Solstice in Glomdoring: Day 2, Song Contest

[[Immediately after LAST log]]

The air constricts with a sudden cloying breeze, its rose-scented song crescendoing through the haunted boughs of the Glomdoring. Trees bend and snap, as if hurriedly bowing low before the Lady of the Thorns, Who steps forward from the shadows.

You blink.

Reyqae breathes a soft "Wahh!" with a wide-eyed look of surprise.

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

With a flourish of their arm, Tsakali bows deeply.

Khasur Stormcrow bows low before Viravain, her head nearly touching the ground in her reverence.

Kyalrhin bows respectfully to Viravain.

Eliron bows respectfully to Viravain.

Afollia kneels before Viravain, swearing her allegiance to Her.

With a flourish of her arm, Farvu bows deeply.

Afollia stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

Kalaneya prostrates herself before Viravain, leaving herself at Her mercy.

Evette curtseys gracefully before Viravain.

With a flourish of his arm, Esri bows deeply.

Viravain begins to wield a wickedly curved scythe in Her hands.

Snald bows respectfully to Viravain.

Tarken bows respectfully to Viravain.

Esri bows respectfully to Viravain.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his head, then looks over his shoulder, then back to the Drums. A pause, then a double take, eyes wide before he bows quickly to Viravain. "M-many greetings, Lady of Roses!"

Farvu searches the air in front of her, then tugs upon an invisible strand of force. <--Poof!!

Farvu tells you, "Thank you so much for having us for the event! The food was lovely - I hope the Shofet changes their mind on trying it soon."

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Greetings from the pack, Lady of Roses."

Spinner Afollia, the Grand Diviner says, "Welcome home to Your forest, my Lady."

Gently, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to Eliron, "Well done, Harbinger."

Nalurei tells you, "Again, I thank you on my Lady's behalf, but I have other duties now."

The shadows in the forest bend and twist until they take on the form of Nocht, the Silent who moves to stand next to Viravain.

Kyalrhin bows respectfully to Nocht.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "AHH."

Rancoura humbly drops one knee to the ground before Nocht, genuflecting reverently in His presence.

Evette curtseys gracefully before Nocht.

Esri bows respectfully to Nocht.

Reyqae glances askance.

Afollia curtseys gracefully before Nocht.

Tsakali bows respectfully to Nocht.

Kalaneya kneels before Nocht, swearing her allegiance to Him.

Kalaneya stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

Softly, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Well done, indeed."

With a second, even deeper bow, Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Thank you, my Lady."

Lief's wandering attention pulls away from Mysrai and the Liar to Viravain. She bows her antlered head before Her in greetings, only to lift her head and freeze as her gaze finds Nocht.

Reyqae tilts her head curiously at Nocht.

Rekath does his best to bow to Viravain, but only musters a slight crook which stresses the bark on his side to shatter into rotten chunks across the ground. He looks up at Nocht and proceeds to try again, creaking loudly..

Turning for a third bow, Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "And my Lord."

Mysrai rises slowly from Their resting position, black sand swirling about them rapidly in a dust devil that allows Them to ascend into the air, that They may be closer to eye level with the other Divine.

Solemnly, her head low, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to Nocht, "Hail, my blessed Lord."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Tell Miss Nalurei that am grateful that came! Please, hope that had fun!!"

Snald bows respectfully to Nocht.

Esei bows respectfully to Viravain.

Reyqae tugs her chin thoughtfully.

Esei bows respectfully to Nocht.

Vanshi bows respectfully to Viravain.

Tarken bows respectfully to Nocht.

With a flourish of her arm, Vanshi bows deeply.

Vanshi bows respectfully to Nocht.

Viravain places a hand absently on Nocht's shoulder, Her green eyes slowly scanning the gathered mortals.

(The Shadow Kindred): Afollia says, "And here comes susprise Shikari."
(The Shadow Kindred): Snald says, "Oh that would be so dope."
(The Shadow Kindred): Kyalrhin says, "That would be lovely."

Tsakali glances at Lief, giving a slight smirk at the evident discomfort before turning their attention back to the recently arrived divine.

Reyqae glances askance.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to Viravain, "Welcome, Mother. A joyous Solstice season to You."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Nocht, twiddling his thumbs and bowing. He straightens quickly, looking over his shoulder at Lief, half obscured by his torso.

The Liar gulps nervously, offering a polite bow first to Viravain and then to Nocht before their eyes immediately return to Mysrai.

You tell the Liar, "Have met Our Divine, Friend...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up to the Liar, then back to the Divine now gathered.

The Liar tells you, "N-no, I've only met the Shofet."

At the appearance of more and more gods, Nepenthe retreats even further, subtly edging behind Kihr in an attempt to hide despite being roughly the same size.


Lief swallows once, her hands clasped before herself tightening their grip. By sheer instinct do her dragonfly wings keep her aloft.

You tell the Liar, "That Woman there, the lovely one with white hair - is Lady of Roses, Viravain. And the Persons with Her is Lord of Silence, Nocht. Are both important Divine to Glomdoring, like how Shofets is important to Gaudiguch."

You nod your head at the Liar.

LOOK NOCHT
Were it not for the way darkness itself trails after His form it would not be immediately obvious that He is a radiant immortal. His entire form is concealed beneath a hooded cloak. His only feature visible, His eyes - a brilliant ethereal blue rimmed in golden starburst, intense in their piercing gaze.
He is wearing:
an all-concealing cloak of darkest black
a fractured gem suspended from a thin, metal chain
boots of shifting shadow
a frigid, aphotic crystal ring emblazoned with the script of fae
a luminous peacock feather affixed to His cloak.

Mysrai floats through the air towards the Divine before pausing at a respectful distance, Their eyes lingering on Nocht as they spin the Jackal's sceptre idly in Their hands. "Has it helped?"

Without stepping away from Nocht, Viravain turns Her gaze upon Mysrai and smiles. "Welcome to My forest, Cousin. I trust You are enjoying Yourself?" Her voice drips with honey as She speaks, a smile emblazoned on Her features.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Mysrai.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "I needed to escort Nalurei home. She had a bad feeling, I think."

You stare implacably at Tridemon.

Esei smiles wryly at Tridemon.

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Tridemon.

Message #1247 sent by Rancoura (received: 2019/12/22 03:56:37)
   The credits are a gift from the Liar, who wished to distribute their prize from the contest.

Nocht bows His head towards Mysrai, though His expression remains hidden. "Indeed, Dearest Mysrai. You have My thanks."

Kihr rubs up against Nepenthe affectionately.

You tell the Liar, "... oh! You are very sweet! Many thank yous for sharing your prize, Friend!"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

The Liar tells you, "I have all that I need, Friend!"

Golden hieroglyphs spilling form Their maw as Their eyes never leave the Silent Lord until His answer, Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales says, "The Abyss encroaches upon the First World, Cousin, and it is My duty to Judge that which would stand against it. Even in small matters such as this."

You blink.

Esei exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

You think to yourself: ...Abyss?

Mysrai waves the Jackal's sceptre negligently to indicate you.

As she watches, Lief's hands disentangle from one another. She draws deep and purposeful breaths for herself, her hand reaching up to clench the bloodstained petals of a crimson-stained fractured blackthorn blossom brooch worn upon her kimono.

Tridemon suddenly seems to realize that the Divine presence in the immediate area has tripled since he left to escort Nalurei back to the city.

Esei blinks.

Lightly, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Indeed. And You do it so well, Mysrai. How lucky are We."

Rancoura's ethereal gaze shifts between Mysrai and Nocht, a dark undertone to its lazuline and violet shades.

You blink.

The Liar gulps and fidgets their paws nervously as they watch the storm surrounding Mysrai carefully, looking torn between running to Them and running away.

Gesturing vaguely, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Regardless, though the Abyss might be ... vast, We are here under the invitation of those who cherish My Wyrd. Let us allow them to continue, mmm?"

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "I believe songs are next, Gurashi?"

Viravain strokes a wickedly curved scythe tenderly.

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up at the mention of his name, letting out a gentle "ah!"

There is tense silence as Mysrai considers the request before offering a simple nod, Their expression unreadable as They float back towards the Liar.

Viravain steps closer to Nocht, Her hand gripping His shoulder.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly. "Uh, yes! Yes, a song contest, requested by Yourself - uhm, would all those that are interested, please step forward? Songs about Glory of the Wyrd. Come on now, know have got them." He chitters excitedly, looking back at the crowd.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Am joining! So should you!"

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters excitedly, bouncing up and down in his spot, doing his best to be the host with the most.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to you, "We shall join as well."

You chitter at Kalaneya with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "I must rest, but good luck to all who participate in this worthy contest."

With a flourish of his arm, Eliron bows deeply.
Evette curtseys gracefully before Eliron.

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

Nocht nods His head, stepping closer to Viravain as He observes the proceedings quietly.

Pointing to Kalaneya, you say, "Oh good, is at least two."

Kalaneya gives Eliron a peck on the cheek.

Esri bows respectfully to Eliron.

Kalaneya winks conspiratorially at you.

Eliron gives Kalaneya a peck on the cheek.

Lief fidgets with the brooch that she grasps, loosening her hold upon it. "I will sing, though not for the competition," she says, then swallows. Working her voice more evenly, she adds, "My song is about change."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Anyone interested in Song Contest, please come to the Drums! Have a chance for some lovely prizes, and a visit with Our Lovely Divine!!"

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Lief flit up, chittering again to himself. He looks to Viravain, expression hopeful.

Viravain raises an eyebrow at Lief.

You think to yourself: Please say yes.

You think to yourself: Pleeeeeease say yes.

You see the following people here:
Tridemon, Mysrai, Rancoura, Razhril, Xenthos, Kihr, Vanshi, Lief, Rekath, Raimari, Snald, Nepenthe, Tarken, Tsakali, Kalaneya, Evette, Kyalrhin, Esei, Nocht, Esri, Afollia, Reyqae, Viravain, Gurashi.

Mysrai nestles within the Liar's fur once more and gazes out with an unreadable expression as They watch for participants.

Esei blinks.

"If I may be allowed," Lief says with a dip of her antlered head toward Viravain. Her fingers betray her tension as they fidget with the blood-stained brooch that she wears.

Esei exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Viravain nods once at Lief and flicks the wrist of the hand that does not grasp Nocht's shoulder.

Lief exhales softly, joining the mustering group.

You chitter at Lief with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Told you would be allowed."

Lief tells you, "I am so glad. Goodness..."

Rekath nods his head at Lief.

You have emoted: Gurashi beams up towards Lief, then looks to Kalaneya, chittering softly.

You think to yourself: Oh, boy.

You think to yourself: Thought would be more singers.

You chirp happily at Alary.

Alary chirps happily at you.

Khasur Stormcrow stands up from the vine she was seated on and perches herself close to Viravain, her eyes flicking from the proceedings to her Mistress.

Rekath ponders the situation.

Tsakali grins at Alary in greeting before glancing to Danuja appraisingly.

Nepenthe snickers softly and gives Kihr a friendly pat on the back, peeking over his shoulder at Lief.

Tridemon seems yet more watchful, glancing up at the sky every so often, with the occasional multicoloured glow sparking under his skin in an uncharacteristic display.

<-- IRONBEEEEARD

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd whispers, "I'd say it would be cruel to bar the avatar of an artist from an arts competition, if that individual did nothing horrible to the Wyrd as of yet."

Khasur Stormcrow twitches spasmodically.

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "Would it be possible for me to return? I apologize for having to leave so suddenly earlier, there was something pulling me away for a time."

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "He's been so friendly."

<-- IRONBEARDO

Faintly buzzing, you say to Ironbeard the Magnanimous, "Can... take a break, think."

Raimari snickers softly to herself.

Kihr widens his eyes and looks over his shoulder at Nepenthe blushing then looking back at Lief.

Kalaneya chuckles softly with a throaty growl.

Raimari pats Tarken in a friendly manner.

Ironbeard the Magnanimous exclaims, "Blessings to Ye, Divine, and thank Ye for the gift of life!"

Tsakali nods their head at Khasur Stormcrow, showing their acceptance.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Oracular Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "Return to me. Miss Lief will be one of our singers!"

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to Khasur Stormcrow, "Ah, before we forget."

Tarken taps his fingers together and murmurs, "Excellent..."

<-- Iorn bordo

Khasur Stormcrow stares at Ironbeard and sighs, loudly.

Kyalrhin rushes up to Ironbeard the Magnanimous and throws her hands into the air, giving a loud "WOO!"

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

(The Crux): Snald says, "Elexia has entered Glomdoring Forest."

Esei blinks.

Viravain smirks at Khasur Stormcrow.

Danuja Koda says to Alary, "I won't be...sprayed, will I?"

Afollia's eyes sparkle with amusement.

You chirp happily at Elexia.

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says to Danuja, "With what?"

Tsakali ponders a snow dusted black rose pin thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Alary glances askance.

Elexia clasps her hands in front of her and bows as she alights on the forest floor.

Tridemon visibly flinches at Ironbeard's sudden approach before shaking his head and relaxing, accepting the present with what grace he can muster.

Kalaneya gives a festive Master Ravenwood pin to Khasur Stormcrow.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at those discussing matters at hand, slowly turning to look at Viravain.

Kalaneya gives a festive Master Ravenwood pin to Khasur Stormcrow.

Lief's eyes focus immediately upon Elexia from where she hovers near a few others. She quietly exhales and lowers her fidgeting hand from a crimson-stained fractured blackthorn blossom brooch.

Kalaneya gives a snow dusted black rose pin to Khasur Stormcrow.

Holding open his arms at himself, Kalaneya, and Lief, you say to Viravain, "...ta-daaaa."

Kalaneya gives a snow dusted black rose pin to Khasur Stormcrow.

Her voice filling the canopy with sound, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Gurashi, I await the music. What more must we do before someone begins to sing?"

Reyqae urges Tridemon onwards.

You give a horrified gasp.

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Kyalrhin hopefully.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to Khasur Stormcrow, "For you, and the Mother. Souvenirs."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly looks to his other two compatriots, eyes wide.

A thorn beast stares implacably at Esei.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia laughingly says to you, "It seems the music should begin shortly then."

In a hushed yet warm voice, Disciple of the Thorned Willow Esri, Proselyte of the Awakening says, "Why are the thonrbeast attacking?"

Esei raises an eyebrow at a thorn beast.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "They're hungry."

<--Ironboarodo

Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon whispers to you, "I will go when you want me to go."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "If anyone is inspired to join during our performances, then please let one of us know."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esri, "Are hungry and excited, will take care of it."

Alary shrugs helplessly.

Whispering loudly to Lief and Kalaneya, you say, "Who goes first..."

Khasur Stormcrow sighs with extreme exasperation as she stares at Ironbeard.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Let's wait for... our guest... to go."

Spinner Afollia, the Grand Diviner says, "They are most likely awaiting the music as well and getting a bit...enthusiastic."

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "We do not sing very well, and our dances would be detrimental to the forest."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at the spot where Ironbeard once was, then waits several tense seconds, staring at the sky.

<-- GUESS WHO

Alary smiles softly at Kalaneya.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "And...he's back."

Tsakali giggles happily.

Kalaneya chuckles softly with a throaty growl.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...another minute..."

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.

Khasur Stormcrow sits slowly on the ground, her expression unreadable as she stares at the place where Ironbeard just stood.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Coming back..!"

Kyalrhin crosses her arms on her chest, sticks out her lower lip, and pouts.

Esei stares blankly into space.

Elexia forces an encouraging smile to her face as she flashes Lief a hopeful thumbs up. She blinks in surprise Kyalrhin presents a tome to her, opening the cover curiously. Her eyes flick back up to Lief, watching her sister closesly.

You have emoted: Gurashi once again stands still, staring up at the sky, waiting for another Ironbeard visit...

Lief utters a manic snort of a laugh, then covers her mouth. Clearly she is bleeding anxiety, crimson petals from her antlers flurrying about herself before dissipating into motes of essence.

Evette sits down quietly next to a blackthorn sapling, watching the crowd unwrap their gifts.

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd whispers, "Don't let the spirit of the season stop your lovely music."

Mysrai sinks further into the Liar as though disappearing into a thick fog, Their deep baritone sending spirals of cobalt hieroglyphs through the air as They ask, "Will you keep Us waiting?"

You have emoted: When it fails to come, Gurashi looks to both women gathered. "Fine. Will go first if want."

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You tilt your head curiously at Kalaneya.

You tilt your head curiously at Lief.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia smiles and says, "Go on, then."

You nod your head emphatically.

Kalaneya urges you onwards.

Lief quietly nods her agreement.

Throwing up his arms and turning to those gathered, you say, "Many many apologies! For keeping waiting, yes."

Viravain strokes a wickedly curved scythe tenderly.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares out at the crowd, blinking once, then clearing his throat.

Esei blinks.

Khasur Stormcrow whispers in Viravain's ear, her gaze sweeping the gathering as she does so.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes his way towards the drums, turning to face those gathered. He takes a deep, steadying breath, offering a sheepish smile, the expression lingering even after he pulls out his violin.

Viravain spares Khasur a single glance and then nods, Her eyes falling on Lief.

Voice barely above a whisper, you say, "Ehm..."

Evette's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Rekath tilts his head and listens intently.

Now fixing her gaze upon Lief, Rancoura there is a nigh-palpable weight to her regard, a coolness seeping in to the violet hues drowning the deep blue of her irises with the nearness of her Lord.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his mouth as if to continue speaking, but seems to think better of it, instead looking down at his instrument. He plucks a few strings, adjusting a couple pegs until the sound is to his liking.

You have emoted: A hush falls over the kephera. Gurashi finally raises his instrument, resting the body against his chest and holding it as if it were a lyre, his gaze half-lidded as he stares at the ground before him. His fingers move, then begin to lovingly pluck the strings in a pizzicato style. The notes ring out, echoing throughout the clearing, followed by another, and then another, quickly becoming an upbeat capriccio.

Ironbeard the Magnanimous cautiously offers you an encouraging smile.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Ironbeard!"
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Thank you buddy."

The Liar cautiously offers you an encouraging smile.

Gaze rising to meet everyone else's, you sing, "Please gather around, am going to all a tale. It did not start out so great, but now is going pretty well."

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: "About a kephera..." Gurashi pauses in his careful plucking, playing a pleasant chord instead before sheepishly adding, "it's probably a different kephera."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances out at the audience, and for perhaps the first time in his brief existence, finally, amazingly, manages to successfully wink.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to pluck out single notes, occasionally strumming cheerful chords to demarcate the starts of his verses. "Knew nothing but service, no different from all the rest. Day in and day out, under the Queen was possessed," His gaze rises further, meeting Viravain's gaze, hovering upon Nocht, then sweeping to look at Mysrai, "'Til the day when, the woods they cried out in song and broke her wicked spell."

Danuja hears Mysrai speak, attention immediately falling upon Them. It lingers for a moment, before they quietly, and slowly, start making their way to the back of the crowd.

Plucking the notes in a faster, happier tempo, you sing, "Glomdoring, can come be there? Have faced the darkness and still am not scared. Know may not mean much to you."

Shutting his eyes, you sing, "Can please be there? A life without would be more than could bear." He suddenly looks out at the audience again, smiling. "There is nothing would not do."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly steps forward, beginning to wander about those gathered. His demeanor seems entirely different, all at once happier, sweeter, invigorated. "With this voice in the dark, so sweet and inviting, he could hear nothing else - something inside him igniting - like a candle," He sweeps by the nearest seated person, leaning towards Ilistala, an enormous leopard. "Was tiny at first but grew into a proper flame."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to sing, his voice suddenly bright and clear as he meanders by another row of those gathered, strumming his violin. "Myyyy, favorite part's when he fliiies from the nest - was not easy." He spins to face the audience, antennae twitching. "The Queen left her mark but still he managed to break free."

Plucking the strings once more, you sing, "Glomdoring, can come be there? Spiders and thornbeasts, his heart was ensnared. The veil of night is warm and true."

You have emoted: Gurashi wanders back towards the front of the clearing, still plucking away while beaming up at the Liar as he passes them. "Want to be there," He sings out longingly, "No place in Basin could ever compare. There is nothing could not do."

You think to yourself: Yes.

You think to yourself: This is right.

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

The chittering of enormous mandibles echoes from just out of sight and the footfalls of several legs creeps closer to the Lady of the Thorns, as if towering arachnids collected just beyond the meshwork.

Esei blinks.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Hrm, perhaps the Lady of Thorns is pleased by your praising of Her creation?"

You have emoted: Gurashi falters, just slightly, looking out towards the forest. Finally, he lifts the violin to his shoulder, resting his chin upon the body. His bow touches the strings, softly at first, then sings out brightly as he begins to play. The sound is achingly beautiful, and clearly filled with love and longing. He plays still, uplifting melodies carried over the woods by the winter winds.

Ears twitching, Lief shifts in the air with discomfort, but her gaze is solely for you and your song.
The foliage rustles to the southeast, as a mass of brambles and thorns tumbles into the room.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops playing almost suddenly, the violin dropping as he plucks it again, though the strung notes still linger in the air. "Glomdoring, have come so far. Mean everything to this lonely Exemplar." He lifts his gaze, his voice as soft as it was in the beginning, "This gratitude is overdue."

Viravain waves Her hand absently.

A thorn beast melts softly back into the foliage.

Softer still, looking down, you sing, "Here you are, through every blow, through each new scar. Owe so very much to you."

You think to yourself: ...is O-K.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly lifts the violin again, the bow finding the strings though the sound is entirely different. He saws at the strings in short succession, playing short, powerful notes that resonate throughout the clearing.

You have emoted: Gurashi plays, as if his life depended on it, as if the only thing there were himself and his instrument. Eyes open, focused on the space before him, gaze intense.

You have emoted: A strange sound rises to accompany the violin - at first quiet, then louder and louder, until it is unmistakably a cicada cry emanating from Gurashi himself.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his smaller set of arms to those gathered as he continues to play. "Glomdoring, can please stay here? Your Hallowed Your Spirits - hold all of them dear. Oh if only they all kneeew." His voice is loud and lucid, cracking only slightly as he belts out the higher of notes.

Still playing eagerly, you sing, "Can I stay here? Without your voice just might disappear. There is nothing without you."

Nepenthe's ears swivel in rapt attention towards you, his whiskers drooping sadly as he rests a paw on a chocolate mahogany viola of dulcet melodies.

You have emoted: With an abrupt plink and a snap, one of the strings on Gurashi's violin snaps from the sheer effort of his playing, curling upward and bobbing about visibly though he does not stop. "There is nothing without you."

You have emoted: Gurashi finally drops his bow, lowering the instrument to his chest as he strums it once - twice. As gentle and as sweet as he had in the beginning. His carapace is shiny and his expression relieved and happy.

Faintly, you sing, "I am nothing without you."

Elexia's hand fiddles quietly with a storm glass amulet as she watches your performance intently. Her pointed ears twitch at the finale of the piece. She bows her head in admiration for the melody.

You stare blankly into space.

You clear your throat.

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

Kyalrhin applauds you heartily.

Tsakali applauds you heartily.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "Huzzah!"

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia smiles and says to you, "Cheers."

Evette congratulates you with some wild clapping.

Esei congratulates you with some wild clapping.

Esri gives you a wild cheer!

Aknarin shakes your hand firmly and offers his congratulations on a job well done.

Spinner Afollia, the Grand Diviner says, "That was lovely Gurashi."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

Alary gives up a round of applause.

Tarken nods his head at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi's knees bend a bit, looking as if adrenaline was all keeping him up. His antennae droop and he turns a healthy shade of red. "U-uh, uhm, ehm, many thank yous."

Multichromatic glyphs float through your mind's eye, the oddly echoing voice of Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales ringing from them, "Interesting."

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his head, blinking.

His expression a mask of bewilderment, Nepenthe claps politely for you.

Lief lingers in quiet as she studies you before finally pulling her hands up in quiet applause.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to you, "And thank you for that lovely performance."

A bit less embarrassed, you say, "M-many thank yous..."

You chirp happily at Kalaneya.

Kalaneya smiles wryly as her golden eyes glint with amusement.

Mysrai raises the Jackal's sceptre and nods Their head, though the Liar above Them applauds mightily and then awkwardly positions two claws within their mouth to offer a high-pitched whistle.

You blink.

You blush furiously.

Kyalrhin grins mischievously at you.

Alary gives you a wild cheer!

Covering his face as he clears away from the performance area, you say, "Manythankyous."

You blush furiously.

Rancoura presses her hands together, at last offering you a wan smile. "A beautiful piece, Exemplar," she whispers as she moves nearer to you. "And I do believe we shall keep you."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Rancoura, shoulders sagging. "Oh," He chitters weakly, "M-many thank yous."

The soft voice of Kyalrhin tickles your ear, "I feel the Glomdoring would be a duller place without you, good song."

Razhril tells you, "You are very good."

You blush furiously.

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd whispers, "We don't often release the things gathered here. The spiders see to that."

Nocht watches you quietly as you finish your song, ethereal blue gaze fixed upon you.

You have emoted: Gurashi lowers his head a bit, shuffling in his spot.

You have emoted: Gurashi bristles lightly, glancing over his shoulder towards Nocht and tilting his head.

Rancoura bows her head a fraction, patting your chitin-armoured arm.

Her mouth curving into a faint smile, Viravain considers your performance briefly before running Her fingers along the blade of Her scythe. She nods once and then intones, "Nothing matters but Glomdoring."

Kihr gives Nepenthe a friendly squeeze.

Spinner Afollia, the Grand Diviner says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Glory be to Glomdoring, indeed."

Seer Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Glory ever be to the Glomdoring."

Tsakali turns to blink at Danuja, finally patting a spot on the floor next to them.

Nepenthe looks up into the air for divine inspiration.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Viravain before offering a soft, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose exclaims, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

Tarken says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

Nascent Vanshi, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd says, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."

In a hushed yet warm voice, Disciple of the Thorned Willow Esri, Proselyte of the Awakening says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

(The Shadow Kindred): Kalaneya says, "The spam lol."
(The Shadow Kindred): Kyalrhin says, "#WeAreNotACult."

Tarken says, "And on that note, I must retire for the eve."

Tarken bows respectfully to Viravain.

Tarken bows respectfully to Nocht.

Kalaneya dips her head slightly to you, a smile relaying gratitude on her face. A shadowed figure trails her, moving distinctly on its own, as she glides to stand next to the Drums of the Dead.

Alary smiles softly at you.

Lief blinks slowly as she gazes about herself at everyone speaking up the chant. When Kalaneya steps forward, she turns her focus onto her.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to you, "We are acutely aware of impending departures. Do let us know when we may proceed."

Softly, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Kihr, Nepenthe -- do you not enjoy your time in My forest?"

You have emoted: Gurashi quietly falls back into the crowd, stepping beside Lief to watch Kalaneya's performance.

You tell the Liar, "Many thank yous for the whistle - I cannot even do that!"

Viravain tilts Her head and smiles, Her eyes unreadable.

Alary bows respectfully to Nocht.

Freezing in place, but managing to squeak out a response, Kind Nepenthe says to Viravain, "We've been here a while."

Tsakali turns to frown at Nepenthe and Kihr as Viravain speaks.

Kalaneya averts her gaze as Viravain's words sound across the grove. Her eyes fall onto Nepenthe and Kihr.

Mysrai offers no defence of the mortals, only sinking further and further into the Liar's fur, who stares on at Nepenthe and Kihr with object horror on their face.

Elexia's pointed ears twitch to hear Nepenthe and Kihr's answers, her body freezing.

Esei furrows their brow in thought.

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to Nepenthe, "Indeed. Perhaps, then, if our zealotry, as you call it, is too unnerving, then perhaps your time here has drawn to a close. Unless, of course, you are willing to put aside this silly dismissal of our customs?"

Kihr says, "I loved my time here It has been quite an enjoyable time in the beautiful forest!"

With the smallest flick of Their finger, Mysrai sends Kihr flying headlong into the depths of the Astral Plane.
Kihr leaves to the ether.

Rekath's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Alary glances askance at Nepenthe.

Kyalrhin blinks.

Their voice echoing from within the Liar's fur, Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales says, "I will not suffer lies to My Cousins."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Well, I suppose that's one way to leave."

Kyalrhin whistles appreciatively.

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

Viravain smiles softly at Mysrai.

Afollia's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Alary nods their head sagely at Mysrai.

Kihr has become the delicious main course for a ravenous fesix.
You see the death occur at a corral of ghosts.

Hands on either side of his head, you say, "Oh my gosh."

(The Shadow Kindred): Kyalrhin says, "F."

With a nervous laugh, Kind Nepenthe says, "I mean, you did all just do that chant, and Gurashi freakin broke a string."

You chitter at Nepenthe with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd whispers, "I do believe that was his first death."

Black sand begins to pour out from a rip in the aether, rippling with tongues of scarlet lightning.

Kind Nepenthe smiles and says, "Like, it's a bit much is all."

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says to Nepenthe, "The Glomdoring's ways are more similar to ours than you think, Nepenthe."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Nepenthe, "Glory be to the Glomdoring- it has quite a ring to it, does it not? It is a good way to assert our commitment to each other, and to our home."

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Nothing matters but Glomdoring was pretty much culmination of Gurashi's song."

Viravain steps closer to Nepenthe, Her eyes widening with mirth. The Glomdoring Forest grows quiet as She moves. "I see."

Odd sounds echo through the gloomy forest, their source undetermined.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Viravain, then to Nepenthe, speaking softly. "Should go help Kihr, think."

You blush at Kyalrhin furiously.

Lowering his head before Viravain and looking up meekly, Nepenthe tucks his tail between his legs.

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "While Gaudiguch prides it's freedom, our passion for freedom is a form of zealotry as well."

Alary creases their brow in a frown.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Ahhhh...."

You think to yourself: Are here for -songs-.

You think to yourself: Not fighting politics-ness.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi smiles broadly and says, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm looking forward to the next song."

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Join in on the chant, it's how we revel."

Danuja peers about those gathered, growing a bit more frantic in their motions. "I sh-should go..."

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "All of you should also say Glory be to Glomdoring, it's a lot of fun."

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "Fa' Glomdoring, if I recall the words correctly, are as meaningful as Love Under Will."

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters softly, looking to Tsakali and nodding.

Rekath ponders Danuja thoughtfully, looking them up and down.

Her body still stiff, Elexia's eyes flick to Nocht for just a moment before quickly falling to the forest floor. She slowly brings them back towards the next singer, making no remark.

Tsakali snaps back around and glares at Danuja, pointing at the ground next to them.

You chitter at Kalaneya with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Softly to Alary, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "F'ai Glomdoring."

Spinner Afollia, the Grand Diviner says, "Oh but you just arrived dear, do stay and keep us company. The fun is only beginning."

Alary smiles softly at Xenthos.

Tsakali clears their throat at Danuja.

Softly, Her voice a razor's edge from scorn, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to Nepenthe, "I would like for you to stay. Silently. There is more music to listen to."

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says to Xenthos, "My apologies, it has been a long time."

You give a short gasp of elation.

You nod your head at Nepenthe.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to you, "We shall proceed at the behest of our Dark Mother, and not before."

You nod your head at Kalaneya.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Kalaneya, "Ah, eh! Know! Of course!"

Afollia nods her head at Kalaneya.

Nepenthe's ears flatten against his skull and he swallows hard in a dry throat.

Mysrai offers no defence of the the mortal still, the black sand pooling along the forest floor beginning to rise ominously like a serpent waiting to strike.

Viravain reaches out to Nepenthe, the back of Her hand caressing Nepenthe's cheek. "Do not interrupt the festival again, mm?" She smiles faintly, the ghost of joy in Her eyes that now flicker with wyrden flames.

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd whispers, "Would you like to sing as well, Nepenthe?"

Danuja swallows back some distant thought or, perhaps, emotion.

Nepenthe gathers up the corners of his now empty blanket and wraps himself up tightly, giving a single nod.

Alary smiles softly at Danuja.

Withdrawing Her hand, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Indeed. Gurashi, we may proceed."

With a heavy fall, the black sand drops to the ground and begins to flow like slow-moving fog once more.

Lief's gaze is fixed upon Viravain, her gray eyes scarcely blinking as she watches all that passes. She gives her antlered head a little shake with the redirection, and brings her attention back to Kalaneya.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, staring at Viravain's request before offering a quick, "Oh, right. Yes. Miss Kalaneya?"

Kalaneya dips her head slightly to you, a smile relaying gratitude on her face. A shadowed figure trails her, moving distinctly on its own, as she glides to stand next to the Drums of the Dead.

Tsakali exhales audibly in relief, turning their attention back to Kalaneya in interest.

Kalaneya gently takes the figure's hand and addresses the crowd, "We thank the Dark Mother, for Her power only makes us possible. And we thank Her Cousins for Their presence," she says, an unusual echo following the syllables.

Esri tilts his head and listens intently to Kalaneya.

The Liar waits until Viravain's back appears turned and they think they can sneak a gaze towards Nepenthe, offering a small, sad smile and mouthing a few words of assumed support to the loboshigaru before their attention returns to Kalaneya.

"I-," Kalaneya's voice snaps back into her usual timbre, "-would like to express an eternity of gratitude to Gurashi and Eliron, and all of our other Harbingers for teaching me much about the music of the wyrd."

Elexia's attention turns to Kalaneya. The faeling's posture has relaxed once more as she clasps her hands together in front of her.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia murmurs, "And may I be strong enough to bear the weight of the Dark Spirits of our soil."

Two voices again join as one as Kalaneya says, "Through our colleagues, we have learned much about the melody and rhythm that compose the wyrden symphony and have found nothing more beautiful than the forest itself."

Nepenthe stares vacantly ahead, only his head visible poking out of his self-imposed cocoon of drab grey wool.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "We are pleased to present to you the results of our meditations."

Kalaneya turns to the indistinct figure beside her, and it likewise turns to face her. They embrace.

You watch in amazement as a thorn beast crumbles before your eyes. <--AHHHHH
A wobbly pancake kabob tumbles out of a thorn beast.
A wobbly pancake kabob tumbles out of a thorn beast.

Rekath stares implacably at a wobbly pancake kabob.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "LOL."

Kyalrhin blinks.

A homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin bends over and picks up a wobbly pancake kabob.

The simple gesture lasts only but a moment before the figure melts into Kalaneya's form, coating her in a miasma of churning shadow. She kneels and whispers an incantation to herself, the sussurations echoing around the great theatre.

Kalaneya's body and features begin to melt like wax, then solidifies into a lucidian.

Creaking as audibly as trees in the wind, Kalaneya rises back up, reborn into a new form, one with the ancient hymns of the wyrd.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Kalaneya, eyes wide in amazement.

Kalaneya stares blankly into the crowd, breathing rhythmically, in and out, each pass of air sounding out a deep hum. A mournful note, syncopated between the beats of the Drums of the Dead.

Kalaneya takes a first step, her crystallised joints and petrified muscles grinding against each other like the death knells of a dying tree as it crashes to the forest floor. A few more steps and she begins to clap, augmenting the Drums' steady beat with one of her own, cacophonous as it may be.

Danuja shakes their head rather quickly at Tsakali.

Esei peers about themself unscrupulously.

A low horn-like resonance sounds from Kalaneya's hollow crystalline spine; with the sound comes a soft skittering beneath the earth, which rises to a low insectoid hum. The droning washes over the rhythm in fits and surges, smoothing its rough edges and melding the sounds together into a single, pulsing flow.

Kreon curtseys gracefully.

Kalaneya begins to alter the pitch of her humming, with some notes higher and some notes lower. Some notes she crafts to sound as merely wind passing through the trees. Yet some, reminiscent of the ghostly echoes of voices, lost in the wood.

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

Kalaneya continues maintaining this orchestra of trees, insects, winds, and voices as the crystal-born melody drifts from languid to urgent and back again with the variation in the Drums's cadence.

A screaming screech punctuates the rhythmic symphony, rattling Kalaneya's form with the intensity of its volume: the cry mimicking that of a mighty crow. Its dissonance pierces the air with absolute authority, carrying the song to its climax.

Alary smiles softly, the churning flames within their body swirling more evenly than before.

A chorus of shrill vibratos flutter alongside the melody, directing the song's crescendos and decrescendos as it approaches its denouement. Kalaneya eases the symphony into its end, ceasing her clapping and stomping, and simply allowing her breaths to carry it into silence.

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

You think to yourself: Oh...

You think to yourself: This is a good song...

When all falls still, Kalaneya dips her head cordially in acknowledgment to the gathered with finality, concluding the performance. Her stiff bark-skin creaks under the strain of the movement.

The Liar looks mildly concerned at Kalaneya's performance but still offers a polite round of applause.

Tsakali applauds Kalaneya heartily.

You give a short gasp of elation.

Alary applauds Kalaneya heartily.

Evette congratulates Kalaneya with some wild clapping.

Esei congratulates Kalaneya with some wild clapping.

Clapping loudly and proudly, you say to Kalaneya, "Oh! Miss Kalaneya ....!"

Lief's eyes are wide as she stares at Kalaneya, her lips slightly parted. When the applause begins to ripple around her, she quickly and lightly joins in.

Kalaneya clasps her hands together and bows again with deep gratitude, her form straining against the effort.

Mysrai raises the Jackal's sceptre to poke out of the Liar's fur and waves it in acknowledgement, a heady sense of acknowledgement passing briefly through the glade like a hot wind.

Elexia applauds Kalaneya, smiling softly as she does so. A thoughtful look is upon her face.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 24th of Shanthin, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 31 days until the New Moon

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You think to yourself: Was so good...

Kalaneya gives a torn piece of notepad paper to you.

You tilt your head curiously at Kalaneya.

You read what is written on a torn piece of notepad paper:
Gurashi -- do read this for me. "Thank you for your kind applause. We find ourselves...unable to speak. We are looking forward to Lief's song."

A stillness suffuses the air around the Lady of the Thorns as She ponders the performance. A moment later, Viravain smiles, Her eyes flickering with emotion. "I heard the Lady Mahalla in your voice, My Kalaneya. Well done."

Perking up, you say, "Ah, Miss Kalaneya would like all to know, "Thank you for your kind a-pplause. We find ourselves, unable, to speak. We are looking forward, to, Lief's song.""

Kalaneya turns her featureless countenance towards Viravain's voice. She places a hand over her heart and bows in gratitude.

You beam broadly at Kalaneya.

Esei nods solemnly.

Lief's thoughtful expression jerks to her immediate surroundings as she hears her name mentioned. She glances about herself, then settles her gaze once more upon Kalaneya, her antlered head bowing.

The bright, bell-like voice of Aknarin rings in your ear, "I must depart, is now a good time to say goodbye and leave?"

You beam broadly at Lief.

At the sound of Gurashi's voice, Kalaneya turns yet again and nods encouragingly.
Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Grand Duke Aknarin D'Varden, "Mmmaybe..."
Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon whispers to you, "Is it time for me?"

Grand Duke Aknarin D'Varden says, "If I may very quickly...."

Grand Duke Aknarin D'Varden says, "Thank you for being incredible hosts and for a very festive few days of performance. I do regret that I must depart. Merry Solstice to all of you, and may the blessings of the Supernals be with you all."

You beam broadly at Aknarin.

With a flourish of his arm, Aknarin bows deeply.

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters excitedly, making quick ushering gestures towards the clearing. "Yes, yes! Is all you!"

Khasur Stormcrow's dark eyes flick to Lief.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Have fun!"

Lief tells you, "Ah..."

Aknarin bows respectfully to Viravain.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "...have fun!"

You stare implacably at Lief.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly at Lief.

Kyalrhin tilts her head curiously.

Lief stares implacably at you.

Elexia watches Lief with an encouraging smile, a little more natural than before. She punctuates her expression with a nod.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Is what is all about."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Mean is probably a little intimidating with Miss Lady of Roses and Mister Lord Silence and Mister-and-Missus Shofets but is -fine-."

After tearing her gaze away from you, Lief's dragonfly wings hum as they settle her into place. She twists to unsling a fragrant lute of hardwood maple from her back, ducking under it as she bobs wildly in the air until finally, it settles comfortably across her torso.

The Liar whispers something that is likely encouraging towards Lief, smiling a happy little smile at her.

Her antlered head bowed, her attention solely for a fragrant lute of hardwood maple, Lief takes a few moments to tune her instrument, plucking out each string. Her faeling ears twitch slightly to the sounds she makes as she fiddles with the tuning pegs.

Satisfied, Lief looks up. Her gray eyes are striking, sparkling like snow caught in crisp sunlight, piercing as they slowly sweep across the audience. The motion is well-practiced: she manages to barely give pause to Nocht and the other Divine gathered. "Given what little I know of the wyrd," she begins saying, "I thought it best to focus on areas where you and I might share connections. Some experiences are universal, I think, no matter where we live and no matter what we allow to affect us."

Her lilting voice a clear ring, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon says, "That thing is change. The cycle of rebirth: we were all once seeds, and we grow, we flower, our actions bear fruit for good or for ill. We wilt, we are a seed anew to grow from our past."

Kalaneya scribbles a few notes on a rustic blackthorn notepad.

Kalaneya swiftly rips a page from a rustic blackthorn notepad.

Lief glances down at the upper curve of her instrument, letting her words hang for a moment before continuing. "Change can be frightening," she says softly, "whether we witness it in ourselves or in another."

Elexia nods quietly as her hand grasps her storm glass amulet gently.

Looking up again, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon says, "Who can control the moment a rosebud is ready to unfurl itself in all its beauty and sweetness? We can lie to ourselves, but what if we aren't truly ready? What if we aren't ready for another's death, or their rebirth?"

Her voice like a bell, clarion and clear, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon says, "Thank you for allowing me to sing. These are the things I've been meditating upon in preparation for today."

Rekath stares blankly at Lief.

As unobtrusively as possible, Kalaneya gives a torn piece of notepad paper to you.

Lief draws in a deep, slow breath, then bends over her lute. On her exhale, she strums two slow, quiet chords.

Daem tilts his head and listens intently to Lief.

Her melodic voice low, rolling over drawn-out vowels, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "My dear, I am afraid... but not of shades self-made..."

You nod your head at Lief.

Even as Lief's notes gently rise, her voice mimics the vibrato of a violin. "Or terrors creeping in," she sings, tugging out two more simple chords, sound timed with a percussive knock upon the lute's maplewood body, "Upon eight legs which spin..."

Lief's fingers must be calloused: the way she strums as the music begins picking up speaks of little pain despite the obvious friction. "...A story of my every sin," she sings in time, her voice climbing. "A tale of every doubt within!" Her singing is throaty, and it is full-bodied, much larger than her faeling frame might suggest.

You read what is written on a torn piece of notepad paper:
Gurashi -- do tell Lief this whenever she is done. "We have found ourselves out of time and must depart. Lief, my deepest apologies for not staying to hear your song."

"Reject them all -" Though Lief's words become airy on a brief falsetto, they quickly fall back into the realm of the earthy. "-these seeds will bear no fruit or flower there."

Once more does Lief's voice drawl and quaver, an oak tree rooted deep but bending into a particularly fierce wind. "My hopes have scattered long and far..."

You have emoted: Gurashi takes the sheet of paper from Kalaneya, reading it and looking up before nodding.

Upon another pair of slow, deliberate chords, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "And taken root in soil bizarre..."

Lief's antlered head bows low as her hovering body rocks into her instrument. Just as slowly, just as deliberately, she continues to sing, her voice rich with alto melody. "I watch them grow; I watch them fade..." Another chord, a brief rap of her knuckles upon her lute. "...for more to sprout from whence they're laid."

As before, the chords pick up. Her voice louder, firmer, faster, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "I've learned, in dark, that hope drinks deep of places where all joy's asleep!"

Kalaneya scribbles a few notes on a rustic blackthorn notepad.

Lief's voice mirrors its earlier rise into ethereal heights, holding it for three slow syllables before breaking and falling. "So nighttime holds for me no fear."

Kalaneya swiftly rips a page from a rustic blackthorn notepad.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Kalaneya.

Deep and firm, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Not while stars above appear."

Lief's fingers continue their fierce strumming, and then ease, reverberating into mellow and quiet harmony with her. "I think a while upon my past," she sings, still low. However, a wistfulness begins to creep in, softening the harder edges of her words. "Upon those questions I had asked..."

Sinking deeper into her nostalgia, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "While we two perched within the trees, verdant summer at our knees..."

Lief's low voice is breathy, barely able to be considered melodic. "But winter came; we fell apart."

"I found I could not prove my heart..." Lief sings, finding purchase as she croons into the 'oo'. "A spirit that will ever change...no matter how my life grows stra-a-ange..."

As unobtrusively as possible, Kalaneya gives a torn piece of notepad paper to Khasur Stormcrow.

Lief holds onto the last sound, then picks up the strumming again. Simple but persistent chords thrum from beneath her eager fingertips, building up from one another. Her voice soon joins in, loud, demanding - pleading. "If you fall, too, I cannot carry someone whose own self you'd bury!"

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head, watching as Kalaneya begins to make her way out before quickly returning his gaze to Lief.

Briefly breaking into falsetto, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Not with ice upon my wings."

In time with her fiercely-strummed chords, Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon sings, "Fighting all the cold it brings."

Kalaneya leaves to the southwest, emanating an aura of immense power.

"And so, my dear, I am afraid," Lief sings, filling the air near her with naught but the sound of her lute and herself, "Of being bound to where you've stayed."

"Though I know your heart is true..." Lief sings, high, airy, and then dipping low with the strumming of simple but insistent chords. "I think I've changed too much for you."

Lief's fingers peel another trio of chords from her lute's six silken strings, and then her hand falls. She draws in a deep breath in the growing silence, then bows her antlered head low toward the audience.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You see the following people here:
Rancoura, Tsakali, Tridemon, Alary, Vanshi, Nepenthe, Kreon, Mysrai, Danuja, Rekath, Evette, Xenthos, Kyalrhin, Lief, Raimari, Razhril, Daem, Afollia, Elexia, Viravain, Nocht, Esri, Gurashi.

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly raises his hands and begins to clap, chittering loudly.

Kreon gives up a round of applause.

Evette claps her hands together merrily.

You feel that Lief deserves some congratulation, and so you clap wildly.

A homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin gapes for a bit before clapping with its overly large hands in a comical but respectful manner.

Tsakali applauds Lief heartily.

Nepenthe stares ahead, silent, still.

Razhril gives up a round of applause.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Very well done, Miss Lief."

Elexia applauds Lief earnestly, taking a step forward as she does so. She beams with pride at her sister.

Alary applauds Lief heartily.

The Liar claps their hands together for Lief just as loudly as they had for you, a bright smile on their face.

Nocht remains silent, watching Lief.

Kyalrhin's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Khasur Stormcrow smiles briefly, a quick quirk of her lips.

Lief bobs quietly in the air as dawn breaks above the Forest's canopies, raising her head to the sound of applause. "Thank you," she says breathlessly, clutching a fragrant lute of hardwood maple to herself.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly looks towards Nocht, barely catching the glance as he pretends to watch the rest of those gathered.

Mysrai's staff briefly appears above the sea of the Liar's fur, and They wave it in acknowledgement as another hot wind winds its way through the trees.

You beam broadly at Lief.

Her voice lilting in its gentleness, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to Lief, "Your Lady must be quite proud of you, little songbird."

You think to yourself: Ah! A compliment - how nice for.

Rancoura's countenance betrays naught as she contemplate Lief, the steady coolness within her eyes unabated. She watches the faeling's movements with apparent curiosity, though there is something quite darker in her gaze. After a long moment her gaze turns to the Divine of the Glomdoring.

The Liar looks hopeful at Viravain's words, smiling gently in approval towards Lief.

Lief bows her antlered head toward Viravain. "I hope that She is," she says quietly.

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

You beam broadly at Lief.

Lief wings back to you, hovering near you.

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters excitedly at Lief, clapping his hands together as he offers some whispered words of praise.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Are good singer! Did not know! Mean, thought maybe so but was good!"

Softly, Her voice like the rattling wind through Her trees, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to Lief, "Tell Me -- was your song influenced by your study of My Wyrd? After all, the song you composed for Me was quite similar to this one."

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up.

[[ Lief POV: "Oh blackthorn...." ]]

Lief focuses on Viravain, her faeling ears twitching. She opens her mouth to answer, but quite suddenly freezes.

You stare implacably at Lief.

Elexia's pride quickly turns to concern as her brow furrows.

You think to yourself: ...Miss Lief?

Lief shakes her antlered head forcefully and breathes out. "It was inspired by recent experiences, Lady of the Thorns," she manages. "They and my meditations on what might entertain those here."

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze darts to Elexia quickly, then back towards the speaking faeling, tilting his head.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Viravain's lips.

Simply, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "I see."

The deep baritone of Their voice muffled, and forced to ring through golden hieroglyphs floating up from the Liar, Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales asks, "Then shall We confer, Cousins?"

Viravain's attention turns to you, Her hands tossing the scythe back and forth between them idly. "Are there any other participants, then?"

Alary murmurs softly to themself.

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "Is there time for something small?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Viravain suddenly, perking up. "Oh, er, think were going to be a couple more, but the Festival ran later, so... many, many...oh!"

You tilt your head curiously at Alary.

You stare implacably at Alary.

A redolent aroma envelops Alary as a gentle breeze wafts striking petals of carnelian hue about him, fluttering gaily like streamers on the wind.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Alary, "The theme is the Glory of the Wyrd, yes...?"

Alary smiles softly at you.

The Liar tilts their head to the side and looks at Alary with a curious, but encouraging grin.

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "If not, that is fine."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Viravain, gesturing to Alary. "Another one, if do not mind, Miss."

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "It's not anything prepared, really, just ... inspired."

Viravain nods Her head at you.

You clap your hands together merrily.

Apologetically, you say to Mysrai, "One more! Please! Then can conifer!"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard blinks incredulously at you.

(The Shadow Kindred): Raimari says, "Did you mean confer."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Was conifer intentional."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Yes intentional."

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters to Alary, gesturing towards the clearing before joining Lief where she hovers.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "At least did not have to go last!"

Lief tells you, "Oh! I ah. I don't mind going last. Though I'm happy to hear another participant!"

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd whispers, "Kihr wishes to rejoin the gathering."

You think to yourself: Oh gosh.

Nepenthe gulps nervously.

You have emoted: Gurashi frets quietly, patting either side of his face with his hands.

Kihr suddenly appears, looking bewildered.

After a long moment to consider from within the Liar's fur, Mysrai's weird and echoing voice acknowledges, "Very well," from the hieroglyphs hanging in the air.

Lief shakes her antlered head again with an exhale. She turns and focuses her attention upon Alary.

Putting a finger to Her lips, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to Kihr, "Be quiet, child, and observe."

Kihr nods his head emphatically.

Nodding to the gathering, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Proceed."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "...are O-K?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Think She liked it, maybe."

Nepenthe loosens his grip on a drab gray blanket bundled around him and allows enough
Alary taking measured steps, they move towards the clearing, single eye still closed. When they reach the clearing, Alary lifts their head, eye opening to gaze at the forest around them. "My lineage lays within this forest, I see echoes of the world I could have lived within each visit beneath these trees," their voice is lilted, an uncertain attempt at a melody, yet with each spoken syllable they grow stronger.

Lief tells you, "I hope so - I know I'm not eligible for any prizes, but I am happy to have sung. If others liked it, if it reached others, I am so very glad."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Ah... is EXACTLY how felt about MY song."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Except, with prize eligibility."

A look of abject horror crosses Nepenthe's face, but he remains obediently silent.

You have emoted: Gurashi maintains a straight face, but looks sidelong at Lief, amused.

Lief tells you, "Your song was wonderful, Gurashi! I just...I think you sang your feelings very well. I thought to myself then, though, and I want to say to you now - I hope you see just how you touch the people around you. Because you do."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Eh? Me?"
Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Elexia breathes in sharply, her body becoming rigid as her eyes dart around the ground beneath her. She releases the breath slowly, silently, nodding as she returns her attention to Alary.

You think to yourself: Do not touch peoples - are just... already good peoples.

Kihr leans on Nepenthe seeking consolation.

Lief tells you, "You. So I think your people will have loved your song for its contents, for the words that you sang. I loved it for the emotion that lives within you, and for the effect you have on others."

Alary breathes in, their expression becoming lost in memory, a wistful smile upon their face. "We know the Wyrd like many who are not of this forest, we know the words spoken in Glory and we know what the forest can mean to those who are enveloped within their branches," the words follow no discernible pattern, no measure found within, yet somehow they weave into a melodic rhythm.

You think to yourself: .....me? On others?

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Alary silently, captivated by the performance, though his mandibles click softly in response to something unknown.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Are very kind."

Lief tells you, "Thank you. I am glad when truth and kindness are allowed to be the same thing."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Oh - that is clever. Like that."

Lief smiles faintly, prompted by something unheard, but watches Alary with quiet earnestness.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Oh - are staying to watch Xenthos's play??"

Lief tells you, "I wish that I could."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Ah ... d-did ... uh."

Voice falling into a staccato, syllables harshly enunciated, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages sings, "Branches that twist, that wind, that move around the Basin. The Wyrd means much to those within her clutches, little attention paid to those beyond. Friends are welcomed, foes repelled, and wisps of memory encroach against the fog of time."

Motes of rubescent light shimmer across the Golden Belt of the Enlightened briefly, lending the effigy of the Guardian Drachou about Alary's waist the appearance of dancing amongst flames.

Lief tells you, "It is nothing wrong that has happened. I only need time to meditate on the Aesthetics I have witnessed here, with the stories and the music."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Alary.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Oh ..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "...did like the songs??"

Lief tells you, "They have all been unlike anything I've heard before."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a soft 'oh'

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Oh! Miss Kalaneya wanted me to tell you that is sorry could not stay to hear your song, but seemed happy were here."

Elexia's eyes widen briefly in shock, then peer forward intently at something unseen. Her ears twitch as she casts her gaze to the left and right, searching for something unapparent.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Was happy too! Know must have been scary for."

Lief tells you, "I am so very relieved to hear that."

Alary expression growing strained, their crystalline face contorting into an unreadable expression, "Memories found, lyrics bound, that glory of Glomdoring exists around."

Lief's gaze breaks from Alary momentarily to watch Elexia, concern fleeting upon her face. After the moment has passed, though, she returns her attention to Alary.

Elexia's eyes meet Lief's briefly, just long enough to flash a strained smile before returning to Alary.

Flames within churning wildly, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "We exist on the edge, an outsiders view, of the glory within, if we only knew. Our memories here are few and dear, and yet walking within we never fear. The forest persists, time it resists. The Glory of Glomdoring is something we praise, if only we knew of better ways.""

Lief's gaze breaks from Alary momentarily to watch Elexia, concern fleeting upon her face. After the moment has passed, though, she returns her attention to Alary.

(The Shadow Kindred): Hani says, "Ok!"

A crumbling loamadore dives back into the soil, leaving only loose earth to mark its passage.

The foliage rustles to the southeast, as a mass of brambles and thorns tumbles into the room.

Elexia's eyes meet Lief's briefly, just long enough to flash a strained smile before returning to Alary.

A thorn beast melts softly back into the foliage.

Flames within churning wildly, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "We exist on the edge, an outsiders view, of the glory within, if we only knew. Our memories here are few and dear, and yet walking within we never fear. The forest persists, time it resists. The Glory of Glomdoring is something we praise, if only we knew of better ways.""

The foliage rustles to the southeast, as a mass of brambles and thorns tumbles into the room.

You think to yourself: Peoples still seem like are having fun...

Alary slumps down, looking directly at the forest floor before slinking off to the edge of the clearing.

<-- Wheee Ironbeard

Khasur Stormcrow twitches spasmodically.

You have emoted: Gurashi scans the crowd before realizing Alary's reached the conclusion of his performance, gasping and clapping.

You feel that Alary deserves some congratulation, and so you clap wildly.

Tsakali applauds Alary heartily.

Kreon gives up a round of applause.

Evette claps her hands together merrily.

Afollia gives up a round of applause.

Elexia smiles softly.

Elexia applauds Alary heartily.

Kihr applauds Alary heartily.

Esri cheers wildly!

Razhril gives up a round of applause.

Lief's antlered head tilts curiously, considering the melodic words while applauding Alary's song.

Nepenthe stares blankly at Alary.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Alary, "Maaaany thank yous for offering to sing, yes."

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

You see the following people here:
Rancoura, Tridemon, Danuja, Rekath, Mysrai, Xenthos, Kyalrhin, Tsakali, Kreon, Raimari, Kihr, Vanshi, Razhril, Evette, Lief, Nepenthe, Viravain, Nocht, Alary, Esri, Afollia, Elexia, Gurashi.

The Liar cheers wildly for Alary.

Eerily silent, Ankaa shifts from one leg to the other causing the dizzying multitude of colours shining off of his ornate disc to mix with the warping heat that surround him to create a spectacle of hues that reflect from every surface for a brief moment before dampening to his normal beauty.

You give a cookie resembling a buckeye to Kind Nepenthe.

You chirp happily at the Liar.

<-- IronBEARD

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Oh boy, Ironbeardy's at it again."

Khasur Stormcrow mutters, "oh for Thorns sake, Ironbeard."

Kreon chews on her lip, deep in thought.

Spinner Afollia, the Grand Diviner says, "He has been quite pro-active this month..."

<-- Ironbeard - for Afollia this time!

You have emoted: Gurashi leans back, looking for the Shofet among the vast sea of fur that makes up the Liar.

Raimari laughs out loud.

Kreon gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Afollia rolls her eyes and laughs.

Viravain glances briefly at Khasur and then to Ironbeard before fixing Alary with the weight of Her attention. "Thank you, child. I admire your courage, and your spontaneity."

Khasur Stormcrow throws up her hands and sits squarely on the ground again.

You beam broadly at Alary.

Esri beams broadly at Alary.

<--Ironbeard for Alary XD

Alary buries their face in Ankaa's plumage, ignoring the eddies of blood now running against their crystalline form in a poor attempt to hide their embarrassment.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.

Khasur Stormcrow whimpers like a wounded puppy.

You have emoted: Gurashi covers his face.

Evette chuckles long and heartily.

Esri utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "ADMIN PLZ."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "DO YOU SEE NOW."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "DO YOU SEE."

Voice muffled by the feathers, Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "Thank You, Lady Viravain, we're afraid our ideas fled the moment we started speaking."

Black sand rises from the forest's floor to swirl around Alary in a delighted vortex, scarlet lightning lighting their skin in a delightful display.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Me next, me next!"

Afollia's eyes sparkle with amusement at Kyalrhin.

You boggle at Kyalrhin.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Kihr rubs up against Nepenthe affectionately.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Alary, "Thank you so much again!"

You beam broadly at Alary.

Esri utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages murmurs, "Thank You, my Liege."

Nepenthe's head moves only a fraction of an inch and his gaze darts briefly at Kihr, but he remains otherwise unmoving and unheard.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks slowly to Viravain, then to Nocht, lingering on the cloaked Divine before looking for Mysrai once more. "Uhm...thank You for coming to the celebration. Has been an honor."

<--thornbeast aggro again

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

You think to yourself: Thornbeast...

"Anyone else?" Mysrai's voice rings through the air, carried by the hieroglyphs escaping from the Liar's fur.

Hani peers about himself unscrupulously.

In a hushed yet warm voice, Disciple of the Thorned Willow Esri, Proselyte of the Awakening says to you, "Is that everyone?"

Lief's attention wanders the audience with the question, though she settles upon Elexia now and again more often than most, a thoughtful frown worrying at her brow.

Danuja shifts uneasily.

You have recognised Lief for: Have I done this yet? I should do this now. Thank you for the wonderful RP experience! It was a delight having Lief around, and all the little things like the antlers shedding red flowers - brilliant!

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Think so."

You beam broadly.

You have been recognised by Lief for: Playing a wonderful host and safety blanket for Lief to lean on during possibly the most terrifying moment of her life to date!
You just earned 4 daily credits. You can earn 11 more.

You beam broadly at Mysrai.

You beam broadly at the Liar.

You tell the Liar, "Is so much fun!"

You tell the Liar, "Hope are also having very good time still! Even if ...all of the big Divine can be a little scary...."

Black sand swirls around the Liar, Mysrai soon rising from the depths of their fur to look towards Their Cousins in silent communication as They hover ominously in midair.

Rekath hums a happy tune.

Esri ponders the situation.

The Liar tells you, "I get to have Them next to me, and keep Them happy and calm so They do not hurt people who make Them mad."

The Liar tells you, "I am the happiest tae'dae in the world!"

You tell the Liar, "You sure are! They are lucky to have you too!"

Viravain strokes a wickedly curved scythe tenderly.

You have emoted: Gurashi shuffles, poking at the ground with his foot before changing instruments, sliding his violin onto a holster on his back as he wields his lute once more.

You cease wielding a subtle violin of dark hues in your left hand.

You begin to wield a wooden lute engraved with spiders in your left hand.

You pat a wooden lute engraved with spiders in a friendly manner.

Lief's eyes fall upon the lute in your arms and hugs her own lute closer to her torso.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Oh - reminded me."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You transfer 15 credits to Lief.

You chirp happily at Lief.

Danuja glances towards the Liar in silence for a few moments. "I like your fur. Looks fluffy, and warm."

Lief tells you, "What are those for?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Participation prize."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to the Liar, "Is this a good time for the sealion?"

Lief tells you, "Oh, goodness!"

You transfer 15 credits to Alary.
You chirp happily at Alary.

Lief tells you, "That's so very generous of you. Thank you!"

Alary blinks incredulously at you.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "From me, not Glomdoring."

Lief smiles softly at you.

Alary chirps happily at you.

The Liar says to Danuja, "It is! I take very good care of it."

Whispering loudly, you say to Alary, "For participating."

Alary smiles softly.

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "Thank you."

Without even looking at them, Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales says to the Liar, "You may not have a sea lion." <--AAAHHHHHHHAHHAHA

Alary blinks.

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales loudly at hearing the news.

You stare implacably at Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi throws Tridemon a bewildered look, shrugging his arms wildly.

Tridemon gives a blubbery sea lion pup to you.

Lief's smile fades as she lingers in quiet, looking down upon the curve of her maplewood lute. Sanguine petals float about her, dissipating into motes of essence nearly as soon as they're shed from her antlers.

Whispering loudly, you say to Tridemon, "No what are you -doing-."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "The Liar is apparently being disallowed a sea lion. You take it."

An enormous set of black scales briefly discolour the sky as Mysrai stares at the competitors with eyes that glow and explode with alien constellations that strike a primordial dread into your stomach. Soon, though, the scales fade and They nod Their head as though nothing had happened, waving Their sceptre towards the mortals and inclining Their head to the other Divine.

Whispering loudly, you say to Tridemon, "Nooo...uh."

From amidst the boughs of the Glomdoring, the voices of crows rise in unanimous, mocking derision.

You see the following people here:
Rancoura, Vanshi, Xenthos, Danuja, Kihr, Evette, Hani, Rekath, Lief, Nepenthe, Tridemon, Alary, Raimari, Mysrai, Tsakali, Kreon, Afollia, Elexia, Viravain, Nocht, Esri, Kyalrhin, Gurashi.

Breaking through the ground, a glittering black rose unfurls.

You chitter at a glittering black rose with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Viravain tilts Her head, as if listening to something. Her eyes meet Mysrai's and then Nocht's in turn.

Elexia looks up at the Wyrden canopy, pursing her lips thoughtfully. She lowers her gaze to Lief, smiling softly. She begins mouthing something quietly to herself, under her breath.

Swaying in the air, Lief idly caresses the curve of her lute.

You think to yourself: Oh - wish Miss Kalaneya were still here...

You think to yourself: She would love to see this...

Nocht tilts His head, nodding silently to Viravain.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 25th of Shanthin, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 30 days until the New Moon

Nepenthe pats Kihr lightly on the paw and nods silently, the movements so small and discreet as to be almost unnoticeable.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together, looking over towards Xenthos finally and offering a friendly wave.

Lightly, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "If We are to judge, I believe We have our victor."

Kyalrhin tilts her head curiously.

"Oh?" Esri exclaims quizzically.

Evette's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks towards the Divine quickly, antennae twitching.

Viravain's voice draws Lief's attention up again.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard listens intently, awaiting the final declaration.

Whispering, a homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin says to Tsakali, "I bet it's Ironbeard."

Tsakali scowls miserably at a homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin.

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

Idly stroking the tip of the scythe, its vicious blade dragging along Her hand without drawing blood, Viravain says, Her voice low and sharp, "Although all of the songs We've heard were quite good, the bard whose voice spoke to Us deeper than the others was," and with a brief withering glance toward the homonculus, "Gurashi."

Esri gives you a wild cheer!

Hani congratulates you with some wild clapping.

Evette gives you a wild cheer!

You blink.

Kyalrhin applauds you heartily.

Flatly, you say, "What."

Tsakali applauds you heartily.

Spinner Afollia, the Grand Diviner says, "Congratulations Gurashi!"

Esri hugs you compassionately.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

Alary gives you a wild cheer!

Rekath, Treant of the Wyrd whispers, "Congratulations, creature."

Kyalrhin thwaps Rekath on the head.

Lief brightens at your name, and she flashes you a smile filled with sudden warmth.

You have emoted: Gurashi is nearly knocked over by the force of Ilistala, an enormous leopard's purr, staggering in place as he looks to Viravain, jaw falling open.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "So. Now it is time for the last of this weave's events, aye?"

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Tsakali hopefully.

Elexia applauds with a pleased nod as she chimes, "Well done, Gurashi. It was a lovely song."

Nocht, the Silent has bestowed His divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 10 months.

You blush furiously.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Yes!"

You have emoted: Gurashi covers his mouth, looking quickly to Nocht, bowing his head politely.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "On to the play!"

Nepenthe gathers up the corner of the blanket left vacant by Kihr and bundles himself up again, making no acknowledgement of the proceedings.

Nocht nods His head towards you.

Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon says to you, "I told you, didn't I? You touched people."

With a gesture, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to you, "Wear My favour for your wisdom and talent, little bumblebee."

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 10 months.

You have emoted: Gurashi bows to Viravain in turn, staying dipped a bit longer this time as he nods. "Many thank yous, Miss Lady of Roses..."

Straightening slowly, you say to Viravain, "Many thank yous for suggesting the contest... musics of the forest are nice to appreciate from time to time..."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Stroking Her scythe, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "It was right for you to indulge Me in this contest. You did well."

Mysrai turns in midair and begins to dissolve into black sand that fades into the wind. As They wave Their staff, the glowing hieroglyph upon your forehead fades before reigniting and growing even stronger.

The favour of Mysrai has worn off.

Mysrai, the Shofet of Abyssal Scales has bestowed Their divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 10 months.

You give a short gasp of elation.

You blush furiously.

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says to you, "You are a lovely vocalist and a wonderful individual, Gurashi. All of this praise is well deserved."

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "U-uhm! Is time! To head down! To the stage!"

Alary thanks Viravain profusely.

Lief's smile fades into a look of alarm as her attention flits back to Viravain. "Oh," she manages to say, hugging a fragrant lute of hardwood maple.

Lightly, Her voice impassive, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to Mysrai, "And to You, My Cousin -- thank You for joining us."

Xenthos tells you, "Is it time for the stage?"

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures wildly towards the brush, looking up to Nocht and bowing deeply once more. "M-many thank yous!"

(The Crux): Xenthos says, "It is time for the last of this weave's events, then- the play."

(The Shadow Kindred): Kyalrhin says, "Let's go."

Whispering even louder, a homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin says to Tsakali, "Are you sure? He speaks a lot."

Khasur Stormcrow smiles, her eyes giving away nothing of her thoughts.

Khasur Stormcrow begins to follow Viravain.

Tsakali inclines their head politely to those around them.

The Liar rubs their eyes and stands, saying quietly, "I think I am sleepy, Friend Gurashi." They turn to look towards where Mysrai vanished and nod at Viravain as She calls out to the disappearing Divine. "Thank you for having us, Miss Viravain. I hope You have a nice rest, too."

Esri bows respectfully to Tsakali.

You flash the Liar a joyous smile.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "I believe I shall skip the play as well. I am quite tired."

Alary smiles softly at the Liar.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "Thank you for having us, Glomdoring. I too must rest, but your festivities will be remember for many years to come."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out, touching the Liar's arm gently. "Am so grateful that came. Was really really fun!"

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says to the Liar, "Maybe soon I will have something for you."

Tridemon points boldly towards the horizon and declares in a proud tone, "Onward!"

Viravain's eyes flicker faintly with wyrden flames as She regards the remaining mortals. "Enjoy the festival, My forest." The wood parts wide, allowing the Lady of the Thorns to stride forward into the darkness.

Alary grabs you by the shoulder and points off into the distance, before lurching forward and yelling, "Nyoom!"

Hani sways back and forth.

(The Crux): You say, "Is time for final celebration of evening - a play by our very own Xenthos! Is dramatic! Is cry-making! Is..too good not to see!"

(The Crux): You say, "It will conclude the festivities for the month - many thank yous!"

Black sand consumes the Liar before they can finish their sentence, scouring the word from the air and whipping them away from sight.

Your mouth turns up as your face breaks into a smile.

(Glomdoring): Esri says, "Farewell to our Divine."

Faintly, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Be well, My little ones."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

The surrounding shadows wane, falling back in despondent melancholy as the form of Nocht, the Silent dissolves into wisps of shadow.

You nod your head emphatically.

Afollia curtseys gracefully.

Pointing down, you exclaim, "Play! Come watch! Come see!"

You make a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.

You flail about helplessly.

Lief's fingers tighten upon her lute as she quickly looks away from where Nocht had been standing, focusing instead on you. "Thank you for inviting Elexia and me."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Will be cooookies."

Beaming, you exclaim to Lief, "Am so glad that came!"

Xenthos tells you, "Please bring the people down?"

Lief smiles softly.

Alary chirps happily at you.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Lief, "Be well - travel safe!"

Kyalrhin Ysav'rai yells, "Get down here already."

Elexia clasps her hands together and bows, chiming, "May your Tah'vrai be fufilled. Thank you again."

You chirp happily at Elexia.

Lief nods her head affirmatively at you.

You thank Elexia profusely.

Elexia leaves, following Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon.
Lief holds the Flame of dae'Seren aloft and an emerald light shines forth, revealing a hazy hallway of ancient trees. As Lief walks through the hallway, the trees close around her and disappear.

Rancoura exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.