Let the Cart Crash

<-- Gurashi at the Aetherplex, realixing they are 85 years old, sending out soooo many cakes. They sent out 30+ cakes to ALL of their waking allies, just like old times, because it felt like the nice thing to do! Spent the whole day doing such! ...unfortunately it turned around on them when one of the gift receivers spoke up, and triggered very unhappy fears.

It is now the 6th of Urlachmar, 585 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 22 days until the New Moon

You cheer wildly!

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Now am done being old."

Tikki giggles happily.

You beam broadly.

Cheliyi suddenly appears before you in a flurry of autumn leaves.

Cheliyi begins to follow you.

With a nod, you say to Cheliyi, "Am done being old now."

You chirp happily.

Cheliyi dusts her skirts off, drawing the water out with the motion and shoving it unceremoniously in her amphora.

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously at you.

Cheliyi concentrates on a bit of amorphous essence drawn from a beaker, pushing and pulling at it with her fingertips and palm. Suddenly the essence quivers and breaks apart into one-hundred and fifty humid reagents, which Cheliyi directs into her amphora.

You ponder the situation.

You lazily draw your wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

Curiously, Cheliyi asks, "Done being old?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Yeah - birthday is over."

Cheliyi chuckles softly, her frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "And am out of things that can think of want to do. Mostly just wanted to hand out cakes, did."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Tikki, "Are free to entertain mine-child and mine-selfs? We rarely have free time at same times."

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

Cheliyi hums thoughtfully, and pats herself down. "Should... have all of my things, now. Nicely."

Tikki says, "Oh! Well I'm free, but I'm hardly all that entertaining."

Tikki giggles happily.

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Tikki says, "I did finish another room in the Daydream though if you'd like to see that!"

Sagely, Cheliyi says, "You are -very- fun to be around with, yes."

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Cheliyi looks at you hopefully.

You begin to follow Tikki.

You strike a pose.
Bizirik, the leothin strikes a pose.
Cheliyi strikes a pose.

The corners of Cheliyi's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

Tikki points boldly towards the horizon and declares in a proud tone, "Onward!"

You follow Tikki north to The Hypnagogic Hall.

The Hypnagogic Hall.
Lit by some manner of soft and comforting sourceless light, the hall leading towards the Vivid Daydream's bedrooms evokes the sense of calm serenity one might need before slumber. The walls are decorated modestly with subdued tones that divide the hall into six sections, each colour representing a different nation. Cloudy white, burning red, oceanic blue, earthen brown, dusky violet, and verdant green. The hardwood floors mimic this collection of colours, swirling them together towards the center in a spiraling display.
You see exits leading northeast (open door), south (open door), west (open door), and northwest (open door).

Afollia tells you, "Dear, I could not help but be curious to receive cake from you. Did something happen recently ?"

Tikki motions mysteriously to the northeast!

Cheliyi follows you northeast.

You follow Tikki northeast to The Flame's Decadence.

Tikki nods his head sagely.

The Flame's Decadence.
Warm as a lover's embrace and as inviting as their touch, the smoky dim lit room smells of incense, perfume, and wine. The red and gold walls are graced by a myriad of flowing curtains and drapes of silk and velvet, their kaleidoscopic array of colours shifting subtly when unobserved, adding an almost psychedelic effect to the atmosphere. At each corner, flameless braziers seem to waft the dreamy, sweet smelling smoke that permeates the room, while upon the floor a large mosaic of a draconic figure graces the ground. Most details however are obscured by the plethora of plush pillows piled upon the figure's massive visage. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Tikki with an Angel face stands here, his presence perfuming the air with the warm scent of mouth-watering confections. Cheliyi stands quietly here, trickles of water playing across her form. She wields a radiant chalice in her left hand.
You see a single exit leading southwest (open door).

Cheliyi blinks slowly, at first wary, and then confused. "So much smoke, but no fire?"

Tikki nods his head enthusiastically.

Your melodic voice sings into Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex's mind, "It was my birthday, and so sent cakes to all of my friends and allies."

Tikki says, "And even the smoke at the end of the day is illusory. So no worries about breathing too much!"

Cheliyi smiles brightly at Tikki, her frills puffing with joy.

Afollia tells you, "And which is it you consider me to be then dear ? I was under the impression you were less then happy to speak with me at times."

You have emoted: Gurashi seems to snap back to attention, their gaze momentarily drifting elsewhere. "Ah! This place," They lift a hand to cover the end of their face with their hand, curious, wings flapping and ears rising. "Is very Gaudiguchs-y."

You lazily draw your wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely at you.

Afollia tells you, "Your daughter certainly had much to say when I spoke to her on leaving Her blessed garden, not that i'm ungrateful for you gift. I quite appreciate it."

Tikki says, "Yup! Named this one The Flame's Decadence."

Tikki nods his head sagely.

You think to yourself: *their mind momentarily fuzzy, at first overwhelmed by all the many smells, then mellowing, smoothing, adjusting - warm shades of red and lavender*.

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

You think to yourself: *...a rising sense of confusion, a brief iciness settling into their hands - what did say to Miss Afollia about me when left?*.

You have emoted: Gurashi momentarily looks down at the hand covering their nose.

Cheliyi hums contently, poking at the various curtains with clear curiosity, only to pause.

Tikki pats you in a friendly manner.

Cheliyi frowns at you.

Tikki says, "It's okay, the smoke's not real."

You have emoted: Gurashi refocuses, blinking a few times. "Ah!" They pull their hand away. "So...is O-K..." They laugh, embarrassed. "Guess would make sense not to make real danger-smokes..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Would not be O-K to sleeps in."

Your melodic voice sings into Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex's mind, "...... *there is a gentle ticking, like chitin striking chitin - a thoughtful thrum and a rousing of pale pastel colors* It is ....ah, incorrectly to say that am unhappy to speak to you."

Tikki nods his head enthusiastically.

Your melodic voice sings into Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex's mind, "Still love you lots, yes. And am sad that hurt and offended you and everybody else so muchly."

Tikki says, "The curtains are real. Well, as real as anything in the Daydream! They're real soft that's for sure too!"

Tikki nods his head sagely.

You think to yourself: *a distracting splash of color, like a watercolor painting taking shape - a friendly, albeit intimidating familiar face - Afollia's, not yet demi-Divine, still quite merian, smiling sweetly - she seems so -tall- and you feel so -young-, yes - was nice, yes*.

Cheliyi continues to fidget wordlessly with the curtain, her frills twitching curiously.

Afollia tells you, "Gurashi sweetheart, I will not ruin your birthday, but I will say this. It would be nice to have some positive influences to Her Glomdoring comming from you."

You have emoted: Gurashi hums to themselves as they meander slowly about the room. "Are going to make another one too? Another newly one soonly?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Tikki, "Because had money for two...."

Tikki says, "Oh absolutely! I'm likely going to work on the Celest one next!"

You have emoted: Gurashi squints, holding up their fingers in a V, clearly meant to indicate the two.

Afollia tells you, "So far, dear, the consequences of your actions that I have had to deal with were a tree in tears on your departure and a poor child falling apart with doubt and uncertainty sensing enemies in everyone of Her garden."

Tikki nods his head emphatically.

Tikki says, "Some went to this room, some will go to the Celest room, yerp!"

You look at Tikki hopefully.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Hopefully, you ask Tikki, "New Celest is next? Really?"

Afollia tells you, "I do believe you have a genuine intent to do good, and I shall wish you happy birthday. I fear until you are able to stand in my presence witouth shaking and speak of Her beautiful Glomdoring with love, I will always have a reasonable doubt that you consider me a friend and ally. Even if I care for you dear."

Eyes wide, Cheliyi says, "One of them should be dark and glowy, for Celests, please. So it does not hurt.... um. -some random peoples'- eyes."

Cheliyi blushes furiously.

Tikki gives Cheliyi a peck on the cheek.

You think to yourself: *the crashing of waves and rousing excitement is immediately dampened by an iciness, like a slap to the face: "a reasonable doubt that you consider me a friend and ally" - what, what - what*.

Cheliyi blinks.

Distractedly, you say, "Like..."

Cheliyi frowns at you.

You think to yourself: *a brief wave of nausea - ah - what was said?*.

Tikki says, "Don't worry, one of the bedrooms for Celest is going to be a sort of underwater cavern with dim bio-luminescent coral and algae."

Quieter, you say, "Shiny corals are nice...ah - uhm, excuse me? Sorry - want to hear but."

You have emoted: Gurashi touches their temple, waving a hand dismissively. "Am being rude guest!"

You move about quickly and lose Cheliyi.

<-- rushes off to TRY AND NOT BE RUDE ;_;

Announced by the ambrosial aroma of confectionary wonders, Tikki saunters leisurely in from the northeast amidst a flurry of sugar and spice.

Tikki hugs you compassionately.

Cheliyi enters from the northeast, a thin sheen of water rippling outward from every step.

Afollia tells you, "You life was not only hurt and pain within the forest, and your sweet child loved you dearly. While she can make her own decisions, i fear you could have spared her much pain that she otherwise ended up having on top of her own feelings. Is it not a parent's responsibility to weave happyness for their children dear ? I really wish it had gone otherwise for her and I sincerly pray you will soon mend your relations with Her glomdoring as well."

Frowning deeply, Cheliyi asks, "Dad?"

Cheliyi reaches out and touches you.

Tikki takes your hand gently.

You think to yourself: *confusion and bewilderment - know that am -scared- of now but - briefly the sound of gnashing mandibles and a paralyzing wave of white as you cannot move again, heart birdlike, beating, terrified in your chest, quickly fleeting - at odds with the smiling face from before*.

Afollia tells you, "All I know, dear gurashi, is that when we spoke...all I could sense was rage and anger towards me. It took everything I had to smooth the edge and let my love for her come through once more to try to help her. I could not imagine any other reason but our " time " togheter as the reason she fixated upon your picture so intensely. I pray you take care of her properly and be careful with her emotions, she is not a toy."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "U...hm."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at their hand dazedly, attention elsewhere.

Afollia tells you, "So happy birthday dear, I pray your years to come are wiser then the ones that have passed."

You think to yourself: *a voice, her voice, drifting in and out, rattling about - "is it not a parent's responsibility to weave happiness" - the iciness spreading from their hands up their elbows, Tikki's and Cheli's touch feel very distant*.

Afollia tells you, "But know, dear Gurashi, that I hold you responsible for the emotional state of the poor shattered child that appeared in my arms. I would never have sent my own children with such poor care."

Cheliyi curls her nose up and grimaces awfully.

Cheliyi hugs you with no small amount of effort, pulling you into a tight embrace.

Tikki frowns, speaking in quiet gently tones, rubbing your hand with a thumb. "We're here for you, Gurashi."

Afollia tells you, "But even with all that dear, I do care about you. So take care and feel free to send me cake if you wish to discuss."

Apologetically, you whisper, "...I - yes. Am - yes am here." They suddenly shake their head, blinking. "Uhm."

The melodious voice of Cheliyi resonates in your mind, "**as the mugwump hugs you, an quiet, steady stream of warmth and affection nudges at th edge of your conciousness, like a warm trickle of water slowly melting away a block of ice.**."

You think to yourself: *more words, more words and more guilt and maybe was not ever really cut out for this but - trying, we -are- trying - a flash of saffron in all the ugly blue and gray*.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans into Cheliyi, blinking down at Tikki's hand still holding their own.

Tikki says, "Whatever it was that she said to you. Her words can't hurt you if you don't let them. You are a good person, Gurashi. A good parent. Cheliyi is living proof of that."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly, owlishly, their attention slowly lolling towards Cheliyi, feathery ears rising curiously.

Smiling faintly, Cheliyi says, "Well, maybe not best proof. But! I exist."

Cheliyi leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.

You think to yourself: *--"take care of her properly" - more and more words, now chittering, buzzing familiar but ancient, a sense of doubt, that dull ache that's been growing now feeling like a wedge right in your heart - as you gaze upon Cheliyi, there is a sense of distress - "she is not a toy"--*.

Cheliyi narrows her eyes to thin slits.

You have emoted: Gurashi bows their head slightly, accepting the kiss to their forehead as their plumage ruffles slightly. "...have never been very bestest with words," They confess at last.

Seriously, Cheliyi says, "Dad. -Gurashi-. You do not treat me like a toy. Would not do so muchly if you did. You have been good, and kind, and helping me. You... you do not -have- to make me happy. But you do. And we love eachother muchly, yes. Does not have to be in words."

You have emoted: Gurashi opens their mouth, then shuts it again, leaning back to stand up straight again, looking down at their hand. Their own thumb twitches, and they slowly close their fingers to grasp Tikki's hand weakly.

Tikki says, "No man, woman, or God can dictate how you live your life. Either of you. Since I've known you, Gurashi, you've lived a life for love. Mistakes may have happened along the way, sure. But you're not infallible. Not even the Gods are free from making mistakes. But through the hardships you've tried to always be good to people, even those that hurt you. And that's goodly and kind. But you cannot let their thorns choke your heart because theirs ache."

You have emoted: Gurashi sets their jaw, ears flattening as they listen. Beside them, Bizirik pushes its angular snout into the trill's other hand, vouching for attention.

Tikki says, "When a heart is broken, you can temper it. To make it stronger than what it was."

Tikki says, "Some temper it with hate and bitterness."

Cheliyi nods in agreement with Tikki, finally looking down as she leans into your chest.

Tikki gently taps your chest, just above the heart. "And some temper it with love."

Tikki says, "A heart tempered by love, and hope, and kindness is the strongest and the frailest."

Tikki asks, "You feel everything so much, don't you?"

You think to yourself: *quietly throbbing, noisy, words becoming nonsense but still holding all their feeling the same - burrowed in their sternum, the ache - at times blindingly so, all others dull - they scour for language they can form but find none, finally settling in shades of indigo, blue, and violet - a sea of it*.

Tikki says, "It's okay, you don't have to answer. It's okay to feel."

You have emoted: Gurashi silently scours for words, gazing down at the top of Cheliyi's head before at last managing to nod, just once, at Tikki's observation.

Tikki says, "The hardest part of feeling? Is letting go of a feeling. For everyone."

Tikki closes the oak door to the south.

Tikki says to you, "I want you to let it out, Gurashi. Whatever you're feeling, you don't have to bottle it up."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little sound, a quiet warble, staring towards their feet, then at Tikki, wide-eyed.

You blink a few times and stare at Tikki in confusion.

Tikki smiles softly at you.

Tikki says, "Cry or yell or scream. It helps, believe it or not."

Cheliyi hugs you a little tighter, just as silent.

Tikki says, "When you hold something inside for so long, it only grows harder to hold. One day it will fill to burst and it will come out when you haven't the control."

The melodious voice of Cheliyi resonates in your mind, "**an encouraging nudge of green and blue, their own voice echoed back at them, "Is okay to cry..."**."

Tikki says, "So here, in this corner of the dreaming. You're safe. No one and nothing can hurt you here."

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows their brow, immediate reluctance plastered on their face. They grimace, no, cringe, shaking their head at Tikki and Cheliyi, leaning further back, feathers quivering.

Tikki gently squeezes your hand. "I give you my word, nothing will hurt you here. I know it's hard, letting it out can be the hardest thing. But you're stronger than you know, Gurashi. Give yourself this moment. Let it all out."

You think to yourself: *gnawing, aching, -tired- not fair - words are hard and not fair and no -way- a buzzing ticking, color bouncing with fearful white sparks*.

Cheliyi gently releases you, staring up at them with a soft frown.

Cheliyi sighs quietly, her frills drooping as her tail drags on the ground behind her.

Cheliyi leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Soul is calling me asleep. Give you some privacy too. Love you lots, and it is okay."

Cheliyi gives Tikki a friendly squeeze.

You stare at Cheliyi, eyes wide.

Tikki gives Cheliyi a peck on the cheek.

Cheliyi departs to the northeast, each step sending a ripple of water outwards across the surface.

You think to yourself: *an effort to speak - to express affection--*.

Cheliyi has left the realm of Lusternia.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens and closes their mouth, free hand barely raising after Cheliyi.

Tikki takes a seat on the ground, gently tugging your hand to sit with them. "Letting go doesn't mean forgetting you know."

You have emoted: Gurashi squawks softly, suddenly coming to their knees on the ground beside Tikki, dazed.

Tikki says, "Letting go isn't about just forgetting all the good or even all the bad."

You think to yourself: *confusion and confused, like a hammer gently knocking on the side of their head as they process the statement - letting go? not forgetting?*.

You think to yourself: *to scream? to cry? a sense of frustration, the gnawing returning - have done all of it already*.

Tikki hums softly in thought. "Have you ever carried lots and lots of food in your arms at once?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods weakly, gesturing to a motley wicker basket.

Tikki says, "Platters and bowls and loaves of bread. You gotta get where you're going quick. But you dropped a loaf! So you've gotta stop, that loaf was for someone specific. So you pick it back up, but you dropped another bowl. It spilled, gotta pick it up and take it back home to make more. And then on the way a platter slips."

You give a horrified gasp.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Tikki with growing distress as they listen to the story, their wings flapping desperately behind them.

You think to yourself: *oh no! each visual is easy to see, themselves like a child's drawing, kepheran, scrambling after the bread, trying to keep up*.

Tikki says, "It's hard carrying all that food in your arms. But you can't just not bring the food. It's good food, for good people! Even if some of the people may not appreciate it the way others do. You wanna bring it to be goodly and kind anyway."

You have emoted: Gurashi listens to Tikki, rapt with attention, plumage ruffling with interest.

Tikki says, "Back home, with all your food, you know it's hard carrying that all. But you can't leave it behind. But, you have a cart! It's small but sturdy, you can take all that food and stack it up in there, and wheel it behind you. It's not in your sight, it's not right in your arms. But you haven't forgotten it. You can always look back and see, yep! That loaf's right there. That bowl's not spilled anymore. And the platter is nice and stacked."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a tiny squeak, another warble, canting their head to the side, fingertips tapping together nervously.

Tikki asks, "Sometimes, a wheel may come lose on that cart though huh?"

You think to yourself: *chasing down the cart - fixing it - now carrying and so many and - this - why does this make so muchly sense*.

You stare at Tikki, eyes wide.

Tikki says, "But how about that. A handsome Lucidian comes along and helps with that wheel. And a friendly treewump helps get that bread right back in that cart. And even a silly dream-shaping furrikin helps them take turns pulling the cart with you."

You think to yourself: *a gentle gasp - immediately familiar blue-violet crystalline flesh and mismatched eyes - a friendly mugwump with leaves in her hair - and you! but a draconic noodle, no, a now-you, a then-furrikin-you, a now-you again - shapey like me*.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to stare and listen wordlessly, their gray-blue eyes wide and shiny.

Tikki says, "It may feel sometimes like only you can pull that cart alone. It gets pretty heavy though doesn't it? You keep meeting nicely people, or not so nicely people, and now there's more food. And the cart has to get bigger right?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's head bobs once, curiously. They suddenly exhale, letting loose a breath they did not realize they had been holding, head canting the other way now.

Tikki says, "But the ones who love you. Whether they come or go, come along and help pull that cart with you. Or even take a few of the things into their own cart to pull along while they're walking with you! To make the load easier. But at some point, that cart will get too heavy to pull yeah?"

You have emoted: Gurashi no longer flaps their wings, nor do they move at all, perfectly still. They blink slowly in acknowledgement.

You think to yourself: *quietly listening, the pang now dull, like a rock sitting in the middle of their chest, at times so enraptured with the tale they do not notice it*.

Tikki says, "And maybe for a little while, pushing works better. But that hill is just so steep. And when you finally make it up to the top...How will the cart stop when it finally rolls down that hill?"

You stare blankly at Tikki.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Tikki nods solemnly.

You think to yourself: *for a moment, the cart goes flying, then is splashed out, obliterated by bright white fear!*.

Tikki says, "The cat would go rushing down that hill. It could crash, everything everywhere. Picking up the pieces is hard. Doing it all again...is harder."

Tikki coughs softly.

Tikki says, "Cart."

Tikki says, "Cat is a different analogy."

You have emoted: Gurashi flinches, shaking their head, huffing softly at Tikki.

Tikki says, "With help and time, you manage to get everything back home. All the food, all the pieces of the cart. Guess it's time to rebuild and try again."

You look at Tikki, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Tikki says, "But perhaps there's a better way. That big cart. You could make it into lots of smaller carts. So you can bring along some things. Things you can handle, things you can control from rolling down that hill. Maybe somedays you even bring two! Or three! Or somedays, you let the carts stay at home and just bring a careful armful."

You think to yourself: *hazy envisionings of the cart, the mess... *.

Tikki says, "But you know where the carts are. You know that each bit of food is at home in place whenever you need it."

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard, shifting where they are seated, shoulders bunching then relaxing as they attempt to soothe some of their own earlier wrought-upon tension, eventually grasping their wing and plucking at it.

Tikki says, "And sometimes, certainly, the food may go bad. Or you may not have the ingredients to make it again right now. But you always have the recipes, and the taste of it in your mind. And the lessons in your heart."

You think to yourself: *at last - a little ripple of confusion - before, it made sense - this still makes sense ...ripples in the color, a fluttering, an exhale*.

Tikki says, "Letting go, doesn't mean forgetting. Letting go just means being able to let the food rest at home...so that your hands are free to make new recipes."

You have emoted: Gurashi gently pets their own feathery wingtip, their eyes glazing over as they bunch their shoulders, nodding.

Tikki smiles softly at you.

You think to yourself: *a ripple of understanding - a feeling, a need to sigh, but -cannot-*.

Tikki leans over and embraces you gently. "It doesn't make it easy. But we're here for you. We love you, Gurashi."

You have emoted: Gurashi's mouth quirks to the side, and they look up at Tikki, starting to say something before they are drawn into the embrace, letting out a quiet chirp of surprise. Wings flapping twice, they promptly wrap their arms around Tikki in turn, frowning as they return the hug.

Tikki says, "You're a wonderful person Gurashi. You're allowed to feel. Even I'm not happy and chipper all the time."

You think to yourself: *the pain is back, once again at the forefront of all other feeling, making them briefly nauseated, guilty - negation, no - it...*.

Tikki gently pets your cheek. "Yes, Gurashi. The longer you hold it, the worse it's going to feel. Will it help you if I share something that's been hurting me for years?"

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs softly, wide-eyed, staring at Tikki expectantly.

Tikki sighs softly. "My birthday is the 11th of Roarkian. I turned..." he pauses and shakes his head, letting the tears roll anyway. "I turned 200 recently. I've never told -anyone- my birthday. I've maybe briefly mentioned the pain it causes me...but every year that passes, it still hurts."

Tikki says, "I haven't even told Luce how much it truly bothers me. To have missed so much. To have lost out on so much time. When it came, someone accidentally said something that hit me right in the heart."

Tikki says, "My cart crashed. I hid in my manse and wept for days."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, watching Tikki, lifting a hand to take the mugwump's own, squeezing it tightly. They flap their wings once, sending a gust of wind billowing towards them, looking taken aback. They frown deeper, suddenly leaning forward to hug them again, scrunching their eyes shut.

Tikki says, "I screamed and ranted to myself and gnashed at the world."

Tikki says, "And then..."

Tikki says, "And then I felt better."

You look at Tikki, expression filled with concern as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, planting their other hand atop Tikki's consolingly.

Tikki says, "I hadn't let go of any of that in so long. Have you ever clenched your jaw so tight, then forgotten about it, and when you finally relax it's like...wow."

You think to yourself: *a wince - familiarity, confirmation - assent*.

You look at Tikki, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Tikki says, "But when I finally did, after every waking birthday building up, I felt...Gods it's so hard to describe."

Tikki says, "I felt free. Light."

Tikki says, "Letting all that negativity out was like the world was lifted off my shoulders."

Tikki says to you, "The cart that crashed. It could crash into someone next time if you go on building it up the same way."

You have emoted: Gurashi studies Tikki closely, their hand occasionally moving enough to offer a consolatory pet, then returning. At the mention of the crashing cart, they flinch suddenly.

You think to yourself: *a reminder, fresh - so many voices, telling you how much you hurt those around you-- but you haven't moved in ages*.

Tikki says, "It's just us three, Gurashi. Neither I nor Bizi are in the path."

Tikki says, "Let the cart crash."

You think to yourself: *guilt and acceptance, then guiltier guilt - crash...?*.

Tikki says, "You've been holding that cart from rolling down that hill."

Tikki says, "You've been stacking more and more on it."

Tikki says, "Let it crash."

You think to yourself: *a fearful flutter, suddenly a great welling from their stomach that makes their whole body ache, hurt, gnawing again - waitwait - again hesitation and confusion and words bouncing around again, reminding you what made you feel like this in the -first- place -- "...even with all that, dear, I -do- care about you..." - their face feels hot - does not feel true*.

Tikki takes both of your hands in his. "It's okay to feel hurt, it's okay to feel angry. Let the cart crash. Before someone you love ends up in its path when you can't hold it back anymore."

You have emoted: At last, Gurashi lets out a trembling exhale, looking down at a slice of orange-glazed vanilla cake with chocolate ganache, then Tikki, their eyes flooding with tears. "...just...wanted to give treats..." They whisper. "...maybe - then, would feel like before."

Tikki removes a hand from your only to place it gently upon a cheek. "I know hon. It's okay. You love everyone. Not everyone knows how to be that strong. Not everyone knows how hard it is to have that much love and care in their hearts."

You think to yourself: *another spreading iciness, a hiccup - a return to saffron - Kreon's sympathetic face smiling wanly at you: "...may your desires--" nO don't -think- about Those Words--"...rot a hole in your heart" - fearful, negating, then accepting, then negating again - a lack of fear, so empty it is white, no, black - numbingly monochrome*.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little sound, bringing up a hand to touch at their temple, where the plumage has gone white, balled into a fist and resting there. Fat tears spill down over their cheeks as they stare down at the cake slice, splashing onto their legs and disappearing quickly.

Tikki says, "You have to let the cart crash, Gurashi."

You think to yourself: *the sense of withdrawing, the sound of walking on broken glass, mentally crunching underfoot to legs you don't really register being there, a reminder of the -last- big disaster, -still- a disaster, a mess of dead foliage and shattered thorns, a separate mess they have still been trying to clean for -years-*.

You think to yourself: It's not fair.

Tikki stays silent again, gently petting your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a strangled sound, their shoulders heaving as they jolt abruptly in Tikki's grasp, bringing a hand to their mouth.

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

You think to yourself: *--unhappy - were so unhappy - tried to be happy but didn't know why was wrong - don't they know how muchly you -miss- them - but do they miss you? words ping around their head like angry wasps, sparks of white - just want them to be O-K again, so can -be- O-K--*.

You have emoted: Gurashi jolts again unexpectedly, their left wing suddenly jerking forward, then back at an almost unnatural angle. The trill pulls further away from Tikki, their arms trembling as they continue to cover their mouth, eyes wide with confusion and terror.

Another wave - disgust, resentment. A whisper of words not belonging to the trill's but close enough to be whispered in your ear.

Tikki flinches silently at the sudden jerking of the wing, but tugs you back close. He promised he would be here, that he wouldn't let go. No matter what.

You think to yourself: *--a hissing, more breaking of glass and an upheaval in the darkness - resistance, literally -at odds- themselves, skeins of golden apricot hues creeping in, reminding them, self-soothing, make it better, creeping over the gaping holes in the darkness like stitches - but--*.

You have emoted: Gurashi stills in Tikki's grasp, their visible skin for a moment glowing faintly - a trick of the light?

...for a moment, the energy softens, like a tantum soothed... lingering unease...

"...you are a very good you..." Comes a deep, familiar voice.

Tikki smiles softly.

Tikki says, "And you are a very good you."

You think to yourself: *--for a moment, they are small again, sileni, wrapped up in Xenthos's arms at the top of the guild hall, miserable, but it is O-K, because you have each other--*.

You have emoted: Gurashi's face blanches, and they open their mouth to catch a breath...

You think to yourself: ...sorry...

You think to yourself: *--a colorful cascade of memories, fleeting moments that seem like an age ago, each one more bittersweet than the last - together - only had to do ONE thing - and couldn't do it right-- *.

This time, the wave is physical, like a forceful shove, invisible arms flailing blindly, hitting anything and everything away from them.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a sudden audible whine, pulling away from the crumpled trill and mugwump, its tail lashing side to side. It tosses its head, snorting and barking in their direction, now looking quite distressed itself.

Tikki holds close to you, taking whatever blows may came his way. Holding a hand up over to Bizirik he gives the leothin and comforting smile, speaking softly. "It's going to be okay, Bizi."

You have emoted: ...the sound that comes from Gurashi's throat does not sound like one capable of being made by a trill, a keening that reverberates off the walls, makes the already-present shades of crimson vibrate and brighten. They crumple further in their spot, their other hand rising to try and stifle the noise, but there is no containing it. A myriad of color spills into the room now, chaotically manic, flashing over walls and doors, the trill and the mugwump, dizzyingly bright. Bizirik snorts, sitting down, laying down, its tail slapping the ground behind it.

NOT FAIR.

You think to yourself: *--more memories, but happy ones, learning lessons - you can handle it, because it is not so scary if you are together, no--*.

NOT GOOD.

Tikki follows you down as they slump and crumble, holding on still. No fear has risen in Tikki's heart, concern, care, love, but no fear. "I'm here."

You have emoted: Gurashi wheezes, jerking again in Tikki's grasp, their other wing too twisting, bending, then sharply folding inward along with the other, loud SNAPPING sounds ringing out as they do so. The faint glow that was visible before seems to be spreading, but rather than its usual golden tone, there is an eerie vermillion-hue about them.

Bizirik, the leothin whines pitifully.

You think to yourself: *--your hand runs over silky spotted fur, feeling the rumbling under your hand, looking up to the towering figure beside you - feels safe - can be a good Wyrdenkin, for him, at least--*.

LIAR.

Tikki squeezes you gently and echoes his sentiment from earlier. "No man, woman, or God can dictate your life."

You have emoted: Gurashi's entire being is strained, every muscle clenched, their eyes wide, no longer screaming, though their expression would suggest otherwise. The glow spreads, and the trill's flesh feels positively boiling under Tikki's touch.

You think to yourself: *--wanted -so- badly to be good...--*.

OATHBREAKER.

Another wave, as if the trill were thrusting up from the ground to shove Tikki away, though they do not move.

You think to yourself: *--wish didn't have to matter so muchly--*.

Tikki bites at his lip, staunchly refusing to let go. Neither the heat nor the force will deter him from doing all that he can to comfort the clearly pained trill.

You think to yourself: *--the motion changes, and now you look down, and it is Cheliyi looking up at -you--*.

You have emoted: Gurashi chokes again. There is another sickening crack of bone as their wings begin to disappear, almost as if sinking into the trill's body, colorful golden shapes melding together. Upon there face, there is another change, however, equally as disturbing, as if thin spires of light were emerging from their forehead and temples - four of them.

You think to yourself: *-- sharp, like a slap in the face: "Is it not a parent's responsibility to weave happiness for their children, dear?" - the mugwump, no longer smiling up at you, now SCREAMING in anger, and pain, and fear, recoiling, caught in a web, retaliating against new faces - caught up in anger, anger of things done... to YOU--*.

"...may your desires..."

Tikki closes his eyes, frowning softly, pulling you back up into a proper embrace and letting the changing trill slump on his shoulder.

Tikki says, "If your heart ever finds a hole..."

Tikki says, "We will fill it back with love."

You have emoted: Gurashi cries out at last, their forehead finding the floor as they writhe, contorting against Tikki's grasp, fighting to pull away. Their flesh remains fiercely hot to the touch, their hands clenching and refolding into fists as they press against the floor, expression pleadingly confused as the other wing too vanishes, and the points of light grow.

You think to yourself: *--cutting through the memory, as if slicing through paper - a skein of saffron, again soothing: "...grow..."--*.

Another wave, interrupting the request before it can again be repeated: numbing relief.

You think to yourself: *--frantically grasping at the threads, the words, those words, yes, no - must, try, like -she- wanted, the one who gave you the courage to do it - to make you join the Beloved, to bring you TO Them, to them--*.

...the trill however, remains crumpled on the floor, still radiating psionic energy, a numbing sensation replacing the burning one upon Tikki's hands wherever they rest on the crumpled figure.

Tikki smiles softly, petting your back gently. "You are loved, Gurashi, and you are Beloved. You will make it through this."

You have emoted: Even as they quiet, the damage is already done. Gurashi manages to catch their breath, hoarse. Tikki can see now there is another light now, lashing behind them, much like a tail. Their wings are gone - mostly, at least, bits of light still melding into their back. The glow begins to dim the barest amount as Gurashi starts to calm, rasping for air.

Bizirik, the leothin whines again, slowly creeping forward, its head bowed.

You think to yourself: *faint, faraway sounding: a friendly voice, loved, Beloved* "...the seed...use it..."

Tikki hums soft, gentle tones, not quite a lullaby as they hold them close. "It's going to be alright."

You think to yourself: *...in their chest, where was the gnawing, now, a dull ache, tired, so - tired - a tiny, familiar bloom suddenly awakens, joining the ache, warm waves of saffron* "....to fix... a broken mind..."

You have emoted: At last, like a marionette whose strings have been snipped, Gurashi collapses, their previously tensely contorted muscles relaxing too-fast. The glow subsides at last, fully, but there is not a trill laying on the ground before Tikki. Not a trill at all, and almost unrecognizable as Gurashi at all at first. Save the most noticeable lack of wings, their hair, which has only ever been some fiery shade of orange, is now an oily black, the back of their neck and visible now-pointed ears a dusky violet gray. Gurashi themselves doesn't seem to notice, relief apparent on their face as they shut their eyes, desperately catching their breath now that they are not so tightly wound.

You reach out and embrace your hidden heritage of a changeling, and slowly transform into a viscanti.
Your race is now that of Viscanti.
LOOK ME
They are a fiendish viscanti starlit demigod changeling. They stand at graceful six-foot even, their limbs slender and their slim figure bordering on feminine in its slight curvature. Dark, violet-gray skin covers the entirety of their form, possessing a faint iridescent sheen when standing in the right light. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen at the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. Their long face is pointed and slender, nose long and pointed, the fainted hint of pitch freckles marking their cheeks and nose. A moderately sized crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek. A pair of sleepy almond-shaped eyes house hazy gray sclera but strikingly orange pupils, each eye like a pinpoint of fire against their dark face. Rising sharply from either side of their head are two pairs of dark gray horns, the wickedly sharp ridged lengths curving back as if they've been windswept. Both horns on the left side look to have been broken off crudely, their full shape lost. A mop of short iridescent blue-black hair graces the top of their head, framing their horns and face, and a shock of bone white has grown in along their temple. Trailing behind and twitching with a mind of its own is a slender gray tail, which tapers at its end into a flat, notched fin. Great wings of ethereal metal emerge from their upper back, raining motes of copper-hewn energy that dissipate with the hum of the Beckoner Beyond the Maze's truefavour. Soothing mists of water and light weave about them in a sparkling white veil, marking the strongfavour of Lantra, the Empyreal. A shifting pearlescence graces their skin as they walk with the truefavour of Carakhan, Sculptor of Waves.

Tikki makes sure that you doesn't simply fall to the ground, instead falling against him so the tr...viscanti doesn't hurt himself. "There there. You can breathe now dear. It's okay."

"....grow in peace...and love..."

Tikki smiles over at Bizirik, beckoning them over closer now that things have subsided.

Bizirik, the leothin creeps forward upon its tummy, its secondary limbs wildly flailing as it approaches, then eventually joins Tikki and Gurashi. Its tail slaps the ground behind it, and it gives the viscanti's back a few good sniffs before it looks up at Tikki, eager for praise or attention or something else.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

You think to yourself: *dazed and confused, pulsing colors, words and - think was...remembering something? - a lingering sense of shame and disgust, but, for now...the ache is so dull, joined with that blooming light, that goodly feeling from when SHE was still here*.

Tikki nods and gives Bizirik many good pets to the head. "They'll be okay. Emotions can hurt when you let them go. But bottling them up for so long hurts worse. I'm so proud of them."

You have emoted: Gurashi's orange eyes flicker open and close several times as their breathing slowly evens and slows, returning somewhat to normalcy. They squint slightly, grimacing.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters has entered the realm of Lusternia.

You think to yourself: *sharp pain - everything aches as if they were a newborn babe, or twisted on some sort of torture device*.

You have emoted: Gurashi's tail lifts, flicks back and forth and hits the ground. Abruptly, Bizirik snorts, following the tail curiously with its gaze.

Tikki feels you stir at last and pats the viscanti's back gently. "Ah. There we are. Don't push yourself, relax, I've got you."

You have emoted: Gurashi winces, fingers twitching. They turn their head slightly, cheek dragging on the ground as they gaze down at Tikki, exhaling.

You think to yourself: *continued confusion - was so upset - as if a switch has been reset, or a wall has been built: why was so upset again?*.

You sense the sweeping gaze of Tridemon looking upon you.

Tikki says, "Do you feel well enough to sit up? I'm sure I'm not the most comfortable slumping post, but you can lean against me as long as you need."

You think to yourself: *acknowledgement, yes - sitting up is...they try to move, but it hurts, and they feel suddenly very nauseated - again, acknowledgement...slow...*.

Tikki shakes his head and holds you gently in place for a moment. "Don't rush it. Take all the time you need, I'm here for you."

You think to yourself: *familiarity - suddenly familiarity, a little ripple of blue, of violet - painstakingly filling in, that child's script - a lucidian*.

Tikki smiles softly.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans heavily against Tikki, sliding one arm forward, their other hand pressing flat on the floor. They huff, every motion belabored and slow, but eventually they sit up. As they do, they wince suddenly, gasping and reaching back--.

You have emoted: Gurashi's hand returns holding their tail, which they stare at blankly.

Comprehension flashes across Tikki's face.

You think to yourself: ...this was...not there before.

Tikki pats around on their person for a moment.

Tikki gives a small, glitzy vanity mirror to you.

You think to yourself: *holding the tail - sensation is there where your hand is resting - wait*.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "*you can sense them acknowledging you, faintly reaching out, threads weak, exhaustion apparent*."

Tikki says, "Sorry I don't have a bigger mirror on hand heh."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to hold the tail in their right hand. They accept the mirror wearily with the other hand, head lolling to the side as they struggle to keep everything - including themselves upright.

You have emoted: Gurashi gazes into a small, glitzy vanity mirror blankly, blinking once.

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

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Hmm... you okay?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at the hand holding their tail, releasing it in shock.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "*a sense of shock*."

You sense the piercing eyes of Tridemon looking upon you.

Tikki opens the oak door to the south.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "*a familiar face, a mugwump, then furrikin, then dracnari, mugwump again - Tikki - familiarity*."

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the south, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

Tikki inclines his head politely to Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi traces their fingers over their scarred cheek, gazing into their own fiery reflection in the mirror, expression nothing short of awed.

Tridemon nods in greeting at Tikki, then focuses on you, blinking rapidly.

You think to yourself: *s h o c k*.

You think to yourself: *as the realization settles in - f e a r*.

Tikki gently pats your shoulder. "It's okay. You're alright."

You have emoted: Gurashi nearly throws the mirror in surprise before realizing its owner, quickly shoving it back into Tikki's hands. IT is then that they notice Tridemon, double-taking in the lucidian's direction.

Tikki says to Tridemon, "There was a bit of ah...a therapy session. Of sorts. Letting go of negative emotions is always difficult."

You think to yourself: *trying to formulate any sort of what happened why - cakes? started with cakes? it... bad - this is -bad-*.

You think to yourself: *ah - yes - right, just...*.

Tridemon reaches out to gently touch you on the arm from behind.

You have emoted: Gurashi's tail sweeps back and forth not unlike Bizirik, the leothin's, eventually curling around their legs as they remain hunkered on the floor. They bunch their shoulders, looking up at Tridemon, their bizarrely colored eyes puffy from tears.

You think to yourself: *a memory of happy, then words, then pain, then more pain, and confusion, and feels - a cart - at last: the cart. it crashed*.

You have emoted: Gurashi's chin quivers, and they mouth a silent apology at last, looking up at Tridemon worriedly.

You think to yourself: *another ripple of confusion, remembering painful snapping sensations - what went on? where'd wings go? do not want to be ... want to be ...*.

You glance askance at Tikki.

You think to yourself: *another worried thrum*.

Tikki gives your shoulder a gentle comforting squeeze.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "... can you speak?"

You think to yourself: *as they gaze back at Tridemon, apologetic - apologetic still-- ah?*.

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard, before whispering a quiet "Yes," their voice faintly hoarse, crackling.

Tikki takes Jeremiah Gryphta's Olde Tyme Healing Tonic from a glamorous black-sequined purse.
Tikki gives Jeremiah Gryphta's Olde Tyme Healing Tonic to you.

Bizirik, the leothin whines at Tridemon from the ground, having wedged itself against Tikki and Gurashi, tail raised and strangely unslappy-ing.

Tikki says, "It's eggnog. Not the best, but it's wet for your throat at least heh."

Luce enters from the south, emanating an aura of immense power.
Her steps oddly disconnected from her forward motion, Kaiyo arrives from the south.

Luce gives Tikki a peck on the cheek.

Tikki gives Luce a peck on the cheek.

Luce gives a platter of bacon-wrapped bourbon steak medallions to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

You think to yourself: *...as they accept the bottle, a soreness in their forearm - their throat burns*.

You take a long draught of eggnog, hoping to quench your thirst.
Your vision blurs and body quivers as you slam back a large mouthful of Jeremiah Gryphta's Olde Tyme Healing Tonic, causing an overwhelming warmth to race through your body through your chest, down through your stomach and legs then eventually out through your toes. The experience leaves you feeling good - no, great! - as you sway momentarily on the spot.

Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat says to Tikki, "I can give you another if you want, obviousl."

Luce blinks incredulously at you.

Luce blinks.

Luce blinks.

Tikki says to Luce, "It's okay, I've got mine still for later."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares up at Luce in quiet confusion, furrowing their brow.

Luce coughs softly.

Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat says, "Not my faire, not my harlequins."

Luce snuggles up close to Tikki, looking happy and content.

You think to yourself: *an anxious throb, followed by a sense of guilt - bad, is bad*.

Tikki gives you a peck on the cheek.

You have emoted: Gurashi quirks their mouth to the side, clutching Jeremiah Gryphta's Olde Tyme Healing Tonic to their chest as they look down at the proffered drink.

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Tikki whispers, "No. Not bad. Loved."

You think to yourself: *dazedly the realization sets in, but confusion abounds: why did happen? why this shapes? is bad to be this shapes - will get in hecking troubles - a mental GASP - how can TRAIN LIKE THIS--*.

You have emoted: Gurashi sets their jaw, swallowing hard as they take another teeny sip of Jeremiah Gryphta's Olde Tyme Healing Tonic, glancing at Tikki just as they are ruffled, gasping and looking up.

Suddenly, you say to Tridemon, "I..."

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up a little straighter, expression odd.

You think to yourself: *a roiling in their stomach, the nausea returning - whuh oh*.

Tikki says, "Not too fast now, you stressed and tensed like crazy. Take it slow."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down, then opposite themselves, the end of their flat tail slapping the ground much like Bizirik's. "...am gonna be sicks."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

You think to yourself: *rising panic - do not thrOW up ON YouR FRiEND'S FLooR*.

Beads of sweat break out on your face.

A startled laugh escapes Tikki's lips, which is quickly stifled as his hand moves to politely cover his mouth.

Tikki lets you out of the hug. "It's fine, floors clean."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up with a grunt, wiping at their forehead. "Am sorry was so loud," They intone quietly, ducking their head as their other hand clutches their stomach.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Do you need some hugs?"

Tikki says, "You've done nothing to apologize for. In fact I'm proud of you, I did encourage you to let it out."

Bizirik, the leothin whines again, snuffling at your back, snapping at the now-noticeably ripped fabric where their wings once were, evidence of some unexpected or violent transformation.

You think to yourself: *a dull throbbing colorless presence, sweeping about - unfocused - at Tridemon's request: assent*.

You look at Tikki, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Tikki smiles softly at you.

Tridemon moves in closer to wrap his arms around you in a warm embrace.

You have emoted: Gurashi's tail slaps the ground again, and they grimace, reaching out to still it, not delighting in its little motions.

Tikki hums a happy tune.

You think to yourself: *every touch still feels remarkably numb, but sensation is slowly, very slowly returning, yes - the too hot and too cold now mellowing out - arms feel warm... a mental frown: does not fix problems*.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Just because hugs aren't fixing things doesn't mean they're pointless."

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs Tikki, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from him is.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi hesitantly leans into Tridemon's touch, brow still furrowed in concern, unwilling to lift their arms to return the embrace. Their hands remain balled up into fists on the ground, claws anxiously scratching at their own skin. "...is true," They concede, looking both happy and conflicted.

Luce rubs his arm and glances into the middle distance.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.

Tikki gives Luce a peck on the cheek.

Bizirik, the leothin stares at Luce hopefully, tail slap slap slapping the ground.

You think to yourself: *another anxious thrum, remembering Azula's scolding: wait, am tainted now? am going to make Light badder if touch? why did have to DO thIS ShAPES*.

Beads of sweat break out on your face.

Tridemon gently but firmly moves his hand to grip your right wrist. "Don't start scratching at yourself like that. You'll shred your skin."

Luce blinks.

Tikki says, "I have to say, your eyes turned out very pretty, Gurashi."

Bizirik, the leothin thrums happily as they are petted, blank eyes half-lidded, definitely pleased.

You have emoted: Gurashi gasps, quickly unclenching their hands. They examine their strangely sharp fingers with a grimace. "Accidents," They whisper quickly, looking worriedly at where Tridemon touches them. They seem like they want to say something, flailing their other hand in a weak panic.

You blink incredulously at Tikki.

You have emoted: Gurashi's face suddenly flushes, a deep mauve overtaking their hazy-gray complexion. "T...thank you." They whisper.

Tikki beams broadly.

You think to yourself: *growing concern - wait, what if touching is bad? what is is unsafely? am not in the Magnagoras but this is DEFINITELY not a goodly things to be and c o n f u s i o n oh boy OH boy*.

You have emoted: Gurashi's tail begins to slap the ground again, mirroring Bizirik, the leothin's with its anxious motions as the viscanti stares off at nothing very intently.

In gentle, dulcet tones, you say to Tridemon, "Am..."

Tridemon lets go of your wrist and moves a hand to boop you right on the nose.

Tikki giggles happily.

Clearly worried, their voice rising an octave, cracking from overuse, you ask, "A-am O-K to...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a sound as they are booped, tail lashing.

Tikki says, "You're still goodly and you're still you, no matter the you on the outside."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances towards Tikki, then looks down quickly, expression lighting up with recognition, then: concern.

You think to yourself: *negation - as soon as both Knights enter the realm, a fearful realization: if find out look like this, am this, will DEFINITELY find ways to punish*.

Tikki says, "Aaaaaand if you need a place to hang out for a little while since this is, in part, my bad. You're welcome to stay in the Daydream. I mean I know you have your own place and whatnot but."

You think to yourself: *a familiar iciness creeps up their fingertips, too tired to spread further - mustn't get exiled a second time, no*.

You think to yourself: *another concerned thrum - what will Cheliyi say? will want to know what happened*.

You stare ahead, looking utterly wounded.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "You can come stay at my manse. No one will think anything of you being there, yes."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods to both offers, their head still turned downward.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally returns Jeremiah Gryphta's Olde Tyme Healing Tonic to Tikki, casting the mugwump a tired but grateful smile.

In gentle, dulcet tones, you ask Tikki, "...are O-K?"

You think to yourself: *acknowledgement - was -very- loud, aware that the waves were very strong, made Bizi cry, made Tikki hold on for dear life*.

Tikki says to you, "Of course! My main concern was making sure -you- were okay."

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 have emoted: Gurashi opens, then shuts their mouth, looking towards Bizirik, who whines again.

Tridemon gives you a friendly squeeze.

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs Luce, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from him is.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks down, remembering what triggered this event in the first place.

<-- passes out cakes

Luce gestures, moving the dream-jambalaya from near Kaiyo toward Bizirik, the leothin.

Exhaustedly waving their hand, you say, "Happyyy...belated... birthdays."

In gentle, dulcet tones, you say, "From meee."

Tikki gives you a peck on the cheek.

Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat says, "Ah, thank you."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles sadly. "Was my birthdays, so, made, a cakes...lots of thems..."

Bizirik, the leothin eyes the jambalaya, then Luce, gazing at the furrikin for confirmation.

Luce nods his head at Bizirik, the leothin.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Luce. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

Bizirik, the leothin proceeds to devour the jambalaya, tail slapping the ground behind it happily.

Tikki says to you, "Remember, your hands are free to make new recipes. It doesn't mean you forget the dishes you've made before."

You have emoted: Gurashi briefly looks hurt, furrowing their brow as they regard Tikki, considering their words. They nod, however, exhaling and looking down at their hands. Upon seeing their own thrashing tail, they reach out instinctively to still it, grimacing.

You think to yourself: *a ripple of embarrassment - feeling the tail in their hand, it WANTS to WIGGLE*.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Tikki whispers, "Let it wiggle! Y'don't top Bizi's from doing it. Let it be freeeeee!"

You blush at Tikki furiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi bunches their shoulders.

You think to yourself: *another ripple of embarrassment - what!*.

You have emoted: Gurashi's tail twitches, and they grab it with both hands, looking increasingly distressed.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Tikki whispers, "Tails are made to be freeeeee!"

Luce takes a deep breath and fills his cheeks with air until they bulge out. After a moment, his face turns red and then his cheeks deflate.

Tridemon reaches out and touches you.

You think to yourself: *their tail, as if having a mind of its own, wants to wiggle! and be free! like Tikki's words!*.

You have emoted: Still blushing, Gurashi glances at Tridemon, awkward. They purse their lips.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a massive belch into the air.

Luce seats himself cross-legged in the air, leaving his tail dangling in the air.

Tikki gives Luce a peck on the cheek.

Luce wags his tail happily.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Tikki whispers, "See?"

Bizirik, the leothin grins towards Luce, thrumming happily as it approaches them while they are sitting, tail sweeping back and forth. It sits beside them, patient and grateful.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Bizirik's tail lash back and forth, the finned tip of their own twitching to mirror the motion. "...hhhhhhhh," They let go with both hands at once, and their tail immediately whips around to slap Tridemon very gently on the calf.

Kaiyo, the lucid Dream flicks her mane again and summons forth a kabob of grilled shrimp to land, skewer-down, beside Bizirik.

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

Tridemon peers at you unscrupulously.

You have emoted: Gurashi crosses their arms over their chest, weakly hugging themselves, swaying where they sit. "...do not think..." They start to say at last, soft and sing-song.

Tridemon reaches down to poke your tail.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at their tail, collecting it. "See?" They gesture at Tikki.

You blush furiously.

Apologetically, you say to Tridemon, "Sorry, dear one.."

Tikki says, "Hey, the tail knows what's good."

Tikki nods his head sagely.

(clan): You say, "Tikki says, "Me: It slapped the thigh cus it can't reach the booty atm.""
(clan): You say, "I laughed."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks at Tikki, then blushes, looking down nervously at their tail. They release it, and it again sweeps back and forth not unlike Bizirik's, before returning to slap Tridemon's leg, staying there.

You blush furiously.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You look at Tikki and begin to perspire as you imagine all the things that might go wrong.

Tikki says, "It's okay, Luce's often grabs at my leg."

Tikki hums innocently to himself.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Luce blushes furiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at their tail, giving Tridemon another apologetic look. This time they flash a toothy smile, revealing their remarkably sharp teeth.

Tridemon suddenly turns to you, and you watch as he reaches out and lightly boops you on the nose with a finger.

In gentle, dulcet tones, you say, "Mmf."

Tikki giggles happily.

You have emoted: Gurashi's tail slaps Tridemon's leg gently again.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Suddenly, you say, "...do ...not think can stand yet."

You have emoted: Gurashi clears their throat, the tail end of their sentence crackling into nothing.

Tikki says, "It's alright, you're welcome to recuperate here as long as you need."

Luce yawns widely, showing off a sharply canid set of his own teeth. "About a quarter of the reason I learned aeromancy. Easier to levitate than walk after thirty hours without sleep or food."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Tikki.

Tikki peers at Luce unscrupulously.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at themselves, then reaches over their shoulder, grimacing as they feel their shirt.
Tikki says to Luce, "-How- long without sleep or food."

In gentle, dulcet tones, you say, "...Tridemon."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. Shirt needs fixed, yes."

"Uhh..." stalls Luce.

Tikki gives Luce the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

Tridemon gives himself the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

You think to yourself: *a passing recollection - a terrifying figure looming overhead, shirt tearing as it leans away - a sense of fondness - a childish rendition of tridemon, sewing the shirt shut again: soft cheering!*.

You think to yourself: *the shirt is new! a goodly shirt!*.

Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat says, "Thirty."

Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat says, "Ish."

You have emoted: Gurashi drops their arm again, entire body suddenly slumping. They rest their hands on their thighs, bobbing their head tiredly.

Tikki exclaims incredulously. "-Seventy-?!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Eating more than once every fourteen days is overrated."

Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat says to you, "OH HEY I'M A DREAMWEAVER AND YOU LOOK TIRED I SHOULD KNOW I'M A DREAMWEAVER."

Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat says, "You should nap."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Luce frets over everything that might go wrong.

Tikki lets out a half strangle croak of distress.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Luce in surprise, flailing their arms.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, delighted.

Tikki says, "-Eat-. GODS you GOOBERS!"

Tikki weakly flails his arms like limp noodles.

You think to yourself: *confusion - Tridemon eats more than every fourteen days - am always giving food*.

You think to yourself: *continued confusion - is yelling at me??*.

You stare at Luce, eyes wide.

Tikki says to you, "He's not yelling, he's trying to deflect."

Tikki peers at Luce unscrupulously.

Beads of sweat break out on Luce's face.

Best they can, you ask Luce, "...do need a nap?"

You have emoted: Gurashi asks this hopefully, in an attempt to be helpful. Somehow.

Luce shifts his eyes suspiciously from side to side.

(clan): You say, "This is....ADVANCED stupid."
(clan): Tikki says, "Sufficiently advanced stupid is indistinguishable from genius."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, look, time to drag Gurashi home."

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

Tikki says, "Make sure they get plenty of rest."

Tikki nods his head enthusiastically.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up from the ground, flailing suddenly.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "No?"

You have emoted: Gurashi leans forward, grimacing as they push themselves onto their knees, sitting up, trembling as they struggle to rise. "N-no, uhm..."

You have emoted: Gurashi lightly paws at the air, grabs Tridemon's and Tikki's sleeves.

You think to yourself: *sharp pains in their limbs, a reminder of how very tightly clenched everything was - a pain worse even than striking the dummy three-hundred and fifty times*.

Tikki giggles, sliding under one of your arms to help them get up. "Nice and slow."

You have emoted: Gurashi's tail twitches, coiling behind them as they manage to find their feet. They stare across the room, looking about strangely.

You think to yourself: *odd - how odd the world looks -everything has...a sort of monochromatic feel to it, a curious blandness*.

You tilt your head curiously.

Luce slowly rotates into an upside down position, otherwise keeping his position exactly the same.

Tridemon snaps his fingers, releasing sparkling motes of coloured light.
          *      *      *
           *     *     *
            *    *    *
             *   *   *
            -----------
           |   POOF!   |
            -----------
             *   *   *
            *    *    *
           *     *     *
          *      *      *

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs softly, finally standing, tentatively wrapping both arms around Tridemon's right one, knees visibly wobbling. "...should learns," They rasp teasingly, smiling briefly at Luce.

You think to yourself: *ah - would be nice to float!*.

You blush furiously.

You look at Tikki hopefully.

Tikki gives you a peck on the cheek.

You think to yourself: *a sense of gratitude and embarrassment - again, questioning, confirming: are O-K?*.

You stare at Tikki, eyes wide.

Tikki nods his head at you.

You think to yourself: *a ripple in the gray - a huff*.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns their attention to Tridemon, immediately looking down, tail twitching again as they take a slow step.
You think to yourself: ...please walks please.

Bizirik, the leothin rises from its spot, stretching out and tossing its head as it creeps across the room, joining Tridemon and Gurashi.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts a hand to wave at Tikki and Luce, then to their creature companions.

You begin to follow Tridemon.

You look at Tridemon hopefully.

Tikki says, "Be well and be true, Gurashi."

Tikki hums a happy tune.

Tridemon gives you a peck on the cheek.

Tridemon touches his fingertips to his hand, illuminating the temporal tattoo upon it. The air beside him warps, as a clock-like portal manifests.

Tridemon waves goodbye.

<-- goes home! Where Tridemon and Gurashi discussed installing a training dummy in the manse so they don't have to stop training! And made sure to feel Gurashi very <3'd despite their current temporary setback.