"Never trade nothin' youse ain't prepared to."

<-- Gurashi visiting Mysrai's realm for the first time since The Belovedening

Ascending a fluttering spiral of veils.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Claustrophobic and smelling heavily of burnt resins, this spiraling ascent is tiled in ivory and copper. From above, the sound of laughter, the sound of whispers, the sound of cries of joy and passion echo out, murmuring down through the stone. To either side, lengths of gossamer indigo and copper play, rustling against each other in a play of murmurs: the air is hot and thick with presence, the walls shining with inlay of coppery energies. Oilslick patterns ripple across the silken folds of this veil as it flutters between two paradigms.
You see exits leading up and through a fluttering veil.

You beam broadly.

You think to yourself: ** ahhhh **.

You bounce up and down.

You think to yourself: ** ahhhhhhhhh **.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about, a grin on their face.

You think to yourself: ** washes of curiosity... an, there they are, yes, right foods - the foods was going to bring to Friend Aschwar yes! **.

-- walkie walkie

Among the spice-houses.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Neat little rows of narrow waterfront housing line the east side of the street here, some with balconies that lean over the road and others connected to one another by bridges that arc over their neighbours; they are all made from bricks of exotic spices. A saffron house with painted eaves nestles against a more stately home built from different colours of pepper, while a little shack of cinnamon bark huddles beneath a majestic cardamom-block tower. The houses all have a slightly nautical theme to their decorations and several have brightly-painted oars propped up next to the doors, presumably paired with smaller craft found somewhere along the nearby dock. Only one of the houses shows any sign of disrepair, that being one built from pressed sugar which appears to be entirely overrun by ceramic ants the size of greyhounds.
You see exits leading north, southeast, and west.

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

You think to yourself: ** a sense of delight and pride - knew right where to go yes **.

You have emoted: Gurashi moves carefully through the streets, mindful of any passing citizens of the city that pass by and taking their time to soak up the details of each shop.

You tilt your head curiously.

You think to yourself: ... ** spices ** ....

You think to yourself: ** curiously sifting through memory - have enough? should probably not buy things from Godrealms? maybe **.

You let out a loud, happy gasp as you turn to focus on a sneaking orange thief.
A sneaking orange thief says, "Hello, stranger. Do you serve the Saint? Do you serve the Thousandfold?"

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi holds up two fingers, grinning.

<-- walkies walkies

A lush sandstone courtyard before a grand villa.
Aesthetically geometric sandstone tiles lead the way towards the grand, multi-tiered villa rising ahead. Lush, long-bladed sedge grasses envelop the sand-strewn path, tall clusters of woody bamboo parting nearer the abode where the avenue opens into a large courtyard. Nestled within the grasses are a number of abstract statues depicting noble hawks and cobras, clear water pouring from their beaks and fanged mouths into basins cradled below. Surrounded by an intricate arrangement of small pools and complex fountains, pale stone benches and narrow monoliths of dark marble circle the courtyard, offering opportunities for tranquil rest and reflection. Beyond the yard rise the golden-wood columns of the villa, each supporting wide mahogany eaves from which hang chimes of miniature golden bells interspersed with bright crimson metal poppies that lend their delicate tintinnabulation to the music elicited by even the smallest stirrings of air. The immense statue of a proud jackal rests upon its haunches at the top of the wide sandstone stairs rising before the towering archway that marks the threshold of the villa, the dark animal's triangular ears and snout held high as its scarlet eyes watch over all who pass. Leaning against his crutch, Akuuko stares towards the villa here with a distant gaze. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence.
You see exits leading east and in.

You blink.

LOOK THIEF
The tattered remains of a monk's saffron robes are wrapped as tight as can be around what is left of this poor man's body, just above the black garments of a sneak thief. Where once the loose-fitting garments would serve to protect him from sight and allow quick movements, much of the fabric has been pulled tight and wrapped to hide the atrocity that has befallen him. A great amount of his right side is missing entirely, as though sheared away by the great hand of some cruel instrument, giving him a decidedly lopsided appearance as his silhouette runs from neck to hip in a single, smooth line. Tight, clean bandaging covers where the black of his clothing has been burned away there - packed tight with globs of liquid that occasionally seep through and smell strongly of bitter, pungent herbs that smell cold and hot at the same time. A small icon of an indistinct, robed figure swings loose around his neck, clanking against his chest with each laboured movement. Brilliantly orange eyes are drawn and tired, sunk deep into the dark green scales that cover his body, scabs and gashes across his skin indicative of no small amount of progress in recovery from whatever tragedy he suffered through. He clutches tight with his remaining hand and arm to a long crutch of rich wood, inscribed with prayers and blessings to the Lord, Lady, and Neither, Mysrai.
Akuuko, the once-thief is quite powerful.

You have emoted: Gurashi slows their approach, canting their head.

Tilting his head to the side, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "You know, you can hear you coming from a mile away."

You blush furiously.

You flail about helplessly.

You flail about helplessly.

With a faint smile, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Perfect target for a thief, wouldn't you think? Better make sure youse still got anything on you that might be orange."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a loud excited gasp, then darts forward, bouncing in place. They are mindful not to embrace Akuuko, the once-thief but they look halfway their, grinning from ear to ear at the darcnari. They look over their shoulder at the comment, then begin to quickly pat down their pockets, gasping.

You have emoted: Gurashi's hands fly to their head, concerned.

Akuuko, the once-thief holds up a master's paint palette, quietly tossing it up and down in his hand as he considers it thoughtfully. "So, youse come to visit the kid?"

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at their pack, then at Akuuko, the once-thief, absolutely confused. At the mention of Aschwar their face lights up, and they nod several times quite eagerly, holding out a little origami. They balance it in their palm, grinning.

You have emoted: Gurashi draws their hand back in, pausing to look through what they have on hand.

You snap your fingers.

You think to yourself: ** disappointment - the orange cakes are all gone! **.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs a few times in disappointment, looking at Akuuko, the once-thief with an apologetic expression. They hold out a decadent Delportian silk pie regardless, canting their head.

As he tosses the palette back towards you, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "You're smart. Very little orange on you that's there to draw the eye. Orange Row is an...interesting place to live, for the kid at least. I doubt they even notice half their stuff goes missing."

Akuuko, the once-thief gives a master's paint palette to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly, then looks up towards the villa in surprise. They look back at Akuuko, the once-thief, smiling, writing: 'would have brought more if knew would be here! have missed!!' They offer out the notepad sheepishly.

You think to yourself: ** prickles of pink - smart? -heck- **.

Akuuko, the once-thief laughs a harsh little laugh that devolves into a cough partway through. "If only more people would miss me, eh?" He reaches up and rubs at his throat, the lightning-patterned burns there painfully hideous to look at. "Well, they aren't here. Off helping the Saint by investigating some ghost or something."

You have emoted: Gurashi shifts a little where they stand, watching Akuuko's hand closely, frowning. 'Of course missed! do not know how to find nowadays,' They huff as they scribble this, distracting themselves. As they finish writing, they make eye contact again and blink, adding: 'the Saint?' They hold the notepad just below their chin.

You think to yourself: ..... ** a ghost ** ....

You think to yourself: ... ** oranges ** ....

Nodding his head once, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "The Saint of Broken Citrus. The leader of our monastery."

Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Or...their monastery."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Akuuko, the once-thief, furrowing their brow.

You think to yourself: ... ** growing concern ** ...

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'still have not seen Aschwar?' They write slowly, lifting the notepad with a bit of hesitance.

Shaking his head, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "I've seen them, but not the other way around."
A faceless, indistinct citizen exists.

You think to yourself: ... ** a faint recollection, the Thief's own voice: "I'm gonna...let them be happy." the memory gets softer. "And be happy that they can." **.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down at their notepad, frowning, adding: 'have safe place to stay?' They flip the notepad around, pressing it against their mouth.

Gesturing wide towards the Shifting City at large, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "The world's my oyster, kid. So long as She don't kick me out, I'm still free to sleep, go, and do whatever I want. Saint keeps me fed, and lets me sleep inside when it's bad out, and I do a couple chores for her in return."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Have you figured out what you'll wear for the Gala?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "** negation **."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "** curious? **."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Maybe you can... oh, what's the word. ... COORDINATE. Yes. Coordinate your outfit to match Zanthasiel, perhaps?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "...... ** even -more- curious - also a touch of confusion, as Zanthasiel is many colors **."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Obviously, you'd need to dress in rainbows and crystals as well."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at their notepad, looking uncertain. They look back up at Akuuko, the once-thief, puffing their cheeks...

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'ghost?' They blink once.

Akuuko, the once-thief nods again, turning and tapping his way along towards the mouth of the alley as he points down the street towards the monastery visible here. "Some of the thieves, they've seen this...ghost, see? And it's spookin' 'em. They don't like it, and youse Beloved haven't seemed to really notice it," He turns his head and dips it in acknowledgement briefly, "Congratulations, by the by, I'd get youse somethin' but I don't know what you'd like." He turns his head back and finishes, "So the Saint asked the kid to look into the ghost and figure out what's what."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly falls into step behind Akuuko, the once-thief, clutching the notepad to their chest and tilting their head to follow his pointed hand. They blink, suddenly turning bright red at the mention of the Beloved, ducking their chin to their chest and smiling sheepishly.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly writes: 'do not get me anything - like everything'. They smile and wave the page around.

You blink.

You stare blankly into space.

Esei tells you, "** You feel a gentle wing-brush against the back of your hand. **."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'did YOU see the ghost?' They frown.

With a wry smile, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Wouldn't you like to know, buggie boy?"

Limping heavily, Akuuko slowly hobbles away to the east.

You blink.

A curiously unremarkable dead end.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Civil order has found a place among rebellious walks of the Shifting City in this unassuming cul-de-sac, surrounded by the high, white walls of towering manors and deceptively sizeable gardens that remain belligerently marvellous along the periphery of this mundane street. Granite poles pierce the beige masonry to hoist smoking censers into the air, casting dull light and sharp scents across the way. Crystal beads have been threaded onto cords of rope and hung between censer-lamps, zigzagging through the air to cast prismatic rays into the world at just the right angles. A path, hidden among the masonry, is strewn with light footprints leading away to the west. A sneaking orange thief prowls here, eyes gleaming amber with secrets. A faceless, indistinct citizen wanders the City, looking oddly familiar. Leaning against his crutch, Akuuko stares towards the villa here with a distant gaze.

You narrow your eyes, peering about suspiciously.

You nod your head at Akuuko, the once-thief.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "** distracted acknowledgement - the scent of oranges and cayenne and desert sands **."

You bounce up and down.

You think to yourself: ** curious - wait how did know **.

You give a horrified gasp.

You have emoted: Gurashi nearly drops their notebook as they gasp, fumbling with it before returning to rush after Akuuko, the once-thief.

Esei tells you, "...hm."

With a light laugh, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "What, did you think I didn't know that youse weren't actually a human?"

You shake your head.

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the northeast, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant.
Shadows pour out from the northeast, heralding Dusan.

Pulling up his cane and gently tapping you on the head, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "I saw youse visit the kid plenty of times before youse ever saw me. And then I saw youse show off your fancy disguise."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little noise as they are bopped with the cane, throwing up their hands in surprise. They start to write: 'no no am surprise ab--' Suddenly, they stop, looking up at Esei and blinking.

You see the following people here:
Esei, Gurashi.

Akuuko, the once-thief catches the crutch smoothly underneath his arm and looks towards Esei, nodding in greeting. "Hey, kid. Youse comin' to visit, too?"

Esei blinks slowly.

You think to yourself: ** a gentle ripple of concern - oh - he knows but they don't **.

With modulated tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...perhaps."

With modulated tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Mostly making sure Gurashi isn't getting into trouble they shouldn't be."

Nodding his head simply, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Well, I was just tellin' your boy friend here about our ghost problems we've been havin' that the tae'dae kid has been out lookin' into."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at their notepad, blushing as they write: 'made foods for Friend Aschwar but then gave them all to Urchins and Crumkane so made MORE to give' they nod excitedly, smiling.

Deadpan, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "What, the hundreds of cookies?"
You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'mostly cookies some pies and tarts too'. They nod again several more times. 'but Aschwar is dealing wit ha ghost!' They gasp in silence.

With a light chuckle, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "The Urchin will eat youse out of house and home, if youse let them."

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'you said you saw ghost too?' The bounce, furrowing their brow. 'was it a boy ghost or girl ghost?'

You bounce up and down.

Waving his hand as he continues on down the street, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Wouldn't youse like to know?"

Limping heavily, Akuuko slowly hobbles away to the northeast.

Esei blinks.

You flail about helplessly.

Passing yawning doorways.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Elongated balconies extend from the upper floors of stately mansions and upturned clocktowers, draping chains of stained-glass cornice like clotheslines between storeys and streets, and shading the balding street far below. Daredevil felines brave the gaudy highwires and falter, petrified by the abject terror of the threat of gravity. Each gatehouse and lobby in this particular avenue is graced and burdened with a great, ornate and forbidding doorway, the likes of which conflict with the already eclectic style of the houses, all smoking fangs, rasping inks, mosaics of coinage and leather, braided nails and helical hinges and gnarled, maidenly faces. The sky above yawns as wide and dark as any address beneath it, filled with flocks of flapping doors illumined by the light of plain brass doorknockers arranged by postcode into abstract constellations. Leaning against his crutch, Akuuko stares towards the villa here with a distant gaze.
You see exits leading northeast and southwest.

You bounce up and down.

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the southwest, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant.

You huff and puff in outrage.

Esei begins to follow you.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly laughs in silence, then writes: 'wait you trade for things yes?'

You tilt your head curiously at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'will tell me for something?' They bounce expectantly.

Esei shakes their head at you.

You tilt your head curiously at Esei.

Akuuko, the once-thief ponders the situation.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Akuuko, the once-thief.

In a familiar tone that almost reminds you of before his accident, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "What's it worth to youse?"

You think to yourself: ** maybe? what did trade for before? Friend Tsakali did not like so much so maybe was TOO much monies **.

You ponder the situation.

Esei tells you, "Do not make deals with thieves."

Esei tells you, "They'll steal everything you have, and then some more."

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks, glancing quickly at Esei, then back to Akuuko, the once-thief, smiling.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'a present!'

You strike a pose.

Bizirik, the leothin strikes a pose.

You have emoted: Gurashi flashes Akuuko, the once-thief a cheesy grin.

Akuuko, the once-thief ponders the situation.
A single fish swims by in midair, scales flashing with ivory and flame-hued luminescence.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up to watch the fish as it passes, smiling.

Akuuko, the once-thief says, "What sorta present? Rule one is don't make a promise youse can't deliver on."

You ponder the situation.

You blink.

Akuuko, the once-thief says, "And rule two is always offer something your target thinks is worth what they're offering."

You have emoted: Gurashi taps their face with the quill, looking at Esei again before writing: 'can design something for you! so it is just for you!' They smile. 'that is what makes a present.' They look down at their outfit with a bit of pride, pulling at the coat.

Arching his remaining brow, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Ain't I seen the Urchin AND the tae'dae in that same outfit? Doesn't look like it's just for anyone."

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'made it for Friend Aschwar and the Urchin made one for Herself too!' They beam. 'something like that - not exactly this, but' They trail off in their writing.

Waving his hand, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Anyway, not interested. You'se gonna have to do better than that, kid."

Limping heavily, Akuuko slowly hobbles away to the northeast.

You ponder the situation.

Esei follows you northeast.
An oddly familiar residential district.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Horse-hair bristles sprout from the street, softened by two lanes of traffic, falling into long, dirty tresses that undulate as pedestrians tread along the cowlicked way. Images grow from the faces of every building in this district, twisting, falling, overflowing from every swollen brick, caricaturised carouche and braided wing-turned-pane. Muffled sounds arc like lightning between soon-forgotten boulevards and apartments: laughter grating on stone and glass, elegies for uncles of ill-repute, stern lectures passed from father, mother to son, to daughter. A wealth of experience washes out from the district, coaxed free of doors and walls and windows to murmur long-ago nostalgia from gutter to shingles and back. Leaning against his crutch, Akuuko stares towards the villa here with a distant gaze.
You see exits leading north and southwest.
Dusan, the coruscant rumbles excitedly at you, bumping his head against you in greeting.

You have emoted: Gurashi squints thoughtfully, bobbing their head side to side.

You think to yourself: ** ah - ripples of concern and confusion - what would be useful for Friend Akuuko? maybe new cane? maybe something easier than that **.

Using his tongue and the roof of his mouth, Akuuko, the once-thief makes a quiet clicking noise.

You have emoted: Gurashi purses their lips and trails along slowly after Akuuko, the once-thief. They puff their cheeks and furrow their brow, writing: 'sorry am not good at this - new'. They sigh.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly writes: 'to making deals'.

Akuuko, the once-thief says, "I was gonna say, kid, youse clearly ain't ever done this before, so I'll make it easy on you."

You stare blankly into space.

You tilt your head curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops walking.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Oh, by the way, I appear to have more than one of these evil things in my possession, so... here. Spreading the suffering."

The chiming of precious metal striking together signals the arrival of a wheelworked extravagant magpie. While soaring overhead, a wheelworked extravagant magpie opens its back compartment and turns upside down to drop some garish peep chili stew into your hands as it flashes its shiny wings triumphantly.

Esei blinks.

Precious metal chiming against each other, a wheelworked extravagant magpie flaps its brilliant, metallic plumage and takes off, soaring away.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "** amused buzzing - distracted, the scent of oranges and heat **."

Turning with a coy smile, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "I'll trade youse information about the ghost...for that nice orange in your hair. Looks like someone already beat me to part of it."

Esei lazily draws their wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up curiously to touch their head, surprised.

His smile broadening ever-so-slightly, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Plenty of people dye their hair, but that natural colour? It's so hard to come by. So youse let me take it, youse can always dye your hair whatever colour youse want after, and then I'll tell youse everything I know about the ghost."
You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly again, looking confused. They wince as they yank out a single strand, then offer it to Akuuko, the once-thief with a smile.

Esei gives a pained sigh.

Looking almost proud, Akuuko, the once-thief shakes his head and raises a hand to wag a single finger at you, "Nice try kid. I don't want A hair. I want the colour."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confused, still, then adds to their notepad: 'is a good story?'

You tilt your head curiously at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You have emoted: Gurashi adds: 'also does it hurt?' They wrinkle their nose.

His scaled lips splitting to reveal a wide smile, the left half filled with cracked, crystallised bone, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Aren't the best stories always told by the people who aren't supposed to know 'em?"

You have emoted: Gurashi sticks out their tongue at this, then slowly looks at Esei, frowning.

Shaking his head, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Nah, it's like a little tug on your head and then it's over. Nice and gentle."

Limping heavily, Akuuko slowly hobbles away to the north.

Before the Monastery of Orange Thieves.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Sharp aromas hang in the air in the street before the monastery, rising up from scattered heathens, the entrails of kneeling shaddocks and the blooming hearts of tangerines. Porcelain shingles crown the tall, sun-burned walls of the building, avoiding snow-capped cupolas and skewed oculi that overflow with stains and the smoking exhalations of stolen orchards. Pools of molten metal have been tended like sacred fires outside the monastery and from their churning liquid hearts grow tall and branching trees of obsidian and glass that hang heavy with brindled brass feathers and swollen jewels. Idols of cast-off rind and copper bones have been hung from the branches of the forge-copse; dozens of mutely screeching monkeys and a single, unreachable, terrified puss. A pair of broad, coppery doors rest here, panels emblazoned with devices of mantra-adorned oranges. Leaning against his crutch, Akuuko stares towards the villa here with a distant gaze.
You see exits leading east, south, and west.

You blink.

Soft fur brushes against your ankles, leaving a strange warmth in your skin. When you glance down, you glimpse the fading remnants of feline footsteps in the dust.

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly leans down, momentarily forgetting the dilemma on hand and trying to pet the passing invisible feline.

The chiming of precious metal striking together signals the arrival of a wheelworked extravagant magpie. While soaring overhead, a wheelworked extravagant magpie opens its back compartment and turns upside down to drop a sprig of mistletoe into your hands as it flashes its shiny wings triumphantly.

Precious metal chiming against each other, a wheelworked extravagant magpie flaps its brilliant, metallic plumage and takes off, soaring away.

Akuuko, the once-thief pauses as he looks up at your destination, a small smile on his face. "This is the Monastery. Saint lives inside." He doesn't seem to even notice Vrima, nor she him.

You blink.

With modulated tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Can I steal the cat?"

You shake your head at Esei.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'Vrima lives here!'

Esei stares implacably at you.

You ponder Akuuko, the once-thief thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

Akuuko, the once-thief says to Esei, "Urchin would probably dip you in the volcano if you did."

With modulated tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Alas."

You have emoted: Gurashi giggles in silence, then looks up at a pair of broad copper doors with a sigh. They puff their cheeks and write: 'can sleep on it? wanna see what friend aschwar learned' They look at Akuuko, the once-thief hopefully.

You think to yourself: ** curious - what would be like without so much orange ... ? **.

As he turns and begins walking towards the Monastery's closest wall, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Youse probably should. Rule three, never trade nothin' youse ain't prepared to."

You blink.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 11th of Tzarin, 563 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 3 days until the New Moon

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down and takes a note in their notepad, bobbing their head side to side. Then they write: 'many thank yous for all of advice! will remember when am ready to bargain!' They beam, holding the notepad to their chin again.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You feel mildly disoriented as Akuuko, the once-thief places his feet against the walls of the Monastery, and then proceeds to realign himself and begin walking horizontally up the wall, hobbling along as his crutch aids him along the way. "Don't worry. I'll find youse when you're ready. My offer'll stand until it needs to be updated..." He pauses, nearing the lip of the roof, looking down at you, "For one reason or the other."

You blink.

You gaze softens as you smile at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You have emoted: Gurashi raises a hand, confused but happy, waving as Akuuko, the once-thief hobbles away.

You beam broadly at Esei.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'i love it here'. They grin.

Akuuko, the once-thief continues walking up the wall and then turns up onto the roof, disappearing from view quickly.

You narrow your eyes, peering about suspiciously.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

With modulated tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...there are odder places to be, I'm sure."

Esei ponders the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi jogs forward up to a pair of broad copper doors, rocking from the balls of his feet to his heels and looking up. He leans forward and knocks twice, waiting.

You think to yourself: ** familiarity - have been before - yes - with Friend Alary **.

A few ephemeral, veil-wrought figures hurry past you, vanishing down a rapidly-vanishing sidestreet in the Shifting City.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, glancing over their shoulder to watch the passing figures.

You have emoted: Gurashi knocks again on the door, louder. THen, they step back, and place a foot against the wall, making a face and waiting for their gravity to shift.

You think to yourself: ** did it like this? yeah **.

With amusement, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Youse ain't a thief, kid."

A faceless, indistinct citizen exists.

The air seems oddly no less empty than it was before.

As he rests atop the roof, crutch laid in his lap, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "The first thing we learn is the ancient martial art created by the Thief of Hidden Apogees. It's how we do our stuff."

You blink.

Speckles of cold stars open overhead, winking coldly in the silvery fog canopying the city.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares up at the roof, squinting. They look at the doors again, planting their hands on their hips.

With several beats of their wings, Esei alights upon your shoulder.

With a wry smile, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "If you try and do it, you're gonna find yourself flat on your butt."

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'is anyone home?' They hold the notepad over their head, unsure if it can even be read at such a distance.

Akuuko, the once-thief glances over his single shoulder, and then turns back and answers, "Yes."

You bounce up and down.

Esei begins to follow you.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi folds their arms over their chest, then thoughtfully reach out, lowering their head as they push on the doors, poking their head inside.

You reach out and touch a pair of broad copper doors.
A warm wind filled with the scent of oranges washes through the monastery doors as they creak open.

Esei follows you in.
The Courtyard of Broken Citrus.
Strange trees grow here, their bark a bizarre shade of indigo and their leaves a faded saffron. Tiles of jade in hues of pale ivory and emerald spread across the ground beneath, surfaces swept immaculately clear: figures of the Hermit Clad in saffron line alcoves in the wall, each expressing a separate mudra. Dishes of incense float languidly in the air before them, cones disgorging orange-scented plumes of smoke: sand trickles upwards from the ground to catch snapping sparks. A pair of broad, coppery doors rest here, panels emblazoned with devices of mantra-adorned oranges. Robed in ivory and orange, the Saint of Broken Citrus waits here with a gentle smile. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here.
You see a single exit leading out.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps inside awkwardly, looking left, then right.

With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Am I going to die?"

You think to yourself: ** oh gosh oh gosh - am rude? no friend Akuuko knows am here **.

You tilt your head curiously at Esei.

Her ancient voice cracked and hoarse from seeming disuse, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Are you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi steps forward slowly, writing: 'why?' They focus their attention to the figures of the Hermit, blinking.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up, smiling suddenly.

Esei shrugs helplessly.

You have emoted: Gurashi offers the Saint of Broken Citrus a friendly wave, stepping forward cautiously.

Esei inclines their head politely to the Saint of Broken Citrus.

The Saint of Broken Citrus tilts her head curiously.

LOOK SAINT
Slender to the point of emaciation, this dracnari maiden is clad in layered, wrapped robes of ivory and orange silk. Pins of various citrus fruit anchor her garments, and her talons curl with a certain grace around strands of pips strung on hempen cord. Her scales are pale as the rind of an orange, save for where streaks of umber darken ridges and flared membranes adorn her angular head.
The Saint of Broken Citrus is quite powerful.

The Saint of Broken Citrus turns away from the grove of trees and steps through the shadows, approaching slowly. In some shadows, she appears young and vibrant, while in the next she is gnarled and withered. "You have come to visit my Monastery?"

On the distant parapets above you, you hear the limping 'tap, tap, tap' of Akuuko's cane as he walks across the Monastery's walls.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, smiling as they approach the Saint of Broken Citrus. They bow politely at the waist, then begin to write. 'Ghost?' They have scribbled clearly across the top of a new page, offering it out to be read.

The Saint of Broken Citrus gingerly reaches out to take the page in a gnarled hand, leaning down slightly and squinting her youthful eyes to read the lettering. "Ah, you have been listening to the thieves' idle gossip?"

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, then pauses to write: 'said Friend Aschwar is here looking too! they are here?' They tilt their head.

You think to yourself: ** confusion - idle gossip? are ghosts gossip? **.

You think to yourself: ** ... rambling thoughts - Miss Sebitti was in me was Glomdoring was gossip-y too ... **.

The Saint of Broken Citrus gestures into the grove, though you quickly realise she must mean the area beyond the Monastery, "Yes, yes, I have asked the Golden Paw to ease the thieves' concerns by investigating a ghost I am certain does not exist. It is a simple gesture, but one I think will be highly effective."

You think to yourself: ** surprise - Golden Paw **.

You think to yourself: ** their title? did not know! how embarrassing - how beautiful! **.

As she continues her thought idly, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "It seemed much kinder than asking the Ivory Beacon or the Ebon Eye to handle it. They are a gentle soul."

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly nods, looking towards the grove as well. They write: 'are there now?'

You think to yourself: ** friendly faces - Shulamit, Alary ... **.

Shaking her head, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Oh no, dear. They are busily walking through Orange Row and investigating the houses, and the people. Asking questions, taking meals, and hearing stories. I am sure they will soon discover this ghost is little more than the gentle imaginings of idle minds."

You blink.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'did lots of thieves say they saw it?'

The Saint of Broken Citrus acknowledges the point with a grave nod of her head.

You have emoted: Gurashi adds: 'you did not tho so do not believe it'. They write slower.

You ponder the situation.

You think to yourself: ... ** how does one find a ghost? ** ....

The Saint of Broken Citrus reaches up to pick an orange from a nearby tree, examining it closely. "I choose not to believe because it causes my thieves to seek the truth. It creates movement, and chaos where there would otherwise be idleness and sloth." She smiles softly and tucks the fruit into the front of her robes, asking, "A better story, I believe, needs those who advance the plot."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi gently taps the notepad against their face, frowning. They glance over their shoulder, back towards a pair of broad copper doors, running a hand through their hair.

As she arches a scaled brow, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Yes, dear? You seem troubled."

You think to yourself: ** something - so familiar, so close **.

You think to yourself: ** ... it wouldn't be the same right? couldn't **.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly writes: 'do they say is a girl ghost?'

You tilt your head curiously.

A light laugh shaking her aged chest and tumbling from plump, young lips, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "I see. I am afraid they do not know. No one saw more than some movement out of the corner of their eye, it seemed, or a quick shimmer of something that looked like a person."

Esei glances askance at you.

You give a pained sigh.

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly nods in understanding, bringing their notepad to their chest.

You think to yourself: ** washes of gray, tinged with the barest hint of blue - quickly, gray again **.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks towards the grove again, then scratches their head. 'i knew a ghost once' They start to write, 'but do not know where she went so was wondering if were related - did start seeing recently?'

You tilt your head curiously at the Saint of Broken Citrus.

The Saint of Broken Citrus tilts her head curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly blinks and offers out a decadent Delportian silk pie to the Saint of Broken Citrus as the hold up the notepad in their other hand.

The Saint of Broken Citrus turns her attention back to her grove, looking up at a particular fruit that has grown right where she last picked one from. She reaches out and picks the fruit, turning to present it towards you as she reaches into her robes and pulls out the other. "Perhaps. Yet while they may appear similar, these two delights are clearly not the same." She withdraws her hands; pushing them together as though praying before opening them to reveal their complete absence as another fruit grows behind her. "Yet what clearly can not be may be yet."

You stare blankly at the Saint of Broken Citrus.

The Saint of Broken Citrus smiles softly.

You think to yourself: ....... ** ripples of amazement oh my GOSH that was a neat trick **.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly, canting their head to the side and smiling lightly. They furrow their brow and look down at their notepad, huffing thoughtfully.

You think to yourself: ** ... another ripple of gray-blue - disappointment - so is NOT Miss Sebitti ... **.

Esei spreads their arms wide, and the air between their hands begins to warp and twist, dancing with brilliant multicoloured light as they bores a hole through the fabric of the planes.

A swirling gateway of brilliant light pierces the air before Esei, boring a hole through the very fabric of the planes. Esei ascends confidently through the rotating gate, which shimmers and snaps shut behind them.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to their shoulder, suddenly finding themselves alone.

You blink.

You blush furiously.

The Saint of Broken Citrus's eyes sparkle with amusement.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'guess they had to go! sorry!!'

The Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Even the ripest fruit must fall in its time."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at the notepad again, letting out a strangled little sound as they scratch their head.

You blink.

You stare at the Saint of Broken Citrus, eyes wide.

The Saint of Broken Citrus smiles softly.

You think to yourself: ** picturing Esei ascending, going up into the sky ... that is the opposite of falling fruit? **.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Turning and placing her hands together before her, hidden within her sleeves, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "What troubles you, Beloved?"

You have emoted: Gurashi scratches their head again and looks up towards the roof, scratching at the tip of their nose. 'is this orangest place in city?'

The Saint of Broken Citrus acknowledges the point with a grave nod of her head.

You have emoted: Gurashi plants their hands on their hips and looks around thoughtfully. They begin to write: 'wanted to bring present to friend but they are out investigating a ghost - if help them find ghost can help give them present faster'. They nod sagely, raising the notepad aloft.

You think to yourself: ** ripples of curiosity, still - may not be but may be? not the same - is the same? **.

Curiously, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Can you find what is not lost?"

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'aren't all ghosts lost?'

You blink.

You think to yourself: ** a flicker of hazy green - that is why are ghosts! **.

The Saint of Broken Citrus says, "Are they?"

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses.... then slowly shakes their head.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'do not know - am not ghost expert'. They huff.

You bounce up and down.

You think to yourself: ** sudden burning desire to help look **.

As she turns towards a nearby orange bloom, inspecting it with a gnarled hand, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "I believe that which is gone remains where it has gone, and perhaps there is only something lost should someone call it where it no longer is."

With a faint smile, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "The orange will remain upon the ground until the animals eat it. Until the hand takes it. Until the foot kicks it."

You tilt your head curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the Saint of Broken Citrus move towards the bloom, folding one hand over the other, their expression twisting with confusion and concern as they try to make sense of the metaphor.

A citizen wanders by, vague and flickering, vanishing rapidly into the paths and roads of the Shifting City.

You think to yourself: ... ** a pained memory - the seed, suddenly gone - that intense desire to keep safe again, followed by white hot disappointment **.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the blossom for entirely too long before remembering the Saint of Broken Citrus's presence. Slowly they begin to write again.

You have emoted: Gurashi very slowly writes: 'was everybody alone when saw ghost?'

Speckles of cold stars open overhead, winking coldly in the silvery fog canopying the city.
The Saint of Broken Citrus cants her head to the side curiously, and then remarks, "That is a very good question, child."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the Saint of Broken Citrus, getting a look on their face.

You think to yourself: .... ** faint apprehension oh -no- is she gonna want my hair color too **.

Simply, the Saint of Broken Citrus says, "I am afraid I do not know. I had not thought to ask such myself."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks up again, scanning the rafters above for the familiar face of their thief-friend.

You think to yourself: ** excitement - is a new question! new question so maybe new deal! **.

The Saint of Broken Citrus's attention is suddenly caught by a particular bloom deeper in the grove, and she begins to walk out towards the further end, lost to your presence entirely.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows their brow, unsure whether or not to follow, fretfully pacing back and forth, notepad against their chin.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You think to yourself: ** oh no - she is done talking to me? oh - should leave? find friend aschwar and see what they found, or maybe another citizen maybe? **.

You think to yourself: ** ripples of uncertainty, increasing, the faint tinkling of glass **.

You think to yourself: -- a gentle squeeze, keeping you firmly planted as indecision begins to increase --.

You shake your head.

You think to yourself: ** quickly, regaining composure and control, shaking off the gripping, stiffy pulling **.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'many thank yous for your time,' They begin to tail after the Saint of Broken Citrus, then pause at the edge of the grove, holding the notepad up hopefully for a few moments in the hope they might catch her attention before they depart.

You reach out and touch a pair of broad copper doors.
The cold air of the city infiltrates the monastery as the doors to the outside creak open.

Before the Monastery of Orange Thieves.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Sharp aromas hang in the air in the street before the monastery, rising up from scattered heathens, the entrails of kneeling shaddocks and the blooming hearts of tangerines. Porcelain shingles crown the tall, sun-burned walls of the building, avoiding snow-capped cupolas and skewed oculi that overflow with stains and the smoking exhalations of stolen orchards. Pools of molten metal have been tended like sacred fires outside the monastery and from their churning liquid hearts grow tall and branching trees of obsidian and glass that hang heavy with brindled brass feathers and swollen jewels. Idols of cast-off rind and copper bones have been hung from the branches of the forge-copse; dozens of mutely screeching monkeys and a single, unreachable, terrified puss. A pair of broad, coppery doors rest here, panels emblazoned with devices of mantra-adorned oranges. Peering out from the rooftop, Akuuko looks down with a small smile of amusement.
You see exits leading east, south, west, and in.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi stares out towards the city with their eyes narrowed and cheeks puffed.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly turns around to face the monastery again, looking up towards the roof.

Curiously, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Find what you were after?"
You have emoted: Gurashi shrugs one shoulder, then the other, frowning.

You have emoted: Gurashi points up at Akuuko, the once-thief insistently, holding up the notepad where they had asked the Saint of Broken Citrus their previous question, hopping up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi taps the word 'alone' several times, bouncing.

You point accusingly at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You point accusingly at a ravenwood-covered notepad of violet hues.

Akuuko, the once-thief rests his chin on his single hand, leaning down to look at you. "Sorry, can't read that from up here. You're gonna have to say what youse want me to here."

You have emoted: Gurashi opens their mouth.

You think to yourself: ** nothing **.

You have emoted: Gurashi stands there with their mouth open wide, looking very much like they are about to give Akuuko, the once-thief a thorough talking to. But nothing continues to happen, and after about a minute they shut their mouth, cheeks and ears burning bright red.

You think to yourself: -- more than nothing - an oppressive nothing --.

You give a pained sigh.

Nodding his head, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "I don't know if youse already traded it away or youse lost it, but a voice is a terrible thing to be without. Especially when youse want my poor, lame self to come all the way back down there.""

You flail about helplessly.

You shake your head.

You shake your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi waves a few times, gesturing for Akuuko, the once-thief to stay put.

A single fish swims by in midair, scales flashing with ivory and flame-hued luminescence.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks over at Bizirik, whose tail begins to slap against the paved road outside the monastery. It snorts.

You have emoted: Gurashi re-writes: 'were alone when saw her? new question! new price?' Then, they rip it from the notepad and fold it up, offering it to Bizirik. Bizirik takes the paper in its right forelimb, crumpling it in the process. Gurashi kneels before the leothin, stroking its face adoringly and whispering into its tufted ear before pointing up at the roof and nodding.

Bizirik, the leothin's head shifts to the side and she looks towards the rooftop as though gauging the amount of effort it would take her to get up there. And then, she climbs to her feet, walking towards the nearby wall.

Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

Bizirik, the leothin huffs as she reaches up towards the wall and puts a single paw against it, following it with a second. And then, with a mighty push, she flops down onto the ground and thumps her tail against the stone as she tilts her head to look back at you with a pleased expression on her face.

You stare blankly into space.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Bizirik, the leothin with an unreadable expression, perhaps momentarily broken down by their luck.

Bizirik, the leothin's tail begins to thwap against the stone more earnestly, the frills atop her head fanning outward as she proudly absorbs your reaction.

You have emoted: Gurashi slumps in their spot, reaching out and patting Bizirik, the leothin atop the head.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Akuuko, the once-thief, hand still on Bizirik's head.

You have emoted: Gurashi proceeds to take a few steps back and attempts to hurl the notepad up the high stone wall with as much force as they have in them, making it up about half way before the book flies open and the wind catches the pages, causing it to abruptly fall again.

You flail about helplessly.

With an amused grin, Bizirik, the leothin says, "Anyone ever tell youse that youse throw like a wakabi?"

With an amused grin, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Anyone ever tell youse that youse throw like a wakabi?"

You give a horrified gasp.

You stare blankly into space.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly grins, but manages to also look frustrated at the same time. They stomp their foot noisily on the ground, throwing their arms into the air and staring up at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You think to yourself: ** frustration! **.

You think to yourself: ** would be easier! if could just say stuffs!! **.

With a wry smile, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Youse gotta admit, this would be a lot easier if youse would just talk."

You have emoted: Gurashi attempts to yell in frustration, but all that comes out is silenced air. They turn and abruptly lean against the wall, turning away from Akuuko, the once-thief, their hands tucked behind their back. They kick lightly at the notepad they failed to catch, nodding in agreement.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally leans forward to scoop up the notepad, dusting off its cover.

Bizirik, the leothin wiggles and flops like a fish against the ground, moving closer to you and laying her head on your lap with tongue flopping out of her mouth.

As he kicks his legs back and forth, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "So...why don't youse? Can't?"

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out, stroking the leothin's head gently as they flip open the notepad. They start to write, then stop, looking up at Akuuko, the once-thief from a completely downward angle, frowning.

You think to yourself: ... ** confusion ** ...

Waving his hand, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Talk. Why don't youse talk? Youse can't or something? Got stupid throat?"

You think to yourself: ** a lack of understanding - there? not lost - like a lodged stone **.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to stare up, shrugging.

Akuuko, the once-thief thinks about it for a moment, and then asks, "Can youse whistle?"

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly flips open the notepad, to page one, the very first thing written, smeared and smudged from repeated reference: 'got sick lost voice'. They hold the notepad up futilely, in the hopes Akuuko, the once-thief can see.

You blink.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi licks their lips, wrinkling their nose as they consider the question. With a puzzled expression, they let out a tiny puff of air, as if to call Bizirik without using their hand, the teeniest peep of a whistle eeking out between their lips.

Akuuko, the once-thief nods his head slowly and says, "So it ain't a Divine stole it. Hrm. Not talkin', not yellin', probably not singin' neither, right?"

You have emoted: Gurashi clears their throat and sits up a little straighter, licking their lips and repeating the same motion, whistling slightly clearer and stronger. The sound is short and broken, likely the result of being of out of practice.

You think to yourself: ** the very mention of singing brings a seizing sense of disappointment **.

You shake your head.

You think to yourself: -- ... soft pin-pricks ... --.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back up at Akuuko, the once-thief, frowning. They write something else: 'happened after learned some sad stuff - is a thing apparently? everyone says is brain!' They raise the notepad as high as they can, straining.

Akuuko, the once-thief stares down at the notepad for a bit longer, or perhaps it is you, not responding for a while. "Youse uh...youse got a good heart, kid. Maybe something laid eggs in your throat. Or maybe that ghost went and stole your voice." The last words are playful, teasing, and you can see his grin from here.

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

You stare blankly at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You have emoted: Gurashi's hand raises to their neck quickly, and they squeeze, worried.

You think to yourself: ** -eggies-? **.

You think to yourself: ** suddenly remembering times before, attacks from afar? something left behind that Tridemon thought was a parasite like an egg? but destroyed right? oh -no- did it HATCH **.

Seeing the motion and nodding his head sagely, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "That's right, I said eggs. Youse gotta know when you're sleepin' youse swallow like a lot of spiders. Especially if youse happen to live in a big forest filled to the tops with 'em."

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't look back at Akuuko, the once-thief, their face utterly blanched and expression stupefied.

You flail about helplessly.

You have emoted: Gurashi's color returns, as does their panic. They fly to their feet so fast they almost knock themselves off balance, nervously scratching at their neck, then patting themselves down, concerned.

You think to yourself: ** recollections of spiders, now - what if is what meant when She should watch while sleep? oh no **.

You flail about helplessly.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to dance about in a panic at the base of the wall, shedding their jacket in the process.

You remove a hooded coat of striking vermillion hues.

Akuuko, the once-thief laughs lightly, devolving into a coughing fit as he leans over the roof of the monastery. "Come on kid, I'm just playing around. Youse looked too serious, needed to move around and get a smile."

You have emoted: Gurashi stops their frantic flailing and patting, slowly looking up at Akuuko, the once-thief as they drop their arms to their sides, catching their breath.

You think to yourself: -- ripples of uncertainty - unsafe? --.

With a coy smile, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "What're youse gonna do? Yell at me?"

You think to yourself: ** reassurance - maybe? something less than panic but more than calm **.

You stare at Akuuko, the once-thief, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi attempts to lob the notepad up the wall again with a great swing of their arm. They fail.

Akuuko, the once-thief snickers softly to himself.

You have emoted: Gurashi stomps up to the notepad, stooping over to pick it up. When they stand up straight again, they flash Akuuko, the once-thief a toothy grin, stepping back.

Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Well, if it ain't your throat, and it ain't your mouth, that means youse gotta have something wrong in your brain. So that just means youse happen to be in the same boat of trouble as the kid."

You nod your head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi brings their hands to either side of their head, them pulls the hands away to the sides, as if making an explosion gesture. They frown.

Scratching his nose, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Which is a shame, 'cos I used to love talking to the kid without saying words. Ain't often I see another telepath."

You think to yourself: -- continued ripples of uncertainty --.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You think to yourself: ... ** a reminder: did this - all of this, to -help- them - but so far, have failed **.

Akuuko, the once-thief pulls a foot up onto the edge of the rooftop, leaning his chin onto his knee as he looks down and waits for you to understand the significance of what he just said.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back up at Akuuko, the once-thief, sighing. Then, they stop, blinking.

You think to yourself: ** telepath - Tridemon's sharp-toothed grin **.

Lips curling up at the corners, Akuuko, the once-thief's mouth twists into a decidedly feral grin.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi writes: 'empath = telepath?' They hop, hoping the notepad will be better read.

Answering without looking at you, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "In a way. They don't know it like we do, and they don't experience it like we do."

Esei tells you, "** You feel a feathery brush against the back of your arm. **."

You think to yourself: -- ... suddenly cautious --.

You think to yourself: ... ** slowly creeping understanding **.

You stare blankly at Akuuko, the once-thief.

Looking down towards you, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Oh, you're so close. Come on, youse got this."

You think to yourself: .... ** suddenly a red fish - like the ones seen swimming by sometimes **.

You think to yourself: ... ** more creeping understandiiing ....... wait .... an orange - a fish? a caterpillar - wondering if can sense what am thinking? **.

Akuuko, the once-thief's scaled brow rises slightly, "Youse uh...youse expect me to tell youse what's going on in there? It just looks like you're thinking about stuff youse have seen in the city."

You blink.

You stare at Akuuko, the once-thief, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi's jaw drops.

You think to yourself: ** ohhhhhhHHHHHHHHH suddenly excited buzzing **.

You think to yourself: -- significantly less excited, if anything growing more cautious --.

You bounce up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi grins up at Akuuko, the once-thief, then gasps, writing: 'wait I do not even need this!' They hold it up, then stop after they've done so, looking confused by their own actions.

You think to yourself: ** wait **.

Akuuko, the once-thief waves his hand slightly and says, "Don't worry, I don't care about snoopin' around for your secrets." They grin widely as you come to the realisation and affirm, "You're right. Youse don't."

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs and holds the notepad close to their chest. Suddenly they frown, stepping up towards the wall and staring up at Akuuko, the once-thief, wide-eyed.

You think to yourself: ** a sense of relief - so few telepaths! Nelras, Choros, Tridemon - so far and few! fun magics! a sense of envy, but not covetously so **.

Akuuko, the once-thief looks down without response, watching in expectation. After a moment, he nods and says, "Yeah. Not a lot of us, and maybe now youse understand a little more why..." He gestures towards his missing half.

You think to yourself: ** so many thoughts now, freed from the efforts of trying to write fast enough to keep up with each letter of each word **.

You think to yourself: ** upon seeing the missing half - a wash of guilt. painful gripping guilt - gray edged with sorrowful blues **.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "I have awakened! Again!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "** you sense him waking, but not hearing you, too caught up in something - gentle buzzing and the scent of oranges **."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... Ah, busy with THAT? Alright, let me know if I'm needed."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "** finally - some acknowledgement - for the briefest of moments you see a dracnari thief perched atop a wall, and strangely your own sharp-toothed grin reflected back at yourself **."

You have emoted: Gurashi lays their hands on the wall, frowning.

Akuuko, the once-thief shakes his head twice and says, "Not your fault, kid. It's like I told you. I heard things I shouldn't have, and knew what I was doing when I told youse all."

You think to yourself: ** resumed washes of gray, concern - is why knew so much about friend Aschwar - suddenly all makes so very much sense - ah, the cost - but it was important! **.

You think to yourself: ** remembering suddenly, Sebitti's voice: "Ash...." **.

You glance askance.

Akuuko, the once-thief's smile grows and he remarks, "Ah, ah, ah, just 'cos youse know I can hear youse doesn't mean I don't have rules to follow. Youse wanna know about that? Her? Youse gotta pay."

You think to yourself: ** suddenly thoughts collecting and colliding again - remembering that moment she first appeared in the living room, the fear until realizing she struck out at the Lady's disfavor - confusion and relief **.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs softly, looking down.

You think to yourself: ** attempting to wrangle a hundred spiraling random thoughts and commentary and recipes to focus: a new question - new price? **.

Akuuko, the once-thief shakes his head.

Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Not enough new information to be worth that."

You have emoted: Gurashi sticks out their tongue.

Soft fur brushes against your ankles, leaving a strange warmth in your skin. When you glance down, you glimpse the fading remnants of feline footsteps in the dust.

You have emoted: Gurashi dramatically turns away and leans against the wall, crossing their arms.

You think to yourself: ** ah - greetings directed at the unseen kitty **.

You think to yourself: ** suddenly - can see Friend Aschwar from up there? **.

Akuuko, the once-thief looks around to the side, glancing left, and then right, and then behind. "Nope. Probably resting, or got called by the Urchin for a little bit. Who knows?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's head thunks against the wall behind them.

You think to yourself: ** oh -no- **.

You think to yourself: ** cannot be a dead end? **.

You think to yourself: -- ... .... .. --.

You think to yourself: ** ah - well, no, isn't - can just give them color **.

You think to yourself: ** it is just orange **.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, scratching at the side of their head.

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

You wrinkle your nose in distaste.

You have emoted: Gurashi lowers their hand from their head, frowning.

You think to yourself: ** curious - will throw a fit if even try? **.

You think to yourself: -- .... .... --.

"Hey," Akuuko, the once-thief calls from the roof, looking down at you. "Do youse think I'd hurt youse? The kid's best friend?"

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

You think to yourself: ** a quick ripple of frustration at the denial - drawn up--.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up towards Akuuko, the once-thief, offering an embarrassed smile.

You think to yourself: -- sharp denial no --.

You think to yourself: ** awash in gray - an intensifying desire to fix, yes? it is just a color **.

Quietly, Akuuko, the once-thief says, "You're Beloved. Maybe youse should ask around before youse make a choice. You've got Sacrosanct. Ask them if orange is just a colour."

You think to yourself: ** maybe can learn something useful - the Saint Lady in the inside said-- **.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You think to yourself: ** curious - not even sure how to sense them about **.

You blush furiously.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You look at Akuuko, the once-thief, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Akuuko, the once-thief says, "Just think about the ORDER, and WHO is in it."

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to lift their notepad, out of habit, then stops themselves, shaking their head quickly.

[HINT]: OWHO to see the others in your order currently online!

These faithful of the Divine Order of Mysrai, the Urchin in Ivory are online:
Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo (Outer Circle)
There is 1 mortal in your Circle (and below) on this Plane and 3 on other Planes.

You think to yourself: ** ah - understanding that still too new, maybe are hiding, but will keep looking yes? not giving up no **.

You think to yourself: -- soft, uncertain pin-prickling --.

Akuuko, the once-thief acknowledges the point with a grave nod of his head.

You have emoted: Gurashi claps their hands on either side of their face, then look up at Akuuko, the once-thief.

You think to yourself: ** suddenly, wave after wave of gratitude and joy as they stare up at the thief **.

You bounce up and down.

Akuuko, the once-thief winks knowingly.

Akuuko, the once-thief says, "I don't know what youse might mean. I don't give away nothin' for free."

You bounce up and down.

You think to yourself: ** you sense them already plotting what they could possibly give to the thief upon their next meeting - item after item after itemafter -- **.

You nod your head emphatically.

You think to yourself: -- ... ..... --.

A wry smile spreads across Akuuko, the once-thief's face.

You beam broadly at Akuuko, the once-thief.

Akuuko, the once-thief disappears beyond the roof as you hear the tapping of his crutch.

You have emoted: Gurashi again starts to lift the notepad, and in the time they are scolding themselves for forgetting, they fail to notice Akuuko's departure until they hear the tapping and realize it is too late.

You blink.

You flail about helplessly.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over at Bizirik, the leothin, eyes wide.

You flail about helplessly.

You think to yourself: ** -orange- **.