A Bleeding Heart in the Shadows

---> Cheliyi was spooked by Lady Vira, so badly that everyone came to comfort the tree
---> She left the MR, and ran away to the view of the forest, only to be met with Khasur, which was Vira checking up on her? So sweet oh my god. It also felt very nice ooc.
---> Cheliyi tries to send them away because she's Bad At Relying on people, before sending out a tell to Gurashi. Everyone soon followed.

Gurashi's eyes widen as they stare at you.

Khasur Stormcrow reaches out as if to place an arm around you then, as it is quite out of the ordinary for her to touch another, she holds back. "There, there."

In a low, nervous thrum, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo asks Khasur Stormcrow, "What happened?"

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "It wasnt me."
(The Shadow Kindred): Aleyah says, "What Art Thou EYES ing."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, ">:U."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, ">:U *GUN*."

Khasur Stormcrow says, "Well. I was sent to ensure that you were whole and of sound spirit, and if you say that you are, then I suppose my task is finished."

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Whats happening ;_;."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "PICKING ON THE GOODEST TREE."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "*cocks gun*."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, before going very still. "Were... were you sent by Her?"

Gurashi looks at Khasur Stormcrow, then you, then back at the trill, buzzing more loudly. "You are ignoring me, yes? Cheliyi, what happened?" They ask more firmly, now turning to the Wyrdenwood.

Tilting her head, Khasur Stormcrow says, "By the Creatrix of the Wyrd? Indeed."

Gurashi chitters at you with energetic clicks of their mandibles.
Gurashi glances askance at Khasur Stormcrow.

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.

Khasur Stormcrow says, "Although She does not share much with Me, She does bid me forward in Her name from time to time. I live for my Mistress, and because of Her."

A slow dissonant drum rhythm pulses through the air, preceding the arrival of Aleyah from the east.
Aleyah's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Gurashi closes the gap between themselves and you at last, chittering and staring pointedly at Khasur Stormcrow.

Aleyah beams broadly at Khasur Stormcrow.

Voice suddenly devoid of emotion, you say, "If... if you would, please tell Her that I am grateful that She sent someone after me."

(The Shadow Kindred): Ethna says, "Who's picking on Cheli."

Khasur Stormcrow bows respectfully to Aleyah.
Aleyah curtseys gracefully before Khasur Stormcrow.
Aleyah tilts her head curiously at you.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Someone, am sure."

You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls her branches close, clearly trying to diminish her presence.

Gurashi buzzes a little louder as they stand beside you, narrowing their eyes, resting their smaller left hand upon her nearest of branches.

Eyes wide and curious, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh asks, "Did something happen...?"

Inclining her head, Khasur Stormcrow says, "I can, and will, but why not do so yourself? It is quite easy to pray to our Mistress -- Her shrines rise from all over."
As horrible thoughts fill your mind, you begin to sob uncontrollably.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*a wash of warm pastels - reassuring, soothing*."
Gurashi reaches out and touches you.

(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "What happens if you staredown an npc."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "Are they a higher level probably."
(The Shadow Kindred): Lycidae says, "You break the game."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "UNTRAPPED ERROR."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "Just like dad woudl want."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "*sobs* dad where are you."
(The Shadow Kindred): Lycidae says, "I don't think it works on npcs."

Softly, inbetween sobs, you say, "I do not think She wants to hear from me, just yet."

Aleyah frowns quietly, beating her wings lazily to stay airborne. "...Would you like me to teach you to pray?"

(The Shadow Kindred): Lycidae says, "Yeah it has to be a player or admin."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "You egg."

Gurashi stares hard at Khasur Stormcrow, then looks to Aleyah, gaze softening as they stare directly at the faeling, antennae sagging.

Khasur Stormcrow tilts her head curiously.
Comprehension flashes across Khasur Stormcrow's face.

Esei glances askance.

Aleyah tilts her head curiously at Khasur Stormcrow.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "EVERYONE IS CHECKING ON THE TREE."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "EFNCISDNCKLSNKSD."

(The Shadow Kindred): Lycidae says, "Please staredown viravain next time you see her gurashi."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "."

A knowing look in her eye, Khasur Stormcrow says, "You incurred Her, ah -- attention, yes?"

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "I was like "oh three people! lets see what is happa"."

Khasur Stormcrow flashes Aleyah a joyous smile.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "I have a headache too, should nap but Will Not. Must Lusternia >:[."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*lower, soothing washes of blue-violet - patient - is O-K - are O-K*."

(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "I am making PIZZA."
(The Shadow Kindred): Aleyah says, "Pizza Good."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "I can't be arsed to do anything complicated."

You have emoted: Cheliyi freezes, her branches going still. "... Yes, yes I did. She was displeased with me. I do not wish to anger Her, again. My siblings are so angry with me."

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.

You have emoted: Cheliyi places a hand on a mature rowan tree, only to pull away, as if burned. She chokes down a sob.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh asks you, "Would you like a bit of kindly advice?"

Gurashi looks at Aleyah, expression filled with concern as they frown.

Softly, expression heartbroken, you say, "Brother Rowan, please..."

Aleyah smiles softly.

You have emoted: Cheliyi flinches as if slapped.

Khasur Stormcrow looks at the trees, as if for the first time, and then sidesteps Gurashi, her nose wrinkled in scorn as if she were stepping away from a dead animal in her path, and listens to something unseen. "I do not hear anything that would lead me to believe the trees are upset with you, madame." She turns her attention back to you and smiles. "Did our Lady punish you for what you did?"

Gurashi glances askance at Khasur Stormcrow.

(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "Ow."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "Oh soo if you can't see me you can't see this *flip khasur*."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Bully tree."
(The Shadow Kindred): Aleyah says, "I dare you, I haven't seen a Deathzap in ages. :P."
(The Shadow Kindred): Ethna says, "If I show up and perch on Gurashi, would that make me floating?"

Aleyah quietly swears under her breath.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Technically no."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "But yes."

So soft it can barely be heard over the breeze, you say, "No. She wants me to earn back Her love. I do not deserve it. My siblings are furious."

A sudden flurry of dusky color accompanies Aleyah as she takes to the air, flying over to you and alighting delicately on your shoulder.

(The Shadow Kindred): Lycidae says, "How do I get caught up on the drama ic without bothering gurashi is the question."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "The trees aren't speaking to her anymore."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "Everybody is here."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "NO."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "THAT'S CRUEL."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "They're mad at her for being rude to their mother."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "VIRAVAIN HECKITY."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Im deciding this on my own lol."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Viravain didn't do anything."
(The Shadow Kindred): Lycidae says, "I don't like injecting myself into an ongoing rp."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "Oh."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "But she inspired it."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Yes >:D."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, ">:D."
(The Shadow Kindred): Ethna says, "Same, Lycidae."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*again, swirling pastel reassurance* do deserve love yes yes *a soothing buzz, at times gray-blue with confusion*."

(The Shadow Kindred): Aleyah says, "And then there's me. Walks up and sits on Chel."

Gurashi glances askance.

A frown on her face, Khasur Stormcrow takes another step toward you, this time her hand nearly making contact, before she crosses her arms and says, "Well, I do not believe the trees will disobey my Mistress if you pray to Her about their behaviour. She is, after all, their Gardener." A slight shiver washes over Khasur.

Shadows swirl around Esei's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around their hand.

Shrugging lightly, Khasur Stormcrow says, "But, it is your wish. Were I you, that is where I would start. Our Mistress is wisdom incarnate, and She weaves us into Her design as it fits Her. If you are still standing here, speaking the way you are, then I do not believe you displeased Her nearly as much as you think you have."

With a flourish of their arm, Esei bows deeply.

---> me and gurashi ooc: *sweats*
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "This deadass meant She was just sitting there listening to our conversation."

Esei blinks.

You have emoted: Cheliyi shakes her head slowly, her smile heartbreaking. "No, they are displeased because I have displeased Her. They... they refuse to speak to me. But... I will do as you suggest. Thank you."

Khasur Stormcrow says to Aleyah, "Lady Aleyah, I believe I have reached the edge of my ability to comfort another being. The Mistress did not endow me with that gift. If I continue, I might do something obscene, like actually hug this creature."

Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.

You blink.

Aleyah nods her head sagely at Khasur Stormcrow.

Gurashi inhales and exhales suddenly, letting out a gentle buzz as they do so.

With a gentle creak, you say, "... I apologize for making you uncomfortable."
With a gentle creak, you say, "Thank you for fulfilling your task, even if it was not easy for you."

Very gently running her fingers along your branches, Aleyah smiles kindly, and rests in against your trunk. "I can teach you how to pray to Dearest Mother. She is wonderful and good, and made all of the Glomdoring and loves all of us that live in it. I'm sure that an apology, and an understanding, will make Her happy."

Khasur Stormcrow nods at Aleyah and then turns to you again, a smile creaking across her face. "My discomfort is from not quite knowing what to do with my face in these situations, Devotee. I believe they say -- it is me, not you, or some such."

Warmly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Sometimes She does things that seem cruel or hard, but all of it is so that we grow."

---> look Khasur

Elegant in her pale solemnity, Khasur Stormcrow is a tall, dark-eyed trill whose feathers have been dyed a brown-black hue and anointed with strange, silvery runes that twist with sharp, thorn-like ends into each other. Her skin is a pallid, unwholesome hue: her skin is rather more like white marble than anything living. Her robes are of brocade dyed over from some paler hue to an ebon, and much repaired - despite this, a high-necked scholar's coat is fastened with tarnished silver frogs, even as her skirts are a strange mix of airy silks and stained linens, all in varying shades of ebon. A single black rose is pinned in her lapel pocket, and a string of blackened jade prayer beads carved with scorpions swings from a broad belt of cured eelskin.
Khasur Stormcrow has an air of extreme strength.
She weighs about 3 pounds and 0 ounce(s).
She has a slight weakness to fire damage.
She has a moderate resistance to cold damage.
She has a moderate resistance to electrical damage.
She has a moderate resistance to psychic damage.
She is loyal to the Divine Order of Viravain, Lady of the Thorns.
You cannot see what Khasur Stormcrow is holding.
It has the following aliases: khasur, stormcrow, trill.

Shrugging again, Khasur Stormcrow says, "I will allow the Lady Aleyah to share this piece of my history, I suppose, if it will help you to understand."
With a flourish of her arm, Khasur Stormcrow bows deeply.

Aleyah looks at Khasur Stormcrow and comprehension flashes across her face.

With a slight, imperious nod, Khasur Stormcrow sweeps out to the ether.

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "If Lady Khasur does not mind, I will tell you the secrets she told me! But not here."

Softly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo chitters, "... Cheliyi..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles hesitantly, before it immediately breaks off into a deep, trembling frown. She grabs Gurashi's hand and squeezes it gently.
Gurashi gives you a friendly squeeze.
Quietly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Am very sorry."

Aleyah wraps a comforting arm around you.

With a gentle creak, you say, "It is not your fault Gurashi. It could never be."
You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles, wryly. "Although, feeding me too many sweets, that is your fault."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says to you, "Let's talk a little, so your brothers and sisters aren't so upset."

Gurashi smiles morosely at you. "You should go with Miss Aleyah. She is right."

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Even though they pretend they do not hear me, I hear them."
Gurashi glances askance at Aleyah.
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "I still love them very muchly, and they will help you talk to your family again, yes."
Reassuringly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Will be O-K, yes."

You have emoted: Cheliyi expression pained, she nods and then sighs quietly. "Lady Aleyah, if you would guide me, then?"

You begin to follow Aleyah.

Aleyah curtseys gracefully.

Gurashi thrums quietly, letting go and rising to stand up straight.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I must tell miss Cheliyi a secret I promised not to share! So I can't tell everyone here, only her."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Khasur said it was ok."
Aleyah nods her head at herself.

Gurashi looks at the nearby tree you was bent near, chirring softly.

The screeching of a crow echoes through the dark woods, sounding almost like harsh laughter.

---> going to shadowbeat shrine!
You follow Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh north to A sepulchral gallery.

Aleyah closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.
Aleyah exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

You blink.

Apologetically, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "I'm sorry."

Voice creaking with tears, you say, "It... it is not you. You are fine."

Apologetically, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "No, I understand what's causing hurt, I think. It's what the Lady decided, though. It's hard, when you're new, to understand why I trust Her so much. If She says this is what is needed, then I believe Her, even if I don't see how the webs connect."
Apologetically, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "Please don't think that this doesn't come from a place of love."

---> Gurashi being protective again ooc lol
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Has pizza."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "*cocks gun*."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi (from the Prime Material Plane) says, ">:T."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi (from the Prime Material Plane) says, ">:T!!!"
(The Shadow Kindred): Aleyah says, "(Can't say gurashi, but talking about Gurashi)"

You have emoted: Cheliyi flinches, before touching her cheek with a wince. "She was so angry. And She burned me. I do not think She loves me."
You sigh quietly, branches creaking with the weight of drooping leaves.

With a quiet, sad smile, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I can only wait and look forward to seeing how Her plans unwind."
Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.

With a gentle creak, you say, "I do not doubt that She loves Gurashi, of course. But I doubt that I deserve Her love, or ever had it in the first place."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "If She did not love you, She would not have spoken to you Herself. She would not be trying to reach out, and bring you in closer to Her. She would have pulled the Wyrd from your branches, and thrown you to where you cannot see Her Glomdoring."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Sometimes the ways She expresses love seem painful, because we do not know the end result, but you are Her Child as much as all the other trees, and everyone in the Glomdoring."

You have emoted: Cheliyi chokes, pale eyes going wide with fear as she suddenly hugs herself.
You have emoted: Cheliyi sinks to the ground, branches trembling.

You think to yourself: **red swirling with purple, the colors you hate most** Wyrd, please do not take my siblings from me. They are all I have. All, and the ones here. And Gurashi. I could not leave them alone.

Kindly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Dearest Akuuko's time in the cocoon was not fun. He was very scared, he told me himself. And for a short time, he could not think at all. But his emergence brought freedom and comfort, and safety. That is what She is offering you."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks incredulously at Aleyah. She opens her mouth to say something, only to glance away with pursed lips.
After a long silence, you say, "I know that Akuuko is doing well. And my initial worry was baseless. But Gurashi is so kind and loving. I cannot understand why She is so angry at him. It feels unfair."
Softly, with an undercurrent of steel, you say, "I have been -told- that I cannot understand. She made that very clear."

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...It's a difficult topic to talk around, but I will try."

With a gentle creak, you say, "I was so rude to Her, and now my siblings are furious that I disrespected their Mother that they have stopped listening."
You have emoted: Cheliyi chokes back a sob.

Aleyah she gestures at her head, smiling faintly. "There are things I cannot say. Some is speculation. But I will try."
Aleyah rises into the air with a few lazy beats of her colorful wings.
Aleyah closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.
Aleyah exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.
Aleyah tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "....There is someone in the Glomdoring that loves a God from far away from here. This is not allowed - it has never been. Every City in this basin, and the other forest, all of them have at one point or another, conspired to dig us up by the roots and throw us into the fire."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And their Gods, these far-away nations, They cheer it. So to find love for a God beyond our borders, it is not allowed."

You close your eyes, branches growing still as you listen to Aleyah.
With a gentle creak, you say, "I... I see. I understand that we shouldn't love those who harm us... but would it not help to extend love, and not foster pain? The Glomdoring is so beautiful, surely we can share it and our love."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "This person, they went to my Lady, and asked Her if She would bless the union of they, and the Order of their desire. They were misled by the God of their affections into thinking that this would be good, and fair. They did not - they still do not - understand why this is an insult. Why this is slapping Her in the face, and spitting in the face of everything She does for us."

You have emoted: Cheliyi goes quiet.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And then, when the Glomdoring, our leadership, deigned not to allow this worship, they carried about The Holy Symbols of the Divine they desire, and carry it into Her temple, and beg us to break our oaths."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "They do not not of malice, but due to a surfeit of compassion, so spread thin and so unparticular that it will be extended even to those who burn the forest down."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "That is why She is upset. She has tried two lessons already, and still it persists."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Her patience is... boundless."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "This person is Wyrdenkin, is a commune-mate, is someone I am deeply fond of, is someone I wish would just... trust Her. Learn to understand how their Secrets from Her and their longing gaze upon elsewhere brings danger to us all."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I hope She is successful. I do not want to keep trying to teach them."

You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls her branches closer, clearly trying to diminish her presence.

Gently, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I do not know what.... you did."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "But.... Lady Khasur, early in her life, stumbled into my Lady's web. She was very nearly eaten by one of Her spiders, and only her defiance and sharp wit saved her."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "She was young. She flew too close."

With a gentle creak, you say, "They... that person told me of this, already. I grew furious, and called Her actions unfair and cruel, while in Her Temple, because I did not understand, or do to this day."

Aleyah smiles softly at you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi winces, looking utterly miserable.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Being willful is not a sin."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Even on the brink of death, though, words are what saved Khasur. Words can save you too."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And now Khasur is Her Priestess, whose voice holds all the weight of the Lady Herself."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says, "And a dear friend."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "You are the second person ever to know how she stumbled into my Lady's web, and how she talked her way out of losing everything. The Lady Listens."

Aleyah tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "You are not dead. You did not meet Her Scythe. Her displeasure is not the same as Her disavowal."

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.

Warmly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "She is good, and loving, and a strict Mother to us all, but She is our Mother. She only wants for us to grow and learn from hardship. The Glomdoring will always be beset by people who want to hurt it, and so hard lessons make us strong enough to survive."

Eyes full of tears, but smile wry, you say, "I think once, long ago, someone told me that I am too honest for my own good. I do not know who, but clearly, they were onto something."

Aleyah smiles softly at you.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Then let us be honest as well in our prayers, so She knows that you have heard."

With a gentle creak, you say, "... I do not know what I can do, to earn back Her love. I do not feel honest yet, in my actions."
Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Then it is good to take your time. But... I am sure She will smile upon you, and your siblings will speak to you again. I am sure that they still love you - it hurts the hardest when someone we love hurts us."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Far more than when it's someone we don't care for at all."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "If they did not love you, they would not be hurt."

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.
You have emoted: Cheliyi wipes away tears, her voice failing her.

Aleyah wraps a comforting arm around you.
Gently, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I look forward to when my Lady believes that they have learned Her lessons. I am sure it won't be forever."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I am... sorry it got to this point. For they, and you."
Kindly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "But you are not dead. And so, you are not forsaken."

You have emoted: Cheliyi quietly leans into the touch, her branches trembling. "I have not been so removed from my siblings in years. This feels like being forsaken."

---> someone lovely sent Cheliyi a cookie *sobs*
The rumble of distant thunder heralds Kosuke, the cloud-bound Long as he flies in and loops himself around you several times, handing you a tae'dae paw print cookie within your Long cocoon before he flies off.

Understandingly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says to you, "I can imagine that being isolated from all you once knew feels very alone."
Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...you are a Druid."

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances at Aleyah, before glancing back down. "... I do not think She knew that fire upsets me. Or perhaps She did, and chose to use it."

Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Perhaps. I cannot speak for what She knows."

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.

With a gentle creak, you say, "And... I am not a druid per say, but a wyrdenwood. My skills differ, unfortunately."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "It is.... as I recall when Uncle Xenthos went funny, a different path for the Druids to take."
Aleyah purses her lips, deep in thought.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I would... dwell on the teachings of Crow. There's a scroll in the Commune. I've found that people find it gives them peace, in times of internal strife and pain."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*a distant, reassuring thrum of pastel color - soothing, wordless*."

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles weakly. "Thank you. I will go and look for it."

Taking to the air with a few dedicated flaps of her wings, Aleyah flutters close to you and leaves an affectionate kiss upon your brow.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says, "When you want to.... Pray. And I do think it should be soon. I will gladly show you. And I can help you find the words."

You tell The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo, "**red receeding into brown, a violent swirl of purple** Thank you."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I love my Lady, after all. She is the Glomdoring itself."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "And I'd hate for someone who lives at home to feel like the Glomdoring doesn't love them too."

You have emoted: Cheliyi's smile grows a little stronger, but her eyes are pained. "I will do my best."

Aleyah's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*another reassuring thrum - goodly and strong*."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I'm sorry that your path takes you through painful lessons. But I am very excited to see how you grow, and bloom and get stronger."
Aleyah tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.

Abruptly changing the subject, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh asks, "...Do you know the Lady Mahalla?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi stands up, before shaking her head.

Aleyah glances up at the shrine in the room with a small smile. "Do you know Mother Dynara?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi nibbles on a cookie, tears run dry.
You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.
Softly, you say, "I think so. Was she not a Goddess of Destruction? And Creation, of course."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Mother Dynara sang the world into being, and then gave Her voice to Gods and Goddesses called Keepers of the Song."

You blink.
With a gentle creak, you say, "Ah."

Aleyah tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "When the Soulless attacked, they loved to chase the keepers most of all. May died - and the portions of the song they kept will never be heard again."

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Others abandoned their duties, fled, and then hid Their voices in the various Bard Professions across the Basin."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Lady Mahalla...stayed, and hid, and died away from where She could be eaten, secretive and loyal."

You have emoted: Cheliyi hums, though the sound is creaking, no longer resonant.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Her piece of the song is the only one that has not been twisted by abandonment."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says, "And it is the Shadowbeat. And this is Her Shrine."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I just.... like it here. I come here when I'm sad."

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances around, rubbing her eyes. "... Oh. It's... lovely."

Quietly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I do not like having to greet kin with silence."

Softly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "But I trust my Lady. She would never do something to hurt the Glomdoring."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "She is the Glomdoring. She couldn't."

You have emoted: Cheliyi adjusts her spectacles so that she can better see. She pauses at Aleyah's words, before wordlessly placing a hand on her shoulder.
You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.

Aleyah sighs softly. "...I hope this lesson is a swift one."

Even softer, you say, "... I do too."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "...just. Know you are not the only one to love them."
Aleyah tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.
Bitterly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I do not trust the Thousandfold."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "But I trust my Lady."

You have emoted: Cheliyi's expression pains for just a moment, before she nods. "I never doubted that. They are loved by so many. I just wish..." she trails off, and nods as if acquiescing to Aleyah's words.

Aleyah nods her head at you.
Aleyah gives a pained sigh.
Aleyah tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.
Quietly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I love You, my Lady. And I made my vows, long ago."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I will not break them for this."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Nothing matters, but Glomdoring."

Bitterly, you say, "I do not know enough of the world to know who is good and bad. All I know are my reactions. But I will do my best to learn more. Nothing matters, but Glomdoring."

Aleyah smiles softly at you.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "You woke at an... interesting time."
Warmly, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "I hope you can see soon. That She's wonderful. That She's not just being mean. That she loves us. She wouldn't care if She didn't love us."
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Just.... not all lessons come easy. And chasing someone away from a danger they don't see is hardest of all."

You have emoted: Cheliyi nods, expression wry. "Most certainly. I do not think... that this is what I expected, Before. But... I will do my best."

Aleyah nods her head emphatically.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Mama doesn't coddle. She wants us to learn for ourselfs. That is Her way."
Aleyah tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.
Aleyah nods her head emphatically.

Taking to the air with a few dedicated flaps of her wings, Aleyah flutters close to you and leaves an affectionate kiss upon your brow.
Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh smiles and says, "I hope I helped."

You smile, lips creaking softly.
With a gentle creak, you say, "You did. Thank you, Lady Aleyah."

Aleyah's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

You follow Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh to the Portals of Glomdoring.
You follow Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh out to rising passage.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh says, "Send me a message when you want my help."
Aleyah nods her head at herself.

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.
You cease to follow Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh.

The ceiling trembles before a humanoid shape appears, dangling downwards.
Aleyah giggles happily at a hanging loamadore.
A hanging loamadore ignores Aleyah.

You chuckle softly, your leaves rustling with laughter.
Aleyah leaves to the northwest, taking with her the thrumming rhythm of the Dark Heart.