Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "And wowza You are way tallers than I thought You'd bes."

You start speedwalking.

You reach out and carefully run your hand along the rough surface of a granite obelisk. The threads of liquid fire decorating the obelisk abruptly stop their continuous weaving of symbols and patterns and instead congregate around your hand. After a brief moment, the fiery threads wrap around you, wreathing your entire body tightly. Your vision turns red as a brief feeling of pure agony spears through you, the sensation as short as it is intense. As your sight returns you stand within the shallow waters of an oasis.

You have reached your destination.

The Fulcrux of Kalikai.
An oppressive feeling of heat and aridity lies in the air, invading the senses together with the acrid taste of sand. Rolling dunes stretch out as far as the eye can see, their shape and texture shifting perpetually as if following the whims of an unfelt wind. The only immutable aspect in the fulcrux presents itself as a deep depression in the sand where worn stone steps lead to a small oasis. As if placed in the eye of the storm, the sand surrounding the oasis and the water within it are perfectly calm, undisturbed by the ceaseless alteration that goes on just a foot beyond it. Breaking the monotony of the desert is a small patch of sage brush. Growing in the sands is a cactus weed. An obelisk of weathered sandstone rises from the centre of the oasis, its surface decorated with flaming symbols. Fine threads of burning aether congregate high above the oasis, forming a blazing orb that bathes the entire fulcrux in a harsh crimson light. Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie perches here with a mischievous glint in his eye.
You see a single exit leading through a sandstone obelisk.

You wince in pain.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Whew."

You bow respectfully to the master shrine of Kalikai.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Good- AGH."
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "The WINE."

You flail about helplessly.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say to the master shrine of Kalikai, "I will be RIGHT backs."

You reach out and carefully run your hand along the rough surface of a sandstone obelisk. The threads of liquid fire decorating the obelisk abruptly stop their continuous weaving of symbols and patterns and instead congregate around your hand. After a brief moment, the fiery threads wrap around you, wreathing your entire body tightly. Your vision turns red as a brief feeling of pure agony spears through you, the sensation as short as it is intense. As your sight returns you stand within a dark cavern.

---> RUN

Pressing the juices from your ingredients, you mull a bottle's worth of a rouge-hued wine of wild rose and summer fruit.

---> RUNNNNN

You reach out and carefully run your hand along the rough surface of a granite obelisk. The threads of liquid fire decorating the obelisk abruptly stop their continuous weaving of symbols and patterns and instead congregate around your hand. After a brief moment, the fiery threads wrap around you, wreathing your entire body tightly. Your vision turns red as a brief feeling of pure agony spears through you, the sensation as short as it is intense. As your sight returns you stand within the shallow waters of an oasis.

The Fulcrux of Kalikai.
An oppressive feeling of heat and aridity lies in the air, invading the senses together with the acrid taste of sand. Rolling dunes stretch out as far as the eye can see, their shape and texture shifting perpetually as if following the whims of an unfelt wind. The only immutable aspect in the fulcrux presents itself as a deep depression in the sand where worn stone steps lead to a small oasis. As if placed in the eye of the storm, the sand surrounding the oasis and the water within it are perfectly calm, undisturbed by the ceaseless alteration that goes on just a foot beyond it. Breaking the monotony of the desert is a small patch of sage brush. Growing in the sands is a cactus weed. An obelisk of weathered sandstone rises from the centre of the oasis, its surface decorated with flaming symbols. Fine threads of burning aether congregate high above the oasis, forming a blazing orb that bathes the entire fulcrux in a harsh crimson light.
You see a single exit leading through a sandstone obelisk.

You pant like a dog.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Okays."

You have emoted: Cheliyi winces again, rubbing at her temple with one hand while the other holds a bottle.

The bottle is crafted from thick, green glass. Indeed, the opacity of the bottle is such that the contents, if there are any, remain completely hidden.
It has 50 months of usefulness left.
It weighs 12 ounce(s).
This item is ephemeral and may not be prevented from decaying.
A rouge-hued wine of wild rose and summer fruit sloshes about in it.
It has the following aliases: bottle.

You wrap a Scroll of Sorcelglass around the bottle, then peel it back, revealing a porcelain bottle fashioned into an amphora.

You nod your head sagely.

This lush bottle has been delicately fashioned into a frail amphora made
of porcelain. The handles are wide and delicate, providing a balance to
the curvy contour and swan neck opening, and when held to the light the
contents within can be measured. It rests on a porcelain platform that
cradles its tapered end so one may set it down without spilling the
contents.
It has 100 months of usefulness left.
It weighs 12 ounce(s).
It has been stamped with the seal of The Goldenquill Bookbinding Cartel.
A rouge-hued wine of wild rose and summer fruit sloshes about in it.
It has the following aliases: bottle.

You bow respectfully to the master shrine of Kalikai.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Hope Your months is good, hope the drinks are nice, yes."

--> ii bottle

You are wielding:
  chalice392605 : a radiant chalice in your left hand.
You are holding:
"bottle199384"                a porcelain bottle fashioned into an amphora (filled with a sweet-and-sour bogwater tea)
You are wearing:
"ampoule407618"               a glass ampoule of bottled starlight
Number of matching objects: 2 (out of 231 total)

You crease your brow in a frown.

Echoed by rippling waters, you murmur, "Accidentally made two bottles the same."

You have emoted: Cheliyi gently sets a porcelain bottle fashioned into an amphora down at the foot of the master shrine of Kalikai.

You drop a porcelain bottle fashioned into an amphora.

Before a porcelain bottle fashioned into an amphora reaches the ground, a network of delicate threads of aether catch it, burning brightly as they consume it whole.

You smile gently, frills puffing with joy.

The glittering mist around Muginn burns away, the moaning visages of the damned slowly seeping back into his coat.

---> zone out because planning a prayer

The blazing orb burns brighter as a boisterous voice resounds, 'Are you sleeping in My fulcrux, shard?'

The blazing orb burns brighter as a boisterous voice resounds, 'I suppose that's what I get for being distracted. How are you, little one?'

Kalikai ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.
Kalikai shrugs helplessly.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Let's see what this shard brought me."
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye smiles and says, "Wine isn't normally My sort of thing, but this is pretty good. Thank you."

You blink.
You give a horrified gasp.

Kalikai grins broadly, a mischievous look entering Her green eyes.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Oh my GOODNESS."

---> look Kalikai (I FORGOT TO LOOK AT HER CLOTHES NOOOO)

She is a radiant immortal and and exudes a sense of agitation and turbulence which is only heightened by the flickers of blazing aether wreathing Her form. Tall and broad-shouldered, Her stature is nothing if not imposing and intimidating, adding a rough and unbending quality to Her appearance. Tanned to a dark reddish-brown hue, Her skin is weathered from extended exposure to the elements and a life well lived, crinkled laugh lines visible at the corner Her eyes. Her hair is covered by a dark brown scarf that wraps around Her head except for the various tufts of fiery red hair that escape. Bleary and somewhat bloodshot, Her gaze would seem inattentive and obtuse if not for the striking green eyes that positively radiate with an intensity and passion that penetrates the very soul.
She is wearing:
a brilliant diadem woven from rapacious whorls of flame
an august burnt orange and vermilion silk sari of the Crimson Eye

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "IYAM SO SORRY."

You flail about helplessly.

Kalikai utters a loud, booming laugh.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Why are you sorry, shard?"

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "I was, um- ah! Thinking about what to pray and got a little brainless."

You have emoted: Cheliyi laughs, flustered.

A wry smile spreads across Kalikai's face.

With a flourish of your arm, you bow deeply.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Hihi! My name is Cheliyi, yes."

---> look me

Small and cheery, she is a glistening mugwump tidal demigoddess of axolotl descent with pearly skin and six mauve-tinted frills. Her stature is not unnatural for a mugwump, barely above 4'3" and sturdily built. A bob of magenta hair flows from her scalp, adorned with shiny knickknacks, small origami, and albino feathers. Carefully woven, a single braid hangs from her disheveled bangs, affectionately clipped with a small, sapphire bead. Affixed to one frill is a tiny set of bone chimes, so small that it almost seems like an earring. Her skin has a soft, oily sheen akin to most mugwumps, but strangely enough, the skin becomes abruptly dry and brittle in some places. Most notable are her forearms and eyes, her pale complexion discolored to an uncomfortable gritty beige. Glittering mists soothe the damaged areas, ebbing and flowing in a constant tide across her skin. Frozen fog clings to her eyelashes like gems, shimmering and shifting with each blink. Clouded, milky grey eyes gleam at a certain angles, her gaze glowing with a vibrant inner light. Her warm grin reveals normal teeth with suspiciously wooden canines, while tree bark clings to the soles of her webbed feet. A long, thick tail lined with a frilled fin twitches occasionally behind her, stirring up dust and litter with each sweep. The pale frills that would usually extend from her tail tip are torn and scarred, the wounds long since healed.
Dazzling the eye with elegant shades of magenta over deep aubergine, a sassy bob frames her face. Reaching scarcely to her jawline, the hair is tousled and wavy at the ends, providing additional volume, while thick and artistically frayed bangs cover her forehead entirely.
She is wearing:
a hat of sensational blooming
a pair of thin spectacles tinted to reduce incoming light
a dangling lily pad earring through her left ear - like frill
a dangling earring of willow leaves through her left ear - like frill
a leaf-green woollen blanket pinned over her blouse like a shawl
a gentle water lily brooch proudly securing a leaf-green woollen blanket in place
a silken blouse of dragonfly embroidery
the Mantle of Starlight hung about her waist like a starry skirt
a frost-touched white rose wedding ring
Immaculate Prayer Beads of the Empyreal Goddess wrapped reverently around her bandaged right hand
a glass ampoule of bottled starlight hanging securely from her waist

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "And wowza You are way tallers than I thought You'd bes."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "I remember. You brought Me something when I first returned."
Kalikai utters a loud, booming laugh.

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

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "You gotta be big, or at least bigger than life, or people trample you."
Kalikai taps Her nose knowingly.

You sigh quietly, frills drooping as your tail sags.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "I can only be talls if Iyam like, a different shard shapes."

Chuckling, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Then perhaps you must be bigger than life, eh?"

You think to yourself: She's so pretty too... AGH. Thoughts be QUIETLY. **the sensation of flailing**.
You nod your head slowly in understanding.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "I can tries, yes."
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Ah, um... oh gosh."

With a nod, and a sip from a porcelain bottle fashioned into an amphora, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "So, aside from bringing Me this most acceptable wine, what brings you to My fulcrux?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi taps her webbed foot, her tail sweeping back and forth in a low, slow rhythm. "Am glad You like the wines. Do You like spicy more? I just like being here because is like... warm. Admittedly, the obeslisk, it is kinda stabby, but don't mind that muchly."

You cough softly.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Iyam glad You like it, I means."

Kalikai chuckles long and heartily.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye smiles impishly and says, "I like anything that takes the edge off, shard. I always enjoy new drinks of almost any kind, and new shards bringing me new drinks is the best."
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "As for My fulcrux, it is pretty heated. Takes after Me, I guess. Excitable, but the kind of warmth that makes you want to take a nap and be lethargic, if I slept."
Kalikai looks about Herself, rubbing Her chin thoughtfully.

The invigorating fragrance of zesty citrus fills your nostrils, accompanied with a fresh salty seabreeze that swirls around you and uplifts your spirits.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Now, let's see here."
Kalikai ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

You have emoted: Cheliyi nods cheerfully, offering a toothy grin. "Is very lethargy napping, yes." She pauses, canting her head to the side as she considers the earlier question in greater depth. "I guess... I have a big project I have been working ons, but! It is a big ask and do not want to put Yous on the spot, yes. I should introduce myself betters. Iyam Cheliyi Lunarose, a follower of Lady Lantra the Empyreal. More importantly, I have been seeking wisdom, though I suppose there's not really anyone lefts to recognize my work since the Order has become quiets. But is not why I do it."

You cough softly.

A look of understanding crossing Her features, Kalikai nods Her head slowly.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye smiles and says, "Go on."

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "I seek wisdom in the form of old stories! Old memories! If there is a story You recall with fondness, a memory of a Creche-mate, a story of a fight that You think perhaps, could teach a goodly lesson... I try to collect thems."
You wince in pain.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "I have... not yet collected any."
You have emoted: Cheliyi laughs sheepishly.

A look of understanding crossing Her features, Kalikai nods Her head slowly.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Tried, very foolishly, with the Chuirgeon. Then with Lord Navigator, Lord Restless... and so on. But, I am realizing perhaps is kinda brash to asks."

A halo of celestial light wells about you, the shells upon a shimmering wreath of seashells reflecting it outwards, painting your surroundings in a spray of oceanic hues.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's hand brushes against a glass ampoule of bottled starlight, and her smile grows a bit fainter at the edges.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Perhaps I will tell you a story of a brave shard of Mugwumpois named Cheliyi Lunarose. She looked for wisdom, despite danger, and toiled hard despite the opposition of those disinterested in her journey."
Kalikai looks about Herself, rubbing Her chin thoughtfully.

You blush furiously.
Bashfully, you say, "Ah, uh, I guess You coulds."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "She, much like her Lady, stepped outside of what was comfortable for her, working hard to gain what she wished. She, despite the quietness of her Lady's other followers, toiled hard for what she believed, and Whom she believed in."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blushes and looks down at her feet, hiding a slightly pleased, if disbelieving smile.
Flustered, you say, "Ah, but. Devotion is goodly and all, but... it's not muchly of a task completion if I have nothing to shows for my devotions."

Kalikai smirks.

Echoed by rippling waters, you murmur, "Not much wisdom gathered."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "There are many who take the easy path, shard, because it is comfortable. Their names are forgotten in time. You, on the other hand, dare to speak to Elders for your wisdom. As trite as it sounds, the journey and the attempt is worth much, much more than the destination."

You smile gently, frills puffing with joy.
You have emoted: Cheliyi looks back up, scratching at the side of her face with a slight grin. "It uh... yeah. Maybe it is a bit of my pride that keeps me from stopping."

Kalikai grins broadly, a mischievous look entering Her green eyes.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Is that so wrong?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi makes a so-so motion, but she looks rather unapologetic. "Pride is what leads to many mistakes. But, ah... it can be good to strive for high things? I am still trying to figure out when pride becomes a burden, yesly."
A wry smile spreads across your face.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Striving is what keeps the First World persisting while all the horrors of the Void seek to devour you and I. To step forward, despite what opposes you, in defiance of what will eventually be. You may not get any answers at all, but you work fervently to seek them out anyway."

Muginn shakes out his feathers, the plumes suddenly glowing with an ethereal haze. Ripples of mist pool at his talons, writhing with silent, screaming faces that leave hoar-frost in their wake.

You pet Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie ingratiatingly.

Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.
Warmly, you say, "Yeah. I dos. Thank You."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Your Lady understood this. No warrior of the Second Circle, She, but She still took up arms to defend Herself and Her Cousins. She could have stayed at Her mounds, healing those who came from the fighting, and She often did. But She knew that eventually She would have to take up arms, yes?"
Kalikai looks about Herself, rubbing Her chin thoughtfully.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says to you, "Do you drink alcohol?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi looks wistful for a second, gazing at nothing as she seems to recall something. She smiles fondly, the expression bittersweet before she refocuses in. "Ah, do I drinks? Yesly, but not very oftens."

Kalikai rises to Her feet, patting at Her sari pockets.
Kalikai gives a flaming bottle of the Crimson Eye to you.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Here, try that. Maybe you Celest shards aren't really fans of drinking."

You think to yourself: **A blessed memory, of Hers, of Her picking up the spear and facing Thax with sheer will and determination, so strong... you miss Her.**.

You blink.
You peer at a flaming bottle of the Crimson Eye unscrupulously.

---> p bottle

Translucent images of flickering flames coat the glass of this
long-necked and barrel-bodied bottle, giving a shadowed look to what is
inside. Within the bottle, a symbol of the Crimson Eye can be seen
floating in an almost helpless manner within the liquid contained, its
golden pupil staring out towards the flames.
It has 73 months of usefulness left.
It weighs 12 ounce(s).
It has been stamped with the seal of The Gossipers Bookbinding Cartel.
Blazing butterscotch and fire blossom tea sloshes about in it.
It has the following aliases: bottle.

You smile brightly at Kalikai, your frills puffing with joy.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye looks thoughtful and says, "Which is a pity, I bet Methrenton would be a hoot drunk."

You take a drink of black tea from a flaming bottle of the Crimson Eye.
Your blood surges as the black tea enters your system.
As you slowly begin to savor this tea, a tingling sensation begins on
your tongue, intensifying with each passing moment as the fiery spice of
the fire blossoms rolls through in waves. When the burn may seem almost
overwhelming, a rich butterscotch smoothness emerges, balancing the
intensity with its velvety, sweet flavor. The combination of sensations
leaves you with a lingering buttery warmth, embodying the fiery yet
amiable nature of Gaudiguch.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Ooooo that is good teas."
You blink.
You stare blankly into space.
You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Oh my gods he would be so LOUD."

Kalikai grins and nods.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Have You met him latelies?"
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Every time I show up in his armory, he is shouting so loudly about the Flame."
You shudder violently as a chill ripples down your spine.

Frowning softly, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "I have not been to New Celest in quite some time. I am not...entirely familiar with this Lord Valtreth, and Bluebells isn't around to chat with."

You tilt your head curiously.
Echoed by rippling waters, you ask, "Bluebells?"

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Bluebells. Terentia."
Kalikai utters a loud, booming laugh.

Comprehension flashes across your face.
You stare blankly into space.

You think to yourself: **the flower, and then, Her, the terrifying, but very cool Blade. it does NOT match.**.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Okays..."

You think to yourself: Is it because Her hair is blue...?

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "I'll probably stop in some time to check on Romaan for Her, and slip into Methrenton's armory to see how he's doing."
Kalikai sucks thoughtfully on Her teeth.

Shaking her hair out like a dog, you say, "Ah, anyways. Lord Valtreth is two of the Elders in one! Have heard yet?"

A wry smile spreads across Kalikai's face.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Ah, Mister Romaan would really enjoy thats, I think. He misses his Lady as much as I dos."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "I have. Lyrpuff was a lot of fun, but Eventru was kind of a stick in the mud. Full of Himself."

Wincing, you say, "I have... heard, yesly."
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Pretty verbs...sose, apparentlies."

Kalikai utters a loud, booming laugh.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Noisy as frag, that's what you mean. Like people cared He was around, and He had to let them know."

You have emoted: Cheliyi stifles a laugh.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "I know He was kinda strict with my Lady so, uh. Will... admit."
You cast a suspicious eye about your surroundings.

Kalikai ponders the situation.

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.

Echoed by rippling waters, you whisper, "Am not the fondest of Hims in Her memories."
You have emoted: Cheliyi looks around nervously as if expecting to be struck by a particularly descriptive bolt of lightning.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Eventru took His duty very seriously. I can't blame Him for that, but He was overbearing. That's why we never got along."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

"Always thought He had to be in control. That sort of thing." Kalikai states, taking another sip of Her drink. Shrugging, Her eyes focus on you, the bleariness not quite as pronounced as you might have thought. "So, shard. Enough about My Cousins, tell me about you. What do you do when you aren't seeking wisdom?"

You blink.

You have emoted: Cheliyi unconsciously straightens her posture, looking back up to Kalikai's eyes with some measure of determination and courage. "Right! Well, ah... am sorta involved in governments in Celest, but am more of a minor helper. Steward, so I keep people from stealing the treasury, yes. As for what I actually do, I usually... help peoples, I guess? See how my loveds ones ares, help the Sanctifier guild sanctify lands and reorganize." She inhales deeply, having run out of breath.


Kalikai stares blankly into space.

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

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "I thought Stewards helped people steal from the treasury. I think My city lied to me."

You blink.
You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye looks thoughtful and says, "Yes, I'm sure of it. Ixchilgal constantly brags about embezzling funds."
Kalikai takes a long draught of white wine.

Kalikai waves Her hand dismissively.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Yeah, that sounds like hims."
You giggle happily.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says to you, "And what about your ambitions, your dreams, your plans? Have any of those?"

Comprehension flashes across your face.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Oh!"
You ponder the situation.

Kalikai utters a loud, booming laugh.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "It's not a trick question, shard. I promise."

You blush furiously.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "I guess... my dreams are to do this task. To hear a bigly story, and to write it downs. Or to help the Sanctifier Guild really help remove hurt from the world, remove taint. The biggest, truest dream that Iyam sure of, is to help people around me feel kindly, and want to be kinders."

A look of understanding crossing Her features, Kalikai nods Her head slowly.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Cannot change a persons, is a choice they always make themselves."

Kalikai smiles softly.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "But, would say, never hurts to give them a reason to want to choose happiness."

A halo of celestial light wells about you, the shells upon a shimmering wreath of seashells reflecting it outwards, painting your surroundings in a spray of oceanic hues.

You have emoted: Cheliyi holds Immaculate Prayer Beads of the Empyreal Goddess close to her chest with a warm, earnest grin.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Tell Me, shard. What do you know of Mine, and My ways?"

You tilt your head curiously.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "I think Miss Eiselle became one of Yours. And I know that You are real brave, really good at tactics, and one of the bigly reasons the Traitors were, yknow. Found outs."

A wry smile spreads across Kalikai's face.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Eiselle is one of mine, yes."

With a grin, you say, "You are also, I think, one of the more ah, uh. Approachable Divines? Kinda like Lord Crumkane, when He was wakings. It is nice to speak with You, and am grateful for the respects and humors Your give so freely."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Mine is not an order like many others, but in an attempt to give Mine something to think about I had to write down some tenets. One of My biggest ones is Responsibility. That is to say, do what you want, no matter what it is, so long as you are willing to deal with the consequences."

The glittering mist around Muginn burns away, the moaning visages of the damned slowly seeping back into his coat.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "You, I think, follow that somewhat. You give someone a chance to change, to do better, but you do not force them, eh?"

You nod your head emphatically.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "To ignore the consequences of actions is the biggest foolishness of alls, in my opinions."

"The dream that you have, making the world a better place, is one without end." Kalikai murmurs, Her eyes closing for a second before opening them again, fixing them upon you. "There will always be strife, always be pain, always be people making stupid decisions. Knowing this, that you will never achieve your goal, you would still work to push back against the Taint, and the Soulless?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi considers the question earnestly rather than answering quickly, though her conviction does not seem to waver. She nods once, her dull, clouded eyes meeting Kalikai's with an edge of steel that wasn't there previously. "I expect there will be as much. The world is not a kindly place. But even so, I must choose to be kindly and good. Because it is right. Because to do the easy thing, would be worse. It is a devotion Iyam sworn to in my hearts." The expression grows warm and proud. "There will be peoples after me, and there were peoples before me that made that choice, to be good and kind. Otherwise, the land would not be what it is now, no. So, why should I gives up?"
Nodding sagely, you say, "Will not."

Kalikai sucks thoughtfully on Her teeth.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "In the event you decide your Lady no longer suits you, perhaps you will be one of Mine. Keep Me in mind, eh?"

You blink.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 30 months.

You smile softly.
With a flourish of your arm, you bow deeply.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Thank You. Iyam honored to hear as muchly."
With a slight laugh, you say, "Knew there was a reason was so fond of hearing stories about You when was little."
Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

Kalikai utters a loud, booming laugh.

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

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "I cannot offer a lots, but, I will say, will always do my bestly if You ever need help from us shards, yes."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Mine work hard so they can play hard. That's all there is to it. We have obligations, but Mine never forget why we do what we do."

You nod your head emphatically.

A wry smile spreads across Kalikai's face.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Zdrada keeps My shrines covered in blood, shard. You just keep on being a light against the darkness seeking to devour us."

You blink.
You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles brightly, blushing a little once more.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye smiles and says, "Now then. Any more questions?"

You ponder the situation.
You shake your head.
Cheerfully, you say, "If I find ones, will be back with more alcohols."
You giggle happily.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "You may ask any question you wish, within reason. I can't tell you all of My secrets."
Kalikai winks conspiratorially at you.

You nod your head sagely.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Of coursely."
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Thank You, Lady Crimson Eye."

Kalikai nods Her head at you.
Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Be well, shard."

With a flourish of your arm, you bow deeply.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Oh, and enjoy that tea."

You smile gently, frills puffing with joy.
Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "I wills!"
You hug a flaming bottle of the Crimson Eye as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.
You wave goodbye.

Kalikai waves goodbye at you.

Threads of fiery aether coalesce around Kalikai, enshrouding Her form whole before bursting in an explosion of jittery sparks and fading from view.

With a bracing breath, you say, "Okayyssss obelisk- here we gos!"

You reach out and carefully run your hand along the rough surface of a sandstone obelisk. The threads of liquid fire decorating the obelisk abruptly stop their continuous weaving of symbols and patterns and instead congregate around your hand. After a brief moment, the fiery threads wrap around you, wreathing your entire body tightly. Your vision turns red as a brief feeling of pure agony spears through you, the sensation as short as it is intense. As your sight returns you stand within a dark cavern.

A torrid cavern of jagged rocks.
A draft of hot and dry air can be felt in this cavern, its source and direction indeterminable. Grains of fine, white sand fill the holes and fissures of the uneven ground, crunching whenever stepped upon and standing in sharp contrast to the otherwise dark rock of the cavern. Patches of molten glass run along the jagged walls, glowing a dark red and radiating burning heat. A patch of reishi mushroom thrives here. A granite obelisk leans against the cavern wall, its top broken off and cluttering the rock floor beneath.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, and through a granite obelisk.

You shudder violently as a chill ripples down your spine.

---> look me

A flush of vitality surrounds her form, a sign of Kalikai, the Crimson Eye's truefavour.

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