Down Low and Too Slow

Shadows pour out from the ether, heralding Dusan.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "I know you are technically 'sprawled on the ground'"

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "But."

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

The light spread of cloud overhead fluffs up into sparse cotton bodies.

A large shadow flits across the edge of your vision for a bare instant, vanishing between the trees.

You have emoted: Cheliyi flinches, before she grows still.

Worn, like a weathered piece of driftwood, you say, "... Greetings, Auspice."

You think to yourself: **brown, drying in your mind until it almost becomes a charcoal grey** Wyrd, why now? I do not want to face anyone, not like this.

The wind whistles eerily through the branches overhead.

Gently, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Hello."

You have emoted: Cheliyi does not respond, instead shifting herself so that Esei can sit more comfortably.
You stand up and stretch your arms out wide.
You sit yourself down.

Esei is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, their soul safe until they returns to Lusternia.

You sigh quietly, branches creaking with the weight of drooping leaves.

With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Apologies."

You smile, lips creaking softly.
Worn, like a weathered piece of driftwood, you say, "I do not mind. It is simply..."
Worn, like a weathered piece of driftwood, you say, "Quiet."

Esei hums thoughtfully.
With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Yes."

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances askance, but the only real emotion you can sense is exhaustion.
Worn, like a weathered piece of driftwood, you say, "Was there something you needed of me?"

You think to yourself: I just want to sleep. I want to sleep and never feel lonely again. It is so quiet.

You think to yourself: **charcoal grey fringed with purple** Siblings, it has almost been a month. Please...

Esei shakes their head.
Esei gently caresses one of your leaves, staring at you with dark eyes.

You have emoted: Cheliyi hums, but the sound is neither harmonious, or resonant.

Esei murmurs softly to themself.

Sounding so, so tired, you say, "Sometimes... sometimes I wonder why I ever entered the Portal. Why I ever began to speak with others again. It does not feel so wonderful, now."

Esei hums thoughtfully.
With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I am afraid I cannot help with that, not really."

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles, but the expression does not meet her eyes. "You do not have to, Auspice. But I am grateful for your concern, nonetheless."

Esei murmurs softly to themself.
Esei pats you in a friendly manner.
With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Would you like to design something?"
With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "To take your mind off the heavy things."

With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I can supply the ideas."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, slowly. Voice hesitant, but ever so soft, she asks, "A design? But what would I have to offer? I do not wish to take yours."

Esei waves their hand dismissively.
With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It is hardly mine if you create most of it."

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles, a bit of life sparking back into her gaze. "... Alright."

Worn, like a weathered piece of driftwood, you say, "... I have rather had an odd craving for fried maple leaves. How would I design a dish?"
Esei ponders the situation.
With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I suppose that would be a platter."
With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "You might like to add a side of some kind - perhaps a berry dip?"

Gad descends from above.
Vespula Gad says, "Greetings."
Vespula Gad says, "Nice "view" of the forest."
Gad's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

You have emoted: Cheliyi twitches at the sudden arrival, before smiling weakly. "Indeed. If that was meant to be a joke about my sight, I have glasses now."

Gad waves and says "Goodbye!"

You sigh quietly, branches creaking with the weight of drooping leaves.

Esei shrugs helplessly.
With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It is what it is now."
With silvery tones, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "Platter?"

The rumble of distant thunder heralds Kosuke, the cloud-bound Long as he flies in and loops himself around you several times, handing you a platter of strawberry shortcake macarons within your Long cocoon before he flies off.

Many small, glowing red eyes peer out at you from beneath the trees, only to vanish moments later.

Esei sways back and forth.
Esei leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.
Esei draws the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree across the inside of their wrist, causing a line of blood to well up. They then lifts the blade into the air, as shadows spill out of the wet crimson tip, swarming around Esei and taking them with them as they sink into the ground.

You have emoted: Cheliyi opens her mouth to respond, only to sigh as Esei leaves.
Worn, like a weathered piece of driftwood, you say, "Too slow."