Three Head Are Better Than One

Xenthos tells you, "Would you join us, please?"

You tell Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Will. Where?"

Xenthos tells you, "We are at the Heart, within the Hall. Not too far from you."

Within the heart of the Glomdoring.
An enormous cavern opens up deep beneath the maze. The walls are natural in origin, tall in height
and circular in shape, and have been broadened by mortal hands. Rent through the loamy ground, a
jagged crack -- its sharp edges new and raw -- allows a viscous mixture of blood, sap, and shadows
to flow upward to form a deep pool. A heavy thudding, felt as much as heard, emanates from within
the restless liquid, causing a steady rippling to expand outward from its centre. A thick root
plunges downward from the ceiling and grows through the chamber, arching its way around the pool
before sliding into its depths. Around it, a riotous array of fauna has grown, thick and treacherous
to traverse, thriving off of the power emanating from below instead of trying to rely on the
sunlight that is foreign to this place. A thick, gnarled root protrudes from the ground, its bulk
rising feet above the earth before submerging again. A shadowy pool of blood and sap lies within a
deep crack in the forest floor, its surface turbulent with the thrumming heartbeat of the Wyrd. A
sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. A leopard lurks in the
shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a
seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. A baleful crow perches here, crimson
eyes piercing in their glare. Gabe is here, pondering thoughtfully. She wields a putrid thornvine
whip in her left hand and a mechanical fountain pen in her right hand.
There are no obvious exits.

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his
thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Thank you."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "You spoke with me of the greev. Of
your task to discover its origins. How do you fare on this?"

Gabe clasps her hands behind her back and dios her head toward you in greeting.

The undergrowth rustles and an eerie, rhythmic clicking fills the air as deathwatch beetles skitter
through the foliage towards a shadowy pool of blood and sap.

 Rhalkyr dips his head in a sharp jerk towards Xenthos, slapping his palm flat
against his chest in two short, sharp bursts. At the question, he grows still, gaze sliding off
Xenthos to fix upon the floor. "Inconclusive. Some, progress. Vision, from wreathe - helpful. Spoke,
with Her Herald, Khasur. Had three, questions. Did not, choose well, think." A pause, and then,
"Many, theories."

Rhalkyr's eyes flick to the beetles, tracking their progress in silence.

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

Xenthos pauses at the mention of Khasur, just for the most fleeting of moments, but his words give
no indication of that as he says, "This mission is, perhaps, of more importance than I thought when
last you and I spoke."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "A few months ago we spoke of something
coming, aye? I believe that you task is related, in some manner."

A glint of green at the pause, as Rhalkyr's gaze sharpens on Xenthos for the
briefest of moments, before dropping away. The shadows within the recesses of his mask deepen, as
unseen brows draw down in a frown. "Yes. Presence, in vision, perhaps. Weaver."

Gabe remains silent, just listening.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I have asked Gabe to help you, to let you
present your ideas for consideration. To help file them down, to perhaps frame them a bit. She is
new to the Glomdoring, as yourself, but knows much of the Basin's history."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says to you, "I am new to
Glomdoring, but not to the Basin."

Rhalkyr flicks a look to Gabe, his attention lingering upon her for a time. He says
nothing, but waits.

Light fades as a chill wind cuts across the room and ripples across a shadowy pool of blood and sap,
stealing your breath and setting the foliage to whispering.

Gabe slowly cants her head to the side and clicks her tongue. " We will whittle away at
your...vision? What you have so far and perhaps rrfine it in order to find somewhat of a conclusion
to this conundrum " she thoughtfully says.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "I also suggest that you spend some
time here. Watch the pool. Listen to the Glomdoring speak to you."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The Glomdoring itself has much to tell
us."

Suppressing a shiver at the frigid wind, Rhalkyr's attention is drawn inexorably to
the pool, watching the ripples upon the viscous fluid in silence for a time, before he gives a curt
nod. "Yes. Will do, this."

Gabe nods her head sagely at you.

Xenthos nods in satisfaction.

Rhalkyr slides his attention over and up to Xenthos, lingering upon the cheekbone
just below the baleful orb. Hesitantly, he asks, "Honoured, elder. Would ask, favour."

Xenthos tilts his head, listening to you.

Rhalkyr lifts a rough paw to gesture at his throat with a loose, circular motion.
"Permission, to borrow, voice. Rhalkyr's, not, suited. To eloquence."

Gabe smiles softly.

Xenthos regards you with some curiousity as he nods in assent.

Rhalkyr lifts his chin to bare a generous portion of his throat to Xenthos, once
more slapping the leather of his palm upon his heart, twice, and no more. Returning his focus to
Gabe, he inquires, "Will just, speak, now? Questions, first? How, proceed?"

Gabe raises her eyes toward you, tipping her head almost all the way back as she studies him
carefully. "Very well, then" she murmurs. "What did you see in your vision and what do you know
already?" She asks.

Abruptly, Rhalkyr's posture shifts, straightening into one more upright, the faint,
leonine lean exchanged for an erect spine and set shoulders. When he speaks, all traces of his
typical, halting cadence and ragged voice are gone, replaced by an eerie replica of Xenthos's.
Solid, as of a confidence built from ancient bedrock, tempered by wisdom earned from a long life of
hard-won knowledge and experience, and calm. "To clarify, the vision was not mine. The Warden Esei
shared with me their wreath, through which I viewed a vision of an individual selecting a tome
entitled 'The Greev: A Retrospective'. It is the Warden's opinion that this does not yet exist."
Waving a massive hand aside, he continues, "They informed me that there is another vision,
previously thought to be from the Greev's perspective." Here, his voice shifts again, taking on the
dusky, honeyed hues of Esei. "When they see me, will they see only the fae horror called the Greev?
Will they understand? Will the Wyrd permit two of us to exist, or shall I remain hidden?"

Gabe blinks incredulously at you.

Rhalkyr blinks mildly at Gabe in return.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard cocks her head at the sound coming from your throat, looking faintly
puzzled.

Gabe opens and closes her mouth several times in astonishment, before castimg her gaze back to the
pool of blood and then to Xenthos. "I mentioned I had a theory it originated from Wrath, from an
event, where someone of importance or a loved one might have been killed..therefore a seed of
discontent was sown and the Greev was birthed. I might be wildly hypothesising here..." she pauses
for breath and shifts on her feet, circlimg the pool slowly. "Two of them...two sides of a coin, two
faces, anothrr hidden inside the Greev with a reason for such destruction..? It doesn't make sense"
she steesses, running a hand through her hair.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Another being. Similar to the greev, yet
not. Capable of thought and reason. Yet we do not know where the greev itself came from. Why would
there be another like it, and yet so different?"

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "Wjat if they are
twins?"

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says to you "You also
spoke about a book not yet written?"

Gabe begins to pace back and forth, slowly.

Rhalkyr's attention flicks to Xenthos. "It is my thought that the Greev's origin is
tied to the entity I refer to as the Weaver. Upon speaking with Khasur, she asked what shape the
Greev took. There is grounds for believing that the Greev merely based its form on the Weaver, or
was created in its image. The Weaver may be older, and have a different purpose - It described the
Greev as a horror, after all. It seeks understanding. Permission to exist. It may be benign."
Shifting his gaze to Gabe, he incline shis head in an affirmative. " Indeed. In a library, which the
Warden has sought, but has been unabled to find. Would you like for me to quote the vision for you,
in precision?"

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says to you, "Please."

Rhalkyr tilts his head a fraction to one side, his eyes narrowing as he seeks to
recollect. "I remember it as such." Inhaling, he recites, "Flummoxed by an elusive memory, I finally
admit defeat and rise from my perch in the study. Almost lazily, taking for granted the volumes and
volumes of lore around me, I stroll across the stone floor of the subterranean library and select a
tome titled, "The Greev: A Retrospect," taking for granted that this new trove of knowledge exists,
and that the mystery of the Wyrd keeps it lush with knowledge."

Thoughtfully, you say, "That suggests to me a pending discovery of an underground library - do note
the stone floor, not root and dirt - which acquires new tomes, or information, at least, via the
Wyrd."

Glancing hopefully  at Xenthos, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "If we can find this
library, we foind this book..if it exists, therein we find the origins?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The library may not exist... but its
Librarian might."

Gabe's ears perk up as her attention turns towards Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The one Rhalkyr speaks of in the vision
is this librarians tender, I believe. One referred to as the Grand Librarian."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "There are notes of
importance, wherr this second entity asks to or needs to exist with the other. Twins, conjoined
souls, death and life.."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "...and the Weaver."

Using her tongue and the roof of her mouth, Gabe makes a quiet clicking noise.

You tilt your head curiously at Gabe.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The Weaver is simply Rhalkyr's name for
the one in this vision, yes?"

Nodding in turn, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "She is, I believe, known
as the Grand Librarian. But I know little more than that."

You say, "Best not to fixate upon it, I merely chose it for ease of reference. It feels via a web,
is likely an arachnid, and is hidden, waiting. Hence, the Weaver."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But if a title is needed, we might as
well use that."

Comprehension flashes across Gabe's face.

Gabe nods her head sagely.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "For the time being."

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his
thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But it does seem that 'Weaver' would be
apt, for her fingerprints are on much."

Rhalkyr dips his head aside. "Indeed. A subtle mind, most likely. Do you have
thoughts on the nature of this web of hers?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Only inasmuch as I believe that she is
the one who has set this chain of events in motion."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "Created in her image,
then could its creator be the second entity here?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But her motives... are unclear."

Gabe ponders the situation.

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says to Xenthos,
"Trilliliall were twins, yes? My mind wandera to that when there are two - The Greev and then this
other voice asking to be listened to."

Shadows dance across the rocky walls, perpetually avoiding the available light.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Damian and Dominique were also twins."

Musingly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The first of the Shadow
Faelings, bound to the Glomdoring. Rowena's children, the proof of her worth to the Glomdoring."

Gabe sucks thoughtfully on her teeth.

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "Or will they only see
this Fae horror..."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "Another perspective
bound to the Greev, or took the form.of the Greev, or came with the Greev..they knkw the purpose as
to the why? How?"

Still musingly, almost as if speaking entirely to himself, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon
Strategist says, "A Fae horror called the Greev - yet what Awakens a fae?"

Light fades as a chill wind cuts across the room and ripples across a shadowy pool of blood and sap,
stealing your breath and setting the foliage to whispering.

Rhalkyr cants his head at Xenthos, offering, "Manteekan had some ties to the fae,
yes?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Lord Manteekan did, indeed."

You ask, "Do you think it likely there is a connection between He and the matter we pursue?"

Raising an eyebrow, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It's definitely a
possibility. I am not aware of him Awakening anything after His return to us, but that by no means
says it cannot be so."

Quietly  and hesitantly  with an eery look about her, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says,
"What if this Fae died, its soul became trapped and it took on the form of the Greev. What if we
placed the fallen Greev into the pool or some other source to free it?"

A poofy, seal point ragdoll kitten stares at a fixed point with her cerulean eyes then suddenly
pounces at a moving shadow.

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "...because Fae never
really die."

Light fades as a chill wind cuts across the room and ripples across a shadowy pool of blood and sap,
stealing your breath and setting the foliage to whispering.

Rhalkyr utters a low, thoughtful sound. "Perhaps worth asking after." Flicking a
glance at Gabe, he says, "That would risk simply restoring the Greev to rampage anew, would it not?"

Gabe steels herself against the bitimg cold, finally able to breathe again as she wraps her arms
about herself.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Mm. And we do not wish to see it wake
again."

You nod your head at Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I also think that the greev -is- the
Glomdoring. Thus we have always been told. Not a separate fae bound to it, but the Forest itself."

Gabe turns toward you and nods once. "Yes, but we would need a plan. There is just something about
Fae not dying and taking on another form. The Greev is the Wyrd and the Wyrd is the Greev. Spirit
made flesh" she muses.

You say to Xenthos, "Yes. Distinct, however, from the Lady Viravain. I posited my theory of such to
Khasur, and she took some time in answering. There may be something there, or may not."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The Glomdoring is, itself, distinct from
the Lady of Thorns. They are separate - but make no mistake, it is Hers."

Rhalkyr angles his head aside and utters a musing sound. "Ah. I drew the conclusion
based on Her words, but I take it they are more metaphor, than literal."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn murmurs, "Would they allow
both of us to exist."

Gabe ponders the situation.

Rhalkyr's stance shifts slightly back towards that of a more animalistic cast,
shoulders lowering as he leans forward. Clearing his throat, he rubs at it with a huge hand, rolling
his head from side to side slightly. In his own voice, once more, he says, "Would, the Wyrd. Not,
they."

Rhalkyr adds, "Will, they, understand."

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

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "Will they
understand...they did what they did for a reason? It was their only chance to exist, to be heard.."

Gabe puts her hands on her hips and goes "Hmmm!"

Gabe clasping her cheeks between her hands and rubbimg at her face, "Xenthos? Do you have any more
suggestions?"

Dripping water echoes enchantingly in the distance.

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "What if that
screaming belongs to the voice in the vision.."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I have nothing more at this time... but I
find Rhalkyr's thoughts in regards to Lord Manteekan most interesting."

Gabe nods her head sagely.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist smiles and says, "I think I've asked the right
person to help you here, Rhalkyr."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "Awakenimg Fae,
twistes form.."

Gabe smiles wryly at Xenthos.

Massaging at his throat with his knuckles, Rhalkyr utters a rasping grunt, before
remarking, "When asked, Silent One, how to aid, forest. Suggested, seeking out. Those, of,
Blackpetal, and, of Manteekan." A rolling shrug of vast shoulders. "Possibly, unrelated. May, be,
not."

Xenthos raises an eyebrow. "Indeed."

A wry smile spreads across Gabe's face.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I think we are done for now."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But do remember to return here."

Rhalkyr dips his head in a brief jerk. "Will, remain. Think, more. Listen."

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

With a dream-like echoing resound, Disciple of the Tah'vrai, Gabe Ladyn says, "Be well both."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And you."

Rhalkyr's replies is a curt grunt, accompanied by a slight nod.