Tea Time with Grandfather Eliron

The Stables of the Wyrden Thorn.
The shadows violently writhe and twist along the ground here, indicating a war shrine of Nocht nearby. The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. There is a very light rain shower. Wyrden trees hunch over each other here, forming a canopy overhead. The twisted branches from each tree clash together, writhing about each other and blurring together in an unending battle of foliage. Beneath the twisted canopy, a sturdy stables has been erected, crafted from the wood from several ravenwood trees. Viciously thorny vines spread out across the ground, wrapping around the stables and spreading outwards. Midnight black roses grow in patches amongst the abundant plant life, their heavy blooms threatening to snap the stems they grow upon. Tucked away in the corner of the stables is a carefully wrapped bundle, the corner of a pitch-black tunic and the shimmer of silver and gems visible within. A solstice stocking has been hung here. Filib Shee-Slaugh hovers in the air here with a pair of daggers in his hands, wings beating rapidly. A regal slaugh priestess waits here, her posture perfect and poised as she scrutinizes the area. A sign suggests you can use STABLE commands here.
You see exits leading north and northeast.

He is an ordinary human demigod and is just shy of six feet tall with a slim build. His dark skin appears at first mottled, an illusion caused by the permanent layer of frost that is creeping over every visible inch of skin. Graceful elfen features dominate his face and shoulder-length black hair frames it. Upward-slanting amber eyes, shaped like almonds, sit atop high cheekbones, giving his slightly protruding jaw a masculine identity separate from the effeminate qualities that dominate his almost fae-like visage. A black star marks the hollow of his throat, the outline untouched by the ice around it.

He is wearing:
a haunting hood of gauzy wisps
a pair of black dress socks
a crown of the Shee-Slaugh house
silvery robes of fine spider silk
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree

Filib Shee-Slaugh pulls a dagger from under his smock and inspects it before hiding it again.

You blink.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Eliron's lips.

With a flourish of his arm, Eliron bows deeply.
You give Eliron a respectful bow, one hand clasped over your heart.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "Good morning."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Good morning, grandfather... I hope your time away from the realms has been peaceful."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "I've been deep in meditation on the Wyrd and the Lord Nightmare. Such things are not peaceful, but... mm, let us call them restorative."

A sense of purpose and pride for the Glomdoring swells within you as a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst scythe pulses against your hand.

You nod solemnly.

Dryly, Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Though currently I am trying to decide if the refusal to write a properly informative missive in the commune's news is sign of reason for mistrust in the commune or sign of a shocking loss of writing ability while I meditated."

The last vestiges of midnight shadows flee as Mother Night hides herself from the luminous arrival of her shining mate as he chases her across the bowl of the sky.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...if you refer to mine, it is the former."

Shadows swirl around your arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree digs itself more painfully into your finger.

Raising one eyebrow, Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Oh?"

You nod.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "I would like to hear more of this troubling revelation."

You give a pale rose-scented scroll to Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares.

Eliron tilts his head curiously to one side as he unrolls the scroll to read.

Eliron immediately frowns as he begins reading.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Hmm. Interesting indeed."

Eliron gives a pale rose-scented scroll to you.

You have emoted: Esei nods mutely.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "And now it is not even to be spoken of within our own shadows?"

Head bowing slightly, you whisper, "...I believe that the logic is that we do not know how much the Betrayer knows we know, or vice versa."

Eliron gives a faint smile as he says, "And I have been asleep, so I shall trust in the judgement of the Court on this." His smile fades as he adds, "I am simply old enough to remember what has happened when information was not properly shared before. Still, at least the Court is making an effort to ensure those who wish know."

You have emoted: Esei nods again, wings twitching slightly.

Eliron tilts his head to one side.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Even in this scroll, there are only hints of a name."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...of the Betrayer's?"

Filib Shee-Slaugh goes about his daily chores as he hums a tune too low for you to hear clearly.

Eliron nods his head at you.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Ah, yes. That would be that because we are unaware of their name as of yet."

Comprehension flashes across Eliron's face.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Then I shall, of course, be vigilant."

A light wind whips the cloying scent of roses and congealed blood into your senses, reminding you fondly of home.

Eliron stares intently about the area, and a dozen faceless eyes open within the shadows to stare with him.

You have emoted: "As we should all be," Esei murmurs, fidgeting slightly with the Medallion around their neck before folding their hands behind their back.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "But, with the most urgent of news handled, I would dearly love to hear more of you, the Forest and the Family. I've no doubt missed much."
Filib Shee-Slaugh whispers, "I am but a distant cousin of the family. One removed enough that it is not clearly evident on your family tree."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares murmurs to Filib Shee-Slaugh, "I know who you are. I've not been asleep that long."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Is there any particular place you'd like for me to start?"

Eliron chuckles long and heartily.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Perhaps with tea, if you know where we might find a proper brew these days."

You ponder the situation.

You nod.

Eliron begins to follow you.

You ponder a solstice stocking thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper to Eliron, "You might like to open this, first?"

Eliron blinks.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I think it was hung here... two Solstice seasons ago?"

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "My goodness. Ironbeard must have given up on me ever returning."

You nod.

The booming laugh of Ironbeard echoes around Eliron, making him beam with delight. He opens up a solstice stocking and spills two Iron coins and three genie curios and a present into his outstretched hands.

Eliron holds up an Iron coin curiously.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "I suppose these are of some use?"

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You touch the Medallion of Nature and green vines sprout up around your feet, and quickly cocoon you in their soft leaves. The world spins around you, as you are carried off towards the Hallways of Avechna.
The Cave of Chaos.
The walls of the cave bulge inwards in violently cubic shapes, looking much like a sculpture gone horribly wrong, in which the artist decided all of the angles would be incredibly precise and likely quite capable of cutting through flesh as though it were butter. The walls at first appear as if they might actually have solid colour, although they seem to change when one views them out of the corner of their eyes, and are never the same colour when looked at twice, which creates rather confusing patches of random colours that change when not looked directly upon. The Seal of Chaos slowly spins in the air here, humming with latent power. Glistening resplendently, the Wheel of Tzaraziko towers here, ripe for the spin!
You see a single exit leading out.

You pat the Wheel of Tzaraziko in a friendly manner.

Comprehension flashes across Eliron's face.

[fun times with the Wheel of Tzaraziko]

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "Well, now that presents are dealt with, tea?"

You nod.

The Blossoming Night Tearoom.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Subtle ravenwood beams, carved with depictions of varied wyrden flora and fauna, support the earthen walls of this shop, almost blending into the dark loam they support. The floor is made of black stone tile, the heptagonal tiles cold and smooth to the touch. A gentle draft is brought from the doorway leading to the tunnels, making the room a fair bit colder than usual. The doorway has been filled with two light sheets of dark silk that serve as a door, occasionally stirred by the draft. Tables and chairs of hemlock and rowan wood are scattered about the room, in ones and pairs and even more for larger parties. Alcoves and shelves are set into the walls, lined with goods that are carefully labeled with prices and contents. A bar is set near the back, behind which the shopkeep works with care and diligence with every movement. A small cabinet with glass doors is set near the bar, full of bookbinding goods. Beyond that, a door is set into the back, leading slightly down from the tearoom. The shop is lit only with flickering candles in alcoves, on tables, and candles on a glass chandelier above the bar. The smell of incense smoke and tea fills the room to a minor extent, only a slight enhancement to the room's atmosphere. There are 2 elegant wyrden lyrebird chairs here. There are 2 polished darkwood chairs here. A sign here suggests you READ SIGN! A creature of starlit shadow is here, blending in with the ambient darkness. A regal slaugh priestess waits here, her posture perfect and poised as she scrutinizes the area. You see a sign here instructing you that WARES is the command to see what is for sale.
You see exits leading northwest and down (closed door).

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

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Ah, a lovely selection indeed."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says to you, "Excellent work."

Eliron buys a dark tea cup adorned with wyrden fauna.
Eliron fills a dark tea cup adorned with wyrden fauna from a hemlock keg with a beetle spout.

Eliron holds the cup up and inhales the aroma of the midnight chamomile citrus tea.
Eliron sips black tea from a dark tea cup adorned with wyrden fauna.

You pay 75 sovereigns and receive a dark tea cup adorned with wyrden fauna.
You pay 4 gold to refill a dark tea cup adorned with wyrden fauna from a grinning redcap keg with an opaque night tea.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Ah, an unusual combination, but lovely. Your own work?"

You nod.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Well done."

Eliron sits himself down on an elegant wyrden lyrebird chair and makes himself comfortable.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...ah, thank you."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "Now that we have proper tea, you, Family, and the Forest, in whatever order you think shall be most enlightening."

You ponder the situation.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...the Family has been more quiet than not. Uncle Xenthos adopted Gael, who married Illyria. Tau, after a transformation, acknowledged the Family, though does not claim the name. She is currently betrothed to Veikko. I fully adopted a daughter, Solanine, perhaps a decade ago, now - perhaps two? I am also currently considering Essoheli, who Aunt Aleyah allowed to wear the Inseira name... though she still needs to meet with -his- betrothed, Istela, before he is willing to fully commit."

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I am running a tea design contest for the family as well."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "You call it quiet, but that is all good news."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Aleyah still wakes, then?"

You nod.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "Excellent. I shall hope to see her soon."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Ah! A tea contest sounds charming."

Thoughtfully, Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Perhaps I can design something inspired by my recent meditations."

You hum thoughtfully.

Half to himself, Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Something smokey, perhaps, like the haze but with the hint of death and rebirth."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "For the Forest, I understand that the Court is planning a festival, but due to scheduling limitations, I've not had the chance to be updated on it in person..."

You purse your lips, deep in thought.

Comprehension flashes across Eliron's face.

Eliron nods his head at you.

You give a twisted ravenwood lamp to Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares.

Eliron tilts his head curiously at a twisting Ebonglom Wyrdling lamp.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "This is our latest Solstice artifact. It may provide some... enlightening visions."

Comprehension flashes across Eliron's face.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "How do I use it?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "You should be able to PROBE it to see, these days, but try to LIGHT the LAMP?"

A soft breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Though before I am distracted from talk of the family, I hope I shall be able to meet the new members soon."

You nod.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "I trust you and Aleyah have been ensuring they understand what being a part of the House means?"

You nod solemnly.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "Excellent. It is heartening to know that I left the Family in such good hands."

Eliron turns his attention back to the lamp.

[Lamp spam]

The sputtering sound of fire intensifies as wax bubbles and pops, the flame within a twisted ravenwood lamp burning brighter as thick plumes of sickly-sweet smelling smoke waft up to surround Eliron's face.
Eliron suddenly grins, a maddened expression that stirs his feet into motion, stomping the ground in an unheard rhythm.

Eliron smiles faintly, his fingers tapping out a rhythm against his viola as he watches one vision.

You reach to your sense of the many wyrden songs and begin to softly hum a low, dark tune. Your heart beats in tune with the Wyrd's melodies, soothing your spirit and calming your mind.

[More lamp]

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "Most enlightening indeed."

You think to yourself: What else... what else...

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "And how fare the Auguries and the Swarm?"

You purse your lips, deep in thought.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "The Auguries, at least, is well. We have completed a project in the Auguries, and I hope that it becomes more widespread as time progresses. I am unsure of the Swarm, but I have not heard of any bad news, so I believe it is well."

Eliron nods his head at you.

The faintest trace of wistfulness in his voice, Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "I don't suppose the Voice of Mahalla was heard from while I slept?"

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I am afraid not."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "I suspected not. Still, we have her teachings, and we shall ensure that her trust in our ability to follow them without her is not misplaced."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "And no sign of my Lord that I somehow missed during my own meditations?"

Eliron tilts his head curiously.

You shake your head.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "Then we shall ensure that His trust is not misplaced either."

Shadows swirl around Eliron's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around his hand.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "And I see we are now aligned with Hallifax and New Celest?"

Eliron tilts his head curiously.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "We are, aye."

Eliron nods his head emphatically.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Excellent. They usually tend to be less randomly destructive of such things than Gaudiguch and Magnagora."

A wry smile spreads across Eliron's face.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Unless some utter change has managed to over take them, despite their stagnant natures."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "In so far as I am aware... no."

Eliron nods his head at you.

Lines of power flare up along Eliron's body, connected by shimmering points of light. For a brief moment, his body becomes a canvas displaying the constellations of Lusternia before the light flickers and fades away.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "I take it that as old ties have fallen into slumber, the family has not maintained its insight into either city?"

Eliron tilts his head curiously.

You have emoted: Esei blinks slowly.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Ah... I would not know what you mean by that, so I can only assume you are correct."

Eliron chuckles long and heartily.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "My brother was once Chair of Hallifax, and we had a few members of the Court--not the Family of course--from both Hallifax and New Celest."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Useful for insights, though with certain limits, of course."

Lightly running their finger around the rim of their cup, you whisper, "I imagine so."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "Of course, our focus has always rightly been the Glomdoring."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "I shall have to see if our treaty includes amnesty of any sort."

You tilt your head curiously.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "I've an enemy status to the Lady Isune that I would not mind resolving."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Eliron ponders the situation.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Can you think of anything else I should know?"

You ponder the situation.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I suppose... I won the Medallion of Nature this last Ascension...? Lord Nocht is as well as He can be. And has shared Who His siblings are with us."

Eliron blinks.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Both important news indeed!"

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Congratulations on your medallion."

You have emoted: Esei dips their head, whispering, "My only regret is that we did not manage to Ascend me, as planned."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "That is a true shame, but it remains a mark of honor, and a fine accomplishment for both the Forest and the House."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Ah, that is something I am curious about as well. How fare the other Great Houses of the Forest? The Nightshade and Stormcrows?"

You purse your lips, deep in thought.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "And the... Luminare? That sounds like one we must have stolen away from Celest."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "The Stormcrows are well, and I believe the Nightshades have perhaps... one or two people about."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "It was. Zayah was moved from the Serenwilde."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Excellent. Two more Houses saw the glory of the Wyrd."

The ever-present sense of your heartbeat thrums, beating to the rhythmic pulse of the Drums of the Dead.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "And a fine lesson for why we are so discerning about our own family."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Never shall the Shee-Slaugh falter in the service of Glomdoring, or offer loyalty to another."

You nod.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper to Eliron, "...I did have a question for you. Or. Possibly several, but we can start with one."

Eliron nods his head at you.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "It would be my pleasure to repay your time and knowledge with my own. Though before I do, Who did Lord Nocht reveal as His siblings?"

Eliron tilts his head curiously.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Ah. Lady Lantra and Lord Darvellan. And... Lord Zarhalt was Their First, Who perished meeting with the Heralds of Magnora with Amberle."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares murmurs, "Lady Lantra..."

You nod.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Perhaps She has only recently returned to the First World?"

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "Well, recently from my perspective."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Aye."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "And turned Her attention to New Celest, I would guess by Her name?"

You nod.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I believe She favors the Supernals in particular."

Comprehension flashes across Eliron's face.

Eliron nods his head at you.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "A variety of interests and insights within Siblings, it would seem."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...yes."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "But, that is for consideration another time. What questions can I answer for you?"

Eliron tilts his head and listens intently to you.

You nod.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "How was it that you became Avatar for Lord Manteekan? If... you're both able and willing to tell me?"

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "Patient and loyal service."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "You know of the Family's ties to Him, yes?"

The ever-present sense of your heartbeat thrums, beating to the rhythmic pulse of the Drums of the Dead.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Only that He Awakened the slaugh, and that we descend from them, but if there are further ties... I am unaware of them."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "We are the children of His children, and he favors us as such. He has even given us access to the Court of the Shee-Slaugh within His realm."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "As for my service, that has both to do with my dive into His teachings and eventual understanding of their depths, and my own service in the Forest."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "His ways are not easy, but are sometimes what are needed."

The smell of decay assaults your nostrils.

Suddenly seeming sheepish, you whisper, "...I'm afraid I know little of His ways, myself."

Eliron nods his head at you.

The smell of decay assaults your nostrils.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "That is not too surprising. His attention turned away from the Basin before you were born."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Is there any particular reason for your interest?"

Eliron tilts his head curiously.

You shake your head.

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Only curiosity, and... wishing to round out my education, as it were."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says to you, "I'm always happy to speak of Him, and to share what knowledge of Him is allowed."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "I do not wish to see Him forgotten by the Forest."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says to you, "But, you said you may have more than one question?"

Eliron tilts his head curiously.

You ponder the situation.

You shake your head.

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "Then for now, I feel I should rest."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares says, "I am not yet accustomed to being so active, and you have given me much to think on."

Lilting in an atramentous, ethereal voice, you whisper, "As should I. Thank you, grandfather."

Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Herald of Nightmares smiles and says, "It has been my pleasure, childling. And thank you. I feel far more settled in the present day than before."

You have emoted: Esei's lips twitch, and for a brief moment, their dimples are visible. "Of course. I'm glad to help."