Fond Memories and Confidant Matters

<-- The month after Mysrai and Aschwar departed, Gurashi attempted to carry on business per usual, visiting friends and attending timequakes. They were trying to figure out how to tell their family that the Pair were gone but uncertain how to do so...

Near the duck pond.
Pale, watery light floats away from a shield shrine of Carakhan nearby. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A fresh breeze is blowing through the area. The flat, grassy lawn of the city park slopes gently downwards and then drops abruptly to the edge of a shallow pond. Large, tame, white ducks paddle lazily back and forth, occasionally bobbing their heads below the surface. On the south end of the pond, water lilies create a solid blanket of green which barely breaks the surface of the water.
You see exits leading northeast and northwest.

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

In a rush of summery warmth, the rich smell of grasses and flowers rises around Cheliyi in a sultry wind. Briefly, her face is dappled with patterns of sunlight through waving grasses.

Quietly, you say, "Howsabouts, ah - here? Many benches. And if we do not want to finish eating ... the duckies will for us."

Calioliahali nods gently at you, stepping toward one of the aforementioned benches and lowering herself to sit upon it.

You have emoted: Gurashi does not join Calioliahali upon the bench, however, instead sinking to sit on the grass before her, sticking out their legs before them but not before handing out snacks to each of those gathered. Their plumage ruffles and settles as they turn their attention to the tea Esei handed them, bringing it to their face to inhale its fragrance deeply.

<-- passes out foods!

You nod your head emphatically.

Esei blinks slowly.

Cheliyi takes the snacks, the sweets a little too large to hold in her hands properly. She frowns, otherwise unbothered by this fact, and sits down directly in front of you.

Cheliyi stares implacably at you.

Esei drapes themself to your right, tucking their hands behind their head as they gaze up at the night sky.

Calioliahali accepts the food, the corners of her black lips tugging downwards, and then sets it aside next to her on the bench, her steel blue eyes drawn downward to you in front of her.

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "... everyone is staring at me."

Beads of sweat break out on your face.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts beside the orange trill, its head laying within Gurashi's lap. It lets out a nasally little whine until Gurashi begins to pet it all while making sure not to spill the tea they are holding.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...you are... acting just slightly off."

In a warbling chirp, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "Mm."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** gurashi is still gold and saffron-bright in their Sight, but instead of those strands spiraling out to connect-love-compassion, they seem- curled up. not quite knotted. but- sad? the Flavor isn't quite right... **.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans back against Calioliahali's legs in their seat, staring at Cheliyi where she sits directly across from them. After a long pause and several rounds of ruffling and settling feathers, they tiredly warble, "...I do not know which words to do firstly."

Mildly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Do you have to?"

Calioliahali bends forward from her seated position upon the bench, elbows settling in her lap. One of her calloused hands gently reaches down to stroke its fingers through your headfeathers.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to pet Bizirik, the leothin seeming soothed by the gesture. "I thinks so. I..." They begin at last, cryptically, voice high and faint and warbling. They look to Esei and Cheliyi opposite them, leaning their head into Calioliahali's hand. "It hurts, when somebody that you love leaves you. And."

Quietly, you say, "I do not know how else to say t-that the Most Beloved a-and, ah, Aschwar... ah..."

Bizirik, the leothin suddenly lets out a high-pitched canine whine, nostrils flaring as Gurashi pets it. Agitated, it wriggles in its spot, forked tongue flicking out to lap at its own face anxiously, tail slapping the grass behind it.

Calioliahali's fingers curl within your feathers, her frown deepening as you speak.

Esei lolls their head to the side, to stare up at you. Their expression is still blank, dark eyes as impassive as ever. Said eyes trail to Bizirik, the leothin's conniption, and they reach out to gently place a hand on the leothin's head.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts their gaze to scan the sky above. "I ... d-don't know when They will come back. Either of Thems..." They inhale. "But they are gone where we cannot see, or, feel, o-or hear Thems." Softer, they add. "They are not Lost. But it might be a long time before ever see either of Thems again..."

Apologetic and soft, you say to Esei, "I am certains they got your gifts - A-Aschwar, I means. Th-they were very busy, there in the end..."

Esei waves their hand dismissively.

Cheliyi's expression darkens at first, the trill looking more confused than anything. She says nothing for a long time, simply uncomprehending of your words.

Weaker, you say to Cheliyi, "I am sorry did not get to do more with thems - w-with Aschwar. They loved you so muchly, yes - were their family, as muchly as mine."

Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters thinks to herself: **a wave of numb shock, settling over you like a buzzing blanket, your hearing slowly fading, what? what? no, you couldn't have heard...**.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down into their lap, warbling sadly. To Esei they add, "I don't know, if you remember... how hollow it felt, when the Lady of Roses and Her Crow most recently lefts the Forest. That... unknowing. Confidence, that will re-turn. But."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I remember. And I still feel it."

Weakly, you say, "Not knowing when is hard."

You nod your head at Esei.

Cheliyi's gaze grows distant and unseeing, the small trill looking more and more like a ivory statue.

Tilting their head slightly, which looks quite strange from their position, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Are you? Lost?"

Softly, you say, "Am sorry, to deliver such sad news. But I did not wants you to hear it from someone... or somewheres...."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off as Esei speaks to them, knitting together their brow. Finally, softly, after a dreadful silence, they shake their head, gazing down instead at a shifting, living poppy of saffron petals. "...I am not Lost..."

Smiling sadly, you say to Esei, "I am Saffron."

Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters thinks to herself: **the constant chatter, the song of the sea and skies, the words and thoughts of e v e r y t h i n g around you, fading into an indecipherable buzz.**.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I am ... -sad-..." They shake their head. "I am ... I do not likes the -quiet-." They fidget, their head lolling into Cali's hand as they sniffle. Then, they look towards Cheliyi, sitting forward. "But I am not Lost. Because They are not Lost."

Calioliahali's roseate wings flare just once at her back, and when they draw back down, they drape themselves around herself like a cloak. Her fingers continue to tenderly stroke through your headfeathers.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Remember that, then."

You have emoted: Gurashi wraps their arms around Cheliyi, pulling the tiny trill into an embrace. "I just miss my friends."

Esei's body and features begin to melt like wax, then solidifies into a trill.

Cheliyi barely reacts as she's pulled into a hug, blinking slowly. Still, she is silent.

Esei idly twitches their tail.

You have emoted: Gurashi nuzzles their head into the top of Cheliyi's, cradling the tiny trill to them. "Am sorry had to find out like this," They say, voice thin. "Am sorry did not get to say goodbye. They will come back, some day."

Bizirik, the leothin flops down onto the ground.

Bizirik, the leothin whines pitiably, its head withdrawing from Gurashi's lap to lay upon Calioliahali's armored feet, as dramatic as can be.

At the word 'goodbye', Cheliyi's cloudy eyes begin to water.

Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters thinks to herself: ... I didn't get to say goodbye.

Calioliahali's steel blue gaze momentarily drifts toward Bizirik, the leothin, the faintest of twitches affecting her mouth, and then she returns her attention to you and the small trill you embrace.

Weakly, you say to Cheliyi, "I know."

Esei closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.
Esei exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares off beyond the top of Cheliyi's head. Then they look at Esei, offering a weak, apologetic smile. "Thank you for the tea. It is one of my favorites..."

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Aa."

Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters thinks to herself: ... Uncle is gone?

You think to yourself: *their own feelings are still processing slowly, bit by bit - they've processed much of it - they can still feel the Priest's fur on their skin, the chilly restorative ice on their fingertips - the smell of honey and anise still lingers*.

Cheliyi seems to sink into your embrace, unresponsive.

Cheliyi's ear tuft twitches.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** suddenly, quietly, an image descends upon their mind's eye - a lotus, pale and lovely, blooming in a pond of black sorrow. **.

Cheliyi's gaze suddenly zeros in on Esei's, her dull gaze watery and hollow.

You have emoted: Gurashi gently strokes the top of Cheliyi's head, attempting to wordlessly console the tiny trill, their own feathery ears flat atop their head. "I promised, while they were gone, that would takes care of their house, yes. The Beloved villa, you know?" They look at those gathered. "Already asked Cali, b-but. If you guys want to helps me helps keep their home clean while they are gone ... water the poppies. Or sweeps. Or clean the windows." They smile tiredly. "They were your friend too, so, i-if ever wanna join me..."

Esei blinks avian eyes at Cheliyi, tail sweeping back and forth.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans back so that their back again finds Calioliahali's legs, still squeezing Cheliyi tightly.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** "where shall your Wisdom lead you?" asks the Lady Empyreal, and then image and memory both are snuffed back to shadow and smoke. **.

Esei's tail, surprisingly nimble, maneuvers to tickle against Cheliyi's hand.

Calioliahali inhales deeply again, and when she releases the breath, it rustles through your headfeathers around her still gently stroking fingers. Her gaze drifts between Esei and Cheliyi briefly, then resettles upon the orange and black-feathered trill before her.

Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters thinks to herself: **at once, a spark of thought, "And yet I would have Mine become that very symbol for others, flourishing in the darkness of adversity to shine as a beacon for the lost."**.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Gurashi, has Calioliahali had the tea before?"

You perk your ears up as an errant topic catches your interest.

Suddenly, you say, "A-ah, ouwah, m-my wifey, have you, ahm. Had. Saffron. Teas. Beeefore."

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi's plumage ruffles and settles as they squeeze Cheliyi. "I-it's good."

Esei sits up and begins fashioning some cups in a rote manner.

Cheliyi inhales sharply, letting out a watery giggle as she pulls her hands away from Esei's tail. The smile seems to crack the stoic veneer, and she begins to breathe once more.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Pray tell, I hope you are all willing to humor me?"

You pet Cheliyi ingratiatingly.

Softly, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "As long as it is not carrion or fish tea, yes."

Calioliahali's eyebrows knit together at the question, the action seeming just enough to jostle loose a single droplet of moisture to fall upon her own hand. She whispers simply, "I do not recall."

Esei raises a slender brow.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ...fish... tea....

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...fish tea...."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ....what....

Raising an eyebrow, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "Have you not...?"

Cheliyi waves her hand dismissively.

In a warbling chirp, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "Don't."

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Gurashi. The tea, please."

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "O-oh, sorry."

You thank Esei profusely.

Esei gives a porcelain tea cup imbued with tessellated lavender petals to Calioliahali Skydrifter.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Before you start drinking."

Cheliyi begins to wield a porcelain tea cup imbued with tessellated lavender petals in her left hand.

Calioliahali accepts the cup with her free hand, eyes turning toward Esei's face as they speak.

Cheliyi cups the tea cup in her hands, staring at Esei in silence.

You have emoted: Gurashi loosens their grip on Cheliyi so she may accept the proffered drink. They take their own cup, sipping from it lightly and frowning as they glance down at Cheliyi. Then their attention turns to look at Calioliahali behind them, gaze upside-down as they consider her face.

You have emoted: Gurashi warbles softly. "Do you remember when first met them, Esei? Aschwar, I mean. I don't think they had their name, back then...and, I was not Beloved, either." They hum, taking another sip from their cup.

Thoughtfully, you ask, "Did you go to the Serenwildes party? Or - was it at the Solstice in Glomdoring e-vents...?"

Esei opens their mouth, and then pauses, breathing becoming modulated and calm. They close their eyes, and shake their head, sighing.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I remember Aschwar as the Liar, yes. And the festivals."

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Esei, "Was it both or just the second one?"

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Yes."

Esei stares implacably at you.

Softly, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "What did want to say before we start drinking, Esei?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's plumage ruffles up the more they speak about the priest, a bit of light returning to their face. "Ah - yeah. I was rude. Am sorry. What did you want to say?"

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "It does not matter anymore. It... isn't important."

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Cheliyi stares implacably at Esei.

In a warbling chirp, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "I wanna hear its."

Cheliyi waits patiently.

Esei glances askance.

Calioliahali peeks down at you, seeming to have willed any lingering moisture to crawl back into her eyes for the time being, though as she finally lifts her cup to her face, there are soft dripping noises before she at last sips from it.

Esei shakes their head.

Echoing their previous words, somehow even quieter than before, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "It does not matter."

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "To being found."

Esei sips green tea from a porcelain tea cup imbued with tessellated lavender petals.

Echoing Esei quietly, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "To being found."

Cheliyi sips green tea from a porcelain tea cup imbued with tessellated lavender petals.

Clearing their throat, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Gurashi, I was there at the Serenwilde festival, yes. And when poor Aschwar..."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles faintly. "If do not want to say it, that is O-K." At the declaration, they lift their own cup slowly. "To being found," They say in a warbling, sing-song voice, but not before they add a softer, "and to Love."

Esei tapers off, looking away. Their grip is so tight on the cup it looks almost like it might shatter.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "Ah! When that nasty persons used their dumb words and made Aschwar act besides themselves? I hated that persons."

You huff, puffing your cheeks.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Aa."

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "He eventually asked me to toadcurse him. But he did not specify I should not kill him."

Esei shrugs helplessly.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Though, that is a complicated subject. Mayhaps more complicated than this conversation requires."

You have emoted: Gurashi sticks out their tongue. "That was a fun party, yeah." A pause at Esei's comment, and suddenly they laugh, squeezing Cheliyi and leaning into Calioliahali's legs. "Why would want to be a toad if did not wanna be squished. That is on him. Ahh." They sigh tiredly. "I remember everyone in the Glomdoring thought it was so weirdly that name was Liar. Thought it meant was untrustworthy..."

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Did they? I do not think I found it that strange."

Calioliahali continues to silently sip from her tea with one hand, the other firmly embedded within the feathers atop your head.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "A title is not a name, even though it can become one after a while."

Cheliyi listens attentively, taking in the story.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers to you, "He was under the belief he would be cured of poteen drunkenness when placed under the curse. If it worked, I could not say."

You have emoted: Gurashi lolls their head back to gaze up at Calioliahali as the tallest of the trills strokes their headfeathers. "You didn't find it strange, no. But I remember peoples like Mister Synl making fun of it. Xenthos was always suspicious..." They still themselves before they say more, smiling again. "Did ever know why was given that title? Friend Liar? I thinks I told it to Cheli be-fore, maybe. It was a goodly story."

Esei hums thoughtfully.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Because they were the Thousandfold's Liar..."

Esei furrows their brow in thought.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...there is more, but I cannot remember it."

Calioliahali's cup lowers so that she can clearly see your face when you look up at her, and her black lips curve into a faint smile, her fingers curling just once before resuming their regularly scheduled movements.

Decisively, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I would rather trust a liar than a madman."

Esei waves their hand dismissively.

Esei gives a golden firefly squid to you.
Esei gives a porcelain tea cup imbued with tessellated lavender petals to you.

Esei glances askance at a bottle of midnight forest greenery.

Esei sips green tea from a bottle of midnight forest greenery.

You have emoted: Gurashi giggles softly. "When They were still traveling together, from the far-away place where Aschwar came from. The place beyond our reality - a whole different timelines even, I think. A-anyway. Beloved Aschwar was then more likes a child. Did not have the training of the Most Beloved, or the Beloved." They sniffle. "Beloved Aschwar - no less mortal than you or me - they was -hungry-. And didn't wanna be a burdens, or inconveniences. And so when the Most Beloved would ask thems if they wanted to eat, or drink, they would say -no-." They giggle. "But their tummy rumbled so loudly that the Most Beloved called them a Little Liar. And it stuck."

Looking down into their cup, you say, "They were coming from a bad place, to our world. And they did not want to carry the burdens of their past - the ones that hurt them so much. Not their memories, not even their name..." Their smile grows more morose. "They chose to be called Liar after that, be-cause was just a sweet word that did not mean anything to them from their worlds. A gift from the Most Beloved. Until they were ready to tell the rest of us their real name..."

You take a drink of green tea from a porcelain tea cup imbued with tessellated lavender petals.

The pulsing beam from New Celest's lighthouse surges brilliantly, a shining beacon of hope that cuts through the night sky across the entirety of the Basin of Life.

Cheliyi finally cracks a grin, the expression smoothing out into a warm smile. "I did not know about the food, no."

Looking up fondly, you say, "I have so many goodly memories of them." They watch as the lighthouse's beam sweeps across the park, and they sigh. "Now you know, too. I love that story."

Calioliahali's feathery ears twitch as she listens to you, her hand pausing for just a fraction of a second. She inhales deeply through her nose, then lifts her cup back to her face, a few distinct 'plip' noises emanating from it before she at last sips from it again.

Calioliahali sips green tea from a porcelain tea cup imbued with tessellated lavender petals.

You pet Cheliyi ingratiatingly.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** their memories of Aschwar are soft around the edges, faded, sepia-toned, but their Presence in their mind remains - round and bubbly, soft and sweet, but deep under the surface, even if Esei never really -asked-. never really knew. **.

In a rush of summery warmth, the rich smell of grasses and flowers rises around Cheliyi in a sultry wind. Briefly, her face is dappled with patterns of sunlight through waving grasses.

Softly, you say, "Are many kinds of friends - the close ones and the not-so-closely ones that still like, even if don't know all the secrets to..." They sniffle. "We just happened to be bestest friends so I gots all kinds of good stories. Like the time they were terrified of Beloved Sulwh's puppy. Or the time they made Bizi so full of food she couldn't move or even -eat- anymore."

Esei shrugs, a minute movement.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "They liked your tea. The poppy one. Not this one, but, the other favorite one." They smile warmly. "We had it at their home be-fore... maybe I will ask you to brew me some for my shops."

You hum softly to yourself.

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

Esei blinks slowly.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...favorite?"

Cheliyi smiles softly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "Yeah yeah."

You narrow your eyes at Esei, canting your head and peering at them suspiciously.

Esei stares implacably at you.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Cause it is goodly."

You have emoted: Gurashi dramatically leans back against Calioliahali's legs, looking up at her. As they notice the taller trill's tears, they half-turn in their spot, leaning their cheek upon her knee. "Are you O-K?" They warble up at her.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** a mental turn of the head, suddenly, almost like the floor has been ripped from beneath their feet and they are in a freefall - Tonatiuh, gold-and-indigio... is-he-well? **.

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

Gently, you say to Esei, "Be -really- nice to hims."

Cheliyi stares blankly at Esei.

Esei blinks slowly.

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I have never harmed the Sultan. Certainly not on purpose."

You have emoted: Gurashi sticks out their tongue. "You know what I mean. Just show him all the kindnesses you can musters. He is. We are." Their lip twitches. "We miss Thems, yeah." They look at Cheliyi, then Calioliahali, their hand ruffling through Cheliyi's headfeathers.

Calioliahali's eyes widen as her tears are identified by you, and she gently nods her head, setting her tea aside on the bench so that she can properly wipe away the evidence of her crying. "Yes, ah... I am fine. I, ah..." The corners of her lips tug downwards, and then weakly flex back upwards. "It was a good story," she whispers, her fingers more attentively moving through your feathers.

You have emoted: Gurashi gently kisses Calioliahali's knee as they lean against it. "I see - those kinds of tears. Yeah, I cried the first time I heard it, too," They laugh, nuzzling their head against Calioliahali's leg before looking forward again to face Cheliyi and Esei both.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** they think he might be- sad. frustrated. that they just -left-, from his perspective, after the alliance shifted. but... Esei seems to have a wildly different definition of 'friend' than everyone else. **.

Calioliahali Skydrifter thinks to herself: *the trill is unable to keep from thinking about herself as a child, her own hunger, her tendency to forgo food for the sake of her siblings. She is unable to keep from wishing that she had the opportunity to speak with Aschwar at length.*.

Gently, you say, "The Most Beloveds left Tonatiuh with lots of responsibilities, as the most actively Sacrosancts. He, ah," Their ears perk up. "He awakened Indigo a-gain, within the Order. And helped me re-awaken Saffron, yes." They smile proudly, puffing up. "Before, the things went ... wrong..."

Esei hums thoughtfully.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "You will do just fine."

You have emoted: Gurashi sags again, looking down at their lap. "It is nice to tell stories. Thanks for listening to my stories. If you have any fun ones or favoritely ones..." They fidget. "Stories are a goodly way to keeps peoples present, even when they are a-way." They laugh. "I-I know They will return before we knows it, because times is flies..." Almost too insistent they say, "Will re-turn be-fore know it."

Bizirik, the leothin whines pitifully.

Esei ponders you for a moment.

Repeating softly, Calioliahali Skydrifter says, "Time is flies."

You have emoted: Gurashi turns their attention skyward, scanning the stars above hopefully.

Suddenly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "No answer on those, yet."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Esei.

Esei gestures to the stars with one hand, the thumb of the other rubbing lightly against the hem of their shroud.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ah - the questions you asked. What did you asks?" They knit together their brow. "The Lady Empyreals answered my questions about the stars best She could, yeah. Vaevaya showed up after that, yeah."

Esei opens their mouth, and then shuts it. "Just... where they came from." They shrug, wings fanning slightly. "What did They say?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares up at the sky, sighing softly. "Some are more awakened than others... but they aren't necessarily not-awake..." They close their eyes. "Vaevaya was special be-cause she could move freely. Not all stars can do that. I did not ask where they came from. Just if they were a-live."

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "So each star... awakened - or Awakened - separately?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** there are -many- stars. **.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I thinks so... she talks about them as they are friends, family. But they cannot move like she ... I wonder if it is Someone or just ..."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Esei.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "I hope he answers."

Esei closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.

Esei exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Calioliahali continues to lavish attention upon your headfeathers, listening in silence to your exchange with Esei.

Esei pulls away from everyone else, settling in to a spot at the pond's shore, crouching to stare into the water.

Quietly, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "When... when you were considering the poppy milk, Dad."

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs softly, leaning more heavily against Calioliahali's legs. When Cheliyi speaks, their feathery ears bolt upright and they turn to listen.

Calioliahali's black lips tug downwards deeply at the mention of the poppy milk.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** ...? **.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "Yeah?"

Cheliyi stares into her cup, expression soft. "Me and Tridemon were... very worried. Were sitting by ourselves for a month or so, when Dad decided we should visit Aschwar. Was when we had the tea. They were... working on their marigolds? But took the time, to talk to us. Serve tea, have a nicely chat... and helped me feel less scared. Also was when I called them Uncle." The trill sighs, one ear tuft drooping as she takes a sip of tea.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly as they listen, lips forming a little 'o' of surprise. "...I remember. You were both much calmer about the milks..."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** ...what? **.

Silent, Esei places the bottle on the ground near the pond.
Esei drops a bottle of midnight forest greenery.

Green vines sprout up around the feet of Esei, cocooning them in their soft leaves. The vines crumble as tiny flowers bloom up and down their length until only floating petals remain.

You have emoted: Gurashi curls up slightly in their spot, leaning against Calioliahali's leg. As Esei drops the bottle, they sit up, starting to say something, but they are too late. "Ah..."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You lean against Calioliahali, eyes half-closing.

You pet Cheliyi ingratiatingly.

Softly, you ask, "...are you both alright?"

Calioliahali silently listens to Cheliyi, her eyebrows knitting together, and eventually her attention falls back upon you. Finding her other hand free now, having set aside her tea for the time being, she adds it to the one that had already been scritching at your scalp. Softly, she answers, "I am okay." She glances toward the smallest trill, awaiting her answer.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "Y-you left. I was going to explain... are you O-K?"

Esei tells you, "..."

Esei tells you, "...does it really matter?"

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "...why do you keep saying that?"

You tilt your head and listen intently to Cheliyi.

Esei tells you, "Nothing matters but the Glomdoring."

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "But the Glomdoring is nothing without peoples like you."

Esei tells you, "...so?"

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "So what? It is not healthy to disregards one's selfs so muchly. As muchly as you have. *a swell of saffron hues* Nobody says you do not matter except yourselfs. And if somebody tries I will subject them to Bizi's breaths."

You have emoted: Gurashi runs their hand over the top of Cheliyi's head as Calioliahali strokes their own headfeathers, frowning. "Mine-child...?"

Esei tells you, "...if you -must- talk about it. It must be alone. Not Cheliyi, not Calioliahali, not Tridemon. Not even Uncle."

Cheliyi doesn't respond, sipping her tea once more. Her plumage ruffles and settles repeatedly, like waves on a shore.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "A secret secrets? I can keep those, cousinling, you knows that."

Esei tells you, "...all too well, yes."

Finally, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters whispers, "I haven't seen them since that talk, I don't thinks. At least, my brain cannot remembers..."

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs softly, setting down their drink so they may drag both hands through Cheliyi's headfeathers, pulling them away from her face. "They had been really busy," They whisper. "I am so glad that they talked to you boths. I remember you both acting... differently. Betterly, after that... but by then I had already decided not to..."

You have emoted: Gurashi laughs weakly, leaning back against Calioliahali's legs again.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "... is something you must say face-to-faces, or is something want to say over aethers...?"

Esei tells you, "Preferably the former."

Cheliyi closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

Cheliyi gives a pained sigh.

You pet Cheliyi ingratiatingly.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "... *gentle acknowledgement* G-give me a little time? I must ah, see to Cheliyi. But for every time you say do not matter I am going to bakes another cookie. Just keep in minds."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans to the side as they watch Cheliyi. "Thank you for always being so sweetly to them," They whisper. "You were a goodly nieces, yeah. And a great Beloved-of-Beloved. You still are good at that."

Calioliahali bends in half, her hands parting to make way for her face within your headfeathers. She kisses your scalp chastely, before pulling back upwards, her fingers resuming their tender stroking.

Esei tells you, "Mmn."

Cheliyi's lips press thin, her expression wobbling for a moment. She exhales again, a slight tremor to the motion. "I hope, where they are travelling with Them, there is goodly tea and pretty flowers. At some points. Even if is just the void, that they find some."

Softly, you say, "They are together, which is the most importantly thing," They whisper, nuzzling the top of Cheliyi's head. "Their Heart will keep Them company. And safe. Is no one better suited for the jobs."

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Cheliyi's brow.

Softly, you say, "And we will walks the paths of Saffrons by Choosing to remember Them well... kindly... share stories..."

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, shoulders sagging. "...I love you," They warble softly, head lolling forward to gaze into their lap. "I loves you both. Would you... both mind enjoying each other's company... I... need to see to something."

Quietly, Ablutant Cheliyi, Lotus upon Cresting Waters says, "Rightly."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Cheliyi blinks.

You give Cheliyi a friendly squeeze.

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "Are you free now? Where should I go?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's plumage ruffles and settles, and they stare tiredly into their drink, awaiting confirmation.

Esei tells you, "..."

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "Is that a no?"

Esei tells you, "Aetherplex, to start."

Calioliahali's frown returns, her fingers reluctantly leaving your headfeathers. "I love you as well, my apotheosis, ah... I understand. We will await you."

Quietly, you say, "I won't be long." They puff their cheeks. "It is Esei."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly scoops Cheliyi's tiny form up in their arms, rising to their feet and moving to set her down upon the bench beside Calioliahali. As they rise, they warble, "I love you boths..."

Calioliahali's steel blue gaze traces each of your movements, finally settling upon your face. "I love you. Be safe."

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Calioliahali's brow.

Bizirik, the leothin flops down onto the ground.

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to Cheliyi's brow.

<-- nyoom
The Aetherplex Chamber.
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. Set upon a pedestal, a metal suggestion box for the Ascension Gala has been displayed. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. Covered in bone armour, a red fox stands here, cautiously listening to the surroundings. Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk floats here, suffusing the air with the sickly-sweet scent of blackthorn blossoms. They wield a lissom blooming blackthorn staff in their left hand. 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.

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought.

You follow Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk east to a hidden grove.

Esei lets out a soft sigh.

Just looking -tired-, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...ask."

You have emoted: Gurashi follows along slowly, their wings drooping, dragging behind them. "Are you O-K?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I have not been okay in a very long time. Next question?"

Softly, you ask Esei, "You had a secrets to tell me...?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Emotions are secrets, aren't they?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Esei, "Why do you keep saying you do not matter? Where did that come from?"

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I always believed that. It's just different now."

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Warbling in soft confusion, you ask Esei, "What is it you are wanting me to ask you, then?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...do I matter to you?"

Fretful, you ask, "What is it you cannot tell anybody but me?"

You boggle at Esei.

Blurting out, you say to Esei, "OF COURSE YOU DO WHAT THE HECKITY KIND OF QUESTIONS IS THAT."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Because it does not -feel- like it."

You blink a few times and stare at Esei in confusion.

Ears flat atop their head, you ask Esei, "What do you mean...?"

Shaking their head, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Nevermind, this was stupid."

Quickly, you say, "No - please."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out for Esei, but stops just short of grabbing them. "What is going on? What did I do?" They warble softly. "Did someone say something meanly to you?"

Esei pulls their hands close to their chest, then pulls physically away from you, dark eyes bright and wild for the first time in- a very long time. "Just. Listen." Their voice, still soft, sounds tight. "You said... you-..." they trail off, closing their eyes. "I keep pushing you away. Do you know why?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** "we don't come back from this," someone-else points out in their head, warningly. they know. **.

You have emoted: Gurashi cants their head to the side, moving to stay within Esei's line of sight. "Because am still..." As midnight passes, they shiver in spite of themselves. "Why? I wants to hear you says it, rather than assumes I know." They fidget, bringing forth their left wing, smoothing it out gently, anxiously.

Brokenly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Because you keep- calling me -family-."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "But I'm not, not really."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly. "...what do you mean?"

You think to yourself: *a dawning realization - they are always so quick to admonish willful ignorance, but ...*.

You think to yourself: *...barely holding onto the threads of An'Ryshe, still clinging to the barren bits that remain, that longing that will never go away - what does it mean for those in the family who -do- still consider them family?*.

Staring resolutely at the ground, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "You don't let me help you, and you don't -tell- me anything," a faint grimace crosses their face, "And even though I'm cruel to you and yours all the time, you just. You do not stop, but you do not let me in either."

You think to yourself: *an unexpected ache*.

Softly, hands balled into fists at their chest, you ask, "...I do not let you in...?"

Dazed, you say, "...a-am sorry - I ..."

Esei just turns away, tears rolling down their face as they clap their hands over their ears. They shake their head violently.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** stupid, stupid, stupid, they can't do anything right, the words aren't right, and they're just cold on their insides. gurashi used to bring a warmth, twice-gained and twice-lost, but now all is ice. **.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks frozen in place, their fingers tightening, knuckles white. They say nothing, looking like a cow in the looming presence of a butcher's harness. Their gray eyes widen, and they open their mouth to protest but only manage to muster a heartbreaking, birdlike cry, failing to muster any words.

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

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** but maybe being cold is better. more correct. Mother Night is cold and He is cold, and the blessed dark is cold, so why not them too? **.

Faintly, you ask, "...I-I makes you feel ... -that- terribly?"

Esei's hands pull away from their vice grip over their head and then turn to look back at you, expression vacant but eyes full of tears. "Not just you," they manage raspily, each word sounding like it's being forced from their throat. "If it's... any consolation."

Raspy voice becoming dead in tone, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...it does not matter."

Softly, you say, "Y-yes it does."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Why?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "It is not surprising to be left behind, or forgotten. Do you think I exclude myself from activities for no reasons at all?"

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard. "Am sorry," They whisper. "Because yo..." Their voice rises half an octave. Suddenly they squint, feathery ears again flat atop their head.

Esei lets out a soft sigh.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "You... should probably go back to your family, now."

Their voice thin and tight, you ask Esei, "How do I makes it better, then?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...I do not think it is possible. I am sorry. I should not have bothered you with something as small as my feelings."

Suddenly, you exclaim to Esei, "Your feelings are NOT small! Stop saying thats!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "It is so pointlessly dismissives! It is unfair to -you-."

You flap your wings excitedly at Esei, gusting the air about them.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** except- their feelings aren't small at all, no, they're so big esei thinks they will just DROWN in them instead- **.

Esei shrugs helplessly.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Does it really matter?"

Flustered, you say to Esei, "I-I'm sorry. That, I hurt you. I-I know, I am not really, goodly a-at ah, getting through things without messing up -somehows- but, I do not want to be one of the needless things that -hurts- you, be-cause -I- loves you a whole lot."

Wings flapping, you exclaim to Esei, "So yes it DOES matter!"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** ... **.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "I-I won't c-call you cousinling i-if you don't want m-me to! But--."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** maybe esei is hurting themself instead? by holding on. **.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "Even if I was not your family I would still loves you lots, because you were my firstly protege! And, you helped me find Khepqet, and my -past-, and have done so many meaningful things to -me-."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "YOu helped shape my lifes, to bring me here, to-day. EVen if it was divergent from your -own- Paths." They hiccup suddenly. "A-and the one, of the Glomdoring. And, -that- parts is on me. The parts I Chose after."

Blankly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "What does it matter... if I do not remember doing many of those things?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "But you did a lot of -good-."

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask, "... you don't .... remember?"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** they do not forget on PURPOSE; there are holes in their head that hurt and hurt and hurt and will never be able to fill, they just get smaller and smaller until they are new blank spots, as if nothing happened at all. it makes them feel small and stupid and worthless, and they do not want to disappoint. **.

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

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I didn't... mean to forget. I don't...."

Softly, you ask Esei, "...you are having trouble with thinks and remembering things...?"

Esei swallows thickly.

Soothingly, you say to Esei, "...that is not your fault. Peoples forget importantly things all the time..."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I always have. It's worse, if I let myself feel things, sometimes."

Esei shakes their head.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out a hand. "If you get stressed, then your brains gets even MORE holes...?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I forgot... almost entirely of my relationship with Aschwar. And much of what happened with you."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "And what Lief told me, and the tasks I completed in the Auguries, and in the Order, and..."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I logically know they happened. But I can't," they rub at their eyes, "remember."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ah, Lief ..."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Aschwar had- the Book, and I remember that they destroyed it. But I do not remember what they said, or who was there, or why -I- was there..."

You have emoted: Gurashi sighs softly, feathery ears rising a little. They frown, hand still raised. "...I am sorry. I cannot imagine how that would be - it would be like ..." They trail off. "Drinking...." They shake their head, taking a cautious step forward. "...I can help you remember stuffs, if you want. It is O-K if some of the holes happened. That is not your faults."

Esei flinches, seemingly involuntarily. "I- don't know if you can help me," they whisper. "It's one thing to have someone tell you that you did something. And another to actually remember doing those things."

Warbling softly, you say, "Am sorry..."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** the shed is dusty, and there is sunlight bleeding through the window shutter and there is just pain-pain-pain- **.

Esei blinks.

Holding themselves now, you ask Esei, "I cannot imagine how that must be, no. I am sorry, cou... " They hesitate. "H-have you not told anybody else you have had these problems?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "No. Why? It cannot be fixed."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "It cannot be fixed - but it does not have to be endured alone." They cant their head to the side. "Peoples who love you should be willing to helps you fill in the holes with memories you forgot."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "Like. Uhm. I can tell you, what happened, be-fore ... with the things that happened and the things you saw...."

You have emoted: Gurashi warbles softly. "Whether or not you wanna BELIEVES me is up to you but..."

Esei frowns, suddenly. "Why should I admit to any weakness?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "Because we are only Demi-Divines. And we get feelies, and we get sick, and we get hurt. And we can either suffer in silence abouts it..."

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** the memory turns, as if pushed by someone, and melts into the fulcrux, breathing with them. they feel calm, at peace, at home. **.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Or ask the peoples we loves and trusts to helps us."

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

Softly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "And if I trust no one?"

The sky brightens to a warm, brilliant blue before the light dissipates into scintillating patterns across the daytime sky, distorting first into filigree silver and gold, then into dusky lavender. There is an odd absence where the Sun ought to be, leaving the daytime air cold and welcoming.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "We can only try to be perfectly. But we will -never- be." They frown. "Then ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's gray eyes glitter with tears, and they loll their head back to study the sky, sighing softly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "I hopes you can find someones."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "It is an awful waste to stands aparts from so many peoples."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** they try to think of anyone who is - or was - an age with them in the Glomdoring. **.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Esei solemnly now, arms still folded over their own chest. "I love you. I will not call you cousinling anymore, if it hurts you. But I want you to know, that you was my first ever protegee..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "And you used to tell me all of your secrets. When peoples were mean to you, when you were uncertain about whether you were doing right by Mister Lord Silence." They smile sadly. "They are all very muchly precious to me still."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "But I do not -want- to hurt you, no. Never ever."

Quietly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Call me what you like, I suppose."

Quietly, you say to Esei, "It is why I could never do goodly, to fit ins. I was a -bad- Wyrdenkin." Their wings fold around themselves slightly. "But you - and everyone else still matter so muchly more than words could ever express."

You think to yourself: *do not -cry-*.

Quite suddenly, Esei bursts into tears. Silent, but tears nonetheless, and then the silence is broken by a single, heaving sob that shakes their small body from wings to toes.

You have emoted: Gurashi warbles softly, then coos, taking another step closer. "Would you like a hug?" They ask gently. "I am sorry to have made you cry - it is O-K."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "You have been suffering so muchly. It is not fair."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** a swell of emotion, much too big for them to handle, far too complex to label. something cosmic, maybe- then, gone, but it leaves aftershocks too. **.

With a hiccup, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Life isn't -fair-."

You shake your head.

Softly, you say, "Nuh uh. No, it really isn't."

Gently, you say to Esei, "It is why it is so important, to have other peoples - you know? Even if it takes years to find thems... or if you lose thems and find thems again..."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...I do not know."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I am very tired, and everything... hurts."

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** is hurt a word to really describe how they feel? **.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods gently, their own expression continuing to remain morose as they listen to Esei speak. "I know."

Esei frowns suddenly, again.

LOOKIT THEY
Skin the color of mauve-tinted ebon and spotted with dark, delicate freckles like inverted stars across a night sky, they are a nimble shadowcaster faeling wyrden demigod changeling covered with black feathers. Their eyes are the most disarming thing about them, wide and liquid dark with black feathery lashes to frame them, just a bit too innocent to be real. Their nose is straight, turning up at the tip, while their dusty plum lips contain a multitude of sharp teeth. Their shoulder-length black hair frames their face, a single braid being pulled into shape behind their left ear. Their body is broad for a faeling, standing no more than three feet tall, with elegant limbs. Their artist's hands are delicate, each slender finger tipped with a black claw; their fingers and toes abruptly darken to pitch black at the tips, leaving it difficult to discern where their digits stop and claws begin. Their ears are rather short, tapering to an elegant point, darkening to black at the very tips, and occasionally flicking to listen to any noise. Their long, slender wings are bisected, vaguely insectoid; the thin material is dark and slightly translucent, prone to trembling seemingly at random and giving an impression that they are less than solid. Their wings are oddly silent as they move, barely making a disturbance of the air with each beat. Their face is painted with an intricate spiderweb and a bone nose. Tattooed on their legs is an illustration of twisted white blackthorn blossoms amidst bloody thorns.
They are wearing:
an intricate, structured ensemble of dusk
a circlet of the Shee-Slaugh house nestled firmly against the crown of their head
a wedding armband of eternal night resting on their left bicep
Ebon Prayer Beads of the Silent Lord hanging from their belt near the symbol
a phantasmal shroud of shadows worn loosely around their shoulders
a translucent mark of the Silent One clipped to the front of their belt
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree attached to their left forefinger
an ancient symbol of the Silent Lord hanging from the right side of their belt

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...what do you mean I have been- suffering so much?"

You have emoted: Gurashi takes another step closer, now but a foot away from Esei, still they do not touch the faeling, their own arms still embracing themselves. "You just told me, that you have been living like this - it is lots of sufferings." They gesture vaguely. "And your mind - it is just ... it is like a storms..." They frown. "To feel that sort of feelings... or, a lack of thems - it is a kind of suffering."

Esei furrows their brow in thought.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...Gurashi, do you think-."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Do you think just because I do not -show- how I feel, means I do not feel?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Because. I arguably feel far -too- much than is healthy for the average person. To the point I can be -burnt out- by my own emotions."

Quietly, you say to Esei, "Mmm, Miss Xiran tells me maybe the reasons I have lots of feelies is 'cause of the kepheran psionic hive-mind thingy..." They frown. "I was not saying I did not think you felt emotions ... you have lots of emotions. Like a storms, like said."

Softer, you say, "Maybe it is same thing. Maybe you are just one of those more-feeler-peoples..."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...empath?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...I-I don't know. Do you get sad when you feel someone else get sad? I do."

You have emoted: Gurashi scratches their cheek. "Is that what it is? Which one? I don't know. But."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "I am sorry."

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Nothing matters until it is given meaning."

Esei shrugs helplessly.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "You probably... need to go."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Should go?"

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't move even as Esei tries to dismiss them. "Do you want me to go?" They ask faintly.

Weaker, you ask, "...c-can't I do anything else?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I haven't decided."

Softly, you say to Esei, "I don't want to makes you feel ices."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "It is not a no. But not a definite yes. Have patience, you absolute walnut of a bug."

Esei crosses their arms in a distinctly slaugh-like manner and sniffs.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks only mildly traumatized at the insult, plumage puffed up to make them twice their normal size.

Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

Quietly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Now shush your mouth and hug me."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...you look like you will combust if you don't."

Suddenly looking chagrined and stepping back, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Ah, I am not usually so... bold. I apologize."

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales through their nose, then silently shuffles forward. They start to hold out their arms, then pause. "I mean. I love giving hugs." They pause. "But I don't want you to feels like you need to accepts it. I am happy to stand there and," They hesitate, "b-be a walnut."

You glance askance.

Your wings flap excitedly behind you.

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to stand there stupidly, inches away, arms open but not wrapping around Esei yet, an awkward trembling feathery excuse of a person.

Esei finally steps forward, wrapping their fists in your shirt as their hands come up around the trills back, resting just below your wings, elbows near the waist - or hips, really. They squeeze tightly. Maybe a little too tightly, actually.

You reach out, pulling Esei into a tight embrace.

You have emoted: Gurashi scoops Esei into their arms tightly, squishing them to them as they do, sighing heavily. One hand cradling the back of Esei's head, the other squishing just beneath the faeling's wings. "It is O-K," They warble soothingly. "I am sorry you have endured so muchly."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "You are goodly and strong and matter even if your brain is silly and has holes in it sometimes - at least, I thinks so, yeah yeah."

Esei suddenly goes very, very tense, and very, very quiet, barely breathing. "I-it is fine," they stutter out, claws slowly digging into your back.

You give Esei a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi's hand drops from Esei's head back to their shoulders, squishing them still with a frown.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "It is not fine. But, it is also fine that it is not fine."

Esei shivers violently.

You have emoted: Gurashi warbles quietly. "But it will not be not fine forever."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** moths- eating a hole- in their head... **.

Esei blinks.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...no. But then it will be fine again."

You nod your head emphatically.

Happily, you say to Esei, "Yeah!"

With all the solemnity deserving of a funeral, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "He told me so."

You have emoted: Gurashi rocks slightly where they stand, looking off beyond Esei. "He?" They warble quietly. "Nothing bad lasts forever."

Esei nods solemnly.

Esei caresses a phantasmal shroud of shadows gently.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Him."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ahh."

Esei sways back and forth.

Esei leans against you, letting out a low, soft sound like a purr.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** suddenly... so sleepy... **.

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales slowly, then exhales, shoulders sagging as they stare upwards, scanning the night sky. They hold Esei for as long as the faeling clings to them, their own fingers laced together comfortably. They hum deep within their chest, wings flapping behind them.

You tilt your head curiously at Esei.

The Mantle of Starlight flows gently against your form, twinkling stars shifting across its surface as the starry infinity continues its eternal motion.

Esei's eyes are closed, lips slightly parted where their head nestles into your shoulder. There is the beginning of a dark spot near their open mouth.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ** not quite asleep... but just coasting along its edge... zzzz... **.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down at Esei, humming still and swaying in their spot, remaining upright, ensuring Esei doesn't teeter or fall as they doze. Their gray eyes remain full of tears as they stare off over the faeling's head into the forest.

You hum softly to yourself.

Esei grumbles faintly, shifting their fingers to relax in their hold.

Faint psionic energy ripples out from the trill - or, wasn't it always there? There is an almost palpable sense of comfort, a soothing presence akin to basking in the afterglow of the sun's light.

Esei's eyes slowly crack open, and they sigh. "You can... put me down? Or..." They wiggle very aggressively - almost a writhe, but not quite - until their tip toes reach the ground again.

The horizon glows with burnished shades of orange and red, heralding the imminent arrival of Father Sun upon the rim of the world.

Esei wrinkles their nose and sniffs.

Contemplatively, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...might bite you."

You have emoted: Gurashi's arms unlock and unfold, falling to their sides as they set Esei down the moment they request it.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Sorry."

Suspiciously, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Why."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "Because is my instinctive responses to everything."

You flap your wings excitedly at Esei, gusting the air about them.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Esei, "Sorry if was too muchly of a hugs."

You twiddle your thumbs.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Suspicious."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Ready?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods weakly. "I need to go...ah..."

You blink.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Ah..."

You follow Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk to the Aetherplex Chamber.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh - thank you..."

<-- TO THE POND

You stare blankly into space.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk has lost you.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

You stare at Cheliyi, eyes wide.
You stare at Calioliahali, eyes wide.
You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

You open your mouth to say something, but speech fails you.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...too fast?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...w-we're BACK."

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs up at this exclamation, plumage making them twice their normal size.

Esei's lips flick into what can only be described as a smug smirk, tapping the Medallion of Nature with a single claw.

Calioliahali slowly lifts her head from atop Cheliyi's headfeathers, unwinding her arms from around the smaller trill. As she straightens up beside her, she smiles softly at you.

Warbling, you say, "A-ah, uhm..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...fanciful nature medallions."

Cheliyi flashes a cheerful smile to you, warbling softly.

You have emoted: Gurashi rubs together their hands, looking at those gathered. They awkwardly step away from Esei, then back towards them, then closer to Cheliyi and Calioliahali again. "A-ah, u-uhm..."

You look at Esei hopefully.

Gently, you say to Esei, "Thank you for the tea..."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Still useful, even though I am not leaking anymore."

Esei shrugs helplessly.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.