An RSVP Update: Lady of Roses

Putrefied glen.
The shadows violently writhe and twist along the ground here, indicating a war shrine of Nocht nearby. A strong gale has developed here. The thin circular track reaches its pinnacle at this, the northernmost tip of its path. Eczematous flakes peel from the trees around, huge scabs that fall in a cloud of dust. Their bark is dry and crumbling, fungi and maggots feeding on these dying plants. A thick black mist weaves through the dense undergrowth, dimming perception of the surroundings and creating the impression of creatures weaving through the trees. To the south, the trees are blackened and twisting, as if a great blast has melted the huge trunks until they have been reduced to fused corpses that cling to the ground. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A solstice stocking has been hung here. A mature hemlock tree stands proudly here.
You see exits leading north, southeast, south, and southwest.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Do think is O-K to say something again on Crux about deadlines for festival stuffs? Or am getting too annoying."

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You sway back and forth.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to you.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Only half of a year before submissions for design contest will be over."

The forest itself bends, the boughs of broken trees bending and bowing before an unseen presence. Silence falls across the Putrefied Glen in honour of a single cawing of Crow, whose voice echoes like a phantom's in a quiet room.

You shudder violently as a chill ripples down your spine.

Xenthos blinks.

A large shadow flits across the edge of your vision for a bare instant, vanishing between the trees.

You have emoted: Gurashi quietly squeezes his hands into fists, tilting his head and looking quite nervous.

The chittering of insects comes next, its combined voice reaching a crescendo of voices that whisper, "How fare My invitations, Gurashi?"

You blink.

You give a short gasp of elation.

The bowing trees part again, revealing the Lady of Thorns, Her green eyes impassive.

LOOK
Putrefied glen.
The shadows violently writhe and twist along the ground here, indicating a war shrine of Nocht nearby. There is a very light rain shower. The thin circular track reaches its pinnacle at this, the northernmost tip of its path. Eczematous flakes peel from the trees around, huge scabs that fall in a cloud of dust. Their bark is dry and crumbling, fungi and maggots feeding on these dying plants. A thick black mist weaves through the dense undergrowth, dimming perception of the surroundings and creating the impression of creatures weaving through the trees. To the south, the trees are blackened and twisting, as if a great blast has melted the huge trunks until they have been reduced to fused corpses that cling to the ground. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A solstice stocking has been hung here. A mature hemlock tree stands proudly here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Viravain, Lady of the Thorns hovers here, shrouded within an ambiance of unnatural darkness. She wields a wickedly curved scythe with both hands.
You see exits leading north, southeast, south, and southwest.

LOOK VIRABAE
She is a radiant immortal and is possessed by a ghostly countenance that haunts the very depths of Her being. Shimmering hair the colour of a harsh winter's snow spills over Her shoulders and down Her back in a straight fall, meticulously twisted into a loose plait mid-back with a single bit of silver thread. Striking pale blue eyes are deep set within Her youthful face, haunted and fathomless as they rarely stay focused in a single place. As befitting Her youthful appearance, Her figure is slight and willowy and each of Her arms is slender, ending in sylphlike fingers and meticulously sculpted nails. Dark shadows swarm sinuously at the corners of Her slender silhouette, their movements manifesting a phantasm of bewitching grace.
She is wearing:
an earring fashioned from a feather of Crow through Her left ear
an exquisite, intricately webbed black rose brooch nestles against Her chest, holding closed Her cloak
a tenebrous gown of manifold shadows
a ghastly white silk pouch draped lightly around Her waist
an earring fashioned from a feather of Crow through Her right ear
a hooded cloak of stygian darkness
a crown of midnight black roses rests atop Her head, black vines twisting into the white tresses of Her hair.

You have emoted: Gurashi claps a hand on either side of his face, looking immensely relieved. "Oh, Miss Lady of Roses," He offers a polite bow before straightening himself. "Am so happy to see!"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to you.

Rambling nervously, you say to Viravain, "Am not sure if have been getting all of prayers, or if have heard when visited Fulcrux, to give updates, but have definite updates... presently...!"

You chitter at Viravain with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Viravain tilts Her head curiously.

The surrounding shadows stretch and writhe, coiling lovingly around Feoragan as he enters from the north.

Feoragan peers about himself unscrupulously.

Feoragan inclines his head politely to Viravain.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down to his hands and begins to recount, mandibles clicking with excitement. "So far, Mister-and-Missus Shofets are coming, along with Their Liar. But think knew that. Lady of Serenity and Lady Welkin both said no," He chitters thoughtfully.

Embarrassed, you say to Viravain, "And, ehm, Lady Enchantress is a 'maybe'"

Hesitating, you say to Viravain, "She ...."

Shadows swirl around your arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree digs itself more painfully into your finger.

Her eyes unblinking, Viravain flexes Her grip around Her scythe. "Mmmm," the sound of Her voice emanating in the wind through the trees. The undergrowth reaches for the Lady's gown, wrapping itself lovingly around Her legs.

You have emoted: Gurashi shyly lifts his gaze, then reaches into his belt and draws forth a cruel hunting knife. "...She said some things that were not very nice. But, think took invitation as not very nice, too."

Lightly, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Not very nice? Do elaborate."

(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "She wants you to dish the gossip."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Cries."

Nervously, reciting to the very best of his ability, you say, "Said that might visit festival and its activities, because, enjoyed activities, with, ehm - Brother."

You have emoted: Gurashi nervously holds the knife out, antennae dropping. "Think belongs to someone may know." He quickly interjects, "but, m-may just be pulling legs."

You give a cruel hunting knife to Viravain, Lady of the Thorns.

Viravain's gaze grows fixed, the icy depths glowing with pinpricks of baleful shadowfire.

You have emoted: Gurashi draws back as soon as the weapon changes hand, nervously rubbing his arm.

The clouds above the Glomdoring Forest spin with vicious rage, the Wyrd itself reacting to an unseen presence flooding the forest with cruel intent.

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the south, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei.
Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Esei hopefully.

Voice barely above a whisper, you say, "Am, sorry."

Esei blinks.

Rancoura humbly drops one knee to the ground before Viravain, genuflecting reverently in Her presence.

You see the following people here:
Esei, Rancoura, Xenthos, Feoragan, Viravain, Gurashi.

Her voice deep and low, emanating from everywhere at once although Her lips do move, Viravain says, barely above a whisper, "She handed this weapon to you, Gurashi? She put it in your grasp?" Crows bellow their rage overhead, reacting to the emotions of the Lady of Thorns.

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales sharply, not realizing he had been holding his breath. "Yes," He insists, his antennae rising. "Is ..." He squints, confused. "Is His?"

The sound of wings flapping heralds a screeching murder of crows flying overhead.

You tilt your head curiously.

Rancoura rises, slowly, gaze turning carefully to you as she folds her hands.

The forest grows unnaturally still, as if the air itself were held in a collective breath.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "....Miss L-Lady Viravain...?"

Tylwyth bows respectfully to Viravain.

Viravain lifts the blade to eye level, Her face unreadable as Her eyes devour what lies in Her hands. Moments pass before She lowers the weapon, slowly and deliberately. Suddenly, a smile, wide and terrible, spreads across Her face. "Will She be joining us, then?"

Thorns rip across the forest floor, rampant and hungry in their wildness. Animals cry out in agony as they are devoured by the trees, which hunger with the Lady's fury.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks quite taken aback, trying hard to read Viravain's face, but seems unable to figure it out. "U-uh," He clears his throat, buzzing loudly as he speaks, "Is a maybe. But more of a m-maybe yes."

Viravain reaches out to tenderly cup your cheek in Her hand.

You stare implacably at Viravain.

Viravain grips your face tightly enough to draw blood with Her nails, sharpened to claws. She smiles again, gently this time, like a mother cooing at a newborn. "Very good, Gurashi. And the Others? What of Them?"

Blood drips from Gurashi's mandibles as the Lady of Thorns squeezes.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops, antennae twitching as he stares intently at Viravain. His eye flinches at the cracking of carapace as he looks for an answer.

Quietly, you say to Viravain, "...Shofet is coming."

Quieter still, you say to Viravain, "Lady of Serenity and Lady Welkin are. Not."

A large shadow flits across the edge of your vision for a bare instant, vanishing between the trees.

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty, spreading darkness across the land.

You think to yourself: I told Her this...

You think to yourself: Why ... doesn't remember?

You think to yourself: ...was unclear?

You think to yourself: Did it badly? Oh heck.

You think to yourself: Yeeowch this sm-smarts.

Bizirik, the leothin remains motionless, standing anxious nearby  but never coming a step closer. A faint little grumble of discontent rises in its throat, licking its lips.

You see the following people here:
Rancoura, Xenthos, Esei, Viravain, Feoragan, Tylwyth, Gurashi.

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

Viravain releases you and nods. She leans back languidly against nothing, the shadows themselves holding Her aloft as if She were draped across the back of a chair. "Very peculiar." She brings the blade to eye level again, Her other hand holding Her scythe lightly, allowing the curving weapon to draw dangerously close to your neck.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans back, though his legs remain glued to the ground. He eyeballs his still bleeding mandible, nervously clenching and unclenching his fists to keep from raising up an arm to touch the damaged carapace. He awkwardly casts a glance about the room.

Viravain places the knife back into your hands and exhales. As She sighs, a bitter wind collects throughout the Putrefied Glen.

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head, frowning.

You think to yourself: Are O-K ...?

Esei tilts their head curiously.

The sound of a distant scream echoes between the trees, only to be suddenly cut short.

Viravain waves a hand absently toward you, and a cloud of shadows descends. As it disperses, your wounds have healed.

You blink.

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

Awkwardly touching his mandible, you say to Viravain, "M-many thank Yous."

The vicious clouds cease their churning above the Glomdoring Forest and the sinister silence lifts, allowing the Wyrden Song to croon once more into the darkness.

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

Softly, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "No, little bumblebee. Thank you. This has been most...insightful."

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 5 months.

You tilt your head curiously.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Viravain, "...O-O-K."

You twiddle your thumbs.

With a shrug, you say to Viravain, "Am happy to help."

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "See that the Enchantress is given full room to roam My garden."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back towards Xenthos and Rancoura, shrugging big.

Esei blinks slowly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Of course, Lady Viravain."

Earnestly, you ask Viravain, "What else can do for?"

Waving a hand dismissively, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "The Others -- well. I do not suspect They'll really know where to find it, let alone have a clue in Their silly minds about what to do when they get there."

You blink.

Rancoura's gaze darkens somewhat, and she tilts her head as she regards the Lady, though her countenance is as stoic as ever.

You have emoted: Gurashi squints a bit, then nods once, slowly, as if understanding though his expression says otherwise.

Pausing briefly, Her green eyes flickering with shadowfire, Viravain continues, "See that Drocilla does sing. I long to hear Her voice." A feral smile plays across Her lips then. "If She doesn't, then so be it, but the invitation should be given."

You blink.

Viravain gives you a passing glance, Her eyes falling upon the blade.

One antennae sagging, you ask Viravain, "...are, asking to ... ask Her....?"

Tilting Her head, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Is there something wrong with My request, little bumblebee?"

Viravain reaches out to tenderly cup your cheek in Her hand.

Her voice dripping with honey, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to you, "Shall I send another?"

Nervously, you say to Viravain, "W-wh, no! Of c-course not."

Viravain flashes you a joyous smile.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "She wants me to die."

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Very good."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 8th of Kiani, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 23 days until the New Moon

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Crow spreads his wings and caws at Tylwyth, who suddenly looks more confident.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally finds it in himself to take a half step back, swaying on his feet as he looks at the dagger with wide eyes.

LOOK CROW
Looking much like his smaller namesake, Crow appears as a bird with a sharp beak and black feathers that sheen over with a dark mauve iridescence. However, mighty Crow himself is larger than a wolf and has a doubled set of wings, each with a span reaching over thirteen feet. One eye has been scooped out, leaving a dark and empty socket, so that the bird needs to cock his head towards whatever catches his interest in order to focus on the subject with his remaining eye. Glowing a deep ruby red, his gaze gives the illusion of piercing straight through whatever Crow's eye rests upon, the gnarled talons as sharp as knives and easily able to tear into flesh and bark alike. A palpable aura of darkness radiates around Crow as light retreats from his presence.
Crow does not even register your presence as a threat.

Esei blinks.

The roving vines cease their wild thrashing, and the shadows that flock to the Lady of the Thorns begin to withdraw.

You think to yourself: ... oh boy.

You think to yourself: Is going to kill me maybe.

Viravain smiles softly at Crow.
Crow fans his wings in an enormous display and nuzzles his beak against Viravain.

You think to yourself: ... but, Lady Viravain asks it.

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Come, My Crow."
Crow swivels his head towards Viravain and caws loudly and happily.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back up from the knife to Viravain and Crow, tilting his head slightly.

Feoragan chirps happily at Crow.
Crow spreads his wings and caws loudly.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Viravain, "Will... update with any new things, as happen."

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns smiles and says, "You will."

You have emoted: Gurashi offers a weak wave of his smaller right hand.

(Market): Chef Gioia Shucks says, "I've just arrived in the Bubble of Bottledowns! Will I be able to find some fine food here, I wonder?"
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "GIOIA." <-- proof this trader trolls me LOL

Coiling sinuously about Her petite frame, stygian shadows cloak Viravain in an unnatural darkness and evanesce into the aether, leaving behind only the faintest scent of roses.
With a flap of his great wings, mighty Crow leaves to the ether.

Xenthos tells you, "May I have that knife? I would like to put it away with other things of His."

Squeaking ominously, Nascent Feoragan, Attendant to the Wyrd whispers, "Where did Crow go...?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "With Lady Viravain."

Finger extended, Tylwyth pokes the shadow of a crow.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Crow left with is lady."

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Also does this mean we no longer have crow."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Er his Lady."

Feoragan peers about himself unscrupulously.

Rancoura's gaze slides to you, a brow risen, though she says naught.

Squeaking ominously, Nascent Feoragan, Attendant to the Wyrd whispers, "What about the forest?"

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The two of Them are closely connected- She is His creator, after all."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "How many of you have met Crow himself before?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The Forest is also Hers. It will be well."

Esei shrugs helplessly at Tylwyth.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the knife in his hand for another long moment before very slowly, hesitantly, offering it up to Xenthos.

You give a cruel hunting knife to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Didin't she awaken Crow himself?"

Xenthos tells you, "Thank you."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "More than that. She created the crows. Without Her, they would not exist."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Created. Fae Spirits are Awakened."

Tylwyth nods his head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly draws his hands back in and looks to the spot where the Goddess stood, expression unreadable.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "He is the hive soul of all crows, as other animal Great Spirits are."

Xis enters from the south, emanating an aura of immense power.

Xis tilts their head curiously.

Xenthos tells you, "I have put it away."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "Did the Enchantress provide a reason for gifting you such a blade, Exemplar?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods at Xenthos, folding both sets of arms across his torso in discomfort. "Said Lady of Roses's invite was a 'slight'," He explains quietly. "From Her. Not me. So think that was a 'slight' back at Lady of Roses."

The sound of a distant scream echoes between the trees, only to be suddenly cut short.

You think to yourself: Do not feel so good.

Esei ponders the situation.

Rancoura's gaze shifts to Xenthos for a moment, pointedly, before returning to you. She offers a small nod.

You see the following people here:
Xenthos, Xis, Razhril, Esei, Rancoura, Feoragan, Tylwyth, Gurashi.

Quietly, you say, "Am only doing what asks."

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

Rancoura raises an eyebrow at Xis.

You give a white chocolate avalanche cookie to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel.

You give a white chocolate avalanche cookie to Count Xis, the "Big" Boss.

You give a delicate strawberry meringue cookie to Darach Tylwyth Nightshade.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Thank you gurashi."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods curtly as he hands out the few of his desserts.

The rowdy notes of a drinking song, faint at first, then rising to the undisputed intensity of a Dwarf On A Mission, herald the arrival of Ironbeard the Magnanimous who casts his beam of a smile about himself as he arrives.
With a crooked grin, Ironbeard the Magnanimous gushes, "Because it's a special time. A special celebration, Feoragan!"

Esei blinks.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Nightshade says, "Glad he didn't show up five miniute ago."

With a sudden look of concentration, Ironbeard the Magnanimous smiles a crooked smile, rubs his ample stomach, and fades to nothingness, followed by the sound of a distant belch.

Esei stares blankly into space.

Xis stares blankly into space.

**Ironbeard happened again, this time with Tylwyth**

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a step back, then looks off to no point in particular, excusing himself silently.

**Ran to portals, thought about going home, decided not to**

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Why did She have His blade?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Had to be His right? She was so mad..."

Xenthos tells you, "There is some... history there. Though I do not know for a fact, the speculation involved points towards some very hard feelings."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "T-then were NOT friends."

Xenthos tells you, "I would not call it such, no."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Tridemon told me about history of Lady Enchantress and singing."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "If thought Miss Lady of Roses's last invite was a slight th-then is REALLY not going to like this."

Xenthos tells you, "That seems likely- but then again, She did send the knife to elicit a response."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "It worked."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Has Lord Silence said anything about festival yet..."

Rancoura tells you, "I have not conversed with Him for some time."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Oh... dear... d-do think is O-K...? Can do anything to help you or Him or...?"

Rancoura tells you, "Not at the moment, Exemplar. It would seem you have enough to occupy yourself with at the moment as it is."
Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "...O-O-K."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "But just because am doing many festival things d-does not mean cannot still help other arms of Glomdoring!!"
Rancoura tells you, "Of course."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "B-be sure to try that cookie, is festival exclusive ... a-and get good rest!"

Rancoura tells you, "And you, Exemplar."

You have emoted: Gurashi paces nervously, dragging his hands across his head.

You think to yourself: What am going to do.