"Ten of Ten."

[[Explanation: Weird stuff happening fam, we all know it. Wonderful smart knowing people were talking over Crux and so buggo decided to join in the realm of Mysrai to see what was afoot... and THINGS HAPPENED.]]

(The Crux): You say, "Hallifax has shared their prophecy and still waits to hear from Magnagora: That which has shattered stabs into the fabric of the hourglass, wings buffeting to scatter sand through all things. Shelter the one that is ten of ten; only she may stand against the desolation she has gifted us."

(The Crux): Eritheyl (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Didn't we just hear that one."

(The Crux): You say, "Oh, did we?"

(The Crux): You say, "Am so sorry!"

(The Crux): Aurik says, "Ten of ten... Hn."

(The Crux): Aurik says, "...wasn't Aslarn considered one of 'the last ten Firsts'?"

(The Crux): Ashira (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Did you say Aslarn?"

(The Crux): Aurik says, "Yes."

(The Crux): Ashira (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "There's a wind swept denizen in the Shifting City that screams at you about not being Aslarn's sister..."

(The Crux): Aurik says, "Hn."

(The Crux): Ashira (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "If you even smile at her, she attacks you."

(The Crux): Aurik says, "Who all are the Last Ten Firsts?"

(The Crux): You say, "All of these prophecies feel very sad."

(The Crux): Eritheyl (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I always assumed that citizen was an echo of Ashtariel. It has been there as long as Her painting has."

(The Crux): Ashira (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Ok, see, Dys just mentioned Ashtariel too."

(The Crux): Ashira (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "All of this is pulling back to the Shofet."

(The Crux): You say, "To the Shofets...?"

(The Crux): Dys (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I think They are involved."

(The Crux): Aurik says, "Interesting."

(The Crux): Dys (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "There was Lord Darvellen's gyrotheodolites too, that he placed around to study... the wake of Their return? Something."

(The Crux): Ashira (from the Realm of the Shofet of Abyssal Scales) says, "Here she is, if anyone would like to come see her."

(The Crux): Aurik (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Permission to teleport?"

(The Crux): Ashira (from the Realm of the Shofet of Abyssal Scales) says, "You can try, but I don't know if you can reach into the Shifting City via teleport."

(The Crux): Aurik says, "I cannot, it appears. Nor by tesseract."

(The Crux): You say, "Am... going to go to the flame... and THEN try to find."

(The Crux): You say, "Because am curious."

(The Crux): Ashira (from the Realm of the Shofet of Abyssal Scales) says, "Find the Veil in Zoaka."

**heads to Realm of the Shofets**

Ascending a fluttering spiral of veils.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Claustrophobic and smelling heavily of burnt resins, this spiraling ascent is tiled in ivory and copper. From above, the sound of laughter, the sound of whispers, the sound of cries of joy and passion echo out, murmuring down through the stone. To either side, lengths of gossamer indigo and copper play, rustling against each other in a play of murmurs: the air is hot and thick with presence, the walls shining with inlay of coppery energies. Oilslick patterns ripple across the silken folds of this veil as it flutters between two paradigms.
You see exits leading up and through a fluttering veil.

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard, "Miss Ashira??"

You twiddle your thumbs.

Ashira tells you, "Yes?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard, "Am -here-."

Ashira tells you, "Ah!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard, "Wait - are you of the Shofets Order as well??"

Reaching out with your mind, you grasp the harmonic song of the domothean energies as you seek Ashira.

Ashira tells you, "I am!"

Around unsettling breaths.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. The lees of demolished bridges rotate slowly through the air here. Rasping, asthmatic breaths accompany the ruins; to every side, the endless, void-starred static of the sky is unblinking and unchanging. Strangely, nothing can be smelled here, despite bubbles of strange fluids that circle underfoot. Tearing at her pale hair, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen flickers in and out of being. A mere cocoon of potential, an unformed egregore resides here. Manifold eyes, limbs, and mouths in constant motion, a hulking golem of twisted flesh looms here. A lithe, ebon veiled dancer wreathed in black stars poises gracefully here.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.

Tearing at her hair, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen exclaims, "I am not Your sister, Aslarn!"
A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen gibbers insanely.

You gaze softens as you smile.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Her, see, she's a bit crazy."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh ... this is the persons you were talking about..."

Ashira nods their head emphatically.

Examining the citizen and speaking softly, you say, "Remember you..."

You gaze softens as you smile at a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen.
A serious, disembodied voice intones, "Call it...Breaker of the Cosmos." <-- [[Pretty blue font]]
A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen looks about in confusion.
A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen begins to weep uncontrollably.

Dys Mzithrei says, "Who was Aslarn's sister?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "What is Breaker of the Cosmos?"

You tilt your head curiously at Ashira.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Uncertain."

Dys Mzithrei says, "The Daath Sequence."
In a whisper, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "Daath..."

Voice cracking, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "I would do it again. I would do it all again."
A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen breaks down and sobs uncontrollably.

A freezing cold fills the air as blood-coloured fog spills from a gap in the air. The form of Aurik manifests within.

Tearing at her hair, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen exclaims, "I am not Your sister, Aslarn!"
A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen gibbers insanely.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says to Aurik, "See, Aslarn."

Thoughtfully, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Hn..."

Dys Mzithrei says, "Was Amberle Aslarn's sister then?"

Dys Mzithrei says, "Amberle?"

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Was Aslarn an Elder God?"

Dys Mzithrei says, "Yes."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Breaker of Cosmos..."

Dys Mzithrei says, "Sharded into aslaran."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "...breaker?"

You think to yourself: Shattered glass.

Dys Mzithrei says, "Daath."

In a whisper, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "Daath..."

Dys nods her head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi examines his hand thoughtfully.

Ashira greets a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen with a sincere smile.
With an agonized wail, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen begins to claw at her face, drawing not blood, but wind and stars from her paper-thin skin. A heavy gust assaults the room, and then she is gone.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "See, she attacks me when I greet her."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "She won't speak to me."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Aslarn is of the First Circle, and is the one who became the Aslaran."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "She attacked us all."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "But only when I speak to her. Dys and Gurashi didn't get attacked when they spoke to her."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Though perhaps it's less of an attack..."

A few ephemeral, veil-wrought figures hurry past you, vanishing down a rapidly-vanishing sidestreet in the Shifting City.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Dys Mzithrei says, "Maybe because you are of the Beloved now?"

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "She straight up blacked me out one time just because I was standing in the room."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks this way and that.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Where did she go?"

Tearing at her hair, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen exclaims, "I am not Your sister, Aslarn!"
A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen gibbers insanely.

You see Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard yell, "Here."

Gently, you say to a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen, "Ah - hello, hi."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says to Ashira, "I don't think she -is- attacking us."

You have emoted: Gurashi offers the teeniest of waves.

You gaze softens as you smile at a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen.
Glistening tears wind their way down a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen's hollow cheeks as she collapses and begins to sob in earnest.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You think to yourself: Is so sad.

You think to yourself: Why is this so sad?

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "See, you guys can talk to her without threat."

You greet a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen with a sincere smile.
With an agonized wail, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen begins to claw at her face, drawing not blood, but wind and stars from her paper-thin skin. A heavy gust assaults the room, and then she is gone.
A gust of star-strewn wind blows northeast.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "There's no hostile intent. She's fleeing, and preventing us following - she could harm us, with winds of that force, but she isn't."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ahh, she does not like to be greeted."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Hrm..."

Ashira hugs a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen compassionately.
With an agonized wail, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen begins to claw at her face, drawing not blood, but wind and stars from her paper-thin skin. A heavy gust assaults the room, and then she is gone.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Or hugged."

Aurik ponders a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen thoughtfully, looking her up and down.
With an agonized wail, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen begins to claw at her face, drawing not blood, but wind and stars from her paper-thin skin. A heavy gust assaults the room, and then she is gone.
A gust of star-strewn wind blows southeast.

You ponder the situation.

Ashira stands up and stretches their arms out wide.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Or looked at."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "She is so fast..."

Aurik dances as nimbly as a cat, balancing on the balls of his feet.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Smiling seems to be ok?"

Dys Mzithrei says, "According to the histories the Daath sequence was used once, to destroy a corrupt cosmic plane."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "But she did not do that to Dys?"

A citizen wanders by, vague and flickering, vanishing rapidly into the paths and roads of the Shifting City.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "But she did not do that to Dys?"

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Definitely something going on."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "So... what can we not do in her presence...?"

You look at a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen, expression filled with concern as you frown.
With an agonized wail, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen begins to claw at her face, drawing not blood, but wind and stars from her paper-thin skin. A heavy gust assaults the room, and then she is gone.
A gust of star-strewn wind blows down.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "It seems to change."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says to you, "That."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ah - she does not like frowning either anymore."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "She does not like any direct acknowledgement, it seems."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Dys Mzithrei says, "Maybe now she's in a bad mood so will react badly to anything."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "But smiled at her twice..."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ah... that might be the case..."

Ashira chews on their lip, deep in thought.

You have emoted: Gurashi regards a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen from a safe distance, hand on his chest.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Does anyone here know of the Ten Last Firsts? I only know Aslarn was among them."
"There are only ten of Us now." <-- [[Pretty blue font again]]

Aurik blinks.

You blink.

Ashira blinks.

Aurik's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Dys Mzithrei says, "I don't know what that is."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Uh, what."

Aurik swivels his ears about, trying to focus on some errant sound.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "....ten of Us?"

Dys Mzithrei says, "Oh, the surviving members of the First Circle?"

A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen stares blankly into space.

Aurik nods his head at Dys.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Ten Lasts of the Firsts."

A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen stares blankly into space.

Whispering, you say, ".... it IS a Divine."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "I presume that's what it means."

Dys Mzithrei says, "Because all the others got killed by the Heralds because they didn't use the Daath sequence, but tried to reason with the Heralds."

In a whisper, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "Daath..."
Voice cracking, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "I would do it again. I would do it all again."
A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen breaks down and sobs uncontrollably.

Softly, you ask a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen, "Can tell us about the Breaker?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen, "Or... the butterflies?"

Faintly buzzing, you say to a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen, "Or... Time?"

Your eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across your face.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 4th of Tzarin, 551 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 26 days until the New Moon

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Ten of who?"

Dys Mzithrei says, "The Breaker of the Cosmos is another name for the Daath Sequence."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Do WHAT all again?"

You ponder the situation.

Dys Mzithrei says, "Which was a formation used by the Elder Gods."
Scrubbing both fresh and old tears away with a tattered sleeve, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "It is called a sequence, and it is how We will build victory."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "She did something bad?"

Dys nods her head emphatically.

Dys Mzithrei says, "Well, not bad."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Victory?"

Dys Mzithrei says, "Amberle led three hundred of the First Circle against the Heralds of Magnora."
"There are only ten of Us now." <-- [[Pretty blue font again]]

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confused.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Every time that mention First Circle..."
Scrubbing both fresh and old tears away with a tattered sleeve, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "It is called a sequence, and it is how We will build victory."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Or... no... Amberle?"

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Ok, something about the First Circle, for sure."

A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen stares blankly into space.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh - was just ... asking about... Lady Amberle...."

You stare blankly into space.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Heralds, maybe?"

Dys Mzithrei says, "They'd planned to use the Daath Sequence to destroy them if needed, I think, but Amberle gave the order to hesitate."

Dys Mzithrei says, "And all the First Circle were destroyed themselves."
"There are only ten of Us now." <-- [[and again]]

Suddenly, you say to Dys, "She wanted to be patient with Soulless."

Dys nods her head emphatically.

Dys Mzithrei says to you, "Exactly, to give them a chance."

Quietly, you say to Dys, "And be kind and patient and They ate Her."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "So... only ten..."

Tearing at her hair, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen exclaims, "I am not Your sister, Aslarn!"
A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen gibbers insanely.

Dys Mzithrei says, "I think this is more like a shadow of Amberle, who led that formation."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Ten of Us, but who is Us?"

In horror, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "No... Not again..."

With a wail of agony a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen implodes, drawn into a spiralling vortex that folds in upon itself with a loud *BOOM*.

You are afflicted with blackout. <--lasted FOREVER

Softly, you say, "A shadow... oh--."

You wince in pain.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "See!"

You think to yourself: What is happening.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "That's, new."

Ashira flails about helplessly.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks several times, looking about groggily.

Dys Mzithrei says, "That was a long blackout."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "She did that to me the other month."

Dys Mzithrei says, "I must go for a time. Good luck."

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

Aurik inclines his head politely to Dys.

Dys waves goodbye.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, brushing sand from his carapace and grimacing.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Ok, so, ten of Us..."

Wryly, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Never have I been more glad of my fondness for black tea."

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Alarin comes into view.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "First Circle ssems important."
Scrubbing both fresh and old tears away with a tattered sleeve, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "It is called a sequence, and it is how We will build victory."

Alarin snaps to atttention and gives a crisp salute with their furry right paw.

Softly, you ask, "How ... many Shes were there in circle?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to those still gathered, face wrought with concern.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "I have no idea..."

A few ephemeral, veil-wrought figures hurry past you, vanishing down a rapidly-vanishing sidestreet in the Shifting City.

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs loudly. "If Xenthos was awake he would know...Oh!!"

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says to Alarin, "So far - assuming that this is truly connected, we suspect this to be a shade of Lady Amberle, and that the Ten of Ten in the prophecies may be referring to the Last Ten Firsts."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Tridemon Tridemon Tridemon."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Tridemon Tridemon Tridemon Tridemon Tridemon."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "How many She Divine are left of the First Circle."

Comprehension flashes across Alarin's face.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "A shade...?"

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Divine can be Shades?"

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says to you, "A shade, an echo, a spirit, some leftover."

In a clear, baritone voice, Syr Alarin D'Rose, Sidereal Luminarch says, "The ones who have not sharded, I am assuming?"

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says to you, "Divine can certainly be reduced to smaller fragments of themselves. You and I prove that, with our connections to the Voice of Mahalla."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Czixi was one of the last ten Firsts..."

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Do we know who all They are?"

A citizen wanders by, vague and flickering, vanishing rapidly into the paths and roads of the Shifting City.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Am asking!"

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Aslarn, Czixi..."

You have emoted: Gurashi twiddles his thumbs hopefully, staring into space. "Am asking Mister Tridemon, bet he'd know. He knows all sorts of stuff."

His lips curling up at the corners with predatory intent, Aurik flashes you a decidedly feral grin.

You let out a soft, buzzing sigh.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Were Lady Rancoura awake, perhaps we could ask her also."

A strange ripple flares throughout the Shifting City, veils fluttering through the sky like so many multicoloured auroras.

You blink.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Uh oh."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Aurik peers about himself unscrupulously.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Uh... Just Lady Czixi?"

Ashira winces in pain.

Aurik tilts his head curiously at Ashira.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares up at the sky, his eyes still wide. "Tridemon says is only Lady Welkins left," He whispers.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Sorry, spine pain..."

Aurik nods his head at you.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Welkins is all that's left?"
Lifting her chin almost imperiously, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "Whatever the other Circles may believe, war is coming. It must be, else You would be artists and thinkers and mediators."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "There were only 10 Firsts left after the arriv..."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Oh, oh!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "He thinks so..."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Aurik swivels his ears about, trying to focus on some errant sound.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Something is happening."

In a clear, baritone voice, Syr Alarin D'Rose, Sidereal Luminarch says, "And Lord Zvoltz, unless..."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "War is coming?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "He said are only Ten Firsts."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "*Thoughtful silence*."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "After the arrival..."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "What is the sequence?"

(Trasto): Aurik says, "The wiki only lists 9 of the 10..."
(Trasto): Ashira says, "Oh hell."
(Trasto): Ashira says, "It's the missing one."
(Trasto): Alarin says, "Who does it list?"
(Trasto): Aurik says, "Aslarn, Auginorus, Czixi, Dalthea, Fain, Meridian, Olm, Shairim, Zvoltz that I can see."
(Trasto): Aurik says, "Of those, Aslarn sharded, Auginorus is MIA, Czixi is accounted for, Dalthea is MIA, Faint is accounted for, Meridian sharded, Olm is MIA, Shairim is MIA, Zvoltz is accounted for."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "The woman inside of the Shifting City - the one who is so upset - there is something here, that said 'there are only ten of us now'"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "What are you thinking??"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "He is thinking!"

Ashira chews on their lip, deep in thought.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to glance between the wild-eyed citizen and the sky, looking unsure.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Ten of ten, last of the Firsts."

The sky overhead briefly becomes perfectly reflective, creating the odd illusion of staring up and down at yourself.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Ten of Ten."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares up at his own reflection, looking bewildered.

To Ashira, you whisper, "....is THAT normal."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "No."

In a clear, baritone voice, Syr Alarin D'Rose, Sidereal Luminarch says, "I don-- what Ashira said."

You think to yourself: Oh .... ah, why is heart beating so fast.

You think to yourself: ...have such a bad feeling - why such a bad feeilng.

You sweat profusely as you wring your hands nervously.

A pained cry can be heard echoing from the deepest depths of the Shifting City, the young voice roaring with bestial force before subsiding.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Aurik idly twitches his tail.

(Trasto): Ashira says, "Uh, Zvoltz, Mys, and Ashtariel shared a creche..."

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Who is that?"

Looking around, suddenly concerned, you ask, "Who is crying?"

You think to yourself: ...is persons hurt?

You tug urgently on Ashira's sleeve.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says to you, "Take one guess..."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares, confused, at Ashira, then straightens suddenly. "...it is not Friend Liar is it??"

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says to you, "They're deep asleep, and crying out in his dreams. I cannot find them. No one can."

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders bunch up, and he covers the end of his beak with a hand, glancing aside sadly.

You think to yourself: Friend Liar....

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "I've not be told to keep this private, so I'll tell you that their dreams flood my senses at times. These things you are seeing are happening right before I sense their dreams."

The horrible sound of creaking metal assaults your ears in one great and triumphant cacophony before the sky returns to normal and the Shifting City resumes its abnormality.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Hn..."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Ashira closely, hanging on every word. "...is that why Friend Tsakali was asking about... dreams...?"

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Most likely, yes."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Was Ashtariel one of the Firsts?"

A wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen stares blankly into space.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You think to yourself: But do not dream.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Of the Fourth, I believe. An artist."

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs heavily as he watches the citizen once more wander off to another part of the city. He keeps his arms awkwardly folded over his chest, looking very upset.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Ah, I thought she existed before the Circles were formed."

You think to yourself: It is not fair.

You think to yourself: Friend Liar is a good persons - they should not be having to suffer so.

A single fish swims by in midair, scales flashing with ivory and flame-hued luminescence.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "So did Zvoltz. He's the one who organized the Circles."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says to you, "As soon as I know they are alright, I will let you know. I promise."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods sadly.

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

You gaze softens as you smile at a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen.
Glistening tears wind their way down a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen's hollow cheeks as she collapses and begins to sob in earnest.

(Trasto): You say, "She liked that."
(Trasto): Ashira says, "Did she? She's sobbing lol."
(Trasto): You say, "Well she didn't YELL AT ME."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Faintly buzzing, you say to a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen, "Am sorry."

A dry wind suddenly blows with ravenous force, echoing only one word in a ragged voice that screams its protest, "...Ashtariel...Ashtariel...Ashtariel..." Over and over it cries out, never finding peace until a brutally cold breath sends shivers down your spine and silences the echo.

You blink.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "...Ashtariel...?"

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "The Shofet's sister..."

In a clear, baritone voice, Syr Alarin D'Rose, Sidereal Luminarch says, "Aye. I remember reading about Her."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "If this is Ashtariel... Why the mention of Aslarn?"

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "... the Shofets Sister?"

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Black sand swirls like a dervish over the Shifting City, manifesting in a furious storm.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Uh oh."

You blink.

In horror, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen says, "No... Not again..."
With a wail of agony a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen implodes, drawn into a spiralling vortex that folds in upon itself with a loud *BOOM*.

You are afflicted with blackout. <-- reeee

You wince in pain.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ah - wait--."

"Bah!" Ashira retorts disgustedly.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Explosive, she is."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "That wasn't her doing."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "It was not her fault."

Black sand streams from the heavens to pool along the ground, silvery cracks splintering the air as the Shofet of Abyssal Scales strides through the aether.

You have emoted: Gurashi wipes sand from his eyes, looking very uncomfortable.

Around unsettling breaths.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. The lees of demolished bridges rotate slowly through the air here. Rasping, asthmatic breaths accompany the ruins; to every side, the endless, void-starred static of the sky is unblinking and unchanging. Strangely, nothing can be smelled here, despite bubbles of strange fluids that circle underfoot. Tearing at her pale hair, a wind-ravaged, wild-eyed citizen flickers in and out of being. Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted towers menacingly here, glaring contemptuously at the world around him and muttering obscenities under his breath. Patient as death, Mochara, the bearded vulture waits here, eying her surroundings. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. A mere cocoon of potential, an unformed egregore resides here. Syr Alarin D'Rose, Sidereal Luminarch is here. They wield Kula'ihe with both hands. A lithe, ebon veiled dancer wreathed in black stars poises gracefully here. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare. Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales lingers here between cracks in the aether, massive limbs causing untold destruction in the fractured realities visible beyond.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.

You see the following people here:
Alarin, Ashira, Aurik, Mysrai, Gurashi.

You give a horrified gasp.

Aurik bows respectfully to Mysrai.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "MisterandMissusandNeithersShofetsonmygoodness."

You turn to Mysrai, suddenly bending at the waist to offer a polite half-bow.

Ashira kneels before Mysrai, swearing their allegiance to Them.

LOOK MYSRAI
With much of Their figure fading in and out of shifting realities draped around Them, there is little that can distinguish the gender of this small figure. It is only certain that They are a radiant immortal. Where Their body is visible, small tufts of short-cropped fur can be seen in intermittent patches, the flesh beneath visible pulsing with colourful hieroglyphics of a dead language. Set deep into an elongated, canid head are twin vortexes of inky black Void, stars and constellations spinning and swirling through the depths in nonsensical, hypnotic patterns. Atop Their head sit two peculiar ears, like cones that have been flipped upside down, swivelling constantly to capture more of the world around Them. Occasionally appearing from behind Their back is a thick tail that tapers to a thin point just above Their ankles. In the area just beyond Them, enormous limbs of black sand and forked red lightning twitch in restless anticipation to cause untold destruction through the strange and alien realities barely glimpsed through the chaotic sandstorm.
Long black fur, shot through with strands of deep crimson, extends in a mohawk that stretches down Their spine to the small of Their back.
They are wearing:
a simple tunic of gold-trimmed ebon that covers only one of Their arms;
shimmering ebon trousers that dance and warp underneath your gaze;
tightly wrapped bandage armbands around Their exposed bicep and wrist.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Greetings, Shofet."

You think to yourself: Oh my goodness.

Alarin bows respectfully to Mysrai.

Mysrai's eyes churn in a dark whirlpool that bears only two or three stars, focused intensely upon each of you in turn as Their lips split in a vicious snarl that bares Their teth.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns as he rises from his bow, wringing his hands together anxiously.

As Their voice shakes the Shifting City, the ground beneath your feet quaking with untold power and force, Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales says, "WHO SPEAKS OF HER?!"

You give a horrified gasp.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "I did initially, Shofet, in an attempt to discover more of what this citizen knows of what is happening."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to wring his hands together, vibrating visibly with fear.

You think to yourself: Their Sister... ah - that would be so ... painful.

Mysrai rises into the air, black sand swirling about them in a ferocious storm as They stare down with a look that strikes primal fear in your heart. They flick Their fingers and a bolt of lightning solidifies into the Jackal's staff, and They glare still. "You do not speak of HER, you do not THINK of HER, for SHE is MINE!!! SHE has NOTHING to do with YOU!!"

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!?!?!" The voice of the Shofet echoes from all sides at once, scarlet lightning dancing across Their form.

Ashira nods quickly, "I understand, Shofet. My apologies. It won't happen again."

You wince in pain.

Showing that he understands, Aurik nods his head slowly.

"Get. Out." Mysrai's voice is a deathly whisper, and for a moment, Their eyes go entirely dark. "Find the source of this catastrophe that plagues the Basin if you seek something to do so terribly."

The Shifting City fades around you. Your stomach drops into nothingness, falling endlessly before the surrounding buildings and streets recondense.

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard, nodding quickly.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Yes, Shofet. Apologies again. I thought this citizen had information."

Ashira stands up and stretches their arms out wide.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "I will lead them out."

Softly, you say to Mysrai, "Many many apologies..."

As the Shifting City quakes once more, Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales exclaims, "NOW!"

<-- we booked it lol

You follow Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard out to passing a geyser.

Aurik purses his lips, deep in thought.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Apologies, everyone."

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head several times. "No, no no no, please do not apologize."

You have emoted: Gurashi rests a reassuring hand on Ashira's shoulder. "Am... thinking we learned something important," He insists.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "But... the Shofets..."

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

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Investigating it will be difficult."

Ashira nods their head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi folds his arms over his chest again, looking up.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "I appreciate everyone assisting with the citizen."

The thick scent of sulfur stings your nostrils, and the ground rumbles slightly from volcanic activity.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "What happened to the One Shofets did not want to talk about? And why are hearing about Her now...?"

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

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "I apologise that my off-hand thought led to trouble."

You shake your head.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "No! Why do all keep apologizing? We came to learn and we did!"

You flail about helplessly.

His lips curling up at the corners with predatory intent, Aurik flashes you a decidedly feral grin.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says to you, "I dare not speak of it. I'd like to remain in tact."

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

In a clear, baritone voice, Syr Alarin D'Rose, Sidereal Luminarch says, "As would I."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly. "Ah - am understanding..."

You think to yourself: If they will not...

You have emoted: Gurashi glances slowly to Aurik, mandibles clicking.

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "So, uh...what now?"

With wry amusement, Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh asks you, "Are you expecting me to be less concerned than they?"
You shake your head.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "No - am going to learn more."

Aurik nods his head.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Shofets has permissions to be mad at me - but know nothing about persons They mentioned, so am off to -learn-."

Ashira nods their head emphatically.

In a clear, baritone voice, Syr Alarin D'Rose, Sidereal Luminarch says, "Hm."

Pyromaniac Ashira Mes'ard says, "Good luck to you."

Alarin gives Ashira a peck on the cheek.

Alarin snaps to atttention and gives a crisp salute with their furry right paw.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Promise will share what learn, yes."

Alarin spreads their arms wide, and the air between their hands begins to warp and twist, dancing with brilliant multicoloured light as they bores a hole through the fabric of the planes.

You clap your hands together merrily.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Perhaps we can approach this from a different angle, while my cousin researches."

You raise all four arms and strike an impressive pose, flexing your nonexistent muscles.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "The Daath sequence."

Hot sulfuric vents shoot clouds of billowing black smoke into the air, obscuring the sky above.

You clear your throat.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Will go learn more!"

His lips curling up at the corners with predatory intent, Aurik flashes you a decidedly feral grin.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**Picking up once more, sounding frantic** Tridemon Tridemon Tridemon where are you."

Suddenly, you say to Ashira, "Many thank yous for letting follow."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Ashira, "Please do not be sorry for taking us inside. It was good that did."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Don't move!"

Reaching out with your mind, you grasp the harmonic song of the domothean energies as you seek Tridemon.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Hmm? I'm just at the Pool of Stars..."

[[...lead in to next log, haha!]]