How to Cheer Up the Divine

After a serious talk with Tridemon and Cheliyi, Gurashi went to go hang out at the top of the Athenaeum because it a) pretty at night and b) the most immediate shrine location for Lantra they can think of. They wanted to know if they could make Her feel better after finding out from Cheliyi that LANTRA and NOCHT are SIBLINGS. Not Cousins - SIBLINGS!!! But also it feels weird to think about

The Cosmic Sanctuary.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Elegant white coral arcs up in great, curving spires, all pointing towards the fore of this small sanctuary, high atop the Lodestar Athenaeum. While the structure above has opened up to reveal the heavens, the Star of Celest high above so that its radiance might rain down into the location during the darker hours of the day. To the west the balcony parts slightly to reveal the tumbling waters of the nearby falls, rushing past in a celebration of life and the fluidity of the azure element. Rich pearls lie entwined in networks of coral, their surfaces radiating effulgent starlight reflected from the stars above, while the coral themselves hold aloft small basins formed from large seashell halves, shimmering, pure water held within. An elegant statue of Saint Tresalyne, the Starlit Saint towers at the fore of the sanctuary, eyes upon the heavens with his hands cupped before him. Her expression calm and measured, the impassive statue of a priestess holding a fallen warrior purges nearby shadows with her zealous light.
You see a single exit leading south.

LOOKIT ME
Standing at a scant four foot ten inches, they are an alluring sileni kindly 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. A shifting pearlescence graces their skin as they walk with the truefavour of Carakhan, Sculptor of Waves.
They are wearing:
a starry wreath of celestial light set atop their head like a halo
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
the Mantle of Starlight which flows dreamily about their shoulders and back
a breezy blue cotton tunic which hangs flatteringly from their form
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet which jingles softly on their left wrist
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a labyrinthine, shifting poppy worn delicately upon their left wrist
a driftwood ring of sea breezes fitted tightly to their left middle finger
simple white linen trousers which swish around their legs freely
Refined Boots of the Paladin, worn and weathered from use.

You think to yourself: ...what would even say?

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.

You think to yourself: ...what if She gets upset with Cheli for telling?

You think to yourself: *as soon as they've had the thought, it is gone from their mind, swept away - a sensation like a broom's gentle bristles bopping the top of their head*.

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.

You think to yourself: ...this will require... muchly more thinkies.

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

You think to yourself: I should, be useful.

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

You think to yourself: Goodly.

With a regal incline of her antennae and a flutter of diaphanous silks, Princess Nabithia strides in from the south.

Comprehension flashes across Princess Nabithia's face.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi's short tail wags behind them. "Oh!"

LOOKIT NABITHIA
A slender, statuesque creature who carries herself with utmost elegance and refinement, she is a compound-eyed kephera princess draped in diaphanous, sidereal silks. The slim contours of her porcelain figure are encased in an alabastrine carapace, with ornamental flourishes of chitin upon her delicate shoulders and long limbs. Pearlescent in quality, her ivory carapace is touched in subtle casts of champagne, and flows into tints of rosy quartz and blush pink about its edges, leaving her similar in appearance to an orchid bloom. Scythe-like in execution, her long limbs lend her a further semblance of lissome height. From a beautiful, if alien, countenance, her compound eyes reflect her surroundings in tinctures of aubergine and merlot, while slender, delicate antennae curve back from her temples, a crown fit for any queen of the hives.
Princess Nabithia has an air of extreme strength.

With a pleasant buzz, Princess Nabithia says, "Gurashi of the Star City. What a pleasing surprise."

You have emoted: Gurashi bows their head politely to the arriving princess. "Nabithia - good evening! Hello!" They look up again and step closer, smiling. "Yes! It is me!"

You strike a pose.

Bizirik, the leothin strikes a pose.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts nearby, prompting Gurashi to lift a hand. "And Bizirik." The sileni chimes in, eliciting a little chirp from the leothin now.

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly.

With a chittering laugh, Princess Nabithia smiles and says, "Are you seeking Wisdom within the Athenaeum as well this month?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders bunch up a little, and they smile sheepishly. "Wisdom? Ah! Uhhhh," They look this way and that before throwing up both arms and blurting out, "Yes! I mean, read before. And, it is, a goodly place to work!" They clap their hands together. "It is quiet, yes! And if ever need to check for somethings, can just..." They gesture back towards the library, furrowing their brow.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "A-also, at night..." They gesture south, "the view from up here is quite spectacular, yes."

You look at Princess Nabithia hopefully.

Tail wagging happily behind them, you say to Princess Nabithia, "Even when the sky is stormy and rainy, the City shines like the stars, it does!"

Princess Nabithia looks upwards and nods, agreeing. "I have never done so," she concedes, looking curious. "I would be most interested in trying!" She then taps a book in her hands, commenting, "I have finished reading a book recommended by Enduring Avaris. It was most pleasing."

Princess Nabithia says, "And yourself? Have you been reading?"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you ask Princess Nabithia, "Have never done ... writing, mean?" They ask, looking a little confused, then embarrassed. "Oh, which book?"

The soft lambency of passing hummingbirds filters in from outside, shedding light on a dark night.

Rifling through the pages, Princess Nabithia says in a crisp, clear buzz, "A book on Climanti, by one called Nihmriel. A most fascinating place, no? Have you ever been?"

You think to yourself: *their mind is swirling with pastel hues, indigo and blue, their earlier questions and concerns still heavy on their mind: how would one cheer up a Divine?*.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps closer, rising to balance on the tips of their hooves to try and see inside the book. "Ah - I think, I have been, in passings? I have passed by, in... the past!" They smile and fall to stand normal again, swaying. "But I do not go there, regularly! I have not read that book." They ask, voice rising hopefully as they continue: "Do you like to travel?"

Her antennae twitching with curiosity, Princess Nabithia says mildly, "Yes. I do, now that I am among the surface-dwellers. Much is new to me, now." Then, as if commenting on something unheard, "Who do you wish to cheer up?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods with a smile. "Traveling is really fun," They manage to add in before they suddenly let their starry gaze rise, staring at the antennae atop the kepheran princess's head, then to her gaze. They open and close their mouth a few times, then plainly state: "Th... ah. Uhhh." They blink at last, hard. "...ahm - your, ah, Lady....?"

You stare blankly into space.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "...out loud, i-it sounds a little silly."

With a polite concession of the point, Princess Nabithia lightly says, "Yes. Most enjoyable a pursuit." Something akin to a chuckle - pulsating with a soft harmony of buzzes - ripples out from her at your discomfort, saying, "I will not tell Her if you do not wish for me to."

Princess Nabithia says, "What has you concerned for the Empyreal's welfare?"

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly, their tail wagging once, twice. "....something, my mine-child, told me." They step closer, standing opposite the kepheran princess, arms folded over their chest as they gather their thoughts. "And something, that my cousinling, told me, last months..." They quirk their mouth to the side, then look up to meet Princess Nabithia's gaze, speaking carefully. "That She has a Siblings - not just Cousins, or Cousinlings - and, That Persons is AWAKE ... in the Basins..."

Quietly, you say, "I know, is hard - that there are already, so few Elders that ... escaped, and, I do not know." They wave their hand. "To learn news of these things, means, that these things have been -discussed-. That Someone, Someones is talking about thems. And, talking about the hard to remember things, the pain-filled ones..."

You have emoted: Gurashi lowers their voice to a cautious whisper. "Want to make sure. Is O-K. Know?"

Her antennae quirking into the shape of a question mark, Princess Nabithia asks, "Ah. You are not speaking of the Lord Navigator, I take it?" As you continue in your explanation, the kephera nods, the starlit silks draped around her shimmering with the movement. "Yes," she agrees. "I believe Divine feel more keenly than most mortals, in some ways. All loss is more intense, all love more overwhelming. Is it not so with your own patron?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down to a shifting, living poppy of bronze petals upon their wrist, nodding. "Yes."

You look at Princess Nabithia, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Sagely, you say, "It is something, that is hard to make into words. To know always what to say to someone or Someones who might be hurting."

Princess Nabithia folds her arms before herself, clicking her tongue in thought. "Hm. She is more difficult than most Divine to read in this manner. It is difficult to know what would be appreciated, or what would be uncomfortable."

You think to yourself: *a fleeting thought that tickles them - She probably would not appreciate them squishing Her face, no matter how muchly they love Her - envisioning the tiny elephant rolling with joyous laughter*.

You nod your head sagely.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "She does not really, like to eat foods... not the sweets..." They pluck at their tunic thoughtfully. "And do not know, if She would want or accept a hug, even though I have been told mine are -very- goodly. Maybe .... a fistbump..." They dust this thought away with a sweep of their hand. "No. No."

Starry shadows herald Dusan, the coruscant as he deposits a bowl of twilight delight sorbet into your hands before dissolving into mist again.

Unexpectedly, Princess Nabithia breaks apart into chittering laughter at a sudden mental image, her antennae squirming with amusement.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts their gaze to look up at Princess Nabithia, unable to refrain from smiling themselves.

Her compound eyes sparkling with good humor, Princess Nabithia says, "Ah, yes. That was a fun thought. I thank you for that, Gurashi of the Star City."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Hmm..."

Tapping her chin, Princess Nabithia says, "There is precious little my Lady does to release what She feels inside. I believe the Fonts of Her temple are the only release I know of."

You have emoted: Gurashi considers the princess thoughtfully, then the nearby shrine. "The Fonts?" They look up at the kephera again, frowning. "...what are those? Are they like Founts but not?"

With palms upturned, Princess Nabithia admits, "She cares little for sweets, or most vices. She is slow to discuss what ails Her. In truth, I believe She much prefers to soothe other's concerns over Her own." To your question, she says, "Ah. They are fountains, yes. Each dedicated to one of the Lady's pillars -- Purity, Devotion, Fortitude, and Wisdom. Those within the Order may drink of them, and learn of the Lady."

Esei tells you, "Enjoy."
Esei tells you, "...is everything alright?"

You think to yourself: *a gentle thrum, a gentle pulse of understanding - when they are at their most crushed and dazed, to give aid to others centers them just as well - is comfort, in aid...*.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "*gentle assent* Yes! I am having a conversations with a friend, I am! Thank you, for the sorbet! Do mind sending a extras? Please? Many thank yous?"

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Esei tells you, "Ah... a moment..."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to scratch near the scar on their cheek, starry eyes wide and shiny with interest. "Cheliyi must know about thems, then..." They murmur softly. "...how do they make Her feel better?" They curiously tilt their head. "How does it work? Do they listen to Her thinks? Her troubles and sads?"

You have emoted: Gurashi fidgets slightly, then looks down to the sorbet they've received, offering it to the kephera before them silently.

With a pensive, low hum, Princess Nabithia says, "Mm. They see what She has seen, and feel what She feels in their hearts. I do not know if it gives the Lady much relief, but, I believe it is simpler for Her than speaking such stories aloud."

Princess Nabithia says, "She wishes to be understood by those who serve Her, even if She cannot find the words to explain Herself."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

With palms upturned, Princess Nabithia says simply, "Divine are strange beings, no?"

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns a little deeper at this, then exhales, sagging in their spot and passing over the sorbet. "Yeah."

Gently, you give a bowl of twilight delight sorbet to Princess Nabithia.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back at the shrine, then up at the kepheran princess, puffing their cheeks. "Maybe, She should play games with Tavi. It would be fun. Like, hide and seeks. And tag." Their brows rise in interest. "Peoples tell me they feel better after they do something fun, and not-thinky."

You ponder the situation.

With a vigorous nod of agreemnt, Princess Nabithia says, "Yes. I believe youth have much Wisdom that is easily forgotten as time wears on. Can find joy in small things."

Somewhat impishly, Princess Nabithia says, "Like slides."

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks. "If She ever wants someone to push Her on the swings I have been teaching lots of peoples how to do it," They insist, looking at the princess with a slowly growing grin. "Oh? You like the slides too???"

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "*a belated response, faint distraction and embarrassment* Oh! S-sorry, well. I am having a conversation with Nabithia, yes! About Her Lady! And, how to cheer up peoples!"

A sense of longing fills the air, accentuated by the lapping of the ocean waves upon the distant walls of the city.

With a chittering laugh, Princess Nabithia says, "I could be persuaded. Tavi was most excitable after her adventure."

Princess Nabithia says, "I believe the Lady liked listening to her prattle on."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Esei tells you, "...her Lady?"

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "*assent* The Empyreals!"

Esei tells you, "I do not believe I've heard of this Nabithia?"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles a little to themselves, then looks down, looking deep in thought. As they perk up, they ask: "Do you want me to show you where is at? The playground? Have you seens it? Can keep talkies, there, while I think about what would cheers Her ups, yus."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "At the very least can slide on the slides while decides."

You nod your head sagely.

Highly amused, Princess Nabithia says, "That, or swings?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes are as big as dinner plates. "There is a merry-go-rounds!"

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "...too! Just as wells."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Starry shadows herald Dusan, the coruscant as he deposits a bowl of twilight delight sorbet into your hands before dissolving into mist again.

You have emoted: Gurashi flits about excitedly now, mouth open wide. "Celest has the best playground, they do! I promise!"

With a solemn nod, her compound eyes gleaming with amusement, Princess Nabithia says, "I have been told there are many enjoyable things to do in the Star City. I would try this one, yes."

Princess Nabithia begins to follow you.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "Yeah she is one of Her's. She is a kepheran princess, can you believe it? She is so nice, though! Not like many other princesses I have had the unfortunate experiences of meeting!"

You clap your hands together merrily.

You have emoted: Gurashi's hooves excitedly clip against the ground as they begin to excitedly jog towards the playground. "O-K stay close to me 'cause I go super duper fast O-K!"

<-- NYOOM
In the park playground.
Pale, watery light floats away from a shield shrine of Carakhan nearby. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A fresh breeze is blowing through the area. Here in the north end of the grassy expanse, a section of New Celest is dedicated to the young, and the young at heart. Wood and metal structures are solidly screwed together, to encourage physical activity, fun, and games. One of the more exotic creations is the two-headed dragon. After climbing a ladder, people can hop down the maw of the dragon, spiraling down its tubular body and popping out at the bottom, which is also shaped in the image of a dragon's head. Surrounded by an aura of clarity and calm, a sculpture of the Loving Radiance stands here, captured in blissful repose.
You see exits leading north, southeast, and southwest.

"Tada!" you say with a proud expression on your face.

You have emoted: Gurashi stops as they reach the playground, panting for air. "Be-hold!"

Princess Nabithia looks around with a soft clicking sound.

Matter-of-factly, Princess Nabithia says, "This is the place where Tavi was playing upon the slide, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi excitedly leads the princess about, describing each bit of equipment they come across. "See? These are the swings! They are swing-y! And, this is the merry-go-round, it goes round real fast and you get dizzy and have fun, and YEAH, that is the slide," They wander up to the great dragon-shaped structure. "You can climb up the sides, and the slide is at the top!"

Breezily walking towards the merry-go-round, Princess Nabithia says, "Let us continue speaking while on this amusing contraption then, hm?"

You have emoted: Gurashi wiggles excitedly, hopping from hoof to hoof. "Mister Alarin is working on getting in a see-saw. Wait until you see -that-." They nod, joining the kephera at the merry-go-round. "Go on! Sit on it and hold on and I will spin us!" They insist, resting a knee on the circular equipment, their other hoof on the grass. "So, have you ever seen Your Lady try playing before? Or does She just listen to the stories?"

Princess Nabithia settles on one of the animals that circle the merry-go-round, looking positively regal even upon the evidently childish machine.

Humming with pride, Princess Nabithia says, "She is not a particularly playful Divine, I do not think. But She seems to be pleased to see playfulness and joy in others."

Princess Nabithia says, "She is maternal in that way, yes. Towards the Supernals, like Raziela, and of course to Tavi."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, then gently begins to push against the ground, causing the merry-go-round to begin its slow rotation, creaking noisily under the weight of both princess and sileni. "She is like a big sister," They state, grunting as they push a little harder, urging the equipment to start to turn a little more quickly. "Or a mum, yeah."

Chittering with laughter, Princess Nabithia says, "Given what we now know, more of a Big Sister than we knew, yes."

A sparkle of mischief in her compound eyes, Princess Nabithia says, "It is amusing to imagine what Their childhood together might have been like. Is that terrible to say? I find it most comical."

You clear your throat.

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks as they push against the ground still, urging both themselves and Princess Nabithia to turn in place a bit faster. "Comical?" They repeat back curiously, "Like, funny? Ah," They laugh a little themselves, "I do not think it is terrible! Siblings are, uh..."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Well seeing OTHER siblings - I mean, They are such opposite, personalities, now...!"

With a firm nod of agreement, her hands settled about the neck of the inanimate creature, Princess Nabithia says, "Yes. Would be most vexing for the Lady, I imagine, to speak with the Silent Lord on childhood matters."

With a dubious buzz, Princess Nabithia says, "He seems the sort to steal things."

You have emoted: Gurashi grunts, the merry-go-round now spinning and a steady enough speed to cause the occupants of the ride to begin to drift outward, centrifugal force gripping them both. "What makes Them all so different?" They wonder aloud, finally drawing in their leg, holding onto a false animal of their own.

Carried by the pleasant momentum of the ride, Princess Nabithia says with a benign shrug, "Dynara must have had a rich imagination, for the Song of Creation to create so much distinction among the Star Gods."

Princess Nabithia says, "Even with Their own creche."

Princess Nabithia says to you, "Even among mortals, there is so much variety in how we think, feel, and act."

Speaking loud, as if that might make their voice carry over easier with the spinning, you exclaim, "Is like peoples!"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, holding on for dear life, looking at Princess Nabithia as the wind causes their ears to drift lightly to the side and their hair to blow. They stare, then laugh, throwing back their head.

Seeming pleased at the sileni's reaction, Princess Nabithia says, "Yes. They are like us in that small way, I think. Are there not mortals that you find confusing?"

You think to yourself: *at this, they see their own betrothed, their cousinling, their /father/ - their heart skips a beat, still blithe but touched with the barest hint of frustration and acknowledgement*.

You have emoted: Still grinning, Gurashi looks back at Princess Nabithia. They lean back a bit, then dangle their leggy over the edge of the equipment to push them both a few more times, regaining momentum, restarting the 'ride'. "She likes musics, right?"

"Oh, yes," Princess Nabithia says with an emphatic nod, her antennae swaying as the amusement ride moves briskly forward. "It is Her most favored among the arts. Think it holds much memory, for Her."

You have emoted: Gurashi withdraws their leg, clinging to the ride desperately tight with a high-pitched giggle. "Does She play any instruments?" They call to the kephera, throwing back their head and staring up, suddenly looking quite dizzy.

Pondering the question with a low, sincere hum, Princess Nabithia says at last, "Not to my knowing, but... I cannot say what my Lady has tried and has not."

Whimsically, Princess Nabithia says, "What would you have Her play? Does your Divine play any instruments?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks forward again dazedly, swooning as they stare back at Princess Nabithia. "Do They play instruments? Oh!" They gasp, hands slipping a little in their grip. "I know, They sing! In many forms," They exclaim. "That is an instrument, technically!" They let out a little wheeze. "I think, She should learn how to play an instrument!" They blurt out. "M-maybe, a lute! Or a lyre!"

Considering the thought with a firm nod, her antennae bouncing with the movement, Princess Nabithia says, "Yes, singing is an instrument, true." Then, tapping her chin, she comments, "The Lady Rhapsody played the lute, as I recall. Perhaps there would be a joy in that, for Her."

Then, with yet another dubious, low buzz, Princess Nabithia says, "Though She may not be particularly good at it."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Princess Nabithia excitedly. "The lute is one of the easier instruments, to master! Was one of my firstliest, it was!" They lose their grip a little further, slipping as the equipment still turns. "But, She loved Her dearest Rhapsody, so - and, th," A squeak as they slide further, "b-being closely, doing things that liked to do, with Peoples you love or loved, who are here or gone...!"

You have emoted: Gurashi finally loses their grip and slides off the merry-go-round, hitting the grass with a dull thud. The circular disc continues to spin with Princess Nabithia upon it, the sileni raising a hand from the grasp. "I am a-live!"

With a curious tilt of her head, Princess Nabithia says to you, "Are you thinking of gifting Her with a lute?"

You have emoted: Gurashi drops their arm back to the grass, sitting up and immediately pitching to the right. "I-I do not know!"

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "I would...ah!"

Princess Nabithia likewise falls into chittering laughter, evidently enjoying the direction of the conversation.

With a cheeky series of buzzes, Princess Nabithia says, "I wonder if we would hear discordant notes in the Vanishing Isle, hidden suddenly behind giant banks of mist and absurdly loud flowing water."

You have emoted: Gurashi tries to stand, but falls. They try again, falling again and staying there this time. "I-I... do you think, She might like that?" They ask the princess, watching her spin now. "It does not matter, if She is not any good or not. NOBODY is good when they first start!" They gasp.

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

Princess Nabithia looks around furtively, brings her hand to her mouth and releases a small 'teehee'.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a loud bleating laugh, then claps their hands over their mouth, only laughing harder, tears appearing in the corners of their eyes. "Oh no! Oh, that is mean!" They wheeze. "...and really funny! No!"

Rolling with laughter, you exclaim to Princess Nabithia, "Must be supportives!"

Looking somewhat smug, Princess Nabithia says, "Mmm. A little humor is its own medicine, no?"

Sitting up and merely leaning, not pitching over, you say, "She is going to hear you making fun of Her and never gonna wanna play in fronts of you again!!" They laugh, wiping at their eyes. "Ah! I..."

Princess Nabithia glances upwards, as if anticipating a blazing light in the distance, then relaxes as nothing comes. "Well," the kephera says at length, "that would mean admitting She heard me."

Princess Nabithia hums innocently to herself.

You have emoted: Gurashi catches their breath, hand over their heart. "Ah. Do you think, that... might be nice?" They wonder aloud. "Do you think, She would like that? A gifts, of an instruments?" They watch as the merry-go-round, still spinning, begins to spin slower and slower with no one to push it. "I just do not want to do something, that would make Her sadder, no. But. Lady Rhapsody so loved musics, and the Lady so loved She, so..."

Smiling to themselves, you say, "Then She could play songs that the Lady Rhapsody wrote, too."

Clicking her tongue in quiet thought, Princess Nabithia says, "I think She is touched by such concerns, and when mortals choose to consider Her feelings in this way. It is not something I think Elders expect from shards, in truth."

Amusement once more laced in her words, Princess Nabithia says to you, "It is not something that I think would result in Atonement seeking you for retribution, at least."

You tilt your head curiously at Princess Nabithia.

Puffing their cheeks, you ask, "Well it would be a rather poor gift if was trying to makes Her feel better, and then made Her feel worse, know?"

Princess Nabithia folds her hands before herself, steadying herself as the ride comes to a halt. "I do not think it would make Her sad," she says at last, nodding at herself. "Being cared about is something that, I think, is an important thing for mortals and Divine alike, in that way."

Princess Nabithia says to you, "Your intent would be as important as the gift you gave."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out, helping the merry-go-round stop with a little grunt and pull of their arm. They huff, then pull themselves to stand, knees shaking. "I love our City's Ladies," They insist, eyes widening as they look at Princess Nabithia. "And my Most Beloved Shofets." At this, they smile. "They deserves to know They are so loved, yus."

Urging, you say to Princess Nabithia, "C-careful, when you stand."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "The world might still go ..." They veer their hand to the right. "Sneaks up fastly."

You look at Princess Nabithia hopefully.

Princess Nabithia descends with the grace and dignity of one accustomed to being viewed from a lofty height, hopping back to the ground with a flutter of silks.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down to the poppy on their wrist again, puffing their cheek as they murmur aloud to themselves, too quiet for the princess to hear.

You think to yourself: *envisioning a lute, simple in design, what colors to make it? what imagery? so many shapes and colors and starry glittering visages pass through their mind's eye*.

Princess Nabithia says to you, "The Goddesses of New Celest are all most different in nature, and yet in so many ways share the same integral convictions. To show Them each Devotion is well, as one of the Star City."

With a soft buzz of acquiescence, Princess Nabithia says, "If the Lady does not like your gift, you may simply say it was another's idea."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles at the kephera, giggling. "I would never do something like that! I will take responsibilities for it," They insist, letting out a softer sigh.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Princess Nabithia, "What did thinks of the merry-go-round? You will have to try the other things too, this time, or another. When are free. Alone or with friends..."

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses. "The swings might need friends for the firstly times."

You think to yourself: *a thrum of concern, remembering how awkward it was to sit on the swing as a kephera - unable to! not able to with any amount of comfort... remembering then hanging from their abdomen, arms and legs dangling in the dirt - really need a more elephant-and-kephera-friendly-swing*.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares intently at the nearby swingset, their tail wagging furiously behind them as they thing hard about something.

A silver-feathered pigeon descends from above, silvery plumage gleaming.
It bears the distinctive mark of Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.
A silver-feathered pigeon stares implacably at you.
A silver-feathered pigeon takes flight, heading out of the area in the most efficient fashion.

You blink.

To the steadfast disagreement, Princess Nabithia teases, "No? Enduring Avaris seems to enjoy being thrust into moments of adversity and peril. Ah, well." Then regarding the merry-go-round, a warmth enters her words as she says, "It was most amusing. Yes. Enjoyed the simple pleasure of the movement."

You think to yourself: ...a birds! A judge-y birds? Tridemon's birds!

Princess Nabithia says, "I will have to revisit for the swings, then."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the departing pigeon curiously, then looks back at the princess, face lighting up. "Ah! Yeah! The playground is not going anywheres! And you do not have to leave!" They laugh, stepping curiously after the pigeon. "Thank you so muchly, for talking to me. I always feel, a little guilty, talking about..." They point upwards, "...when They are not a-round. You must be closely, to She. I am so glad."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Princess Nabithia.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Dear one!"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* a bloom of color, happy pastel swirls and glittering pinks* You woke back up! Hi. How are?"

With a soft hum of buzzes, Princess Nabithia says, "I am a bit sharper-tongued than the Lady, and I believe She appreciates my directness in Her matters. She also is kind enough to allow me leniency in my discussions regarding Her." She pauses, clicking her tongue once more. "I do not think She is used to such commentary, and part of Her might revel in the novelty of it. At least, that is what I believe."

You tilt your head curiously.

Taking on a lofty air, Princess Nabithia says to you, "Yes, Nabithia, I appreciate your Wisdom, sharp-tongued as it is."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Hi hi. Hello."

Princess Nabithia gestures airily.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "The no-vel-ty of it?" They repeat back curiously, tail wagging excitedly, just once. Then, they blink, and stare at the kephera uncertainly. ".....oh, is that..."

Princess Nabithia hums innocently to herself.

Princess Nabithia says, "I am much blessed with the Empyreal's limitless patience."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans forward, squinting up at the princess's mandibles intently. "...helloooo?" They say, rising to their tip-toes. "Laaadyyyy Empyreeaaalllsss?" They fall to stand flat again, then bow, then rise again, uncertain of what else to do. "Wowee! You sure are!" <-- I thought She was deadass possessed like the Cult power LOL

"Shh!" Princess Nabithia says to you, putting a finger to her lips.

Princess Nabithia shifts her eyes suspiciously from side to side.

Coughing, Princess Nabithia says, "There is no reason to test Her patience, however."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Whatcha up to?"

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you whisper, "Oh my gosh that was such a goodly impressions."

Princess Nabithia nods her head sagely.

Solemnly, Princess Nabithia says, "Much practice."

Gathering her starlit silks about herself, Princess Nabithia says, "I believe I have a book to return to the Athenaeum, however. Thank you for this kind outing, Gurashi of the Star City."

With a flourish of her arm, Princess Nabithia bows deeply.

You have emoted: Gurashi folds their hands over their heart, eyes once again wide as dinner plates. "I would not test Her patiences, no," They start to giggle again, relaxing. "I was just, sur-prised. Very goodly practice! Oh," They smile wider. "I am so glad you are having such a nicely times, in the overvaults, yes. Am happy are having such a goodly journeys."

You nod your head emphatically.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Stay goodly, and kind! And go in Love and the Light, yes!"

You have emoted: Gurashi raises their arm to wave, tail wagging behind them. "Have fun reading!"

Her antennae drooping, Princess Nabithia says, "I am likely to one day learn the limits of it, yes. Princesses are not taught much in self-restraint."

"Hmph!" Princess Nabithia snorts.

A shifting, living poppy of bronze petals displays a myriad of brilliant colours before settling on a shade of deep indigo in the blink of an eye.

You think to yourself: *envisioning Miss Khepqet, back at their manse, impatiently mentioning something similar*.

You stare blankly into space.

Bowing once more, Princess Nabithia says, "Light's blessings upon you, Gurashi of the Star City."

Her antennae attuning to some far-off sound, Princess Nabithia excuses herself to the north in a whirl of starry silks.

Waving dazedly, you say, "Bye, bye!"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Ahhh! Ah! *they laugh, as if returning from another conversation* I was showing dearest Nabithia the playground!"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Oh?"

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the southwest, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

Tridemon peers at you unscrupulously.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "She just lefts! She just lefts! She had never been, be-fore! Ah! We talked about the Empyreals, cause, I have some thinks..."

You eyes light up as you smile.

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

Standing near the merry-go-round, you say, "I am going to make a lute! Ah!"

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

Tridemon gives you a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi lunges forward, throwing their arms around Tridemon's midriff. "You came back! Woke back up! Hi!"

Tridemon suddenly turns to you, and you watch as he reaches out and lightly boops you on the nose with a finger.

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks as they pull back, letting go. "If I makes an instrument designs can you helps me make it make it??"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mmhmm."

You have emoted: Gurashi wiggles in place. "I cannot wait to tell Cheliyi," They whisper, then gather the lucidian's hands in their own, bouncing about. "Do you wanna go to the timequakes and help? Do you want to play on anything? I could push you!"

You give Tridemon a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi hums, gesturing to the merry-go-round. "I fell off."

Breaching the surface of the Inner Sea, a monstrous reef of vibrant trident coral emerges from below: its many branching plates and arms a sight to behold.
<-- And then there was lots of milling about and THEN the giant mystery Coral shot up out of the ocean so we had to investigate that!!