chel has a fun night

The Aetherplex Chamber.
The spherical chamber is formed from a hollow geode comprised of dozens of precious gemstones. Large jagged formations of rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds line the walls and ceiling. The floor has been cut and polished to a brilliant shine, revealing concentric circles of brilliant colours. Upon close examination of the glassy floor, shimmering reflections briefly glide across its smooth surface of wondrous mansions and abodes. A current of electricity continuously runs throughout this mineral wonder, causing tiny sparks to erratically blossom up and down the crystalline formations. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Shimmering with aetheric energy, a bright glowing portal floats here in midair. Hackles risen, a fierce timberwolf prowls about here. A screech owl is here, surveying the surroundings. There are 2 great brindle mastiffs here. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. Wreathed in blazing streaks of amber fire, a celadon wyvern unfurls velvety smooth wings here, bright eyes shining a startling ruby. Jridndowa, an eldritch chimaera is here, sniffing curiously at things in the vicinity. The shadowy form of a Daughter of the Night stands here, exuding wyrden power from within swirling black robes. Glitterna frowns deeply, lines creasing his forehead. He wields a mystic cudgel in his left hand. Eyes aglow with a fierce, dreadful light, a slithering nagasith broods amid an aura of menace. An imposing reaper is here, face hidden behind his dark hood. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. There is an aetherways portal here.
You see exits leading north (open door), south, out, and through a bright, glowing portal.

Jridndowa, an eldritch chimaera looks up as you enter the room. All four of his eyes narrow as he studies you intently. With a derisive huff, he turns his attention back to his mistress.

You blink.

Citinia gives you a peck on the cheek.

You hug Citinia as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.
You pet Jridndowa, an eldritch chimaera ingratiatingly.

Jridndowa, an eldritch chimaera settles onto his haunches and studies the ground with uncertain disdain, obviously trying to ignore you.

Glitterna greets you with a sincere smile.

You incline your head politely to Glitterna.

Glitterna curtseys gracefully before you.
With a gravelly rasp, Drone Glitterna D'Cente, One of Many says, "How are you?"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I'm alright, yes. Going to go say hello to my dad! Will be back, probably."
You incline your head politely to those around you.

Citinia giggles happily.

You portal to Celestial Leviathan.
This room has not been mapped.
Heart of the Celestial Leviathan.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. There is a dent in the wall here. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters with an Unknown face lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. You see a sign here instructing you that WARES is the command to see what is for sale.
You see exits leading north, east, south, west, up, down (closed door), and out (open door).

You hug Tridemon as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.

---> look tridemon!

He is a crystalline lucidian tidebourne demigod and his body is a strange combination of colours. Most of him is a deep violet colour, while his left arm is a combination of oceanic shades of deep blues and greens, shifting in a rhythmic, tidally slow dance, with ridges running from his wrist to elbow in a pattern resembling swirling, stylised waves. In addition, it appears that his fingers of his left hand, including his thumb, have an extra joint, tapering off to sharp- but not narrow- points. His right hand is far more mundane, aside from a scar of deep red and blue that encircles his entire ring finger. He doesn't have hair so much as sculpted spikes of crystal, flaring back along his skull almost like plumage. Much of his body is crossed by pale lines of discolored crystal, like scars, glittering opaline white with flecks of fiery rainbow color throughout, with a somewhat larger scar running vertically along his face from his chin to his forehead. He also presents an odd form of heterochromia in his eyes, with his right eye an opaque orb of mottled violet stone which looks like it has been carved scrimshaw style into a scene of turbulent waves, while his left eye is broken up into three jagged sections, each approximately a third of the visible surface of his eye, showing amber, emerald, and opal segments, with pupils occupying both the emerald and amber. Tattooed on his hands is an illustration of spiralling words of power. A steel-hued scar traces along his cheek, gifted by Terentia, the Even Bladed, for his mettle in the field of battle. Soothing mists of water and light weave about him in a sparkling white veil, marking the truefavour of Lantra, the Empyreal.
Resembling an entity from the cosmic planes, his head is wreathed in undulating strands of shimmering cosmic fire. Attuned to his moods, the chromatic waves are in constant flux, from rising up in a halo of incandescent anger to streaming back in ripples of pleasure.
He is wearing:
an Elemental Cloak
a pearlescent aspergillum
a circlet of smooth stones slowly rotating around his head in a pattern as steady as the tides
a resonating lens of cascading patterns
A Silk Mask of Amusement
a resplendent amberlight blossom
the Mantle of Starlight
Thalassic Prayer Beads of the Sculptor of Waves wrapped around his left forearm, partially fused with the flesh there
a pair of thin spectacles worn slightly too low on his face to actually cover the entirety of his eyes
a coruscating symbol of the Sculptor of Waves
a Celestian friendship bracelet
a ring of calming hues
a parafilament saddlebag
a silver necklace set with star sapphires
a delicate violet chrysanthemum brooch
bright white robes of platinum waves
a dark pearl pocket watch with a clover charm
Urlach's Black Gauntlet
a Brooch of the Elements
an elegant crimson briefcase
an amethyst crown representing the wine-dark sea
a weathered pair of travelling boots
a Runed Crown of Divine Light
a mark of Carakhan
an elegant knot of crystalline filaments
a pair of water-wrought wings
a suspiciously mundane wallet
a delicate white ring.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses.
You frown at Tridemon.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "... Is your eye differents, or are my glasses weirdly?"

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... well, it's not your glasses..."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "... hm. Is feeling okay?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. It doesn't hurt... but it's gone completely opaque."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You think to yourself: **pensive consideration, it looks like a whirpool...**.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Can see?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... no, it can't."

You crease your brow in a frown.
You have emoted: Cheliyi moves her hand back and forth in front of Tridemon's face, watching his eyes.

Tridemon's left eye follows your hand, but the right has no reaction whatsoever.

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

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "... Mm, know how annoying must feel. Do get headaches?"

Tridemon shakes his head.

You think to yourself: **a fading memory of utter frustration, unable to see without something aching or burning, so, so stupid.**.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "That's good."
Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Tridemon's brow.

Tridemon pets you ingratiatingly.
Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... tired."
Tridemon flops down onto the ground.

A wry smile spreads across your face.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Love you lots."
You hug Tridemon as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Sleep goodly, okay?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters has left the realm of Lusternia.
Tridemon is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, his soul safe until he returns to Lusternia.

You portal to the Aetherplex Chamber.

Jridndowa, an eldritch chimaera perks all of four his ears alertly as you enter. With a smug look, he rubs up against your legs affectionately, then attempts to lie directly on top of your feet, despite his own size.

Citinia gives Netra a peck on the cheek.

You pet Jridndowa, an eldritch chimaera ingratiatingly.
Jridndowa, an eldritch chimaera's maw spreads into a toothy grin. He tilts his nose up and warbles happily, excited that someone is paying attention to him.

Citinia grins mischievously at you.
You smile wryly at Citinia.

Netra stretches languidly.

With a gravelly rasp, Drone Glitterna D'Cente, One of Many says to you, "Did you meet Legsy yet?"

Citinia sucks thoughtfully on her teeth.

Tau inclines her head politely to those around her.
Citinia leaves to the out, emanating an aura of immense power.
Departing amidst blazing streaks of amber fire, a celadon wyvern glides out to the out on velvety smooth wings.
Jridndowa, an eldritch chimaera, chases something interesting and unseen to the ether, followed by the squelch of little suckers.

A young giant spider with a long stinger crouches low on the ground.
Drone Netra D'Cente, One of Many asks Glitterna, "Have you seen your sister?"

Tylwyth pets a young giant spider with a long stinger ingratiatingly.
A young giant spider with a long stinger scuttles away from Tylwyth.

You pet a young giant spider with a long stinger ingratiatingly.
A young giant spider with a long stinger scuttles away from you.

A wry smile spreads across your face.

Glitterna glances wryly at Tylwyth and hides a grin behind his hand.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Well, have met him now."

With a gravelly rasp, Drone Glitterna D'Cente, One of Many says, "Her."

You cough softly.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Her! My bads."

With a gravelly rasp, Drone Glitterna D'Cente, One of Many says, "Isn't she beautiful."
With a gravelly rasp, Drone Glitterna D'Cente, One of Many says to Tylwyth, "And delicious."

Drone Netra D'Cente, One of Many says to you, "Have you met my husband."
Netra points accusingly at Glitterna.

With a gravelly rasp, Drone Glitterna D'Cente, One of Many says, "Oh yeah that to."
With a gravelly rasp, Drone Glitterna D'Cente, One of Many says, "Too."

Glitterna proudly shows off a sweetpea apple pie wedding ring:
The thick band of this ring is made of onyx and inset with rubies and
amethyst. Atop this band sits a garnet gemstone cut into the shape of an
apple pie, which has been sprinkled with diamond dust to make it sparkle
like sugar crystals. Atop this strangely shaped gemstone is a rough
emerald orb, reminiscent of a sweetpea. Along the lower edge of the pie
jewel is inscribed in minute detail a series of images: a scorpion, a
nettle leaf, an imp, a crow, and a heart. The ring twinkles slightly.

With a gravelly rasp, Drone Glitterna D'Cente, One of Many says to Netra, "I saw her briefly."

Netra proudly shows off a pumpkin potato wedding ring:
The band of this ring is carved from smoothed amethyst and inset with
diamonds and rubies. Atop the band is a large, elegant, gemstone
pumpkin, carved half from onyx and half from garnet. The pumpkin is
topped by a smaller gemstone, a bloodstone in the shape of a potato.
Along the bottom edge of the pumpkin are carved figures in minute
detail: a scorpion, a nettle leaf, an imp, a crow, and a heart. The ring
twinkles slightly.

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

You blink.
You clap your hands together merrily.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Congrats, yes! Am sure it was a lovely weddings, yes."

Drone Netra D'Cente, One of Many says, "Small. Cute. Cozy."
Netra grows still and her lips begin to move silently.
Glitterna takes Netra by the hand, draws her into him, and whispers, "I love you, Netra."
Netra takes Glitterna by the hand, draws him into her, and whispers, "I love you, Glitterna."
Netra is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, her soul safe until she returns to Lusternia.

A torrent of water suddenly falls from above, leaving behind Calfuray.

---> me, checking through news when

2021/08/15 00:05:14 - Azula voted to uncitizen Calfuray.
2021/08/15 00:06:17 - Qoivhae kicked out Calfuray.
2021/08/15 00:08:33 - Azula declared Calfuray to be a formal enemy. Reason: For betraying the trust given to her by the Light, and threatening existence by supporting the mad delusions of the Lady of the Lagoons.
2021/08/15 00:35:22 - Terentia, the Even Bladed has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon the Grand Province of New Celest for 7 months.
2021/08/15 00:35:39 - Lantra, the Empyreal has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon the Grand Province of New Celest for 7 months.

Glitterna consumes a platter of lion head meatballs leisurely, seeming to enjoy every bite.
Glitterna eats a platter of fried spiders with obvious gusto.
Glitterna licks his lips.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, reading over something unseen.
You stare blankly at Calfuray.

Calfuray smiles softly at you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's expression contorts into something ugly and fierce, practically unnatural on the mugwump's face.

Shango twiddles his thumbs.

Calioliahali Skydrifter has entered the realm of Lusternia.

Glitterna tilts his head curiously at you.

Suddenly, you say, "I have chores to do. Goodbye."

The Stairs of the Last Nine. (road).
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. There is a moderate breeze here. Far above, the peak touching the sky seems to resonate with power and an unspoken message; if the earth can touch the heavens, then perhaps mortality can touch immortality. Wear and tear have worn the path smooth, revealing that many have attempted the pilgrimage to the top of the mountain, but not hinting at how many have successfully completed it.
You see exits leading up, down, and in.

The hollow voice of Shango reverberates in your mind, "Was it me?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Primarch Shango D'Cente, Dark Animus of the Machine, "... no."

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Hello love."

A sense of uneasiness permeates the area as Calioliahali, riding a golden hippogriff with broad, translucent wings, patrols in from the in with rigid authority.

You have emoted: Cheliyi quietly seethes, staring at nothing.

Gently, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "Greetings, Cheliyi."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Velcora Lunarose, Manifest Dreamer, "**a swirl of furious emotion, obviously tamped down** Hello, dear. Am sorry, am not... in a good mood."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Velcora Lunarose, Manifest Dreamer, "But love you lots."

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Love you too. Do you want to talk about it?"

Awash in the sweet, luscious scent of ripe fruit, Velcora enters languidly from the in.
Velcora holds the Flame of dae'Seren aloft and an emerald light shines forth, revealing a hazy hallway of ancient trees. As Velcora walks through the hallway, the trees close around her and disappear.

You glance askance at Calioliahali.
You blink.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's frills lower slightly from their flared position, and she offers a slight nod.

Calioliahali's smoky blue eyes hone in upon your face, the corners of her black lips tugging downwards.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Velcora Lunarose, Manifest Dreamer, "I... perhaps later, love. But thank you, truly."

You think to yourself: **you want to puke.**

Flapjack the fox, shimmering with loveliness, silently slinks in with a bright pink cup cake coated in sprinkles and glitter held gently between his teeth, drops it into your hands, then silently slinks away again.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's own blurry gaze slowly drifts away, the mugwump either unable or unwilling to respond.

Apologetically, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "Ah, forgive me. I did not intend to disturb you, I, ah." She pauses, her frown deepening, gaze lowering. Softly, "If there is something with which you ever need assistance, I will be available. I merely wish for you to know that."

Wordlessly, you give a bowl of goat stew to Calioliahali Skydrifter.
You open your mouth to say something, but speech fails you.
You curl your nose up and grimace awfully.
You begin to follow Calioliahali.

Calioliahali's eyebrows lift as she looks back up at you.

You crease your brow in a frown.
You have emoted: Cheliyi lets out a noise oddly similar to a creaking branch.
You have emoted: Cheliyi gives a pained sigh.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls out her notebook, scribbling out something on the pages. "Words are hard, right nows. Am sorry."

Calioliahali regards you carefully, taking notice of the book, and gently shakes her head. "It is... A complicated time. Much has occurred. You do not need to apologize."

You have emoted: Cheliyi grimaces, and shrugs. She scribbles something else, crammed on the page. "When upset, Tree Words. Thinks are fine, but... translation."

Calioliahali nods her head slowly at your words, the corners of her lips twitching. Eventually, she wordlessly steps toward you, attempting to lightly place her hand upon your shoulder.

You have emoted: Cheliyi cracks a faint smile, her frills lowering. She then glances at the aetherplex, grimaces again, and exhales. Flipping to the next page, she writes, "What are doing today?"

Calioliahali quickly scans the page, then gently guides you away from the entrance to the Aetherplex, as she softly intones, "Ah, in truth, I have forgotten. I was... I had intended to do some menial task. It has become unimportant."

You think to yourself: **the swelling rage slowly subsiding, it is... fine.**.

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.
You have emoted: Cheliyi writes "Menial is okay. Just... don't want to sit with this."

Comprehension flashes across Calioliahali's face.

You open your mouth to say something, but speech fails you.
You wince in pain.
You have emoted: Cheliyi writes, a tad sheepishly, "If okay? Sorry to force."

---> suddenly, NYOOM to Cali's UrTraps!

A wry smile spreads across your face.
You think to yourself: Nyoom.

Gaze lingering upon you as she steps towards a concealed trap, triggering its release, Calioliahali mutely sets about the task she had previously embarked upon.

Calioliahali springs a pyramid trap and a small crystal scorpion comes barreling out.

A small crystal scorpion strikes at you with its pointed stinger.
Damage Received: 201 physical blunt, 201 Total.
You shrug off the effects of the poison.

A stream of ink imbued with bursts of steam and beams of holy light sprays from a mechanical fountain pen and covers a small crystal scorpion.
The final moments of a small crystal scorpion have been written by a mechanical fountain pen.
A small crystal scorpion has been slain by Calioliahali.
A small golden cookie tumbles out of the corpse of a small crystal scorpion.
Calioliahali suddenly scoops up the corpse of a small crystal scorpion.
Calioliahali scoops up a small golden cookie.

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches curiously.

Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "Ah, ur'Traps. I am certain you are familiar? It is a routine I do often as I wake, and before I rest."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pokes the trap with her bare foot, and then scribbles, "Dad showed me theirs a long time agos. Did not know could be other creatures."

Calioliahali's lips twitch at the corners again, finally curving into a faint smile. "Ah, yes. The scorpions found here often yield, ah. These." She holds a small golden cookie aloft. "They enhance an individual's ability to strike at the vitals. I do not use them, myself, but I had endeavored to stock them in the event that someone else might."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Calioliahali begins to step away from the area, glancing over her shoulder at you to ensure that you remain in tow.
Calioliahali strides toward a pair of traps this time, triggering their release in tandem with a quick motion.

Calioliahali springs a runed steel trap and a huge mystic jackalope comes barreling out.

A huge mystic jackalope hops forward toward you and bites at your foot, tripping over his own ears as he tries to hop away.

With a flourish of her arm, Calioliahali points a mechanical fountain pen away from her, ready to strike.
A stream of ink imbued with bursts of steam and beams of holy light sprays from a mechanical fountain pen and covers a huge mystic jackalope.
Calioliahali has scored a CRITICAL hit!
Calioliahali has scored a CRUSHING CRITICAL hit.
Calioliahali has scored a CRITICAL hit!
Calioliahali has scored a CRITICAL hit!
The final moments of a huge mystic jackalope have been written by a mechanical fountain pen.
A huge mystic jackalope has been slain by Calioliahali.
A small quantity of sovereigns spills from the corpse.
Calioliahali's eyes glint as she reaches down and collects the gold.
8 magnificent rainbow scarves tumbles out of the corpse of a huge mystic jackalope.
Calioliahali suddenly scoops up the corpse of a huge mystic jackalope.
Calioliahali picks up 8 rainbowscarfs.

Calioliahali seems to have only triggered one trap, after all.

A wry smile spreads across your face.

You follow Calioliahali Skydrifter in to the Portals of Hallifax.

You blink.

The Portals of Hallifax.
Banks of clouds roil about here. This cylindrical chamber has been carved from amethyst-veined, pale white marble polished to a lustrous smooth shine. Concentric circles are inlaid upon the floor, alternating with rings of diamond, emerald and ruby. High above, the ceiling shines with a bright light that pulsates softly and steadily like a heartbeat. The air itself is charged with energy, veritably crackling with power. Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie perches here with a mischievous glint in his eye. Calioliahali Skydrifter looms here, lingering with an unsettling aura of strict severity. She wields a severe steel arming sword in her left hand and a severe steel shortsword in her right hand. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. There is an aetherways portal here.
You see a single exit leading out.

Calioliahali locates a third trap, her smoky blue eyes honing in upon it to ensure that it indeed contains a creature, and then triggers it.

Calioliahali springs a mysterious box and a small poltergeist comes barreling out.
A small poltergeist screams, a thick, heavy shriek of agony that suffocates you with an oppressive sense of fear and panic.
Damage Received: 323 psychic, 323 Total.
You are afflicted with fear.
You have cured fear.

With a flourish of her arm, Calioliahali points a mechanical fountain pen away from her, ready to strike.
A stream of ink imbued with bursts of steam and beams of holy light sprays from a mechanical fountain pen and covers a small poltergeist.
Calioliahali has scored an OBLITERATING CRITICAL hit!
Calioliahali has scored a CRITICAL hit!
Calioliahali has scored a CRITICAL hit!
The final moments of a small poltergeist have been written by a mechanical fountain pen.

Calioliahali scoops up a small divine cookie.

You blink.
You blink.
You stare blankly into space.

You think to yourself: Spooky.

You tilt your head curiously at Calioliahali.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.

In explanation, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "Ah, these apparitions often yield divine cookies, with which I am certain you are familiar? I believe you are devoted to the Empyreal?"

You nod your head emphatically.
You pat Immaculate Prayer Beads of the Empyreal Goddess in a friendly manner.

Calioliahali nods gently, her smile returning. "Good."

Flapjack the fox, shimmering with loveliness, silently slinks in with a firmly packed snowball held gently between his teeth, drops it into your hands, then silently slinks away again.

Calioliahali carefully crouches beside the trap as she ensures it's properly baited, then stands upright, regarding you again. "I, ah..." She glances toward the fox as it darts in.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Velcora Lunarose, Manifest Dreamer, "**a flicker of mirth, and warm fondness even through the murk of Cheliyi's mind**."

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches the fox zip away, finally giving her first genuine smile of the day. She returns her attention to Calioliahali, the mugwump's frills flicking curiously.

The hollow voice of Sutekh reverberates in your mind, "*quietly* It's all over."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Sutekh, "... **a quiet negation, though it is tired and weary.**."

The hollow voice of Sutekh reverberates in your mind, ". . . It isn't?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Sutekh, "**once again, negation.**."

Calioliahali regards your expression, a faint smile of her own returning. "I wished to convey that, ah." Her cheeks flush, and she clears her throat, starting again. "You are important to Gurashi, their family. And you have, ah, become important to me, as well. I understand we do not know one another well. But I wished to convey that, ah, as I had mentioned before, should you ever require assistance, or support of any kind, I will do everything within my power to render it unto you." She falls quiet, inhaling a deep breath, her gaze lingering upon you.

The hollow voice of Sutekh reverberates in your mind, ". . . . . I wanted.... to thank... you, by the way. If it was not for...you and ... some others, Her thoughts....would have been the mirror of mine. It has been difficult to...continue going."

The hollow voice of Sutekh reverberates in your mind, "But...the things you are doing....matter. I wanted you to know that."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks slowly, taking in Calioliahali's words with a clear aura of confusion. She opens her mouth, wincing as the sound of splitting wood escapes rather than words. Tears spring in her eyes nonetheless, and she steps forward and hugs Calioliahali tightly.

Solemn, staid voices can be heard from somewhere outdoors, rising and falling in emotionless, precise monotone.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Sutekh, "**surprise, and then... gratitude.**."

Calioliahali's eyebrows knit together as she observes you, and looks as though she's about to ask something, when you embrace her. The color in her cheeks spreads to the rest of her face as she stands motionless for a few seconds, but her arms then fold around the mugwump, holding you gently.

You think to yourself: **a sudden swell of warm emotion on two counts, washing away the bitter taste of betrayal and rage. The pond clears of murk, followed by fondness, and then sorrow. Fondness, for the care and effort made, and sorrow finally slipping past in your moment of weakness.**.

Her voice creaking terribly, you whisper, "Am... getting shirt wets... sorry."

Calioliahali's eyebrows lift then, and a sound not unlike birdsong flutters past her lips, mirth clear in its tone. "Ah, it is no trouble. It has endured worse weather recently, rest assured."

You have emoted: Cheliyi grimaces and clears her throat painfully, the sound similar to a squeaking toy. She pulls back, grabbing Calioliahali's hands while looking up at her face. Tear streaks run down her face, though she cracks a smile. "It..." she whispers, "means lots. Thank you."

You think to yourself: **another swell of fondness, but how do you explain? if only your voice worked, now.**.

Calioliahali slowly trains her smoky blue eyes back upon you, the corners of her lips tugging downwards at the painful-sounding noise emitting from her throat. She squeezes the hands that hold her own, then eventually manages another smile, this one warmer than the last. "I am, ah, pleased. And, ah... Thank you, for providing so much for Gurashi. I am grateful that they have such strong familial bonds."

Creaking quietly, you whisper, "Thank you too. Dad is happy with you. Is good. You, are good. Hope... will know more, more often of you."
You smile brightly at Calioliahali, your frills puffing with joy.
You have emoted: Cheliyi clears her throat again, expression pinched, but clearly less painful than before.

Cheeks flushing yet again, though her smile remains, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "I will always do whatever I can to ensure that they remain happy." She pauses, and then nods. "I hope so, as well."

You smile softly.
You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, and suddenly cracks a grin.

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.

Full of mirth, you whisper, "I think I heard your feels in the orb. Does that mean you're going to make a child with my dad?"
You subject Calioliahali to a merciless teasing.

Calioliahali's eyebrows rocket up her face as it flushes deep rubescent hues, her lips trembling as though they might explode.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie warbles loudly, the sound awkwardly close to laughter.

You hide a grin behind your hand.
You have emoted: Cheliyi starts to choke out a laugh, though it devolves into a cough.

Finally, stammering, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "Ah, er, I n-need to rest, Cheliyi. B-but I am glad, that, ah, that w-we have had this opportunity to s-speak."

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.
You have emoted: Cheliyi's grin finally softens.
You hug Calioliahali as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.
You wave goodbye.

Hoarsely, you whisper, "Sleep well, Miss Calioliahali."
You think to yourself: **a further swell of warmth, more than a comrade. maybe family, someday.**.
You cease to follow Calioliahali Skydrifter.

Calioliahali tenderly returns the hug, her face no less red as she nods, forcing a still wildly-quivering smile. "Be well, as well. Please."

A cone of sparkling light rises up around Calioliahali, riding a golden hippogriff with broad, translucent wings, and whisks her away.

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.
You sense the following people:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Avaris - footbridge above a reflective pond
     Calfuray - the Aetherplex Chamber
      Cheliyi - the Portals of Hallifax
 Fillirriqili - before the Matrix
        Jwyel - before the Pool to Academia
      Merlose - Windswept Haven Cafe
        Xiran - the Portals of Serenwilde
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(*) Currently, there are 7 Lusternians on this plane and 24 on other planes.

You think to yourself: ... Ronin.
You have emoted: Cheliyi nods to herself.

You touch a glowing emerald leaf, and leafy creepers push up through the ground and climb up your legs. As the leaves turn brown and blow away, you are suddenly whisked away.

You portal to Overgrowth.

A babbling brook.                                      (#OVERGROWTH_2)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A morning haze burns through the twinkling twilight here, casting dappled sunlight with a soft, gentle glow that seems to make everything sparkle. Decaying leaves and plush moss give way to sandy sediment as one slips through the tree barrier, still wet beneath one's toes. And yet, this well-worn path has not yet been tamed, sprouting the occasional sturdy dandelion or leafy stem. As the path snakes and widens it leads to a sheltered hill, from which a crystalline brook bubbles over a stony stream-bed. Cutting a diagonal cross section of the glade, the rush of water burbles merrily over a series of rounded tiers formed by the occasional tangle of tree roots. The bark of these roots is oddly smooth, as if it were grown all at once, rather than forming naturally over time. Each pool is no more than three feet deep, the widest nearly 10 feet across. As the water tumbles over every step it shimmers in the morning light, enticing one to simply rest their feet in a pool, or for the more bold, to perhaps splash around. On the opposite side of the glade looms a massive rowan tree, its clusters of bright berries swaying dutifully in some unseen breeze. Hung carefully in its branches is a expertly woven hammock dyed a rainbow of hues, loosely piled with blankets and a soft pillow. The light of day shines brightly. A delicate bench of twining iron daisies and vines rests here on curled feet. A painting of A fork in the road is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. Swaying in place not unlike a thin sapling, a pale, overgrown mugwump stares implacably about himself with striking cerulean eyes.
You see a single exit leading west.

A pale, overgrown mugwump frowns at you.
A pale, overgrown mugwump says, "Lilypad, you're..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi holds up a hand wordlessly.

A pale, overgrown mugwump purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

You have emoted: Cheliyi walks over, settling beside a pale, overgrown mugwump. She shuts her eyes.

A pale, overgrown mugwump ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.
A pale, overgrown mugwump gives a pained sigh.
With a wry fondness, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "Only going to visit while you're sleepy, huh? When do I get to be the sleepy one?"

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.

You give a pale, overgrown mugwump a peck on the cheek.
Hoarsely, you whisper, "You slept for half a century."

A pale, overgrown mugwump's expression flashes with alarm, and he eyes Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie with worry.
Gently, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "Lilypad, you can't keep straining your voice like this."

You glance askance.
You mutter discontentedly.

Softer, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "... it's my fault, really. If you hadn't been with the trees for so long, you might speak in mugwumpi instead."

You blink.
You sigh quietly, frills drooping as your tail sags.
You give a pale, overgrown mugwump a peck on the cheek.
You shake your head.

With a sigh, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "It's true. You know it."

You shake your head.
You shake your head.
Hoarsely, you whisper, "We were children. You did your best."

A pale, overgrown mugwump grimaces, not responding.
You huff at a pale, overgrown mugwump, most certainly not pouting.

A pale, overgrown mugwump says, "... alright. Now you, rest."

A wry smile spreads across your face.
You give the world a smart salute.

A pale, overgrown mugwump rolls his eyes.
A pale, overgrown mugwump reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

You smile softly.
You grow still and begin to pray silently for preservation of your soul while you are out of the land.