A Bizarre Month of Investigating

[[Long story short! Gurashi was hanging out in kitchen while shenanigans started and Glomdoring NPC started talking. The nonsense continued long after that!]]

The last five seconds repeat three times over, causing you to panic - before you are, gratefully and finally, released from the time loop.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quietly to himself, tapping a quill against his head.

Esei blinks.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ahh."

(The Crux): Esei says, "Ah... more time anomalies?"

Hand on his chest, you say, "A-ah, wait."

Suddenly out of breath, you say, "Ahhhhhwhydoesthatkeephappening."

Esei grimaces, rubbing their forehead as though to ward away a headache.

(Glomdoring): Brennan Stormcrow says, "Bloody Timeline nonsense."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Ahh - Mister Brennan..."

(Glomdoring): Skarde says, "Hmm?"

Esei's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Trailing stars and smoke, Dusan trails off to the west.

Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
The dark heart of Glomdoring Forest is almost audibly beating in this, its shadowy centre. Tall, blackened trees surround this clearing, pressing together into an imposing barrier of rotten vegetation. Moulds and fungi are smeared across the plants, their pungent stench suffusing the forest. The branches are coated in dark slime, slick tendrils that hang downwards. Although a variety of trees might actually grow here, the black tar that coats them renders them indistinguishable. A thin black mist creeps between the trees, hanging low across the ground. The floor of the clearing itself is simply bare earth, cracked and dry. Overshadowing all is the Master Ravenwood Tree itself, jutting into the sky like a twisted fist. The sound of laughing crows echoes down from the treetops, a harsh sound for the ears below. The atmosphere vibrates with a palpable power. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. The Master Ravenwood Tree towers over everything here, pulsing with an immeasurable yet dark power.
You see a single exit leading north.
Brennan Stormcrow cocks his head to one side, looking you over with an appraising stare.
Brennan Stormcrow exclaims, "Mighty Crow has his eye upon you, Dark Savant!"

Esei tilts their head curiously at Brennan Stormcrow.
Brennan Stormcrow completely ignores Esei, not even registering their existence.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

With a small nod, you ask Brennan Stormcrow, "Is familiar to?"

(Glomdoring): Brennan Stormcrow says, "Don't you hmm me, only an idiot can't see his nose for his face."

Brennan Stormcrow grumbles angrily.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Brennan Stormcrow, "Wait - what do mean?"

Brennan Stormcrow says to you, "Familiar? I just lifted my arm up five times over and over again."

(Glomdoring): Skarde says, "I can -clearly- see my nose, but you're speaking out of context...?"

"I don't need to be familiar," Brennan Stormcrow glowers, shaking the offending arm, "to know it's Time being messed up."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Brennan Stormcrow, "Ah - but we were below! So did not see..."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Brennan Stormcrow, "...do know what messes up time?"

Snarling, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Hallifaxians?"

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, looking concerned. "Is always Hallifaxians?"

Deep in thought, Esei leans their cheek on their hand.

Brennan Stormcrow shakes his head, sending spittle flying from his half-formed mouth. "Mostly. Not always."

LOOK BRENNAN
Once a handsome elfen male, Brennan Stormcrow is barely recognizable as a living humanoid. His body is skeletal, patches of skin having sloughed off, and bits of bone peeking through the torn skin. With eyes as black as midnight, Brennan constantly jumps and studies any sudden movement, his head tilting left and right like a bird studying a potential snack. He is dressed in deep brown robes depicting a crow in flight, and is prone to sudden jerks and movements.
Brennan Stormcrow looks to be crushingly strong.

You have emoted: Gurashi grimaces at the mention, continuing to wring his hands together. "What did do to fix in the past?"

Wrinkling what remains of his nose, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Guilds took care of it last time. Whatnot with the Last Goloth and the Beast, or summat."

Skarde silently enters from the down, manifesting directly from his surroundings.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Oh - the Time Beast?"

Suddenly, you say to Brennan Stormcrow, "Ah, but - the guilds are still here, so..."

Esei nods their head at Skarde.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks suddenly very confused and worried.

Skarde grows still and his lips begin to move silently.

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

Brennan Stormcrow harrumphs in agreement.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, bumping his hat as he scratches his head.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Brennan Stormcrow, "Did see the threads, before?"

Mandibles clicking, you ask Brennan Stormcrow, "Was that... ALSO time, or was that MORE than time? Do know Mister Stormcrow?"

Dragging his hands down his face, you say, "Want to help but do not know how to."

"If it's not all the same thing," Brennan Stormcrow says, with a feral grin, "then you should be even more worried. One mysterious assault on reality is bad enough."

You blink.

Esei curls their nose up and grimaces awfully.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Brennan Stormcrow, "W-w-wait, think is more than ONE?"

You flail about helplessly.

The wind whistles eerily through the branches overhead.

Pointedly, Brennan Stormcrow says to you, "You asked if all the things are connected. If they're not..."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You nod your head emphatically.

Brennan Stormcrow smirks, but something goes terribly wrong due to the absence of a crucial facial muscle.

You have emoted: Gurashi drops his hands before him, keeping them laced together. "Ah, right."

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Which facial muscle."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "God idk."

Waving a hand, Brennan Stormcrow says, "It's always the same with all these things. The only weapon at this point is information."

You let out a soft, buzzing sigh.

Deep in thought, Esei leans their cheek on their hand.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Brennan Stormcrow, "But, we do not have much information, despite everyone everywhere is feeling - even inside of manses."

Brennan Stormcrow nods his head.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Brennan Stormcrow, "So, is something that is beyond Prime place."

Esei tells you, "Is he telling us to harass the Hallifaxians?"

Brennan Stormcrow says, "So. Find it."

You have emoted: Gurashi begins to tap on his fingers. "Has been happening for a few days now..."

You blink.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Brennan Stormcrow, "Ah - but, where do we look?"

You boggle at Brennan Stormcrow.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Brennan Stormcrow, ".......d-do have to go to Hallifax?"

You narrow your eyes at Brennan Stormcrow, canting your head and peering at him suspiciously.

Brennan Stormcrow snorts something that might just about be considered a laugh. "If you must."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi begins to chitter anxiously. "Think now are maybe teasing."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "O-K."

With sudden determination, you say, "We are going to find the thing."

Deep in thought, Esei leans their cheek on their hand.

Esei begins to follow you.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Brennan Stormcrow.

Perking up, you say to Brennan Stormcrow, "...could come with too if wanted!"

Brennan Stormcrow stares implacably at you.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Oh no xD."

Esei stares implacably at you.

Oblivious, you say, "What."

You blink.

Esei's eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across their face.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Esei, "What!"

"Oh, yes," Brennan Stormcrow drawls, his eyes gleaming, "by all means, let me abandon my sacred duty to the Ravenwood."

Esei gestures at Brennan Stormcrow.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly lets out the tiniest of "oh"'s in understanding.

You clear your throat.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Brennan Stormcrow a look, clearly embarrassed, before lolling his head to stare at Esei. "Few years ago, there was a vision outside of Gaudiguchs, of the road having been washed away, and then suddenly was fine again."

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to you.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Outside of the timequakes beginning, is most recent earliest weirdness that can think of."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "You did not see it? Xenthos also did not see it."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "If I did, I do not recall it."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks worried, touching his chin. "Went there to look but the road was fine."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "...so, why Gaudiguchs?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Was before all of the growling, and the skips in time. Was the very first one. Or, maybe wasn't the first. But is one of first that can remember."

You nod your head at Brennan Stormcrow.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Gaudiguchs is like.... NOT Hallifax."

Brennan Stormcrow stares blankly at you.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Gaudiguch is tied to Hallifax in a similar way, isn't it? They both disappeared into Time."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Well, yes!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "But they are not the same."

Whispering, you say, "Gaudiguchs is -very dirty-."

Esei stares implacably at you.

Brennan Stormcrow snickers softly to himself.

You ponder the situation.

Deadpan, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I hadn't noticed."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Oh my goodness please do not lick anything from there Mixter Esei please."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly covers his face, lost in thought.

Esei stares implacably at you.

Esei ponders the decapitated head of Choros thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "O-K ..."

Looking up suddenly, you exclaim to Brennan Stormcrow, "Do not worry, Mister Stormcrow!"

Flatly, Brennan Stormcrow says to you, "I was not."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Brennan Stormcrow, "We will solve the thing and everything will return to normal ...-soon-."

Relieved, you say to Brennan Stormcrow, "Oh -good- because -was-."

Equally flatly, Brennan Stormcrow says, "I could not tell."

Esei buries their face in their hands.

You have emoted: Gurashi flashes a reassuring smile.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "O-K who is waking that can ask questions to..."

Deep in thought, Esei leans their cheek on their hand.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Am... checking! ...the highway."

You pat Esei in a friendly manner.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Do want to come?"

You give a kephera-shaped cinnamon cookie to Brennan Stormcrow.
Brennan Stormcrow doesn't register your presence and lets a kephera-shaped cinnamon cookie drop to the ground.

Esei nods their head.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "SOBS."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "HE DROPPED MY COOKIE."

Brennan Stormcrow narrows his eyes at you in an unnerving manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the cookie on the ground.

Brennan Stormcrow says to you, "Yes. You should check - the highway. Immediately."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up to stare at Brennan Stormcrow, surprised.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "He wants me to LEAVE."

You have emoted: Gurashi bows suddenly to Brennan Stormcrow, then to Rekath, offering a wave before jogging off.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Esei, "To the highway where saw first vision!"

**Went to Highway**

Grand Junction. (road).
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A gentle breeze whistles around you. The junction is the crossroads between the Great Southern Highway to the east and the Old Imperial Road that continues north and south. The crossroads itself is part of the Old Imperial Road, being paved with stones and mortar, scuffed and scarred by centuries of use of grinding traffic, yet still in serviceable condition that bespeaks that its construction was assisted by mysterious powers. No grass or weeds have been able to penetrate its surface, and any detritus is quickly blown to the side by the low winds that sweep down from the mountain range. The large round expanse of this junction indicates that it also serves as a meeting grounds, perhaps for travelling merchants or even armies. Attached to a wooden post here is a large metal bell. A milestone juts up from the ground here. A cow wanders about aimlessly, minding its own business and paying you no attention. Dusan, a coruscant wyvern, lurks in the shadows here.
You see exits leading east, south, west (open door), and northwest.
You nimbly avoid bumping into a lumbering animal.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "OoooooOOOoo-K."

You ponder the situation.

Esei urges you onwards.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Well, no, this is where saw!"

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures about thoughtfully. "The road near here..."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Am not sure what am looking for."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Esei curls their nose up and grimaces awfully.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I need to leave."

Trailing stars and smoke, Dusan trails off to the ether.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh - O-K!"

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, watching as Esei departs rather abruptly.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh."

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, placing his hands on his hips as he stares off down the road after Esei.

A wash of starlight swirls in from the south, swirling together and spiraling upwards before blossoming, revealing the form of Faragan, riding an exalted ivory and gold dragon.

You chirp happily at Faragan.

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

Faragan presses the Treasure Map of the Basin of Life against the top of a cedar curiobox, which sinks into the container.

Faragan, riding an exalted ivory and gold dragon, begins to dance about with a cuddly, brown-furred teddy bear, soon dancing with a stuffed wakabi, piglet and donkey. Their frenzied romp leads them away, paying the world little attention.

Happily, you exclaim, "Am looking for anomalies in time!"

You blink.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 2nd of Dvarsh, 551 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 21 days until the New Moon

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks a few times, having realized Faragan has already left.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...ah!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...compatriots keep abandoning, heck."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Cannot solve time mysteries by my-self-."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Bizirik, the leothin, "Quickly! Bizi!"

Bizirik, the leothin stares implacably at you.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Bizirik, the leothin, "Do something!"

Bizirik, the leothin snorts softly.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You think to yourself: Am not sure Mister Brennan really thinks will find answers on highway...

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Heeeeere... strange newness."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Where aaaaaare youuuuuu ... time... confusion."

You have emoted: Gurashi freezes, hands raised, as if he expects to snatch time itself out of the air.

You sense the piercing eyes of Tridemon looking upon you.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Am going to solve time weirdness!!"

Faintly buzzing, you sing, "Aaaaam not sure what am looking fooooor."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Oh? Where are you going to start?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Well, was telling Mixter Esei and Mister Brennan Stormcrow - remembered seeing weird thing outside Gaudiguchs! On the highway!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Am not sure am on the right highway."

You narrow your eyes, peering about suspiciously.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Statue, node, or something else?"
Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "The road was gone! Washed away! No more! But then it was."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "This was while ago, think even before the Festival in Glomdoring."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "It was all better a few seconds later, but saw first weird thing -here-.... think."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Am not sure what am looking for so am trying everything."

You have emoted: Gurashi gently touches a statue of Crumkane, then gives it a curious poke.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Anomaly?"

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

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

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Right here?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stands, finger extended, prepared to poke the statue a second time.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "No, it was not a specific point."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "It was the whole highway outside of Gaudiguchs."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hmm."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...this IS the highway outside of Gaudiguchs yes?"

Nervously, you say to Tridemon, "Am not sure if is where should even begin!"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "But cannot do anything helpful standing around so am... doing the -thing-."

With your mighty index finger extended, you poke a statue of Crumkane.

A tiny, stone-carved fragment of fondant tumbles to the ground as a result of the prodding.

You give a horrified gasp.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "..."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly withdraws his finger, holding his own hand chastisingly.

The statue of the Elder God Crumkane remains otherwise motionless. It is, after all, a statue.
Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "That is extremely odd."

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

Faintly buzzing, you say, "....do not think this statue... is an anomaly."

You slump down dejectedly.

(The Crux): Mboagn says, "Spoken through Belay'i, the Amethyst Enchantress: "Now comes the who, borne aloft on wings of why. Stand, Beast! Stand now within the First World, your soul once more upon the pinnacle of creation, though your body and mind be frozen for all eternity and no time at all."" <-- Gaudi Epic!
(The Crux): Tridemon says, "Our prophesies regularly tell us not to trust the forests, honestly."
(The Crux): You say, "Ahhhh, even me?!"
(The Crux): Mboagn says, "Once it has been confirmed with the wisdom of the Dragon, we will make more concrete plans."
(The Crux): Ashira says, "You are not the forest, you are Gurashi!"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Normally statues won't get damaged even by the most prolific of prodding."

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to respond, but seems momentarily distracted by the words over the Aethers, still holding his hand tight.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "So either this is an anomaly or you have a truly mighty poking finger."

A profoundly uncomfortable silence settles across all things. A few brief moments pass before your ears are suddenly assaulted with a barrage of quick, overlapping noises, and all returns to normal.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at the statue with wide, terrified eyes, before suddenly wincing, covering the sides of his head with his hands.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oog, loud."

You have emoted: Gurashi lowers his hands tentatively, examining the statue once more.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...w-wait, do think is..."

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to reach out for the statue again, but looks utterly terrified doing so.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... No, it's not Lord Crumkane returned."

You reach out and touch a statue of Crumkane.

You stare at a statue of Crumkane, eyes wide.

To the statue, you whisper, "Are O-K ....?"

The statue of Crumkane appears, as much as a statue can, to be okay.

After a painfully long silence, you say to Tridemon, "....am not thinking the statue is the anomaly."

You nod your head sagely.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "But have a GOOD FEELING that are in the -right place-."
You tug urgently on Tridemon's sleeve.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Tridemon, "So we must be close!"

You bounce up and down.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well... I'd say it's probably closer to Gaudiguch than this."

(The Crux): Tridemon says, "The Beast of Time."
(The Crux): Esei says, "Indeed. Though, Brennan Stormcrow mentioned a Beast to myself and Gurashi."
(The Crux): Tridemon says, "That thing that Goloth Maxyenka tried to sic on the Basin?"
(The Crux): Ashira (from the Cosmic Plane of Vortex) says, "Mesadari seemed...unconcerned."
(The Crux): Tridemon says, "Got out of his control because of all our Guild Artifacts."
(The Crux): Faragan says, "I'm not sure but, my initial reaction since it talks about being frozen I think of xenos since he's in icewynd and it takes a lot to get him out of being frozen even partialy."
(The Crux): You say, "Yes! He knew the thing! He wanted to blame Hallifax."
(The Crux): Mboagn says, "What..."
(The Crux): Tridemon says, "... it's why we have had the Timequakes."
(The Crux): Ashira (from the Cosmic Plane of Vortex) says, "I always blame Hallifax for time related issues."

You have emoted: Gurashi places his hands on his hips with a determined nod, then makes a gesturing motion with his smaller right hand. "We will look!"

You tug urgently on Tridemon's sleeve.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Tridemon, "Cannot afford to stand around! Must do best to solve the thing!"

Tridemon begins to follow you.

You beam broadly.

You have emoted: Gurashi begins his overly dramatic marching walk about the highway, checking each statue as he does so.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "In any case, Gaudiguch itself was lost in time for a while, and the road past... I think Mount Zoaka wasn't there for most of that."

You have emoted: Gurashi listens to Tridemon as he walks, touching each statue as he goes.

Surprised, you ask Tridemon, "Mount Zoaka is new?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "No, the road past it."

You have emoted: Gurashi considers this statue as well, opting to instead nudge it with his foot.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to a statue of Crumkane, "Stand straighter. No slouching."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks between a statue of Crumkane and Tridemon, bewildered.

Still staring at the statue, you ask Tridemon, "What do think 'wings of why' mean?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Don't think it's listening."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "Am not very good at metaphors but know they exist."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "Before the Timequakes came, Mother Night told ME a cryptic thing too."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "So...."

Suddenly very serious, you say, "Something is going to happen."

You flail about helplessly.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Tridemon follows you southeast.
Grand Junction. (road).
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A gentle breeze whistles around you. The junction is the crossroads between the Great Southern Highway to the east and the Old Imperial Road that continues north and south. The crossroads itself is part of the Old Imperial Road, being paved with stones and mortar, scuffed and scarred by centuries of use of grinding traffic, yet still in serviceable condition that bespeaks that its construction was assisted by mysterious powers. No grass or weeds have been able to penetrate its surface, and any detritus is quickly blown to the side by the low winds that sweep down from the mountain range. The large round expanse of this junction indicates that it also serves as a meeting grounds, perhaps for travelling merchants or even armies. Attached to a wooden post here is a large metal bell. A milestone juts up from the ground here. A cow wanders about aimlessly, minding its own business and paying you no attention.
You see exits leading east, south, west (open door), and northwest.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi folds his arms over his chest, giving Tridemon a look.

Faintly buzzing, you ask a cow, "...are YOU an anomaly?"

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head thoughtfully at a cow as they wander pass, offering his hand to sniff.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Do not think too much of the cows and sheeps..."

You ponder a cow thoughtfully, looking her up and down.
A cow lets out a loud, long 'MOOOOOOOOOOO!'

Tridemon takes a cast iron cowbell from the Elder Belt of Confounding Infinities.

A cow licks your hand slobbery, leaving a foul stench on your carapace.

Tridemon waves a cast iron cowbell, its clanging peals echoing through the area as various moos and bleats rise in response to its tones.

Tridemon puts a cast iron cowbell into the Elder Belt of Confounding Infinities.

(Trasto): You say, "Sobs."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares down at his hand, grimacing, before offering the cow a gentle pat on the head with a different hand.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "Do not think the cow is an anomaly either..."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Probably not."

A cow licks your hand slobbery, leaving a foul stench on your carapace.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at a cow.
A cow chews some cud and looks at you blankly.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Cows tend to be unanomalous."

Visibly uncomfortable, you say to a cow, "Was cute first time - please stop."

(Trasto): You say, "Sobs."
(Trasto): You say, "This cow has licked me twice."
(Trasto): You say, "Help."

A cow lets out a loud, long 'MOOOOOOOOOOO!'

(Trasto): You say, "*laughing*."

Tridemon gives a cow the once-over, eyeing her suspiciously.
A cow lets out a loud, long 'MOOOOOOOOOOO!'

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Do not even have anything to... oh."

You remove 1 grain, bringing the total in the rift to 2245.

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the east, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to a cow, "Your name is now Mwawoo. Very Taurian name."

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses momentarily, fishing through his rift before producing a bundle of grain. He holds it up dramatically, then offers it to the cow, chittering excitedly.

Faintly buzzing, you say to a cow, "Many thank yous for time."

Esei rings the bell and the sound loudly resonates for a sizable distance.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Esei: *walks in* / gurashi: *talking to a cow*."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "We are the most wyrden of creatures."

You give a sack of grain to a cow.
A cow lets a sack of grain fall to the ground.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...I shall decide not to question your collective sanity."

Tridemon suddenly scoops up a sack of grain.

Tridemon gives a sack of grain to you.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, no, question away."

A cow moos plaintively at Tridemon, eating at some of the spilled grain before wandering off with a disgruntled tail flick.

A cow aimlessly wanders off to the northwest.

You have emoted: Gurashi wipes his slobbery hand on the bottom of his vest, still grimacing.

Tridemon snaps his fingers and warm water showers down upon you. You feel compelled to scrub under your armpits until you are squeaky clean. Ah, how refreshing!

Dusan, the coruscant sidles up next to you and starts grooming you with his tongue.

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

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Esei, "We are close!"

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi points off towards the south. "We have already found a suspicious statue, and a cow."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "So are making progress."

You chitter at Esei with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Cannot WAIT to tell Mister Stormcrow."

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Statue?"

Esei begins to follow you.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Esei, "No, he's right, the statue was suspicious. A bit of it broke off when he poked it."

Esei tilts their head curiously.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Show me?"

Esei shoves both hands out, looking at you expectantly.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "He put the piece back."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "It was just... the littlest of pieces."

You have emoted: Gurashi pinches his fingers. "Tridemon already outed on Crux, do not want to anger whoever made them."

You have emoted: Gurashi resumes his ambling walk, touching each statue of Crumkane as he goes.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Shulamit won't mind much."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...Miss SHULAMIT made them."

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

**Running around on highway!**

You have emoted: Gurashi folds his arms again over his chest, looking around in quiet confusion.

You think to yourself: Is a dead end?

You think to yourself: Ah - was ever a good idea to check?

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters quietly to himself, lost in thought.

You think to yourself: Ahh... if is not this then is something else!

You think to yourself: If is something else then - what does mean?

Deep in thought, Esei leans their cheek on their hand.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to a cow, "Are you Mwawoo, or a differen cow?"
Without looking up from his distracted consideration, you say to Tridemon, "That cow went other way."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "This is new cow. Look, spot on foot is different too."

You point accusingly at a cow.
A cow chews some cud and looks at you blankly.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to a cow, "... are you going to lick Gurashi too?"

A cow licks Tridemon as he questions, staring him down with dumb eyes the entire time.

Facing away from the cow, you say to Tridemon, "Is not same cow!"

Esei makes a petting motion with their hand.

Esei's eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across their face.

Esei pets a cow ingratiatingly.
A cow lets out a loud, long 'MOOOOOOOOOOO!'

You have emoted: Gurashi toes at the road, mandibles clicking. He brings a hand to either side of his head, as if to cover his ears, eyes scrunched closed in thought.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to a cow, "Then you can be Senwide. Also a proud Taurian name."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Hands still clenched against his head, you say, "Ahhhh why cannot remember."

You think to yourself: It was definitely a thing that happened!

You think to yourself: Saw it ...

You let out a soft, buzzing sigh.

You have emoted: Gurashi drops his hands, leaning forward defeatedly. "Do not know exactly where, so may just be going in circles."

Looking between Esei and Tridemon apologetically, you exclaim, "Many apologies for dragging along!"

You flail about helplessly.

You think to yourself: What am supposed to do.

You think to yourself: Feels like am -so close-, but to what?

You think to yourself: Also feels like am so far, but... from what...

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Just remember that this cow is now Senwide, and the other cow is Mwawoo."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances distractedly at the cow, scratching his beak.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Perhaps further south, down past Dairuchi?"

You tilt your head curiously.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ah..."

With renewed optimism, you say, "...O-K, is worth checking."

You point off into the wild blue yonder.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Get ready, road just south of Dairuchis."

**runs to Gaudi entrance!**

Old Imperial Road approaching Gaudiguch. (road).
The air is suffused with a gentle warmth radiating from a healing shrine of Ein nearby. Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. A light cover of clouds hides the sky in a sheet of white. The road is paved with stones and mortar, and wraps around the Razine Mountains. Its surface is scuffed and scarred by centuries of use by grinding traffic, yet its serviceable condition implies that its construction was assisted by mysterious powers. No grass or weeds have been able to penetrate the road's surface, and any detritus is quickly blown to the side by the low winds that sweep down from the mountain range. Bubbling lava pools are nearby, fed by several small active volcanoes that hug the Razine Mountains. The heat from the pools can be felt, making the air hot, dry and acrid. The great pyramids of Gaudiguch dominate the mountains to the west. A statue of Crumkane stands here, memorialising His noble spirit. An unformed marble statue has been partially constructed here. A Black Mouth cur lounges here, looking for something to satisfy his attention. Dusan, a coruscant wyvern, lurks in the shadows here.
You see exits leading southeast and west.

You reach out and touch a statue of Crumkane.

You reach out and touch an unformed marble statue.

You tilt your head curiously.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Well, now are at Gaudiguchs...!"

You flail about helplessly.

Reality shudders violently as something unknown seeks to tear it asunder, and a distant roar echoes through Creation.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "No, this is still outside Gaudiguch."

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

With a defeated sag of his shoulders, you say, "And there were no strang-."

You shudder violently as a chill ripples down your spine.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "A female dracnari..."

With a wistful look on their face, Esei touches a statue of Crumkane.

Esei's eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across their face.

With a wistful look on their face, Esei touches an unformed marble statue.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... yeah, that sounds like the Beast of Time."

Esei shakes their head at a statue of Crumkane, and then begins chipping away at the marble.

Esei chips off some of the marble of a statue of Crumkane.

You give a horrified gasp.

Esei chips off some of the marble of a statue of Crumkane.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "AHH WHAT ARE DOING."

You flail about helplessly.

Esei chips off some of the marble of a statue of Crumkane.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "IS NOT YOURS."

Esei chips off some of the marble of a statue of Crumkane.

You give a horrified gasp.

Esei chips off some of the marble of a statue of Crumkane.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi covers his mouth, eyes huge, clearly distracted by the suddenly roar.

Esei chips off some of the marble of a statue of Crumkane, and it collapses into rough marble blocks.

Tridemon suddenly scoops up a group of 3 marble blocks.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, ".. okay, why?"

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Beast of time..."

You think to yourself: Then why is here?

Esei hums a happy tune.

(The Crux): Esei says, "Gaudiguchians."
(The Crux): Lunette (from the Aetherways) says, "Esei."
(The Crux): Esei says, "There is an odd statue outside of your city."
(The Crux): Esei says, "Vaguely shaped like a female Dracnari."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to cover his face, mortified. "Mixter Esei put it back!" He urges, voice high and buzzing.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "In any case, THIS statue here is a statue of Tzaraziko."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "There is some debate as to whether she was Dracnari or Lucidian."

You see the following people here:
Tridemon, Esei, Lunette, Gurashi.

Lunette points accusingly at an unformed marble statue.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally peeks through his fingers, wings twitching uselessly against his back.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Tzaraziko, yes."

Lunette ponders the situation.

The People's Steward Lunette, the Masked Countess hisses, "There shouldn't be a statue here right now, actually."

Lunette creases her brow in a frown.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Wait, really?"

You blink.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'll be right back."

Tridemon spreads his arms wide, and the air between his hands begins to warp and twist, dancing with brilliant multicoloured light as he bores a hole through the fabric of the planes.

You look about in confusion.

Timidly, you say, "There was another statue... too..."

You see the following people here:
Lunette, Esei, Gurashi.

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

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Should tell them about it!"

Faintly buzzing, you ask Lunette, "Ah - what are the statues for?"

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

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hallifax doesn't have theirs partially constructed."

Tridemon begins to follow you.

You look about in confusion.

You think to yourself: Ah... a quest...

You think to yourself: So...

Lunette sucks thoughtfully on her teeth.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at the unformed statue outside the city's gates, poking it gently as he had before.

You think to yourself: Are not anomalous.

You think to yourself: ...do not have super poking magic powers.

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Gurashi, if your mighty finger of puissant poking breaks off more bits of statue..."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Is this the one which broke a bit off?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Nope."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It was one of the statues of Lord Crumkane."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Tridemon, "It was an accident...!"

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Tridemon, "It was O-K! I put it back!"
You flail about helplessly.

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought as they contemplates an unformed marble statue.

You have emoted: Gurashi drops his arm, looking relieved.

You think to yourself: Am still no closer.

You have emoted: Gurashi resumes wringing his hands together as he heaves another sigh. "O-K, what am waiting for? Did not spot anything weird here."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Tridemon, "Is a dead-end!"

You flail about helplessly.

You think to yourself: Is not helping!

You think to yourself: Have learned nothing!

You think to yourself: ...have been LICKED.

You think to yourself: But have learned nothing.

Tridemon takes a deep breath, and his very presence seems to brighten.

Gently, you say, "Mister Brennan Stormcrow said should go figure it out and standing here is not figuring it out."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "So am going to keep looking."

A single tear drops from Tridemon's eye as he stops his own heart, slaying himself instantly.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "AHH."

You suddenly let loose a very loud and very startling cicada scream.

You see the following people here:
Lunette, Tridemon, Gurashi.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Dead end."

Tridemon lets out a deep breath, and his presence seems to dwindle.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Loudly, you say to Tridemon, "WAS NOT FUNNY."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Of course not. It was a pun."

You narrow your eyes, peering about suspiciously.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a whistling exhale.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "One of many different performances one can do with dramatics."

You narrow your eyes at Tridemon, canting your head and peering at him suspiciously.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You can pretend to be more wounded, more sober, more drunk, someone else entirely, an object..."

Embarrassed, you say, "Ahh, know."

You flail about helplessly.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 3rd of Dvarsh, 551 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 20 days until the New Moon

Esei begins to follow you.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "Am going to keep looking! Join me if want."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Following Gurashi, yes."

You strike a pose.

Esei nods their head sagely.

You chirp happily at Lunette.


**Off we went, first to Astral, and then to Lirangsha! Then New Celest!!**


You follow Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters down to the Pool of Stars.
Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars bows his head reverently and traces a holy pentacle in the air before Tridemon, one point for each Supernal.
Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says, "Blessed be, Chosen One."

You see the following people here:
Tridemon, Gurashi.

Tridemon peers about himself unscrupulously.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about the Pool, eyes wide.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...maybe here."

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to raise his hands to his beak, ready to shout.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "Anything more odd than normal going on?"

Pausing in his preparations to yell, you exclaim, "Time things!"

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars stirs from his contemplation of the Pool, nodding solemnly. "I am surprised that you have not noticed," he begins to reply, before glancing at you and raising a single brow. "Quite."

A gentle melody begins to sound throughout the area, like raindrops upon the ground.

LOOK MELERIS
Fine scales of deep blue, like the ocean at midnight, shimmer over with faint pinpoints of light and give this ancient merian a regal and statuesque appearance. He almost appears as though he were part lucidian, but the state of his scales and the marks of his raiments make it obvious that he has gained his looks from a long life attending to the Pool of Stars. His features are rugged and well-defined, with ridges of bone and scale marking his chin, cheekbones, and eyeridges. His fanning ears sweep back, long and graceful, accompanying twin dorsal fins with iridescent sails that arch back from his shoulders like wings. He wears a painstakingly detailed regalia of white robes fringed in gold and platinum threading, and a sash draping his dorsal fins made of a black silken material studded with reflective points.
Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars looks to be crushingly strong.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 4th of Dvarsh, 551 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 19 days until the New Moon

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a small gasp at the response, letting his arms fall. "Ah! You've noticed too!" He chitters excitedly at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, looking at Tridemon. "So has Mister Brennan Stormcrow, in Glomdorings? He said it was time things too."

Patiently, Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says to you, "Time has been looping on itself, dear kephera, and becoming sluggish. Of course even Master Stormcrow could recognise it as a temporal oddity."

You nod your head at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars.
Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head curiously at you.

Finding a spot beside Meleris and offering his smaller right hand, you whisper, "Hello, am Gurashi."

You chitter at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head curiously at you.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars takes you by the hand and shakes it warmly.

The ground seeps with wetness as something shifts across the ground.

Reyqae, riding a stout penguin with a red-accented saddle, arrives from the up.

Reyqae breathes a soft "Wahh!" with a wide-eyed look of surprise.

Brushed by a passing wing, you turn to watch Reyqae circle slowly around you, making note of your every detail.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes the merian's hand gently before releasing. "We noticed it a lot last few months, but..."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says to you, "Welcome to New Celest, Gurashi. I am sorry that these concerning events do not offer you a more peaceful introduction to our city."

You shake your head.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "Ah! Is not YOUR fault!"

Reyqae blinks incredulously at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars.
Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head curiously at Reyqae.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "....right?"

Reyqae breathes a soft "Wahh!" with a wide-eyed look of surprise.

You suddenly turn your head to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, mandibles twitching as you voice a soft, curious chirr.
Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head curiously at you.

With several beats of her wings, Reyqae alights upon Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars's shoulder.
Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head curiously at Reyqae.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars shakes his head, concern flashing across his regal features. "I almost wish I could tell you that it were, for then I would be able to stop it. But no, I know not what it is, precisely."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life looks surprised and says to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "You are talking to us now? You always seemed too busy for chats."

Blinking widely, Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says to Reyqae, "There are...many seats available to you."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars gestures lightly towards the benches.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life very sadly says, "Oh... sorry."

Reyqae flaps her wings quickly and begins to hover in the air.

With several beats of her wings, Reyqae alights upon a statue of Zenobia the Queen of Queens's shoulder.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly shakes his head. "Have been here before! Your city is very nice, Mister Keeper sir," He insists, then grows quiet. "So..."

You stare at a statue of Zenobia the Queen of Queens, eyes wide.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Is something the trouble?"

Reyqae gives a statue of Zenobia the Queen of Queens a friendly cuddle.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars coughs softly. "Perhaps do not sit upon the statue of our guest's Queen, dear."

You have emoted: Gurashi breaks eye contact with a statue of Zenobia the Queen of Queens, shaking his head. "Yes!"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm inclined to think that it's something to do with the Beast of Time."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says to you, "She is not the tree, but I like her too."

You have emoted: Gurashi covers his face. "Is not my Queen!"

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars nods his head at Tridemon.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "Ah... Gurashi has quite thoroughly broken away from the Kepheran Hives of the undervault. Very thoroughly."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says to Tridemon, "Indeed, I find the - growling? Roaring? - quite similar to those events."

Comprehension flashes across Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars's face.

Inclining his head, Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says to you, "My apologies. I am used to the kephera here, who maintain fealty to their Queen. Indeed, I did notice the edges of things fraying, not unlike threads."

Suddenly, speaking through his fingers, you ask Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "Did you see the threads?"

Reyqae looks from one to another, listening with interest.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head, offering a polite "it's O-K" before continuing. "Ah, yeah!! But they were torn and not shorn, so what does THAT mean?" He throws up his arms.

Reyqae gives a blackened parchment to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "Was taking Mister Tridemon and Mixter Esei with to explore the highway by Gaudiguchs because saw something there a few years ago, before all the weird time stuffs happened!"

Reyqae nibbles on a frosted cake with candied rose petals.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly slumps in his seat. "But was a dead end."

"I must confess, I did not examine them in such detail as you seem to have done," Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars admits, shaking his head. He glance then to Tridemon. "We know very little of the Beast of Time, I think?"

You think to yourself: A pointless dead-end...

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

You think to yourself: Broke a statue... and got licked by a cow... and broke ANOTHER STATUE....

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The Goloth Maxyenka attempted to use it to conquer the basin... somehow... and it was repelled by the power of the various artifacts unearthed and created by the guilds, but I don't think we actually... got RID of it."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares up at the sky, as if expecting all the many answers to his many questions to come shining down on him.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Reyqae looks up, too.

Head still lolled back, you say, "Is what Mister Brennan said."

The gentle light of the Pool of Stars suffuses the night sky with streaks of white.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says, "If I recall, the Last Goloth lost control of the Beast, whatever it was."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "That the guilds fixed it before..."

You have emoted: Gurashi sits forward, tilting his head. "...lost control of...?"

Frowning, Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says to you, "That is all that I know. He was very loudly angry about it."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

With a great huff, you say, "Why are things always trying to conquer Basin, gosh."

You have emoted: Gurashi throws up his arms again.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The Goloth Maxyenka has always been very loud. Volume control is not one of the virtues of the Soulless."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars chuckles softly, nodding.

As his arms return to his lap, you say, "So, if IS... a ... Time Beast... which, sounds like is..."
You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Chittering anxiously, you say, "What are supposed to do about it? Is making everybody feel -strange-."

You have emoted: Gurashi squints hard at the brightening sky.
You have recovered balance on all limbs.

Shifting, Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars takes a seat at the edge of the Pool and smiles gently at you. "First," he says, placing one hand to his chest, "we take a deep breath, and calm ourselves."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, as if confused. He studies the merian close, sitting up straight in his spot, attempting to mimic the Keeper's pose.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "We're not really clear on what the Time Beast is, where it comes from... I think Maxyenka called it a she at some point, but I can't really recall whether or not that was the case. Might be something from the Void, I suppose. Or Outside the Void."

Reyqae beats her wings furiously and rises into the air, stopping to hover before the Pool of Stars.

Sitting up very straight, one hand on his own chest, you say, "O-K am breathing."

Reyqae tilts her head curiously at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head curiously at Reyqae.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Can I breathe too?"

Reyqae looks at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars hopefully.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head curiously at Reyqae.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars nods his head at Reyqae.

"Then, when we are ready, we face whatever is coming, as best we can." Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars explains, taking his own deep breath. He turns to Tridemon, and nods. "Such as by gathering whatever knowledge we have."

Patting his shoudler, you say to Reyqae, "Come breathe."

Reyqae beams broadly.

With several beats of her wings, Reyqae alights upon your shoulder.

Reyqae gives you a friendly cuddle.

Still breathing audibly, you say to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "Oh... ah - is what we are doing now..."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars nods his head.

Reyqae attempts to strike the same pose and closes her eyes, drawing a deep breath.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to pat Reyqae's arm with his smaller left hand. "Like said, we went to highway because saw vision there once, but... was nothing. So then we went to Astrals..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "But, also - nothing."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says to Tridemon, "Whatever it, or she, or She is - there is great power in this Beast. Nothing that the Goloth covet would be weak, and it took all of the guilds of the Basin to contain the Timequakes. Even contained, they continue to assault reality."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars creases his brow in a frown.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I suppose I could get started on lighting the beacons... But those squid are so very elusive..."

You think to yourself: It.... or she.... or... She?

Reyqae opens one eye, and releases her breath in a rush.

Reyqae squeaks in fright.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Ooh!"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Me!"

With a hopeful smile, Reyqae raises her hand high in the air.

With a hopeful smile, Reyqae raises her hand high in the air.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says to Tridemon, "That seems a wise plan, Keeper."

You blink.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "Do ... think is still O-K to be going into Timequakes?"

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars purses his lips, deep in thought.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says to Tridemon, "I can catch squids!"

Reyqae beats her wings furiously and rises into the air, stopping to hover before Tridemon.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "I can help!"

Reyqae tugs urgently on Tridemon's sleeve.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says to you, "From my understanding, which I confess is limited compared to many - it would be worse not to. For then we would not claim the anomalies and contain them."

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi folds his arms over his chest, looking very thoughtful at this. All at once he remembers his posture and drops his arms, attempting to look calm.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars smiles softly.

Reyqae grins mischievously at you.

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

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Reyqae, "That sounds like a good idea. You should be good at that if you've got something to keep the waves off."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life whispers to you, "I forget too sometimes, it's ok!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...there was nothing at the Lingerplace too. The..."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Reyqae looks at Tridemon and comprehension flashes across her face.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "Lin...gra..sha..."

The sound of clashing swords strikes the air as Defenders of the Light spar nearby.

Tridemon gives a Brooch of the Elements to Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life very sadly says, "The waves are bullies."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "They push me all the time."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up at the sound of clattering weapons, antennae raised.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars chuckles long and heartily.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Lirangsha."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Lingshra."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Right."

"Oooooooooh!" Reyqae says to a Brooch of the Elements, eyes wide with wonder.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "We went there too but there was ALSO nothing."

Reyqae slips into a Brooch of the Elements.

Reyqae hugs Tridemon compassionately.

Reyqae hugs you compassionately.

You blink.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars bows his head reverently and traces a holy pentacle in the air before Reyqae, one point for each Supernal.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says, "Blessed be, Chosen One."

Reyqae shuffles her feet uneasily.

Reyqae curls her nose up and grimaces awfully.

"I'm sorry!" Reyqae says with a blush.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Reyqae.

Tridemon tilts his head curiously at Reyqae.

You reach out, wrapping all four arms around Reyqae as you pull her into a tight hug.

Nodding, Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says, "That is a good thing, for the Last Goloth is a being one ought not to hope to behold."

Reyqae beams broadly at you.

Reassuringly, you say to Reyqae, "You are fine! Please be safe hunting your squids."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "And not only because he's ugly."

Reyqae bounces up and down.

Reyqae presses her palms together over her heart and performs a humble bow to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, chanting a harmonic mantra that lingers in the air.
Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head curiously at Reyqae.

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

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Honored teacher!"

Reyqae beams broadly at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars.
Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head curiously at Reyqae.

Reyqae waves and says "Goodbye!"

Reyqae, riding a stout penguin with a red-accented saddle, leaves to the east.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to sit as tall and look as relaxed as he possibly can. It is half a success. "But..."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi thoughtfully places a hand against the side of his face. "...that means are back to square one. With only theories."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars shakes his head.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...Mister Brennan Stormcrow is not going to be happy did not learn anything."

You narrow your eyes, peering about suspiciously.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Well, learned a little bit of things..."

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says to you, "No, we now have someone seeking to light the beacons, which may bring wisdom."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "If I'm remembering his attitude correctly, Brennan is seldom happy about anything."

"There is movement towards an answer," Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says, rising to his feet. "Even though we do not have an answer yet, there is hope in the Light." He pauses, and then adds, "And yes. Brennan is extremely...crotchety. It is his way."

Quietly, you say to Tridemon, "He did not want cookie."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars stand up, hands again in his lap. "The beacon brings wisdom?"

You blink.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

You have emoted: Still eager to emulate the sage merian's movements, Gurashi suddenly rises to his feet as well, wringing his hands together.

A deathly cold wind sweeps through, causing your very breath to begin to freeze as Misericorde enters from the west.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars bows to Misericorde and commences the lesson in Artisan.

"I am sure that the Keeper can enlighten you," Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars says, gesturing towards Tridemon. "Pardon me one moment." He turns his attention fully towards Misericorde's lesson.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars bows to Misericorde - the lesson in Artisan is over.

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up, then offers a half bow. "Ah, many thank yous for insights, Mister Keeper Sir."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...Mister Other Keeper."

You narrow your eyes at Tridemon, canting your head and peering at him suspiciously.

Warmth returns to your extremities as Misericorde glides out to the up, a chill wind leaving frost in her wake.

Chittering, you ask Tridemon, "Your beacons give wisdom? Is like how in Glomdorings ask for help from Mother Night?"

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

You think to yourself: ...this persons is very nice.

You think to yourself: Should offer THEM a cookie?

Reyqae, riding a stout penguin with a red-accented saddle, arrives from the up.


Reyqae beams broadly at Tridemon.

You think to yourself: Ah, am not sure is a good idea.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Reyqae, "Oh - back already!"

Reyqae gives the corpse of a ghost shark to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters. <-- x5

Reyqae stands straight with taut shoulders, a paragon for all to admire.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well. After the beacons are lit..."

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

Reyqae flits about happily.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says to you, "Do you have any cookies in your pockets by any chance?"

Reyqae looks at you hopefully.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Reyqae, "... Reyqae, dearest. You gathered up the wrong kind of animals."

Reyqae blinks incredulously at Tridemon.

"Eh?" Reyqae says curiously to Tridemon.

You give a kephera-shaped cinnamon cookie to Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life.

Reyqae ponders the corpse of a ghost shark thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

Reyqae gives the corpse of a ghost shark to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

Waving about a cookie as he speaks with his friends, you say to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "Well, Mister Brennan did not want one, but do like cinnamon? You can have his."

Celestial notes ring out vibrantly before being carried away by the wind.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Anyway! After the beacons are lit, Altaira will descend to give a prophesy."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life looks skeptical and says, "I can't catch them live I don't have a net that big..."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Tridemon.

Reyqae beams broadly at a kephera-shaped cinnamon cookie.

Reyqae thanks you profusely.

A quiet kitten's mew sounds out nearby.

Reyqae nibbles on a kephera-shaped cinnamon cookie.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars nods his head, and holds out a hand politely.

You give a kephera-shaped cinnamon cookie to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars.

You beam broadly.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars takes a demure bite of the cookie, somehow managing to do so without making any crumbs.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Want to come with me to gather up squids?"

Reyqae nibbled cheerfully on her cookie, watching Meleris with interest.

Reyqae stares implacably at Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles brightly at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars before looking back at Tridemon, chittering. "Ah, gather squids? What KIND of squids?"

Reyqae thrusts her palm towards her forehead and hits it with a resounding *smack*!

Faintly buzzing, you say to Reyqae, "You can come too!"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "SQUIIDS."

Reyqae blushes furiously.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Listen, three whole heads and..."

"Be right back!" Reyqae cries.

Reyqae, riding a stout penguin with a red-accented saddle, leaves to the east.

You have emoted: Gurashi begins to count. "Two, four, eight hands - we can get so many squids."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars politely occupies himself with eating rather than commenting.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The firefly squids. ... Although Reyqae might have just realized what she was supposed to be gathering. I don't think I've met a more forgetful adventurer."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly waves both left hands at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars. "Was very nice to meet you formally, finally!" He chirps.

The space on your left side trembles, but the right does not, leaving you with the feeling of having immersed one half of your body in water.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oog."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars winces in pain.

You have emoted: Gurashi bristles suddenly, his unbroken antennae sagging.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "-That-."

You point off into the wild blue yonder.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Do not like that."

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars nods his head in agreement.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

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

You glance about alertly, your antennae twitching as you scan the immediate area.

You think to yourself: Ah - music...

Suddenly distracted, you ask Tridemon, "Ah ... there is musics?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "That would probably be some of the Cantors practicing in the Collegium or by the stage."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly, falling into line behind the lucidian. "Had never noticed your city has musics," He adds as an afterthought, mandibles clicking.

Tridemon flexes the fingers of his left hand momentarily... "Not an entirely unfamiliar feeling, I have to admit. Even on the same side of my body."

You give a horrified gasp.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks at Tridemon's left arm, examining it closely as it is raised.

You narrow your eyes at Tridemon, canting your head and peering at him suspiciously.

Reyqae beams broadly at Tridemon.

Reyqae gives a purple firefly squid to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars glances back at the Pool. "I should return to my duties," he says, dusting his perfectly clean hands. "I look forward to hearing any information that may be gained, and would encourage you to share it with our allies."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Before it was mended, there were a number of unpleasant sensations in my arm."

Reyqae gives Tridemon the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars.
Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars tilts his head curiously at you.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Reyqae, "Well done. I can probably handle the rest with company. That's all of them you have on your person, right?"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life frowns and says, "You said your arm was okay now."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars, "Ah! Will make sure Mister Tridemon tells you about anything new! Right?"

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Reyqae chews on her lower lip fretfully, wings twitching with agitation.

With nod and a polite half-bow, Meleris, Keeper of the Pool of Stars continues to go about his work.

Reyqae reaches out and touches Tridemon.

You reach out and touch Tridemon.

Tridemon bops you on the head.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oof."

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles Reyqae's hair fondly.

Tridemon grabs you boldly by the arm as he points towards the horizon and declares in a proud tone, "Onward!"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "I stuck the red ones in the spire already!"

You have emoted: Gurashi fixes his hat, deflattening it.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "But now it want more green ones."

A fluid melody drifts by like a passing shower.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Tridemon, "Am following already!"

Reyqae thanks you profusely.

Reyqae gives a frosted cake with candied rose petals to you.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh wowee that is a cake."

Reyqae grins and nods.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Uncle Zakkias gave me some!"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Cakes are good. And so is ACTION!"