Teatime with Afollia

Your melodic voice sings into Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner's mind, "*a gentle buzz* Uhhmm... Mmmiisss Afollia?"

Afollia tells you, "Yes Gurashi dear ? Are you feeling a bit better ?"

Your melodic voice sings into Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner's mind, "Mm. Yes yes, am. Many thank yous."

Your melodic voice sings into Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner's mind, "How are you!"

Afollia tells you, "Oh simply delightful, I do believe the tea is ready and the seats are clean. Shall you meet me by Her temple?"

Your melodic voice sings into Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner's mind, "Ah! Yes! Uhm."

Your melodic voice sings into Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner's mind, "Have some cookies?"

Afollia tells you, "I do keep my home in Her realm after all dear, please do bring some."

<-- cooks and runs

Before a web infested rock.
A fresh breeze is blowing through the area. Dark shadows slither across the craggy surface of the desolate hills, converging on a shallow concavity where the foothills meet. Towering high overhead, greater in mass than any other object in the valley, rises a large outcropping of rock, covered in thick strands of sticky webbing that infest and drastically alter the landscape with their corruptive touch. A mature sheep stands here looking bored and boring. A black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings scuttles about here, clicking her mandibles together. A green eyelash viper is slithering about here. Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner is riding on a black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings. She wields an athame dagger in her left hand and a dark Font of thorny aspects in her right hand.
You see exits leading northeast, east, southeast, southwest, northwest, and in.

You flail about helplessly.

You suddenly let loose a chittering laugh.

Afollia flashes you a joyous smile.

You strike a pose.

Bizirik, the leothin strikes a pose.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Am here, yes."

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "It has been quite some time has it not dear?"

You begin to follow Afollia.

The caw of a reclusive crow draws your attention toward Afollia, who whispers a barely audible prayer. She lays a palm on her heart, invoking an intoxicating scent of roses that suffuses your surroundings.

You chitter at Afollia with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Mm! Well - now that mention..."

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "Let us retreat to my lovely maelstrom, I do look forward to spending a bit of time in your company."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, staring into space. "...guess so, yes think."

You tilt your head curiously.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Maelstrom?"

You chitter at Afollia with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Afollia shakes off a few rainbows sparkles, a smile on her lips.

Suddenly, you say, "Oh."

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "Why yes of course, have you not had the pleasure of my home yet?"

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "We simply must correct this dear."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Should Bizi come? Is going to make a mess if you give her food in your home."

You glance askance.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Afollia.

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "Oh he is most welcome dear."

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "Let us be off, you have permission for Her temple while in my company since we are heading straight to my home."

You nod your head emphatically.

You tilt your head curiously.

You follow Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner to before an immense waterfall.
You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Uwah - I have been here before - Miss Aleyah showed me once..."

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "There are ... happy rose-bush peoples here."

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.

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "Has she? that's a delight to hear. I imagine you have visited our guest as well dear?"

You suddenly feel a rough wetness press against your neck. Turning around, you look up -- WAY up -- into the intense eyes of an enormously feline visage. A caliginous leopard hops side to side excitedly as you notice her, depositing a centaur steak drizzled with a honey-citrus glaze she was mouthing into your hands. She yowls exuberantly, flopping to the ground and rolling about in evident delight as she bats her massive paws at you in play. Nimbly rising back to her feet, the black leopard disappears back into the shadows from whence she came.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at a centaur steak drizzled with a honey-citrus glaze.

Afollia's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Deliver to Evette - please, please."

With a toss of its head and some noisy chatter, Bizirik takes a crow-shaped cookie from you with its smaller set of forelimbs and scampers off.
Bizirik reappears with a smug look on its face, sauntering up to you to encircle you endearingly before sitting down, tail slapping the ground once with pride.
Bizirik, the leothin obediently falls into line behind you.

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "Let us retreat to my home."

You have emoted: Gurashi rises slowly, nodding. "Oh - yes - we visited Akuuko, too, in her sleepy spot, under the statue." They chitter... then trail off.

Afollia closes the pine door to the in.

The station crossroads upon the crystal staircase.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. A black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings scuttles about here, clicking her mandibles together. Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner is here, shrouded. She wields an athame dagger in her left hand and a dark Font of thorny aspects in her right hand.
You see exits leading north, south, west, up, down, and in (closed door).

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "Oh my and did you both know each other before this time?"
You tilt your head curiously at Afollia.

Surprised, you ask, "Friend Akuuko?"

Afollia inclines her head and nods " I have heard whispers of your ventures to the city of flame & chaos, are you both familiar with each other? ".

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly offers two varying types of cookies out to Afollia, smiling. "Mm! Yeah - have been on lots of adventures!"

Afollia gently touches the cookies, each one at a time. Her fingernail scratching the surface as she eyes you with a smile in her eyes " Flavors dear Gurashi ? ".

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh oh, uhhh."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "This one is -crow- flavored, and this one is -nature- flavored."

You chirp happily at Afollia.

Jokingly, you say, "Actually the crow one is kafe, yes yes. Keep awake!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Forest-y one is gingerbreads, so kind of tasty spicy yes."

Afollia lips part in a small smile as she takes the cookies and places them in her pack for a moment. " Those will do nicely, thank you dearest Gurashi. Shall we move in to sit ourselves and chat? ".

Your melodic voice sings into Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge's mind, "**sudden amusement* And for Bizi too - many thank yous!"

You give a fresh platter of centaur blood pudding to Bizirik, the leothin.

The cold voice of Evette sends chills down your spine, "I heard a rumour."

Your melodic voice sings into Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge's mind, "A rumor?"

Afollia pets a black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings ingratiatingly.
A black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings scuttles away from Afollia.

Your melodic voice sings into Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge's mind, "Does involve shrimps and Bizi?"

Your melodic voice sings into Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge's mind, "Because if involves shrimps and Bizi..... is true."

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "I shall take your silence as a yes then dear."

You have emoted: Gurashi chirps once, standing up straight and moving to follow Afollia's guidance. "Yes yes. Many thank yous."

The cold voice of Evette sends chills down your spine, "*a soft chuckle finds your ears* a little bird told me that someone isnt friends with Ilistala."

Your melodic voice sings into Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge's mind, "Eh?"

Your melodic voice sings into Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge's mind, "*amusement* Ah! YEAH. For some -reason-. I think is because they are both princesses and therefore one wants to be more princess than other, hah! Are getting along -better-... but."

The cold voice of Evette sends chills down your spine, "Well, perhaps not a bird."

The cold voice of Evette sends chills down your spine, "Yes, much much too tall to be a Bird. Bizirik and Ilistala are not best friends by now?"

Afollia gently unlocks the door, creeking it open. A pugnent stench suddenly emanates in a gust of win as she steps inside, dragging you with her.

Afollia opens the pine door to the in.

You follow Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner in to The parlour of the mistress.

Afollia closes the pine door to the out.

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "Do be seat dear and welcome to my boudoir, we have quite a bit to discuss."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

The parlour of the mistress.
Glancing about, your gaze is arrested by walls of flesh that rise from your surroundings; each covered in a translucent film of blood. They quiver to the beat of the Maelstrom's heart, a resonance that echoes within the depths of your soul. Surrounded by the grim cavities of it's body in every direction but one their hungry depths beckoning you forward. Upon the north-west archway is fixated a black reinforced door, bolted clamps woven into the algontherine's wounded flesh; a seal from what lays beyond. The floor itself is a crafted from scarlet ooze that drips below a gossamer lattice of white filament. The tangle of complex fibers, sticky & squishy below each step, covers the entire surface in various states of decay. It's fresh threads draping down from the ceiling far above as they lay upon to the nest below. A glowing light draws your gaze to the western side towards an expansive ancient ravenwood shrine. The altar itself rises three feet in height, draped reverently with a stygian shawl, as it bears it's burden : a small platinum burner fashioned in the shape of a black rose upon which thrones a vibrant shadowflame. Upon a white filament dangles a sketch of a bumblebee, swaying to and fro at life's grasp, as the hunger of the rose's incandescent tongue threatens to consume it. Your gaze climbs upwards the spider's thread towards a web of illusionary moments woven into a series of circles around an ancient merian dialect carved into the moist wall. For a mere moment, a crystal clear vision of a young blue-eyed merian girl scribing dutifully in a sinister black tome guided by the Mistress of Night comes into being upon the center's silvered scar; surrounded by wicked fae in a hall of conquering darkness. Flickers distract you once more and draw you towards a beautiful bay window in the east, displaying the unnatural panorama of Aetherspace. It's transparent membrane formed around the framework of pulsating veins serving as a barrier against the vacuum of the void. It's existence permits light to pour within the room. A glowing, alien pulse feeding the seething shadows that threaten to submerge the sight from your eyes. A length of iron chain, forged with a measure of wicked thorns and dotted in silk roses, bears the weight of a swing, swaying gently here. Soft black velvet covers this low-lying couch, its plump cushions appearing quite inviting. A beautiful set of silvery webbed drapes hangs here. Standing here is a table carved with a canopy of webs. A tapestry embellished with crows is hung here, their mighty forms captured flawlessly. A spherical chandelier of myriad rose blossoms wrought in shadowy gemstones and iron hangs low in the room, the petals sending prism points of twinkling light across every surface. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. A black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings scuttles about here, clicking her mandibles together. Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner is riding on a black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings. She wields an athame dagger in her left hand and a dark Font of thorny aspects in her right hand.
You see exits leading north, southeast, southwest, west, northwest (closed door), down, and out (closed door).

A black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings scuttles back and forth.

Afollia steps down off of a black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings.

You have emoted: Gurashi clears their throat politely, antennae bobbing. "Ohhhhh - wait - you LIVE ..." They look around in surprise. "....here. Huh."

Afollia sits herself down on an iron swing of thorns and roses and makes herself comfortable.

The cold voice of Evette sends chills down your spine, "Astounding."

The cold voice of Evette sends chills down your spine, "Good to know about the shrimp though, I'll have to gaurd them close. I need an idea!"

Quietly, you say, "...is...decorated nicely."

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Afollia gently cups your cheek, trailing her finger across a silvered scar before seating herself once more. Cold red eyes stare towards you as she speaks in a monotone voice. " Take a seat...dearest bumblebee."

Your melodic voice sings into Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge's mind, "Ah! What does Liah like mostly, by the way? I should really know -pets- too.... ah.... sorry - Miss... Afollia must speak to me now... I will find later yes."

Afollia smile parts as her eyes light with joy for a second " Teatime, is upon us my dear. A promise made....is a promise kept."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks thoughtfully at the couch, turning their back on Afollia. "Uhm. Guess could sit here if do not mind. I..."

The cold voice of Evette sends chills down your spine, "She enjoys napping, Gurashi. Enjoy your chat with Afollia, she is ...what is the word you use.. Nicely."

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Grand Diviner says, "Do mind the floor sweet bumblebee, Venomia's meals sometimes squirm as they bleed below."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, turning to look over their shoulder and watching Afollia with a surprised expression.

Somewhat unnerved, you say, "...a-ah."

Afollia let's her eyes gaze fondly upon the picture dangling upon her shrine " Would you happen to be thirsty my dear ? It has been quite the month for you."

You sit yourself down on a black velvet couch and make yourself comfortable.

You stare at Afollia, eyes wide.

Afollia allows her fingers to caress the thorns of her swing, fondly trailing her nail agaisnt them as she awaits your response.
Faintly buzzing, you say, "...m...mmmm, uhm. Sure." They reach out a hand awkwardly. "But. Have water. But. Said had tea. So. Will take some tea."

You stare at Afollia, eyes wide.

Afollia takes a smooth rose petal tea cup from a shadow-black backpack.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to stare in silence, three of their hands folded in their lap, the other extended.

Afollia eyes arrest yours once more, her scaled toes digging into the moist floor that surrounds us. " I do believe I gathered a pleasant white tea, before we begin our...discussion."


Afollia slips her hands in her pack and withdraws two beautiful cups, each carved from beautiful blooming roses. She bends forward gently and sets them both on the table, places each within reach of ourselves before turning to you once more. " Please do enjoy your tea, sweetheart."

You chirp happily at Afollia.

Afollia gently lifts her cup to her lips and sips, eyes watching your every move.

Afollia sips white tea from a smooth rose petal tea cup.

You have emoted: Gurashi takes the cup from Afollia curiously, looking down. "White tea?" They ask, lifting the cup to their beak and awkwardly taking a sip.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks once, twice, canting their head. "Uhm." They chirr slowly.

You take a drink of the poison morphite from a smooth rose petal tea cup.
Your insomnia has cleared up. <---- once I realized I pretended... it worked

Afollia gently caresses a fragile thread of webbing as she rises from a thorn wrapped swing. Standing before Gurashi's prone form she wraps you in soft yet strong webbing and places you before the shrine of fate. " Such a long time since i have had a delightful occasion presented to me, I must admit...you bring back delicious memories of aeons past. ".

Afollia gets up off an iron swing of thorns and roses.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens their mouth as if to ask a question, but finds themselves quite comfortable. So comfortable, they don't much look like they want to move. Or. Can. Their gaze furrows the tiniest bit, antennae twitching.

Afollia gently caresses your side as she croons in your ear. " Are you awake Gurashi dearest, sweet bumblebee of my Mistress ? I do believe you were promised a visit to my dearest parlor so long ago. It is a pleasure to allow my promise to come to fruitition."

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae twitches again, and they stare half-lidded at Afollia, their expression hard to read.

Afollia walks towards the western wall, as the rythme of the Algontherine beats within the room. Her eyes gazing with fondness as she caresses the ancient script upon the wall. " Such a long time since I last drank of the sinful, I remember each of them as their names skittered to join the remnant of the forbidden tome. ".

You think to yourself: What.

You think to yourself: ... is going on and why.

You have emoted: Gurashi twitches once, mandibles clicking. Their beak manages to open but all they let out is a soft, wavering thrum, their left wing twitching.

You think to yourself: Can I not ...

Afollia fingernails digging a wound into the pulsating membrane she closes her eyes for a few mere moments, a shiver coursing through her form. Blood hued needles become more opache, as the white fades from her chevelure turning a scarlet tone. " Such a refreshing memory, perhaps I should indulge in a bit of sin. Yet, the Mistress needs of your secrets dear....and so you shall live. Dangling upon a thread of fate as the shadowflame burns below your feet dearest bumblebee."

Dark light flickers in Afollia's eyes as shadows dance at her feet, rising up as if to briefly shroud her from the world.

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae twitches again as they continue to watch, silent and otherwise still, though their expression now registers great concern.

Afollia turns towards you in a crouch as scarlet tears drip from bloodshoot eyes in barely restrained hunger. " Sweet bumblebee, have you forgotten what you were taught ? Nothing matters but Glomdoring and She IS the Glomdoring. Her will is all you must obey, you should be grateful for Her mercy, dear me do I hunger to feel the screams of your throat as I tear from your flesh."

You stare blankly at Afollia.

Afollia shakes herself for a moment, composing herself as she rises fully once more and begins to pace. Clear voice ringing out she continues " Shall we begin dearest bumblebee ? I believe we shall."

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae twitches again, and their gaze drifts over at Bizirik, who stands near the couch now, its heckles raised and its eyes trained on the merian, a low rumbling in its throat.

Bizirik, the leothin growls menacingly at Afollia.

Afollia caresses the your silvered cheek once more in a tender gesture, a smile dancing upon her lips. " You are friends with Tridemon of Celest are you not dearest Gurashi ?."

A black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings crouches low on the ground.

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click nervously as their gaze returns to Afollia. Their beak opens the slightest amount, then twitches back closed. Their horror is hard to mask at this point, though their carapace is shiny in their fear.

Bizirik, the leothin snarls viciously at Afollia.

Afollia let's out a soft laugh towards Bizirik as she raises her hand to the perceived thread. A cage of flesh & bone reformes upon Bizirik, holding him tightly in place as Venomia skitters forward. A genuine tone of amusement lifts her voice as she continues " You need not worry dearest Gurashi, the Mistress wishes you alive and I live to serve Her. I do find myself amused by your sweet little pet however, you are in my realm now dearest gurashi. The maelstrom is my domaine. He shall stay put."

Bizirik, the leothin yelps aloud as it suddenly finds itself surrounded, turning and promptly lashing out at the cage with incredible ferocity. It snarls as a black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings approaches and attacks the cage again, letting out a sharp, short bark of panic in Gurashi's direction.

Afollia caresses your lips softly as she finishes. " Shall we begin our little dance ? After all, if you know my sweet secret, perhaps you should return to your life of silence once again...lest you speak your voice to the world. ".

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click against their face twice, the earliest effects of the poison starting to take their leave. They glance in Bizirik's direction again, then back up at Afollia, antennae drooping.

Afollia smiles sweetly as she responds. " How quickly does the world forget the actions of the past, I find myself with no such limitations in my centuries of continued existence. You owe our little chat to your friend and your life to the grace of my Mistress, I do not take kindly to threats."

Afollia spears one of her nails throught a defaced script upon her web. " Particularly the revolting cities..."

Afollia takes a simple red-bordered letter from a shadow-black backpack.

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales sharply, their antennae bobbing again and beak managing to open the barest amount as they let out a gentle, confused whistle.

Afollia gently unfolds a letter from her pack as she begins to read once again. " Ah yes, here it is, I received a letter from Tridemon during his atonement. He shared concern over dangers and threats to the Glomdoring from Akuuko's transformation that most mortals would not be familiar with. " The Spinner's tongue flicks to lick one of her bloodshot tears, pausing for a moment before she continued " Yet even then I assumed this simply another dalliance of yours and thought nothing of it. Until my Mistress's words reached my ears..."

You twitch spasmodically.

Afollia gently lays the letter before your eyes as she centers around Tridemon's words with a blood caked nail before turning once more before you. " Yes, you have been keeping secrets have you not ? Sweet, delightful bumblebee ?"

You stare at Afollia, eyes wide.

Afollia closes her eyes and folds her hands behind her back as she steps before the bay windows, staring out at the alien expanse that the Maelstrom hovers within. " It is a shame, truly, you were such a delight in the forest and a beautiful soul to discuss with. Why did you have to go so far dearest Gurashi ? I did not wish to bring you here, to do..." she allows her hand to encompass her surroundings " ...this. Your flame had much longer to burn."

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "Aw, did you leave all this food for Akuuko....?"

Bizirik, the leothin growls again from inside its cage, letting out another short, distressed yowl, pawing desperately at the bone-like confines. Gurashi's expression changes again, harder, more determined. Their left hand curls into a loose fist within its web, and they squirm slightly, chittering.

Afollia shakes her head gently, her hand tracing fondly the ancient symbol of the Halls of Conquering darkness upon the bloody glass. She turns to you once more, eyes focusing on you " Make no mistake dear I am Her creatures throught and through, if given a command I shall execute it. With that cleared up, my Mistress has two words for you to hear on the matter. Are you willing to hear them? I have not bound your lips, yet...so you should speak while you have the chance."

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters quietly from their spot on the floor, their confusion replaced with something harder, meaner. They swallow hard, then open their beak, murmuring something inaudible.

You think to yourself: ... Bizi ...

Faintly buzzing, you mutter, "... s... ....."

Afollia sighs softly, a sadness in her eyes as she steps closer towards you once more. " I know fully that you have the ability to extract yourself from my parlor dear, shall you run or shall you hear Her words for which she has spared you this night? ".

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "....Hello?"

Finally, with some effort, you whisper, "... what is ... it."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "*utter silence - you can feel their mind entirely elsewhere, far, far off - throbbing with anxiety*."

Afollia smile softly, a kindness returning to her feature as she gently massages your back. Dipping herself to your height, as you lay kneeling before the shadowflame shrine, she whispers softly in your ear. " You shall share your secrets with Her and remember how to pray properly to Her glory. That is Her first command....I suggest you do not bide your time on acting upon it, She is not known for Her mercy. ".

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, ".....?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Afollia, confused.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "... secrets ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a deep breath, doing all they can to try and push themselves up, still trapped within the web.

A black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings crouches low on the ground.

Afollia straightens herself once more, her bloodshot chevelure trailing upon the suinting webs of the floor as she begins to pace once more. " It breaks my heart to speak Her second command, dearest bumblebeee, yet you truly have failed Her Glomdoring in secreting away whichever knowledge tridemon spoke of. Truly you have fallen from Her blessed web..."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Afollia with some trepidation, again attempting to move, wiggle, chittering softly. Nearby, Bizirik no longer attacks the bars but whines aloud, pawing at them instead.

You stare blankly at Afollia.

Afollia archs her head, an odd twitching movement for a few moments as if listening to an invisible voice. " Apologies sweet insect, the Mistress informs me that you know who must hear of the secrets. Your task to pray to Her is in regards to a conversation at Her fulcrux. ".

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters again more quietly, grunting as their shoulder twists. They look up in confusion, then roll slightly, huffing as more and more of their feeling returns to them.

Afollia flicks her finger for a moment, Venomia skittering over to weave the webs that bind you tighter togheter once more.

You have emoted: Gurashi grunts. "...can't." They huff, lolling their head back as they wriggle more. "Bah-! Wait!" They whistle in surprise.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confused and dazed. "...can't ...go to ....if can't ...move." They reason from their awkward angle.

Afollia gently pets Gurashi's head, trailing her fingers playfully in the webs as she closes her eyes for a few moments.

You stare blankly at Afollia.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "... Miss Afollia...?"

You think to yourself: *a swirling miasma of color - uncomfortable - panicked*.

You think to yourself: What do I do.

You think to yourself: Who must hear of the secrets.

Afollia opens the pine door to the out.

You think to yourself: Told Her ...!

Bizirik, the leothin growls menacingly at Afollia.

You have emoted: Gurashi grunts, wriggling a little more. "Is counter pro-duc-tives," They try to argue, huffing.

Afollia eyes flicker open once more as her voice suddenly fills the room " You know what is asked of you, Gurashi. Pray to Her now, and then share your secrets with whom you know must hear them. " Gazing upon you with sadness in her eyes, holding your picture in her heart, she flicks her fingers. The webbing fades away.....the cage melts into the Algontherine....and Her Spinner of Webs vanishes into the darkness once more. " I wish..." whispered upon a darkened wind...

Taking hold of Dionamus's Jagged Wand of Returning War, Afollia waves it through the air, marking out lines of power with precision.
A kaleidoscope of colours fills the air around Afollia, obscuring her body completely. Soon, the prismatic auras subside, leaving Afollia nowhere to be seen.
Afollia leaves to the ether.
A black widow spider with deformed skeletal wings scuttles sideways off to the ether.

You stare blankly into space.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a surprised noise as they suddenly find their limbs freed, splaying out like a half-cooked noodle. They look about in confusion as Bizirik immediately breaks into a sprint and rushes over to the kephera, snuffling and chattering and sniffing at him. "Ahhhh, is O-K, is O-K," They whisper, holding onto the creature's neck to hoist themselves upright.

You lean against Bizirik, the leothin, eyes half-closing.

Grunting as they push themselves up, you ask Bizirik, the leothin, "Sorry... are O-K?"

Bizirik, the leothin grumbles softly, snuffling at you, urging them to rise further until they are back on their feet.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You sway anxiously in your spot.

You think to yourself: Heckity.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Uh - please - stay next to me Bizi-bee."

You fold space and a swirling gateway of brilliant light pierces the air before you, boring a hole through the very fabric of the planes to the Vault of Heaven. You ascend confidently through the rotating gate, which shimmers and snaps shut behind you.

The Vault of Heaven.
Balancing a shimmering sky, a veil in the fabric of reality seethes with raw energy. The veil, though extremely thin, flickers and crackles, sending booming vibrations through the surroundings. Glancing through, the miniscule details of the Upper Haven become visible and almost picturesque. A continuous breeze filters from the veil, bringing the previously cold atmosphere to comfortable temperance. With outstretched arms, an enormous statue of Estarra stands here vigilantly.
You see a single exit leading down.

You stare blankly into space.

You think to yourself: ... what.

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "*a weak ripple of apology* ... uhm."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "I was ... talking to Miss Afollia - am ... sorry..."

The melodious voice of Aleyah resonates in your mind, "**Silence. You cannot even be certain she heard. She doesn't seem to be distressed, simply.... absent**."

Your melodic voice sings into Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh's mind, "Anyway - was rude. Will catch next time yes yes."

You sway anxiously in your spot.

You think to yourself: Have to ... PRAY...

<-- runs to Vira's temple to IMPROV PRAY....properly. I hate praying. Let me ramble damnit!

A soft breeze drifts in, creating a shower of black rose petals that dance upon the wind.
Kneeling humbly, you press your palms together before you and close your eyes momentarily as you pray devoutly to Viravain, Lady of the Thorns, "Good evening, Lady of Roses. I have... learned that am -really- bad at doing prayers right apparently, and am very sorry for doing them wrong for so long and for being offensive to You. Was unkindly, yes. You deserve much more respects, yes You do. I do not remember all that I prayed about before ... please, forgive if am missing stuffs - or, ask Miss Afollia to tell me - we can meet at -my- manse next time. Speaking of... *a pause* ... talked to Miss Afollia a short while ago, yes. Took while, to work out of the bad feelings from the tea, yes. But am here now to tell You what told before, but -proper-, yes: I joined the Beloved, two years before the world almost ended, and did not tell anybody because wanted to prove that could do the thing and show You how love of Mysrai benefits the Glomdoring, yes. So did. Well, was working on it. But then Akuuko ... and, Your spiders ... *a pause* Hold on my leggies are ...".

Kneeling humbly, you press your palms together before you and close your eyes momentarily as you pray devoutly to Viravain, Lady of the Thorns, "Aahh, sorry sorry, kneeling is hard for bugs. Uhm. Where was - ah yes. Your spiders! They took Akuuko, and I wanted to ask -why-, took. Eye for an eye - do think the Shofets stole me? Am confused, because do not think so, but do not know, so... am sorry that offended and hurt and was cruel to You by doing this - am sorry, never meant to hurt, no. I mean, I love LOTS of things! But Glomdoring is at top of my list, it is! And You are Mother of the Glomdoring, which is most wonderful place in Basin, is. Uhm... Mm. Am sorry, again, that was not more forthright about. Miss Afollia, before I thought she was going to eat my face but then thankfully she did not, said also have to tell my secrets to those who need to hear it or something, and - think that must mean the Glomdoring. Or, You? Am telling them to You. *an awkward chirr* Am -sorry- My Lady am not the bestest at praying like this. Will be sure to prepare better before next one, yes. I love You! Please tell me how can make right, yes.".

You turn to the master shrine of Viravain, suddenly bending at the waist to offer a polite half-bow.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Many thank yous."

You step into a mirror, briefly passing through a wall of shadows.