Fond thoughts of your homeland, Glomdoring, fill your head as you leave it.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Kreon whispers, "My dear, do you have time for a little chat."

You blink.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say to Tikki, "Ah, I have to..."
You hug Tikki as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.

Tikki hugs you compassionately.
Tikki says, "Be well sis."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose, "**warm green and brown, fading** I, yes of course. Where would you like to meet, Miss Kreon?"
You smile gently, frills puffing with joy.
You think to yourself: **the ache, swelling in your chest**.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Kreon whispers, "Please meet me at the Master Ravenwood."

You nod your head emphatically.
You begin murmuring the names of the sefira in the Tree of Life. Eyes half-closed, you find the true name of the Master Ravenwood Tree and whisper it softly.
Domothean energies surge around your figure as you step forwards into the Tree itself and through Kether into another location.

Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
The dark heart of Glomdoring Forest is almost audibly beating in this, its shadowy centre. Tall, blackened trees surround this clearing, pressing together into an imposing barrier of rotten vegetation. Moulds and fungi are smeared across the plants, their pungent stench suffusing the forest. The branches are coated in dark slime, slick tendrils that hang downwards. Although a variety of trees might actually grow here, the black tar that coats them renders them indistinguishable. A thin black mist creeps between the trees, hanging low across the ground. The floor of the clearing itself is simply bare earth, cracked and dry. Overshadowing all is the Master Ravenwood Tree itself, jutting into the sky like a twisted fist. The sound of laughing crows echoes down from the treetops, a harsh sound for the ears below. The atmosphere vibrates with a palpable power. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. The Master Ravenwood Tree towers over everything here, pulsing with an immeasurable yet dark power. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. There are 3 armoured bats here. A crudely crafted shrine of harsh black crystal stands here, thrumming powerfully. Splintered from the Master Ravenwood, a massive branch lies here, spiders crawling along its rotting wood. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. There are 10 shadowlord widowriders here. There are 10 illithoid scourges here. There are 11 dark nighthags here. A black direwolf is here, blending in with the shadows. A platinum stocking has been hung here. Caught in preternatural stillness, glittering spiderweb streamers lace the area with wyrden beauty. Hanging down from a branch, a dark crystal shaped like a seven-pointed star beckons spirits to gather here. Emitting more shadow than light, a tenebrous lantern burns here with wyrden fervour. A mature rowan tree stands proudly here. There are 2 enormous loaves of the corniest corn bread here. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a bat around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a spider around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a beetle around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a wasp around its skull. Drenched in blood, a midnight-eyed savage lingers here appraising her surroundings.
You see a single exit leading north.

A shadowlord widowrider nods his head at you.

With a flourish of your arm, you bow deeply.
You stare blankly into space.
You blush furiously.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Sorry, sorry."

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "God I hate the base bow emote."

You hear a rustling and turn to see Kreon emerging from the undergrowth.
A fox-like creature strolls in from the ether, her attention solely on her mistress.

You bow respectfully to Kreon.

Kreon curtseys gracefully.

You begin to follow Kreon.

---> look kreon

She is an ordinary human rose-laden vernal ascendant changeling. She stands at five foot and four inches tall, with a lightly dark skinned complexion. She has smooth white hair drawn back elegantly into a single braid, a single long white curl drifting down before her face. Beneath elegantly shaped eyebrows a pair of spectacles adorns her face, eyes gazing out with serene crimson hue. With delicate cheekbones and softly curving lips painted crimson, her exquisite face is complete. Her figure is sleek but lush, accentuated by the fullness of her bust and feminine curves of her hips. The lines of her limbs are both soft and graceful, with slender hands, each nail painted a midnight black hue. Folded tightly near her back are angelic wings of ivory, soft feathers occasionally glistening in the available light. Tattooed on her wrists is an illustration of a black rose braceleted by a red-thorned stem.
Her luxuriously full, smooth white hair has been pulled back and tied into a single, elegant braid. Despite being almost austere in its functionality, her hair is nevertheless beautiful, tied near the end with a single black ribbon.
She is wearing:
a refined monochrome satchel hangs by her left side
a frosted silver pocket watch
a pair of ivory angel wings adorns her back
a golden angel wedding band on her right hand
a silk gown embroidered with spider webs
the Medallion of Chaos partially obscured under her cloak
a radiant seascape bracelet clasp snuggly on her left wrist
a snow dusted black rose pin attached firmly to her gown
a featherweight charm
a black and white witch's hat sits upon her head
the Fantastic Mask of Phantasmagoric Imagination
Wyrden Prayer Beads of the Lady of the Thorns intertwined around her right forearm
a woolen scarf embroidered with blood roses
an iron rose brooch firmly pinned to the strap of her satchel
a clockwork brooch firmly pinned to the strap of her satchel
a pair of thin spectacles sits upon the bridge of her nose
a mark of Viravain secured tightly to her satchel
a sophisticated pair of black high-heel shoes
a brooch of the sea
a clover-etched onyx brooch
a large crow feather earring through her left ear
a large crow feather earring through her right ear
a watchful widow shoulder pin
a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst scythe
the Incoherent Crown of Chaos
the Untarnished Wreath of Nature
a silver torc.

You follow Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose in to the Portals of Glomdoring.
You follow Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose to Before the Blood Rose Estate.

Before the Blood Rose Estate.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Standing before big steel gates, there is a sign next to the stone pillar," Welcome to the Blood Rose Estate, home of Kreon Zayah." From the gates you can see a path lined with red and black roses leading straight to the front door of the estate. Above the door you can see a balcony, which you can make out what seems to be a tea table and parasol covering it up. From behind, you can make out the noise of the nearby village, happy villagers singing while they work, children playing, and dogs barking. Mouth ajar, a hungered zombie marionette lumbers about the room emitting low grunts and growls. A statue of Yukina, the white furred kitsune stands here, memorialising her noble spirit. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. Yukina, the white furred kitsune lays here casually surveying her surroundings. Frosted crystals gently fall from the form of an egregiously beautiful Ice Angel, cooling the area here noticeably. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see exits leading north, south, northwest, and in.

Kreon puts her hands on her hips and goes "Hmmm!"

You have emoted: Cheliyi stares up at the gate, expression pensive.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "I like a little privacy sometimes."

You nod your head at Kreon.

You follow Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose southwest to Eerie Grove within the Shadow Forest.

Eerie Grove within the Shadow Forest.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A large golden cocoon hangs from high above here. Yukina, the white furred kitsune lays here casually surveying her surroundings. Frosted crystals gently fall from the form of an egregiously beautiful Ice Angel, cooling the area here noticeably.
You see a single exit leading northeast.

You smile softly.
Softly, you say, "It is a nicely manse."

A sudden eerie silence takes the entire estate and the faint smell of roses permeates the air around. Harmonious bells are heard faintly throughout the estate with a soft voice accompanying them stating "Tis Now Midnight, Those Still Up Should Go To Bed Now".
Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 8th of Klangiary, 583 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You blink.
You chuckle softly, your frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

Kreon stares at the letter she pulled from her box. She reads the contents, her red gaze scanning the words written amongst the sheet.

You have emoted: Cheliyi waits in silence, eyes trailing the treeline with weary resignation.

Stretching her ivory wings behind her Kreon looks over from the letter to stare at you. "So you wish to leave us, why is that?" she says, her red gaze staring intently at you.

Softly, you say, "I am not strong enough to be Wyrden. To grow here. I feel like I am rotting, every day. So... I am pulling myself from the garden."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose asks, "What do you mean you are both strong enough, what makes you think that?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi worries at the hem of a leaf-green woollen blanket, gaze distant. "What makes me think it? Mm. Every time I try to be Wyrden, try to grow strong, I lose control of myself. I do not want to be mindless and lose myself to bloodthirst and anger." Quieter, she adds, "I also want to be kind. And to give mercy. There is not much room for that, in my sibling's forest."

(Shadowlight): Xenthos (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Feyr in Ethereal Glomdoring."

Staring intently at the ground, you say, "I also cannot-."

(Shadowlight): Xenthos (from the Ethereal Plane) says, "Gone."
You have emoted: Cheliyi's eyes widen, narrow, and then relax.

Haltingly, you say, "Do not feel like I can really trust any of you, anymore. Or any peoples, really."
Suddenly bitter, you say, "It is something I have learned repeatedly, lately."

(Glomdoring): Kreon says, "I do not like them poking around, be wary of those from the northern forest my dears."

You think to yourself: **the sour taste in your mouth, a quiet surge of anger**.

(Glomdoring): Kreon says, "Something does not bode well."

Upon hearing those words, Kreon's gaze turns fierce, staring intently at you. "Oh," she says, crumpling the letter in hand and making her way to you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, her eyes widening. And yet, she does not move, standing her ground with pursed lips.

You think to yourself: **a sudden tensing in your shoulders, your chest growing hot, stand proud, you do not -lie**.

Kreon stops before you, she places a finger below your chin, lifting upwards to meet her fierce gaze.

You have emoted: Cheliyi meets Kreon's gaze evenly, despite the height difference.

You think to yourself: Make it count.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Tell me my dear, why can you not trust us."

Softly, you say, "People that I have trusted, have loved, have hurt the peoples I care about. Repeatedly. It makes me wonder, who else is simply using me to hurt the ones I care about because I am too blind to see? To understand my role as a plaything, a knife? Everyone lies. Everyone wears a porcelain mask. None are willing to remove it."

You think to yourself: **a deep, bitter core**.

Quieter, you say, "I think, sometimes, that I should have just stayed in the trees. At least they are truthful."

With a smirk on her face, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "So that is your weakness, your naivete. You are the fly caught in a spider's web."

Kreon backs away from you.

Coldly, you say, "Perhaps. But I have been the fly long enough. A fly cannot be caught in a web if she no longer flies."

Kreon smirks.

You have emoted: Cheliyi stares back, unyielding.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "And that is why I am here, Mother has caught wind of this."
In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "And who better to deal with this than a former fly herself."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, and grimaces. The steely look fades, replaced by a hint of pain. "I see."

You think to yourself: **the core rising up into your throat, leaving the ache behind**.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Let me tell you this, if you thought yourself weak, why are you still alive within the forest?"

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "If you were weak, why has Mother not culled the weeds in Her Garden?"

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Why has She praised you after your recent endeavor of showing the Basin our way of life?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks slowly, her expression growing more pained as if she were physically torn.

As the sun reaches it's apex, bells begin to chime marking noon. Villagers can be heard getting ready for lunch, dogs barking, and children are playing. The wind has picked up blowing small rose petals around the estate and filling the air with a wonderful aroma.

Quietly, you say, "I may be strong enough to survive. But not to thrive. I am a wilting sapling. I would not want to guess at what She thinks, but I am removing myself, so there is nothing to cull. As for why She gives praise, I would not know, or understand."

Kreon leans in forward to whisper in your ear, "or maybe Mother has sought fit to finally cull a weed pretending to be a flower amongst Her Garden."

You have emoted: Cheliyi does not flinch or shy away, simply setting her jaw. "Perhaps."

You think to yourself: **the ache throbs, like an old burn**.

Kreon once again steps back, a serene gaze returning to her face.
In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "If you wish to leave, then so be it. No matter where you go you will be weak for leaving Her Garden and breaking Her Heart."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "And if you say otherwise, then prove to me this is naught but false ideology."

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches, gaze narrowed. A silence hangs in the air as she stares, eventually closing her eyes and letting her shoulders relax. "I do not hate Glomdoring. It was a good place to me for so long, and I will forever be grateful. But I would rather grow strong than rot away beneath my siblings roots as a shadow of myself. It is selfish. It is perhaps weak." Tilting her head, the mugwump's gaze opens once more, content. "But there is strength in other ways, I have found. It is not Wyrden strength, but it is strength. And it does not need to be proven, no. It simply is. You can claim it is a lie. But our perceptions do not change the fabric of the Weave."

You think to yourself: **a sudden surety. you do not lie.**.

You follow Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose northeast to Path through the Shadow Forest.
You follow Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose southeast to Before the Blood Rose Estate.
You follow Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose to the Portals of Glomdoring.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Then there is nothing more to discuss, be free with your so called strength, deny Mother and Her blessed."

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles faintly. "Mm. Be well, Miss Kreon."
You bow respectfully to Kreon.

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "But know the Blood Rose takes their toll, watch the shadows my dear as they are not your ally anymore."
Kreon curtseys gracefully before you.
Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose has lost you.

Quieter, you say, "I know. But if I may make a single request..."
Softly, you say, "Please look after my siblings, yes."
Exhaling, you say, "I will not waste more of your time. May Glomdoring be ever glorious."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "They are Mothers children, Her will is protection of our home so this is naught but my daily duties."
The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.
You nod your head at Kreon.

Her fingers ghosting over her earring, you say, "I suppose I should..."
Softer, you say, "Go, now."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "You are dismissed, be gone child."

You nod your head at Kreon.

As Cheliyi begins to leave the area, Yukina, the white furred kitsune lowers her head, seemingly losing interest.

---> zooming away

Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
The dark heart of Glomdoring Forest is almost audibly beating in this, its shadowy centre. Tall, blackened trees surround this clearing, pressing together into an imposing barrier of rotten vegetation. Moulds and fungi are smeared across the plants, their pungent stench suffusing the forest. The branches are coated in dark slime, slick tendrils that hang downwards. Although a variety of trees might actually grow here, the black tar that coats them renders them indistinguishable. A thin black mist creeps between the trees, hanging low across the ground. The floor of the clearing itself is simply bare earth, cracked and dry. Overshadowing all is the Master Ravenwood Tree itself, jutting into the sky like a twisted fist. The sound of laughing crows echoes down from the treetops, a harsh sound for the ears below. The atmosphere vibrates with a palpable power. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. The Master Ravenwood Tree towers over everything here, pulsing with an immeasurable yet dark power. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. There are 3 armoured bats here. A crudely crafted shrine of harsh black crystal stands here, thrumming powerfully. Splintered from the Master Ravenwood, a massive branch lies here, spiders crawling along its rotting wood. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. There are 10 shadowlord widowriders here. There are 10 illithoid scourges here. There are 11 dark nighthags here. A black direwolf is here, blending in with the shadows. A platinum stocking has been hung here. Caught in preternatural stillness, glittering spiderweb streamers lace the area with wyrden beauty. Hanging down from a branch, a dark crystal shaped like a seven-pointed star beckons spirits to gather here. Emitting more shadow than light, a tenebrous lantern burns here with wyrden fervour. A mature rowan tree stands proudly here. There are 2 enormous loaves of the corniest corn bread here. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a bat around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a spider around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a beetle around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a wasp around its skull.
You see a single exit leading north.

You have emoted: Cheliyi stares up at the Master Ravenwood, expression crumpling.
You hug the Master Ravenwood Tree as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.

Voice cracking, you say, "Be well, Father Ravenwood. Have a nice rest. And I hope you don't snore so much."

You think to yourself: **your siblings, ebbing and flowing in disbelief, you're really going to-**.
You think to yourself: I will make it count.

Tears fill your eyes and begin to slowly run down your face.
You have emoted: Cheliyi scrubs at her face.

Please confirm you really want to QUIT by adding CONFIRM at the end.

Fond thoughts of your homeland, Glomdoring, fill your head as you leave it, ready to embark on new adventures elsewhere.

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

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 think to yourself: **the whispers and murmurs of Glomdoring fade with disgust, but also a sense of resignation, you are no long wyrden. You are no longer a sibling.**.

You portal to Overgrowth.

A Gentle Grove.                                        (#OVERGROWTH_1)
You feel hidden powers in this room. The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A quiet glen of gnarled weeping willows encase all sides, leaves swishing softly in an unseen breeze. Hung from many branches are small cicada and blossom origami, as if the willow trees themselves bear fruit. Twilight cloaks the area, blanketing all in a ghostly glow. Soft grasses and leaves crunch underfoot, the soothing smell of decaying flora and wet earth flooding the air with each step. Large, fluffy bats flutter overhead, oddly docile despite their inherent natures. Freshly planted, a small rowan sapling grows in a clear place of honor, lovingly tended to. There are plenty of spaces for rest, a soft patch of grass here, a plush expanse of moss there. Piled next to a rather large patch of moss sits a stack of letters, each paper clearly well loved. A small vase sits atop a mossy stump, practically bursting with flower cuttings, bringing a spot of bright color to an otherwise unremarkable sea of greens and browns. A large, fluffy crow's nest hangs from one of the many willows, full of shiny baubles and small bones of some poor rodent. The sound of a babbling brook seems to echo in the distance. Little else can be heard, save for the soft woosh of the entry portal. A thick bed of moss clings to the ground here. There are 3 moss-covered stump chairs here. A painting of Unwanted Silence is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall, with an inscription on a plaque on its frame. Perpetually ticking away the hours, the Enduring Clock of Present's Resolution stands proudly nearby. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
There are no obvious exits.

As horrible thoughts fill your mind, you begin to sob uncontrollably.

You think to yourself: **it's quiet**.
You think to yourself: **the deep ache, growing numb and relieved and pained all at once as it all grows silent, you are done. You are gone.**.

You think to yourself: **and yet, the wavering presence lingers. "Hey lilypad... what did the wasp say to the rose?"**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks through tears in disbelief, letting out a choked laugh. "... Brother Rowan? Why are you... I... what did the wasp say?"

You think to yourself: **"Hello, honey!"**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi giggles wetly, her shoulders shaking with a mix of sobs and laughter.
Voice thick with tears, you say, "Brother, -no-, that's terrible!"

You lean on The Enduring Clock of Present's Resolution seeking consolation.
You have emoted: Cheliyi closes her eyes, smiling even as the tears stream down her face. "You're ridiculous."

You think to yourself: **quiet amusement, a burst of affection that isn't your own, "there's that smile, lilypad. You need to sleep."**.

Drying her tears, you say, "I'm not little anymore, no."
You chuckle softly, your frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

You think to yourself: **"But do I lie?"**.

You smile softly.

Worn, yet warm, you say, "No, you don't."

You sit yourself down on a bed of moss and make yourself comfortable.

Your mind is whirling with thoughts - you cannot settle down to sleep.
Through force of will, you allow your insomnia to dissipate and feel a blissful wave of tiredness wash over you.

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.
You lie down on a bed of moss and comfortably stretch out.
You are afflicted with asleep.

You open your eyes and find yourself lying within a field of golden grain, a pleasant summer breeze tugging through long locks of blonde hair on your head. Full of vigour and energy, you pull yourself to your feet and look about yourself with inexpressible awe at the sheer expanse of openness surrounding you. Your heart lifts in elation and you rush forward, arms stretched open, to embrace the tranquil beauty of the endless fields around.

A child is screaming, and you've a horrible headache. You make a sudden twist with your arms, your hands close upon something warm and soft. You feel rage subsiding but you look down and find your hands covered with blood. The child, a human girl with hair that would have been a strawberry blond if not for all the matted blood, is finally quiet.

You begin your struggle to escape from the dreamworld.
You continue your struggle to escape from the dreamworld.
You have cured asleep.

You have emoted: Cheliyi jerks awake, gasping.
You stare blankly into space.
You shudder violently as a chill ripples down your spine.

You think to yourself: **quiet, soothing humming from a lone voice, so familiar**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi slowly relaxes, still trembling.

A warm breeze drifts through, caressing the surrounding canopy and scattering various foliage underfoot. Origami swing in the wind in an almost mesmerizing pattern, until all grows still once more.
The last vestiges of midnight shadows flee as Mother Night hides herself from the luminous arrival of her shining mate as he chases her across the bowl of the sky.

You think to yourself: **the echo of hunger, almost a reflex, and yet... it fades. still, your lone siblings soothes.**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles faintly, relieved.
You are afflicted with asleep.
You open your eyes and find yourself lying within a field of golden grain, a pleasant summer breeze tugging through long locks of blonde hair on your head. Full of vigour and energy, you pull yourself to your feet and look about yourself with inexpressible awe at the sheer expanse of openness surrounding you. Your heart lifts in elation and you rush forward, arms stretched open, to embrace the tranquil beauty of the endless fields around.
You grow still and begin to pray silently for preservation of your soul while you are out of the land.