Friend Alary and the Color Orange

<-- after a lovely albeit chaotic tour-taking...!

You follow Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye east to before the Principle Mysterium.

Before the Principle Mysterium.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. The long hall of the Temenos opens here, allowing the bulk of a massive statue to rise high into a vault lined with galleries and silken banners. Long strands of voidcopper wire, scarcely perceptible, hang from on high, bearing at their ends some thousands of tiny oil lamps that sway to and fro within the central column of the Principle Temenos. Thick wooden pillars girded with embossed metal define the Mysterium hall; their surfaces bear scenes of Beloved in battle, in revelry, and in robes before a Figure whose form seems far from distinct. Wrought from tarnished voidcopper and looming many stories high, the Principle Mysterium towers here. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Surrounded by an aura of brilliant hues and searing heat, Ankaa perches here on one leg. A lithe, ebon veiled dancer wreathed in black stars poises gracefully here.
You see exits leading east, south, and west.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Sorry, one more."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We are in the Temenos."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "It's the ... seat of the Most Beloved and of the Beloved."

Alary points accusingly at the Principle Mysterium.

L STATUE
Wrought from smooth, fire-bright voidcopper, this figure is an amalgam of many forms and races springing from within a frozen storm of veils. The curves of a woman's hip give way to the slender muscles of an adolescent male - the broad spiral of a horn gives way to a fall of frozen feathers. A dappling of stars flickers over skin here, little more than pinpricks of frozen, amber-hued resin. Six arms rise like serpents, bearing a sword, a scroll, a cluster of dried poppy pods, a coin, and a featureless globe. The eyes are orbs of solid obsidian in which frozen motes of diamond gleam, caught in the light of a thousand lamps.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "You'll ... eventually learn these stories and the importance of which, should the Wills of the past be revealed to all."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "But the Principle Mysterium is ... well, it is."

You have emoted: Gurashi hardly takes a breath, their gray eyes wide and filled with astonishment as they gaze upon the Principle Mysterium.

Alary stares at you in a vain attempt to grin, but something goes terribly wrong.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "You'll want to eventually want to look around here."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "By yourself. The Temple is ... beyond incredible if you look at things. Just be warned about getting stuck in various hidden rooms."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says to you, "Now, your question?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods finally, exhaling all at once a breath they didn't realize they had been holding in. They look at their notepad and flip back a page to where they had previously written a question: 'what does orange meant to the beloved?'

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "The ... Saffron and Citrus were before our time, we're afraid."

You have emoted: Gurashi's face slowly falls.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Hold on, we're not going to just leave it like that."

Alary beams broadly.

You blink.

You follow Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye north to amidst shelves of battered copper and ivory.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We don't know everything."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "BUT."

Alary points off into the wild blue yonder.

Amidst shelves of battered copper and ivory.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Antiquated-seeming shelves, narrow and tall, line either side of this massive, vaulted gallery. Balconies stretch into an impossible distance above the main floor, fading into a faint mirage beyond the improbably long shelves: lengths of camphor-scented gossamer flutter from spindling balconies of worked copper. Foreign voices rise and fall beyond the shelves, murmuring softly, then speaking, only to be hushed by an imperative voice somewhere deep within the stacks. A heavy canvas couch has been shoved into a corner of the room, a plethora of purple and red poppies brightening the room. Minutely carved decorations cover this solid marble bookshelf, creating an intricately textured surface. A painting of a realm of Indigo Dreams hangs here, bordered by veils. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Surrounded by an aura of brilliant hues and searing heat, Ankaa perches here on one leg. A lithe, ebon veiled dancer wreathed in black stars poises gracefully here. You may use the BOOKSHELF commands here.
You see a single exit leading south.

You have emoted: Gurashi squints.

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes widen slowly as they see the shelves before them.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances towards Alary, then back to the shelves, slowly wandering down the wall, reading off well-worn titles best they can in silence.

<-- nothing about orange or saffron

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Alary squints for a moment.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Hrm."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "The Books may have been removed in our absence."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You glance askance.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'am gonna have to give friend akuuko my color if wanna find out??' They turn the notepad around, concerned.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Your .. color?"

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "The path you choose?"

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, running a hand through their bright orange hair.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Or ... something else?"

Alary blinks.

You have emoted: Gurashi taps again on the word: 'color'.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "He ... wants your HAIR?"

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

You shake your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'no - tried'.

You huff and puff in outrage.

Alary blinks.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We're confused."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'wants my orange.'

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye asks, "... what?"

You have emoted: Gurashi rests the notepad shyly against their mouth, nodding.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'orange for information!'

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Ah!"

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We're afraid we don't know much about the Citrus ..."

Alary gives a pained sigh.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Sorry."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You glance askance.

You ponder the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down, slowly writing...

You have emoted: Gurashi holds up the notepad after a minute of furious scribbling: 'akuuko saw the ghost that has been bothering the orange thieves and he would tell me what he saw if i gave him my color because apparently is rare and they are orange thieves and they gave me two outs which is a lot for a thief so do not want to waste it but he said to ask you and shulamit what orange meant to the Beloved but you do not know so maybe will find out another way.' They shake out their hand.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to write...

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Orange ..."

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Orange to us means citrus, means the orange thieves and delusions and and ... we just don't know."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

You have emoted: Gurashi holds up the notepad again: 'have been doing lots of thinking because only know one ghost, and it was miss sebitti, and when she left she said something about oranges, and now is a ghost bothering orange thieves and so am wondering about what sebitti's path was maybe and if is related or if is a different ghost or related any.' THey squeeze the notepad hopefully.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Sebitti was Ivory."

You have emoted: Gurashi's face is taut, expression tired. They nod.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "And Voidcopper and ... all of them."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We're sorry."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

You shake your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'do not be! is O-K!'

Alary droops, looking at the floor. "We're not terribly helpful in this, we sincerely apologize."

You shake your head.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'do know anyone who would?'

You glance askance.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Actually, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'friend aschwar? maybe?'

Alary shakes their head.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Alary.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Possibly Zeebin."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confused.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "He remembers the paths we do not."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'not waking?' They frown.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Zeebin is our husband, he is .... well, he is a vagueness wrapped within a paradigm of a lot of crazy."

Alary shakes their head.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "He wakes frequently, just odd hours."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'can ask if knows anything about oranges?'

You shuffle your feet uneasily.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We can ask him for you."

Alary nods their head emphatically.

You nod your head emphatically.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Dom whispers, "We need a rematch of Psychodrama soon!"

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "He's nice, just a bit weird."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'is important thing'.

You shrug helplessly.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Not like ... Ixchilgal weird."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "But like ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'everybody weird'. They smile.

Alary creases their brow in a frown.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Sagey-weird."

You eyes light up as you smile.

You shrug helplessly.

Eerie, distant chanting eddies through the halls of the temple, a solemn girl's voice rising and falling in the odd glottals and stops of some long-dead tongue.

[SECRET SECRETS]

Beneath a crooked trap door.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Slivers of light slink through the cracks of a crooked trap door to flicker across the cramped area below like a dying spotlight. Little is revealed in this haze, motes of moth dust and glimmering specks of starstuff drifting lazily between the dim shafts in a languid, albeit distracting dance. Though dark and musty, the headache-inducing scent of fresh paint lingers on the stiflingly close walls, a few ivory handprints staining the knotted rope that dangles helplessly from above. Surmounted with three copper keys, a long rod is stuck firmly into the ground here. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. A lithe, ebon veiled dancer wreathed in black stars poises gracefully here.
You see a single exit leading south.

You gaze softens as you smile.

With a wistful look on their face, Alary touches a rod of three keys in copper.

Alary shrugs helplessly.

You have emoted: Gurashi follows alongside, but the disappointment and concern that continues to try and creep into their features is hard to miss.

Alary looks over at you, their face falling. "We're sorry we weren't able to answer your question well."

You shake your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'is not your fault.' They pause. 'why are in pairs?'

You glance askance.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'er, seems like talk about paths in pairs... maybe wrong.'

You stare blankly into space.

You blush furiously.

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Alary pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi awkwardly shrugs their shoulders, glancing aside.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "So ..."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Look into the Saffron, however."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Saffron is ... well, it's Forbidden."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Alary.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'saffron is bad, Shulamit said. yellow rather? but orange...' They sigh.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Clouded in delusion, echoes of what should not be, but what has come."

You have emoted: Gurashi taps the quill against their face.

Alary gives a pained sigh.

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Delusions are ... those that do-not-exist."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Names that cannot be spoken."

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes simply: 'Ash?' They tilt their head.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Though Aliod once before sacrificed himself so that the Delusions may exist once more, there is one who ... cannot ever be redeemed."

Alary shakes their head.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "No."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Ash is not a Delusion."

Distant chanting from elsewhere in the temple rises and falls in foreign syllables.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Alary.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confused.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We'd suggest asking WHY the thieves want your color, Gurashi."

You flail about helplessly.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "For ... not understanding what you give can ... get you into a lot of trouble. By asking for your color, we are unsure truly of their motives and their needs."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "To us, asking for your color could be anything from stealing that which makes your hair orange to ... pulling a piece of your very soul out."

You give a pained sigh.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down, standing beside Alary, swaying in their spot as they look over their notes, their previously scrawled 'ask if orange is just a color' partially written over for more notes about oranges and doodles of Aschwar.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Oh."

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "That."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "So, we WERE leading you down the right path."

You look about in confusion.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'orange is path?'

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Orange is not just a color. The orange thieves are veneration in Saffron."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Saffron, yes."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "The path that never was, and never should be."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'orange is...' They slowly frown.

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Orange is Saffron."

You have emoted: Gurashi's lip twitches.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "It ... the paths don't necessarily translate directly to what color they may be."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "At least, we THINK that is what they are asking you to find."

(clan): You say, "Hoooooooooooo damn boy."

You stare at Alary, eyes wide.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "All that we recall of the Citrus is that it is inherently tied to the Saffron."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down.... then very slowly writes: 'miss sebitti'.

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows their brow in confusion.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Sebitti was ... around during the affairs of the Deluded."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We ... were not. We are unsure why Sebitti may haunt the thieves."

Alary shrugs helplessly.

You think to yourself: ** suddenly a recollection, so bright and clear: I will go...where oranges are **.

Eerie, distant chanting eddies through the halls of the temple, a solemn girl's voice rising and falling in the odd glottals and stops of some long-dead tongue.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Sebitti was primarily Ivory, though she advised on all the existing paths. Saffron has been forbidden since ... before we existed."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks as though they might drop the notepad, the color leaving their face. They stare up at Alary, looking down, writing: 'said something about oranges before left - go where oranges are'. Their mouth forms into a surprise 'o', and they gasp aloud.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Then ... that may be simply where she is waiting."

You glance askance.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'went to the monastery but was not there! is why am trying so hard to help friend aschwar! what if is her!?'

You bounce up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi's face lights up, the color returning, their cheeks blushing as they write frantically: 'can help her now! for real!'

Alary creases their brow in a frown.

Alary beams broadly at you.

You think to yourself: ** redemption **.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'just have to find her! so gotta find out what friend akuuko knows in case is the same! the saint would not help because she does not want to believe it but lots of thieves saw it!' They shake out their hand, glancing up.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Indeed, but we're unsure how to help you with the answers you seek. We've given you what we could, but ultimately we are at a loss."
Alary blinks.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Wait."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "The Saint ... does not want to believe in the ghost?"

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "She ... SAID that?"

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly nods, writing: 'said didn't beliveve it cause made thieves look up the truth and made movement and stuff?'

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'made chaos, she didn't like it.' They look down at the page.

Alary stares blankly into space.

You look about in confusion.

Alary exhales loudly, pinching the bridge of their nose between two large claws.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "You need to ask the thieves WHY they want your color? Why is it a valuable trade for such information? And why they would risk going against the Saint to gain."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "You're working with ... not enough information to look effectively."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "The thieves do not ask for something lightly, and under threat of an angry Saint they are willing to risk as such."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "The Saffron is of ... deceit."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Saffron is greed, it is of thieving and lying."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Alary, though you can see them clearly puzzling over something in their head, frowning.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "They do not part easily with their ill-gotten gains, and they risk much angering their Saint."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes with shaky hands: 'am trying to remember'.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "It's okay."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'akuuko has already angered Them - they use cane now.'

Alary reaches over, laying a large paw upon your shoulder. "Maybe go, recollect your thoughts and return with fresh questions. Perhaps we have given you enough to look and find, and come to us again with fresh and more information and questions, aye? In the meantime, we will do our own searching to see."

You glance askance.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, frowning several times, scrunching their nose up as they try to remember still.

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

Alary blinks.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Hm?"

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'just remember they said... my color is hard to come by - lots of peoples dye hair different colors but think wanted mine cause is orange.' They pause. 'just is, do not make it that way?'

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'they DO like orange.' They smile weakly.

Alary blinks.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "That ... we're still not sure."

Alary rubs their temples in frustration.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'he took my palette too!' They lift up a master's paint palette, grinning.

You glance askance.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We're just ... at a loss."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly writes: 'thank you', staring up at Alary with wide eyes, writing again. 'no you have been helpful.'

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "How to help further."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Sorry."

You shake your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens their arms, frowning.

Alary hugs you compassionately.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "It's okay."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We're very sorry."

You have emoted: Gurashi bounces up to hug Alary best they can, squeezing.

You shake your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs, squeezing tighter.

Alary smiles softly at you.

Alary reaches up to pat you on the head with one massive paw.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Hope you liked our new form."

Alary attempts to grin, but something goes terribly wrong.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye, "** you feel washes of gratitude, like great waves, mostly gray, tinged with color **."

You gaze softens as you smile.

You nod your head emphatically.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Haven't shown Aschwar yet!"

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'sooo much!'

You bounce up and down.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "They're still ... upset with us, we think."

Alary exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'cannot wait to be able to change again!' They sway side to side excitedly, then stop, frowning.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'upset...?'

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Our dearest husband let lose the information that in our collection of forms, we have an illithoid one."

You stare blankly at Alary.

You shake your head.

You shake your head.

You shake your head.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We were waiting to speak to Aschwar about it but frankly, we were afraid they would hate us."

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks, then glances down.... then, they write: 'is not your fault. bet will still love you.'

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "And our own fears got us into that mess where Aschwar found out and we had been too afraid to address it."

Shadows swirl around your arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree digs itself more painfully into your finger.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We've stopped taking that form."

Alary gives a pained sigh.

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty, spreading darkness across the land.

You nod your head emphatically.

Scents of wine and resin mix, and the sounds of exertion and passion briefly reach you.

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

Alary shrugs helplessly.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'that sounds,' Their face flushes and they bunch their shoulders as they continue writing, 'sad. am sorry.'

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "It's ... okay."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We spoke with Aschwar and ... sort of resolved it, but we think they're still upset. With good reason."

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles sadly. 'big feelings', They underline.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "It's ... we had the form for reasons we tried to explain, but they did not want to hear about our father."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Lerad was an incredible person and a very good person and an illithoid."

Alary smiles softly.

You nod your head emphatically.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We saw him smile once, and that was the day we showed him our illithoid form. It is a memory we treasure. He did not show emotion easily, or freely."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'is painful for them, very much.'

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "But he ... SMILED."

A look of understanding crossing their features, Alary nods their head slowly.

You gaze softens as you smile at Alary.

You nod your head emphatically.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We understand."

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: -- tightening --.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Which is why we stopped taking that form since finding out about their history with such."

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes their hands on their notepad, then write: 'you are kind to do that.'

You think to yourself: -- a squeeze --.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "We only took it once since, and it was absolutely needed."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "But after that we stopped because we felt horribly guilty even when it was needed."

Alary shrugs helplessly.

Scents of wine and resin mix, and the sounds of exertion and passion briefly reach you.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi's expression drops, face flushing. He lowers the notepad a little before writing: 'sorry - need to go home sorry - you have been so wonderful how can repay kindnesses.' They hold up the page.

You blush furiously.

Alary shakes their head.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "No need to repay."

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Sorry for keeping you so long."

Alary hugs you compassionately.

You hug Alary compassionately.

You shake your head.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "This is what we do."

You have emoted: Gurashi clumsily writes: 'had so much fun!'

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Alary.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "It is what we've always done, what we will always do."

Alary beams broadly at you.

You beam broadly at Alary.

In an echoing baritone, Arch-Preceptor Alary al-Saaoud, Mysrai's Ebon Eye says, "Go, and thank you friend."

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.

You nod your head emphatically.

Alary hugs you compassionately.

You hug Alary compassionately.

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes tight before prying away, staggering on their feet. They salute, beaming ear-to-ear.

You spread your arms wide, and the air between your hands begins to warp and twist as you bore a hole through the fabric of the planes, seeking to ascend to the Divine Havens.

Alary beams broadly at you.

Alary utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

You fold space and a swirling gateway of brilliant light pierces the air before you, boring a hole through the very fabric of the planes to the Vault of Heaven. You ascend confidently through the rotating gate, which shimmers and snaps shut behind you.