The Song of Justice

From seemingly nowhere, Bizirik appears, an apple and custard scroll bread clutched in its set of
smaller forelimbs. It clumsily hands an apple and custard scroll bread over to you before slinking
back off.

You tell Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "Ah, thank you, Gurashi. A most appropriately shaped morsel. I
do wonder, though, if poor Bizirik does not resent the deliveries, with how generous you tend to
be."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*there is a bright laugh that reaches you clearly, as
if they were standing just a room away* Sometimes if she is feeling particularly lazy, she will
protest, but as long as am sure to give HER some snacks too she does not mind so muchly."

You tell Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "[A brief glimmer of soft gold motes of light, alight with a
gentle amusement.] Then I am glad to hear she is well paid for her services, as is no doubt her due.
The exercise, I am sure, also does her wonders."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*there is such a delay, such quiet that it seems the
question is unseen or unheard - all at once, there is a kaleidoscopic burst of color that explodes
for with the faintest familiar background din that accompanies the astral plane* I am! I am very
lucky! She dreams of being bigger, I think! But is doing so much walkies that does not get the
chances..... *a short, apologetic strangled noise* Sorry...! The nodes!"

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Once the chaosity of Wildnodes has ended - do have
minutes or five?!"

You tell Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "I have minutes aplenty, Gurashi. I am simply working on the
Devotion task for my Lady, but I can readily set pen down and tend to other matters."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "We just keep missing each others, like bats in the
night! Ships in the harbors. Is no fun. I want to catch ups!"

You tell Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "Better, I think, than either of those colliding directly. It
does seem our waking patterns do not match up often, which is unfortunate - I am most amenable to
meeting, at your leisure."


Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*pale pastel hues bloom at the edges of the aether,
shifting to brilliant shades of gold and saffron* Miiiiister Avaris...?"

You tell Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "[There is a momentary delay before his response, the
connection conveying a vague sense of distracted concentration, and the slightest whisper of pen
working steadily across parchment.] Hm? Ah, yes - Did the nodes go well, Gurashi?"

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*an exhalation of air, a childlike pout* We were
doing /fine/ but then a whoooooole bunch of peoples showed up to fight back. We still did well! * a
pause, acknowledgement in shades of ruddy orange and red* Ultimately Serenwildes won because numbers
won. But is O-K! Is always next time."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*a pause - you can hear down the hall the shuffling
of feet and muted conversation, the sound of claws at the entrance of the abode*."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Was wondering if you minded if came and sat withs you
for a little while!"

You tell Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "Such are the vagaries of conflict, unfortunately. A sudden
influx of numbers can turn the tide in an instant, though I am certain that all Celestians present
fought valiantly, and gave good accounting. Not at all, though you may not find my company as
stimulating as a group, or your usual companions."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*their voice is earnest, an octave higher than normal
as colors shift from desaturated hues to brighter ones* After the numbers of peoples that was with
before, would welcome quieter companies, really really. I thiiiink... can find...youuuuu."

Bizirik, the leothin enters first, head slightly bowed and bobbing as it stalks into the room. It
snorts in your direction, the brightly orange-feathered trill trailing in shortly after, walking
backwards, openly gawking at the monochrome room she just passed through.

Pointing back to the southeast, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend exclaims, "I did not realize was such a
good training places right here in New Celest!!"

Sitting cross-legged upon the floor at the far end of the spherical room, Avaris's
massive form seems barely able to fit within the confines of the chamber, even seated. Despite this,
he holds himself in a neat, dignified manner, a sheaf of pages stacked meticulously atop the slat of
polished wood that spans the gap between his armoured thighs. He grasps a pen in a delicate manner
between the pointed tips of a long hand, the disparity in size rendering the implement comically
small. His six, gently effulgent wings and folded neatly at his back as he lifts his head from
perusing the page at Gurashi's entrance, his four antennae undulating towards Bizirik, the leothin
and Gurashi separately. "Indeed, it is a wonderful location for seclusion, and quiet work. It is the
former guildhall of the monks that resides here, I believe."

Avaris sets his minute pen down with great care, folding his hands together atop
the page in a shining bulwark of metallic gold.

"Oh - former guildhall... Really?" Gurashi asks quietly, taking another step into the chamber,
lingering just within the doorway. Bizirik however walks right up to the seated kephera, snuffling
curiously at the stacks of paper and writing instruments with no small amount of interest. "Ah -
Bizi!" The trill snaps her fingers, "do not even /thinks/ about it. He is working /very hard/."

Bizirik, the leothin glances askance at Gurashi.

Bizirik, the leothin pointedly sits in front of you with a bodily 'whumph', rustling the topmost
page on the stack. It seems pleased.

You think to yourself: An inner sense of self that strives to emulate the tranquility of the
surroundings, as a pool of shining, molten gold - Strives, but fails, the surface of his mind
rippling with an array of sentiments and thoughts that churn beneath.

Gurashi's gaze flicks from the seated leothin to you unexpectedly, reaching up to brush some of her
too-long plumage away from her face. "Am sorry to bothers you! Is just, we never meets otherwise,"
She laughs, meandering in a further step.

Rather than seeming bothered by Bizirik, the leothin's proximity to his work,
Avaris appears entirely at east with the leothin's interest, tilting his head down to regard
Bizirik, the leothin with all seven of his eyes, within which luminous motes of brilliant light
glitter in a scintillating wave. "It is quite alright. I do not think Bizirk is churlish enough to
wantonly destroy my work." He lifts his lower left hand, which trails through the air in a slow
dismissal. "You are not bothering me, Gurashi. You are ever welcome in my company, so long as I am
in the position to give it. How does the day find you?"

Slinking closer to stand beside the leothin, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks you, "No offense
Mister Avaris but she can sometimes be /very/ naughty. Just keeps a whole eye on her and will be
fine." She gives the leothin the side-eye before crouching next to the creature, balanced on the
balls of her feet and toes, hugging her knees. "The day's O-K! The wildnodes, it was /loud/. I have
missed the last many, because of my timings." She rocks back and forth, gazing down at the page,
tufted feathery ears rising in interest. "You said were making somethings for Your Lady?"

The choral nature of his voice warms with restrained amusement as he gestures
towards his visor-like face with a modest wave of his hand, saying, "Fortunately, I have several to
spare for that endeavour. I am certain that I can remain vigilant enough to stave off her
wickedness." Avaris Resting his lower pair of hands upon the aureate curve of his folded legs, he
lowers his pointed chin in a small nod. "They do become rather unpleasant, yes. Some peace after a
conflict of that nature is always beneficial for the mind." Tapping the page with a long, sharp
digit, he utters a faintly unamused, buzzing hum as he regards his work. "Of a sort. It is intended
to be a performance, if that counts as making something. I am trying to work out the words to the
song."

You think to yourself: "Like a fish trying to energetically climb a tree - A great deal of effort,
but to some tasks, we simply are not suited."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts at the mention of its wickedness, tilting its angular head strangely to
the side before tossing its head indignantly, apparently losing interest and rising, slinking back
over to the door to find mischief away from arm's reach.

Avaris's lower left antenna shifts as Bizirik, the leothin moves, the condensed
flow of red aether tracking the leothin with the relentless vigilance of a fortress sentry, though
the massive Kephera's eyes once more glimmer with a ripple of bright points of light.

Still balancing carefully on the balls of her feet as she maintains a crouch, Gurashi rests her
elbows upon the tops of her knees, cupping her chin and cheeks. "You mentioned - was Even-Bladed
helpings you, be a poetry persons?" She squishes her own face as she asks this, blinking owlishly at
the kephera opposite her. "Have had any ideas so far?"

Bizirik, the leothin peers at you unscrupulously.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts again, staring statue-like into the other room.

Absently smoothing out the page that lies upon the board across he legs, Avaris
nods in a manner that, despite the lack of emotive facial features, conveys a sense of
dissatisfaction. "So I have been told, yes, but I have not been contacted since. I believe the muse
is busy, but I am content to wait. I will try this on my own." A low sigh flows forth from the
plating of his face, the sound shivering like a hand brushing across a stringed instrument. "My aim
is to incorporate my Lady's journey from where She began, to where She is now. I am capable of
singing in separate voices at once, and thought it might amuse Her if I did so while performing the
song in tandem with the flowing sword dance - Also evocative of what She has been through."

Avaris turns his lower pair of hands out, spreading his fingers wide. "I only know
so much of Her, however, and I am no bard. I only hope that She will see the spirit of the attempt,
and not the reality. If that makes sense. Does that make sense?"

Gurashi fans her wings at you, bathing you in a cool gust of air.

Gurashi smiles softly, watching you speak as she continues to cup her own face. "All that can /do/
is your very best at any time, yes. Of course She will see that," The trill says this in a warbling
chirp, her wings flapping behind her, gusting just once at you, causing the paper around him to
flutter, but not quite fly away.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Is possible Her peoples are
very busy right now, yes? In his last letter to me, Mister Valensandr mentioned were changes
happening at the Istaldon, yes. A new forts discovered? Something to the north, things will be
changing and peoples moving..." She drums her fingers thoughtfully in time upon her own face. "You
know, if want helps learning how to plays an instruments, I would be happy to helps...!"

Gurashi looks at you hopefully.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "At least can teach most basics of
chords, so that when you go to meet the Even-Bladed's persons, you know the mostest of basics!"
Bizirik, the leothin looks at Gurashi in confusion.

Bizirik, the leothin flops down onto the ground.

The breeze stirred up by Gurashi's wings ruffles Avaris's own gently, the lambent
feathers swaying like the leaves of a great tree - though the same antenna is unwavering, pointed
still at Bizirik, the leothin with all the intensity of a guard keeping watch over a repeat felon.
Utilising all four hands, he reflexively moves them to pin the papers in place until the disturbed
air grows still once more. Once this is done, he returns them to a more central position, folded
them atop one another to form a fortification of interlocked, gleaming plates of chitin. "Oh, I am
certain that they have more important matters to tend to - I did not mean to imply otherwise. I will
be most grateful when they can spare their time, and wait patiently until then." A single hand frees
itself from its brethren - the lower right - and drifts up to coil a tuft of his lustrous white man
about its forefinger, toying with it as he continues, "Do you think an instrument would be better? I
know that She prefers song, but I am aware that I cannot compare to even a whispering fraction of
Her love's ability with such."

Staring down at the page, the heavy ridge of his crested brow casting his eyes in
shade, Avaris says, "I do not believe that music is involved with the muse, however. It is solely
poetry - Or so I thin

Gurashi scrunches her face apologetically, recognizing the pages rustling by her gusting self. She
releases her face at last, reaching behind herself to grasp at the offending appendages and hold
them to her back. "Am sorry! I misunderstoods!" She laughs. "But, in truths - your voice is also, an
instrument... so you are already doing the bard thing correctly."

Bizirik, the leothin glances askance.

You think to yourself: Faint uncertainty, coiling languidly about in tandem with the thick twist of
shining white fluff that he twists around his finger.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks you, "Should stick with whats are most
comfortables with if is a newly things for - if you can sing with multiple voices at once... like
said?"

Gurashi puffs her cheeks, giving her wings a squeeze, rocking forward to balance on her toes, still
crouched. "Can I hear what haves so far? Or is secrets? I bet it is already good."

Shaking his head slightly, Avaris indicates Gurashi's wings with a small motion of
one of his lower hands. "You need not restrain yourself on my behalf, Gurashi. The pages are quite
secure, fear not." He pauses, his manner growing hesitant, a touch of apology suffusing his own
voice, as he explains, "I would...Prefer it to be between my Lady and I, in truth. It is a gift for
Her, and Her alone - Or those She chooses to bring to play audience to my warbling, at least."

Avaris offers, uncertainly, "I could...Sing a line of something else, if you
prefer? To show you the manner of my singing, I mean."

Gurashi wobbles where she is balanced, finally rocking backwards and falling to rest on her
posterior, crossing her legs and releasing her wings. Immediately the right tucks against her back
but the left splays out like a bored arm, feathers curling, quivering. "Oh, oh, no no do understand
is between you and Her, uhm, but /yes/.

Gurashi wobbles where she is balanced, finally rocking backwards and falling to rest on her
posterior, crossing her legs and releasing her wings. Immediately the right tucks against her back
but the left splays out like a bored arm, feathers curling, quivering. "Oh, oh, no no do understand
is between you and Her, uhm, but /yes/." She claps gently with her freed hands. "I want to hear,
what MEAN, yes. Meant. To sing with multiple voices? What a gift!"

After a thoughtful pause, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "...b-but only if are comfortables."

Gurashi huffs, puffing her cheeks.

Avaris nods in a decisive, sharp manner, drawing breath as if to speak, or perhaps
to sing - only he does not, instead sitting there in silence, still as a statue. After a few moments
of this, he utters a soft, "Ah," saying, "Forgive me, I have not done such before another before,
let alone a bard. Bear with me, if you would be so kind." He tilts his great, helm-like head from
side to side, the ridges of his jaw gleaming like polished marble as they catch the light filtering
in through the window. With a sudden exhalation of air, he claps his palms upon his legs, his
demeanour growing serious - almost gravely so, in the manner of a man preparing for a grim and
terrible task. The sound that drifts forth from him, however, is entirely at odds with this
impression - soft and flowing as a river of warm honey. "My love, to me return, else my heart will
ne'er again beat." Smoothly, in a deeper tone, rich and dark as velvet, "My darling, dearest sweet,
you know that I must retreat, born away on silent feet." Together, the two voices weaving and
entwining together in a natural harmony, "My love, my darling dear, it is as we have feared! Our
love was born, and now must die, so our hearts torn in two must lie!"

Avaris abruptly lapses into silence, his head turning to gaze out at the window as
if suddenly detecting something of great, overwhelming interest - Though his antennae curl in on
themselves in tight rolls, squirming minutely from side to side as a very faint blush of pink
suffuses the markings within his wings, the eyes gaining colour as gradually as the clouds tinged
with dawn's questing brush.

Gurashi wiggles into position, her hands finding the ground beside her, leaning forward. With great
expectation she watches, only for her expression to fall to surprise, then shift into awe, mouth
forming a perfect 'o'. The second verse has her leaning forward, hardly taking a breath as she
listens to the natural harmony created by the two-voices, plumage ruffling up slowly, quivering.

Gurashi finally seems to realize she has forgotten to breathe, letting out a little gasp. "Mister
Avaris...!"

You think to yourself: Embarrassment as bright and glaring as the sun at noon, pinning him in place
like a spotlight before a crowded auditorium as he grimaces internally. "Gods, what am I doing?
Singing in front of gentle Gurashi daunts me more than facing down a kraken. What hope have I of
doing this before my Lady?"

Avaris's shoulders hunch, his chin lowering as if he is bracing for a mighty blow. "Yes?"

Gurashi closes her mouth, hands flying to her face again as she seeks her words, puffing her cheeks.
"Have not heard singings like that from one persons before. It is /inspirings/," She whispers, voice
rising half an octave. "She ...is going to /love/ it...!"

Gurashi's wings flap again behind her, caught up in her excitement, forgetting the pages beside your
form. "Do not be embarrassed! Am so proud of you! Wowee!"

Avaris's lower pair of hands come together, the wickedly pointed fingers curling
and twisting about one another in a self-conscious fidgeting, even as his upper right hand moves to
grasp a tuft of his mane, which is likewise subjected to nervous coiling. "Do you think so? I am not
so convinced, Gurashi." The rasp of chitin upon chitin is oddly metallic as his hands worry at one
another, his tone earnest as he says, "She is accustomed to a Goddess of song! I am just...I am..."
He trails off, his sole free hand grasping at the air, as if seeking to pluck the right words from
the ether. When it fails to do so, it drops aside as he simply shakes his head.

You think to yourself: "I am just...What? A soldier playing at being a priest, a performer? A sword
sings, in its way, but it is a very different melody than what She deserves."

Gurashi shifts her position, uncrossing her legs so that she may scoot closer, settling instead on
her knees. She reaches out, resting a hand reassuringly atop your smaller fidgeting pair in an
attempt to comfort. "You, are not the Lady Rhapsody." She says calmly. "And, neither am I. Or
anybody else, except She. And that is O-K." She cocks her head to the side, plumage tumbling as it
does, half obscuring her face as she continues on eagerly. "Do not let that stop you from doing
bestest. The sounds that made, the songs - was so uniquely," She bristles, plumage puffing up as she
sits up straight again, making her look nearly twice as big. "Think She will love it! Yes! I do.
Because it is your's!"

Briefly scanning the kephera's face as if looking for something before blurting out, Gurashi, The
Heart's Friend says to you, "You are a very goodly you!"

Sitting back and withdrawing her hand finally, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "That is
more than enoughs, think."

Gurashi chirps happily at you.

Bizirik, the leothin glances towards the duo, having looked up at the sound of the dual-toned song
before it rose, slinking a little closer to the door. It sits, waits, bides its time.

You hear a curious chittering sound coming from the southeast, heralding the arrival of a female
kephera who looks upon you both with glittering, compound eyes. "Intriguing," Princess Nabithia
says, oblivious to the moment she is interrupting. "I did not realize any still wandered this
guildhall."

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi slowly turns head to look towards the doorway, her eyes widening, blinking owlishly.
"...oh!" She points, gawks openly. "Is you!"

A single antennae raised, as if uncertain why such a statement might be uttered, Princess Nabithia
says, "Indeed, it is I."

Bizirik, the leothin starts, looking up at Princess Nabithia in surprise, having not anticipated the
kephera's stealthy arrival even with its post right next to the door. It gives the princess a few
cautious sniffs before chattering softly,.

The sharp point of Avaris's chin lowers as if pulled down by an inexorable weight,
until his expressionless, immobile visor faces the lines of carefully penned verses, each letter
placed upon the sheet with the precision and deliberateness of fortifications drawn upon a campaign
map. He is a long time in replying, and when his words come, they are subdued, quiet. "I know. I-
None will ever be as She was, to my Lady. I do not try to be, but-" He pauses, the words coming to
an abrupt stop with the suddenness of a march called to a halt. His armorued head snaps up, antennae
flicking upwards into quivering banners of alertness at the sound of a newcomer - And the sight of
the female kepher stiffens his posture to one of rigid attention, the fingers of his hands curling
into tight fists. Staring past Gurashi at Princess Nabithia, the male kephera's voice is cool and
measured as he replies, "Some still frequent it. It would be a shame to see it go to waste." A sole
antenna twitches towards Gurashi, though he says nothing, growing silent and still.

Gurashi's hand quickly flies back to her face apologetically. "Oh, sorry - uhm. I remember," She
whispers, bowing her head politely, "Miss Nabithia! Good evening. Sorry! Were we being too loud?"
She rises to her feet, canting her head to look back up at the princess.

Gurashi lazily draws her wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

With a brisk shake of her head, Princess Nabithia clicks her tongue before stating, "If any have
intruded, it is I, Blessed Gurashi of the Star City. I had thought to learn more of what my people
did here among the surface-dwellers. I had anticipated it to be a solitary journey, but company is
always a pleasant diversion." She watches your reaction with a calm, measured look, before adding,
"Only if desired, as always."

You think to yourself: The embarrassment of now blends with that of the past in a bitter admixture
that hardens into a stiff, wary tension.

Gurashi puffs her cheeks and looks down, plucking at the edges of the Mantle of Starlight, looking
up at Princess Nabithia with a friendly smile. "Are you doing well to-day? Is nicely of you to stop
by, just as we are here!"

Avaris returns Princess Nabithia's regard levelly, the brilliant azure of his eyes
inscrutable. "Will you make introductions for us, Gurashi? It seems you have the advantage of both
of us, in knowing all present."

Gurashi's hands fly to her mouth as she give a short gasp of elation.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Oh? Me? Oh!"

Princess Nabithia's expression softens at this as she nods, the crown of her antennae bobbing with
the movement. "That would be most pleasant," she agrees.

Gurashi clears her throat, closing her fist over her mouth as she does so. "Miss Princess Nabithia,
meet Mister Avaris. A follower of the Lady Empyreals." She gestures to the towering kephera proudly.
"Mister Avaris, please meet Miss Princess Nabithia! She is a follower of Your Lady, too! One of Her
closest, yes?" She looks at the princess, wings flapping excitedly. "You both have the same Lady Who
guides you! Isn't that nice?"

Gurashi chirps happily.

Gently pressing three fingers to her brow, then drawing them down to rest upon her heart, Princess
Nabithia intones, "As above, so below." As the words leave her lips, a bright aura suffuses her form
with a calm, soothing white light.

Gurashi folds her hands together excitedly, drumming the fingers of one hand against the back of the
other. "How wonderful! How neat!"

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "What does, that mean? I have
always meant to ask..."

Her voice cool and soothing, Princess Nabithia says, "Well met, Blessed Avaris of the Star City."

You think to yourself: The foundation of wary caution springs immediately into a thick-walled
fortress of mental shields, a portcullis of will drawing down with a nearly audible slam at the word
'Princess'.

What visible skin is available on Gurashi's face flushes at the question, brow furrowing. "But can
answers later, I can always asks later," She trails off, dismissively waving her hand around her
mouth.

Gurashi's feathery ears suddenly perk upright, swivel back, satelliting animalistically, honing in
on the kepheran fate-touched beside her.

Princess Nabithia turns to face Gurashi, repeating, "As above, so below? It is a precept oft spoken
by the Hamadhi, of which our Lady was a member. It means that which is on the outside," she says,
pressing her hand to her brow, "reflects that which is within," she continues, now pressing her
heart. "This was essential to their healing arts."

Turning her attention away from Avaris long enough to look at the princess as she answers, Gurashi,
The Heart's Friend asks Princess Nabithia, "The outsides ... reflects the insides...?"

As if speaking in answer to an unspoken question, Princess Nabithia says to you, "We who leave the
Hives do not abide by their rules and laws any longer. You may discard such titles as you please,
without risking insult with me."

Rising smoothly to his feet, Avaris comes perilously close to having his head slam
against the ceiling, his antennae bent backwards and aside to prevent them dragging upon the white
surface. All three pairs of his immense wings twitch and shuffle, as if eager to fan out, but are
kept sufficiently in check that he is able to execute a crisp, perfectly precise salute. "Princess."
The word is dropped as flatly and heavily as a stone, and contains all the warmth and softness
thereof. Lowering his hands, he folds them at the base of his back, spine rigidly straight as he
stares out over the heads of the others present.

Avaris's upper right antenna flits down towards Princess Nabithia at that, a
whisper of colour brushing against the glaring eyes that flood his wings, before fading back to
stark white. "You are gracious to say so. How shall I address you, instead?"

Gurashi's wings fan open again listlessly behind her, and she looks up at you as he addresses
Princess Nabithia just as she corrects him to offer comfort. Her attention too returns to the
princess, smiling politely as she awaits a response.

Shrugging lightly, the drapes about her shifting with the movement, Princess Nabithia says, "I am
among surface-dwellers. Like you, I made the vow of Devotion and left all beyond New Celest behind
me. Thus your customs are mine to learn. Would merely Nabithia suffice?"

Wondrously, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "No Miss..."

Avaris's voice is as stiff as his posture as he replies, "I do not believe such
familiarity is yet warranted. Do you hold a position with our Lady's Order, that I might address you
by your station?"

Princess Nabithia says, "I stand among Her Anointed of Argent Light, and within Her Immaculate. Use
this knowledge as you may."

Gurashi too sinks her teeth into her bottom lip to signify her hesitation. "Will...call you by
names, if would like, Miss-" She squawks, clearing her throat and looking to you before uttering a
softer, "Nabithia...! Yes, Nabithia. Or... Anointed Argent Immaculate Nabithias." She trails off,
smiling. "How wonderful. And way longer nicknames than Miss."

Gurashi murmurs softly to herself.

Gurashi turns her attention now to you beside her, leaning forward to look up curiously towards his
face. Her right wing fans out again, brushing against your own wings like a feathery but firm pat on
the back.

Unexpectedly, Princess Nabithia bursts into chittering laughter, the title seeming to endlessly
amuse her. "Anointed Argent Immaculate Nabithias," she repeats, compound eyes gleaming with mirth.

Gurashi's hands fly to her mouth as she give a short gasp of elation.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks Princess Nabithia, "What? Is that not an
official titles?"

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

With a single palm upraised in admission, Princess Nabithia says, "Perhaps it is and I never made
the connection."

Avaris's chin jerks down to stare at Princess Nabithia sharply, both pairs of his
deep red antennae curling forward and down. "You walk the path of the Argent Light? I was not aware
any did at present." A brief gap, and then, "I see." The laughter that chitters forth from Princess
Nabithia elicits a flinch from the titanic kephera, his taloned feet clicking against the floor as
he takes a reflexive step back.

Princess Nabithia says, "No, not since Anointed Lorina. Though I believe Enduring Alarin shall soon
seek the path himself."

Singing drifts in from outside, faintly muffled.

You think to yourself: Distant, echoing laughter summoned forth from the vaults of long-abandoned
memory, a cruel and distorted echo of the Princess' mirth.

Gurashi glances towards you, her wing parted away as the kephera chooses to step back at the
laughter. Her wings withdraw, folding tightly against her back. She smiles faintly, tilting her
head. "Are you boths on different paths?" She asks both present, looking between either kephera.

Folding her hands behind her as she speaks, Princess Nabithia says, "The Lady is most pleased with
his progress, as is most deserved by his service." Her antennae flicking towards the trill, she
continues, "There are two paths within the Order - those who walk of Mystic Waters, such as Her
Immaculate Faragan and Aeldra, and those who walk of Argent Light. Before walking upon this path,
however, all are expected to complete their vows unto the Empyreal."

Gurashi's lip twitches, and she stares up at you, the fainted bit of sympathy crossing her feathers
as she looks, awaiting a response.

Gurashi tilts her head and listens intently to Princess Nabithia.

A brief, faltering flare of red thrums through the countless eyes that form a
glaring galaxy within Avaris's sixfold wings, before guttering out almost immediately. To Gurashi,
he responds in a distracted, distant manner, "What? Oh." With a minute shake of his head, he gathers
himself, and elaborates, "I am not on one, currently. As the Immaculate states, such must be earned.
I am far from making that choice."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Gurashi nods her head slowly.

The downward curve of Avaris's antennae intensifies, "I had thought Alarin would be
choosing the Mystic Waters. A curious decision."

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "So... you have a tasks to complete,
firstly, before can choose which paths to take..." She thoughtfully cups her cheek, eyes widening as
she whispers to no one but herself. "Guess is more similarly than thought, hmm..."

Bobbing her head once more in agreement, Princess Nabithia says, "Enduring Alarin has prayed of his
attraction to both, yes. But ultimately the choice is his own. Either path is suitable and would
benefit from his service."

Gurashi purses her lips and looks between both kephera again, folding her arms behind her back,
rocking from the balls of her feet to her heels. "Is a difference? A bigly difference between
thems?"

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "Besides the titles. One makes you
Anointed Argents. Others Makes you...Mystically Waterful?"

Avaris's chin jerks down in a curt nod at Princess Nabithia's words, but makes no
other reply. The sole sound that emanates from him is a faint, metallic rasping, generated by the
continual rubbing of chitinous fingers against the thick plates of his hands.

Lifting a hand so that is upraised, Princess Nabithia states, "Those of Argent Light shine as
beacons unto the rest of the Basin of Life, completing external works in Her name and proslytizing
as leaders and soldiers. Those of Mystic Waters," she continues, lowering a hand as if to mimic
running water, "practise internal healing of the self, rather than the Basin - expressing this
through philosophy, art and other means. It is a simplistic explanation, but that is the inherent
duality between them."

Gurashi's attention follows Princess Nabithia's hands as she moves them along with her narration,
the trill's wings slowly unfanning behind her again as she loses her awareness over them. "Beacons!"
She chirps, voice high. "Beacons are goodly - so you guys do more, politics! And..." She pauses as
she seeks the next word, puffing her cheeks. "...external works. Uhm."

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Was going to say statues, but that is
probably art."

Gurashi lets out a curious warble, ducking her head before asking. "Miss Aeldra is often talking
about spreading healings. Is no surprises she is on Mystic waters."

Princess Nabithia says, "The manifestation of the paths is highly variable, but this is the most
swift and efficient explanation I can think of."

Princess Nabithia's eyes sparkle with amusement.

With gentle understanding, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Statues, but not very artistic ones. O-K."

Gurashi nods her head sagely.

Gurashi looks up over her shoulder towards the kephera still looming behind her, offering a
supportive smile.

Genuinely considering the statement, Princess Nabithia says, "Some days I suppose I do feel like a
statue."

Gurashi throws back her head as she laugh.

Princess Nabithia's antennae twitch as she belatedly realizes she has unexpectedly made a joke.

The ridged line of Avaris's jaw tips towards Gurashi, then returns to balance once
more as he regards Princess Nabithia. "What makes you say that?"

Gurashi continues to giggle, clapping one hand over her mouth as her shoulders shake. "Well, guess
the statues on the edges of the city also serve purposes. They protect city, as well as look nicely,
and remind us of peoples we like. You could become a statue too, Mi--Nabithia, yes, and then that
might counts...?"

Canting her head, eyes glittering with curiosity, Princess Nabithia says, "Which statement? ...Ah.
The statue?"

Avaris's chin dips down and up in a swift, sharp motion.

From where the trill stands, there is a ripple of psionic energy, emotion overflowing from a being
-too-small: warmth briefly floods the room, bringing with it a sense of togetherness, of calm
reassurance.

Gurashi looks at you hopefully.

Gurashi tilts her head and listens intently.

When Princess Nabithia speaks, it is clear and matter-of-fact, as if this is a rather normal topic
of conversation. "The solitude that comes with departure of one's former home and culture," she
says. "Even as one learns the ways of surface-dwellers and gains knowledge of their history and
customs, there is always an... apartness. Misunderstandings, expressions that are not meant
literally, or perhaps are meant in jest. I alone left to serve the Lady from my home. The more I
seek to learn, the more I do not know." She shrugs once more, the silks fluttering around her. "The
Lady says this is the path of Wisdom, and that it is often a lonely one to walk."

Princess Nabithia says, "No matter how many statues are placed side by side, they always seem
apart."

Gurashi now looks at the Princess with no small amount of sympathy again taking over her expression.

Suddenly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Princess Nabithia, "Am glad that came to Celest. You
are so nicely." She smiles wanely. "If only all Princesses were more thoughtful, like yourselfs,
yes. Is hard, leaving the Hives."

As Princess Nabithia speaks, something in Avaris's demeanour shifts, a subtle
alteration of his posture, of how he holds himself as he looks down upon her that suggests the
tiniest diminishing of tension. Every single one of the innumerable eye-markings that populate his
wings turn to stare at Princess Nabithia, even as the blue spheres of his own do the same.
Eventually, in a voice that is quiet, but firm, solid as bedrock, he says, "You are not alone in
this. We both left our homes to find Her. We may not walk identical paths, but they run parallel."
He exhales softly, the pauldrons of his shoulders shifting. "You need not be a statue. Or feel
alone."

Gurashi nods her head emphatically.

Crooning gently in a sing-song voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "Not alone, not
alone..."

Gurashi glances askance at you.
-
Gurashi smiles weakly.

You think to yourself: "Is that how she views herself? A statue?" A thread of disquiet winds its way
through the fortress walls of his defenses, sliding through the mortar sinuous and slow. "We are not
alone. Our Lady is not. This....Former Princess is not. I refuse to permit it, within the Order. Too
much of this sense of solitude, when we share so much."

Her expression softening, as if genuinely disarmed by both statements, Princess Nabithia says,
"Thoughtful? You might be the first to say so. It is something that must be learned, if it has never
been taught. Not all lessons are learned gracefully." She clicks her tongue once, considering,
before turning to the kephera and bowing her head in acknowledgement. "That is a lesson, too," she
agrees. "One that I am myself slow to learn, though it becomes easier the longer I know of the Star
City and its people. We are not alone."

Gurashi nods at Princess Nabithia's surprise with the compliments. "Yeah, thoughtful," She whispers
quietly. "I was stupid once, and disrespectful to Your Lady on accidents. But you did not punish me
cruelly. Did tell me why was wrong! And I feel bad about it still, but you could've been /mean/."
Her plumage ruffles up. "Know LOTS of really /mean/ Princesses. But you /forgave/ me when said was
sorry. That is thoughtful. Think so."

Gurashi chirps happily.

Nonchalantly, again as if this is a normal thing to say, Princess Nabithia says, "Oh, it is not for
me to punish for such things. Should the Lady's spear of Atonement have sought to find you, it
would."

Gurashi gives a horrified gasp.

Gurashi throws back her head as she laugh.

Looking up at the sky, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "AM SORRY, STILL."

Gurashi frets over everything that might go wrong.

In explanation, Princess Nabithia says to you, "Blessed Gurashi of the Star City insulted the doves
of Lady Rhapsody."

Gurashi wrings her hands together nervously, voice echoing throughout the chamber and into the
monochrome training room just a doorway away.

Gurashi covers her face. "It was an ACCIDENTS," She explains warblingly, voice partially muffled by
her hands. "I did not know significance of Doves!"

In the same cool, nonchalant tone, Princess Nabithia says, "Emphasis was made on their manner of
defecating, as I recall."

Lapsing into silence, Avaris turns his head aside to stare out through the window
for a time as Gurashi speaks. The undulating dance and flow of his antennae are the only indication
that he yet pays attention to the conversation that continues unabated, the condensed red moving
with a sinuous grace as it strives to keep pace - Though at the mention of the spear, all four snap
towards Princess Nabithia, as his head swivels about. He stares at her for a time, before his regard
pans down towards Gurashi with the inevitability of a ballista acquiring its target. Quiet as the
unsheathing of a blade, he asks, "Is this true, Gurashi?"

Fluttering as if caught by a breeze, the silver threads of tinsel draped along Gurashi's wreath
weave about in a haphazard pattern: conjuring new constellations and shapes as they glow from the
sidereal light of the ornament's fine filaments.

Gurashi's shoulders suddenly shake. "My only experience with Doves at time was times got pooped on
by ones! And the statues. I /really/ did not know." She giggles into her hand, then slaps herself
gently on the cheeks with both hands scoldingly. "Realize how disrespectful was knowing now
significances of the birdies! I do know now! They are precious!"

Rambling on, voice high with excitement and anxiety, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "But I did
not know then and was rude and said sorry and am," She looks down, still cupping her face, "For now
unstabbed, oh /no/ what if She changes her mind, Nabithia, do think? I can go apologize to Her
again, if would helps."

Princess Nabithia glances skyward, as if watching for something. A long, agonizing moment passes.
"Hm," she says at length to the empty horizon. "The Empyreal has yet to strike you down, so perhaps
you are safe from Her wrath. Or perhaps," she continues obliviously, "Her attentions are merely
away."

The color leaves Gurashi's face as she lets out the smallest of squawks, her plumage abruptly
puffing up to make her look twice her normal size, a ball of orange and black feathers. "Oh! /No/!"
She gasps, cupping her face still, aghast.

Avaris exhales at length, in a slow, hissing breath that vents between the plating
of his visored face. A brief flicker of red crackles through the markings of his wings, swift as
distant lightning. "It is as the Immaculate says. She has been most merciful in sparing you thusfar.
Consider the spear of Atonement when you may be tempted to disrespect my Lady or that which is
precious to Her intentionally - It shall serve as an excellent deterrent, I think."

Flitting around anxiously, her hands still on her  face, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "She
pointed it at me once so I KNOW how BIG it IS."

There is no trace of humour whatsoever in Avaris's voice as he replies, softly, "It
is the keenness of the blade that should concern you, Gurashi, not the span."

With a gasp, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend exclaims to you, "I would never MEAN to insults Her! She is
so nice!"

Gurashi frets over everything that might go wrong.

Avaris's chin lowers in a slow nod. "Yes. She is."

Princess Nabithia nods solemnly in agreement, stating, "It is as Blessed Avaris says. The precision
of the spear is peerless."

Gurashi's fingers curl against her face, and some of her delight withers, replaced with a bit of
stoicism. "No, promise do not mean disrespects," She says more insistently.

Princess Nabithia's eyes widen slightly, their many facets focusing on a speck on the horizon. "Ah,"
she says. "Wait. I believe I see something."

Gurashi blanches suddenly.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "...ah?"

Avaris's steady judgement of Gurashi continues unwaveringly for a stretch of time
that threatens to grow uncomfortable, before he, too, lifts his head to stare out to where Princess
Nabithia does. "I believe I glimpse it as well. The spear, do you think?"

Gurashi squints, trying to look at the same spot as Princess Nabithia and you. "What? I do not see
anything." She squawks.

In a smooth harmony of buzzes, you say to Gurashi, "Perhaps you had best start running, just in case
- Though I think it will prove fruitless, in the end."

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "What? What?!"

Bizirik, the leothin doesn't seem particularly alarmed, standing in the doorway impedingly, tail
occasionally slap slap slapping the ground beside it as it watches its trill companion's panic
increase tenfold.

As the speck begins larger, a pristine white dove alights nearby, eyeing the trill curiously as she
coos.

This pristine white dove sings a song of love and purity, her warbling notes resounding within the
soul. All of her feathers seem perfect in shape, size and colour, unruffled, untouched, ever calm. A
vague, pinkish white aura fluctuates about the songbird, barely within the realm of perception.

With a quick beat of her wings a pristine white dove rises to circle slowly around Gurashi, studying
her curiously.

Gurashi continues to flit around anxiously, finally noting the arrival of the particularly un-spear
-shaped dove. "Oh!"

Avaris claps Gurashi on the shoulder with a massive, gold-armoured hand. "You get
to live another day yet, it seems." He pauses, and then, studying the dove curiously, amends,
"Unless the dove has come for revenge."

Princess Nabithia says, "Hm. Curious."

Adoringly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "...oh! Hello, there...!"

Bizirik, the leothin snorts once, eyeing the dove hungrily before pointedly looking away.

Gurashi's mouth forms a perfect 'o' of surprise as she stares back at the immaculate little white
creature circling her, turning in time so she does not lose sight of it.

Avaris's lower left antenna curls back to point at Bizirik, the leothin, straight
and sharp as any spear.

Bizirik, the leothin glances askance.

Bizirik, the leothin pointedly avoids making any sort of eye contact with you, snuffling softly.

A pristine white dove lazily draws her wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

Princess Nabithia says, "Seems to want to get your attention."

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "She does, she does..." She coos,
boggling at the bird, sinking to crouch before it to study it closer. "Hello!"

Avaris nods, taking a judicious step back from Gurashi.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks a pristine white dove, "Did the Lady
Empyreals send you to punish me?"

Gurashi lazily draws her wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

Without warning, the pristine dove soars once more into the sky, leaving a generous gift behind that
plops on the offending trill's head.

You think to yourself: "This should be far enough to avoid any potential - Ah, yes."

Gurashi stares blankly into space.
Nodding solemnly in understanding, Princess Nabithia says, "I see. Justice was done."

A pristine white dove chirps merrily before soaring back off into the sky.

Avaris bursts into abrupt, wholehearted laughter, the sound low and rich, warm as a
summer's day, and woven from many pitches and resonant tones. "So it is. Do you feel that you have
atoned, Gurashi?"

Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked
tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

Gurashi's entire body shudders in a single ripple that starts at the top of her head and ends at the
tip of her toes, her plumage ruffled up in discontent. She does not answer, head bowed, still
crouching as if the dove were on the ground in front of her.

You gag a bit as Gurashi's stink wafts over you.

Princess Nabithia's antennaes flick with mild disgust at the odor wafting from Gurashi and the gift
left upon Gurashi's person.

Voice barely audible, a high-pitched squeak, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "Yes..."

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly.

You gag a bit as Gurashi's stink wafts over you.

Gurashi trembles, blindly reaching behind her, grasping desperately at a backpack embroidered with
wildflowers and bumblebees until she manages to pull a creamy lavender-scented soap from one of the
many side pockets, brandishing it before herself.

Gurashi begins to vigorously scrub herself all over, hopefully trying to remove the terrible stink
wafting over from her.

Princess Nabithia visibly relaxes as the offending stench vanishes into the ether.

Avaris's eyes are a glittering constellation of luminescent points of rippling
light, his own antennae flitting aside in a brief attempt to evade the stench that emanates from
Gurashi. In the grim, somber tones of a judge passing out sentence, he intones, "Let it be known
that none are spared the wrath of our Lady, when ill words are leveled against that which She holds
dear."

Her own voice echoing in agreement, Princess Nabithia says, "Well spoken, Blessed Avaris."

Gurashi shakes out her entire body like a creature might, sending a few orange and loosened lavender
-scented feathers drifting around the chamber, caught in the wind created by her brief flapping.
"She is, a most gracious judges."

Gurashi sniffles softly.

Gurashi reaches up to touch her head, checking to make sure all of the 'gift' is gone. "Most
gracious." Suddenly, a smile creeps over her face, and she bursts into laughter, covering her mouth
to stifle the sound.

Avaris utters another, softer laugh, patting the now clean Gurashi consolingly upon
the shoulder. "Be grateful that She has shown such mercy, Gurashi - Consider the spear." To Princess
Nabithia, he nods, growing a touch more sober as he withdraws his hand. "Will you forgive me a
question that may be impertinent, Immaculate?"

The chittering sound of Princess Nabithia's laughter joins the chorus, before it is subdued at your
question. She nods seriously, canting her head so that her antennae are at attention. "You may,
Blessed Avaris," she says earnestly.

Gurashi bunches up her shoulders as she is pat, beaming up at you and letting her laughter slowly
whittle away to silence. She looks between the two, smile visible beneath the now fan of her
fingers.

Avaris turns to fully face Princess Nabithia, the largest wing of those that
stretch from his right side unfolding to briefly screen her from Gurashi's view. In a voice pitched
low, his gaze intent, he asks, "Do you grow lonely in your duty? Would you have company, but have
not sought it?"

Gurashi blinks as the wing is brought up between herself and Princess Nabithia, her eyes widening
curiously. Her feathery ears flatten somewhat upon her head, and she steps back politely, folding
her hands before herself.

Gurashi lazily draws her wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

Gurashi looks down with a little gasp, noticing her flapping wings and earlier panic having
scattered some of your precious pages. Silently the trill begins to stoop and gather the pages with
upmost care, returning them to a single, albeit slightly wonky-edged pile. She pats the top with a
grimace, stepping back again.

A blush of colour flooding the chitin of her shoulders and limbs, Princess Nabithia considers the
question with great severity, weighing her words in silence as she crosses her scythe-like arms. "At
first I resisted serving the Lady on Her terms," the kephera says at last. "I resisted joining the
surface-dwellers, and was not ready to take the vow of Devotion. It was a sermon spoken by
Immaculate Faragan that swayed me and showed me I could live the life the Empyreal asked of me."
Again a pause inserts itself in her answer, lengthening as her thoughts again marinate in silence.
"It is difficult to overthrow all of one's past and prejudices in service of something unfamiliar
and alien to oneself. There was much to unlearn. To call another 'male' was perceived as rude, for
example." Her compound eyes flicker to you as she says, "This is to say it is not that I do not seek
company, but rather, am not skilled in seeking it. I cannot always tell when I am wanted. Where we
grew up, there were so many that solitude was a rare gift. Now, I find the opposite to be true." She
smiles, albeit faintly. "Company is missed."

Avaris listens to Princess Nabithia in silence, still as a figure forged from solid
gold. The sole indicator of the intensity of his attention lies with his antennae - All four are
poised like snakes, flowing up from the bladed crests that form his brow, the condensed red swaying
almost imperceptibly as he listens, patient as a stone. He nods exactly once, a gradual inclination
of his head that dips his pointed chin into the froth of his glossy white mane. "I understand, in a
way. I often felt more alone amidst the hordes within the Hive, than I do sitting alone upon the
surface - but I understand." He lapses into silence for a small span of time, all seven of his eyes
faintly subdued in hue as he studies Princess Nabithia. "Seek me out if you desire company - Do not
fret over whether you are wanted or not. Should the desire come upon you, find me. You are one of
Hers. That alone makes you ever welcome in my presence." A minute flutter of his outstretched wing,
and then, "I can move my meditations to be near you, if you prefer. Even statues need not be alone,
Immaculate."

Gurashi dusts herself off, still unable to see or hear the conversation despite its very near
proximity. She nods once, satisfied with her reclamation of the pages, scratching at her chin.

Without warning, Princess Nabithia bows deeply, her sidereal silks falling to pool at her feet with
the motion. The antennae that sit as a crown upon her head seem, instead, humbly folded in deference
rather than suggestive of royalty. "The same to you, Blessed Avaris," she says, her compound eyes
shining. "Should you feel adrift, you may find me within the Lady's Temple. In return," she says,
glancing about the once-Tahtetso guildhall, "I shall remember that I may seek you here, in this
place that speaks to us so keenly, even if it is strange to us both." As she raises her head and
body in a fluid motion, there is a radiant gleam in her eyes. "We may walk parallel paths, as you
say, but we walk Her path. It is a comfort, is it not?"

Visibly taken aback, Avaris's great form shifts into an awkward stance caught
between moving back and staying his ground, his wings twitching as if undecided on what to do with
themselves as he stares at the bowing Princess. In a display of masterful eloquence, he responds
with a dazzling, "Uh." He rallies, however, straightening to attention and offering a bow in return -
the gesture fluid and elegant in its graceful execution, his right pair of arms folding across his
torso as the left set rests against the small of his back. "You are...Kind, Immaculate. Thank you."
Straightening, he gives Princess Nabithia an odd look, as if unsure what to make of her, nodding
slowly. "It...Is, yes. There is much of Her that is comforting."

Her compound eyes glittering almost like constellations as she speaks, Princess Nabithia says, "I
recall the day the Empyreal and the Even Bladed returned, in a shower of shooting stars. Never
before had I witnessed such beauty and such destruction at once. I felt... compelled to Her. I
believe all of us feel, to some degree, that pull that draws us to serve our Lady so."

You think to yourself: All the rigid, unyielding defenses come abruptly tumbling down in a confused
disarray of utter shock - The sight of a Princess, former or not, bowing to /him/ sufficient to
render him aghast with stunned perplexity. How was he supposed to respond to /this/? A shudder, as
if shaking off the sensation, wherein his focused upon the words, shunting the off-balancing notion
aside for later.

Gurashi's feathery ears swivel around on her head as she is creeping towards the window, causing her
to pause and look back at the kepheran two, wings fanning open and closed behind her. She watches
you curiously but says nothing.

Avaris's chin lowers in small, successive dips. "I have only read of it, but I well
understand the compulsion. She is..." He trails off, antennae drawing forward and curving down as he
searches for the correct phrasing. Eventually, he shrugs, the spiked halos of his shoulders glinting
in the light. "Ineffable. I think that no matter how one strives to capture what makes Her so
special, so...So /good/, in song, or words, or art, it will forever elude the grasp."

Gurashi's gaze softens as she smile at you.

Princess Nabithia says, "I believe there are some lessons that are unspoken within the Lady's
teachings. Fortitude, we know, is the resilience against despair but, I believe it is more than
that, no? It is at times the willingness to adapt to what is strange and new, without losing your
integrity - your personhood, perhaps - in the process. It is the Tenet that I both feel most kinship
with, and yet, so often am learning the most from." She nods again, agreeing. "Ineffable. That is a
fine word, and a fitting one."

Gurashi watches a labyrinthine, shifting poppy as it transforms, petals darkening, bringing her arm
close before resting it across her chest, looking up again to admiringly listen to the two kephera.

Avaris's armoured head tilts aside by the merest fraction as he considers Princess
Nabithia's words for a time, before he nods in an affirmative motion. "There are many layers to the
Lady's lessons, I believe, yes. They are simple, upon first glance, but each reveals successive
depths with each contemplation. So, too, do they reveal distinct lessons to each of us, as they are
viewed through the lens of our own experience, showing us what we need, uniquely." He gestures at
Princess Nabithia with a small, circular motion of his lower right hand, the jointed wrist rolling
smoothly in an arc of gleaming aureate light. "Fortitude is a fine Tenet to feel drawn to. Do you
believe each of us within the Order is called to one in particular?"

Without missing a beat, Princess Nabithia says, "I would have to ask every member of the Order, I
suppose, to know."

In a similarly smooth rejoinder, Avaris says, "Best get started, then, Immaculate."

Princess Nabithia says to you, "Is that the case for you?"

Avaris's eyes glitter with rolling pinpricks of light as he says, "No. Not as of
yet, at least. Some more than others, perhaps, but I am still on the start of the path. Perhaps as
one ventures closer to our Lady, one feels drawn to a particular Tenet in the process."

Gurashi brings her hand up to her face again, gently touching her chin, clearly listening as she
smiles, then looks around the room once. Suddenly she double takes, furrowing her brow, ears
flattening as she squints, studying her surrounds, momentarily turning away from you and Princess
Nabithia both.

Listening as her antennae swivel, Princess Nabithia says, "You shall have to inform me, then, of
your experience. I would be interested to learn it."

Princess Nabithia turns as if hearing an errant sound, though one quite different than whatever has
Gurashi's attention. "Ah," she says. "I have been away awhile. I shall return to the Temple, then,
to ensure the Vanishing Isles are well." She inclines her head to both you and Gurashi, saying,
"This was not what I had intended to find upon my visit here, but it was most pleasant. Thank you
both, Blessed of the Star City."

Avaris nods decisively, repling, "I shall, in the interest of Wisdom, if nothing
else." Noting Gurashi's reactions, his head follows the twisting of his antennae in Gurashi's
direction as he asks, "Is all well?"

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Oh!"

Gurashi's hands fly to her mouth as she give a short gasp of elation.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Princess Nabithia, "Oh! Thank you!"

Gurashi flits around excitedly, anxiously. "Thank you so muchly, for coming to visit! Am so glad you
could come!" She chirps to the female kephera, flashing a toothy smile.

Princess Nabithia says, "May you each walk in the Light."

Avaris utters a muted sound of faint consternation, leavened with slight amusement.
"Of course. Thank you both for the company."

You give Princess Nabithia a respectful salute.

Waving as the princess departs, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend exclaims, "Let me know if needs
anythings! Bye bye!"

Gurashi chirps happily.

The kephera vanishes with a single bow, leaving the room as quietly as she came.

Gurashi turns around to look up at you, hopping up and down in her spot with a giddiness
unparallelled. "That was nice, wasn't it? Are you O-K?" The joy evaporates, replaced with excited or
anxious concern. "You seemed little tense at beginnings but, seem happier, now! You do!"

Avaris's gaze lingers in the direction of the departing Princess for a time, his
expression, as ever, inscrutable. Drawn by the excitable motion of Gurashi's bouncing, he turns his
helm-like head down to look at Gurashi. "It was...An experience." He admits in a grudging manner,
then sighs, lifting a hand to place it over his eyes. "That was unworthy. I apologise. She seems a
fine individual, and I do not think the Lady would make someone an Immaculate if they were...Less
than satisfactory."

Gurashi blinks.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "Huh?"

Voice rising half an octave curiously, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "Unworthy?"

Avaris lifts his hand from the visor of his immobile features to gesture at himself
absently. "I should not resent her for crimes she did not commit. I am being unworthy."

At this, Gurashi's face straightens, her joyous smile replaced with a wane one. "Unworthy," She
repeats soft, voice just above a whisper. "Do not think so, no. Though, my views on things are
usually..." She trails off before she can admonish her view, slinking to stand in front of the
kephera, dipping slightly and canting her head as she looks up. "It is O-K. Feelings just do what
they do, sometimes."

With gentle understanding, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Is especially uniquely, for
kephera, isn't it."

Avaris utters a sound that is most akin to a noncommittal, 'Mm.', the noise a
thrumming buzz composed of low, quivering pitches. "They do, but the onus is upon us to not react to
them when it is not appropriate to do so. Restraint is important, and I failed to curb my emotions
in this instance. I was rude. I should make amends." At Gurashi's words, he nods, the azure of his
eyes growing dim, as he says, simply, "Yes."

Gurashi's wings flap once behind them, aimed at the door, away from the pages, sparing them. "No,
you are right! Is goodly that recognized that got /mad/. But just because feel mad you did not /act/
mad, did not think? You could have been meanly, too." She chirps, encouragingly. "To recognize your
feelies and that she is not they, and they are not she."

Gurashi fidgets impatiently.

Folding the immense span of his own wings neatly upon his back, Avaris gives voice
to another dubious sound, evidently unconvinced. "I was rude. Someone close to my Lady deserves
better than that." An antenna flicks down at Gurashi, a tinge of amusement colouring the kephera's
voice. "You are not bound here, Gurashi. You may leave any time you wish - Do not depend upon
propriety."

Gurashi fidgets again, shaking her head. "No, I know, I..."


In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I-I mean, I have taken up lots of your
times, this month! Not that it was bad. I had fun! It was nice - got a visits, but. Uhm."

Avaris tilts his head slightly, listening.

Gurashi puffs her cheeks, bobbing her head side to sides. "I know, do not usually assume the shapes,
anymore. I mean, especially /now/," She gestures grandly to herself, then laughs. "But, was kephera
boy once." She looks up, smiling sheepishly as she drags the hand up across her forehead, pushing
her plumage away so her eyes may stare unobstructed. "So really, do understands. And know is Miss
Nabithias to talk to, yes. But if ever want to shares experiences, or talks," She offers her hand,
palm up. "Am O-K listeners. Helps with the angry feelies, that sometimes decide to come up." Quickly
she adds, "But do not have to! Obviously. But."

Glancing towards the door before looking up, hand still extended, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says,
"Am here! Am!"

Gurashi chirps happily at you.

The burnished surface of Avaris's bladed crests gleams in the light as he nods
seriously, folding his hands at the small of his back. "That is kind of you, Gurashi - Thank you. I
am...Not given to speaking of such things, especially with any degree of comfort, but I shall keep
it in mind, nonetheless." He tips his head towards the door, and in a gentle, amused tone, bids,
"Go. You make me feel impatient to depart just by looking at you fidget."

Gurashi smiles weakly.

Stepping towards the door, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "It is often not easy subjects, no.
But, is there."

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

Gurashi chirps happily at you.

Looking up and speaking fondly from the doorway, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Stay
goodly and kindly, Mister Avaris! Thank you!"

Avaris waves a hand at Gurashi in a benign fashion. "So it is. I shall endeavour to
be such, as always, Gurashi. Light's blessings upon you."

Gurashi waves with far more enthusiasm before she wheels around and disappears through the doorway
in a flurry of orange and black, leaving a few feathers in her wake. And a slightly messy pile of
papers.

Avaris shakes his head slowly from side to side, turning to regard the disturbed
pile of sheets with a soft, amused breath.