did I cry? yes.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "* a gentle thrum of pale verdant hues, their voice far-off and curious * Mine-child?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "Oh! Hello dad, yes. **a sudden wash of green in a sea of grey, only to be smothered by something else** Did you need something, yes?"

You think to yourself: They had a dad too.
You have emoted: Cheliyi winces, and returns to hunting.

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 slithering ooze.
You have scored a CRITICAL hit!
You focus on your wasted efforts, resolving to shift the damage forward.
A slithering ooze has been shot down by mechanical lace gloves.
You have slain a slithering ooze.
You suddenly scoop up the corpse of a slithering ooze.

You start speedwalking.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Yes - I need to see you!"

Lair of the Ebonglom Wyrdling.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The first thing to hit about this area is the heavy stench, a smell of decay and excrement that overpowers the senses. The end of the path to the east leads into this abhorrent pit. Thick white slime coats the walls, falling from the ceiling in bulky globs. The floor itself is thick and slippery, trails of yellow and brown running through a pool of clear ooze. Whatever rock structure once existed here is now invisible behind the cumulative excretions. Spikes jutting forth from its skin, the massive bulk of the Ebonglom Wyrdling pulsates on the floor. The scent of death radiates from a mangled corpse impaled here upon a sharpened pole. There are 10 dark nighthags here. There are 10 shadowlord widowriders here. There are 10 illithoid scourges here.
You see a single exit leading east.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "* though the message is urgent, their tone is calm and loving *."

You give the corpse of a slithering ooze to the Ebonglom Wyrdling.
The Ebonglom Wyrdling slurps down the corpse of a slithering ooze, purring with contentment. X20

The Ebonglom Wyrdling opens its horrific maw and a rotten smell roils out. The entire body of the Ebonglom Wyrdling begins to convulse as it gags and chokes, finally expelling a tumourous pustule.

You pick up a tumourous pustule.

You start speedwalking.
You have reached your destination.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "**a pained hesitance, before it slides into some form of relief** Okay dad, I will come in just a moment."

You give a tumourous pustule to Rowena Nightshade.
Rowena Nightshade exclaims, "Yes! Yes! Here, take this and bring me more!"
Rowena Nightshade thrusts a bag of gold to you.

Rowena Nightshade spits on the pustule, which begins to sizzle. Then she hurls the now bubbling pustule into a large metal vat. The pustule breaks open releasing a noxious black liquid.

You begin murmuring the names of the sefira in the Tree of Life. Eyes half-closed, you find the true name of the Aetherplex Chamber and whisper it softly.

Domothean energies surge around your figure as you step forwards into the Tree itself and through Kether into another location.

You portal to Celestial Leviathan.

The Name of the Sound of the Waves.
Stretching out in every direction is a somewhat oddly colored beach- rather than white or brown or red sand, the sand here is largely a bluish-violet. In the immediate area though is a wide, pristine beach blanket covering the warm sands, along with a wide, colorful umbrella that shades a portion of the blanket from the eternal noontime sun. Next to the blanket is a wooden sign which has been planted deep in the sand, with the words 'Out to Lunch' painted neatly across the weathered boards in black and gold. Off to the north, a forest of rising bamboo can be seen in the distance. The light of day shines brightly. Perpetually ticking away the hours, the Immortal Clock of Past's Restoration stands proudly nearby. Sparkling liquids bubble up from a fountain here. Appearing to spit fire from its curling maw, a dragonsnap lily has been abandoned here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand. Gurashi, The Heart's Friend shifts and blurs, their figure cast into uncertainty by the enveloping Presence that lingers large, unseen, and heavy about their form. They wield a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars in their left hand.
You see exits leading north, east, and down.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.

Tridemon gives Gurashi a friendly cuddle.
Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "'lo, Cheliyi."

Gurashi's hands fly to their mouth as they give a short gasp of elation.

You have emoted: Cheliyi waves hello, and walks over to sit next to Gurashi and Tridemon.

Gurashi turns away from Tridemon, scrambling up to their feet and immediately rushing over to you. "Mine-child!" They exclaim, opening their arms.
Gurashi coughs softly.

You blink.

You giggle happily.

You hug Gurashi compassionately.
Gurashi reaches out and gently grabs you, pulling you into a tight embrace.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's visibly relaxes into the embrace, hiding her face in Gurashi's shoulder.

You think to yourself: **the hollow pain in your chest ebbing away, ever so slightly**.

Gurashi's shoulders bunch as they wrap up the mugwump in their arms, fingers curling their hands into fists against your back. "Thank you for coming. We missed you!"

Muffled by Gurashi's shirt, you say, "I missed you too, dad."

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

---> look gurashi

Standing at a scant four foot ten inches, they are an alluring sileni starlit demigod changeling. The slender curves of this creature's form, from their slight shoulders to their dainty, six-fingered hands, lend them a youthful, wholesome appearance. Their right hand has been scarred upon the palm, as if with a sharp object, and their most prominent three knuckles of the same hand are marred. A heart-shaped face houses a sheepish smile and a pair of large, expressive, slate-blue eyes, their brilliant white pupils resembling stars framed with dusky auburn lashes. Their long cheeks and thin, upturned nose both bear a permanent shade of blush, accentuated by the greatest cluster of freckles. A moderately sized crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek, brightly visible against the deep hue of their skin. Their smooth skin is tawny in color, covered in a smattering of auburn freckles. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen at the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. An unruly mane of bright, apricot colored hair is clustered in wavy clumps atop their head, parted on either side of their head by a pair of curling, deep sable ram's horns, the left horn slightly shorter and stumpier than the right. A shock of bone-white hair stands out along their left temple, the tuft tucked delicately around their horn. A pair of velvety soft black ram's ears hang down from below their horns, twitching every so often in response to foreign sound. Beginning along their midriff is a thin coat of apricot-colored wool, a hint of pure white spots seen poking out from the top of their pants. Their backwards-tilted legs are slender and fawn-like, covered in downy tufts of orange fur and coming to end with triangular, sable black hooves. A short orange and white tail can be seen occasionally wagging behind them.
They are wearing:
loose black trousers that cling tightly to their hips
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
Refined Boots of the Paladin, worn and weathered from use
a pair of gardening gloves which have been worn from wear on the fingertips
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a well-worn apron covered in colorful pockets tied tightly behind their back
a royal blue silken shirt that is just barely too big, sleeves rolled up and collar upright
a leather explorer's hat pulled firmly down onto their head
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet which jingles softly on their left wrist
a glimmering scarf of hive and hearth looped once around their neck
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a shifting, living poppy of silvery petals worn delicately upon their left wrist
a driftwood ring of sea breezes fitted tightly to their left middle finger
a bright red poppy tucked into their hat
a gleaming pendant of starlight pinned proudly to their shirt.

Gurashi smiles sadly at you, sympathy shining in their eyes.

You have emoted: Cheliyi returns the embrace, practically clinging to the sileni despite their similar size.

Gently, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Tridemon told me you completed your very first Nai'dorin, yes."
Quietly, you say, "I did."

The sounds of waves entice your ears, drawing your senses on a salty journey.

Even softer, you say, "I wish I hadn't."

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.

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.
As nightfall steals the last vestiges of daylight, a slender leothin's muted coat begins to shine with a violaceous radiance, and a double pair of wings materializes, grandly extended as if they've been there all along.

The sounds of waves entice your ears, drawing your senses on a salty journey.

You have emoted: Cheliyi visibly swallows, holding back tears.

Gurashi says nothing to this, gently stroking their hand against the back of your head. "It is awfully hard, yes. The preparation in and of itself is so draining. But." They furrow their brow. "...it is O-K."
Gurashi pets you ingratiatingly.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I did not mind most of it, no. The hard work was fine. But... the last part."

Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

You have emoted: Cheliyi inhales sharply. "It does not make sense. So I will never do it again."

Gurashi continues to pet lightly, glancing over their shoulder toward Tridemon before looking back at you. "Make sense?"

A soft strum of deep, reassuring psionic energy pulses out from the sileni, settling in comfortably like a veil.

Her tail flicking back and forth in silent agitation, you say, "The child did nothing to my siblings. They were not an enemy. They were little."

Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

Her voice growing stronger, you say, "They were not a sacrifice. They did not deserve to be one. They just -existed-."

You think to yourself: **a rush of orange once more, filling the hollow cavity with the sickly sensation of anger**.

You think to yourself: **Your siblings, warm, dark and loving, safe. The sense of safety suddenly tinged with the oily slick of guilt, why you and not them?**.

Gurashi continues to offer a weary smile for you, canting their head. "...I never thought to ask, myself, when lived in forest. Why had to be so small, cause, the forest is very big and strong, now."

Suddenly quiet once more, you say, "I was little."

Gurashi's eyes widen as they stare at you.
Gurashi gingerly pulls you back into a firm hug, guiding the mugwump's head back to their smaller shoulder. "I know."

You have emoted: Cheliyi's shoulders shake as Gurashi's shirt grows conspicuously damp.

Soothingly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Is O-K that do not want to do it again."

You have emoted: Cheliyi inhales shakily.

Stroking her hair, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "You do not have to, no. Never again - just like Tridemon said. Is O-K to not want to do it, and to not do it and not explain why do not want to do it."

Her voice thick with tears, you say, "I know. But I -already- did it."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "... then is done."
Gurashi pulls back slightly, cupping your face. "You cannot undo what has already been done. We do not have the time magicks. Well, Hallifax does, but, I do not know that they are so good at knowing how to use it all the time."
Gurashi glances askance.
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "...but you are also making a goodly choice, now - going forward?"

The depths of the dark of night herald a new beginning, and a new chance to make the world a little better.
It is now the 2nd of Roarkian, 575 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You have emoted: Cheliyi nods slowly, quickly drying her face with her bandaged hand and blanket.
Softly, you say, "I am."

The Mantle of Starlight shimmers and twinkles as the starlit darkness that it is formed of continues its eternal motion.

Gurashi wipes at some of the mugwump's tears, tail swishing behind them. "You are making a choice, going forward. To protect rather than...."
Gurashi gives you a friendly squeeze.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "And that is goodly..." They cant their head, then lean in, letting their forehead touch to Cheliyi's. "Am so proud of you."

You have emoted: Cheliyi hiccups.

Gurashi pets you ingratiatingly.

You hug Gurashi compassionately.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Thanks dad."

Gurashi lets out a small squeak as they are squashed in the embrace, returning it best they can. "I am sorry that are still hurting from it, though. Let me see your hand - is finger O-K? Did wear the vest? Or the gown?"

You blink.
You glance askance.

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow, "Did you wear the vest?"

Gurashi suddenly cants their head and narrows their eyes at Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow, peering at him suspiciously.

Muginn glances at Gurashi warily, before nodding once in approval.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I ... see..."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "It um... was not from the ritual, no. I clenched my hand too hard."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow peers at you unscrupulously.

You shuffle your feet uneasily.
Quieter, you say, "I was very upset and did not notice."

Gurashi carefully takes your hand, turning it over and examining it closely. "Is upsetting. Here, let me just," They curl your fingers into a fist, then bring the hand forward and kiss the mugwump on the knuckles. "There! Should start feeling better soon."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow clicks his beak and nudges you, looking vaguely annoyed. He then looks up at Gurashi and ponders the sileni thoughtfully.

You smile softly.
You chuckle softly, your frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. I know how that goes. I lost several fingers once to that kind of thing..."

Gurashi winces in pain.
Gurashi glances askance at Tridemon.
Gurashi gives a horrified gasp.

You have emoted: Cheliyi holds the hand close to her chest, before glancing worriedly at Tridemon.

Gurashi reaches out, grabbing desperately for Tridemon's left hand. "Wait let me kiss it better!"
Gurashi flails about helplessly.
Comprehension flashes across Gurashi's face.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow nods approvingly.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Gurashi, "No, that was close to two centuries ago now."

Gurashi stares at Tridemon, eyes wide.
Pouting, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks Tridemon, "...well, let me kiss it anyway?"

Wryly, you say, "Well, it was better this time. Last time I was wooden, and wood is not as squishy."

Tridemon grins and extends his left hand toward Gurashi.
Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Gurashi squishes you deeply in their joined embrace, then takes Tridemon's offered hand, kissing the lucidian upon the knuckles. "There. Preventative maintenances, yes."
Gurashi nods their head sagely at Tridemon.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Squishy things are harder to break by moving too quickly."

You smile brightly at Gurashi, your frills puffing with joy.
You smile brightly at Tridemon, your frills puffing with joy.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "We make a weirdly sandwich."

Happily, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend exclaims, "My favorite sandwich!"

You giggle happily.

The sounds of waves entice your ears, drawing your senses on a salty journey.

Tridemon looks exhausted and opens his mouth in an enormous yawn.

Gurashi wiggles excitedly in their spot, then whips around to face you again, squishing the mugwump's face between their hands. "Tell me, sandwich bread mine-child - are feeling any better?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi nods, looking awfully content to be squished.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. I think... I need to take a nap. Feeling awfully old for some reason."

You think to yourself: **warm green, filling your chest and sealing the gap**.

Gurashi lolls their head back to look towards Tridemon. "Oh! Dear one, are you going to..."
Gurashi suddenly cants their head and narrows their eyes at Tridemon, peering at him suspiciously.

Tridemon gives Gurashi a friendly squeeze.

You hug Tridemon compassionately.

The sounds of unseen animals stirring for the coming day are audible behind the gentle whistling of the wind elsewhere in the manse.

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

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Tridemon's brow.

As the sun's rays begin to break over the horizon, a slender leothin's amaranthine visage begins to fade back to a soft gray, wings dissolving like mist with the morning light.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Tridemon, "Are not that old...!"
Gurashi huffs, puffing their cheeks.

You peer at Gurashi unscrupulously.

Pouting, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Tridemon, "Go to bed! And have a good sleep! And, love you muchly!"
Bizirik, the leothin looks at Gurashi in confusion.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Gurashi, "I'm almost two-hundred ninety-nine years old."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Curtseying with a smile, a simple house maid arrives from the north and tends to her duties.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Tridemon, "Yeah, practically a youth."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Mister Dad is like. So many times older than me. Ten times!"

Gurashi swoons at this.

You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.

With a sprightly skip in her step, a simple house maid curtseys before departing to the east.

Gurashi winks conspiratorially at Tridemon.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow caws, the sound suspiciously close to laughter.

Gurashi looks at Tridemon, face lighting up as they smile brightly at him.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "I am literally older than most of the trees of the Glomdoring. They tend not to last for more than a few decades at best."

You stare blankly into space.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Even Father Ravenwood?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Nope, that one's older than me and will probably outlast me."

You giggle happily.

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

Gurashi looks at Tridemon, wrinkling their nose.

Tridemon gives Gurashi a friendly squeeze.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Well, he is sleeping all of the time. Maybe you will catch up!"
The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

Tridemon winks knowingly.
Tridemon points boldly towards the horizon and declares in a proud tone, "Onward!"
Tridemon turns towards the north and steps forward, instantly collapsing into a torrent of water that rushes outwards with a thunderous crash of water.

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

Gurashi smiles, watching the lucidian make their way off towards the house that rests further down the beach. They turn to look at the mugwump beside them, smiling still.

You have emoted: Cheliyi flops onto her back in the sand, before craning her head to smile at Gurashi.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Love you lots, yeah."
With a great sigh, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Oh, I love you too, yes I do. I really..."
Gurashi looks down, pausing. "...-am- proud of you. I know it is ... you are doing even more, than I did, you know?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi takes Gurashi's hand with her unharmed one, and squeezes it gently. "I do not believe that for a second. You have done lots, yes. I am proud of you too, Dad."
A soft breeze stirs the nearby sand, leaving gentle arcs in its wake.

Gurashi looks down at their left hand, then carefully removes a driftwood ring of sea breezes, offering their hand to you. Thick, pale scar tissue sits along the length of the digit, long-since healed over. "But I did not do what you did. I earned my Fingerblade."

You blink.

Quietly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "I earned my Fingerblade. Even though went against every fiber of my being, yes."

You have emoted: Cheliyi sits up, not even bothering to brush the sand from her clothes and hair. She takes their hand in both of her own, cradling the scarred and worn finger. "... But you were being pressured, yes. There were many eyes. That does not mean... you are awful or terrible, no. You did not enjoy it."

Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile at you.
Quietly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "I'm just - am saying am proud. And wish I had been more like you."
Louder, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "And am so -glad- that you are you."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, once.
You hug Gurashi compassionately.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I am glad you are you as well. Because I do not know that I would have been as goodly without you, no. Best Dad."

Gurashi squishes your face as they are embraced, laughing. "Mine-child! You flatter me! Ah! Not the best dad! That's ... ... gosh, DARNIT, I should just write the letter already!" They suddenly kick their hooved feets, shaking their head.

You giggle happily.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Bessssst Dad. Best Dad."
You nod your head sagely.

Bizirik, the leothin snuffles nearby, tossing its head and scooting to lay next to you now, stretching out lazily.

You gain the impression that, if he could, Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow would be rolling his eye right now.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend exclaims to you, "Stop! Am flattered! Cannot be more flattered!"

You giggle happily.
You pat Bizirik, the leothin in a friendly manner.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at you. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow struts over as well, seating himself on the opposite side of the hugging duo in order to nudge Gurashi for pats.
Gurashi's eyes light up as they smile.
Gurashi pets Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow ingratiatingly.

Muginn glances at Gurashi warily, before nodding once in approval.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow, "Well hello, you, bird friend."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow makes a small chirping noise, completely unlike a crow.
Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow blinks.

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

Bizirik, the leothin peers at Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow unscrupulously.

The soft sounds of a zither being played and the cry of a crane in flight echo in from somewhere.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow tosses his head and huffs. This crow has never chirped in his life.
You giggle happily.

(Sugary Sweet): Gurashi says, "LMAO."
(Sugary Sweet): Gurashi says, "This bird."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow does, however, demand more pats.

Gurashi pets Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow ingratiatingly.
Muginn glances at Gurashi warily, before nodding once in approval.

With a little sigh, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks you, "How is everything else, mine-child? How are other things...?"

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Things are okay. I think Mister Lawrence is trying to date me, yes. He has been giving me lots of flowers."
You ponder the situation.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "He also suggested that he would sponsor me to New Celest."
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Not that I took him up on the offer, no. I am... uncertain, for now."

A gentle rolling of waves laps at the sand's edge.

Gurashi blinks.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Well, the dating is uncertain. I am not leaving home."

Curtseying with a smile, a simple house maid arrives from the down and tends to her duties.

Laughing, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Ah! Mister Lawrence ... is trying to date you? Eh? ...hah. Flowers? Sponsor? I see."
Gurashi's eyes bug out as they boggles in amazement.
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Well, you -are- utterly endearing..."

You blink.

Gurashi ponders the situation.

You blush furiously.

The corners of Gurashi's mouth turn up as they grin mischievously.
Gurashi's tail wags as they wiggle. "Did he make an offer for a date? Or just the flowers...?"

With a sprightly skip in her step, a simple house maid curtseys before departing to the east.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "But it is -weirdly-, yes. Glaisne makes sense because we both met together yes, had the same feelies. But Lawrence is just sending me flowers."
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "...I get lots of flowers, all the time."
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "But nobody offers to sponsor me."
Gurashi narrows their eyes, peering about suspiciously.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses.

Gurashi turns up their nose slightly. "...wait. Mister Lawrence. Isn't he the one with..." Their voice gets ever so higher in pitch, "the goose?"

Curtseying with a smile, a simple house maid arrives from the north and tends to her duties.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Yes. He also watched my... summoning of Mother Night. So it was linked to that, a little bit."

Their pitch returning to normal, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "...did he see that you were upset?"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I was... normal on the outside, yes. But he talked to me in my head, and I was not controlling my feels."

A simple house maid exhales slowly, wiping a strand of hair from her eyes to inspect her work with a smile.

Curtseying with a smile, a simple house maid arrives from the east and tends to her duties.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "...then he saw how muchly it hurt you. And is offering his hand to help you, think." They look down. "That is awfully sweet. Romantic or platonic or otherwise."

A simple house maid hums a quiet tune to herself as she leans over to dust every nook and cranny of the room.

You nod your head emphatically.

Glancing up towards the maids, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Hi Bunnie. Trixxie."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I do not doubt that, no. At first I thought the flowers were for Muginn, because Nemesis likes him."

You have emoted: Cheliyi greets the maids with a warm smile.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow huffs and tosses his head.

You smile wryly at Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.
L
ike a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "But Lawrence said they were for me as well, yes."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Flowers are nicely. That is sweet of him."
Smiling, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Could always ask!"

With a sprightly skip in her step, a simple house maid curtseys before departing to the down.

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks you, "But also be sure to talk to Mister Glaisne! Because, you two are still... a thing - yes?"

You nod your head emphatically.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "That is why I am hesistant, yes. Glaisne comes first."

Shyly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I-I told Tridemon that Mister Sutekh has some feelies for me, yes, and am glad that did because was worried he would be mad at Sutekh, but he was not mad at -all-." They laugh, squeezing the mugwump tightly. "Yes! Communications come firstly!"

A simple house maid tuts with a little frown as she examines a spot on her apron.

You blink.

You smile brightly at Gurashi, your frills puffing with joy.

With a sprightly skip in her step, a simple house maid curtseys before departing to the east.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Oh, has Mister Sutekh talked to you yet?"

Gurashi tilts their head curiously.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "Ah - talked to me?"
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "I haven't seen him in a few months..."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "We had a very long talk a month or so ago, yes."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "...I mean, have seen since talked with you, about the ..." They wave their hand in the air, "feeling that... picked up..."

Curtseying with a smile, a simple house maid arrives from the down and tends to her duties.

You tilt your head curiously at Gurashi.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "But we have not...talked? Not very muchly."

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "Like in passing? Is everything O-K?"

You nod your head emphatically.

Gurashi suddenly looks worried. "Is he O-K?"

You nod your head emphatically.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "He is O-K. He just had some questions, and I told him that he should not hate females."
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "He is working on it, and I believe in him lots."

Gurashi nods their head emphatically.
Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "The real problem is the things the hive taught him I think. Once he kills those instead, he does not need to kill or hate females."

Gurashi looks curious, but lets the subject come to rest, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair away from your face. "Ignoring the Hives is very, very hard. I remember how very -loud- it was when Mixter Esei fixed my antennae, and I could hear everything..."
Gurashi shivers violently.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I almost -attacked- them."

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.

Gurashi glances askance.

As nightfall steals the last vestiges of daylight, a slender leothin's muted coat begins to shine with a violaceous radiance, and a double pair of wings materializes, grandly extended as if they've been there all along.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Xenthos had to restrain me. It was -awful-."

You crease your brow in a frown.

You hug Gurashi compassionately.
Gurashi's eyes half-close as they lean against you.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Well, if Mister Sutekh is already resisting that, then he is going to be just fine, I think."

A simple house maid exhales slowly, wiping a strand of hair from her eyes to inspect her work with a smile.

Nodding, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I have hopes, too. Have not had chance to tell him about me! And my experiences. I do not know..."
Gurashi glances askance.

With a sprightly skip in her step, a simple house maid curtseys before departing to the down.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "If they would help? I certainly cannot introduce him to Miss Khep."
Gurashi narrows their eyes, peering about suspiciously.

You blink.
You stare blankly into space.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Yes, that is an awful idea."

Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

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

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "She knows about Mister Sutekh, and she has no desire to really meet him, either..."

You glance askance.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "He told me about his story, yes."

Gurashi laughs dryly. "But, that is just for now."
Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "It was short, but enough."
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "It really is the teachings that are confusing him, yes. I think... he will be okay someday. Maybe he will learn to be okay with other females besides me, yes."

Gurashi looks towards the nearby ocean awkwardly. "Doesn't help that keeps meeting other girls in authority places that are meanly to him, yes." They bunch their shoulders, then look at you.

The sounds of waves entice your ears, drawing your senses on a salty journey.
Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

You nod your head emphatically.

Gurashi sways a little in their spot. "...for some reason, am worried will get upset when finds out that I served in Akhari for a time." They shift slightly to sit more comfortably. "Because, I was not a Prince."

You blink.
You tilt your head curiously.

Bizirik, the leothin covers her mouth and sneezes.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Akhair?"

Bizirik, the leothin suddenly looks at Gurashi, letting out a little noise and snuffling, wedging its head into the sileni's arms.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow's eye sparkles with amusement.

Gurashi says nothing immediately, stroking the leothin's face and looking it over. "The Akhari Hive, mine-child."

You have emoted: Cheliyi grows still, frowning.

---> reading a keph-hunting scroll, lol glom

Composed by: Moi
Composed on: 14th of Urlachmar, 493 CE
There exists ten Kephera hives in the Undervault.
The five nodal hives are tiny outposts given over to the warrior queens of the
Kephera. They are the Rashpera (located just outside the Razines entrance to
the Undervault); the Khementen (Northwest of the Shallach entrance to the
Undervault); the Tutotophet (located south of the Shallach entrance, off the
eastern shores of the Illwater); the Sethetmun (located east of the Muhanlesh
entrance to the Undervault) and the Mumhatuti (located in the distant northern
passages, far from any entrance).
Four of the remaining hives may also be hunted in. The Neferti and Imhohet
hives are clustered together on the shores of the Undersea, northeast of the
Razines entrance, southeast of Mumhatuti and southwest of the Tryko Forest. The
Akhari Breeding Hive is on the far shore of the Undersea, only accessible by
water. And the Master Complex, where resides the Zenobia, lies between the
Undersea and the Illwater, accessible via a tunnel connecting the northernmost
Type MORE to continue reading. (18% shown)

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "You mean the hive with the nurses, yes?"

Bizirik, the leothin snuffles and snorts louder, distractingly, rolling onto its back and letting Gurashi continue to pet it. "The hive with the nurses. Yes."

You have emoted: Cheliyi gazes of into the distance, slowly putting it together.
You have emoted: Cheliyi gently wraps an arm around Gurashi.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Three years, yes, until was reassigned to be my ..."
Gurashi looks at you, canting their head, expression strangely blank as they speak. "I do not tell Tiso's story often. Our story. Was not always greatest."
Flatly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "What that Princess did is not abnormal."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "You do not have to say anything."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Or uncommon."

You give Gurashi a friendly squeeze.

Gurashi looks off towards the sea again. Bizirik lets out a whine, upside down and lopsided dramatically in its spot as it gazes towards its sileni companion and their mugwump kin.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pats Bizirik, the leothin on her tummy, while Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow continues to wiggle his way into Gurashi's lap for MORE pats.

Gurashi pets Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow ingratiatingly.
Muginn glances at Gurashi warily, before nodding once in approval.

Bizirik, the leothin snuffles, looking at you with a little whine, grumbling.

A wry smile spreads across your face.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say to Bizirik, the leothin, "I only have centaur pudding."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, tossing its head.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow clicks his beak contently.

Gurashi silently strokes Bizirik, the leothin along the leothin's throat, tracing over some of the faint scarring evident along the creature's hide. The leothin grumbles at you, at last sitting up and shaking out its entire body, sending sand everywhere.

Gurashi flails about helplessly.

Shielding their face, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Bizi!"

You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.

You have emoted: Cheliyi shakes out her frills, while Muginn simply looks vaguely disgruntled.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask Bizirik, the leothin, "Do you want the pudding?"

Bizirik, the leothin shakes her head.
You pat Bizirik, the leothin in a friendly manner.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I will make sure to keep food for you next time."
Bizirik, the leothin nods once...then rolls onto its side, stretching upon the sand lazily, keeping a watchful eye on Gurashi.

You giggle happily.
You pet Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.

Gurashi smiles tiredly as they watch Bizirik flip-flop on the sand, slowly reaching forward and wrapping their arms around their knees.
Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at you.

You smile softly at Gurashi.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Like I said, you do not have to tell. Or you can tell if you want."
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "We can just."
You flop down onto the ground.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Nap in the sand."

A gentle rolling of waves laps at the sand's edge.

Gurashi's eyes half-close as they lean against you.

Quietly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Am thinking, perhaps can find time to get you and Mister Sutekh together in same place, so can tell you both at same time. Perhaps."

Simply, you say, "Okay."

You hug Gurashi compassionately.

The horizon glows with burnished shades of orange and red, heralding the imminent arrival of Father Sun upon the rim of the world.

Gurashi reaches out and gently grabs you, pulling you into a tight embrace.

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I think I learned another thing about me, though."

Curiously, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks you, "Oh?"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Mm... when I was really upset and my head got super fuzzy, I heard a voice yes."

A gentle rolling of waves laps at the sand's edge.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Not like a Divine or anything. Just a memory, yes."

Gurashi cants their head curiously at this, tail wagging. "A memory?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi rocks from side to side ever so slightly, humming thoughtfully.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I think... she was my mom."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "She called me little lilypad."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "At the time, it made me even more upset because then I wanted to remember more, but could not. Now I do not know how to feel at all."

Gurashi tilts their head and listens intently to you.

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I think... she knew about Nai'Dorin. Somehow."

You have emoted: Cheliyi frowns at her feet.

Gurashi loops their arm again around you, swaying in their seat. "Knew about it?"

Leaning into the embrace, you say, "She said that we must all make sacrifices. And then called me a lilypad."

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

Thoughtfully, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Lilypads are cute. Sometimes they have flowers and froggies."

A soft breeze stirs the nearby sand, leaving gentle arcs in its wake.

Gurashi grins mischievously at you.
Thoughtfully, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "I am happy you could remember that."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "It sounds like it makes you happy."

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I think it did."
You smile softly.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Still, I like being called a mine-child more."

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.
You give Gurashi a friendly squeeze.

Starry shadows herald Dusan, the coruscant as he deposits a cat of black ink into your hands before dissolving into mist again.

You blink.
You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "**warm green and yellow** Thank you, sibling. Love you muchly."

You pat a cat of black ink in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Cheliyi sets a cat of black ink atop her head, and yawns.

Esei tells you, "Mm."

A soft breeze stirs the nearby sand, leaving gentle arcs in its wake.

Gurashi gives you a friendly cuddle.
With a gentle, euphonic lilt, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Mine-child shall remain, then."
Gurashi flops down onto the ground.

With a loud huff, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Am sorry. Forgive me. Am." They yawn. "Been waking lots."
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Me too, yes."
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I think a nap is needed, yes."

Gurashi stretches out their arm, pointing. "Here, here - have, a pillow." They offer excitedly.

Bizirik, the leothin peers at Gurashi unscrupulously.
Bizirik, the leothin creeps back over from its spot at the water's edge, laying down behind the pair and huffing, ruffling Gurashi's head with its snout.

You have emoted: Cheliyi lays her head on Gurashi's and places a cat of black ink on her chest, while Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow sneaks up to snuggle on both the mugwump's and sileni.

You giggle happily.
You are exhausted and open your mouth in an enormous yawn.
You have emoted: Cheliyi closes her eyes, and is out like a light.

A gentle rolling of waves laps at the sand's edge.