The Squiddiest of Hats

<<-- Gurashi sitting in the park, after having lit another beacon! Gurashi sitting there, wearing there squiddy hat and having a goodly time.

You feel a slight tug within your chest and the air around you sparkles with motes of bright light.
You sense Esei pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.

You stare blankly into space.

Inky calligraphy blooms in midair, rapidly growing into the figure of Esei.
Black ink blooms from the ether, heralding a small cat made of black ink.

Esei points accusingly at you.

Esei points accusingly at Bizirik, the leothin.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

Esei gives a dark mint chocolate leothin cookie to you.

Esei tosses a dark mint chocolate leothin cookie to Bizirik, the leothin, and she catches it nimbly.

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

You have emoted: Gurashi says nothing, the eyes of their hat staring back at Esei in lieu of their own, the very picture of ridiculousness. Bizirik begins to devour the cookies immediately nearby, ignoring all other distraction.

Lifting a tentacle playfully, you say, "Hello~."

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "...hello."

Esei peers at you unscrupulously.

Esei's tail lashes back and forth behind them, stirring up a little dirt and dust.

Bizirik, the leothin looks up, burps, then snuffles at the cookie in Gurashi's hand.

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Yes."

Esei idly twitches their tail.

Esei ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi pulls back the hat fully now,, offering a lop-sided smile. "What're you up to?"

Esei leans forward and gently presses their lips to your temple.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't have enough time to react, suddenly aware of Esei leaning forward, face very near to their own. They blink hard several times, then reach up to scratch at the spot, curious.

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Mischief, and things."

In accordance with a silent beat you can't quite hear, Esei begins to softly hum a low, dark tune.

Bright and clear, you say, "Ah? Oh."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks again, lowering their hand. "That...sounds, fun?" They attempt to sound hopeful, helpful, bunching their shoulders. "Have not seen these cookies in a long time. Was just thinking about thems, too."

Raspy voice softened to a whisper, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "Is all well?"

You nod your head emphatically.

Curious, you ask, "Yes?"

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Esei.

Bright and clear, you ask Esei, "Do you like my pack?"

Esei tilts their head curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi wheels around to let their back face the viscanti, both thumbs pointed over their shoulders to gesture to a backpack embroidered with wildflowers and bumblebees. "I traded out my boring fesixes ones!"

You strike a pose.

Bizirik, the leothin strikes a pose.

You display a backpack embroidered with wildflowers and bumblebees for all in the room to see.

Esei blinks slowly.

Quietly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Ah."

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "It's nice."

Turning forward again, you say, "And do you like my new HAT."

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "It's..."

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought.

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Clashing."

You have emoted: Gurashi pulls the hat down to hide their eyes from Esei with the fake squid's ones, lifting a tentacle with either hand and gently 'thwapping' the viscanti with them. "Pyah! Bloops, squids!"

Eyes still hidden by the ridiculous gooby ones, you say to Esei, "Do you want one? Have the perfect colors."

Esei shakes their head.

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I am not allowed to wear one."

With a gasp, you ask, "Why not?"

Thoughtfully, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "In public."

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

You have emoted: Gurashi begins to bounce from one foot onto the other.

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Guild rules."

You anxiously hop from one foot to the other, eyes wide.

With a gasp, you say to Esei, "But can wear whatever want at homes, right!"

Tapping their own heart, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "Representing the Hallowed, remember?"

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales audibly, blowing a raspberry as they do so, pulling the hat back up. "Right..."
Bright and clear, you say, "Do not think I have any regulations on whats am wearings or allowed to wears. Just have to....have clothes."

You blush furiously.

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "At least in theory I can wear whatever at... home."

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

You look at Esei hopefully.

Dryly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I do not imagine you would walk around naked."

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly holds up a scarlet squid hat.

You give a horrified gasp.

Withdrawing the hat to their chest, you say, "NEVER."

You think to yourself: *an explosion of bright magenta, ripples of embarrassment - THE VERY THOUGHT*.

Esei begins to follow you.

LOOKIT HAT
Stitched from rich purple cloth, this plush caricature of the squid of
the inner sea is meant to sit atop one's head. The body of the hat is
conical in shape, with eight short and well-stuffed tentacles which
would fall around the wearer's face. The final two tentacles are little
more than strips of cloth, long enough to be tied off to secure the hat
in place. Two little black buttons are sewn on opposite sides of the
squid to serve as eyes, providing the finishing touch to this stuffed
sea creature.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi chews on their lip, then offers the hat again. "Anyway! If can wear it at home, are allowed!"

Bright and clear, you say, "Am gonna give the other two to Cheli and Tridemon, yus."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Esei reaches out and touches you.

Cheliyi has entered the realm of Lusternia.

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

Bright and clear, you say, "Uwah... speaking of! There is my mine-child now..."

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "...to your home, perhaps?"

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

Bright and clear, you say to Esei, "What? But is such a beautiful day!"

You have emoted: Gurashi throws open their arms. "I want to be where peoples can see! Do not have to stand in New Celest, suppose."

You narrow your eyes at Esei, canting your head and peering at them suspiciously.

Esei stares at you with a slightly dead gaze, then at the hat in the human's hands, then back at your face.

Esei raises a slender brow.

You have emoted: Gurashi responds to the dead gaze with an excited shimmy, moving the hat back and forth, as if giving some wiggle to the tentacles would make wearing it more enticing.

Esei mutters discontentedly.

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Fine."

You think to yourself: *overJOYED at the acceptance, the hat quickly changing hands with a swell of red and violet*.

With great reverence, you give a scarlet squid hat to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk.

Bright and clear, you say to Esei, "We will go to my manse, yes. So can wear."
Bizirik, the leothin looks at you in confusion, not knowing who that person is.

Esei pats Bizirik, the leothin in a friendly manner.

Bright and clear, you say to Bizirik, the leothin, "You are so goodly at your jobs, yes you are. Re-lax."

Esei nods their head at you.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

You portal to The Hoard and the Hive.
Esei follows you ether.
A chilling, forestal curiosities room.                 (#HAH_1)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. The first discernible sensation upon entering this room is a mixture of earthy smells; mulch, petrichor, decaying wood, and the heady scent of Wyrden roses saturate the air. As one's eyes adjust to the darkness, barely abated by shadowflame sconces hung on the walls, tall figures begin to emerge. Expansive shelves carved to look like tree trunks seem to grow out of the floor and reach clear to the ceiling. The moss-green rug has been cut to fit neatly between each root and around each curve, giving the illusion of springy turf underfoot. Gently glowing fungi, which seem to be growing out of the shelves at random, make it just possible to see their contents. On one shelf, a scorched dragonturtle shell and a dried starfish sit beside a glistening glasswork recreation of a pile of salmon roe. On another, a pair of arrows with heart-shaped heads are arranged with one crossed over the other, and a scented love-letter lies on top of them. Other shelves are crammed with an increasingly peculiar assortment of knickknacks: an ice pick, a tiny red stone, a dusty brown bottle with "Alchywhole" written in a barely legible script, a cuddly stuffed Tae'dae bear, a miniature rockeater figurine, an ornate ivory pipe, a pile of glittering Czigany coins, and a charm bracelet that looks to be of Fae origin. One rather macabre shelf holds a coiled slave master's whip and a skull that appears to have belonged to a Krokani before it made its way here. Still other shelves lie bare, waiting to be filled with more mementos of adventure to come, and in the corner of one of them a tiny black spider has made its web. A brightly colourful tapestry depicting a bear filled picnic has been hung on a nearby wall. A small table hewn from a ravenwood trunk has been upended here, providing a small surface on which to rest various objects. Depicting the four trees of Glomdoring in stylistic renditions, a woven, rose-scented rug spreads across the floor. There are 2 lyre-backed chairs here. Hanging from fine silver, this large snowflake lantern has light blue gems dangling beneath it, causing a gentle sway. A broad glass-faced display rack for musical instruments stands proudly here. A painting of A Stack of Cats is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. A marble archway stands here, elegantly arcing up from ground to ceiling. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. A cat of black ink loiters here, glossy eyes intelligent and curious. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see exits leading north (open door), east (open door), south (open door), and southwest (open door).

Your snout twitches and trembles at the air, sensing through a striped badger nose upon your face the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.
You make out the scent of Esei coming from A chilling, forestal curiosities room.
You make out the scent of Cheliyi coming from A modest kitchen with forest motifs.

Your melodic voice sings into Cheliyi's mind, "Hi hi, mine-child!"
Your melodic voice sings into Cheliyi's mind, "Uhm! Just a heads up!"
The melodious voice of Cheliyi resonates in your mind, "Ah, hi hi, Dad!"
The melodious voice of Cheliyi resonates in your mind, "... Mm?"
Your melodic voice sings into Cheliyi's mind, "Esei is here, just to the souths, if are still avoiding? Is trying on...a hat."

Esei stares at the hat in question, eyes narrowed at it as if it were to come alive and bite them.

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes widen impossibly so as they gaze at Esei hopefully, looking between the hat and the viscanti.

You bounce up and down.

Esei slips into a scarlet squid hat.

The melodious voice of Cheliyi resonates in your mind, "**a quiet pause, like a chill settling across the aethers, and then an acknowledging sigh.**."

Your melodic voice sings into Cheliyi's mind, "*an apologetic ripple* Will not stay longly. How are you, dearly one?"

Esei's purple skin clashes almost violently with the hat, and the hat does not match the rest of their ensemble. They stare at you with wide, watery eyes.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a high-pitched sound, then clasps their hands over their mouth, shoulders bouncing as they try not to laugh.

The melodious voice of Cheliyi resonates in your mind, "Is fine, yes. Am okay, just making some platters very nice for Miss Gioia."

Hissing through their teeth, you say, "Is so cutes."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

Delighted, you say to Esei, "We MATCH."

Esei grumbles angrily.

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

Bright and clear, you say, "You do not have to keep wearing it, you do not."

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

Esei removes a scarlet squid hat.

You have emoted: Gurashi plants their hands on their hips, shaking their head. "Do not even have to keeps it."

You have emoted: Gurashi holds out a hand. "It was funny though, yes?"

Esei bites viciously into the hat, creating large serrations across its surface.

The hat hanging from their mouth, Esei stares implacably at you.

You give a horrified gasp.

Bright and clear, you shriek, "D-DO NOT EAT THE HATS PLEASE."

You flail about helplessly.

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly.

Muffled, chewing through bits of cottony fluff and cloth, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Why not?"

Your melodic voice sings into Cheliyi's mind, "Oahwah? Ah! Are refining same things? Is for goops or anomalies? Also - have a gift for you, when am.... *they cut off abruptly, though there is nothing frightened about the change, just bewildered* ...when am DONE, yes."

Esei begins to wield a dark mint chocolate leothin cookie in their right hand.

Bright and clear, you stammer, "B-B-BECAUSE IS A-A-A H-HA-AT THER-RE ARE-E-E BUTTON-NS /YOU WILL C-CHOKES/."

Esei lofts a dark mint chocolate leothin cookie north.

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

With a great sweep of its tail, Bizirik breaks off to the north.

Esei's eyes suddenly turn mischievous, the viscanti leaning towards you.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out as if to try and prevent the viscanti from eating the hat, then instead clamps their hands on either side of their face, dragging down their palms. "THE HATS..."

From the north, the leothin can be heard chattering and burping, then scratching in vain at the cabinets.

The melodious voice of Cheliyi resonates in your mind, "Is usually for goops, but uh.... thanks for the cookie! I guess?"

Esei ends up spitting out most of the hat, tail lashing back and forth.

With a sigh, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "A shame it wasn't a real squid."

You flail about helplessly.

You have emoted: Gurashi holds out their hands pitiably, reaching for the felled hat.

Esei drops a scarlet squid hat.

You pick up a scarlet squid hat.

You reach out, pulling a scarlet squid hat into a tight embrace.

Esei's lips peel back, showing off many sharp teeth.

You have emoted: Gurashi clutches a scarlet squid hat close to their chest, shoulders bunching and eyes narrowing. "Should be nicer to hats," They stick out their tongue, suddenly engulfed in light.

You portal to the Aetherplex Chamber.
Esei follows you ether.
The Aetherplex Chamber.
The spherical chamber is formed from a hollow geode comprised of dozens of precious gemstones. Large jagged formations of rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds line the walls and ceiling. The floor has been cut and polished to a brilliant shine, revealing concentric circles of brilliant colours. Upon close examination of the glassy floor, shimmering reflections briefly glide across its smooth surface of wondrous mansions and abodes. A current of electricity continuously runs throughout this mineral wonder, causing tiny sparks to erratically blossom up and down the crystalline formations. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Shimmering with aetheric energy, a bright glowing portal floats here in midair. Hackles risen, a fierce timberwolf prowls about here. A screech owl is here, surveying the surroundings. There are 2 great brindle mastiffs here. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. Long, lean, and vibrating with barely-contained energy, a greyhound sniffs about here. A cat of black ink loiters here, glossy eyes intelligent and curious. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. There is an aetherways portal here.
You see exits leading north (open door), south, out, and through a bright, glowing portal.

You pat a scarlet squid hat in a friendly manner.

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

You think to yourself: *apologetic, as if the hat were its own entity: many little bite marks and tears in the fabric*.

Esei frowns suddenly, staring down at themself.

You have emoted: Gurashi pouts, protectively holding a scarlet squid hat closer and tighter. "Thank you for humorings. Have to go do stuffs, now, though."

Esei waves their hand dismissively.

Esei urges you onwards.

You move about quickly and lose Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk.

You give a warm buttered loaf of bread to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk.

You eyes light up as you smile.

Not releasing the hat as they pass off the bread, you say to Esei, "Thank you muchly!"

Bright and clear, you say to Esei, "...stay goodly... and -kindly-, yes?"

Esei gives 5 dark mint chocolate leothin cookies to you.

You gasp in delight, reaching out to boop Esei lightly on the nose with a finger.

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

Bright and clear, you say, "Bizi will love this."

You thank Esei profusely.

In a husky, honeyed cadence, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "We will see."

Quietly, you say, "Have missed these."

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

You nibble on a dark mint chocolate leothin cookie.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts a hand, offering a little wave. "Bye bye," They hum with a mouthful of cookies.

A modest kitchen with forest motifs.                   (#HAH_3)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Like something out of a story book, this little kitchen with a small center island feels warm and comfortable. Ground-level cabinets have been painted a rich forest green and are outlined with tiny handmade crow and leaf imprints. High-mounted ravenwood shelves are lined with jars of herbs and spices, as well as odd-shaped baking implements and pans. Cast iron fixtures are set in strategic places beside heavy wash basins, and an open window overlooks the garden, offering a refreshing breeze. Hanging over the island is a blackened storage rack with several well-used skillets and cooking utensils suspended by hooks. A half dozen cabinets have small locks fastened to their handles, the dark metal surfaces carved with beautiful leafy patterns. Offsetting the dark decorations are brightly colored hand towels and oven mitts decorated with childish happy cows playing in a field. A wooden stool carved to appear as a hand rests sturdily on its own wrist, awaiting occupation. A coiling silhouette of thickets is inked upon the supple surface of this softly pale tea table, low to the ground. Warm honeyed hues dance upon the surroundings, cast by a delicately-scented glass lantern from its perch upon a nearby wall. A painting of a hoard of gold is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. Central to the kitchen is a large oven, next to racks of pots and pans that hang nearby. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare.
You see exits leading east (open door), south (open door), west (open door), and up (open door).

You reach out, pulling Cheliyi into a tight embrace.

Cheliyi blinks.

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

Cheliyi glances askance at a Brooch of Crow Feathers.
Cheliyi removes a Brooch of Crow Feathers.
A Brooch of Crow Feathers glows with a deep violet light as Cheliyi shudders, bones twisting and realigning her into her original shape once more. Her beautiful ebon feathers fall away, carried off by a passing breeze.
Cheliyi shakes out her frills with a sigh, discarding various feathers.
Cheliyi puts a Brooch of Crow Feathers into a fesix backpack.

You have emoted: Gurashi giggles quietly, arms wrapped around Cheliyi, squishing her face...into a bright red hat they are holding onto with their left hand. "I have a GIFT," They exclaim suddenly.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi stares blankly at the red hat, before squinting at you suspiciously. "A... gift."

You nod your head emphatically.

Bright and clear, you say, "Close your eyes."

Cheliyi frowns, and closes her eyes.

Frills twitching idly, Cheliyi closes her eyes and tunes in.

You have emoted: Gurashi stands up straight, placing the red hat upon Bizirik, the leothin's head as they pull out the green one. They gently set it atop Cheliyi's head, scootching it into place.

Placing it loosely upon your head, you give an emerald squid hat to Cheliyi.

Bright and clear, you say, "Now you can look!"

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Cheliyi's brow.

Cheliyi hesitantly opens her eyes trying her best to squint up at an emerald squid hat. She blinks, once, twice, and lets out a confused giggle, pulling the hat off her head to better inspect it.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps back, hands on their hips, observing Cheliyi, their own hat proudly hanging atop their head, utterly ruining their ensemble, though they don't seem to mind.

Bright and clear, you say, "Have a blue one for your dad, too."

You grin mischievously at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi snorts at an emerald squid hat, holding back laughter with webbed fingers.

Giggling, Cheliyi says, "Is... it is so -squiddy-."

Amused, Cheliyi says, "Silly Squiddy."

Cheliyi slips into a shabby swamp-dweller's hat.
Cheliyi removes a shabby swamp-dweller's hat.
Cheliyi ponders an oddly cute toad hoodie hat thoughtfully, looking it up and down.
Cheliyi ponders a hat of sensational blooming thoughtfully, looking it up and down.
Cheliyi purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Which one...."

Cheliyi flails about helplessly.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "NOT ENOUGH HEADS."

Cheliyi claps her hands together merrily.

Comprehension flashes across Cheliyi's face.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

You have emoted: Gurashi laughs, pulling the hat down so their eyes are covered. "Not enough heads! All the heads!" They tease, arms raised, tentacles flailing.

Cheliyi places an emerald squid hat over Muginn's head, tying it in place with two of the squid's arms. The bird blinks, once, twice, and then narrows his single eye.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow shakes his head.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow flails about helplessly.

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

Bright and clear, you ask Cheliyi, "Do like it? Do you like it?"

You have emoted: Gurashi clasps their hands together hopefully, facing ever-so-slightly in the wrong direction, having blinded themselves with the hat.

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Giggling, Cheliyi says, "I do, I do! Who designed it, yes?"

Bright and clear, you say, "Uh, Miss Aeldra said her mama...she made these for me! Since have been working hard and gathering squids..."

Comprehension flashes across Cheliyi's face.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Cheliyi pats Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow in a friendly manner.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at Cheliyi with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

Bright and clear, you say, "Think that is, Miss Kali? Yes."

Bright and clear, you say, "Miss Kali is one who helped me find my merian-me."

You pat an aquatic kelpie mask in a friendly manner.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

With a nod, you say to Cheliyi, "Well, am very glad that you like it. It is yours! To do with whatever you want, yus."

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

Cheliyi hugs an emerald squid hat with no small amount of effort, pulling them into a tight embrace.

Sagely, Cheliyi says, "Should get a... um... amoires? But."

Cheliyi glances askance.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "All my rooms are outsides."

Happily, you ask Cheliyi, "Why not see if can fit one in bedroom?"

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Bright and clear, you say, "The room is already stasised."

Bright and clear, you say to Cheliyi, "Your dad can help when he wakes up, when he wakes up, yus."

Cheliyi hums softly, her mauve frills vibrating with song.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Could ask other peoples, yes."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "If you're okay with them coming over!"

You nod your head emphatically.

You close the oak door to the up.
You close the oak door to the west.

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

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously.

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Bright and clear, you say, "If other peoples are coming over."

You wink knowingly.

Bright and clear, you say, "Miss Khep would not like strangers tromping around her gardens, yus."

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Bright and clear, you say to Cheliyi, "You can invite peoples, you can, yes, to give you a things!"

Bright and clear, you say to Cheliyi, "After that, though."

Black, starry mist coalesces into Dusan, the coruscant as he gives a package containing a celestial-patterned armoire to Cheliyi before disappearing again.

Bright and clear, you say, "Want to go to the parks! Outside, somewheres..."

You stare blankly into space.

Cheliyi frowns at a package containing a celestial-patterned armoire.

Cheliyi shakes her head.

You blink.

You think to yourself: ...psychics.

Esei arrives in a cone of sparkling light.

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

Esei drops a cat of black ink.

You stare at a cat of black ink, eyes wide.

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

A cat of black ink begins to follow you.

Cheliyi glances askance.

A cat of black ink rubs up against you, purring like a cat.
A cat of black ink rubs up against Cheliyi, purring like a cat.

Cheliyi pets a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Cheliyi's hand.

You have emoted: Gurashi wiggles their entire body once, tentacles of their hand sashaying with them.

<-- nyooom

In the park playground.
Pale, watery light floats away from a shield shrine of Carakhan nearby. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A light cover of clouds hides the sky in a sheet of white. Here in the north end of the grassy expanse, a section of New Celest is dedicated to the young, and the young at heart. Wood and metal structures are solidly screwed together, to encourage physical activity, fun, and games. One of the more exotic creations is the two-headed dragon. After climbing a ladder, people can hop down the maw of the dragon, spiraling down its tubular body and popping out at the bottom, which is also shaped in the image of a dragon's head. Surrounded by an aura of clarity and calm, a sculpture of the Loving Radiance stands here, captured in blissful repose. Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow perches here, eyeing the area suspiciously. A cat of black ink loiters here, glossy eyes intelligent and curious. Cheliyi stands quietly here, trickles of water playing across her form. She wields a spectral measuring cup in her left hand and a spatula of twisted vines in her right hand.
You see exits leading north, southeast, and southwest.

Cheliyi sits on one of the swings, fidgeting with the ropes.

Cheliyi covers a refreshing vegetarian platter with another of the same type, whispering softly under her breath. As the two items melt into each other, they suddenly shimmer with a brilliant, golden light until only one remains. <-- many refinings throughout log! edited out for brevity

(Trasto): Esei says, "But i have schoolwork ;_;."

You have emoted: Gurashi moves to stand beside Cheliyi's swing, taking one of the ropes in their hand. "Sorry."

Bright and clear, you say to Cheliyi, "Are O-K? Saw they sent somethings."

You tilt your head curiously at Cheliyi.

You think to yourself: *a swell of color - am doing goodly enough to protects? maybe should make sure they cannot visit so freely - caution, red on teal - caution*.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out to pluck a little leaf from Cheliyi's hair.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters has entered the realm of Lusternia.
You sense the sweeping gaze of Tridemon looking upon you.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Cheliyi's lips.

Softly, Cheliyi says, "You are doing more than enough, yes."

You pet Cheliyi ingratiatingly.

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

Tridemon tumbles in from the southwest, striking a bold pose before flopping onto the ground.

You blink.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi is in the process of taking the ropes of Cheliyi's swing when Tridemon arrives, grinning from ear to ear. "Dearly one! Welcome!"

Tridemon gives you a thumbs up.

Bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "I HAVE A GIFT."

You look at Tridemon hopefully.

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

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances at Cheliyi in her bright green squid hat, then looks towards Tridemon, wide-eyed, a purple one upon their own. "You will NEVER guess what."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... did you get me a squid hat?"

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

You narrow your eyes at Tridemon in an unnerving manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at Cheliyi. "Did you tell him?"

You think to yourself: *a ripple of surprise - how did figure it out?*.

You cross your arms on your chest, stick out your lower lip, and pout.

Cheliyi shakes her head.

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You're... both wearing new hats."

Whipping around, you say to Tridemon, "Shut your eyes!"

You have emoted: Gurashi holds up a sapphire squid hat, proclaiming loudly: "Ta-da!"

Cheliyi claps her hands together merrily.

Gently placing it upon the lucidian's head, you give a sapphire squid hat to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

Stage-whispering, Cheliyi says, "Is a hat. AND A SQUID."

Bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Adorable."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans back, clasping their hands together, eyes shiny with pride.

You think to yourself: *an internal scream of delight, both Cheliyi and Tridemon with little squids upon their heads.... swells of bright pastel color - happy! happy*.

Cheliyi gives you a friendly squeeze.

You think to yourself: *a little chant, amused and sung merrily in their head* Squid-hat, squiddy hat, squiddiest squiddiest hattiest hats ...

You have emoted: Gurashi sways, then pulls back on the ropes of the swing, pulling Cheliyi backwards. "Do want to swings?" They ask, "Or just focus while sittings?"

You sway anxiously in your spot.

You pet a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Gurashi's hand.

Tridemon slips into a sapphire squid hat.

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

Bright and clear, you say, "Perfect."

Thoughtfully, Cheliyi says, "Am just find with either. But am also a little tired."

You beam broadly.

Cheerfully, you say, "Am also a little tired! Yes. Have been waking a while! Sometimes days are just tired, like that."

Bright and clear, you ask Cheliyi, "We keep missing each others. Any newly news? Any fun things?"

You stretch languidly.

Cheliyi hums softly, her mauve frills vibrating with song.

Bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Uhm - can you help me fix this...? With your sewing skills..."

Tridemon tilts his head curiously.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Um..... went on an astralhunts. And... did some more combats? Otherwise, I am blanking."

You have emoted: Gurashi releases Cheliyi's ropes, letting her swing forward once as they step away, pulling out a scarlet squid hat and offering it pitiably. "Mixter Esei bit it all up, now it's full of holes..." They sink to their knees beside the lucidian, holding it out, bereft. "Please save hims."

Gravely, you give a scarlet squid hat to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Bright and clear, you ask Cheliyi, "Ah? Ohhh - did get muchly essences?" They lift an arm to flex. "Feel strongly?"

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Got... two million, I think."

You boggle at Cheliyi.

Agog, you say to Cheliyi, "That is so muchly!"

Tridemon ponders a scarlet squid hat thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Miss Aeldra made them for me! I asked her."

You have emoted: Gurashi pulls in their knees, hugging them and watching Cheliyi swing. "She made me the purple ones since am almost done with second sets, yes. Second sets of beacons lit..."

Bright and clear, you say, "And, I thought: 'know who would ALSO LOVE THESE', yes."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi giggles, looking towards the scarlet squid hat with a concerned expression. "Meant to ask if was also a golden one, for Aschwar... was thinking red ones, but, they are more gold-y than red..."

After a pause, Cheliyi says, "Also hung out with Mixter Velcora, again."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Bright and clear, you say, "So can give that one to... Well. Maybe Mister Valensandr will want to join the squid hat clubs."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Cheliyi fidgets impatiently.

You eyes light up as you smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, listening to Cheliyi, watching her swing. "What is it?"

Cheliyi shrugs helplessly.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Cheliyi says, "Was nice. They're nice."

Cheliyi returns to swinging, expression carefully neutral if not for her slight blush.

Tridemon ponders the hat further, and starts stitching the holes shut.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, watching Cheliyi closer, squinting somewhat. "Ah - am glad they are so nice." They repeat back cheerfully, a hint of curiosity hanging heavy in their tone.

Having finished the repairs, Tridemon gives a scarlet squid hat to you.

Bright and clear, you say to Cheliyi, "You visit them lots - is goodly to have friends like that, yes."

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

You have emoted: Gurashi hugs the scarlet squid hat to their chest in relief. "Oh! Thank you."

You give Tridemon a peck on the cheek.

Bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Our hero."

You have emoted: Gurashi makes the hat do a little wiggling dance.

Tridemon reaches out and touches you.

You have emoted: Gurashi cants their head, looking at Cheliyi again, curious still, watching her work as they play with the red squiddy hat, satisfied.

Cheliyi giggles quietly, and nods in agreement.

Sagely, Cheliyi says, "The hero-i-est hero."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Tridemon, taking a tentacle and gently slapping his hand with the fabric-made limb. "Pyah."

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

You ponder Cheliyi thoughtfully, looking her up and down.

You place a hand on Cheliyi's forehead, draining energy from your soul to hers.

You pat Cheliyi in a friendly manner.

Cheliyi blinks.

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

You reach over and ruffle Cheliyi's hair fondly.

Tridemon pats himself in a friendly manner.

Bright and clear, you say, "Can changeling into a lucidians like Tridemon, yus, later."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 23rd of Tzarin, 585 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 15 days until the New Moon

You have emoted: Gurashi hums, bobbing their head side to side, holding the hat close to them. "Anyway, have just been laying low myselfs. Am waiting for news from Mister Valensandr about continuing trainings."

Bright and clear, you say, "He was commisionings somebody... to help?"

Bright and clear, you say, "Said would send...a bird! But not a pigeons, in case was doing the beacons."

You nod your head sagely.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks as they are ruffled, wobbling. "Uwah!"

Cheliyi hums softly, her mauve frills vibrating with song.

You hum softly to yourself.

Excitedly, you say, "Hope is soon. Keep eyeballs out for a seagulls for me."

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi stretches out their legs at last, raising their arms overhead before flopping flat on their back, sprawling in the grass contently.

Bright and clear, you say, "Mmmmmmmm."

Contently, you say, "Is so warm...do not wanna move..."

You think to yourself: *a hopeful swell of color - hope is cooler inside the temples*.

Cheliyi leans against the ropes with a content hum, watching the sky from her swing. "Is always a good thing."

Leaning back in the swing so she's almost horizontal, Cheliyi says, "Who needs to move when you can be sleepy! Is nice."

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

Cheliyi grunts, and sits back up with a huff.

You have emoted: Gurashi flexes and relaxes their hands, head lolling back to observe the cloudy sky, unable to scope out any stars overhead. "Sloth is baaaaaaad, if you doooo too muchly," They kick a leggy in protest. "But is too hot to move, no. Not my faults."

Bright and clear, you say, "I do not control the weathers."

You have emoted: Gurashi fans themselves dramatically.

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.

Tridemon attempts to make the weather clear up.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Tridemon is unsuccessful in this endeavor.

Cheliyi wheezes.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches for a wooden training katana, pulling it out and swinging it pitiably at the sky. "Clear! Clear...!"

Bright and clear, you say, "Need a SHAMANS."

You have emoted: Gurashi kicks their legs again, both of them this time, before flopping, huffing.

Cheliyi openly laughs, her frills resonating with joy as the occasional squeak escapes her.