flicker of private joy, a spark that is held close to the heart,
lest it gutter out.

The curved, gleaming blades of Avaris's crest glimmer in the ambient light of the
pool as he nods. "It is, but such is their way. Utterly lacking in subtlety or dignity. Rabid dogs
barking at all who pass by their gate."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "And yet they love to gloat that their ways are so utterly subdued and difficult to
ascertain. I, who place My own work for all to see in the light of day, am more misunderstood than
they who flee to the shadows with glee."

Disdain drips from Avaris's words like condensation from a sword beneath the chill
light of the stars. "They are so desperate to believe they are the heroes that they warp all that
they look upon to fit their pathetic little narratives. It is a testament to the extremity of their
delusion that they can do so with Your Purity of intent, my Lady. Pitiful wretches."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "No wonder they flock so before the Traitors and Their ilk. They are eager thralls of
the Enchantress, indeed, even while devoting themselves so utterly to the very Goddess their
patroness most maligned. And whose own cruelty I am seeking to undo, earning only ill will for it."

A suffocating white light flares with the Goddess's displeasure as the Traitor's name is uttered
with loathing, Her calm voice filled with the quiet undercurrent of a threat.

The searing illumination straightens Avaris's shoulders further still as his wings
part from his back, unfurling slowly like the petals of a flower responding to the warmth of the
sun. They remain thus, reflecting the light and adding to it with a stark, lesser luminosity of
their own, even as the Goddess' displeasure is echoed in the caustic hymn of his voice. "It is as
You say, my Lady. Their idiocy astounds, even now - They claim the Enchantress was banished to the
void, and unable to free the Lady of the Lagoons." Sweeping a clawed hand out in a glimmering arc of
silver-tinged gold, disdainful, he says, "She has walked the Basin for many, many years now. Ample
opportunity."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Indeed. And so too did the Lady Li-varili have many years to seek Me for healing,
before making Her desperate bid once the Eye of Dynara would not respond to Her call."

The hand curls into a fist, indignation shivering in Avaris's words. "And they have
the gall to condemn You, when You act swiftly and without hesitation, to right Her wrongs. It is
despicable, my Lady. You are above reproach in all that You do, and yet they slander You at every
turn."

Soft, feminine laughter ripples from within the luminous pool, the light scattering across its
surface empty of warmth, instead left with a discordant ring of cool amusement.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "I care not what such beings think of Me. The Basin of Life is vast, but those whose
opinions I respect are few."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "I know My own intent and My own truth. Casting aspersions upon Me does not change
this."

The silent threat of the bladed maul of Avaris's fist lowers, descending to rest
against the broad span of his armoured thigh. "Even so, my Lady. It rankles to see You so maligned.
I know that their hatred, the doubt and suspicion are as futile as specks of dirt flicked against
the stars, but..." A low, resonating tone of menace thrums forth from the kephera. "I do not like
it."

The motes of light that gather upon the luminous pool flicker around you, gentle in their muted glow
as they enfold upon you like a pair of angelic wings. Their touch is as light as that of starlight
reflected on water, the sensation familiar and soothing -- though not numbingly so. Rather, a tender
sense of gratitude fills you, pulsing with soft light before fading.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Do not let the words of the Tainted cause you to rankle so. For I do not. And that
which does not harm Me should not worry you overmuch, My Avaris."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Let them hiss and cry as they please. It is nothing to Me."

At the touch of the motes, the eyes that adorn Avaris's plumage slowly close, as if
relishing the sensation unabashedly, even as the wings furl about him unbidden, in a futile,
reflexive attempt to return the sidereal embrace. He exhales softly as the lights fade, the sigh one
of mingled pleasure and regret, for a bliss that is gone too soon. Much calmed, he rplies, "Yes, my
Lady. I shall endeavour to ignore them, for Your sake."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Though should you happen to find your blade impaled in one such creature's heart, I
shall not shed a tear for their passing."

A sudden, almost startled laugh ripples forth from Avaris , the harmony of sounds
rich and warm in their delight. "I shall keep that in mind, my Lady." Eyes glittering with brilliant
motes of light, which dance in merriment within the azure of his natural eyes, the kephera grows
quiet for a time. The tip of his index finger traces small, uncertain circles upon the resplendent
golden armour of his chest, before he asks, "Lady? Will You do me a very great favour?"

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "You have give Me precious few reasons to say no to such a request. I would ask you
what the favour is, first."

Inclining his head in quiet gratitude, Avaris extends a hand - his upper right -
forward, palm upward, in an entreating gesture, a faint note of pleading to his voice, sincere and
earnest. "Let me help You, somehow. Please. More than just gestures. Something of tangible benefit
to You. You are so tired, and You are working so, so very hard. There must be something, ~anything~
I can do to ease the burdens You bear."

The suffocating tension that had filled the Fulcrux mere moments prior seems to diminish as your
question is received, weighed and measured with a stillness that permeates the entirety of your
surroundings as the lights dim and hush with pensive thought.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "Do you presume that you do not already assist Me in your own way, My Avaris?"

You think to yourself: A desperate, fervent hope that this time She will say yes, that She will have
some way for him to help Her - And not just an errand given out of pity.

The question seems to puzzle Avaris faintly, judging by the slight tilt of his
head, and the bend of his antennae. "Not in any significant way, my Lady. I stand guard at a
location that is inviolate due to Your protection. I worry for You. That is all. Hardly enough to
ease the great weight upon Your shoulders, by any real degree."

The star lotus at the centre of the luminous pool begins to spill forth an enchanting, dewy light in
the silence, its immaculate glow transfixing in its mesmerising beauty.

Fascinated, every one of Avaris's eyes - natural and those within his wings both -
are drawn inexorably to the star lotus, where they remain, entranced.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "I believe I understand, to some degree, what it is you ask of Me."

Faintly wary, despite his spellbound state, Avaris ventures, "Perhaps. I would
request clarification, so that we do not miscommunicate, my Lady."

Like a whirlpool, the blue veil of twilight cast over the land begins to retreat towards the dome of
the sky. Time quickly mends as, at last, an Immaculate Timequake winks out of existence.

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "You do not wish to be given something that will merely distract you, an errand or an
attempt at assuaging your concerns. You wish for something tangible of Me."

Ripples of celestial light radiate out from the centre of the luminous pool as a soft, feminine
voice echoes, "To bear My weight, in some small manner. Not merely to assist in My task. Is this not
so?"

The sanguine lines of his antennae flicking upwards in clear surprise, Avaris's
response is hesitant, in the manner of a man lost in the desert seeing an oasis, and conscious of
the prevalence of mirages. "It is so."


((In the NICEST red))
The star lotus at the centre of the pool begins to shift before you, changing hue to a bright,
burnished gold, that then wanes and darkens to a curious crimson hue. The sanguine light that flows
from its petals is boundless, staining the luminous pool red.

Pinpricks of celestial light coalesce into the faint outline of a star lotus, which blossoms open to
reveal the regal figure of Lantra, the Empyreal.

The Fulcrux of Lantra.
The rush of running water echoes throughout this alabaster sanctuary, its white pillars surrounded
on all sides by shimmering waterfalls. Breathtaking stars twinkle across the misty falls as they
collect into a luminous gazing pool, its rippling waters clear and sparkling as they reflect the
open expanse of the celestial sky above. Caught in a graceful dance of duality, an immaculate white
koi fish circles its dark twin in the glittering depths of the basin, continuing in a silent push
and pull as their silhouettes form two halves of a whole. The white, blue and pink petals of
assorted lotus flowers crown these starry waters with their regal beauty, standing at the feet of
several stone priestesses who guard this place. The statues bow their veiled heads in silent prayer,
each bearing a tilted celadon urn that overflows with the boundless light of healing waters.
Shimmering over with water and light, a sparkling veil of white mist draws a starry curtain here.
Impossibly still at the centre of this luminous pool of water and light, a single star lotus flower
blooms brighter than all the others, its heart radiant as the dewy petals unfurl to reveal a
beautiful, enchanting light. Lantra, the Empyreal stands here with a restrained dignity, pulsing
softly with a quiet, wearied light.
There are no obvious exits.

Her slight and statuesque figure exuding a sense of restrained dignity, She is a radiant immortal
and possessed of a quiet and unassuming stillness. The Goddess's olive-skinned complexion shines
with the dusky radiance of youth, and yet the ancient burden of duty weighs heavily upon Her
shoulders, carried with a silent and practised grace. Lost to contemplation, She appraises Her
surroundings with a distant air; the grey-tinged gaze of Her celadon blue eyes remains as fathomless
and inscrutable as the hazy mists of a waterfall. Despite the seriousness of Her first impressions,
however, a gentle smile graces Her lips with an almost maternal tenderness. Her every movement is
characterised of an unhurried elegance and poise, reflective of an inner peace as She emanates a
soothing white light.

Shimmering tresses of palest starlight spill down Her shoulders in a curtain of white to end at Her
waist, nary a strand out of place. Motes of silver and celadon blue interweave through Her
immaculate coif, their whispers of colour evoking a breathtaking celestial radiance.
She is wearing:
immaculate vestments of purest white starlight that wreathe Her in a celestial glow
a cascading veil of mist and water lilies that trails at Her feet, shrouding Her face from view
elevated sandals of woven willow leaves that leave lambent motes with each step
a bracelet of woven water and starlight shimmering upon Her wrist
a mist-wreathed star twinkling upon Her glistening veil
a gold damask cope clasped with a radiant star lotus settles about Her in a heavy mantle.


Casting a glance to the star lotus at the centre of the luminous pool as it radiates a dark, crimson
beauty, Lantra reaches down to pluck it from within the water's depths, taking it before Herself
with silent composure. Her veiled countenance is inscrutable as She bears the flower before Herself
as one might a talisman of great power.

Avaris watches in open fascination at the alteration of the star lotus' colour, the
polished, metallic surface of his armour reflecting the brilliant gold. Once the hue deepens to red,
however, that same luster daubs him in crimson, as if bathed in bloody waters that yet cling to his
form. At Lantra's appearance, he lowers his head anew, returning his errant hand to join its
brethren across his heart.

Her voice soft, disarming in its gentleness, Lantra, the Empyreal says to you, "You wish to bear
some of My burdens. If that is what you wish, then I shall grant it. Though know it is only if you
wish it."

With a wistful look on Her face, Lantra touches a bright crimson star lotus.

The long, plated palms of Avaris's hand press tight against his chest as he
responds, with a fervent, almost desperate zeal. "More than almost anything, my Lady. So long as it
does not harm You or upset You in any way. I do not wish to be selfish, in this."

The Fulcrux of Lantra.
The rush of running water echoes throughout this alabaster sanctuary, its white pillars surrounded
on all sides by shimmering waterfalls. Breathtaking stars twinkle across the misty falls as they
collect into a luminous gazing pool, its rippling waters clear and sparkling as they reflect the
open expanse of the celestial sky above. Caught in a graceful dance of duality, an immaculate white
koi fish circles its dark twin in the glittering depths of the basin, continuing in a silent push
and pull as their silhouettes form two halves of a whole. The white, blue and pink petals of
assorted lotus flowers crown these starry waters with their regal beauty, standing at the feet of
several stone priestesses who guard this place. The statues bow their veiled heads in silent prayer,
each bearing a tilted celadon urn that overflows with the boundless light of healing waters.
Shimmering over with water and light, a sparkling veil of white mist draws a starry curtain here.
Impossibly still at the centre of this luminous pool of water and light, a single star lotus flower
blooms brighter than all the others, its heart radiant as the dewy petals unfurl to reveal a
beautiful, enchanting light. Lantra, the Empyreal stands here with a restrained dignity, pulsing
softly with a quiet, wearied light. She wields a bright crimson star lotus in Her left hand.
There are no obvious exits.

Light spills from Her fingertips as Lantra rests Her hand upon the lotus, the crimson petals
darkening and deepening with the contact of Her skin against their pillowy surface. "You shall not
inflict any harm upon Me," She says evenly, the flower's centre radiating now with a strange, new
brilliance. "Nor is it a selfishness."

Tenderly, as one might hand a precious and fragile thing, Lantra gives a bright crimson
star lotus to you.

Her expression veiled and voice soft, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "You may touch it if you wish."

((P Lotus))
A rare and unusual flower found in the healing waters of the Lake of Polaris, this crimson star
lotus emanates a dusky, celestial glow here. The lotus's bright red petals unfurl to reveal a pure
heart alight with the breathtaking glow of a single, twinkling star. Motes of celestial light wink
across the lotus's soft, pillowy petals with a dewy radiance, weaving through a calming, tranquil
fragrance that emanates from the lotus's centre. Regal and resplendent, this star lotus blossoms in
eternal bloom, as if existing outside of time itself.

The thick, sanguine strokes of liquid that form Avaris's antennae dip slightly at
this, as if uncertain of Lantra's response. Freeing his hands from where they lie, he takes the red
flower into the cupped bowl of gleaming chitin, formed from all four of his hands, his manner
reverent.

You reach out and touch a bright crimson star lotus.
Your hand alights upon a bright crimson star lotus, scattering light from its sanguine petals.
((That good good red)) A black, sucking darkness clenches your heart, echoes of grief ravaging your body from an unknown
memory as you persist in this too-familiar task.

The fingers that cradle the crimson star lotus move suddenly as if to clench, as
Avaris's form stiffens like a man run through with a brutal blade, his breath hitching even as the
light within his wings stutters for a beat, flickering dim.

There is a peculiar stillness and calm to the Goddess's voice as She speaks, Lantra continuing
evenly, "You wished to take some of what I felt from Me, did you not? You now bear a droplet of such
a flood. Healing is, in its essence, a taxing endeavor. It is to witness the ugliness of what
unmakes the world, while seeking the steadiness to make it right. It is to become accustomed to the
ravages of Destruction." A pause. "You do not gaze into the Void without some of that darkness
gazing back."

You think to yourself: The darkness and grief borne upon the touch of the deceptively delicate
flower resonate with his memory of his trial - The blackness of Her absence, the empty ache in his
heart where once Her Light had warmed him. A brief spasm of raw, animal panic flickers through him,
before his will clenches down, crushing it mercilessly. The emotion of the lotus, however, are
beyond such an effort, and so he endures. Fortitude, for Her sake - He can carry this grain of sand,
this miniscule fragment of the impossibly vast burden She bears.

The guttering luminescence of Avaris's wings steadies, with visible effort, as he
struggles to master himself. Bowing his head low, he draws the sanguine star lotus close, cupped
almost against his breast, where it remains as he breathes in slow, deep hisses of air. "Yes, my
Lady." Though strained, the resonance of the kephera's voice is utterly sincere, as he says, "Thank
You. I will grow strong enough to take more from Your shoulders, in time. You are kind, to indulge
me in this."

The severity that has marked Lantra since Her arrival appears to falter slightly, the mists that
wreathe Her form thinning as She looks upon you from behind Her translucent veil. She nods once, the
starry mists shimmering with the movement, as She says finally, "You are welcome, My Avaris. You
walk the path of Wisdom. But your fifth vow is not forgotten, nor your desire to prove yourself in
your pursuit of it."

Cradling the crimson star lotus with all the reverent wonder of one bestowed a gift
that he cannot quite bring himself to fully believe, so precious is it, Avaris's eyes gleam with a
scintillating array of pinpricks of light, a smile in his voice as he says, "Ah, my Lady. I cannot
express how much this means to me. You are so good to me." He pauses, as if recalling something,
then asks, "I should have inquired upon arriving - Did You call me for a specific purpose, my Lady?
My apologies, for derailing You from Your initial intent, if so."

There is a statuesque nature to how Lantra studies your open expression of gratitude, immobile and
poised as She presses Her hands before Herself. Whatever reaction She has to such is veiled from
view, though at your question, She says, "Many have come before Me to express their surprise at the
Bloodtide Coven's activity. I wondered what you thought of it." There is a faint hint of humour in
Her words, with the lightest touch of laughter, as the Goddess finishes, "I believe My question was
implicitly answered."

Listening intently to Lantra as the Goddess speaks, antennae undulating in content
rippling motions, Avaris dips his head in a series of small nods, his manner fairly radiating quiet
happiness. "Ah, that is well." Lifting his gaze from the gift bestowed upon him, the kneeling
paladin turns his visored face up to Lantra, eyes awash with a sea of twinkling motes of light. The
harmonic chorus of his voice is warm with undisguised affection as he says, "I am ever happiest in
Your company, my Lady. Thank You for allowing me to remain near You, for a time. It is a most
precious gift, and I appreciate it, from the depths of my soul."

"You are ever grateful when I inflict some form of suffering upon you, I note," Lantra says with a
soft exhale, though the words are not wearied nor unkind, merely faintly amused in their
observation. "I wonder at it, that it gives you such joy." The Hamadhi then lifts Her gaze skyward,
thoughtful, before saying, "My time in realms wanes. Was there aught else you wished to speak of,
before I depart? For these are strange times, indeed."

Gently, but firmly, Avaris clarifies, "It is not the suffering that brings me joy,
or causes gratitude to well up, my Lady. It is that I can help You, in even this small way. Please
do not mistake me in this." Rather than follow Lantra's attention upwards, he instead uses the
opportunity to look upon his Goddess with undisguised adulation, basking in the radiance of Lantra's
presence. "Nothing that I would disturb You with, my Lady. Thank You for spending time with me,
especially when Yours is drawn upon so heavily of late."

A faint twinkle of light uncertainly flickers across the Goddess's misty veil, its fleeting presence
evocative of a shooting star as Lantra considers your words. "Then may the months ahead lessen My
burdens, and therefore lessen yours in tandem." The mists about the Goddess begin to churn and
froth, engulfing Her completely as She says, "I thank you for speaking with Me, My Avaris. You have
My gratitude for your vigilance and your faith in Me, as ever."

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

A quiet breeze sweeps through the vicinity as Lantra, the Empyreal dissolves in a luminous swirl of
white lotus petals, leaving only twinkling motes of starlight in Her wake.

As if drawing a curtain of water and light, the form of the Empyreal Goddess recedes into starlit
mists, vanishing from the Basin of Life.

At the brush of veiled lips upon the hard plating of his brow, the azure spheres of
Avaris's inhuman eyes practically erupt with joyous light, so intense is the sudden surge of
brilliant motes within the blue orbs. Even after his Goddess has departed, he remains still, as if
savouring the sensation, until finally he exhales a long, slow breath. Turning his head down to
study to sanguine star lotus for a time, he caresses the velvety petals with the edge of his thumb,
the motion unspeakably tender.

You reach out and touch a bright crimson star lotus.
Your hand alights upon a bright crimson star lotus, scattering light from its sanguine petals.
Waves of exhaustion wash over you, only to cling greedily to your limbs and mind. Even so, a
peculiar sense of alertness fills you, followed by unwavering focus.

Swaying slightly in place, in a manner reminiscent of a great war galley rolling
upon a sudden surge of treacherous waters, Avaris manages to steady himself - Catching himself in
the act of extending his lower left hand towards the ground for support, he snatches it back, his
shoulders acquiring a determined set. With a brisk shake of his head, he rises, a touch unsteadily,
and bows to the pool, before turning on his bladed heel and striding purposefully forth.