Second Watch

(Celest): Falaine (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Hail, New Celest."

(Celest): Aeldra (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Tidings, Falaine."
(Celest): You say, "A good morning to you, Falaine. How does the day find you?"

(Celest): Falaine (from the Realm of the Even Bladed) says, "It finds me well enough, Avaris.
Somewhat pensive, regarding the lingering effects of the recent events, but... well enough."
(Celest): You say, "I am gladdened to hear that you are well, despite obvious factors that would
detract from such."

(Celest): Falaine (from the Realm of the Even Bladed) says, "And what of you, Avaris?"

(Celest): You say, "I am well enough. Standing vigil at the healing mound for a time. It makes
for...Interesting company."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Many fun visitors, yes."

(Celest): You say, "That is one way to describe them."

(Celest): Falaine (from the Realm of the Even Bladed) says, ".. fun visitors?"

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Interesting, fun - ah, words is to each
their own's, yes?"

(Celest): You say, "All are welcome to assist my Lady in the matter of healing the fallen Goddess.
It makes for unusual encounters, to phrase it politely."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Yes yes!"

(Celest): Falaine (from the Realm of the Even Bladed) says, "Forgive me, I am not grasping what is
being hinted at here. Fun and interesting, how? Unusual, how? Who are you encountering?"

(Celest): You say, "Tainted."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "All SORTS of peoples, yes! From Hallifax,
from Glomdoring, Serenwildes - even Magnagora."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Some have told stories and some play
musics! There are many ways to attempt to aid in the healing as well as bringing the flowers She
requested, yes."

(Celest): You say, "Quite."

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "Have you had a chance to speak to
Calfuray yet?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "Briefly, yes.
They fled soon after. Have you?"

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "She still wears the guise of the nereid.
Proudly. Why, exactly, was she allowed in?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "You know as well
as I do how soft Celest has become, Falaine. They will, it seems, forgive any transgression, hug the
criminal, and feed them dessert, while the blood still is yet to dry."

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "I am being scolded for my reservations.
Raziela is lovely, but I am tired of having her forgiveness rubbed into my face when I express
concerns."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "It has been as
such since we both came through the Portal. It is as if they have all forgotten of the other
Supernals."

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "[a flash of mute, anguished frustration,
quickly and carefully disciplined]."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "[Weary sympathy,
tinged with resignation.] I know, Falaine. I know. In time, perhaps."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "We shall have to
keep an eye on her, in the meantime. At least my Lady is not so quick to forgive and forget. She
sought entrance to Her Order, did you know?"

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "She did? Is she remorseful after all?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "[Cool, hard
displeasure.] What do you think?"

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "I thought not. But I am currently being
tongue-lashed for my 'cruelty' in withholding my trust, so I thought I might at least pay lip
service to extending the barest thread of it."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "I am not
bothering. Let them seek to lash me for it, my armour is thick enough. I have told her that I will
be treating her as she deserves, and she told me to "Go ahead, attack a citizen." Moron."

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "Interesting, that she feels what she
deserves is to be attacked."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "Those were not my
exact words. She was being smug and hostile."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "She attempted to
tell me that if I had problems with her status as citizen, that I should take it up with the
council, for they voted for it, and my Lady, because she 'did not toss me back out'."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "I informed her
that I would be taking my problems up with her directly, as is proper, and that she would not escape
the consequences of her participation in the Bloodtide, so long as I persisted. She interpreted that
as my wishing to assault her."

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "[churning discontent, frustration, and
outright fury, only barely held back, and only by years of practice]."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "[A strange sense
of calm, in turn, one that evokes the sense of a great tide of discontent and anger, dammed by a
vast, dense wall of will.] It will be trying, for you and I, but do not let it defeat you, Falaine.
Fortitude. We will live to see Celest come to its senses again, in time."

You feel a strong tug within your chest and the air comes alive with swirling, multicoloured light.

A bright, tiny star forms in the air, then elongates into a strand of bright light. Finally, it
impossibly unfolds into the form of Falaine.
Her eyes focused and vigilant, a silver-tipped fawn Nyalian mastiff lopes in from the ether at the
beck and call of her companion.

Without a single word, Falaine paces into the glade, her face stony in its lack of expression as she
wordlessly takes up a position of attention next to you.

Standing vigil to the right of a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili,
Avaris's stance is calm, but alert, with his head held high. His antennae twitch and swivel slowly
about, even as the countless eyes that glow within his wings rove about the area in a ceaseless
constellation of acute watchfulness. At Falaine's arrival, he says nothing, waiting for her to come
to a halt before he inclines his head in a small, slow acknowledgement.

For a while, the slight dip of Falaine's head in return of the acknowledgement is the only movement
the paladin makes, her eyes locked outward into the woods. There is no warmth in the merian's regard
as she stares through the trees, her normally pleasantly full lips set into a thin line. The
uncertain light of willowisps in the eventide pall glitters from the polished surfaces of plate and
scale, her silence both deafening and telling.

In contrast, the quiet that falls about Avaris's titanic form is almost tranquil in
its calm. The burnished plates of his aureate torso expand and contract in a steady, slow rhythm as
he observes all about him with a patient air, the heavy, layered cloak of his wings stirring faintly
in the breeze. At each entrance of the misty wisps, a large portion of his light-forged eyes travel
to them, brightening with a soft, warm light, which fades as the wisps do.

A soft, angelic hymn precedes the arrival of Gurashi from the west, the air itself alive with warmth
and light.

Gurashi sways anxiously in their spot.

You incline your head politely to Gurashi.

Gurashi wanders in, plucking at their tunic awkwardly, water dripping from the hood of their cloak
as they lift one hand, waving awkwardly. "Hellooooo," They whisper. "Sorry, my minds is full of
talking," They explain sheepishly.

You sense the passage of Sutekh to the west with a faceted pair of crystalline ears.
A lady-like penguin waddles in from the west.

Smiling, embarrassed, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Good morning you boths."

Sutekh's elytra clack together sharply with a loud, if low, tone.

Gurashi blinks.

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Oh!"

From her spot alongside you, Falaine salutes Gurashi. "Are you very sore, Witness?" she asks
politely, though a hint of humor touches her voice. She immediately freezes, staring at Sutekh.

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "I -hate- being snuck up on."

Sutekh exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from his lungs.

Withdrawing a hand from beneath the layered cloak of his wings, Avaris waves
Gurashi's apology away. "You have nothing to be sorry for. Good morning."

As Sutekh gently brushes his fingertips across a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili, one
of the pure white magnolia blossoms flowering about Her gently floats into his grasp.

Shuffling to the west, a lady-like penguin leaves.
You sense the passage of Sutekh to the west with a faceted pair of crystalline ears.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "I will remedy
that for you shortly."

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "The sneaking, or the hate of it?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "The former."

Gurashi rubs at their collarbone awkwardly. "Tattoooooos," They say through their teeth, offering a
pained, grimacing smile. "I yam fine, however. I am O-K. I am just out of practices with the
process, as it has been decades," They puff their cheeks. "You wanted to talk to me!" They stand up
a little straighter, frowning now. "About things most -serious-...."

Gurashi puffs their cheeks, reaching up to scratch behind their ear, flushing a little at something
unseen.

The featureless visor of Avaris's face turns down as he studies Gurashi intently,
antennae bending at a curious angle. "Tattoos, is it? Of what sort?" Turning his attention briefly
to Falaine, he asks, "I assume they are speaking of your desire to talk to them?"

With a curious glance over at you at something unheard, Falaine shifts her attention back to Gurashi
and nods seriously, her face enigmatic and neutral. "Yes. The newest addition to the city, Calfuray.
As I have been roundly chastised now by three people for not having wide open arms, I thought to
hear your input on the matter. From someone who is far kinder than I. To see if I am missing
something."

Gurashi's ears bounce, and they look at the a cocoon of light bearing the Goddess Li-varili as the
light suffuses it, nose wriggling side to side. "Thank you for helping heal She," They express to
Sutekh, hands folded together and bowing their head before looking back up at you, then Falaine,
listening to their words carefully.

Whispering, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Big ones, the ones on my back and chest, they took
fooooooorever."

Beads of sweat break out on Gurashi's face.

Gurashi trembles from head to foot before shaking out their head. "It is even harder to get tattoos
with chitins," They whisper, turning to Falaine with a frown.

Completely ignoring Sutekh's futile attempts to approach a cocoon of light bearing
the Goddess Li-varili, Avaris listens to Gurashi with polite interest, asking, "What do they
depict?"

Sutekh glances at Gurashi appraisingly, antennae twitching in their direction as he turns his
attention to Gurashi.

Gurashi puffs their cheeks, furrowing their brow. "I gots a angel and the Most Beloved on my back,"
They gesture behind themselves with a jab of their finger, "and then gots some birds and a Miss
Raziela, for my chest!" As they go to gently pat themselves on the chest, they immediately grimace,
bowing their head and hissing through their teeth. "Yesssss..."

Beads of sweat break out on Gurashi's face.

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Falaine, "Ah - c-chastised ..."

You think to yourself: "You will not find contravention of my Lady's wards to be so simple, Tainted.
Fool."

Falaine tilts her head. "Chastised?" she asks curiously, frowning slightly.

Comprehension flashes across Falaine's face.

Gurashi trembles, recovering from their mishap and pointing at Falaine weakly. "I am sorry - you
were chastised," They elaborate slowly.

Nodding in an approving fashion, Avaris says, "The angels and Lady Raziela are
fitting." At the comment about chastisement, his antennae twitch, bending towards Falaine
inquisitively.

Falaine slants a neutral glance at Sutekh, then back to Gurashi, nodding minutely but remaining
silent.

Gurashi scrunches their face, shutting their eyes. "It is hard to balance, isn't it? Having feelings
and then other peoples having feelings, too? Differently opinions and upbringings,
interpretations..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "I do not suggest speaking
of such before the Tainted. Falaine would not approve, or appreciate it. You will make her
uncomfortable."

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "[a radiating displeasure at the lingering
presence of the tainted kephera, only heightened by the butting into the conversation]."

Gurashi plants their hands on their hips, staring up at the willowisps before glancing over at you,
then Falaine, frowning. They nod slowly in understanding, cupping their cheek. "Can discuss it back
at the Athenaeums? Maybe?" They ponder aloud. "I could meets you both there, to continue the
talkies."

Gurashi turns to Sutekh now, ears bouncing. "Scenes be-low?" They blink, head canting to the side.
"Like .... the ... dirt?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "[A calming
sensation, respectful and solid as a steadying hand upon the shoulder.]."

Sutekh examines the cocoon closely, antennae twitching as he slowly circumnavigates the mound. "No,
like the hives and the Leviathan," he reverberates.

Gurashi looks down at their feet. "I had lots of Wyrden ones," They kick a little rock that had been
hiding among the grass. "Oh, that makes sense." They frown. "It is a nice cocoon yes? Apparently
magnolias are bittersweet." They ponder aloud.

Gurashi looks at Falaine hopefully.

Gurashi looks at you hopefully.

Falaine closes her eyes and exhales. "I do not believe Avower Avaris would care to leave this post.
But I will return with you, Witness."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says to Gurashi, "I was informed last month about something
interesting and wish to verify it with you."

Many of the eyes within his wings tracking Sutekh's progress, Avaris says to
Gurashi, his tone cordial, "No, thank you. I do not think it Wise to leave the mound unattended at
this moment. Rot seeks to seep in." Lifting his lower left hand, he gestures to Falaine with a wave
of his hand. "It is as she says."

Gurashi stands up straight again. "Ah? O-K."

Gurashi looks at a ghostly willowisp hopefully.
A ghostly willowisp bobs in the air, its glow warming the surroundings.

Gurashi tilts their head and listens intently to Sutekh.

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks Sutekh, "Interesting?"

Gurashi scratches their scarred cheek just to the side of the wound.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says to Gurashi, "Is it true that another star-creature has
fallen upon New Celest, like the one Tridemon spoke of in ages past?"

Sutekh's elytra clack together sharply with a loud, if low, tone.

Falaine narrows her eyes to thin slits.

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "I will leave you here then to
be a goodly guard you, then, and then borrow Miss Falaine's to the Athenaeum for a time, yes, if do
not mind."

Gurashi looks at you hopefully.

Slowly, Avaris's head pans to face Sutekh, the symbols within his wings shading
gradually to a dull, baleful crimson.

Cooly, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says to Sutekh, "What do you care for such matters?"

Without removing his focus from Sutekh, Avaris replies to Gurashi, "I do not mind,
no. Enjoy one another's company."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "Do not let this creature
near Lady Vaevaya."

Sharply, Contemptible Sutekh says to Falaine, "Astrology has been my passion since I first broke the
surface and saw the night sky for the first time. Naturally such a matter would interest me."

Gurashi blinks, then nods rapidly, gasping. "Ah! Yeah! Stars are alive!" They express. "Awake? They
are goodly beings, it is true. That means is a chance that there are more of them! Had always
wondered. But she ONLY lives in New Celest, yes," They explain. "Does not leave because the Lady is
watching over her too! Safe and sound, she is very good. Isn't that nice?"

Gurashi hums. "Maybe a star will fall into Magnagora?" They wonder aloud, turning to Falaine and
waving their hand. "Would you likes to come with me? We can finish our talkies, yes."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*gentle assent*."

You think to yourself: "A meteor would be more welcome."

With a voice as cold and emotionless as a steel blade, Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity says,
"Your interest is noted."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says to Gurashi, "I would like to converse with it. Her."

Gurashi puffs their cheeks, looking up at you, then at Sutekh, bobbing their head side to side. "Am
sorry, I am the busiest bug," They confess. "I need to take care of some things..."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say to Sutekh, "You will not have the opportunity."

Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.

Falaine narrows her eyes at Sutekh in an unnerving manner.

Falaine's eyes flicker to you, and she exhales and nods minutely, rolling her shoulders and turning
her back on Sutekh with utmost deliberation as she moves to follow Gurashi.

Gurashi scratches their cheek again. "Maybe could make a list of questions?" They say at last. "One
of the City could ask her, then, instead - starstuffs is interesting stuffs."

(Celest): Romaan says, "Is Sutekh causing problems?"

(Celest): You say, "Yes."

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "But I do not think would have a
chance to speaks to her, no. Not if she does not leave the city."

Gurashi shakes their head.

(Celest): Falaine says, "He's probing after Vaevaya."

(Celest): You say, "And has sought to breach the healing cocoon."

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I must be off! Must a-way."

(Celest): Gurashi says, "...breach?"

Grumbling, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Blasted surface politics."

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Please excuse me! Please pardons me!"

Sutekh nods his head at Gurashi.

(Celest): Romaan says, "Well, he can't do the latter."

You incline your head politely to Gurashi.

Falaine leaves, following Gurashi, The Heart's Friend.

(Celest): Calfuray (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Sutekh is fascinated by the stars."

(Celest): You say, "Which was demonstrated to him rather effectively when he tried, indeed. I do not
think he is dissuaded, however."

(Celest): Calfuray (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "A fact that can be used in making him
repent."

(Celest): Falaine says, "This is a child. Not just a star. I do not trust one of his ilk with her."

(Celest): Gurashi says, "Is, yes. Has always long been fascinated by them. Would not want her
speaking to she, but if has scientific-y questions then do not see harms in making a list, may-be.
To avoid problems."
(Celest): Falaine says, "Have you repented, Calfuray?"

(Celest): Calfuray (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "What for?"

(Celest): Falaine says, "Precisely."

(Celest): Romaan says, "I would venture to guess that the Empyreal would not tolerate too much of
that."

(Celest): You say, "I find it ironic that you speak of repentance."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh murmurs, "Triple stellium burning censer. Sun, Moon, Papaxi.
Omen of good luck in forming deep relationships. An auspicious star to meet a new creature."

(Celest): Calfuray (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I was not requested by the council, nor by
your Divine, for repentance."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh murmurs, "With a double in the Lion of Eroee and Aapek.
Avoid love."

(Celest): Romaan says, "Ignore him. He can do no harm here."

(Celest): Selia (from Celestia, Plane of Light) says, "Should it not be freely done, not at others'
behest?"

(Celest): Falaine (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Perhaps not. But is this simply a place
where you sit and revel in your crimes, safe from further repercussion, or will you seek to better
yourself and follow the Light? Because if not, you will find your welcome wearing thin."

Antennae twitching towards Sutekh as the other kephera speaks, Avaris otherwise
makes no sign of heeding him.

(Celest): Calfuray (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I always seek to better myself, and those
around me, and offer both my knowledge and skills for the city and its allies."

(Celest): Falaine (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Not a single whisper of remorse for killing
-every soul in the Basin-. None."

Sutekh turns his baleful, crimson gaze upon you, continuing to mutter to himself as his fingers
twist and contort in alien motions, continuing to read fortune. "First of Dioni, CoE 557. Volcano,
Lion, Dolphin, Bumblebee, Burning Censer, Crocodile, Antlers. Makes sense. Eroee in the fulminant
ascendant sign of New Celest suggests loyalty. Both thoughtfulness and care brought to interpersonal
relations, but strife mainly manifest in interaction as well. Aapek. Lack of care for one's own
body? Self-sacrificial."

Unperturbed, Avaris stands in the same posture as before, his head turned forward,
though he keeps watch upon Sutekh via the myriad eyes that glow with a stark, cold light upon his
wings. In a cool, almost bored tone, he asks, "So keen to understand me, Tainted?"

Sutekh nods, his horn glinting wickedly in the motion. "Makes little sense to shackle oneself to the
Hives yet disclaim care for them while furthering their agenda. Reform by male impossible. Amun
principle. Why such pointless hope? Moon in the Lion suggests emotionally based, not logical for
ambitions."

The last vestiges of sunlight glint briefly along the bladed edges of Avaris's
layered crest, the golden chitin flawless and shining. "You will not comprehend me with your
astrology, Tainted. Nor with your eyes twisted and your mind blackened as it is." His voice is
patient, if cold, as he frees a hand to gesture at the ampoule of starlight that rests against his
left hip. "Seek Purity, and my Lady may heal your broken form. Then you may grow to understand me."

Sutekh's mandibles click together emphatically. "Think yourself more mysterious and mightier than
the Soulless?", he chitters. "Refer to notes of astrologist Ixixi Mott, Icewynderkyl region, stars
directly found to guide the hunting patterns of Zenos the Insubstantial, knowledge utilized to
evacuate and save myriad lives. The stars have more power than you know, even on those who were born
with hundreds of miles of rock betwixt."

As still as a statue forged of solid gold, save for the gently drifting fluff of
his voluminous mane, Avaris replies levelly, "I am guided by one star, and one star alone. I know my
worth, as does She. Your opinion of me is less than nothing."

With insistent exasperation, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Guided towards what? Do you even know?"

In a serene, sincere manner, Avaris lifts his clawed hand up to gesture at the sky,
the tips of his deadly fingers glinting in the faint starlight. "Eternity."

Lowering the golden appendage, Avaris slips it beneath his wings once more,
clasping it with its awaiting brethren. "As I have said. You will not understand me while you are
broken and twisted by the Taint."

Sutekh's antennae wave dismissively. "No one shall see Eternity save for the Gods and the undead,"
he mutters, although there is not much vehemence in it. "There is no power for a male save in the
Taint. I am called to demonstrate warfare for the forestrals."

Sutekh spreads his arms wide, and the air between his hands begins to warp and twist.

Shuffling to the ether, a lady-like penguin leaves.

You think to yourself: "So very wrong on so very many counts. What a twisted creature he is." A
pause, in which a deep sense of introspection persist. "There but for the grace of my Lady go I, I
suppose."

The hollow voice of Sutekh reverberates in your mind, "I do not feel very twisted and broken when I
am tearing out the souls of Vernal Ascendants."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Contemptible Sutekh, "Then that is a measure of how very
twisted and broken you truly are, Tainted."