"What do you bring to My garden?"

[[*screams in terror*]]

(Glomdoring): You say, "...are any tailors awake?"

(Glomdoring): Aurik (from the Aetherways) says, "One can be."

You twiddle your thumbs.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

You twiddle your thumbs.

You think to yourself: Still can't believe lost it.

You stare implacably at Aurik.

You chirp happily.

You see the following people here:
Xenthos, Aurik, Esei, Gurashi.

His lips curling up at the corners with predatory intent, Aurik flashes you a decidedly feral grin.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aurik, "Uhm... O-K."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aurik, "Am looking for a scarf ... is noose-shaped."

Aurik ponders the situation.

Aurik gives an elegant design catalogue to you.

Item: Scarf  Type: Accessories  Org: Raventhread  Designer: Ishra
Commodities: cloth 10 yellowtint 2
Mortal Reviews: Allowed
Layer: OVERWEAR Bodyparts: neck
IMPORTANT: The main noun MUST use one of these: SCARF
Appearance:
a knotted noose scarf
Dropped:
A scarf resembling a knotted noose lies here in a heap.
Examined:
Several feet of coarse cloth have been rolled and stitched lengthwise to
form this cylindrical scarf. The yellowed fabric is offset by brown
thread that runs in a tight spiral down the length of the scarf, giving
it the appearance of rope. To further enhance the appearance, both ends
have been sliced through and left to fray. When properly knotted, the
scarf resembles a hangman's noose, with one end sticking out a few
inches past the knot, and the other dangling near the wearer's waist,
leaving plenty of slack for adjusting the fit. The unrefined cloth is
uncomfortable against bare skin, clearly meant to repeatedly bring the
attention of the wearer back to it.
Comments:

You have emoted: Gurashi squints as he reads the design, then gasps.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aurik, "Yes! That!"

Clasping his hands together, you say to Aurik, "Please..."

Lips curling up at the corners, Aurik's mouth twists into a decidedly feral grin.

The night sky flickers brilliantly with skeins of light that stretch across the firmament like spider silk, heralding the return of Viravain, Lady of the Thorns, to mortal perception.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh says, "Pass the catalog-."

Aurik's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

You give an elegant design catalogue to Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Greetings, Lady Viravain."

(Glomdoring): Hani says, "Greetings Lady Viravain."

You tilt your head curiously.

(Glomdoring): Aurik says, "Greetings, Lady Viravain."

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "Tidings, Lady Viravain."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Tidings, My Glomdoring."

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts his head to look this way and that, then chitters.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Oh... Lady of Roses!"

(Glomdoring): You say, "Many greetings, Lady of Roses!!"

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Gurashi, time to ask what flower Xenthos came from."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Ask on CT."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Do it."

(Glomdoring): You say, "How are doing today??"

(Glomdoring): You say, "Oh oh - also, what kind of flower did Xenthos come from??"

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "*fingerguns*."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Wait you really did it."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "What."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Ahahaha."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Hufuhdhuvbd."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "What, haha."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "."

Esei stares implacably at you.

Aurik stares implacably at you.

Aurik ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "The Glomdoring waxes in power and we enter the Spring of the Wyrd."

Esei blinks.

You tilt your head curiously.

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Aurik Shee-Slaugh looks thoughtful and says, "Well, Mochara does need feeding."

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Softly, you say, "Spring of the Wyrd..."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "And were I to classify Xenthos as a flower, he would certainly contain thorns. Several of them."

Putrefied glen.
The shadows violently writhe and twist along the ground here, indicating a war shrine of Nocht nearby. It is warm and quite pleasant. The thin circular track reaches its pinnacle at this, the northernmost tip of its path. Eczematous flakes peel from the trees around, huge scabs that fall in a cloud of dust. Their bark is dry and crumbling, fungi and maggots feeding on these dying plants. A thick black mist weaves through the dense undergrowth, dimming perception of the surroundings and creating the impression of creatures weaving through the trees. To the south, the trees are blackened and twisting, as if a great blast has melted the huge trunks until they have been reduced to fused corpses that cling to the ground.
You see exits leading north, southeast, south, and southwest.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 17th of Vestian, 549 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 16 days until the New Moon

You give a short gasp of elation.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "You are a thorny flower."

You pat Xenthos in a friendly manner.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "You were born in a -rose- am betting."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out another excitable chitter.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I suppose I cannot object to having thorns."

You chirp happily at Xenthos.

Esei ponders the situation.

Seer Esei of the Ascending Dusk murmurs, "Spring of the Wyrd?"

You think to yourself: Wonder if that means is doing well...

You sway back and forth.

Seer Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks Xenthos, "Has She ever said that before?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Not that I can recall. She has called me Her statue before, however."

You blink.

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

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "Her STATUE."

Xenthos nods his head in agreement.

Esei stares implacably at Xenthos.

Absolutely puzzled, Seer Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks Xenthos, "How are you a statue?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Standing quietly still for lengthy periods at a time."

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to laugh, turning away.

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "What would you believe your own flower to be, Gurashi? Faithful gardener that you are."

You blink.

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "What do you bring to My garden?"

You blush furiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly stammers. "M-me..."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Hmmmm..."

You think to yourself: What flower would -I- be...

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Esei ponders the situation.

Seer Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "That makes sense."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to you.

You ponder the situation.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Are so many good ones..."

(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Be a clover."
(The Shadow Kindred): Hani says, "A four leaf clover."
(The Shadow Kindred): Hani says, "Four arms!"
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Bee colonies can have a fondness for certain kinds of flowers."

You have emoted: Gurashi drums his fingers on his chin, looking more and more nervous.

(Glomdoring): You say, "...clo...ver."

You look about in confusion.

You think to yourself: Think.

You think to yourself: Maybe.

You think to yourself: Uhm.

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Mmm. A clover, then? How unassuming. What does the clover do for My Glomdoring, Gurashi?"

Beads of sweat break out on your face.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together nervously, considering his answer yet again.

Seer Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "As unassuming flower can also feed honeybees and bumblebees, which in turn pollinate other crops and plants."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Oh, uh... hmmm... unassuming, yes... but also spreads -far- and -wide-, and brings nourishment to many things, and sometimes - only sometimes - brings good luck!"

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters hopefully.

You see the following people here:
Aurik, Xenthos, Caohite, Esei, Gurashi.

His lips curling up at the corners with predatory intent, Aurik flashes Caohite a decidedly feral grin.

Esei smiles softly at Caohite.

You twiddle your thumbs.

You think to yourself: Is.... good enough....?

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "I see."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks nervous again.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to those gathered awkwardly.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

Caohite coughs softly.

Nascent Caohite, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I do not think there was a wrong answer, necessarily."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares down towards his feet, glancing aside.

You think to yourself: Is it good enough is it good enough.

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Will you pollinate My Garden, Gurashi? Is that what you wish to tell Me?"

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "*Fhdsklh."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Vfuhuhdvhdbh."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "*spits out drink*."
(The Shadow Kindred): Hani says, "Omg lmao."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Gutter meet brain."
(The Shadow Kindred): Caohite says, "OH NO."
(The Shadow Kindred): Aurik says, "Who to blame for this."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Uh oh."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "UH."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "UHM."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to you.

(Glomdoring): You say, ".......uh ..... Yes?"

Beads of sweat break out on your face.

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Indeed. You will."

You think to yourself: What does She mean.

You think to yourself: What does that mean what does She mean oh.

Beads of sweat break out on your face.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks increasingly nervous.

Loudly, you whisper, "Is a metaphor, yes."

You stare implacably at Xenthos.

Esei shifts their eyes suspiciously from side to side.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Yes. And no."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We all serve the Wyrd. And we all feed it."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "In as many ways as it needs."

Aurik nods his head.

You blush furiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly.

You think to yourself: Went straight to head.

You hear the chittering of thousands of mandibles, their thumping like thunder in your veins. All around you, the forest springs to life, eight-legged creatures creeping toward you silently from the shadows. They stop just outside your peripheral vision, their sudden silence deafening as they observe you. Moments later, they dissolve into nothing, and you feel the piercing gaze of a powerful entity boring its way into your soul.

You have emoted: Gurashi freezes.

Esei blinks.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Are there any ways we can be of service to You, Lady Viravain? Aside from our normal tah'vrai to the Forest, of course."

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

Aurik turns his attention towards you as his ears perk up in interest.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans forward the barest amount, eyes wide, as if afraid to look in his periphery. Slowly, he turns, looking to the woods behind him.

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

You think to yourself: ...hello?

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Bring Me examples of this ... clover. Leave them in My fulcrux. I wish to know more about Gurashi's contribution."

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

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "SHE WANTS A GIFT BASKET."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "WOO."

Aurik ponders the situation.

Nascent Caohite, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "A clover?"

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I have an ideal location to make a painting of for You, I believe. The clover and the bumblebees feeding upon it."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Gurashi, come with me. You shall draw it, if you are able."

Xenthos beckons you to him.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares off into space, searching for something he can't see... he hesitates, then turns to Xenthos, plodding after him.

You begin to follow Xenthos.

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "I will wait."

You nod your head at Xenthos.

Whispering, you say, "Clover..."

You blush furiously.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Was a stupid example?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks suddenly very concerned, poking around.

You see the following people here:
Xenthos, Esei, Gurashi.

Clover patch.
Small particles of dust fly through the air, caught up in a moderate gale. White and pale pink clover blossoms push up through the grass and the signature tri-leafed foliage that thickly coats the ground. Fat bumblebees bob lazily through the air, settling briefly on many of the plump flowers. Beneath the clover, the ground is riddled with burrows, suggesting that the Tolborolla rabbits find this a favourite haunt. An apiary filled with beehives stands tall here, swarming with bees. Surrounded by bees, Vaboz Bumble works happily here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. Dusan, a coruscant wyvern, lurks in the shadows here. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. Seer Esei of the Ascending Dusk floats here, suffusing the air with the sickly-sweet scent of blackthorn blossoms. They wield an athame dagger of dusk in their left hand. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow.
You see a single exit leading northwest.

Esei peers at Vaboz Bumble unscrupulously.
Vaboz Bumble grins mischievously at Esei.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Can you draw a landscape?"

You have emoted: Gurashi watches a bumblebee lazily float on by.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Yes, but do not have anything to draw it on."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "That can be resolved."

Cutting wood into sturdy boards, Esei assembles a frame. They then stretches a cloth over the frame until they holds a perfect canvas, suitable for painting a work of art.

You shuffle your feet uneasily.

Esei gives a blank canvas to you.

You think to yourself: Clover...

Esei gives a master's paint palette to you.

Xenthos gives a master's paint palette to you.

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

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And palettes as well."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Draw away."

You tilt your head curiously at a painting of clover patch.

LOOK PAINTING
White and pale pink clover blossoms push up through the grass and the signature tri-leafed foliage that thickly coats the ground. Fat bumblebees bob lazily through the air, settling briefly on many of the plump flowers. Beneath the clover, the ground is riddled with burrows, suggesting that the Tolborolla rabbits find this a favourite haunt.

Xenthos lifts up a wizzer image box and points it at a tall apiary filled with beehives, pulling a lever on the side of the contraption. It begins to click and whirr, and a bulb rises up from the contraption. With a bright flash, you find yourself blinded momentarily. As your vision recovers, you notice a piece of paper floating into Xenthos's hands from the machine.

You have emoted: Gurashi considers the painting. It's not... the best. But it is something reminiscent of a clover patch.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "There."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I'll bring a sketch of the apiary as well."

You nod your head emphatically.

<-- Esei leaves

You follow Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist to the Fulcrux of Viravain.

You blink.

LOOK VIRAVAIN
She is a radiant immortal and is possessed by a ghostly countenance that haunts the very depths of Her being. Shimmering hair the colour of a harsh winter's snow spills over Her shoulders and down Her back in a straight fall, meticulously twisted into a loose plait mid-back with a single bit of silver thread. Striking pale blue eyes are deep set within Her youthful face, haunted and fathomless as they rarely stay focused in a single place. As befitting Her youthful appearance, Her figure is slight and willowy and each of Her arms is slender, ending in sylphlike fingers and meticulously sculpted nails. Dark shadows swarm sinuously at the corners of Her slender silhouette, their movements manifesting a phantasm of bewitching grace.
She is wearing:
an earring fashioned from a feather of Crow through Her left ear
an exquisite, intricately webbed black rose brooch nestles against Her chest, holding closed Her cloak
a tenebrous gown of manifold shadows
a ghastly white silk pouch draped lightly around Her waist
an earring fashioned from a feather of Crow through Her right ear
a crown of midnight black roses rests atop Her head, black vines twisting into the white tresses of Her hair
a hooded cloak of stygian darkness billows around Her like living shadows, drifting in slow-moving waves.

You give a short gasp of elation.

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Well?"

You have emoted: Gurashi bows quickly, clasping his hands together. "Miss Lady of Roses - many greetings!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh, uh..."

Xenthos gives a sketch of a tall apiary filled with beehives to you.

Eerie whispers echo around you from some unknown source, before fading into silence once more.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at his painting, suddenly having second doubts before Xenthos hands over his sketch. "Ah - many thank yous," He chitters gratefully, making his way over to the Goddess.

You have emoted: Gurashi offers either to Viravain, smiling weakly. "Uhm - here."

You give a painting of clover patch to Viravain, Lady of the Thorns.

You give a sketch of a tall apiary filled with beehives to Viravain, Lady of the Thorns.

Viravain ceases to wield a wickedly curved scythe.

Viravain strokes a wickedly curved scythe tenderly.

You twiddle your thumbs.

You think to yourself: ...oh boy She does not like it.

The Lady of the Thorns holds the painting in Her hand, Her eyes steady as She observes the work. She pauses briefly in thought, the unnatural darkness that surrounds Her fluctuating like an ever-expanding cloak. Viravain smiles faintly and says, "Bees. What would have become of them had they grown like My Crow?" She lifts Her gaze to you and then nods. "Tell Me what you think of the bees, Gurashi."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, antennae raising in interest.

Gently, you say to Viravain, "Oh, uhm..."

You have emoted: Gurashi very delicately bounces his fingers together, tilting his head. "Think bees are great. The work they do helps all, not just each other. Are reason for foods for peoples too, even." He perks up. "Isn't that amazing?"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

You beam broadly.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard steps over to you, rubbing her nose against your hand gently for a moment before leaning against you encouragingly.

Her voice pensive, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "The stinger -- how inspired was I. They sense their safety in jeopardy and then sacrifice everything to destroy their adversaries."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down to Ilistala, an enormous leopard, ruffling the leopard's furry face for a moment before returning his gaze to Viravain, bowing his head sheepishly. "...ah... yeah. Are, uhm, very brave too."

You think to yourself: ... bees are awesome.

Softly, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "All for the hive. Did you know that the queen can produce several hundred more bees during her reign? Sometimes, in a successful hive, several thousand, if it is left undisturbed."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard doesn't move, but she purrs softly, vibrating against your hand.

Her voice dripping with poisonous honey, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Are you a brave bee, child, or a honey bee? Will you sting for Me?"

You have emoted: Gurashi raises his gaze a little higher, considering Viravain intensely.

You have emoted: Gurashi barely registers Ilistala, an enormous leopard's presence, nudged only slightly by the leopard's greater girth. "...w-will do whatever need to, My Lady." He says quietly, voice cracking. He clears his throat.

(Market): Chef Gioia Shucks says, "I've just arrived in the Facility! Will I be able to find some fine food here, I wonder?"
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "GIOIAAAAAA."

You see the following people here:
Xenthos, Viravain, Gurashi.

You stare implacably at Viravain.

You think to yourself: Whatdoesmean.

Viravain hovers closer to you, the tips of Her toes dragging along the ground. "If a bee stings for Me, they die. Almost immediately."

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

You think to yourself: ...that is a very sharp scythe.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Xenthos."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Xenthos that is a very sharp weapon She has."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "It sure is."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "She's coming awful close with that very sharp weapon Xenthos."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "What an awfully sharp weapon you have there. The better to see your reflection with, my dear."

You have emoted: Gurashi keeps his feet in place, but leans back the barest amount to accommodate for Viravain's enclosing presence. "....t-they sure do, b-but," He chatters nervously, then clears his throat, "they do it because... have to."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Because they have to? Or because they want to? Because they must?"

Softly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Because it is their tah'vrai."

You have emoted: Gurashi remains motionless with Xenthos's verbal addition.

Tilting Her head at this, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "You do not believe that they will follow My command? You do not believe they will, as if they were defending their hive, that they would choose to bring pain to My enemies -- expending their lives for Me?"

You stare implacably at Viravain.

You blink.

Viravain leans down from Her position in the air, Her scythe held lightly in Her hands as She observes your reply.

You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click nervously. "...mean, of course will follow Your command!" He chirps, looking confused though doing his damnest to compose himself.

You crease your brow in a frown.

You think to yourself: She made the bees... so...

You think to yourself: They do what She wants them to... so was Her design for them to do the ... sacrifice thing...

You think to yourself: Boy this all sounds -very ominous-.

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters softly, nervously.

You think to yourself: Why ...

You think to yourself: Why are we talking about hurting again...

Her voice like the frigid air through broken branches, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "All of My creations are beautiful, little bumblebee -- do you not agree? Is their sacrifice not reminiscent of the Wyrd?"

Viravain reaches out to tenderly cup your cheek in Her hand.

Perking up, speaking insistently, you exclaim to Viravain, "O-of course are! Really!"

You have emoted: Gurashi immediately stops speaking as his cheek is cupped, blinking.

Softly, like poison dripping from a stem, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to you, "Then why are you concerned about a discussion of "hurting," as you thought it?"

A soft breeze drifts in, creating a shower of black rose petals that dance upon the wind.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard blinks.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard ponders you.

Quickly shaking his head and raising his hands, mortified, you say, "O-Oh, no, was a dumb thought, many apologies My Lady."

Still mortified, you exclaim to Viravain, "Am willing to do anything, am willing to do anything!"

You think to yourself: Feel dizzy...

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly falls quiet again, mandibles clicking once, very soft.

Viravain drifts away from you, Her form fading into the webbing of Her fulcrux. As She departs, Her voice emanates from everywhere, "We shall see."

You blink.

You think to yourself: ...amalive.

You think to yourself: AmI?

You think to yourself: Ohmygosh.

You crease your brow in a frown.

You think to yourself: Oh no oh no oh no did give the wrong answer.

You see the following people here:
Xenthos, Gurashi.

(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "There was a lot of scaring."

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a careful step backwards, watching as Viravain fades from sight. He stares into the darkness, then looks to Xenthos, very concerned.

Dazed, you say to Xenthos, "Uh..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "She is the mother of the Glomdoring. Serving Her is the same as serving the Forest. It is our reason for existing- in whatever manner She requires. It is nothing to be concerned about, but instead looked forward to."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly, shakily. "Right!" He eeks out. "Know!"

You think to yourself: Am an idiot.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about the Fulcrux nervously. "...think we can leave?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Aye, we can."

Bizirik, the leothin croons softly, plodding after Gurashi.

A peaceful glade.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Trees thrive here, encircling the wide glade, their immense trunks giving an impression of age and majesty. Only one tree grows within the glade itself-- a massive Ravenwood which stands proudly in the center, its branches thick and concealing. A carpet of soft grass covers most of the ground in the open space, though a few large rocks break the surface, their tops worn flat and smooth and kept meticulously clean. This affords ample space for one to rest and relax, choosing either the soft comfort of the grass or the smooth surface of the rocks depending upon personal taste. A small segment of the glade has been turned into a miniature garden, in which grows violet irises and well-tended rosebushes arranged in tidy rows. The fragrance of the flowers permeates the air with a heady aroma. A cluster of snapdragons, an elegant pink rose, a midnight black rose, a tiger lily, a delicate iris, a pink carnation, an elegant pink rose, a cool tulip of dusk, a striped orchid, a purple tulip, a yellow lily, and an elegant pink rose blossom within a beautiful, lush garden. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. You see a sign here instructing you that WARES is the command to see what is for sale.
You see exits leading north, east, southeast, up (closed door), and down (closed door).

You have emoted: Gurashi lays a hand on Ilistala, an enormous leopard's head, petting the leopard gently.

You think to yourself: ...what am going to have to do...

Ilistala, an enormous leopard nuzzles her head against you, continuing to softly purr.

You have emoted: Gurashi stays quiet, wrapping his arms for a long moment around Ilistala, an enormous leopard's furry neck.

You think to yourself: Would a mean me still be me...?

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.

A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "You should rest."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "And... will work on that kitchen design."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I should, aye."

You have emoted: Gurashi swings his arm in a cheery gesture, though he remains straight faced.

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard stares at you, her whiskers twitching.

You stare implacably at Ilistala, an enormous leopard.

You stare implacably at Xenthos.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I should go so can rest."

Bizirik, the leothin thrums softly.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.

Encouragingly, you say to Ilistala, an enormous leopard, "Go to bed."

You think to yourself: Is... my tah'vrai to die...?

You have emoted: Gurashi stares off into space, suddenly quite concerned before shaking the thought loose. "Goodnight you two! And be well!" He chirps.

You move about quickly and lose Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

You beam broadly.

You wave goodbye.

You portal to the Portals of Glomdoring.
The Portals of Glomdoring.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The cylindrical chamber has been carved from marble veined with dark sediment, and polished to a lustrous smooth shine. Concentric circles are inlaid upon the floor, alternating with rings of black opal, onyx and dark amethyst. High above, the ceiling shines with a bright light that pulsates softly and steadily like a heartbeat. The air itself is charged with energy, veritably crackling with power. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. There is an aetherways portal here.
You see a single exit leading out.

You think to yourself: ...to die...

You think to yourself: ...is not so bad... come right back, right?

You have emoted: Gurashi stares down the dark tunnel, the heavy realization settling in upon him.

You think to yourself: ...am I ...

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to stare down the darkness, slowly making his way back up the tunnel.

You think to yourself: Strong enough for the Glomdoring...

You think to yourself: Is clover something... Glomdoring needs...

You think to yourself: Are *bumblebees enough...?

You think to yourself: ........wait am I going to have to find a partner.

Beads of sweat break out on your face.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks even more terrified at the prospect.