Are you a porcelain mask, Mixter Velcora?

---> sent some tells to velcora that I lost, sadly, but we decided to meet up and just talk!

A feral garosaur covered in bright crimson feather-scales wriggles from head to toe, tossing his head and flicking his tail.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "How are you?"

Softly, you say, "Hello hello, I am... well enough. Nicely shape, again."

Velcora gives a purple tulip to you.
Velcora blushes furiously.

You blink.
You smile brightly at Velcora, your frills puffing with joy.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Thank you."
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Did you have your...tea time?"

You glance askance.
You shake your head.
You reach out through your bond with Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow and summon him from the stables. You sense him answering your call.

Comprehension flashes across Velcora's face.
Velcora nods solemnly.

Slowly, you say, "It is... next month, yes."

Comprehension flashes across Velcora's face.
Velcora nods solemnly.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I see."

After a moment, you say, "Would you like to come to my manse?"

Velcora beams broadly.

You have emoted: Cheliyi offers her hand, smiling faintly.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I would very much like to, yes."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow trots in with head high, butting you gently with his head.

You pet Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow ingratiatingly.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

Velcora takes your hand.
Velcora begins to follow you.

You portal to Overgrowth.
This room has not been mapped.
A Gentle Grove.                                        (#OVERGROWTH_1)
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A quiet glen of gnarled weeping willows encase all sides, leaves swishing softly in an unseen breeze. Hung from many branches are small cicada and blossom origami, as if the willow trees themselves bear fruit. Twilight cloaks the area, blanketing all in a ghostly glow. Soft grasses and leaves crunch underfoot, the soothing smell of decaying flora and wet earth flooding the air with each step. Large, fluffy bats flutter overhead, oddly docile despite their inherent natures. Freshly planted, a small rowan sapling grows in a clear place of honor, lovingly tended to. There are plenty of spaces for rest, a soft patch of grass here, a plush expanse of moss there. Piled next to a rather large patch of moss sits a stack of letters, each paper clearly well loved. A small vase sits atop a mossy stump, practically bursting with flower cuttings, bringing a spot of bright color to an otherwise unremarkable sea of greens and browns. A large, fluffy crow's nest hangs from one of the many willows, full of shiny baubles and small bones of some poor rodent. The sound of a babbling brook seems to echo in the distance. Little else can be heard, save for the soft woosh of the entry portal. A thick bed of moss clings to the ground here. There are 3 moss-covered stump chairs here. A painting of Unwanted Silence is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall, with an inscription on a plaque on its frame. Perpetually ticking away the hours, the Enduring Clock of Present's Resolution stands proudly nearby. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
There are no obvious exits.

"Wow!" Velcora exclaims!
Velcora's eyes widen as he beholds his surroundings with a look of awe and wonder.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "It is really...beautiful."
Velcora blushes furiously.

You have emoted: Cheliyi shuffles out from the portal, letting go of Velcora's hand so that he can explore as he pleases. The mugwump stops first by a small, rowan sapling, summoning a small raincloud to water it. "Ah, thanks, yes. It... well, it just is, I suppose. How I s... saw my siblings, for a time."

Velcora tilts his head curiously at you.
Velcora runs his fingers gently over the grasses, then softly brushes the bark of a weeping willow.

You have emoted: Cheliyi gestures vaguely with one hand, the other focused on tending to the rowan sapling. "Please, make yourself at home."

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Thank you."
Velcora blinks with his nictitating membrane, the translucent lens giving him a glazed look in that momentary flick.
Velcora starts to reach for the top letter of a stack, then thinking better of it, sits himself down on a stump chair.
Velcora sits himself down on a moss-covered stump chair and makes himself comfortable.
Velcora studies a painting of unwanted silence.

A bored expression on his face, Velcora shapes his mouth into a perfect circle and slowly exhales a bubble that bursts with a soft 'POP!'
Velcora blushes furiously.

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles, and gives the sapling a final pat, who seems to almost... wiggle in response. The mugwump finally returns her attention to Velcora, raising a bemused eyebrow at the pop. "Ah, that was.... gifted by a friend of mine, yes. She has not woken up for... well, a few years now, but I'm sure she'll pop up."
Velcora's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

A babbling brook gurgles off in the distance, flooding the air with the scent of damp, fertile soil.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I'm sorry your friend is absent...I have someone who has been asleep a few years too."
An expression of longing crossing his face, Velcora heaves a deep, wistful sigh.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "It is good to have something from them."
You have emoted: Cheliyi's fingers ghost over an airy bracelet of the cloudswept sky, and she nods. For a moment, she is silent, pensive, until she suddenly shakes out her frills. "Ah, sorry. I am not being a very good host. How are you? Hungry for anything?"

Velcora's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I'm not hungry, but thank you."
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I would never say no to a drink, however..."

You think to yourself: **the ache swelling, and fading**.
A wry smile spreads across your face.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Alas, I do not drink often, no. But I think..."

You ponder a fesix backpack thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

The rumble of distant thunder heralds Kosuke, the cloud-bound Long as he flies in and loops himself around you several times like a draconic cocoon, handing you a bowl of chicken and dumpling soup within before he flies off.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls out a honeycomb bottle with a triumphant grin. "Here it is. This... might actually be what you gifted me, a time ago."

This honeypot bottle is delicately crafted out of fine clay with its
shape resembling that of a bumblebee. The clay is dyed in alternating
rings of black and yellow to resemble the stripes on a bee, and on the
inside of the pot there is a thin layer of glass which serves to keep
the bottle sealed when closed. At the bottom of the bee is a stinger
shaped attachment crafted of pure onyx, which pulls out and serves as a
honey dipper. Wings sprout from either side of the bee, made of silk
reinforced with veins of iron that run through them and make them
glimmer. The insides of the wings have gaps for the purpose of using
them as handles. All of this is capped off by a cute bee-head lid, with
cloth antennae and two cartoonish eyes which stare innocently out from
beneath the antennae.
It has 72 months of usefulness left.
It weighs 12 ounce(s).
Mead sloshes about in it.
It has the following aliases: bottle.

Velcora peers at the bottle in the dim light. "Is it?"
Velcora looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, and laughs. "Apologies, I forget that most people cannot see in shadows."
You ponder a bee-shaped honeypot bottle thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Sincerely, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Hat is ok...it's...cozy."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Cups....."

Velcora waves about a shot glass energetically.

You smile brightly at Velcora, your frills puffing with joy.
Velcora gives a shot glass to you.

You pour mead from a bee-shaped honeypot bottle into a shot glass.
You give a shot glass to Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs.

Velcora crushes the cluster of gems into a fine powder and fashions a set of 5 fine glasses.
Velcora gives a shot glass to you.
Velcora gives a shot glass to you.
Velcora gives a shot glass to you.

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

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "So you will have some for your next guests."
Velcora blushes furiously.

You pour mead from a bee-shaped honeypot bottle into a shot glass.

Velcora raises his glass in a toast to you.

You raise your glass in a toast.

Velcora's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

You smile softly.
You sit yourself down on a moss-covered stump chair and make yourself comfortable.
You have emoted: Cheliyi sniffs at the mead, wrinkling her nose. With a huff, she sips some.
You take a long draught of mead, hoping to quench your thirst.

Velcora peers about the space, his attention gravitating towards the sound of the brook.

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches Velcora curiously, and hums. "I think the brook is out of sight, yes. Have not tried to find it yet."

Velcora's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "It's a very pleasant sound."

You have emoted: Cheliyi nods absently, her gaze trailing up to the wyrden canopy. "Well, I suppose we could talk about inane things. Or maybe ask questions? I can go first, yes."

Velcora nods his head emphatically.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Please."

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

Velcora watches you and awaits the question with anticipation.
Velcora blinks with his nictitating membrane, the translucent lens giving him a glazed look in that momentary flick.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Well.... how about... favorite color?"

Velcora's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I have several really."
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Emerald, gold, lavender."
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I guess just three."
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "And yours?"
Velcora tilts his head curiously.
Velcora's fingers idly brush the moss on the stump chair as his eyes watch you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi taps her chin thoughtfully, and then glances at Velcora, looking them up and down. She huffs a laugh, apparently finding something amusing, and nods to herself. "Mine are... dark green? When moss grows on old, rich bark, yes. And..." she pauses. "Blue. Sometimes."

You think to yourself: All colors from her home, and colors... from mine. **the ache, thrumming in your chest, dulling the happiness this encounter would usually induce**.

Naught a sound can be heard as a single, lonely leaf drifts down from the looming willows overhead.
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.

Velcora nods as though he understands, or maybe he just appreciates those same colors.
Velcora ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."
Nervously, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Ok my question is...how can I convince you to move to the Serenwilde?"
A wry smile spreads across Velcora's face.

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches patiently, nursing her shot glass, until she pauses.
You blink.

Velcora takes a long draught of mead.
Velcora blushes suddenly and glances down at his feet.

You have emoted: Cheliyi bursts out with a quiet laugh, only for her expression to soften.

The corners of Velcora's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Gaze trailing the ground, you say, "How would I convince you to come to Glomdoring? That is where you would find your answer."

You think to yourself: **the sensation blooming in your chest, no longer just guilt and pain, but an almost -longing-**.

Velcora frowns, wrinkles their fishy brow, then their features relax. "I suppose..." he starts, then trails off. After a pause, he continues "I don't know the answer to either one."

You have emoted: Cheliyi suddenly winces as the canopy comes alive with a quiet hiss, only for the small rowan sapling to wiggle, somehow silencing the gathering of willows.
You blush furiously.
Faintly, clutching at her frills, you say, "Ah, sorry, yes, my siblings are being-," another wince, "fussy. You are fine, and safe here, I promise."

Velcora looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Can I meet them?"

You think to yourself: **rumbling and hissing, how dare you consider it, they raised you and you long for another? ungrateful.**.

You blink.
You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks incredulously, the entire canopy pausing in its movement as if to stare in turn.
Slowly, you ask, "You... want to meet them?"

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Should I not want to?"

Velcora peers into the canopy, squinting.
Velcora blinks with his nictitating membrane, the translucent lens giving him a glazed look in that momentary flick.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, and gestures at, well. All of you. "You... you do realize you are a Serenwilder, yes? I would be... well, I can assist, yes. But it may not be... welcoming."

Velcora creases his brow in a frown.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I am not sure I know what I am asking..."
Velcora looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

You ponder the situation.
Hesitant, you say, "Well, it would be a conversation, but my siblings... they speak in the mind, yes."

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I see."

Suddenly surprised, you say, "I... well. I'm actually a little surprised you believed me about my siblings so readily. Most people would..."
You have emoted: Cheliyi purses her lips, and waves her hand dismissively. "Nevermind."

Velcora thinks for a moment, then takes another drink of mead...then nods, resolute.
Velcora's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Sighing, you say, "Maybe this weirdly drink will help."
You take a long draught of mead, hoping to quench your thirst.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I'm sorry if you don't like it."

Velcora drains the last dregs of mead from a shot glass.

In a swirl of blue fire, a gentle spirit stag leaps out of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Velcora and prances in a slow circle before fading.

You have emoted: Cheliyi leans forward, and pauses. "I... it will be easier if we touch, yes. I think. Also it's... fine? Just tastes like sweet punch gone bad, yes. Otherwise... it's kind of nicely."
You have emoted: Cheliyi offers her hands.

Velcora's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Velcora only hesitates slightly before taking your hand once more.

Closing your eyes, you listen intently. Your frills twitch with idle curiousity.

Velcora closes his eyes too.
Velcora squeezes your hands very slightly.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs, "**the first thing you see is an explosion of color, grey and green and brown, wavering and rustling like a sea of leaves. then... come the whispers. they flit in and out of the bond, cautious at first, and then bolder with each passing second. Soon, there is a symphony of noise, rustling and creaking and groaning, all deeply suspicious of you** Be nicely, **you hear Cheliyi say, the mugwump's brow furrowing as no sound escapes her lips.**."

A sudden groan emanates out from the surrounding trees, casting deep, swirling shadows in the soft twilight.
Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 24th of Klangiary, 582 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You think to yourself: **what is this, why do you bring a child of Hart to our voices, does she wish to join us? A trade?** No. She just... wants to say hello, I suppose. **bold, for a star shape, the ache in your chest flaring, the most civil you siblings have been in months, you suppose you agree**.

Velcora squeezes your hands a bit more as the sounds enter his mind, but loosens his grip slightly when he hears your voice.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs, "**the sounds rise and fall, in tune with some unheard beat, low and almost soothing, if not for the syllabant hissing apparently closing in. all at once, the whispers collect into a single sentence, voiced by many,** bold of you, sapling, to mingle your roots with ours, **and then it is chaos once more, orderly and wild all at once**."

You have emoted: Cheliyi's frills twitch this way and than, the mugwump keeping her grip gentle in Velcora's own.

Velcora tenses slightly for a moment and then relaxes once more, his grip easing in reaction to your gentle touch.

Faintly, you ask, "Well, are you simply going to listen?"
A wry smile spreads across your face.

Velcora clears his throat.
Velcora closes his mouth and squeezes his eyes more tightly shut...he is leaning forward in his sear now, practically off of it, and you can hear his heavy breathing, close to you.

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "I do not believe I am bold."

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs whispers, "Am I doing it right?"

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "I am...curious. I wish to know more of the world and the beings in it..."
Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "And in particular...This one **you feel Velcora squeeze your hand at the word THIS, then, perhaps embarrassed, he loosens it**."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs, "**one voice rises above the rest, faintly amused, and yet, somehow different** Perhaps not, but then that would make you a fool, no? **the colors swirl with motes of yellow, grating and creaking with laughter, a wyrden symphony, once again hissing in unison** Child, are you the foolish fly? Or the cunning spider? Choose, before we decide we're hungry..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi finally opens her eyes, blinking at Velcora curiously. She smiles, and closes her eyes once more, although the motion is more pained than anything.

A warm breeze drifts through, caressing the surrounding canopy and scattering various foliage underfoot. Origami swing in the wind in an almost mesmerizing pattern, until all grows still once more.

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "I am the butterfly, fluttering this way and that o the wind, hoping I can wing close to the spider's web without getting caught in it...I think..."
Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "I've been warned about the spider...but I can't seem to stay away..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs, "No. No eating, siblings. **the trees hiss irritably at Cheliyi's denial, and suddenly the spell is broken, the forest grumbling and creaking** You deny us again? When will your foolishness end- **only for the hiss to stop, as a clear, foreign presence slides in, distancing the bond.** Be careful, butterfly. **the entity intones, leaving the faint impression of a smile as the bond comes to a sudden close**."

You have emoted: Cheliyi sags, exhaling sharply.

Velcora opens his eyes slowly, emerging from the haze of colors and sounds gradually.

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances askance at the rowan sapling, suddenly looking much more tired than before.

Hoarsely, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Are you alright?"

Faintly, you say, "I hope you are kidding, when you say you cannot stay away. Glomdoring is not a place for kind peoples."

Velcora blushes furiously.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I only mean I am curious to learn more...and...to get to know you better."
Velcora slowly notices his proximity to you, and his hand still in your, and gently lets go and stands, taking a single step back.

You have emoted: Cheliyi involuntarily leans into Velcora's chest, spent by the ordeal. "I... that's nice, yes. I am surprised my siblings were so civil, for that long." She smiles faintly, righting herself with a grunt. "Have not heard them laugh like that in ages, although I am sorry it was at your expense."

You have emoted: Cheliyi stares blankly at Velcora, uncomprehending. "You are alright, yes?"

Velcora nods his head emphatically.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I..."
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I hope I have not taken too much advantage of your hospitality."

You think to yourself: **the rustling of leaves, you too, lilypad. Be careful.**.

You blink incredulously at Velcora.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Of course you haven't."

Velcora relaxes.

You give Velcora a friendly squeeze.

Velcora's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

You have emoted: Cheliyi rubs at her brow, and removes her spectacles. "My siblings are the ones putting up a fuss. Brother Rowan is acting as a buffer, for now, though."

Comprehension flashes across Velcora's face.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Thank you for saying I am kind. is that why you are leaving Glomdoring?"
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Because you are kind too, I mean."

You think to yourself **the world is blurry, for some reason, and spilling, a sudden surge of suspicion that follows a dull ache**

Leaning forward ever so slightly, a slight flush to her cheeks, you say, "Mm. Mi...mixter Velcora. Are you a porcelain mask?"

Velcora scratches his head in confusion.

You think to yourself: **the ache back twofold, why does it hurt so much worse? Who can you trust?**.

You take a long draught of mead, hoping to quench your thirst.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "A porcelain mask?"

Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic sun's luminous presence as he climbs higher into the sky.

You have emoted: Cheliyi gestures vaguely. "The spider smile and sings and weaves beauty to ensnare." She shares in a slight mumble, unhelpfully.
You peer at a shot glass unscrupulously.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Are you alright?"
Velcora's eyes sparkle with amusement.

You wave your hand dismissively.

Velcora passes his hand over the surface of A Glass Mask of Fun from one side to the other, and as he does so it transforms into A Metallic Mask of Fun.
Velcora ponders A Metallic Mask of Fun thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

You have emoted: Cheliyi sets a shot glass down, huffing. "No, not really. Which, do not want to make you worry, but I do not lie."
You drop a shot glass.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I am worrying a bit...but I'm glad you are honest."
Velcora creases his brow in a frown.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Do you want some water?"

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.
You shake your head.
Softly swaying, you say, "Is not that kind of not okay."

Velcora nods his head emphatically.
In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Do you want something else to drink then?"
The corners of Velcora's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.
A pale pink light cloaks Velcora briefly, emanating from a gaudy glamrock. When it withdraws, he stands in an extravagant pose, demonstrating his new outfit.

You roll your eyes.

The corners of Velcora's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow nudges a shot glass suspiciously with his beak.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I think I am fine for now."

You pet Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow ingratiatingly.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

Velcora nods solemnly.

Gently chiding, you say to Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow, "No, not for you. You need to stop learning from Bizi."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow huffs.

Velcora giggles happily.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow turns his back and pointedly ignores everyone.

A wry smile spreads across your face.
Softer, you say, "I do not know. The last few months have hurt a lot, I suppose. Being lied to again and again has that effect, it seems. Makes my chest ache."

You pet Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow ingratiatingly.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

A babbling brook gurgles off in the distance, flooding the air with the scent of damp, fertile soil.

Absently, you say, "Maybe that is why they call it heart break."
You blink.
You stare blankly into space.
Squinting, you say, "I just said that all out loud."

You ponder Velcora thoughtfully, looking him up and down.
You wave your hand dismissively.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Mm, if you are using me, you probably would have stabbed me by now."
You pet Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow ingratiatingly.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.
Tired, you say, "So, you're probably fine."

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I'm thinking the same thing about you."
A wry smile spreads across Velcora's face.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I am sorry for your heart break."

Dryly, you say, "I'm very bad at stabbing."

Looking at ^Cheliyi's whip, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "You seem more of a whipping type."

Wry, you say, "Would probably try to stab, miss, try again, then get upset if I actually cut you and try to fix it. I am very predictable, like that."

You pat a putrid thornvine whip in a friendly manner.
You have emoted: Cheliyi expression darkens, and she sighs again, the drunken rambling trailing off into silence.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I want to ask more about the heartbreak and the lies and maybe more about the stabbing, but I must go...we'll have to save it for our next rendezvouz."

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.
You nod your head slowly in understanding.
You get up off a moss-covered stump chair.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "I hope we can talk again very soon."

You have emoted: Cheliyi offer her hand once more, nodding.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Tell your siblings it was sort of nice to meet them."
A wry smile spreads across Velcora's face.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Hope it was enjoyable, yes."
A wry smile spreads across your face.

Velcora takes your hand.
Velcora gets up off a moss-covered stump chair.
Velcora begins to follow you.

You portal to the Aetherplex Chamber.

The Aetherplex Chamber.
The spherical chamber is formed from a hollow geode comprised of dozens of precious gemstones. Large jagged formations of rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds line the walls and ceiling. The floor has been cut and polished to a brilliant shine, revealing concentric circles of brilliant colours. Upon close examination of the glassy floor, shimmering reflections briefly glide across its smooth surface of wondrous mansions and abodes. A current of electricity continuously runs throughout this mineral wonder, causing tiny sparks to erratically blossom up and down the crystalline formations. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Shimmering with aetheric energy, a bright glowing portal floats here in midair. Hackles risen, a fierce timberwolf prowls about here. A screech owl is here, surveying the surroundings. There are 2 great brindle mastiffs here. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. 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 exits leading north (open door), south, out, and through a bright, glowing portal.

You bow respectfully to Velcora.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "Thank you."
Velcora bows respectfully to you.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Be well, Mixter Velcora."
You move about quickly and lose Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs.

You are exhausted and open your mouth in an enormous yawn.

In a watery baritone, Mayflower Velcora Lunarose, Minister of Cultural Affairs says, "You too, Cheliyi."

You smile softly.
You portal to Overgrowth.

A Gentle Grove.                                        (#OVERGROWTH_1)
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A quiet glen of gnarled weeping willows encase all sides, leaves swishing softly in an unseen breeze. Hung from many branches are small cicada and blossom origami, as if the willow trees themselves bear fruit. Twilight cloaks the area, blanketing all in a ghostly glow. Soft grasses and leaves crunch underfoot, the soothing smell of decaying flora and wet earth flooding the air with each step. Large, fluffy bats flutter overhead, oddly docile despite their inherent natures. Freshly planted, a small rowan sapling grows in a clear place of honor, lovingly tended to. There are plenty of spaces for rest, a soft patch of grass here, a plush expanse of moss there. Piled next to a rather large patch of moss sits a stack of letters, each paper clearly well loved. A small vase sits atop a mossy stump, practically bursting with flower cuttings, bringing a spot of bright color to an otherwise unremarkable sea of greens and browns. A large, fluffy crow's nest hangs from one of the many willows, full of shiny baubles and small bones of some poor rodent. The sound of a babbling brook seems to echo in the distance. Little else can be heard, save for the soft woosh of the entry portal. A thick bed of moss clings to the ground here. There are 3 moss-covered stump chairs here. A painting of Unwanted Silence is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall, with an inscription on a plaque on its frame. Perpetually ticking away the hours, the Enduring Clock of Present's Resolution stands proudly nearby. A shot glass is on the ground nearby. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
There are no obvious exits.

You lie down on a bed of moss and comfortably stretch out.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls a leaf-green woollen blanket closer around her, smiling softly.