A Royal Visit

Princess Nabithia tells you, "I have received your kind missive, Faithful Avaris. Given the
verbosity of exchanges, should I reply in person?"

You tell Princess Nabithia, "Ah, good evening, Immaculate Nabithia. That is entirely up to you. I am amenable to companionship, another letter, or both - Whichsoever you wish."

Princess Nabithia tells you, "Hm. A brief visit to the Star City might be nice."

With a regal incline of her antennae and a flutter of diaphanous silks, Princess Nabithia strides in
from the northeast.

A slender, statuesque creature who carries herself with utmost elegance and refinement, she is a
compound-eyed kephera princess draped in diaphanous, sidereal silks. The slim contours of her
porcelain figure are encased in an alabastrine carapace, with ornamental flourishes of chitin upon
her delicate shoulders and long limbs. Pearlescent in quality, her ivory carapace is touched in
subtle casts of champagne, and flows into tints of rosy quartz and blush pink about its edges,
leaving her similar in appearance to an orchid bloom. Scythe-like in execution, her long limbs lend
her a further semblance of lissome height. From a beautiful, if alien, countenance, her compound
eyes reflect her surroundings in tinctures of aubergine and merlot, while slender, delicate antennae
curve back from her temples, a crown fit for any queen of the hives.

Princess Nabithia bows at the waist, stating in a pleasant buzz, "Faithful Avaris."

Rising from his seated position beneath the trees, Avaris steps out from beneath
their branches to return Princess Nabithia's bow. In a polite chorus of warm, resonating tones, he
replies, "Immaculate Nabithia."

Bringing forth a lengthy sheet of formal stationery, Princess Nabithia states, "I begin to believe
my letters are not so tedious as I presumed." She chitters with faint laughter, her compound eyes
sparkling with good humor.

With a glance at the letter, courtesy of a number of the smaller eyes that dwell
within his wings, Avaris utters a soft laugh, the sound touched by slight embarrassment. "Ah. Yes.
Your letters are very fine - Though I feel somewhat cruel, burdening a messenger bird with one
of my own."

Waving a hand dismissively, Princess Nabithia says, "It is the purpose of messenger birds. You are
strengthening their wings, no?"

Avaris dips his head aside, uttering a neutral tone. "It is the purpose of an ox to
bear burdens, but you do not load it so much that it suffers."

The silks about her shoulders shifting pleasantly as she shrugs, Princess Nabithia says with a soft
buzz, "The seagull did not seem to mind."

Inclining his head in acknowledgement, Avaris drops the topic and spreads a hand
aside, palm-upwards, in invitation. "Would you like to sit, or do you desire to go somewhere in
particular? I would not waste one of your visits, if I can help it."

With a carefree seeming demeanor, Princess Nabithia clicks her mandibles and says, "I am amenable to
either. Exciting to be elsewhere, sometimes. I hold no expectations."

Glancing at the large pond, Princess Nabithia says, "It is a pleasant place to sit, yes?"

Princess Nabithia settles to the ground in a cross-legged position, inhaling deeply. As she brings
her hands up to rest open-palmed at either side, she exhales, all tension leaving her body.

In the brief span of silence that meets Princess Nabithia's answer, Avaris's wing
eyes thin ever so slightly, before he utters a short, faintly exasperated laugh. "I am plagued by
women who will not give me a direct answer. There is great irony in getting what I wanted, by
leaving the Hives, and being frustrated by it." Deeply amused, it seems, he nods in an agreeable
manner, the blue of his eyes glittering with motes of light. "It is." Waiting politely for Princess
Nabithia to sit first, he moves a respectful distance away and settles to the ground himself,
shuffling his wings so that he does not sit upon them.

You settle to the ground in a cross-legged position, inhaling deeply. As you bring your hands up to
rest open-palmed at either side, you exhale, clearing your mind.

"You too have met the impenetrable answers of the Empyreal," Princess Nabithia buzzes warmly with
amusement, lifting the formal stationery once more to read it aloud. "Ah, yes... 'It amuses and
exasperates' you say here." She taps the page emphatically to address the point.

Glancing up as she skims, Princess Nabithia adds, "And like a boar amongst a flock of doves, yes?"
One of her antennae lift archly, as if questioning.

The sharp edges of Avaris's curving, layered crest glints in the morning light as
he nods in affirmation. "There is as much mist in Her words as about Her person, it seems." The
response is not at all bitter, the words filled instead with a pleasant, simple affection, pure and
light and sunshine. At the question, he glances sidelong at Princess Nabithia, clearing his throat
self-consciously. "Ah. Yes. I believe that is what I wrote."

Avaris lifts a hand to grasp a tuft of his mane, twisting it. "Forgive the lack of
poetry."

Utterly oblivious as to your self-consciousness, Princess Nabithia says, "Oh, we are not poets.
Poets write less."

By way of genuine explanation, Princess Nabithia says, "Shorter lines and stanzas."

Avaris cocks his head at this, considering. "That is true. Theirs is the art of
putting a great deal of meaning into very little words. I think."

You think to yourself: "Is that right? I should probably read more poetry."

Buzzing pleasantly, Princess Nabithia says, "If we speak enough words, we may find the right ones."

The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his
shining golden rays.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you ask, "Ah, but will we know them if we find them?"

Tapping her chin as she considers this, Princess Nabithia says to you, "Mm. I am told that upon the
surface-dwellers, it is best to act with confidence even when it is lacked. To fake what is known
until it is known."

Avaris's antennae curve down at this, their tips arcing up. With notes of
disapproval and dubiosity in his words, he remarks, "That seems very close to lying. I do not think
that should be encouraged."

Considering it with a click of her tongue, Princess Nabithia says, "Lying? Hm. Is that so?"

Avaris adds, politely, "It sounds very unwise, also."

Avaris lifts one of his left hands in a slight tilt. "So I believe, but that is my
opinion only."

Princess Nabithia says, "Yours is an opinion worth considering, as one of the Lady's." At that, she
bows her head and states, "Congratulations on your promotion, Faithful Avaris. It is most pleasing
to see progress among the Avowing."

The sound that emanates from Avaris's chest is a decidedly neutral one, for all its
inherent music. "Placement within Her Order does not automatically bestow wisdom, respectfully,
Immaculate. Consider Caleb, and the others that have proven otherwise." At the congratulations, he
bends forward in a seated bow. "Ah, thank you. I was slow to it, but I am getting there, bit by bit.
Cheliyi will outstrip me soon, I believe."

Taking your comments with another shrug of her silks, Princess Nabithia says, "You have already
outpaced many who have remained in Her service for far longer. Such as the one called Caleb."

Princess Nabithia says, "The Lady has Herself had to prod many to seek their vows completed."

The wisps of condensation in the sky spread slightly as a few light clouds develop.

Again, the downward bending of the red lines of Avaris's antennae, the frown this
time steeper by a significant degree. "That is...Quite troubling, if I am honest. Do they not wish
to grow closer to the Lady, to please Her?"

Using her tongue and the roof of her mouth, Princess Nabithia makes a quiet clicking noise.

You think to yourself: Puzzlement at such idleness, at such a dearth of drive, of zeal.

Weighing her reply with evident desire to give a fair answer, Princess Nabithia says, "Surface
-dwellers hold many competing responsibilities. There are those who devote themselves to the city,
and in doing so serve the Lady but fail to see how their actions translate to Her faith and Tenets."

Princess Nabithia says, "And there are those who fear their efforts are not enough to appease a
Divine, and therefore hide their accomplishments. Others still who desire clearer direction. There
are as many reasons, I am certain, as sand on the shore."

A sharp crack snaps forth as Avaris brings the point of his clawed finger upon his
armoured thigh, disapproval heavy in his voice. "That seems rather foolish. If they suffer from such
issues, why not seek solutions? The Immaculates exist for a reason, if they are too shy to simply
ask Her directly."

A ripple of amusement pulsing in her buzzing reply, Princess Nabithia says, "She is a patient
Goddess. Time is not to Her as it is to us. But yes, I wonder at it. She asks for little, in my
estimation."

Scowling, now, so pulled down are the bloody streaks of Avaris's antennae, he says,
"Patience should not be taken as an excuse for laxity or lack of Devotion. She asks us for nothing
at all - I have found that I must all but argue with Her, to have Her ask for anything at all. The
least they could do is show some degree of reverence."

Avaris shakes his head, disgusted. "I sometimes wonder why some are in Her Order at
all. It is no badge of honour to collect."

Her antennae quirking with deep interest, Princess Nabithia says, "You argue with the Empyreal
Goddess?" A pause before she continues her admittedly nosy line of thought. "How has that resulted
for you?"

Brought up short by the question, Avaris hesitates, the fire in his manner
dwindling. "Ah. She has been firm that She does not view our interactions as arguments," he hedges,
shifting uncomfortably upon the soft grass. "It is like trying to grab a handful of mist. Rarely
worth the effort."

Avaris adds, thoughtfully, "Sometimes, though, being stubborn wins out."

Accepting your words with a bob of her head, Princess Nabithia says, "She is stubborn Herself, in my
experience."

Avaris's sharp chin jerks down in a firm nod. "She is very stubborn, yes. She is
kind, however, so you do not always have to break yourself upon the rock of Her will, if You can
sidle about it from a different angle, I think."

One of her crowned antennae again quirking in the curve of a question mark, Princess Nabithia taps
her chin and remarks, "Hmmm. This sounds like a dangerous and sneaky habit to get into, Faithful
Avaris."

Pulling back abruptly, Avaris turns his head to look at Princess Nabithia, aghast.
"Sneaky?"

Mildly, Princess Nabithia says, "You are right. Subtlety would not be present."

The compound eyes of Princess Nabithia glitter with clear amusement, her chittering laughter
betraying her jest.

Avaris frets at the dense fluff of his ruff, antennae squirming like worms caught
upon a hook. "Ah." At Princess Nabithia's apparent humour, he gives a soft laugh, shaking his head.
"You are enjoying yourself, I see. How do you prefer to deal with Her, when She is being..." He
waves his hands aside in a vague, broad gesture. "Her."

Considering the question with a brief exhale, Princess Nabithia settles her antennae once more in a
folded crown upon her head. "In some ways Elders are like mortals," she says, clicking her tongue.
"We are each different in our personalities, no? In what we prefer to discuss, our humor, what we
keep hidden. She has such peculiarities Herself. The more I learn of them, the easier it is to
predict Her response."

Gesturing towards you, Princess Nabithia comments, "Surely you have noticed some yourself."

Placing his upper right arm's elbow upon his knee, Avaris rests his chin upon the
golden plate of his palm, uttering a low, non-committal hum. "Some. Getting to know Her is very
difficult, even compared to Her Cousins, I think. Striving to draw close to Her is like navigating
the mists She favours so. Much blind groping about and walking into walls."

With a bob of her head, Princess Nabithia nods in assent. "Kepheran women are proud as well. Do not
like being dismissed, or seen as vulnerable. Some of that knowledge is helpful, at times, when She
withdraws, though She is far beyond a being like my mother or my sisters." Her compound eyes reflect
a clear luminosity as she finishes, "When the Lady retreats into the mists, I recall that it is not
my failing. It is merely something She is not ready to discuss."

Silent for a time as he digests Princess Nabithia's wisdom, Avaris stares out over
the gently rippling waters of the pond, the only motion of his form coming from the slight drifting
of the tufts of his mane, and the wandering gaze of his eye-markings. "I think of it as my failing,
personally. If She withdraws, it is because I have misstepped somehow. Trodden on some subtle sign I
should have seen - A memory evoked, the wrong word, moving or looking or speaking in the wrong way."

A kind hum in her buzzing words, Princess Nabithia says, "Ah, but how are you to comb through
thousands of years of tangled memories and walls? You cannot punish yourself for not seeing
something an Elder Goddess strove to keep hidden, no?"

The left of Avaris's larger antenna flattens aside as he emits a dissatisfied
sound, evidently unconvinced. "Still. I wish only to see that She has reason to be happy. I do not
think I have had much success in that regard." He pauses, the ridged, flaring blades of his jaw
tipping upwards thoughtfully. "Though She has drawn Her veil back with me, sometimes. I think that
means...Something? Though I do not know what it indicates."

Avaris utters a slight, vibrating laugh. "Perhaps She is taking pity on my
inability to comprehend Her."

Her antennae twitching with amusement, Princess Nabithia admits, "It would help, at least." Then as
the warmth of her amused buzzing fades, she adds, "I do not know, myself, what Her meaning is. Only
that I have observed She is most comfortable at a distance, and least so up close." She blinks her
compound eyes, looking to the letter in her hands again. "This brings me to another query of yours,
regarding Tavi," she says, with a pleased hum.

Stroking the sharp, faintly curved tip of his fingers along the flat visor of his
face, Avaris dips his head in a minute nod. "Yes. I never try to approach Her, or to touch." At the
shift of topic, his antennae flicks up, twisting towards Princess Nabithia, before he shifts the
angle of his head enough to regard her from the corner of his left-most eyes. "Indeed?"

Her mild words conveying a subtler hint of humor, Princess Nabithia says, "I believe that the Lady
is, at times, confounded by the arising of unexpected circumstances."

Princess Nabithia says, "Tavi's brashness has at times achieved this feat."

Eying Princess Nabithia speculatively, Avaris lowers his chin once more, the motion
slow as the drip of water on a cool day. "I imagine She is not accustomed to the unexpected, given
Her long life, and all that She is seen in it." A sudden flash of sparkling motes within the azure
orbs, a brief, sudden grin of humour that is almost boyish. "A baby elephant with no consideration
for respect or the like might be an endless source of surprises, even for Her. It will be good for
Her, I think."

Buzzing with fierce agreement, Princess Nabithia says, "Yes. Tavi is many things, but not
respectful, tactful, nor subtle."

Princess Nabithia says, "She is a child and has a child's neediness."

The grin burgeons into a full, hearty laugh that shakes the vast span of Avaris's
torso, his pauldrons shoulders rising and falling as he places his hand across his face, head tilted
back.

Breathing a delighted sigh, Avaris shakes his head at Princess Nabithia, terribly
amused. "You have...Strong feelings on the subject, I sense, Immaculate."

Humming pleasantly, Princess Nabithia says, "Fortunately, the Lady is kind. And this is Her ultimate
weakness regarding the infant." At the sheer amusement emanating from the male kephera, shrugs,
saying, "My words are objectively true! Tavi is a fine creature. She is who she is, however."

Shaking her head even as she seems to delight in the scenario, Princess Nabithia says, "And she is
utterly lacking shame."

You think to yourself: A buoyant, merry glittering array of light, amusement and good cheer shining
strong and bright.

Avaris spreads his hands out in deference to Princess Nabithia's insistence,
bobbing his head in an amiable nod. "Of course, of course. Children are not renowned for their
manners." Placing his palms upon his knees, he leans forward a shade, curiosity bright in his voice.
"Do you like her, Immaculate?"

Utterly perplexed, Princess Nabithia says, "Do I like Tavi? Of course. What is not to like?"

Avaris lifts the spiked halo of his left shoulder in an easy shrug. "Some people do
not like a lack of respect, regardless of the loveliness of the source."

Avaris adds, "And perhaps she ate some of your sweets, once upon a time, or some
such. I think she has a naughty streak in her."


Acknowledging the statement with an upturned hand, Princess Nabithia says, "In truth, her manner is
the source of much unintentional hilarity. It livens up the Vanishing Isles."

Princess Nabithia says, "The anchoresses ensure her diet is balanced with nutrition, given the
tendency of visitors to spoil her."

Avaris breathes a quiet "Ah" of comprehension, nodding. "I can understand that
well. There is much dignity and regal quiet in the Isles. A mischievous element is a fine thing to
bring some gentle chaos to those that dwell there."

The memory evoking a chittering laugh from her in its retelling, Princess Nabithia says, "I could
not repress my laughter when she demanded such absurd affection from the Empyreal. It angered Tavi
terribly, but it was humorous. I am not sorry for laughing."

Princess Nabithia says, "I know the one called Gurashi promised not to bring chaos to the Star City,
but their suggestion of the face squishes brought an amusing element of discord for a moment or
two."

Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic sun's luminous presence
as he climbs higher into the sky.

In a tone of voice that is almost stern in its reproach, Avaris chides, "It is not
good to laugh at others, if it angers them, Immaculate. That is unkind. Did you apologise for
angering her, if not for laughing?" At the mention of Gurashi, he tilts his head inquisitively. "Did
they? I suppose they would have had to, considering their origin."

Avaris ponders the notion, frowning once more. "I do not think they were true to
their promise, unintentionally."

With an upturned palm, Princess Nabithia says, "Tavi was envious of the affection Gurashi showed
their mastiff companion."

A flicker of comprehension passes through Avaris's eyes. "Ah. Yes. Perhaps she
needs to be quietly informed that she is not a pet, and should not derive her expectations of forms
of affection, from observing such."

A touch stubbornly, Princess Nabithia says, "And I will not apologize. I have done nothing to invoke
the need. It was amusing, and laughter was the natural response. Children must learn that when they
act silly, others will find it amusing."

Avaris turns to fix Princess Nabithia with a direct look, his back straightening.
"Then it is you who are acting like a child, Immaculate. We are supposed to teach the young to be
better, not hurt them and anger them. Laughing may have been the natural response, but you wounded
her with it."

A low-lying buzz of annoyance accompanying her words, Princess Nabithia says, "She has already
forgotten it, but should she bring it up again, I may better explain myself. I dislike apologizing
when I am not seeking forgiveness, however. It feels disingenous."

The wisps of condensation in the sky spread slightly as a few light clouds develop.

Princess Nabithia says, "Have you never earned the unnecessary ire of a child?"

The point of his chin rising a few degrees, the cant of Avaris's jaw is a subtly
stubborn one. "You do not know that she has. It may be festering into resentment for you, for all
you know." At the question, he cocks his head aside. "Yes. Often, as it happens. I am poor with
children."

Her crowned antennae twitching with assent, Princess Nabithia says, "They can be exasperating, no?"

Avaris dips his head in affirmation. "Much of the time, yes. So can we, however."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "We simply lack the convenient excuse of youth."

Princess Nabithia begrudgingly concedes the point, clicking her mandibles. "Ah, well. I shall see if
she is in good humor when I return, then. Nothing that powderfruit mochi cannot fix, I am certain."

Pausing for a moment, a thought dawning, Princess Nabithia says, "Do you suppose this is how Elders
speak of mortals? A worrying thought."

Inclining his head in a pleased manner, Avaris turns lifting up his wings so that
he can access something beneath them. As he does so, he replies, faintly distracted, "Oh, I am
certain of it. Have you not noticed how often They call us child?"

"I am sensing disapproval, Faithful Avaris," Princess Nabithia remarks, a playful rhythm in her
humming words.

"Ah, here we are," Avaris murmurs, withdrawing a carefully wrapped series of
platters, placing them upon the grass between Princess Nabithia and himself. Folding his wings back
down, which shuffle until they are neatly arranged once again, the kephera tips his head aside. "We
are not children. Younger, very diminished relatives, perhaps, but not children. I do not enjoy
being treated as such. Do you?"

Avaris taps one of the covered platters, explaining, "You may take these to her, if
you wish. Along with an apology, perhaps."

"I do not much mind it," Princess Nabithia comments lightly, taking a platter of powderfruit
elephant mochi with a nod of gratitude. "Some mortals call their patrons Mother or Father. It is a
way of discussing the vastness between our states of being." Her antennae twitches as she turns to
look at you, commenting, "You would wish for a different dynamic, though?"

Avaris twists his hand slightly, in a gesture of concession. "They do, and that is
fine and well, so long as both parties are comfortable with that state of affairs." Lowering his
hand once more, he does not respond immediately, lapsing into silence. Eventually, he nods, but says
nothing.

Her compound eyes widening, Princess Nabithia says, "Ah. You have not told Her. I see."

Using her tongue and the roof of her mouth, Princess Nabithia makes a quiet clicking noise.

Avaris lifts his shoulders in a tiny shrug. "Why would I? It does not matter what I
wish."

Her mandibles making a thoughtful click as she considers your words, Princess Nabithia says, "Do you
believe it impacts your relationship with the Lady?"

The red swathes of his antennae bending gradually down in a frown, Avaris tilts his
head so that he faces the portion of grass that is shielded by the golden walls of his crossed legs,
considering. "Mm. I do not think that it does, to any significant degree. She is happiest when She
is as a mother. I will not seek to take that from Her. I feel I have already misstepped by asking
Her not to soothe my anger."

"Mm. I have noted the same. I wonder often what Her time upon Celestia with the Supernals might have
been like, in those early years." Princess Nabithia folds her hands in her lap, her crowned antennae
shifting slightly as she pauses. "Do as you will. Yet if the Lady is acquiesce to the brazen demands
of a child like Tavi, I find it conceivable She might listen to a request of your scope and scale.
Should the day you wish to request it ever come."

A warmth returning to her buzzing words, Princess Nabithia says, "I do not think it is a misstep to
ask for things, though. It is the only way you can receive them."

The breastplate of chitin that covers Avaris's torso stirs as he utters a low sound
of agreement, a wistful tinge to the resonance. "I wonder the same. And sometimes, what She was like
before She became an Elder - If She ever was a half-formed in Her creche. I imagine She was,
though." A short, reverberating laugh. "I appreciate your Wisdom, Immaculate, but it will be best if
She dictates the nature of our relationship, I feel." With another lift of his left shoulder, he
replies, untroubled, "I do not wish to take anything from Her, only to give. If She wishes to grant
me gifts, in Her generosity of heart, then I will try to accept them with grace, but I do not intend
to ask."

Avaris adds, dryly, "I am like to somehow offend Her if I do, from experience."

Canting her head with genuine curiosity, Princess Nabithia says, "Do you offend Her that often?"

Avaris's answering nod is immediate. "Oh yes. I believe so. That is not so strange,
though - I am very adept at inadvertently trampling upon others, Elder and mortal alike."


With a puzzle hum, Princess Nabithia says, "Hm. The Empyreal Goddess is not one as given to offense
as other Elders. This surprises me, slightly."

Avaris's jaw drifts upwards as he cants his head. "Do you think so, or that She is
simply much more skilled at concealing Her offense, and not acting upon it? Consider Her memories,
and how often She has done just that."

Her antennae readjusting into their elegant crown, Princess Nabithia says, "This seems a game that
you are doomed to lose either way. For even if She does not intend offense, you can imagine it with
this line of thinking, no?"

In an even, calm resonance, Avaris says, "I do not wish to win. Only to serve as is
most likely to benefit Her."

With a blunt buzz of sound, Princess Nabithia says, "You seem to think your service is lacking,
though. And if that is your fear, I would not recommend paranoia to assuage it."

Unperturbed by the directness, Avaris's reply is mild, as he asks, "And what would
you recommend, instead?"

Her compound eyes aglow with a gentle luminosity, Princess Nabithia says, "We must trust that the
Empyreal has faith in us, when She tells us so. To do otherwise is to darken Her intentions with
doubt and uncertainty."

Princess Nabithia says, "The Goddess is capable of rebuke, when She wishes."

Lifting a hand to regard it quietly for a time, Avaris turns the long, armoured
appendage about slowly, the wicked edges and points gleaming silver in the distant starlight. "I do
not doubt Her, Immaculate. Never that. She is kind, and patient, and more understanding of our
failings than I ever could be. I do not wish to take advantage of that, as others have."

Princess Nabithia turns her gaze to the nearby pond, thoughtful as she listens intently to you. "You
want to be perfect for Her," she concludes. "So you inflict suffering upon yourself when you sense
yourself failing to attain its noble intentions. You yourself know She does not wish this of you,
though." Her compound eyes return to face you squarely, your face reflected in their many facets.
"What do you suppose She thinks of this?"

As he listens to Princess Nabithia's words, Avaris's upraised hand curls slowly
into a loose fist, before relaxing once more as he lowers it to return Princess Nabithia's regard,
the smooth orbs of his own eyes reflecting her sevenfold. "I do not think She knows what to make of
me, at times. She is often bemused, sometimes exasperated, and uncertain, when we speak." A brief,
twitching jerk of a shrug.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "Perhaps She views me as an overeager child prone
to stumbling when striving to win Her affection, or as some strange insect prostrating itself at Her
feet in worship. I have no idea."

"Hm." The sound is brief in its abrupt hum as Princess Nabithia nods. "She is difficult to read.
However, have you considered that you, too, might be difficult for Her to understand?" Gathering the
silks that mantle her, she continues, "The Lady is wise in many things, but not graceful in all. She
has Herself said words are not Her favored art."

"I do not think I am so difficult to comprehend, even for mortals. I hide nothing,
I do not lie, and I am painfully obvious in the tracks of my thoughts. She is ancient, and very
Wise. What would prevent Her from understanding me?" Avaris asks with a puzzled tilt of his head.
"She has, but..." He trails off, frowning once more as he lowers his gaze to the grass. "She can
sense the shape of my mind, jagged and plain as it is. She would ask, surely, if She wished for
clarity."

With a dubious buzz, Princess Nabithia says, "We mortals are not always the best judge of ourselves.
It is difficult to view ourselves objectively, as another might see us. I cannot imagine how even an
Elder perceives what we are."

With a bemused, vibrating hum of his own, Avaris's chin lowers in a slow nod. "Nor
can I. It is an interesting matter to consider, though, since They seem so oddly drawn to us,
despite the disparities in being." Straightening, as if struck by a sudden though, he asks, "Ah, I
had been intending to ask. Are you a demigoddess, Immaculate?"

Avaris hesitates, amending, "If you do not mind me asking, that is."

"We often presume Elders are all knowing beings, because They are, to some degree," Princess
Nabithia hums. "And yet there are things They fail to comprehend, too." At your question, she lifts
a single antennae curiously. "What brings about this question?"

"It is an awkward place in not-quite-omniscience that They occupy, yes. Perhaps if
They were less blessed with knowing, They might be more comfortable with asking." Avaris suggests,
waving a hand aside in a vague manner. "Ah. I had been thinking on the Immaculates, on Her Avatars,
the nature of such, and demigodhood in general."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "It is oddly hard to tell who is an Avatar, and who
is not. Which is odd to me."

"I am not," Princess Nabithia answers simply, her antennae settling once more upon her brow in their
regal crown. "At present, the Lady has but two Avatars: Her Immaculate Aeldra and Faragan."

Avaris lowers his head in a series of small, thoughtful nods. "I see. Would you
like to be a demigoddess?"

Princess Nabithia says, "As I have not passed through the Portal of Fate, it is not a path I desire
to walk."

Princess Nabithia says, "Many desire to hold the mantle of Avatar, however. It is a rare honour
among mortals and Divine."

Avaris utters a shivering hum, lifting a hand to tap the point of his index fingers
against the plate of his face. "That is fair. It is, but they do not seem to treat it as such, hence
my confusion. Many barely seem to dwell upon it at all, or if they do, it is not with the reverence
that the gift deserves."

Princess Nabithia says, "I believe Misericorde is the sole Avatar of the Sculptor at present. I am
not certain that any of the Even Bladed's Avatars yet wake."

Avaris moves his lower hand hand about in small, grasping motions, as if seeking
the right words, and trying to pluck them from the air. "Those outside Celest, also. I had thought
there would be a...A palpable...Difference to them. That you might look upon an Avatar, hear them
speak, and go, 'Ah, they are chosen of an Elder', or some such."

Folding her hands behind her, Princess Nabithia comments, "I am told that the Avatars of the Even
Bladed used to wield great power and influence over the Basin of Life, and that to incur Her anger
was to bring Her righteous forces upon Her foes."

At this, Avaris goes silent, simply nodding in a neutral fashion. After a beat, he
says, "That does not surprise me to hear."

To your earlier point, Princess Nabithia says, "Ah. Avatars are more subtly recorded, yes. What they
can accomplish is often of more import than how they are perceived, however. The Lady has but one
Cult at present, the one belonging to the Lady Aeldra."

Princess Nabithia says, "They are formed with great care and attentions by the Divine who fashions
one, resulting in a manifestation of the unique bond between the Elder and their Avatar. Aeldra's is
revealed as the aspect of Everlasting Remedy."

Avaris nods, unsurprised. "I had thought that they might be a deeper connection
even than being an Avatar. I asked Lady Aeldra about it, and what being an Avatar was like, and so
on, years ago." An antennae flicks aside, bending inquisitively. "Revealed? It is not deliberately
chosen by the Divine, then?"

Princess Nabithia says, "I believe it is shaped by the Lady's wishes, but as in all relationships,
it reflects the bond that She has created and manifested with Immaculate Aeldra. You may have heard
of her fondness for the magnolia tree within the Lady's realm. I do not think it a coincidence that
it features prominently in her altar and her worship."

The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his
shining golden rays.

Avaris voices a soft sound of comprehension, folding his hands together across his
legs. "I should ask as to the significance of the magnolia tree. Nothing in Her realm exists without
reason, I believe."

Folding her arms, the silks settling about her, Princess Nabithia says, "I have my own theory,
though I would not ask Her."

This pulls Avaris's head around so that he faces Princess Nabithia directly,
antennae flicking up into gently drifting lines. "Why is that?"

Her compound eyes flickering towards yours, Princess Nabithia says, "You recall the memories of the
Goddesses of Daiev Mamornhai, from the Font of Purity?"

Avaris dips his head in a short nod of affirmation. "I do."

Avaris confesses, quietly, "I have been wondering at them quite a lot."

With an uplifted hand, Princess Nabithia says, "The Lady Maylea is of the Fourth Circle, known for
Her painting and awakening of flowers. Each had its own inherent meaning, cherished by many
individual Divine. The magnolia, I suspect, is no different."

Avaris nods along with Princess Nabithia's explanation. "I had noticed that each
Divine tends to have a flower they favour over others, indeed."

There is a long, heavy pause before the resounding hum of her words pushes forward, Princess
Nabithia says, "In this time... I believe the Lady Lantra considered the Bloom of Serenity and the
Lady Elfenehoala friends. And the magnolia tree flourished at Their presence, side by side, as if it
blossomed for Their joy."

Pausing, Princess Nabithia says, "There is only one magnolia tree in the entire realm, standing
apart, almost forgotten. Something that grew long ago, but is no longer tended, nor cared for."

Turning his head back to regard the waters of the pond as he listens, giving
Princess Nabithia time and quiet to speak, Avaris lowers it to rest atop the conjoined arch of his
interlocked fingers, the contact eliciting a quiet click of chitin.

Her scythe-like limbs resting on her knees, Princess Nabithia says at length, "That is my suspicion.
I would not ask. I know how memories of Them seem to affect Her."

Silent for a great span of time following the explanation, Avaris's antennae curve
and undulate as if wrestling with something. Eventually, in a quiet voice, he says, "I prayed to the
Bloom not so long ago, you know."

Her head tilting with a curious cant, Princess Nabithia asks, "For this very reason?"

Avaris lifts his lower, left hand up to pass it aside, as if brushing something
away. "Oh, I prefaced it with my usual dire warnings and asking Her how best to deal with the Silent
One, but....Yes. That was my true reason. I asked Her if She would tell me of Her relationship with
our Lady, for I did not wish to ask it of Her, for fear of upsetting Her."

Princess Nabithia nods in understanding, her crowned antennae gently bobbing with the movement. "She
was the Lord Eventru's sibling, you know," the kephera remarks. "Immaculate Aeldra once asked if the
Lady would speak to the Bloom upon Her return, for she once served the Lady Maylea faithfully. The
Empyreal said She did not know how to approach the Fourth Circle Goddess upon learning of the
Exalted's fate, however. I would not be surprised if the Lady Maylea felt likewise."

Her thin fingers gesturing in absurd shapes before her, Princess Nabithia says, "There are always...
obstacles, it seems, between the Elders. They speak past one another, and so much of what They say
is not what They mean. I often wonder who in the Basin the Lady considers a friend, save for the
Sculptor and the Even Bladed."

The layered edges of Avaris's jaw tilt up upon the foundation of his locked hands,
antennae twisting in a gesture of surprise. "I was not aware. Hm." One of the fingers lifts and
descends, tapping against the plated knuckles in a slow, measured cadence. "If She even considers
Them friends in truth. Sometimes I think our Lady is very alone." The pace of the gesture increases
slightly, his antennae curving down in a frown. "Do you think it possible to mend the gap between
the Bloom and our Lady? That was my hope, but, a distant one."

Shrugging, causing the starlit silks to ripple with the movement, Princess Nabithia says, "Oh, I do
not presume to know what Goddesses may think or do. That path is a dangerous one."

Princess Nabithia says, "But... I do not think it impossible."

Avaris utters a shivering note so faint it is almost indiscernible among the
gentle, ambient sounds of the location. "I am at peace with dangerous paths, so long as the
destination is worthy. Thank you for your estimation, Immaculate."

Princess Nabithia says, "You may find inquiring with Immaculate Aeldra wise, that you know what sort
of being the Bloom of Serenity is before speaking with Her."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "Ah, she does not wish to speak of Her very much,
for it pains her, given their parting."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "I have made inquiries to those of Her Order, but
heard nothing back yet. I will try again soon."

Comprehension flashing across her compound eyes, Princess Nabithia says, "Ah. I see. They say
Avatars are much like their Divine."

A wry smile spreads across Princess Nabithia's face.

Avaris dips his head in a minute motion of agreement. "That would make sense, yes."

Voicing a distant thought, Princess Nabithia says, "I wonder if the Elder Mysrai thinks of the Lady
as a friend. They speak fondly of Her, since the agreement between Them."

Princess Nabithia says, "Somehow I am not certain the Empyreal would feel likewise, though. She
seems content to keep the Elder at arm's length."

"You are uncannily adept at picking out Elders that I have sent prayers to, of
late, Immaculate." Avaris observes with a dry humour. "Friendship means nothing, if it is not woven
to bridge the divide between both parties. Else, it is simply a rope that dangles forlornly in a
ravine." Tilting his head towards Princess Nabithia, without turning to look Princess Nabithia's
way, he remarks, tone polite, but gentle, "I do not think that you are given to stand on ceremony,
but, in the event that you feel compelled to stay due to manners, or what have you - You are ever
free to simply depart, if you grow weary."

With an abrupt buzz, Princess Nabithia comments, "You do not want the mochi to become cold for Tavi,
I see. That is wise, I suppose. She would notice." She rises to her feet and dusts off her silks,
adding, "And perhaps if you did not pray to so many, it would not be so easy to accidentally name
Them all." The jest in her words is unmistakeable as she chitters warmly.

Avaris lifts a hand, warding the notion. "Ah, no - I am not seeking to drive you
away, either. Merely that I do not wish to keep you longer than you desire to be here." Sighing, he
drops the hand, laughing wryly. "You see? Awkward, ever awkward."

Princess Nabithia bows deeply, saying, "Congratulations once again on your promotion, Faithful
Avaris." Rising to stand once more, she says, "I will write you soon, and keep our conversation
today in mind. You have given me much to think on."

Buzzing warmly, Princess Nabithia says, "That is well. I am awkward, too, sometimes. And I suspect
even the Lady Empyreal possesses her share of it."

Avaris rises swiftly to his feet, returning the bow with a deep one of his own.
"Thank you, Immaculate Nabithia. For the company, the Wisdom, and more. I look forward to speaking
with you again, via word or letter."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "Noticed that as well, I see."

You stand up straight.

Princess Nabithia hums noncommittally, saying only, "I have been around Her awhile now."

Princess Nabithia taps her nose knowingly.

Princess Nabithia says, "Be well, Faithful Avaris."

Avaris inclines his head, eyes aglimmer with a smile. "Understood. Light's blessing
go with you, Immaculate - And do not forget the apology to young Tavi."

Childishly, Princess Nabithia looks for someone to stick out her tongue at.

Princess Nabithia says, "Very well."

You utter a deep, rumbling laugh.

Princess Nabithia bows respectfully to you.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "It will not hurt too much, for so very long, I
promise."

You bow respectfully to Princess Nabithia.

Her antennae attuning to some far-off sound, Princess Nabithia excuses herself to the northeast in a
whirl of starry silks.

You ponder the situation.

You think to yourself: "On friendly terms with a Princess. Imagine that."