On Love, Cousinlings, and Radical Acceptance

<<< Me, hanging out in my kitchen like the goob I yam :)

A modest kitchen with forest motifs.                   (#HAH_3)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Like something out of a story book, this little kitchen with a small center island feels warm and comfortable. Ground-level cabinets have been painted a rich forest green and are outlined with tiny handmade crow and leaf imprints. High-mounted ravenwood shelves are lined with jars of herbs and spices, as well as odd-shaped baking implements and pans. Cast iron fixtures are set in strategic places beside heavy wash basins, and an open window overlooks the garden, offering a refreshing breeze. Hanging over the island is a blackened storage rack with several well-used skillets and cooking utensils suspended by hooks. A half dozen cabinets have small locks fastened to their handles, the dark metal surfaces carved with beautiful leafy patterns. Offsetting the dark decorations are brightly colored hand towels and oven mitts decorated with childish happy cows playing in a field. A wooden stool carved to appear as a hand rests sturdily on its own wrist, awaiting occupation. A coiling silhouette of thickets is inked upon the supple surface of this softly pale tea table, low to the ground. Warm honeyed hues dance upon the surroundings, cast by a delicately-scented glass lantern from its perch upon a nearby wall. A painting of a hoard of gold is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. Central to the kitchen is a large oven, next to racks of pots and pans that hang nearby. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here.
You see exits leading east (open door), south (open door), west (open door), and up (open door).

LOOKIT ME
They are a feathered trill kindly demigod changeling. Downy plumes of vibrant orange cascade in a tumble around their head, the cluster of feathers stopping just short of their shoulders and moving at the slightest breeze. A cluster of snow-white feathers grow near their right temple. A natural mask of downy black feathers have sprouted around their eyes, covering the upper portion of their face and fading in with the colorful orange feathers at the hairline and temples. A moderately-sized, crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek, pink where it would otherwise be black. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen at the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. Two tufts of feathers gather where their ears would normally be, adorned by long, curling feathers that react to their mood. Their eyes are wide and inquisitive, a stunning gray that looks almost blue against the bright orange and striking black feathers. They stand just shy of six foot even, with a thin, willowy build, their skin sandy and smooth. Hanging half-limp behind them are a pair of great apricot-colored wings, the covert feathers nearest to their back the same ebony-violet as the feathers that cover their brow and cheekbones. Their wings are sleek and shiny, evidence of recent grooming efforts. A scarlet hieroglyph rests in the centre of their forehead, flickering with occasional tongues of lightning to show the truefavour of Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales. A shifting pearlescence graces their skin as they walk with the truefavour of Carakhan, Sculptor of Waves.
They are wearing:
a starry wreath of celestial light set atop their head like a halo
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
the Mantle of Starlight which flows dreamily about their shoulders and back
a breezy blue cotton tunic which hangs flatteringly from their form
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet which jingles softly on their left wrist
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a shifting, living poppy of ruby petals worn delicately upon their left wrist
a driftwood ring of sea breezes fitted tightly to their left middle finger
simple white linen trousers which swish around their legs freely
Refined Boots of the Paladin, worn and weathered from use.

A shifting, living poppy of golden petals displays a myriad of brilliant colours before settling on a shade of deep indigo in the blink of an eye.

A cat of black ink comes lofting in to you from the south, and you catch it nimbly.

You blink.

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to a cat of black ink's brow.

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

A green tincture comes lofting in to you from the south, and you catch it nimbly.

A carton of eggs comes lofting in to you from the south, and you catch it nimbly.

You narrow your eyes, peering about suspiciously.

wield ham
You have no "ham".
(OOC Clan): You say, "Cries."
(OOC Clan): You say, "I cannot wield ham."

<-- slinky shrouded entrance

Esei pets a tawny Nyalian mastiff sporting spiky steel platemail ingratiatingly.
A tawny Nyalian mastiff's ears rise and sharpen into tight triangles as he stares vigilantly at Esei.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up from before the kitchen, frosting still on their cheek. "Hi hi, a-gain~" They hum, peering inside the oven again.

LOOKIT ESEI
Pale porcelain skin covered in freckles, they are a graceful elfen wyrden demigod changeling. Their rosewood-colored hair is pulled back, half into a fauxhawk, where it ties neatly into a ponytail at the back of their head. The rest spills down their shoulders like a waterfall of blood. Their arched brows complement sloe-dark eyes, angled and edged with feathery lashes. Their nose is straight, slightly quirked at the tip, giving them a slightly more innocent air. Their mouth is full of sharp teeth, hidden behind unassuming, pretty lips. Their body is tall and willowy, muscled like a dancer and elegant. Meanwhile, their height pushes six and a half feet tall, accentuated by their long legs. Their hands terminate long, slender arms, each finger tipped with a claw-like fingernail. Their face leans neither male nor female, remaining perfectly androgynous; their body is also rather neutral, confusing the uninitiated. Tattooed on their chest is an illustration of a cadaverous ribcage overgrown with ravishing black roses. Shadows cling adoringly to them, reluctant to surrender their grasp on one with the truefavour of Nocht, the Silent.
They are wearing:
an intricate, structured ensemble of dusk
a phantasmal shroud of shadows worn loosely around their shoulders
Ebon Prayer Beads of the Silent Lord wrapped around one wrist
a circlet of the Shee-Slaugh house delicately placed against their temple
a wedding armband of eternal night resting on their left bicep
a silvered leather scabbard tied loosely at their right hip
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree attached to their left forefinger.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Doing something nefarious?"

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

Esei raises a slender brow at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi pulls an orange cup cake with vanilla frosting from the oven, wincing and blowing on the cake before offering it to Esei.

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "Hot, hot hot."

Esei blinks.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You give an orange cup cake with vanilla frosting to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk.

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

Esei awkwardly shoves the cup cake into their mouth, whole.

You have emoted: Gurashi giggles, watching the cake be consumed. "Hope is good! It is belated birthday cakes," They explain. "Or early. Happy belated-early birthday!"

Esei blinks.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "...me?"

Happily, you say, "You, Tridemon, Cheliyi - Miss Duethielle and Miss Olikai had birthdays recently, soonly!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Cakes for all!"

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought.

The pointed tips of Esei's ears twitch to some errant sound.

Hopefully, you say, "Is it good? I like oranges."

You nibble on an orange cup cake with vanilla frosting.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Nothing I can complain about."

(Celest): Kennian (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "This slime on the roads is normal?"
(Celest): Kennian (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I don't recall having seen it previously."
(Celest): Alarin says, "Hail, Resurgence of the Light!"
(Celest): Aeldra says, "Oh no... there's puddles on the roads, Kennian?"
(Celest): Kennian (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "There are, yes. Just outside the city."
(Celest): Kennian (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "One here if you'd like to investigate."

Esei stares at the wall, brow knitting together.

You stare blankly into space.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...someone got plague."

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

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Yes."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Someone released the Unity plague last weave."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.

The evening air is still and quiet, and your surroundings glitter with dappled, luminous starlight.

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up suddenly ,looking off. "Tridemon's birthday," They warble softly, then furrow their brow.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

You nibble on an orange cup cake with vanilla frosting.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "At least the cakes is good..."

Esei tips their head down to stare at a cabinet door.

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffles, taking a bite at last of their cake, chewing. "How're you," They ask after they swallow. "How are?"

Not really paying attention, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Mhm."

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "...what's on yer minds?"

Esei hums thoughtfully.

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

You look at Esei hopefully.

You quickly devour an orange cup cake with vanilla frosting.
Taking the paper wrapper off this dainty cup cake, you begin to take large bites from it. Each bite brings the smooth tasty of rich vanilla, slowly destroying the delicate ribbon pattern. The citrusy bursts of oranges mingles with the vanilla as you finish the last bites of the cup cake, and eat the candied orange peel last.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...something."

You blink.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Well. Multiple somethings..."

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

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "That is unspecifics."

Dryly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I never would have guessed."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns. "Do you not like my cabinets?" They warble.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "No, the cabinetry is fine."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns. "You are looking at thems like you do not," They huff, plumage ruffling up. Then, they pat the ground beside them, back against the island, still facing the lit oven. "Sovereign for thems? For your thinks?"

Slowly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...these ones are not for sale, I am afraid."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "Did something bad happen?"

Esei blinks.

Thoughtfully, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Not recently."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, hugging their knees and patting the ground still, as if it were the most inviting place in the world. "Is a seeeecrets?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...yes."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...you haven't gotten rid of the ravenwood trees."

Esei sits on the countertop instead.

The gray light of morning bleeds through the branches of the Ravenwood trees.

You have emoted: Gurashi lolls their head back to look up at Esei, frowning.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Just... an observation."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I thought you wouldn't want..."

Esei trails off, and falls silent, claws scraping lightly against the counter.

The pointed tips of Esei's ears twitch to some errant sound.

Esei's hand comes down to rest gently on top of your head.

Esei pets you ingratiatingly.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares out the window after Esei's observation. It is a log cracking inside the oven that draws their attention back, and they look down curiously, canting their head. "They're goodly trees," They confess tiredly. "Is closest I can gets."

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Ah."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "...would you like a hug?"

You have emoted: With that, Gurashi leans into Esei's hand with a frown. "O-K," They warble.

Esei slides down to sit on the floor next to you, wrapping their arms around the trill and tugging you tight to their chest.

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to say something, but is wrapped up in Esei's embrace instead. They blink slowly, then tiredly sag, cheek squishing against Esei's shoulder.

Staring out the window towards the Ravenwoods, you ask Esei, "Does anybody say anything nicely, about me? Back there, still?"

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "No. At least, nothing I have heard."

You have emoted: Gurashi's ear twitches, and their cheek squishes in against the elfen's shoulder a little more firmly, gaze drifting away from the window.

A gust of wind carries on it the pleasant warmth of the noon day sun and the tranquil song of insects.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "It hurt."

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts their head curiously.

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "When you left, when we found out... it hurt."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns again, looking back at the oven. "I know - I am so sorry." They fidget, finding Esei's hand with their own and holding it. "I did not want to leave. And I did not want to be dishonest."

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I know that."

Sadly, you say, "It STILL hurts, yes." They sink a little in their spot, sticking out one of their leggies so that their boot is just shy of touching the closed oven door. "Probably, peoples who would be happy to know that."

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

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "...if nothing else, you made... a lasting impression. Don't touch that."

Esei's own foot sweeps out, toeing your out of the way.

You have emoted: Gurashi squawks softly as their foot is nudged aside, drawing it back in. "My toesies are protected," They insist, giving the elfen a look before sighing. "It was a bad impressions, though. I did not want to leave a badly, impressions..."

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

Tiredly, you say, "I do not think it is bad, to want to be good."

The fires in an oven start to flicker and then burn out.

You have emoted: Gurashi fidgets, then blinks as the oven burns out, frowning as it slowly dies into nothing more than embers.

Esei uses an everlasting ember to kindle a fire inside an oven.

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "But do you want to be wyrden, Gurashi?"

Warm cider-orange hues seep out of a nearby honeycomb lantern and bathe the area in a gentle glow, its delicate woody fragrance reminiscent of wild honey.

Shadows swirl around Esei's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around their hand.

You think to yourself: *guilt - guiltier guilt - negation, no, the Wyrd is not good. good things do not cause such willing harm, to others ... good things do not steal the life of innocent and justify it as being powerful... good things do not mock or tease... *.

You have emoted: Gurashi sets their jaw, watching, waiting as Esei slowly leans back before returning to lean against the elfen's shoulder.

Esei pets you ingratiatingly.

Quietly, you say, "When I was in the Glomdoring, did not ever think about getting married, because I never thought would be a possible thing."

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

Quieter still, you say, "Would see, those who were still married after so long, of not seeing their dear ones..." They inhale through their nose. "Worried, about the kinds of pains I would cause for my dearly ones, when I eventually go to sleeps..." Their plumage ruffles and they reach up to scratch their cheek. "Being An'Ryshe..."

Brilliant sunset hues bathe your surroundings in a vividly carmine afterglow.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

Loud to the point of seeming reverberation, cicadas play out buzzing dissonances.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little warbling sigh. "Remember learning, in marriage, whomever I picked, unless they were Wyrdenkins, would not be considered parts of my family," They comment as the sun begins to sink. "Well... part of... but... separate. Excluded, in... a way." They frown. "Even, when I was doing everything right... hadn't even thought about, joining the Beloved... all the peoples that drew my eye, were never from the Forest." Their face flushes, the black downy feathers there puffing up.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "And had always... wanted to be remain An'Ryshe, like Xenthos ..."

Voice high and faint, you say, "His family - is so small, yes."

Gently, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I know."

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks. "It is... bittersweet." They say at last. "I was writing, to Xenthos - to invite him, to the weddings. To send him..." They trail off. "Many hard to write things, lately."

You clear your throat.

Esei pets your head, humming thoughtfully.

Looking up and back out the window, you say, "...But, anyway, am rambling. I am sorry." They sigh. "Like all things that do not get closures, this one may just have to sting, until it does not."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks towards Esei. "Will come to my wedding, right?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "If you want me to, yes."

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "Do wanna come to my wedding?"

You lean against Esei, eyes half-closing.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Esei.

You have emoted: Gurashi's ear twitches. "If you do not want to come, you do not have to."

Esei hums thoughtfully.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...again, if you want me to."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns. "What I wants and what you wants are not sames," They sit up, frowning deeper.

Staring, you ask Esei, "...do you not want to go?"

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "What I want and what I need are different things."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "...what do you wants? What do you needs?"

You think to yourself: *there is a ripple, a churning, a -sigh-*.

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I don't know yet."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: Conditional...

Esei suddenly snuggles into your side for a moment.

You have emoted: Gurashi seems like they are about to pull away, to turn to face Esei until they feel the elfen snuggle up against them. Wordlessly they wrap their arm around Esei's shoulder, staring back into the oven. "Cousinling - hopes you know that I love you lots, yes."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...why?"

You have emoted: Gurashi turns to look at Esei, curious. "Why do I loves you??"

You blink.

Esei nods mutely, black eyes flicking to watch your face.

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

You have emoted: Gurashi's feathery ears rise, and they suddenly smile. "Because you try so hard!" They blurt out enthusiastically. "Everything you do, you do as bestly as you can. I still remember, when you were new, and small, and when you asked if I would be your mentors," They reach out to brush a strand of hair away from Esei's cheek and behind their ear. "And I remember all the times you came to me, and we talked about the many things that gripped at your hearts. You worried so muchly - still worry, so muchly. And so you try so very hard, even when you are tired. And I think that is admirables. Thinks you are deserving of Loves."

You give Esei a friendly squeeze.

Fireflies light up the darkness outside as they dance in slow, chaotic patterns.

Esei blinks slowly.

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

Awkwardly, Esei gives a vegetable kabob to you.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...ah."

You have emoted: Gurashi accepts the kabob. "Does that answer your questions?"

Holding the kabob, you say to Esei, "You are my cousinling. You have done nothing so wrongly to makes me stop loving you any less than when I -was- a goodly Wyrdenkins."

Esei hums with consideration, tipping their head.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns a little. "I wonder..."

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales, smiling tiredly. "After my weddings, I will never be a Wyrdenkin again." They say finally. "Cannot, be."

Esei's eyes flick to watch an ant crawling across the floor.

Looking down to their lap, you say, "I will not be able to make the An'Ryshe family line stronger. The Shee-Slaughs, a stronglier house." They sigh, now too watching the ant, intrigued by its arrival. "Am sorry."

Watching the ant still, you ask, "Does make your feelings change? Knowing this?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...mm."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...I think I always knew you would not return."

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Even as much as I wish you would."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Esei finally, the hand laced within the elfen's squeezing. "Am sorry."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I am sorry, that hurt everybody so much." Their eyes glaze over with tears, and they smile tiredly. "But I am not sorry, that I got to get so closely, to all of you. That got to be well-liked, when I was."

Esei lets out a soft sigh.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It is what it is, I suppose, even if has left a mark. Simply something we have to live with, now."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back at the oven, sniffling. "I am grateful and happy, yes - happy I got to ... get to? Call you cousinling. And Xenthos, dad." Their plumage ripples. "Am glad was the Lady's Bumblebee..." They explain. "Yeah. It is, now, what it is..."

Casually, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Did you ever get to pollinate Her Garden, do you think?"

You stare blankly into space.

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi clears their throat, looking down, their free hand taking the feathertips of their wing and gently smoothing them out, rubbing them between forefinger and thumb. "Maybe."

You think to yourself: *briefly envisioning Akuuko inside that cocoon, dissolving into nothing, reborn again, Her loyal servant, Her's - She has him... a painterly poppy blossom withers amongst a cluster of flourishing golden ones, an equally withering sensation momentarily seizing their stomach, reminding them of the staff in their bedroom*.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Maybe?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the oven, their eyes still watery but tears refusing to fall. They seem lost in thought, flames reflected back in their gaze.

Esei leans on you seeking consolation.

Pale gold in hue, the wreath about your brow shimmers in a steady pattern, like unto a heartbeat in its gentle pulsation, crowning you in a flickering halo before settling still once more.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets Esei lean against them, the elfen's hand in their own getting squeezed once more as they sigh. "Gave up the blade I wore for ages," They sing suddenly, quietly, voice wavering. "My finger's scarred and torn. Surrendered all my tunics black for hues both bright and warm."

Esei wrinkles their nose and sniffs.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at their hand, then at Esei, singing softly still. "Was hard to get to here today... know sounds unreal - is true." They smile sadly, enveloping Esei in a hug and a half, one wing pinned still by the center island as the other envelops them.

Esei squishes your cheek.

For a moment, the afternoon sun filters in a little more dreamily, and the insects sing outside a little bit louder, carrying the trill's song out faintly into the woods. Illusory shapes move around the kitchen - familiar shapes, Wyrden shapes and faces both of you know in passing conversation, smiles on their faces...

Eyes closed as they squish the elfen tightly in their embrace, you sing, "Of everything that I have lost, what miss the most is you."

Esei blinks.

One of the tallest figures turns but is gone before it can fully be realized, leaving the kitchen quiet once again as the trill stops singing.

You give Esei a friendly squeeze.

The fires in an oven start to flicker and then burn out.

Esei reaches out to tenderly cup your cheek in their hand.

You have emoted: Gurashi pulls back, their eyes glittering with tears as they blink owlishly. "Are a good cousinling. Do not let anyone tells you otherwise." They whisper.

Cheliyi enters from the south, a thin sheen of water rippling outward from every step.
Trailing in a bone-chilling fog, Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie flies in from the south.

You sniffle softly.

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

Esei pets you ingratiatingly.

Esei is awkwardly squished against you.

LOOKIT MINE-CHILD
Small and cheery, she is a glistening mugwump tidal demigoddess of axolotl descent with pearly skin and mauve-tinted frills. Her stature is not unnatural for a mugwump, short and sturdy with a clear fitness that implies years of climbing about trees and swimming through swaths of swamp. A messy bob of magenta hair flows from her scalp, tangled with shiny knickknacks, small origami, and albino feathers. Hints of withered willow leaves mingle with her pink locks, the sprouts reluctant to part from her hair. A single, carefully woven braid hangs from her disheveled bangs, upkept with clear affection and 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 of these are her forearms and a large patch around her eyes, the complexion discolored to an uncomfortable beige, rough to the touch. Hints of pink colour the damaged skin, implying frequent fidgeting and rubbing of the tender areas. Her eyes fare no better, the traditionally midnight orbs a faded, milky grey. When caught in a certain light, they seem to almost glow with an unnatural haze. A bright grin reveals normal teeth with suspiciously wooden canines, hinting at her past life as a some form of druid. Thick bark clings to the soles of her webbed feet, another permanent addition to her form that seem to replace any need for footwear. A long, thick tail twitches occasionally behind her, stirring up dust and litter with each sweep. The pale frills that would usually extend from her tail are torn and scarred, the wounds long since healed.
She is wearing:
a circlet of living vines lining a hat of sensational blooming much like a living ribbon
a hat of sensational blooming stuck firmly on her head
a dangling earring of willow leaves through her right ear - like frill
a sparkling pink conch earring through her left ear - like frill
a pair of thin spectacles tinted a smoky black to reduce incoming light
a scarf of satin squids wrapped carefully around her left forearm
an airy bracelet of the cloudswept sky fastened snugly around her left wrist
a winsome winged wrist watch
a jewelled bracelet of the Three of Night tethered loosely in place with a withered vine
Immaculate Prayer Beads of the Empyreal Goddess wrapped loosely around her right forearm
a pair of supple leather hunting gloves fastened tightly to her palms
a gentle water lily brooch a gentle water lily brooch proudly securing a leaf-green woollen blanket in place
a leaf-green woollen blanket pinned over a dark moss-green linen shirt like a shawl
a dark moss-green linen shirt tucked into her skirt, the sleeves rolled just above her forearms
the Mantle of Starlight worn about her waist as a skirt
a glass ampoule of bottled starlight hanging securely from her waist
a misty stole spun from a veil of starlight
an emerald rockeater's maw.

Cheliyi blinks as she enters, looking disheveled and windswept despite seeming otherwise fine.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up from their spot seated on the floor beside Esei before the recently burnt-out oven, backs pressed to the center island. "Mine-child!"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "... wh. What happened to the oven?"

Esei uses an everlasting ember to kindle a fire inside an oven.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "It looks like it caught the wrong kind of fires, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi snaps their fingers, and the dust and charcoal and burnt-remains of previous cakes are magically swept into nothing just in time for Esei to light. "Muchly unattended baking," They laugh.

You give an orange cup cake with vanilla frosting to Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Cheliyi, "Happy belated birthdays!"

You think to yourself: *an early conversation gently tucked away, having reached a conclusion, however bittersweet - it is what it is, it will be how it will be - and that is O-K*.

You gaze softens as you smile at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi blinks.

Suddenly chipper, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Cheliyi, did you know that Gurashi was the Lady's Bumblebee?"

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi peers at Esei unscrupulously.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "... Yes."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...what do bees do?"

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly puffs up." H-hey!"

With a squint, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Make honey?"

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out, flailing in Esei's face. "Shh! ShhhHhHhH!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "WE ARE GREAT BAKERS."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "... okays."

Esei grins in a feral manner, but does not protest your flailing.

You think to yourself: * e m b a r r a s s e d *.

Cheliyi peers at the both of you suspiciously.

Again, slower, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Okay."

Esei gives Cheliyi the once-over, eyeing her suspiciously.

You eyes light up as you smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi forces a smile, wide-eyed as they try to cover Esei's mouth. "They also - make - honey!"

A tawny Nyalian mastiff paws at the ground absently, a low whine escaping his muzzle.

Cheliyi pets a tawny Nyalian mastiff sporting spiky steel platemail ingratiatingly.
A low rumble shudders throughout a tawny Nyalian mastiff's chest, a sort of gentle, contented sound.

You look at Cheliyi hopefully.

Cheliyi peers about herself unscrupulously.

Slightly muffled, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "And how do they make honey?"

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

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

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "... with flowers? Why am I being quizzed on gardens, yes."

You have emoted: Behind Gurashi , a tawny Nyalian mastiff sporting spiky steel platemail suddenly lifts his great head, looking attentively at his trill companion.

Esei licks your hand instead of answering the question.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "... you two are being weirds. I will go to my room."

Cheliyi departs to the east, each step sending a ripple of water outwards across the surface.
The room grows warm once more Muginn the ghost-feathered magpie glides off to the east with a click of his beak.

You have emoted: Gurashi squawks aloud as their hand is licked, a visible shiver of disgust roiling through their body from head to toe. They yeet themselves after Cheliyi with a shriek, and a tawny Nyalian mastiff sporting spiky steel platemail rises to follow after, nearly trampling Esei in his wake.

<-- from a room away
Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "*you can see the trill race about the clearing, then order the mastiff to stay seated, looking back to you in the kitchen. They pause, then wave, scrambling up into the treehouse*."