Do you really not like home anymore?

Standing before thrumming trees.
There is no wind to speak of, and all is completely calm. Single blankets of deep glowing fog roll sluggishly along the ground and swirl in the air, the glow ethereal and quixotic. A mass of gigantic trees rise up in a barrier to the outside forces, their bodies glowing an iridescent green as a baritone hum causes the very earth to slightly shudder constantly. The air is damp with moisture, the ever present clouds overhead storming and brewing as the tropical weather causes the trees to reach their multi-colour leaves up towards the heavens. Constant motes of light swirl along the roots of the trees, traveling up along a steep ascent towards a towering mountain that juts up from the earth in the distance. A birch sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. There is an aetherways portal here.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.

You flop down onto the ground.

Gurashi blinks.
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "Oh...!"
Gurashi lazily draws their wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

Glorious rays of morning light burst forth from Father Sun's crown as it peeks over the world's edge, announcing a bright and shining new dawn.

Hesitantly, you say, "Yeah."
With a gentle creak, you say, "Um. Do you want to go home? It is okay if so, yes."

Gurashi shakes their head, turning in their spot. "Have been within the tree?" They ask.
You nod slowly, your chimes clinking in a soft melody.

A silvery-barked branch loops around you as you tug gently upon it. Moments later, several more of the branches envelop you, lifting you past a blur of verdant life and placing you gently upon a platform amidst amber flowers.

Beneath a secret paradise.
Though the foliage is too thick here for Father Sun or Mother Moon to make an appearance even at the height of their ascendancies, this platform in the great Tree is nonetheless illuminated. Bulb-like amber flowers hang from the branches that twist and turn around the spot where two boughs meet, emitting both a warm light and a sweet, honeysuckle scent. Every now and then the flowers sway in the breeze, causing tiny flecks of pollen to cascade down upon all around them. Curiously, rather than alighting upon the bark below, the grains simply wink into nothingness. A number of slender, moving branches extend from the closest section of the trunk, outstretched as if in offering. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings.
There are no obvious exits.

Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile.
The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.

A silvery-barked branch loops around you as you tug gently upon it. Moments later, several more of the branches envelop you, lifting you past a blur of verdant life and placing you gently upon a colossal branch of the Tree of Trees.

A divergence of stems.
The Spirit Tree emanates a truly colossal branch, wide enough for three igasho to stand abreast upon, that splits off here and branches into two separate stems that are small in comparison, but still more than large enough for any mortal race to walk upon. At the far ends of the branches, to the south and southwest, there appear to be leaves bigger than houses, and apparently some kind of huts are built on the south leaf while flashes of amber light shimmer faintly to the southwest. It is difficult, however, to perceive any more from this distance. To the southeast the flora grows thick, obscuring the edges of what would seem like a knot or nub in the branch. A number of slender, moving branches extend from the closest section of the trunk, outstretched as if in offering. A teardrop-shaped trail of hardened amber forms here upon the bark of the Tree of Trees. There are 2 Sentinels of the Willow here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings.
You see exits leading south and southwest.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "Is a godly tree."

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.
With a gentle creak, you say, "It is."

Suddenly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "Did you know once upons a time, Serenwilde and Glomdoring worked together to help it?"

You tilt your head curiously at Gurashi.

Gurashi looks over their shoulder, examining the surrounds. "I do not know the whole story. I did not get to hear it. But I knew of it."

Landing softly on a nearby branch, a twilight phoenix rests from its flight to preen itself.

Gurashi sniffs the air while twitching a striped badger nose.
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "Oh, my."

Flapping its wings thrice, a magnificent twilight phoenix glides away to the southeast in near silence.

You smile, lips creaking softly.

Gurashi's eyes bug out as they boggle in amazement.
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "When Tree of Trees came, the Glomdoring and Serenwildes became allies - they did."
Gurashi bows their head politely to a Sentinel of the Willow.
His watching taking him elsewhere, a Sentinel of the Willow marches off to the southeast.

With a gentle creak, you say, "The phoenixes are my favorite."

Landing softly on a nearby branch, a twilight phoenix rests from its flight to preen itself.

Shocked, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "Did not know were phoenixes..had not noticed..."

Flapping its wings thrice, a magnificent twilight phoenix glides away to the southeast in near silence.

Gurashi pauses, turning in their spot to look about the clearing. "Do come here lots?"

Softly, you say, "Sometimes. It's... nice. But different."

Gurashi steps away from you, wings flapping twice to bring them upward into a low-hanging branch strong enough to support their weight. "What does sound like?"

You hum softly, your leaves resonating in tune with the small set of bone chimes.
With a gentle creak, you say, "Home is familiar. Serenwilde hurts, honestly. Too light and high and bright. Here is..."

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.

After a moment, you say, "Loud. Balanced. Like little bits from each are singing in a..."
You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, searching for the right word.

Gurashi blinks slowly at this, furrowing their brow as they listen to you speak. "...balanced," They repeat.

With a gentle creak, you ask, "I think they're called chords?"

Gurashi blinks again, slowly pulling a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars forward.

Pausing, you say, "Well. Not balanced balanced. But they are not fighting."
With a gentle creak, you say, "Is like a calm family dinner."
A wry smile spreads across your face.

Gurashi strums a single harmonic chord upon their instrument, the notes ringing out. "A family dinner?"
A look of understanding crossing their features, Gurashi nods their head slowly.

Gaze growing distant, you say, "It is... not exactly familiar, to me. Like I am walking into a festival when only knowing one person."

Landing softly on a nearby branch, a twilight phoenix rests from its flight to preen itself.

Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile at a twilight phoenix.

A twilight phoenix stares implacably about himself.

Gurashi listens to you, quietly playing on their instrument. "As long as are comfortable here," They say with a little smile.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.
Slowly lowering herself to the ground to sit, you say, "Are... are you feeling any better?"

You sit yourself down.

Gurashi swings their legs lightly, continuing to play. At the question, their tune falters, a sour note briefly ringing out.

You have emoted: Cheliyi winces, and glances away. "If you do not want to talk, I understand."

Gurashi shakes their head.
Gently, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "No, no, you are fine - do. Just."
Gurashi purses their lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as they carefully gather their thoughts.

You close your eyes, branches growing still as you listen intently.

"...doing the right thing is hard, sometimes," Gurashi says finally, resuming their melody.

Gurashi's legs swing lightly as they strum the strings, wings fanning open and closed behind them. "...am just worried lots - about you, and the peoples that left." They play a little quieter, voice lowering. "Worried about my family. Xenthos."

Not looking up from their instrument, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Sometimes it just all builds up and do not realize it, and then it is too late."

Softly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "Is all. That is all. Am sorry to worry you."

Gurashi continues to swing their legs as they pluck the strings.

You have emoted: Cheliyi opens her eyes, expression pensive. Her branches grow oddly still as she thinks, until she just sighs. "I am sorry it makes you worry too. We both worry lots, yes?" The wyrdenwood chuckles softly, full of movement once more. "I think that means we are related."

Watching the distant people bustle about, you say, "I think... as awful as it feels sometimes, it will be okay. Like you said before, we have eachother, and that is all that matters."

With a gentle creak, you say, "The peoples are not gone, just..."
Quieter, you say, "Distant."

Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile at you.
Gurashi nods their head emphatically.
Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

Gurashi adjusts a hooded coat of striking rainbow hues again, leaning against the trunk of the tree they are set upon, still playing. "Yeah," They agree at last.

Glancing at the trill, you say, "Please don't worry so much about me. What is going on is... scary, but I don't think anyone can help me but me. You being here is enough, yes."

Looking up, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "But you are where you are because ..."

You frown at Gurashi.

Gurashi quickly falls silent, as does their strings.

With a gentle creak, you say, "No."
Gently, you say, "I am where I am because I got angry at what is a normal thing to get angry at, I think. You do not get to blame yourself just because I was worried about you, yes."
You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, and sighs. "Well, I'm not sure if that is it anymore. But even then, it is not you."
With a gentle creak, you say, "As for..."

Gurashi stares at you, jaw set.

You have emoted: Cheliyi seems to unconsciously touch her chest, "the hunger... I think that is just... supposed to be normal for me. I was just unawares. Even if I don't like it."

Gurashi tilts their head and listens intently to you.

After a moment, you say, "It is odd, how when I am a tree, everything seems so angry and awful one minute, and then completely calm the next. I am either too much, or none at all."

Gurashi smiles sadly at you, sympathy shining in their eyes.
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "...happy mediums..."

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.
You open your mouth to say something, but speech fails you.
You curl your nose up and grimace awfully.

Softer, you say, "Do... do you really not like home as much anymore? It is okay if you think so. I would understand, I think."

Gurashi's eyes widen at the question, and they gaze at you, surprised, before looking down at their belt, where a branch from a ravenwood tree pokes out comfortably from its pocket.
Gurashi glances askance.
Gurashi swallows hard, no longer holding their mandolin proper, unable to meet your gaze.

"...I think about it so muchly," Gurashi whispers, staring wide-eyed at their instrument. "...think about coming back... the smell of the loams... the way the trees rustle when has not rained in a while..." Their eyes close. "...the insects..."

Landing softly on a nearby branch, a twilight phoenix rests from its flight to preen itself.

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches Gurashi quietly, stilling herself to focus her attentions on the trill.

You think to yourself: **a lump in your throat, it hurts, doesn't it? Sorrow.**.

Flapping its wings thrice, a magnificent twilight phoenix glides away to the southwest in near silence.

You think to yourself: If I left... I did not even think about the scents. The little things.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's branches rustle as she shifts in place, a frown tugging at her lips.

Gurashi's eyes remain closed, wings fanned open slightly as they begin to pluck at their instrument at last, slowly, the tune melancholy. "...surely, they must know..."

Looking at the clearing once more, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "How muchly I -miss- them."
Gurashi glances askance.

You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows thickly, and nods.

Gurashi shrinks a little upon the branch, continuing their tune, letting the melody rise, hopefully. "...was always told, was O-K. That, I was a goodly me. So many peoples, from all over. They would tell me to not change."

Quietly, you say, "You are goodly."

Gurashi frowns deeper. "...it did not make sense, then - when got told cared too muchly. That picked -wrongly-."

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.
You pet Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at you. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

You think to yourself: **a swirl of something heavy in your stomach, you don't understand...**.

Gurashi inhales and exhales softly, still playing, eyes closing again. "...every time that tried to lean into what it was the Wyrd offered..."
Softer, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "...was like ..."
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "...like, to be a cat - pet wrongly..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, slowly.
You open your mouth to say something, but speech fails you.
You open your mouth to say something, but speech fails you.
You crease your brow in a frown.

Hoarsely, you say, "I never understood peoples much. Or the commune."

"Peoples are happy, when they feel safe," Gurashi continues, feathers quivering. "And, I was really happy, until..."

Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.

Gurashi glances askance at you.
Gurashi smiles sadly at you, sympathy shining in their eyes.

Voice cracking, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "...they only make you feel warm and safe if are with thems..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches Gurashi quietly until she stands, and walks over to them to offer a hug.

Gurashi plays a little louder, until your arms wrap around the trill, notes hanging in the air. "...do not know a whole lot about loves, but," They shake their head, "do not think is supposed to be conditionals."
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "At least - it felt like that? It ..."

Voice wavering, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Would give anythings and everythings to see Xenthos and Ilistala, again, but."

You think to yourself: **guilt guilt guilt, it isn't fair. they should get the love too.**.

Gurashi looks up at you, ears flat. "...every time think of him it still makes me cry," They laugh suddenly.

You have emoted: Cheliyi squeezes Gurashi a little tighter in the embrace, her frown prominent as she remains silent.

Stopping their strumming, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Never even got to say goodbye."

Gurashi's posture relaxes as the faint aura surrounding them drains away, those loyal to them suddenly seeming slightly disappointed.
Gurashi lets out a deep breath, and their presence seems to dwindle.

Voice warbling, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "All just letters. Do not even know if he read thems."

(And Everything Nice): Gurashi says, "(he didn't)"
(And Everything Nice): You say, "*cries*."

Tears fill your eyes and begin to slowly run down your face.

Gurashi lets out a little gasp as they notice your tears, plumage ruffling. "Oh - mine-child..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi hugs Gurashi tightly, her branches curling around them as if to shield them from the world.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "It's so unfair. You deserve so much better. I hate it."

Their instrument sliding to the side as they return the embrace, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Just wanted you to be an An'Ryshe, too."

Gurashi reaches out and gently grabs you, pulling you into a tight embrace.

You have emoted: Cheliyi squeezes her eyes shut, not responding as silent sobs shake her shoulders.

Earnestly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "You are a -very- goodly mine-child O-K and love you no matter what, even if decides to go to Magnagora O-K."

Bizirik, the leothin looks at Gurashi in confusion.

Bizirik, the leothin glances askance.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "**your throat so tight you can't speak** That isn't it, no. You... I can't help. I hate it. I want to make it okay for you, but I can't."

Gurashi shakes their head.
Gurashi gives you a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Cheliyi finally lets out a short breath, pulling away to scrape the sap-like tears away.
Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "I should not be crying, yes. It is your pain, and I am only adding."

Gurashi shakes their head as tears begin to freely flow from their own eyes, clinging desperately tight to your branches.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "I love you so much too, okay? I don't care where you go or how you feel about home, you are -always- my dad, yes. I don't blame you when it hurts so much."

Quietly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "You can cry - is always O-K to cry."

Gingerly reaching out to Gurashi, you envelop them with your limbs in a gentle, leafy embrace.

You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows thickly, and tears flow anew.

Gurashi's wings flap lightly, and they furrow their brow. "Focus firstly on what will make you happy, O-K?" They whisper encouragingly. "Must take care of self - is important."

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles faintly.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "I will. But that does not mean you get to deflect, yes. Would do anything for you if I could."

Gurashi nods a little, cheek mushed against your trunk.
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "You already do so muchly - by going out, and, being goodly."
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "By being kindly and making friends and having enthusiasms for the goodly things - the nice things in the worlds."

Gurashi reaches out and touches you.

You blink.

Landing softly on a nearby branch, a twilight phoenix rests from its flight to preen itself.

You smile softly.

Practically bursting in their seat, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "I love you muchly, mine-child - am very proud of you, am."

Barely above a whisper, you say, "It doesn't feel like enough, sometimes. And I still get angry."

Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.
Worriedly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks you, "Enough?"

Softly, you say, "Not your love, no. Being nicely."
You give Gurashi a friendly squeeze.
With a gentle creak, you say, "You are more than I could ask for, yes."
Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Gurashi's brow.
With quiet mirth, you say, "Best Dad ever, yes."

Gurashi reaches out and gently grabs you, pulling you into a tight embrace.
Proudly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Bestest mine-child ever."

You chuckle softly, your leaves rustling with laughter.

Gurashi gives you a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls away from the embrace with a small smile. "We should probably go home for sleeping. I feel super tired, yes."

Gurashi nods - however, as the wyrdenwood leans away, the trill slips from the branches of the great Tree to your own.

You smile, lips creaking softly.

You stand up and stretch your arms out wide.

You touch a glowing emerald leaf, and leafy creepers push up through the ground and climb up your legs. As the leaves turn brown and blow away, you are suddenly whisked away.

---> zoom zoom zoom

A cozy living room above the kitchen.
A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Eleven steps, all different dimensions and carved from dark ravenwood lead to a comfortable little living area. Dark floors contrast the gentle green shade painted on the walls, and bright, flickering wall sconces. A curved ceiling looks as if it has been scooped directly out of a tree, and thick support joists criss-cross the expanse. Delicate muslin curtains cover either window and barely touch the floor. On both window sills sit half a dozen tiny planters with newly sprouting flowers and herbs inside. Three plain oak doors typically stand closed, but whiffs of lavender and petrichor can be detected when they open, briefly displacing the delicious smells of the kitchen below. The diminutive size, low lighting, and soothing colors of this room invoke a sense of ease and respite. An elegant wall sconce featuring numerous large poppies juts from the wall, holding a flickering candle. There are 2 soft couches decorated with needlepoint poppies here. A tapestry depicting the creation of the lyrebird is proudly hanging here. A lush beige carpet is spread out on the ground. There are 2 elegantly carved ravenwood armchairs here. A small dark brown tea table stands here. A painting of A Future Endeavor is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. A painting of the scene at in the park playground has been thrown on the ground here. A painting of Of All The Rainbow has been thrown on the ground here. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence.
You see exits leading east (open door), southeast (closed door), southwest (closed door), northwest (closed door), and down (open door).

Gurashi gives you a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, and squints.
With a gentle creak, you say, "I keep forgetting which one is your room."

Shyly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "H-here's fine..."
Gurashi slips down from your boughs, alighting upon the floor beside the couch.

You smile, lips creaking softly.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, vaguely hunched over.

You unhide a dark moss-green linen shirt from view.
You unhide a long skirt of shadows from view.
You hide a warm cloak of autumn hues from view.
You unhide a leaf-green woollen blanket from view.

You have set your accent to: Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool
You will now be described as "(Small and cheery,) of axolotl descent who starkly contrasts her homeland with her pearly skin and mauve-tinted frills. Her stature is not unnatural for a mugwump, short and sturdy with a clear fitness that implies years of climbing about trees and swimming through swaths of swamp. A messy bob of magenta hair flows from her scalp, unkempt and tangled with shiny knickknacks, small origami, and albino feathers. Hints of wyrden willow leaves mingle with her pink locks, the sprouts seemingly rooted to her skin. Affixed to one frill is a tiny set of bone chimes, so small that it almost seems like an earring. Her skin has a soft, oily sheen akin to most mugwumps, but, strangely enough, the skin becomes abruptly dry and brittle in some places. Most notable of these are her forearms and a large patch around her eyes, the complexion slightly discolored to an uncomfortable beige, pattern reminiscent of roiling flames. Shadows cling to these surfaces in a loving embrace, seemingly soothing the damaged skin. Her eyes fare no different, the traditionally midnight orbs a faded, milky grey. When caught in a certain light, they seem to almost glow with the dull fog of twilight. A long, thick tail twitches occasionally behind her, stirring up dust and litter with each sweep. The pale frills that would usually extend from her tail are torn and scarred, the wounds long since healed."
When describing yourself, keep in mind that your race and your clothing are already described. Furthermore, please refer to HELP DESCRIPTION to verify the format of your description.
You slip into a dapper, cerulean-banded black felt hat.

Gurashi fans their wings at you, bathing you in a cool gust of air.
Gurashi reaches out and gently grabs you, pulling you into a tight embrace.

You have emoted: Cheliyi flops into Gurashi's arms as they gust the lavender leaves away.
You hug Gurashi as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

Gurashi steps down off of Bizirik, the leothin.

Bizirik, the leothin begins to follow you.

Sinking onto the couch, drawing up their knees, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Am going to stay right here, am."
Gurashi nods their head sagely.

You smile gently, frills puffing with joy.
Patting the couch, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Are welcome to sit, too."

You sit yourself down on a soft couch decorated with needlepoint poppies and make yourself comfortable.

You snuggle close to Gurashi and lean comfortably on them.

Gurashi grows still and their lips begin to move silently.

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

You think to yourself: How much can I stand to be in a commune that does not make sense? **the dull ache in your chest, you want them to be happy so badly**.

You think to yourself: **the dull aching only adding to your resolution** I am there for my siblings. I... I may not care for the commune, but I must be able to at least say goodbye to them. And I can't leave Lord Nocht.

You think to yourself: **a finger jabbing into your chest, "worthy because you are -wyrden-"**.
You think to yourself: **A comforting whisper, cold and wise, "Life is a struggle. Lusternia is not kind, little one."**.

You think to yourself: Would He still want me if I am not in the commune, any more?

You think to yourself: ... I will always have Dad. Why can it not be that way with...

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

You have emoted: Cheliyi sinks into the cushions, gently petting Bizirik, the leothin.

The faintest hint of poppies coils out of the nearby poppy covered wall sconce, candle flickering softly.
You have emoted: Cheliyi glances askance at the sconce, pursing her lips.

You think to yourself: ... Would He be helpful? I am not one of His...

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.
You think to yourself: What am I even thinking? I don't know what to ask, anyways.

You hug Bizirik, the leothin as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at you. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

You think to yourself: I must refine myself.
You sigh quietly, frills drooping as your tail sags.

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.

You think to yourself: It's all so much.
You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls Bizirik, the leothin close, and closes her eyes.