Calfuray says, "I... I seek shelter."

Calfuray yells, "Seeking a noble of the city. Please come to the harbour?"
You narrow your eyes to thin slits.
Gurashi sniffs the air while twitching a striped badger nose.
Gurashi blinks.

---> walk walk walk

Outside the mouth of the harbour.
It is uncomfortably hot. The largest of ships visiting New Celest are anchored here outside the city walls. Smaller vessels are parked here, perhaps waiting for an available slip, perhaps trying to avoid having to pay for one. Traffic moves slowly and orderly, in and out of the harbour, between the two stone towers on either side. The shriek of a hundred sea birds echoes overhead sharply from the waves below. A watchful gaze set into his insectoid features, a Zetetic of the Tahtetso stands here, holding guard. Mounted upon a celestial steed, a cavalier of the Light attentively watches his surroundings. Standing proudly with his tahto staff upright against the ground, a Kusala of the Tahtetso is here, his compound eyes glittering. With a watchful eye, a warrior of the Light stands here attentively. Floating just above the ground, an archon of Eternal Light radiates power. Calfuray with a Wakabi face is here. She wields a luminescent bull-horned shofa in each hand.
You see exits leading east and west.

Gurashi stares at Calfuray, eyes wide.

You stare implacably at Calfuray.

Calfuray smiles and says "Heya!"

Aeldra inclines her head politely to Calfuray.

Gurashi puffs their cheeks. "Miss Calfuray," They say quietly. "Good morning."

Calfuray smiles softly at Gurashi.

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says, "Tidings to you."

You think to yourself: **distrust and irritation flaring from your chest, she was a friend, wasn't she?**.

Calfuray says, "Good morning to you all."

You have emoted: Cheliyi hums noncommittally.

Calfuray says, "I called out, in respect to your laws."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "And we answered the calls."

Calfuray nods her head emphatically.
Calfuray says, "I... I seek shelter."

The morning sky churns with storm-grey clouds, their bellies lit up by the sun's radiance.

You raise an eyebrow questioningly.

Gurashi furrows their brow. "Shelter."

Aeldra rises an eyebrow slightly, "Shelter?"

---> honors calfuray

Calfuray (Female Demigoddess).
She is 45 years old, having been born on the 5th of Avechary, 549 years after the Coming of Estarra.
She is ranked 201st in Lusternia.
She is an extremely credible character.
She is a Pioneer of the Unknown in the Fellowship of Explorers.
She is a graduate of the Ancestral Glade of the Moonharts (honours).
She is a member of the clan called 'Aetherhart.'
She is a member of the clan called 'The Serenade.'
She is a member of the clan called 'IronHart Conflagration.'
She is a member of the clan called 'Woodbine Lyceum.'
She is a member of the clan called 'The Defiers.'
She is a mentor and able to take on proteges.
Her motto: 'Stay Wilde Moon Child.'
She is considered to be approximately 95% of your might.
She has taken the hand of Qistrel Strongleaf in marriage.
She is a second generation member of the Great House of Strongleaf by marriage.
See HONOURS FULL CALFURAY to view her 60 special honours.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "... were you kicked outs of Serenwilde?"

Calfuray nods solemnly.

You narrow your eyes to thin slits.

--->nyooms to the roads

Folding your hands together you cause the timepiece on mechanical lace gloves to open up and reveal a small pistol.
A bullet wrapped in bursts of steam and beams of holy light shoots from mechanical lace gloves and hits a colossal ghost octopus.
You have scored an OBLITERATING CRITICAL hit!
You have scored an ANNIHILATINGLY POWERFUL CRITICAL hit!
You focus on your wasted efforts, resolving to shift the damage forward.
A colossal ghost octopus has been shot down by mechanical lace gloves.
You have slain a colossal ghost octopus.

---> speed back

Gurashi stares blankly into space.
Gurashi looks at Calfuray, frowning as their expression fills with concern.
You have emoted: Cheliyi narrows her gaze, and drops the corpse of a colossal ghost octopus at Calfuray's feet.

You drop the corpse of a colossal ghost octopus.

Calfuray says, "The Serenwilde do not like to face truths that disagree with their beliefs."

You stare implacably at Calfuray.

Frowning, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "And what Truths are those, Miss Calfuray?"

You think to yourself: **anger, coiling in your gut.**.

Gurashi looks at the corpse on the ground, then at Calfuray, finally turning their attention to Aeldra.

Calfuray says, "That all should be given a chance."
Calfuray stares blankly into space.

Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.

(Celest): Aesic says, "Ladantine has been slain again."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "She was given chances," They say, voice thin and strained. "Lots of thems, from lots of Divines. And then She betrayed Thems too."

(Celest): Aesic says, "Let us make a point to keep checking on that, as we don't want them to be breeding any seawolves."

Calfuray says, "She.. She was given demands."

Acridly, you whisper, "What about those in the Tornada flats? Where are their chances? The homes of those in Balach?"

Gurashi frowns, looking hard at Calfuray. "I am not opposed to Awakenings, Miss Calfuray, but anyone could see that that one was going poorly - was wrongly. Was opposed," They insist. "See how the world rages now?"

(Celest): Aesic says, "Calfuray in the city."

The skies open, and drenching rain comes pouring down, leaving no spot untouched by the splattering drops.

(Celest): Gurashi says, "Yes - we are speakings with her."
(Celest): You say, "She is with us."
(Celest): Aesic says, "Ah."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "That is the Truth. That what you and the rest of the Covens did has hurt the whole of the Basins."
Gurashi looks at Calfuray, frowning as their expression fills with concern.

Aesic inclines his head politely to those around him.

Virescent lightning tears storm clouds into tatters as it arcs downward and strikes the top of Tridacna Tower with fulminating sparks.

The Mantle of Starlight flows gently against your form, twinkling stars shifting across its surface as the starry infinity continues its eternal motion.

Aeldra glances up into the sky with furrowed brows.

Calfuray says, "What.. Should I remind you that the power invested in the waters did not come solely from Her?"

Weakly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "Now there are monsters everywhere, that attack everyone. So many places flooded, peoples displaced. The Sea Spirits suffers, and none of you's stopped it," They point at the mugwump suddenly. "You should have stopped. You COULD have stopped."

Gurashi looks at Calfuray, frowning as their expression fills with concern.
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "Also She stole!"
Gurashi flails about helplessly.
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "A whole eyeball!"

Twin bolts of violet lightning feint and weave like duellists lunging at one another, their thrusts through the storm clouds leaving trails of scattered energy.

Calfuray gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Gurashi points to the sky. "Was an eyeball! Now pieces of a eyeball," They drop their arm, folding their arms over their chest.

Calfuray says, "Yes, she stole the eye from The Silent One."

Eyes watering, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "Peoples got hurt there, too! I heards about it, the Bloom of Serenity's friends? I heard all abouts it."

Calfuray says, "Funny how none of the Divine but He raised Their voices when Maylea did the same."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "You can helps Someone without hurting others to do so...!"

Slowly, you say, "Sure, not every drop came from her. It came from you, too. And your Coven. It was the Eye, that stormed the seas. The Eye, that brought Sister Sea pain, and screams. It's almost as if They were not BREAKING REALITY MISS CALFURAY."

Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.
Pale gold in hue, the wreath about Gurashi's brow shimmers in a steady pattern, like unto a heartbeat in its gentle pulsations, and crowns Gurashi in a flickering halo before settling still once more.

Calfuray says, "Oh?"

(Celest): Aesic says, "It seems Freja is slaying dolphins and raising seawolves."

You have emoted: Cheliyi seethes quietly, clamping her mouth shut.

Calfuray says, "Where you there?"
Calfuray says, "Those two days, on the hills?"

Aeldra remains mostly quiet, listening intently to the conversation, looking back and forth among the present.

Calfuray says, "When Lady Maylea attempted to alter nature itself for the sake of lost love?"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I was not, but Velcora was. I heard what happeneds, and Serenwilde -agreed- with Lady Serenity. The world did not shake, or scream. It -sang-. A clear difference."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "I just." They clap, then part their hands. "The Lights teaches us many things, on how to be goodly peoples. It tells us to shelter those who are seekings it, and so I do very muchly wants to helps you and invite you here with open arms."

Calfuray says, "Were you there when The Silent One poisoned two innocents to make Her stop?"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I DO NOT LIKE LORD SILENT EITHERS."
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

Suddenly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "But not if it means you are still in supports of Her actions - the Lady of Lagoons. I do not know--" They stop, interrupted by Cheliyi's voice, "Ah..."

(Celest): Aesic says, "She has slain Lanikai."

Gurashi stares at you, gaze softening and frowning at you as their expression fills with concern.

Calfuray says, "Were you there when Lady Li-Varili broke their fight and saved those two innocents?"

(Celest): Gurashi says, "Miss Calfuray, formerly of the Serenwildes but ousted and ostracized, is seeking shelters in New Celest. That being said..."
(Celest): Falaine (from the Realm of the Even Bladed) says, "Why would.."

Calfuray says, "I come now.. Out of respect for Lady Lantra."

(Celest): Selia says, "Is that not good news?"
(Celest): Gurashi says, "She was also parts of the Bloodtide Covens that is responsible for raising the Sea Spirits, and aiding the Lady of Lagoons."
(Celest): Selia says, "...ah."

Gurashi tilts their head and listens intently to Calfuray.

You have emoted: Cheliyi steadies herself, pressing at her brow. "Sorry, sorry. I will stop yelling. And Lady Li-Varili planned all along with Lord Silent to trade the antidote. She planned, for those innocents to be poisoned. Or at the least, for the Serenity to be poisoned." She pauses, and shakes her head. "I will stop talkings, now."

(Celest): Aeldra says, "It will have to be one of the council anyway that makes that decision, as per our laws."
(Celest): Falaine says, "And is there even the slightest shed of genuine remorse?"
(Celest): Gurashi says, "I would never normally be opposed to someones coming to seek refuge in our wonderful City, but the actions of the Bloodtide Covens were opposed not just Basinwide, but by all of Our Divines, yes yes, collectively. It would have to be more than just us, to decide."

Quietly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks Calfuray, "Becaues She is healing the Lady of Lagoons?"

(Celest): Gurashi says, "We are still speakings."

Calfuray says, "Because The Empyreal showed duty and care when no one else did."

Gurashi's tail wags anxiously behind them. "She offered the samely before, before the Lady of Lagoons tried to use the Eye." They frown.
Calfuray shakes her head.

Quieter, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Healing..."

Calfuray says, "Before, She bartered."

You think to yourself: **r a g e**.

(Celest): Selia says, "I think she should be welcomed..."
(Celest): Selia says, "But not unconditionally."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says, "My Lady believes that a bit of the ill that has been done to the Lady of Lagoons by those who has made Her suffer can finally be undone. That is not comparative to Her approval, for She does Not approve of the actions the Lady of Lagoons performed."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "Miss Calfuray - you DO realize what did, right?" They gesture up towards the sky. "Have seen, what came of the Coven's actions, and Her's, yes yes."
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "It is so WET."
Gurashi frets over everything that might go wrong.

(Celest): Falaine says, "Respectfully, welcome is that last word I would apply to her, or any of the Coven. Which is not to necessarily preclude entry, but...."

Calfuray says, "I would expect the city of Aquamancers to revel in that."

(Celest): Gurashi says, "She does not seem sorry."
(Celest): Gurashi says, "And that is what bothers me."

Calfuray says, "What glorious power the seas have."

Incredulously, you say, "The roads are filled with monsters! Sure, we are able to navigate betters than others, but people are -drowning- Calfuray. Not everyone is a water shape!"

(Celest): Falaine says, "Nor did she, nor Lorina, nor any of the others at any point prior to this. I feel as if they are leaning on our forgiveness as a given."

Gurashi trembles a little, looking like they have something they want very dearly to say, but they hold their tongue. "It is bigger than the Aquamancers..."

Calfuray says, "Then they should adapt."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks Calfuray, "Do you think what you dids was right?"
Gurashi tilts their head curiously.

You have emoted: Cheliyi flinches as if she were struck.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "You are not sorry at all, are you?"
Fiercer, you ask, "No empathies for those who you have hurt?"

Gurashi reaches out, gently resting a hand upon your shoulder.

Just as she opens her mouth to say something, Calfuray suddenly bites down on her lip with a frustrated grunt.

(Celest): Kennian says, "Hello everyone!"

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "*a soothing presence - or, at least trying to be*."

Calfuray says, "I... That's not true.."

(Celest): Selia says, "That would be precisely the thing to stay my mercy..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi grimaces. "Every time I mention a hurt, you excuse it. Every time I mention a wrong, you wave it away."

Gurashi glances askance at you.

Aeldra tilts her head slightly at Calfuray, a hint of interest in her eyes.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "I want to know why you did it, yes. Want to know your thoughts and feelies."

You glance askance.

(Celest): Talkan says, "Mercy doesn't always lead directly to forgiveness. Sometimes justice is the first step of merciful forgiveness."

Calfuray says, "I... I did it for her... And for Her... And.."
Calfuray whispers, "Kin of my kin.."

You blanch suddenly.

Gurashi cants their head. "Kin of my kin?" They ask.

Horrified, you whisper, "You did this for us? For mugwump-kind?"

(Celest): Selia says, "Agreed."
(Celest): Selia says, "Perhaps I chose words poorly."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters thinks to herself: *a sense of weariness manifests within her thoughts*.

(Celest): Selia says, "But that would give me pause in considering their request."
(Celest): Selia says, "...the decision is not mine, however. I trust the Star Council."

You think to yourself: **utter horror, all of this, just because....**.

Gurashi squeezes your shoulder gently.

(Celest): Falaine says, "If they wished to stand against the Basin, they can stand apart from it until they learn remorse for what they have done. The Tidal Flats are still inaccessible, countless lives were lost, travellers still beset upon the highways..."
(Celest): Kennian says, "I am coming in to the conversation late but maybe they could earn their forgiveness through their actions prior to joining the city."
(Celest): Talkan says, "It's a fine line to walk the tenants of all the Supernals, yet it's not uncommon for outsiders, and sadly even citizens, to believe that love and mercy is all there is to the Light."

Gurashi tilts their head and listens intently to Calfuray.
Quietly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "Am listening."

(Celest): Talkan says, "Indeed, Kennian. There are many routes to Justice."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters thinks to herself: *a flash of anger*.

(Celest): Falaine says, "I would like to see any of the Bloodtide Coven making significant steps to amend their actions before we extend a hand to them."

Spidery fingers of crimson lightning flash across the tumultuous skies, gripping the parapets of Deep Blue Cathedral like the hand of an angry god before letting go.

Shadows grow longer in anticipation for the return of their dark mistress as Father Sun nears the world's edge, the sunset basking the stormy horizon in smouldering light.

Muginn shakes out his feathers, the plumes suddenly glowing with an ethereal haze. Ripples of mist pool at his talons, writhing with silent, screaming faces that leave hoar-frost in their wake.

Calfuray smiles softly at her fellow kin, though her face show a smattering of pain in them. "Y..yes... I believe in the seas... I... In the lagoons I found.. a home.."

Gurashi glances askance.

(Celest): Falaine says, "Instead, all I have seen is smug self-righteousness."
(Celest): Falaine says, "I agree with you, Duke Talkan."

Calfuray thinks to herself: They do not know of the curse... They do not know what she went through...

Frowning, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks Calfuray, "At what cost?"
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "Everythings that someone does has a consequences - what the Gods do... qua-droupley so."

Calfuray jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.

You sense Velcora pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Calfuray.

You have emoted: Cheliyi falls silent, looking up at Calfuray with a wounded expression.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "I am sorry that She was hurting, and am sorry that you were hurting."

A swirl of leaves blows in on a loamy breeze, from which Velcora emerges, wind-blown.
Tears fill Velcora's eyes and begin to slowly run down her face.

You frown at Velcora.

Calfuray smiles softly at Velcora.
Velcora swims smoothly to the ether.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you murmur, "Ah, love, wait... and there she goes..."

Calfuray says to you, "Do not anger at them.. A friend comes for support..."
Calfuray says, "Still there are some in the forest who were against me leaving.."

Firmly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "But that does -not- mean it is O-K. What happened, or what did. Pain begets more pains, and it never ends."

Gurashi gestures towards the raging sea. "Never ever."

Calfuray says to Gurashi, "My intentions were always.. To heal."

Frowning, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "We cannot make the decisions for you. The Star Councils will have to meets about it."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters asks Calfuray, "Would you say you have achieved that goal, Calfuray?"
Softly, Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters asks, "To heal?"

Calfuray shakes her head at Aeldra.

You think to yourself: Do not know, about the pain of our people muchly. Know there are mugwumps hurting in the asylum. But even for that cause... oh Miss Calfuray, you have hurt countless more than you would have helped. Even during the rituals, you heard the screams, didn't you?

Calfuray says, "A step, in a very long process."

Almost stately, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "You cannot heal by drowning the rest of the world."
Gurashi stares at Calfuray, eyes wide.

Calfuray says, "The seas rage, but this too shall pass."

Softly, you say, "They rage -because- of you. It will be undone, by those who must heal the pains."

Making a gesture at the raging sea and the storms above Aeldra asks "What do you hope this will heal, Calfuray, for I see nothing that is mended, but a lot that is broken."

Calfuray says, "What of the land is currently flooded will recover."

(Celest): Aeldra says, "These words spoken here trouble me greatly, yet I do not find words to express what I feel at this moment."
(Celest): Gurashi says, "Love makes people do unimaginable things."
(Celest): Gurashi says, "I do not doubt her love of the Lady of Lagoons."

Calfuray says, "I.. I am not sure about the flats.. Though I do hope little Susie found a haven."

(Celest): Aeldra says, "Oh, I meant here, on the city aether, Gurashi. I do not speak of Calfuray, but of our people."
(Celest): Gurashi says, "Ah - my apologies."

The pulsing glow emitted from Light's Glory surges brilliantly, a shining beacon of hope that reaches across the entirety of the Basin of Life.

Gurashi looks up, frowning at the lighthouse overhead.
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Calfuray, "We can talks to the Star Council. It is all that can be done at this points."
Gurashi looks at Calfuray, frowning as their expression fills with concern.

Calfuray says, "But for nature, this is just.. A papercut that will heal quickly."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Given ... circumstances. It will most certainly be discussed, yes yes."
Gurashi looks at Calfuray, frowning as their expression fills with concern.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you whisper, "A great Spirit in pain is -not- a papercut."

The clouds overhead rumble ominously and bolts of lightning strike the ground, followed closely by peals of furious thunder.

Aeldra nods her head at Gurashi.
Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says, "In the end, the matter of Shelter can only be granted by the council and I would expect that they would seek to speak with you each before making a decision."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Yes yes."

Gurashi furrows their brow, looking Calfuray over tiredly.

Calfuray says to you, "How is your knowledge of history, kin of my kin?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi turns away from Calfuray, clearly pained. "Ask me laters, Miss Calfuray. I can't be polites right now."

Calfuray giggles happily.
Calfuray says, "Never asked you to."

You shake your head.

---> walk away