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RSVP Update: Completing Viravain's Request

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Dec 14th, 2019
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  1. Rising passage.
  2. The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The roots that hang from the ceiling here are short and stubby as if they have been trimmed or knotted back to allow people - or creatures - to pass. The walls are bare earth, a rounded tunnel smoothed by loose soil. The tunnel slopes gently up to the west, its roof becoming darker and moister as it rises. A rivulet of water flows back down, disappearing into the many cracks in the soil. A loamadore hangs from the ceiling here, scattering soil beneath it. Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel stands here, an unnatural silence clinging to her like a shroud. She wields the graceful black-crystal athame of the Silent Umbra in her left hand.
  3. You see exits leading east, northwest, and in.
  4.  
  5. You blink.
  6.  
  7. You have emoted: Gurashi offers a quick, clumsy half bow to Rancoura.
  8.  
  9. Rancoura inclines her head politely to you.
  10.  
  11. Rancoura tilts her head curiously.
  12.  
  13. In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Are you well, Exemplar?"
  14.  
  15. With a start, you say to Rancoura, "Eh?"
  16.  
  17. Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh, ehm."
  18.  
  19. You have emoted: Gurashi looks himself over. "Full of wasps but, is O-K." He inhales. "Am A-O-K."
  20.  
  21. Quickly, you ask Rancoura, "How are?"
  22.  
  23. Rancoura tilts her head for a moment in thought, then a memory seems to come to her and she resumes her stoic stance with a slight nod. "Well enough," she whispers, considering you closely. "You have yet to speak with the Enchantress, I suppose?"
  24.  
  25. You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders sag a bit. "Am," His gaze trails down to the ground, "about to. Or, at least," his head bobs listlessly to one side, "will try to."
  26.  
  27. It is now the 7th of Dioni, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
  28. There are 31 days until the New Moon
  29.  
  30. Rancoura nods her head.
  31.  
  32. Reassuringly to himself, you say to Rancoura, "Is what She asked of."
  33.  
  34. In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "Do you wish me to accompany you?"
  35.  
  36. You blink.
  37.  
  38. You stare implacably at Rancoura.
  39.  
  40. The rowdy notes of a drinking song, faint at first, then rising to the undisputed intensity of a Dwarf On A Mission, herald the arrival of Ironbeard the Magnanimous who casts his beam of a smile about himself as he arrives.
  41. Laughing deeply, Ironbeard the Magnanimous proclaims, "Merry Solstice, Gurashi!"
  42. Ironbeard the Magnanimous just gave you a crystal anniversary present!
  43.  
  44. You have emoted: Gurashi opens his mouth, mandibles clicking in surprise.
  45.  
  46. You blink.
  47.  
  48. You stare implacably at Ironbeard the Magnanimous.
  49. Ironbeard the Magnanimous's eyes twinkle enchantingly at you.
  50.  
  51. The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Rancoura's lips.
  52.  
  53. You stare implacably at a crystal anniversary present.
  54.  
  55. Shadows swirl around Rancoura's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around her hand.
  56.  
  57. You cough softly.
  58.  
  59. With a sudden look of concentration, Ironbeard the Magnanimous smiles a crooked smile, rubs his ample stomach, and fades to nothingness, followed by the sound of a distant belch.
  60.  
  61. Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "U-uh m..."
  62.  
  63. You have emoted: Gurashi looks from the present back to Rancoura in disbelief. "....-really-?"
  64.  
  65. Rancoura offers a delicate bow of her head in affirmation.
  66.  
  67. Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "...S-She is going to be mad, know. Probably more mad than last time."
  68.  
  69. With an undisturbed nod, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Such is likely."
  70.  
  71. You have emoted: Gurashi looks at the ground again, then takes a step closer to Rancoura, stooping forward and squinting up into the trill's face. "Would feel really very bad if She hurt you."
  72.  
  73. You frown at Rancoura.
  74.  
  75. Rancoura gently lays a palm against the side of your chitin-clad beak, patting it delicately. "I have endured much in my many years, Exemplar," she whispers, head lowering slightly to meet your eyes.
  76.  
  77. Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.
  78.  
  79. In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "We shall see how She reacts, and endure what we must, if the Mother of the Wyrd wishes it."
  80.  
  81. You have emoted: Gurashi inhales after a quiet minute, nodding at Rancoura. "Then off to Fulcrux am going. Or at least," He straightens and offers an arm to Rancoura, "just outside of Fulcrux."
  82.  
  83. You nod your head at Rancoura.
  84.  
  85. Rancoura takes your arm with grace, slender hand wrapped around the upper segment.
  86.  
  87. Rancoura begins to follow you.
  88. ==== Rancoura is following you ====
  89.  
  90. **walkies**
  91.  
  92. Before Avechna the Avenger.
  93. A vast temple surrounds the gargantuan stone form of Avechna the Avenger. The building is a massive structure of gleaming hardwood columns and cross-beams, topped by an enormous domed roof. Carved into the wood are superb illustrations of Avechna battling an ancient malevolence that at one time threatened all of creation. These depictions are quite vivid, and through a clever set of lines the form of Kethuru seems to twist and change depending on the angle from which it is viewed. Also carved into the supports are ancient words, a promise of continued vigilance against all injustice. An aura of throbbing power pervades the air surrounding Avechna. Avechna the Avenger towers before you, radiating a powerful aura. The shrouded form of a wight floats ominously in the air here. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel stands here, an unnatural silence clinging to her like a shroud. She wields the graceful black-crystal athame of the Silent Umbra in her left hand.
  94. You see exits leading east and down.
  95.  
  96. Rancoura follows you down.
  97. The top of a staircase of flowing energies.
  98. The beginnings of a crystalline staircase lead down into flowing energies. The energy, like thin mist swirls and eddies across the opening, sparking with flashes of colour. Small crystals begin to line the walls, and seemingly radiate heat to warm the opening. Humming vibrations echo from the cavern.
  99. You see exits leading up and down.
  100.  
  101. Slowing his pace as they descend, you say, "O-K ... Let's... see..."
  102.  
  103. Rancoura follows you down.
  104. Descending the Transcendental Fulcrux.
  105. Faint light filters up from the depth of the cavern below, the crystalline walls echoing the soft shimmer upon the stairs leading down. Forged from pure crystal and molten geodes, the alabaster stairs lend an air of power to the surrounding area, the surfaces polished to perfection by immense heat and divine power.
  106. You see exits leading up and down.
  107.  
  108. Rancoura follows you down.
  109. In the centre of a cavernous geodesic prism.
  110. Bright light radiates from the magnificently cut crystals formed into the cavern walls, displays of iridescent light shower the openings with bright rainbows of colour. The prismatic crystals hum as if charged with forces of divine energy themselves. Warmth seethes from the very walls.
  111. You see exits leading north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest, up, and down.
  112.  
  113. Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Lady Enchantress, Lady Enchantress..."
  114.  
  115. **walky walky**
  116.  
  117. You have emoted: Gurashi pauses at each level of the Transcendental Fulcrux, scrutinizing each chamber carefully before shaking his head and moving on.
  118.  
  119. Rancoura follows you west.
  120. A pale, silvery pool within the rocky caverns.
  121. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A soothing, ethereal melody murmurs quietly through the air, enchanting and at the same time eerie as it reverberates along the cavern wall. Crystals protrude from the domed grotto, flaring with a dark lambency in tune with the song. In spite of the gentle thrum of the aria, a disturbing chill penetrates the chamber, darkening the ambiance somewhat. Censers encircle the area, filling the air with its sweet, overpowering scent. An elegantly garnished pool of liquefied silver protrudes from the cavern floor.
  122. You see exits leading north, east, south, and through an opulent pool of silver ichor.
  123.  
  124. Finally, you say, "A-hah."
  125.  
  126. You gag a bit as Rancoura's stink wafts over you.
  127.  
  128. Rancoura nods her head.
  129.  
  130. Rancoura's hands begin to glow with scalding warmth and she passes them over the surface of her body, removing the foul stench covering her.
  131.  
  132. You take a capricious umbrella from a fesix backpack.
  133. You open a capricious umbrella.
  134. The colourful ribbons attached to a capricious umbrella dance and whirl wildly, as if given a life of their own. A small but dark cloud gathers overhead ominously, unloading a shower of heavy raindrops only moments later and thoroughly drenching everything and everyone except you.
  135. You close a capricious umbrella.
  136. The bright colours on a capricious umbrella seem to grow dull ever so slightly and the ribbons attached to its frame hang once again still and motionless.
  137. You put a capricious umbrella into a fesix backpack.
  138.  
  139. You blink.
  140.  
  141. You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.
  142.  
  143. Covering his face and quickly offering a kerchief, you say, "Amsosorry."
  144.  
  145. Passing her hands over her robes, a healing glow emanating from them which subsequently dries the material, Rancoura waves a hand lightly in dismissal.
  146.  
  147. You blink.
  148.  
  149. Rancoura purses her lips, deep in thought as she contemplates an opulent pool of silver ichor.
  150.  
  151. You have emoted: Gurashi's head bobs to the side, looking on in disbelief. "Wowee," He whispers, voice echoing regardless throughout the chamber. "Very neat."
  152.  
  153. You sense the piercing eyes of Xenthos looking upon you.
  154.  
  155. Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Uhm..."
  156.  
  157. You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at the pool, then back at Rancoura. "Ready?"
  158.  
  159. You feel a slight tug within your chest and the air around you sparkles with motes of bright light.
  160. ==== Someone teleporting to you ====
  161. You sense Xenthos pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.
  162.  
  163. You blink.
  164.  
  165. Ilistala emerges from the shadows, curiously looking around.
  166. Sauntering in languorously, a puffball enters from the ether, revealing itself to be a ragdoll kitten with bright cerulean eyes.
  167. ==== Something enters from the ether, ====
  168.  
  169. Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh - Xenthos is also ...ah!"
  170.  
  171. The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Rancoura's lips.
  172.  
  173. You hug Ilistala, an enormous leopard compassionately.
  174. A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.
  175.  
  176. Rancoura inclines her head politely to Xenthos.
  177.  
  178. Ilistala, an enormous leopard ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.
  179.  
  180. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Greetings."
  181.  
  182. Rancoura inclines her head politely to Ilistala, an enormous leopard.
  183. A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against Rancoura.
  184.  
  185. Clinging to the leopard, you say, "We ... are about to pass on Lady of Roses's message to Lady Enchantress."
  186.  
  187. Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against Rancoura, purring like a cat.
  188.  
  189. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Ah. I see."
  190.  
  191. Refusing to release Ilistala's furry neck, you say, "Yep, just about to."
  192.  
  193. Xenthos begins to follow you.
  194. ==== Xenthos is following you ====
  195.  
  196. You have emoted: Gurashi looks nervously up at Xenthos, waving his free smaller arms. "Is going to not be happy!" He insists. "Told her same thing!" He waves frantically in Rancoura's direction.
  197.  
  198. Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.
  199.  
  200. In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "The fel'Greev is more likely to survive any Divine punishment than either of us, truth be told."
  201.  
  202. Rancoura's violet-lazuline eyes glint with a rare amusement.
  203.  
  204. Dripping water echoes enchantingly in the distance.
  205.  
  206. In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "You need not worry so much for him, I daresay."
  207.  
  208. You blink.
  209.  
  210. Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.
  211.  
  212. You peer at Xenthos unscrupulously.
  213.  
  214. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Mostly what happens is my body gets very fried, and then I sit around waiting for a new one to form for a while. Not the most pleasant of experiences."
  215.  
  216. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But bearable."
  217.  
  218. You have emoted: Gurashi's mandibles click softly, and he looks back to the pool, then to either of his compatriots, sighing heavily.
  219.  
  220. Letting go of Ilistala finally, you say, "O-K, then."
  221.  
  222. (The Shadow Kindred): Synl (from the Aetherways) says, "No."
  223.  
  224. Enter Pool
  225. A haunting melody tugs at the edges of your mind, beckoning you to the pool. As you step forward, an immaculate being of gold emerges, smiling warmly at you. Taking you into its arms, you both sink into the depths of the pool and a beatific nocturne bombards your hearing. Sight, smell, taste, touch... all your senses are heightened as you swim within the warm liquid, pleasure dominating your consciousness. As you succumb to the thrill of the song, a beautiful, but discordant melody pierces through the opus and you open your eyes, finding yourself within the Fulcrux of Drocilla.
  226. Rancoura follows you ether.
  227.  
  228. The Fulcrux of Drocilla.
  229. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. This wide, open antechamber bespeaks elegance and refinement while leaving no room for boorish austerity. A sleek, slate grey floor adorns the fulcrux, crafted from the finest quality stone with a smooth and silky texture that barely hints of softness beneath bare feet. Hundreds of exquisitely adorned iron sconces illuminate the room in pale candlelight, the flames of which flutter strangely in concert with some unheard tune. Dense walls of blackened ravenwood soar majestically to the domed ceiling above; a vast mural depicting a twisted rendition of the Trial of the Twelve looms down upon the room with each of the True Gods looking smug as They condemn depictions of collared Elders to the Void. Large, ornate windows outlined in burnished gold provide vision into a colourless, inky black vista dotted by glittering starlight. The darkness outside seems to ripple, the stillness of the void outside disturbed by shifting shadows as haunting cries wail on the edge of perception. Upon the edges of the wall are lines of silver and gold that opulently trace intricate designs, lending a regal finish to this regal enclosure. Swathed in a frosty pall, the Vessel of Desolation murmurs ominously. Faintly glowing with an inner, cold light, a diaphanous statue of a viscanti maiden stands resolute. In the far wall of the alcove rests an immense dais of pure black marble, upon which rests a roiling, undulating portal into effulgent emptiness. A large, circular portal of molten gold swells in smooth waves that ripple out from its centre. 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.
  230. You see a single exit leading through a mysterious portal.
  231. Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at you hopefully.
  232.  
  233. You crease your brow in a frown.
  234.  
  235. You have emoted: Gurashi keeps very near to the door as he enters the Fulcrux, scanning the chamber for any signs of life besides his own and those that came with him. Bizirik offers another soft grumble, laying itself down and refusing to rise.
  236.  
  237. Rancoura raises a brow as she follows you into the chamber, examining its finery with a mildly curious mien.
  238.  
  239. LOOK SHRINE
  240. Sleek black marble expands before your very eyes in an immense, stately block carved into three ascending tiers with a stairway sculpted through the very centre. A sweet, cloying scent wafts from the mouths of large censers which sit upon the corners of each tier of the dais, elaborately wrought from iron into exquisite renditions of gorgeous viscanti maidens. The eyes of each statuesque censer burn a pale, luminescent lavender which is reflected by the shimmering surface of the carved marble to cast a sinister umbrage that consumes all other lambency. At the apex of the shrine stands an archway that protrudes from the very marble itself. Within the centre of the archway is a shifting, rippling portal of silky black that beckons enticingly into the unknown.
  241.  
  242. You have emoted: Gurashi peers over to Rancoura and Xenthos, taking a deep, whistling breath and beginning to cross towards the sleek black marble shrine dominating the center of the Fulcrux.
  243.  
  244. You think to yourself: Is fine is fine is fine is fine.
  245.  
  246. You have emoted: Gurashi stops before the shrine, nervously tapping his fingertips together as he ponders the various details of the shrine, never within more than a few feet of it. "Ehm..."
  247.  
  248. Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Never know if should do these aloud, or, in prayers..."
  249.  
  250. Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.
  251.  
  252. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "They will hear what you say aloud in Their fulcruxes."
  253.  
  254. Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Know."
  255.  
  256. You have emoted: Gurashi stares hard at the shrine, a louder than usual buzzing in his voice as his speaks. "Many greetings, Miss Lady Enchantress." He offers. "Is me, again. Probably remember - Gurashi. We ehm, met on Night Bubble."
  257.  
  258. You have emoted: Gurashi starts to speak more but cuts himself off, closing his mouth as he closes his fist. "Know are maybe coming to judge singing at the party," he bobs his head to the side, "but, Our Lady has requested..."
  259.  
  260. Gently, you say, "Would like to hear -You- sing as well."
  261.  
  262. You have emoted: Gurashi braces himself initially, as if expecting to burst into flames upon the request. But instead is met with silence, antennae raised in alert.
  263.  
  264. After an uncomfortable silence, you say, "...if makes easier, will provide backup musics for song - can do, the violins, and lute."
  265.  
  266. Quickly after, you say, "Butdonothaveto."
  267.  
  268. You have emoted: Gurashi braces himself again, closing both eyes, but after several pained moments he opens one eye and looks over his shoulder.
  269.  
  270. Bizirik, the leothin snorts.
  271.  
  272. You have emoted: Gurashi relaxes again, shoulders dropping as he looks to both Rancoura and Xenthos, shrugging.
  273.  
  274. Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "Guess is not awake..."
  275.  
  276. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Mm. So it seems. But you have done as ordered."
  277.  
  278. Looking up nervously, you say, "Does not mean will not receive..."
  279.  
  280. You nod your head emphatically.
  281.  
  282. Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.
  283.  
  284. You bow respectfully to the master shrine of Drocilla.
  285.  
  286. You think to yourself: Am sorry if is another slight.
  287.  
  288. You think to yourself: Am sorry if is mean.
  289.  
  290. You have emoted: Gurashi inhales slowly, backing out towards the exit with another polite bow.
  291.  
  292. Rancoura's gaze, fixed upon the alluring portal at the top of the Enchantress' shrine, is drawn to you as you speaks, but she says nothing in reply, deferring to Xenthos.
  293.  
  294. You think to yourself: Bet singing voice is nice.
  295.  
  296. LOOK PORTAL
  297. This massive portal of ichorous gold undulates menacingly against the wall of the chamber, slick tendrils reaching outward every so often to dance in the air before it. The glimmering surface seems vast and infinite as it extends inward, spiraling and twisting in a visually disorienting vortex. A ghostly, keening cry emanates from the boundless depths, the decadent liquid rippling as if something sentient lurks within.
  298.  
  299. You tilt your head curiously at Rancoura.
  300.  
  301. You have emoted: Gurashi follows Rancoura's gaze after a moment, tilting his head as he too notices the portal.
  302.  
  303. Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "...is God realm?"
  304.  
  305. Gazing again upon the velvety darkness composing the portal, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Perhaps, but I do not believe so. I have never known a Divine's Realm to be connected in such a manner to Their Fulcrux."
  306.  
  307. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The emptiness could be to the Void as well, but I am not entirely sure why one would want such a portal kept open..."
  308.  
  309. You have emoted: Gurashi looks from Rancoura back to the portal, antennae wiggling. "Was not here last time ... or, was?"
  310.  
  311. Faintly buzzing, you say, "Do not remember. Prayed here, but ... did not notice..."
  312.  
  313. You blush furiously.
  314.  
  315. Bouncing on his feet, you ask, "...should find out?"
  316.  
  317. Rancoura shakes her head.
  318.  
  319. Faintly buzzing, you say, "Came here expecting to become flambeed kephera, am O-K entering mystery portal."
  320.  
  321. Bizirik, the leothin snorts again.
  322.  
  323. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Enter the other mysterious portal."
  324.  
  325. Xenthos points accusingly at a mysterious portal.
  326.  
  327. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The one we entered through."
  328.  
  329. The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Rancoura's lips as she glances at Xenthos.
  330.  
  331. As you reach out to touch the surface of the portal, a figure emerges from within its depths, grinning menacingly and taking you into its aqueous embrace. You find yourself submerged in the golden depths of the portal as panic grips your mind. The fear of drowning overwhelms you as your lungs burn for that sweet taste of air while dulcet laughter rings around you. Consciousness begins to fade and you hear a single, mellifluous voice murmur "Breathe." As you succumb to your fate, you breathe in deeply of the liquid gold and suddenly find yourself violently thrust out of the portal to the other side, hacking and gasping for air.
  332. Rancoura follows you ether.
  333.  
  334. A pale, silvery pool within the rocky caverns.
  335. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A soothing, ethereal melody murmurs quietly through the air, enchanting and at the same time eerie as it reverberates along the cavern wall. Crystals protrude from the domed grotto, flaring with a dark lambency in tune with the song. In spite of the gentle thrum of the aria, a disturbing chill penetrates the chamber, darkening the ambiance somewhat. Censers encircle the area, filling the air with its sweet, overpowering scent. An elegantly garnished pool of liquefied silver protrudes from the cavern floor. 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.
  336. You see exits leading north, east, south, and through an opulent pool of silver ichor.
  337. Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at you hopefully.
  338.  
  339. You peer about yourself unscrupulously.
  340.  
  341. You cough softly.
  342.  
  343. Faintly buzzing, you say, "Uhm..."
  344.  
  345. Rubbing the back of his head, you say, "Many thank yous."
  346.  
  347. Faintly buzzing, you say, "Did not need to come with, but, did anyway. Was very nice of."
  348.  
  349. Sheepishly, you say, "Mean, was a lot less scary with."
  350.  
  351. Rancoura nods slowly, though her gaze is distant, as though half-lost within her contemplations.
  352.  
  353. Leaning forward curiously, you ask Rancoura, "...are O-K?"
  354.  
  355. Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "Seem troubled since saw at Lady of Roses's appearance."
  356.  
  357. You have emoted: Gurashi makes sure both companions are close behind, chittering to himself as he prepares for the long ascent.
  358.  
  359. You draw the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree across the inside of your wrist, causing a line of blood to well up. You then lift the blade into the air, as shadows spill out of the wet crimson tip, swarming around you and taking you to the Realm of Shadows.
  360. The Realm of Shadows.
  361. The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Ravenwoods and blackthorns spread out from a cleared circular area in every direction. A canopy of battling branches twist together overhead, scattering the little available light into a twilit gloom. The grass below is cool to the touch, and littered with thorny vines and sharp broken branches. Tendrils of shadow pass through and around the trees, the waves of inky blackness seeming to move like a living creature. The air warps and distorts in every direction, revealing glimpses of locations within and near the Glomdoring. 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.
  362. You see exits leading north, northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, up, and down.
  363.  
  364. Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
  365. The dark heart of Glomdoring Forest is almost audibly beating in this, its shadowy centre. Tall, blackened trees surround this clearing, pressing together into an imposing barrier of rotten vegetation. Moulds and fungi are smeared across the plants, their pungent stench suffusing the forest. The branches are coated in dark slime, slick tendrils that hang downwards. Although a variety of trees might actually grow here, the black tar that coats them renders them indistinguishable. A thin black mist creeps between the trees, hanging low across the ground. The floor of the clearing itself is simply bare earth, cracked and dry. Overshadowing all is the Master Ravenwood Tree itself, jutting into the sky like a twisted fist. The sound of laughing crows echoes down from the treetops, a harsh sound for the ears below. The atmosphere vibrates with a palpable power. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. The Master Ravenwood Tree towers over everything here, pulsing with an immeasurable yet dark power. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. There are 3 black direwolves here. There are 2 armoured bats here. There are 12 illithoid scourges here. There are 17 shadowlord widowriders here. There are 16 dark nighthags here. A solstice stocking has been hung here. A crudely crafted shrine of harsh black crystal stands here, thrumming powerfully. Splintered from the Master Ravenwood, a massive branch lies here, spiders crawling along its rotting wood. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A mature hemlock tree stands proudly here. Glowing gently with a soft blue light, a delicate dreamcatcher has been permanently hung here. Covered in bone armour, a furry tarantula crouches here, ready to pounce on unsuspecting prey. A wooden spike is planted here, proudly displaying the shrunken head of Maligorn. An exotic tiger lily lies here. A bright sunflower has been left here. An extremely crude dagger of makeshift materials lies here. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a wasp around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a beetle around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a bat around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a spider around its skull. There are 13 white chocolate and peppermint solstice cookies here. 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.
  366. You see a single exit leading north.
  367. Brennan Stormcrow cocks his head to one side, looking you over with an appraising stare.
  368. Brennan Stormcrow exclaims, "Mighty Crow has his eye upon you, Dark Savant!"
  369. A dark nighthag nods her head at you.
  370.  
  371. You chirp happily.
  372.  
  373. In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "The Wyrd has... given me much to muse over, of late."
  374.  
  375. In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "My apologies for my distance."
  376.  
  377. Suddenly, you say to Rancoura, "What? No! Do not apologize!"
  378.  
  379. You tilt your head curiously at Rancoura.
  380.  
  381. Quietly, you ask Rancoura, "...is O-K?"
  382.  
  383. A dark violet rage worg pads in from the down, sniffing at the air as she enters.
  384. ==== something entered from down, ====
  385. A dark nighthag nods her head at Evette.
  386.  
  387. Chittering softly, you ask Rancoura, "Still have not heard from Lord Silence, but ...have things to muse over, so - are troubled, yes?"
  388.  
  389. You see the following people here:
  390. Xenthos, Rancoura, Evette, Gurashi.
  391.  
  392. In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "The troubles shall end before long, I expect."
  393.  
  394. Rancoura closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.
  395.  
  396. Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "...can, not talk about it...?"
  397.  
  398. In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "I must tend to my affairs."
  399.  
  400. You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Rancoura for a long while before looking away, nodding.
  401.  
  402. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Mm. I look forward to that."
  403.  
  404. In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "I would be interested in hearing of the Enchantress' response, if I am not present to witness it myself."
  405.  
  406. You nod your head at Rancoura.
  407.  
  408. Evette raises an athame dagger up and makes a circle in the air. A radiant torc forms from the ether and settles around her neck.
  409.  
  410. Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "If can help -please- let know. Is nice having other peoples at back."
  411.  
  412. You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.
  413.  
  414. Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "Good luck with things!"
  415.  
  416. Rancoura tells you, "I am not certain as of yet how to interpret certain things I have seen of late. But as I say, mysteries shall likely be solved before long."
  417.  
  418. Rancoura inclines her head politely to those around her.
  419.  
  420. Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Oh ... is Augur stuff...!"
  421.  
  422. Rancoura tells you, "For the moment."
  423.  
  424. Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "W-well ... uhm, again let know if can do anything! Just because am doing things for Lady or Roses does not mean cannot serve fellow Auguries too."
  425.  
  426. Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Have got back! Wings and all."
  427.  
  428. Rancoura tells you, "Of course. You are always appreciated."
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