Gurashi practically radiates psionic dad energy, grinning where they stand.

A bright, forestal curiosities room.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. 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 shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. A marble archway stands here, elegantly arcing up from ground to ceiling. Calioliahali Skydrifter looms here, lingering with an unsettling aura of strict severity. She wields a severe steel arming sword in her left hand and a severe steel shortsword in her right hand. Gurashi is here, leaning on Calioliahali. 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).

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.
You stretch languidly.
You have emoted: Cheliyi offers the both of you a warm smile.

Smiling tiredly, their arms looped around Calioliahali's waist, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Oh my gosh, I was JUST talking about you a couple minutes ago!"

The evening air is still and quiet, and your surroundings glitter with dappled, luminous starlight.

Calioliahali squeezes Gurashi within her arms, face still red as she turns to notice you. "Ah, Cheliyi."

Gurashi quickly turns to free one of their arms, reaching for you with their now-free hand. "Welcome back, mine-child!"

A wry smile spreads across your face.
Dryly, you say, "I am so populars tonights, yes."

Gurashi throws back their head as they laugh.
Gurashi nods their head at you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi slips forward to embrace Gurashi and Calioliahali, burying her face in Gurashi's shirt.
You think to yourself: ... good hug.

Calioliahali's arm unwinds from Gurashi's back to easily slip around your own instead, lightly squeezing you.

Gurashi sighs happily as they pull you into themselves with their free arm, squishing you tight. "The popularest."
Gurashi looks at you hopefully.
Gently, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Ronin went back to his rooms, yes. He stayed up there. Gave him some breads so he is feds."
Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.
You sigh quietly, frills drooping as your tail sags.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "He's probably upset with me."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*you can tell there is something that the elfen wants to say, something weighing on their mind that they do not speak - they give you a meaningful look, brow knitted together* Do you want to talks in privates about things and stuffs?"

The chirping of frogs and crickets surrounds you in a medley of natural song.

Calioliahali's smoky blue eyes focus upon you, eyebrows knitting together. "Ah, why would someone be upset with you?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "**there's an obvious hesitation in response, followed by a sigh.** It is not something that will make you feel goods. So, no. You are happy right nows and I'd like to keep it that ways, you knows? Is not a thing to worry."
Gurashi stares at you, gaze softening and frowning at you as their expression fills with concern.

You have emoted: Cheliyi grins sheepishly. "I got very drunks in the manse and sorta... got water all over his knitting."
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Is why he dragged me outs, to come see dad."

Gurashi's lip twitches, and their expression settles from a blithe sort of tired to gentle concern. "Ronin - it is her brother. From before the Portals," They explain quietly to Calioliahali, squeezing the mugwump as they do, listening.

Visibly embarrassed, you say, "In my defenses, I thought the champagne was juice, yes."

Calioliahali's eyebrows pull apart and lift a fraction, and she slowly nods. "Ah. The ah... 'booze.' I see." She turns aside to Gurashi, listening quietly, and then nods again. "I believe we have met, in some small capacity."

Gurashi nods their head sagely.

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Was it when he went out of the manse for a walk with mes? Cause I'm pretty sure he doesn't remember you, no."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*negation* I loves you. You are my daughter. If you cannot confide in me, your family, I just ... I know you went to talk to Tridemon and I just ... I see you, mine-child. And am here for yous. And want to endure things to-gether with you, too. If you are willing to share. Comfortable, to share. If you ever wants to talk. *a ripple of color* I am here for you."

You think to yourself: **a flicker of guilt, you haven't explained anything lately to him because you did not want him to worry either...**.

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.

Gurashi's lip twitches again as they watch you, something unspoken written on their face. They smile briefly, glancing towards Calioliahali, humming at the confirmation. "I vaguely... don't... remember," They confess at last, frowning fully. "I remember you and Ronin walking and I remember Cali walking but not at the same times."

Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "I could be mistaken, but ah... I recall a brief interaction, long ago. At the Pool of Stars? I do not believe that we were introduced."

Comprehension flashes across your face.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "WHEN YOU WERE STUCKS IN THE NEXUS."

Gurashi looks at Calioliahali hopefully.
Gurashi stares blankly into space.

You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.

In soft, mellifluous tones, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "The Incidents."

The corners of Gurashi's mouth turn up as they grin mischievously.

Calioliahali's eyes shift to the side. "Ah, yes. 'Stuck.'"

You peer at Calioliahali unscrupulously.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "... were you not stuck?"

Gurashi nods their head sagely.
Gurashi wordlessly slides the painting back within their belt, arm returning to your shoulder. "That was a looooong time ago."

Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "You perhaps understand, with your ah, brother. Sometimes your siblings must be ah... indulged."

Gurashi stares blankly into space.
Gurashi's shoulders bunch as they let out a short giggle.

A wry smile spreads across your face.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Ronin is my older brother, actuallies. By.... 8 years?"
Wryly, you say, "He usually indulges me, yes."

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "... do wanna come visit him? Or should I bring him over?"
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "He uh. Doesn't know how to use portals."
You glance askance.

Quickly, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Ah, uh - he is welcome, here if you want, yes." They consider the mugwump, loosening their grip from her shoulders. "It is O-K. Portals are confusing for the not-Fate Touched sometimes."
Gurashi looks suddenly to you, face lighting up as they smile brightly.

Calioliahali nods gently. "I understand, ah, being a younger sibling." Her eyebrows lift then. "I would not be opposed, but ah... I would not take your time, if there were ah, other things to which you needed to attend."

Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "**another long pause, so long that one might mistake it for ignorance if not for the quiet, steady hum of restraint.** I know Dad. I love you a lot, and I see -you-. I know you want to hear my problems, but I feel... you would just blame yourself, and take guilt where this is not any. I will not give you a way to feel worse about yourself, not when you are feeling happy right nows, no. It would be cruel of me to you."

You wave your hand dismissively.
Warmly, you say, "I like spending time with you boths. And, besides, I've probably left him for too long with just his knitting, yes."
You ponder the situation.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Maybe should get him a loom..."
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I'll go bring him overs."

Gurashi's lip twitches again, their long ears sagging slightly. Then, they shake themselves out of their stupor, nodding quickly at you. "A-ah! A loom? Like a tailoring one? Oh man, that would be p-perfect. I could make a place for it in the manse if wanted..."
You blink.

You smile softly.
You give Gurashi a peck on the cheek.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I think he'd prefer one in the manse insteads. But, thank you for the offers Dad. I'll be back."
You give Calioliahali a friendly squeeze.

You portal to the Aetherplex Chamber.
You portal to Overgrowth.

A Gentle Grove.                                        (#OVERGROWTH_1)
You feel hidden powers in this room. The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A quiet glen of gnarled weeping willows encase all sides, leaves swishing softly in an unseen breeze. Hung from many branches are small cicada and blossom origami, as if the willow trees themselves bear fruit. Twilight cloaks the area, blanketing all in a ghostly glow. Soft grasses and leaves crunch underfoot, the soothing smell of decaying flora and wet earth flooding the air with each step. Large, fluffy bats flutter overhead, oddly docile despite their inherent natures. Freshly planted, a small rowan sapling grows in a clear place of honor, lovingly tended to. There are plenty of spaces for rest, a soft patch of grass here, a plush expanse of moss there. Piled next to a rather large patch of moss sits a stack of letters, each paper clearly well loved. A small vase sits atop a mossy stump, practically bursting with flower cuttings, bringing a spot of bright color to an otherwise unremarkable sea of greens and browns. Set gently atop a bed of moss, a twilight-colored cushion acts as a comfortable pillow. A large, fluffy crow's nest hangs from one of the many willows, full of shiny baubles and small bones of some poor rodent. The sound of a babbling brook seems to echo in the distance. Little else can be heard, save for the soft woosh of the entry portal. The darkness of night looms here. A thick bed of moss clings to the ground here. There are 3 moss-covered stump chairs here. Perpetually ticking away the hours, the Enduring Clock of Present's Resolution stands proudly nearby. A painting of Unwanted Silence is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall, with an inscription on a plaque on its frame. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
There are no obvious exits.

You have emoted: Cheliyi sighs softly.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "That will... still hurt them."
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "But, it is better than..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi touches the center of her chest, glancing up at the canopy.
You sigh quietly, frills drooping as your tail sags.
You shake your head.

A babbling brook.                                      (#OVERGROWTH_2)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A morning haze burns through the twinkling twilight here, casting dappled sunlight with a soft, gentle glow that seems to make everything sparkle. Decaying leaves and plush moss give way to sandy sediment as one slips through the tree barrier, still wet beneath one's toes. And yet, this well-worn path has not yet been tamed, sprouting the occasional sturdy dandelion or leafy stem. As the path snakes and widens it leads to a sheltered hill, from which a crystalline brook bubbles over a stony stream-bed. Cutting a diagonal cross section of the glade, the rush of water burbles merrily over a series of rounded tiers formed by the occasional tangle of tree roots. The bark of these roots is oddly smooth, as if it were grown all at once, rather than forming naturally over time. Each pool is no more than three feet deep, the widest nearly 10 feet across. As the water tumbles over every step it shimmers in the morning light, enticing one to simply rest their feet in a pool, or for the more bold, to perhaps splash around. On the opposite side of the glade looms a massive rowan tree, its clusters of bright berries swaying dutifully in some unseen breeze. Hung carefully in its branches is a expertly woven hammock dyed a rainbow of hues, loosely piled with blankets and a soft pillow. The light of day shines brightly. A delicate bench of twining iron daisies and vines rests here on curled feet. A painting of A fork in the road is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. Swaying in place not unlike a thin sapling, a pale, overgrown mugwump stares implacably about himself with striking cerulean eyes.
You see a single exit leading west.

Softly, you say to a pale, overgrown mugwump, "Brother?"

A pale, overgrown mugwump glances up from the bench, in the process of crocheting a pillow. "Mm? Finally feeling better?"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "... eh."

A pale, overgrown mugwump raises an eyebrow questioningly.
A pale, overgrown mugwump says, "What was that about, anyways?"

You glance askance.
Not meeting her brother's gaze, you say, "What was what abouts?"

Sternly, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "Cheliyi."

You wince in pain.

You have emoted: Cheliyi deflates. "I... I'm sorry, okay? I really did think it was juice, at first."

His expression softening, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "But you had to have realized at some point. You hate that stuffs."

You glance askance.
Guiltily, you say, "I did. It... it wasn't a lie-."

With a sigh, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "But it was supposed to deceive anyways."

You have emoted: Cheliyi presses her lips together, staring at the ground.

A pale, overgrown mugwump sets his project aside, carefully stepping over the stream to finally take one of your bandaged hands. "Lilypad. Why were you trying to get drunk?"

Quietly, you say, "People say it makes them feel better. I felt really really terrible."

A pale, overgrown mugwump stares implacably at you.
A pale, overgrown mugwump gives a pained sigh.
A pale, overgrown mugwump leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.

You have emoted: Cheliyi leans into Ronin, closing her eyes. "Can we... talk about this later? I actually... wanted you to meet someone agains."

A pale, overgrown mugwump raises an eyebrow questioningly.
Softly, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "Fine. But we -are- talking about this."

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Fine."

A pale, overgrown mugwump obediently falls into line behind you.

You portal to The Hoard and the Hive.

You have emoted: Cheliyi leads a pale, overgrown mugwump through the portal, offering Gurashi and Calioliahali a slight smile. "Hi hello, Ronin, this is Calioliahali, and Cali, this is Ronin. He is my blood-brothers, from before the Portal."

Calioliahali's gaze drifts to settle upon a pale, overgrown mugwump, and she offers him a faint smile. "Ah, greetings, Ronin. It as, ah... Good to formally meet you."

Gurashi perks up again as you and a pale, overgrown mugwump bother enter, cornflower blue eyes widening, smile growing. "A-ah! Welcome back!" They quickly grasp onto Calioliahali's arm, looking up at the taller trill proudly. "Cali be-hold! My bonus mine-child! Ronin! He knits".

Loud to the point of seeming reverberation, cicadas play out buzzing dissonances.

A pale, overgrown mugwump blinks slowly, offering Calioliahali a polite half-bow. "Mm, greetings." His expression softens considerably as he gives Gurashi a curt nod, still holding your hand in a firm grasp. "Lilypad," he directs at the smaller mugwump, "why are we meeting again?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances askance at Ronin, humming under her breath. "Well, Cali is marrying Dad."

A pale, overgrown mugwump blinks.

Gurashi blinks.

Calioliahali Skydrifter thinks to herself: *the trill seems to quietly consider the larger mugwump as he speaks, and she thinks clearly: Lilypad. That is cute.*.

Gurashi tightens their grasp on Calioliahali's arm as you says this, looking surprised. "Ah, oh. Uhm." They pause, glancing down, then back up, straightening their posture. "Yes."

A pale, overgrown mugwump seems to stand straighter, shooting you a slightly confused look, before gazing at Calioliahali with a much sharper gaze than before. A minute of silence follows, as if those cerulean eyes could see right through the grey trill.

You peer at a pale, overgrown mugwump unscrupulously.

Calioliahali's cheeks fill with color at the casual explanation provided by you, refocusing her attention upon a pale, overgrown mugwump, but remaining silent.

Sheepish, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "You must think me to be very silly. And I expect no more of you than did with Tridemon." They frown slightly. "Am sorry, ah, uhm. For this." They look at Cheliyi, expression almost helpless. "If it is a surprise. But ah, yes."

You have emoted: Cheliyi pointedly nudges a pale, overgrown mugwump, peering up at her brother disapprovingly. He doesn't seem to mind, however, his observations unbroken until he eventually offers a sage nod.

As if it were as simple as the 'sky is blue', a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "I approve. A good match."

You thrust your palm towards your forehead and hit it with a resounding *smack*!

Suddenly, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I wished for someones who would gives me loves that I would never doubts, and," They pause to glance up at the trill beside them before bunching their shoulders, "I did, so. Y-yes, you probably SHOULD meet more proper c-cause she will b--."
Gurashi stares blankly into space.
In soft, mellifluous tones, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "ShewillbearoundALOTOhmysweetmercifulThousandfoldsmyheartRonin."

Bizirik, the leothin chatters and snorts, tossing its head as it attempts to again mimic the sound of laughter, though failing to effectively do so.

Gurashi blushes furiously.

Head in her hands, you say to a pale, overgrown mugwump, "Ohmygods."

Calioliahali's eyebrows knit together as she stares at a pale, overgrown mugwump and absorbs his nonchalant approval, then glances aside to Gurashi, expression filling with yet more concern.

Gurashi gives Calioliahali a friendly squeeze.

A frosty sense of coolness brushes one's skin by the twinkling of tiny snowflakes that appear to drift over the area, as the light escapes the paper lantern above.

Laughingly, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Ah, well, ah. G-goodly, ahm."

Gurashi's shoulders bunch as they let out a short giggle.

A pale, overgrown mugwump steps forward, extending his hand out to Calioliahali for a firm handshake. "I suppose I look forward to seeing you around the family, more, then, Calioliahali."

Gurashi looks up at Calioliahali beside them again, dazed and amused. "Many thank yous. She is very nice, yes. And helpful in lots and lots of ways. Also isn't she tall?" They say this last bit excitedly, hopping up and down. "And she gives great hugs, and..." They stare at a pale, overgrown mugwump's outstretched hand blankly.

Shoving the older mugwump, you say to a pale, overgrown mugwump, "Ohmygods that's what DADS do you are not the DAD Ronin."

A pale, overgrown mugwump peers at himself unscrupulously.

In soft, mellifluous tones, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to a pale, overgrown mugwump, "You should try a fist bumps."

A pale, overgrown mugwump peers at you unscrupulously.

Gurashi looks at a pale, overgrown mugwump hopefully.

A pale, overgrown mugwump stares blankly at Gurashi.

Gurashi gives a pale, overgrown mugwump a meaningful look, then looks back up at Calioliahali, nodding.

A pale, overgrown mugwump says, "What the Nil is a fist bump?"

Gurashi lifts their hand, balling it into a fist and turning it palm-down, facing it to Calioliahali to demonstrate. "It is an acknowledgements."

Calioliahali's expression of confusion smooths out as she again regards a pale, overgrown mugwump, peeking between you and Gurashi unsurely, and then she unwinds from them, stepping forward to slip her calloused hands into the one outstretched by the mugwump, gripping it.

Gurashi throws back their head as they laugh.

You have emoted: Cheliyi looks utterly embarrassed by her older sibling, head in her hands.

In soft, mellifluous tones, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "You bump knuckles and it is like a handshakes but not."

A pale, overgrown mugwump shakes Calioliahali's hand firmly, though he continues to shoot Gurashi a quizzical look. "... why."

Gurashi wriggles their fingers, then shimmies their shoulders, watching the exchange. "Be-cause."
Gurashi nods their head sagely.

Calioliahali uncertainly allows her hand to be shaken, then releases the mugwump and steps back to Gurashi. "It is ah... Unfamiliar, but it is no trouble. Ah... Thank you, Ronin, for your, ah... Words."

Finally lifting her head to pull Ronin back, you say, "Am sorry, am sorry, Brother Ronin is really.. um. Intense."

A pale, overgrown mugwump peers at you unscrupulously.
A pale, overgrown mugwump lifts a dainty hand to his neckline, glancing about with uncertain disdain.

Gurashi throws back their head as they laugh.
In soft, mellifluous tones, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Intense? Was going to say .... propers."
Thoughtfully, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "And silly."

The corners of a pale, overgrown mugwump's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.
With an air of haughtiness, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "When the occasion calls for it."

Grinning, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "He is a very goodly he."

A pale, overgrown mugwump seems to flush faintly from the praise, though he makes no comment, instead saying, "So, we should probably get..." he gestures vaguely to the mass of foliage growing across his form, "this explained and out of the way. I lived with Lilypad when we were children, I almost died and got eaten by trees, dreamwalked for almost half a century, and woke up with a wooden arm. Any questions?"

You stare blankly at a pale, overgrown mugwump.

Gurashi stares at a pale, overgrown mugwump, eyes wide.
Gurashi opens their mouth as if to say something, but pauses.
Gurashi shakes their head.

Visibly concerned, you say to a pale, overgrown mugwump, "... that is a very big simplifications- um. Are you....?"

In soft, mellifluous tones, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I have heard the whole story be-fore though."

Quickly, a pale, overgrown mugwump says to you, "I'm fine."

You peer at a pale, overgrown mugwump unscrupulously.

A pale, overgrown mugwump tilts his head and listens intently to Calioliahali.

Calioliahali's gaze lingers upon a pale, overgrown mugwump, her eyebrows lifting at his abrupt, truncated explanation. Her attention drifts to you, then back to the other mugwump. "I, ah... Thank you for ah, sharing, Ronin. It was unnecessary to reveal such a personal part about yourself, but ah, I appreciate it. I will not probe further into your history, but I look forward to ah... More naturally interacting with you, in the future. Ah." Her cheeks again fill with color. "As family, perhaps."


A pale, overgrown mugwump blinks, clearly surprised by Calioliahali's response. His overgrown hand flexes in an almost nervous motion, before the mugwump offers another curt nod. "Thanks, then. And... family will probably be just fine."

A rush of summer warmth passes through you as you smell grass and flowers and glimpse the limitless blue of a perfectly blue, sunlit sky.

Gurashi's hand within Calioliahali's tightens, and they slowly look up towards the taller trill, their expression nothing short of adoring. They heave a little sigh, rolling their shoulders and turning to smile at a pale, overgrown mugwump and you warmly again. "He is a tough cookie of a wump, yes! Both he and his sister, you see?" They nod sagely. "Strong. Squishy. Proudly."
Gurashi nods their head sagely.

You have emoted: Cheliyi shoots a pale, overgrown mugwump another concerned look, though it softens at his words. She then blushes furiously at Gurashi's compliment, crossing her arms to look away. Coincidentally, Ronin does the same exact motion, only in the opposite direction, so neither see the strangely mirrored behavior.

Calioliahali's black lips helplessly curve into a smile at Gurashi's squeeze upon her hand, and she turns to gaze down at them for a moment, a look of similar adoration upon her own features. She then returns her attention to you and a pale, overgrown mugwump, and she nods her agreement. "If he is anything like his sister, then yes, I imagine he is very strong, ah... Tough. Bold. Resilient, certainly."

A pale, overgrown mugwump blushes furiously.

You blush furiously.
You mutter discontentedly.

A pale, overgrown mugwump mutters discontentedly.

Gurashi throws back their head as they laugh.
Giggling, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend exclaims, "Tough, bold, resilient, squishy!"
Gurashi beams broadly at Calioliahali.

You have emoted: Both Cheliyi and a pale, overgrown mugwump shoot Gurashi a dirty look, though it holds no real malice. Just embarrassment.

Gurashi practically radiates psionic dad energy, grinning where they stand.

Gurashi suddenly lifts Calioliahali's left hand, bringing it and their own closer to a pale, overgrown mugwump. "Ah! Oh, look! Look at the rings your sister made us. Isn't they gorgeous? Cheli did such a goodly jobs crafting them. She even wrote on the inside of Cali's! So tedious, so tiny. So skilled!"

A pale, overgrown mugwump blinks.

A pale, overgrown mugwump loses his grumpy demeanor immediately, inspecting the craftsmanship carefully. He eventually grins.
You peer at a pale, overgrown mugwump unscrupulously.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say to a pale, overgrown mugwump, "What are you grinnin fors?"

A pale, overgrown mugwump grins smugly at you.

Gurashi's shoulders bunch as they let out a short giggle.

Smug, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "I knew you were a crafts person. You used to complain -so much- about helping Mother embroider, but now you make stuff so tiny and detailed! Hah."

You blink.

Gurashi withdraws their own hand, looking at the ring upon Calioliahali's. At a pale, overgrown mugwump's words, they perk up, blinking as well. "Mother Embroiderer?"

You think to yourself: **a sense of rightness, yes, that probably happened, but you don't...**.

Gesturing as he speaks, a pale, overgrown mugwump says, "Well, Father would weave the fabric, and then Mother would do the fine detailing that the noble ladies liked so much. Lace and such, you know? She would have Lilypad work with her, but this one," he ruffles Cheliyi's hair, "always messed up on purpose so she could go do something else instead."

Calioliahali allows her hand to be extended and examined, leaning somewhat against Gurashi throughout the process. Once it ends, she offers a faint smile to you. "Ah, I do not believe I ever ah, properly thanked you. It is indeed ah... Immaculate craftsmanship. And ah... I am forever grateful, truly, ah, for the part that you played in their creation." She then turns toward a pale, overgrown mugwump, listening quietly to his explanation.

Flapjack the fox, shimmering with loveliness, silently slinks in with a slice of raspberry-flavoured cheesecake held gently between his teeth, drops it into your hands, then silently slinks away again.

Gurashi's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

You have emoted: Cheliyi at first seems entirely distant, frowning to herself as if piecing together a puzzle. She then glances up, attention caught by Calioliahali's words. She offers a small smile in return, murmuring, "It was no trouble at all. I'm glad you like them." Ronin's explanation, however, just seems to make her frown deeper.

A pale, overgrown mugwump catches your expression, his bright, cheerful grin twitching into a frown.

You think to yourself: **you don't remember that at all.**.

A pale, overgrown mugwump glances askance.

Gurashi's long ears twitch again as they listen, squeezing Calioliahali's hand, watching your expression. "You change as you get older, yes. Brains are silly, this way. It is normal."

You glance askance at Gurashi.

A pale, overgrown mugwump scratches lightly at his chin with his oversized hand, falling into an awkward silence.

Gurashi reaches out their free hand, gently plopping it onto your head. They keep it there, ruffling you just once before scooping the smaller of the two mugwumps back into another hug.

Calioliahali gently nods her agreement with Gurashi's words, then watches as they pull you back into their embrace, the smile upon her lips growing.

You have emoted: Both mugwumps visibly pause, their attentions retraining on Gurashi. Cheliyi sighs quietly and leans into the embrace, meanwhile Ronin just looks confused but happy to be within it nonetheless.

Gurashi leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.
Gurashi releases you, leaning against Calioliahali's arm as they do. "You boths are very goodly. I have a hard times imagining Cheliyi not working on tediously things. Thinking about making her fanciful glasses and stuffs. Hmm. It suits."
Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile.

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.

A pale, overgrown mugwump ponders the situation.

One of Calioliahali's roseate wings gently unfurls and drapes around Gurashi's form, feathers brushing against you as Gurashi releases you from their embrace. "I have observed your talent for ah, detail, as well. The ah... Mist shapes? I will never cease to be impressed by them."

A pale, overgrown mugwump reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

In soft, mellifluous tones, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "Ah! Ouwah - the mothies shapes!"

You fidget impatiently.
You have emoted: Cheliyi's lips quirk into a small smile.

Gurashi's shoulders bunch as they let out a short giggle.

You are exhausted and open your mouth in an enormous yawn.

A pale, overgrown mugwump glances askance at you.

Gurashi shakes their head out, then looks up at Calioliahali gratefully. "She is right, is true." They look back at you, smiling gratefully. And then, their lip twitches, and they wrinkle their nose slightly, looking like they are fighting back a yawn. They succeed but their eyes water regardless, and they sniffle softly, smiling dazedly. "Ah! My loves, my dearest Wish and Mine-Childs - after the weaves do you wants to spin Wheels with me? And, ah, then I will have to go. N-not yet. But."
Gurashi stares blankly into space.
In soft, mellifluous tones, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend exclaims to you, "You gave me your yawns!"
Gurashi throws back their head as they laugh.

A wry smile spreads across your face.

You think to yourself: **a wordless exchange between siblings, almost too fast to parse save for the tail end, 'you promised,' 'later, later', 'alright,' and overall, a quiet weariness.**.

You nod your head sagely.

Calioliahali's eyebrows knit together as she regards Gurashi, smoky blue eyes honing in upon the failed yawn. She then nods gently, a faint smile returning to her lips. "Ah, I would like to join you, yes. Ah, spinning, that is."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Sadly, don't think I can wakes much past the weave, no."

A pale, overgrown mugwump glances askance.
A pale, overgrown mugwump says, "And I'd rather not have a crowd oogling my arm, again."

You blink incredulously at a pale, overgrown mugwump.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say to a pale, overgrown mugwump, "When did -that- happens?"

A pale, overgrown mugwump glances askance.
A pale, overgrown mugwump waves his hand dismissively.

Gurashi looks at Calioliahali hopefully.
Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.

You give Calioliahali a peck on the cheek.
You give Gurashi a peck on the cheek.

A pale, overgrown mugwump inclines his head politely to those around him.

Gurashi glances askance at you.

A pale, overgrown mugwump pauses, and gives Gurashi a side-hug.

Gently, Herald Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "We will gets to talk more next months, do not fret."

You nod your head at Gurashi.

Calioliahali reaches out to place a hand upon your shoulder as you pecks her, squeezing lightly. "Ah, I was pleased to see you, Cheliyi. Rest well."

Gurashi casually returns a pale, overgrown mugwump's hug, doing their best not to make a big deal though their expression is nothing short of elated.

You smile softly at Calioliahali.
You smile wryly at Gurashi.

A pale, overgrown mugwump murmurs softly to himself.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Have a goodly spin!"
You portal to the Aetherplex Chamber.
You portal to Overgrowth.
This room has not been mapped.

A babbling brook.                                      (#OVERGROWTH_2)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A morning haze burns through the twinkling twilight here, casting dappled sunlight with a soft, gentle glow that seems to make everything sparkle. Decaying leaves and plush moss give way to sandy sediment as one slips through the tree barrier, still wet beneath one's toes. And yet, this well-worn path has not yet been tamed, sprouting the occasional sturdy dandelion or leafy stem. As the path snakes and widens it leads to a sheltered hill, from which a crystalline brook bubbles over a stony stream-bed. Cutting a diagonal cross section of the glade, the rush of water burbles merrily over a series of rounded tiers formed by the occasional tangle of tree roots. The bark of these roots is oddly smooth, as if it were grown all at once, rather than forming naturally over time. Each pool is no more than three feet deep, the widest nearly 10 feet across. As the water tumbles over every step it shimmers in the morning light, enticing one to simply rest their feet in a pool, or for the more bold, to perhaps splash around. On the opposite side of the glade looms a massive rowan tree, its clusters of bright berries swaying dutifully in some unseen breeze. Hung carefully in its branches is a expertly woven hammock dyed a rainbow of hues, loosely piled with blankets and a soft pillow. The light of day shines brightly. A delicate bench of twining iron daisies and vines rests here on curled feet. A painting of A fork in the road is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall.
You see a single exit leading west.

You have emoted: Cheliyi gives a pale, overgrown mugwump a pointed look, who gives one in return.
You sigh quietly, frills drooping as your tail sags.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Later. Then, we say everything."

A pale, overgrown mugwump grimaces, but nods in agreement.
A pale, overgrown mugwump leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.

You give a pale, overgrown mugwump a friendly squeeze.