"Your task is difficult, yes."

<-- almost immediately after Tridemon logged out, leaving Gurashi alone in the kitchen:

Bracing white light briefly blinds your vision, fading to reveal a sidereal path to the Realm of Lantra, the Empyreal outlined in cold, glittering starlight to the isle of Vesucia. "You said you felt wrong entering My domain without permission," a calm, feminine voice whispers. "Consider this your invitation to the Vanishing Isles, child of the Light."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly, once, twice, then slowly looks up, wings fanning open. "...ohhh," They whisper, wide-eyed. "Oh, my... u-uhm, many thank Yous...!"

You think to yourself: Is called the Vanishing Isles? Does vanishes? Oh my oh my oh my.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly scrambles to their feet, looking this way and that, attempting to out the fire in the oven before abandoning the task, turning their attention instead to Mount Zoaka's Titanium Brazier of Explosive Transformation. "Ohno," They whisper, giving it a good shake.

"Should you wish," the calm, feminine voice of the Goddess Lantra whispers, "I may speak with you now regarding your prayer unto Me. Whether or not you wish to confront Me now is up to you, child."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Suddenly, you say, "It..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's wings fold against their back, first right, then left, feathers quivering. "...it is really important, and, the longer that wait.... but, I - uh, I." They stare at Mount Zoaka's Titanium Brazier of Explosive Transformation, then look up again. "Uhm, n-need just a little time? M-maybe quarter of a day and then, uh, can talk to You, if You do not ... if have the times?" They grimace.

You think to yourself: * the lingering pastel shades churn and shift, then settle, then swell again roiling anxiously, hopefully *.

Light shimmers in your vision as soft laughter like rain ripples around you. "Then seek Me when you are ready, little one, and should My attention be upon mortal affairs, I shall respond in kind." Then the motes of starlight vanish, leaving only a silent darkness in their wake.

An enormous poppy of black and gold shudders as a ripple of aetheric energy passes over its petals, staining it black and gold.

You have emoted: Gurashi's teeth sink into their lower lip, and they gaze about the quiet kitchen, gaze at last landing on a simple house maid. They blink, then blush, bowing their head politely and returning their focus to an oven.

A simple house maid exhales slowly, wiping a strand of hair from her eyes to inspect her work with a smile.

<-- like 10 minutes later

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

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

You lazily draw your wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

You think to yourself: O-K O-K O-K O-K O-K.

<-- me pathtracks to whatever V-island houses Lantra's realm. Vescucia? Vesucia?

A sharply sloping ravine.
A fresh gale whistles in your ears. A remarkable number of gnarled and stunted evergreens cling tenaciously to the walls of this narrow cleft in the rock, finding purchase among the many rocky shelves. Pine cones, cedar berries, and a thick, brown carpet of fallen needles cover the floor of the chasm, which slopes sharply upward from west to east. A fallen tree half blocks the way onward. A birch sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. The partially burrowed form of a scrumhog is here.
You see exits leading east and west.
You are already there.

You think to yourself: Oh this is the -place-.

You pet a scrumhog ingratiatingly.

<-- lost lost

A crumbling cliff top.
Thick dreamy cotton clouds are spread across the firmament. Much of it softer than the surrounding rock, the edge of the cliff top here has been very badly eroded over the millennia, leaving deep gullies in some places and isolated spires in others. Numerous heaps of raw, jagged rock in the surf far below testify to the frequency with which fresh stone tumbles from the cliff face. Even the trees of the forest give the unstable drop-off a wide berth. Coiling like smoke, a tenebrous shroud floats here, casting an impenetrable gloom upon the vicinity. A birch sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. A small, mottled pig snuffles about here, looking for food.
You see exits leading north, southwest, and west.

You ponder a shield shrine of Shikari thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

You shake your head.

<-- lost lost

A rocky basin.
Thick dreamy cotton clouds are spread across the firmament. Rainwater collects here in a broad, shallow depression in the stone near the edge of the sea cliff. The trees surrounding, though relatively few in this rocky ground, make up for their number in sheer size and age, managing to shade the area quite thoroughly. Their ancient roots have leveraged into every crevice that could be found, causing a spiderweb network of hairline cracks to fracture through the rock. A flowing, lozenge-shaped pool of mercury gleams like a mirror here, eddying and shifting in the wink of an eye. An oak sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here.
You see exits leading south and west.

You blink.

You blink.

Surprised, you say to a shield shrine of Mysrai, "Did not know you were here."

<-- hopelessly lost

You hear the sound of a cascading waterfall in the distance, a veil of light offering a glimpse of the realm beyond.

You tilt your head curiously.

<-- walks back to that first area

The base of a small waterfall.
Thick dreamy cotton clouds are spread across the firmament. A small, cool waterfall chatters its way down the cliff face at the north end of this canyon, spilling into a pool at the foot. Overflow from the pool trickles lazily away in a broad, shallow stream, down the length of the canyon to the south. Mosses and ferns grow thick under the trees that shade the canyon floor. A hornbeam sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. A small, mottled pig snuffles about here, looking for food. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence.
You see exits leading south and through a luminous waterfall.

You think to yourself: * calculations quietly decorate their mindscape in a variety of colors ... waterfall - that is a waterfall - surely enter the waterfalls to get to the Place *.

You part the misty curtain of a luminous waterfall and vanish in a shimmer of water and light.
Within the Lake of Polaris.
Beautiful waterfalls surround this starry grotto to pool into a luminous lake, filling the vaulted cavern with sparkling white mist. Koi fish of every colour glide throughout the grotto's pool, pressing against the star lotuses that bloom in abundance before the sidereal falls. Behind one waterfall's veil of mist, a statue of the Empyreal Goddess can be made out in the hazy fog, Her stoic figure wrought into the alabaster stone. Though Her expression is inscrutable, Her hands are pressed together to hold a single star lotus, which impossibly remains in radiant, eternal bloom. A stately plaque at Her feet reads the following: "As above, so below." Cradled within the marble Goddess's outstretched hands, an immaculate stone basin awaits the falling waters.
You see exits leading north, east, south, west, up, and through a luminous waterfall.

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim, "Oh!"

You give a horrified gasp.

You have emoted: Gurashi claps both hands over their mouth, wide-eyed and repeating a much softer but no less surprised, "Oh."

You think to yourself: Oh, it is here...!

You discern:
You are standing in the Vanishing Isles.
Your environment conforms to that of flooded freshwater.
You are in the Realm of the Empyreal.
You are outdoors.

You think to yourself: * a swell of blue and indigo and sparkling light akin to stars * ...oohhhhhh....!

You hear giggling and laughter from the westernmost waters of the lake, amidst splashing around lotus flowers.

You have emoted: Gurashi tentatively walks forward, looking up at the statue before turning their attention to the plaque at its feet, canting their head.

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "...As, above... so...below?"

Within the Lake of Polaris.
Beautiful waterfalls surround this starry grotto to pool into a luminous lake, filling the vaulted cavern with sparkling white mist. Koi fish of every colour glide throughout the grotto's pool, pressing against the star lotuses that bloom in abundance before the sidereal falls. Behind one waterfall's veil of mist, a statue of the Empyreal Goddess can be made out in the hazy fog, Her stoic figure wrought into the alabaster stone. Though Her expression is inscrutable, Her hands are pressed together to hold a single star lotus, which impossibly remains in radiant, eternal bloom. A stately plaque at Her feet reads the following: "As above, so below." Cradled within the marble Goddess's outstretched hands, an immaculate stone basin awaits the falling waters. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence.
You see exits leading north, east, south, west, up, and through a luminous waterfall.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns their attention upwards at the sound of the laughter, plumage ruffling.

You think to yourself: ...am below, now? Am supposed to be aboves, maybe...!

Before the veil of mist.
Sidereal waterfalls spill into the luminous pool of this baptismal font, forming a sparkling veil of mist. The banks of fog at the base of the cascading water swirl across the marble floors with an enchanting, mysterious haze, whispering across the mosaic lotus tiles. Pillars of white marble encircle the fountain, while celadon blue statuettes of veiled priestesses hold urns of overflowing light before the waters. The starry light that pours forth collects and pools at the centre of the chamber, where a single star lotus unfurls in eternal bloom. Luminous streams overflow from a baptismal fountain of water and light here.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, up, and down.

You stare blankly into space.

You think to yourself: ...no - is more up!

Stairs ascending a waterfall.
Glass steps ascend in a delicate spiral, surrounding the Temple of Lantra's frothing waterfalls in an elegant staircase that leads to the white tower's seemingly infinite heights. A starlight mist hangs in the air, translucent and glistening against the pellucid glass as it gracefully leads into the second floor landing. Fountains filled with koi fish surround this round entryway, with four halls each marked by arched doorways, all crowned by a mosaic white lotus.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, up, and down.

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

You have emoted: Gurashi puffs their cheeks, staying to the center of the stairs as they continue to ascend, ears flat atop their head.

You think to yourself: This is a tall towers...

Within the bell-tower.
A grand bell of immaculate porcelain hangs here upon a great wooden beam, held aloft by thick braided rope that holds it taut. Polished to a reflective, mirror-like sheen, the bell seems to bear its own intrinsic luminosity, lustrous and dazzling. Healing glyphs have been inscribed upon the white stone, the ritualistic script almost ornamental in its delicate beauty. The solemn toll of the bell rings throughout the Temple of Lantra with a sonorous chime, echoing with a proud sense of majesty and purpose. To the north, the wide expanse of the Vanishing Isles can be seen beyond a balcony's balustrade.
You see exits leading north and down.

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "... ah! Am above!"

A gentle breeze beckons you to the northern balcony, sweet and salty with the ocean air.

You have emoted: Gurashi wanders up to the bell, examining their metallic reflection and slowly circling it. Their attention is quickly drawn away from the instrument towards the north, drawn to the balcony.

A balcony overlooking the Vanishing Isles.
The vast panorama of the Vanishing Isles stretches before this balcony in a limitless expanse of sea and mist. Only a delicate balustrade of marble and glass protects against the steep fall from the ivory tower to the world below, which seems at once beautiful and insignificant from these heights. The water gardens of the Isle of Polaris sparkle enchantingly beneath the ever-present starlight of this place, as does the bruised ocean, which shimmers like black glass under its quiet light. Every so often, a distant island can be made out as the veil of mist parts to reveal gold and silver sands on the horizon, beckoning beyond the temple's safe confines. Lantra, the Empyreal stands here with a restrained dignity, Her aura radiating a celestial light. She wields a coral staff in Her left hand.
You see a single exit leading south.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...oh!"

You give a horrified gasp.

You turn to Lantra, suddenly bending at the waist to offer a polite half-bow.

Lantra looks out over the balcony of the Vanishing Isles, Her impassive gaze veiled behind a cascading curtain of mist. At your arrival, the Goddess turns and offers a faint smile, Her hands falling to Her lap. "Welcome, child of the Light," She says, Her head bowing slightly in greeting.

LOOK LANTRA
Her slight and statuesque figure exuding a sense of restrained dignity, She is a radiant immortal and possessed of a quiet and unassuming stillness. The Goddess's olive-skinned complexion shines with the dusky radiance of youth, and yet the ancient burden of duty weighs heavily upon Her shoulders, carried with a silent and practised grace. Lost to contemplation, She appraises Her surroundings with a distant air; the grey-tinged gaze of Her celadon blue eyes remains as fathomless and inscrutable as the hazy mists of a waterfall. Despite the seriousness of Her first impressions, however, a gentle smile graces Her lips with an almost maternal tenderness. Her every movement is characterised of an unhurried elegance and poise, reflective of an inner peace as She emanates a soothing white light.
Shimmering tresses of palest starlight spill down Her shoulders in a curtain of white to end at Her waist, nary a strand out of place. Motes of silver and celadon blue interweave through Her immaculate coif, their whispers of colour evoking a breathtaking celestial radiance.
She is wearing:
immaculate vestments of purest white starlight that wreathe Her in a celestial glow
a cascading veil of mist and water lilies that shrouds Her and trails at Her feet
elevated sandals of woven willow leaves that leave lambent motes with each step
a gold damask cope clasped with a radiant star lotus that covers Her shoulders in a heavy mantle.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Lantra.

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard as they stand up straight again, offering Lantra a toothy smile. "I found it! Uhm," They fold their hands together, "Well, with Your help. Many thank Yous - sorry have never been before, no," They trail off, looking back up at the Goddess sheepishly.

Soft laughter as light as a gentle rain spills from Lantra's lips, the melodious sound accompanied by a faintly amused smile.

A slight smile on Her lips, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "You need not apologize for seeking My blessing before arrival. Though certainly many walk here without it."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, approaching the edge of the balcony and dropping its head with an audible 'clack' against the railing, staring out over the Isles, tail slapping the ground behind it.

You nod your head sagely.

You twiddle your thumbs.

A watery spray of starlight twinkles dreamily across the alabaster pillars.

Tentatively, you ask Lantra, "Ah, O-K.... ahm," Suddenly they tap their fingertips together, "uhm - how are You! How does this month find You?"

Her expression inscrutable behind Her veil, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "I find Myself well enough, though to Divine, each month often blends into the last. Time is stranger to Us. But rest assured, I do not come to you with a foul temper."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods several times in a row. "Once got told not to ask Divines how They are, and that They are above those sorts of questions and time is weird to Thems, but, it also feels wrongly to not ask..." They ramble on, trail off, staring back at the veiled Goddess. "Oh. Well. That is good."

You sense a quiet, unseen presence watching you here, at once both calming and disquieting.

You think to yourself: * a quiet buzzing, a nervous tick, the colors dim and swirling - focus, yes - do best *.

A touch amused by this, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "It is true that those questions do not elicit the same answers from Us as they might from mortals. Your attempt at courtesy is however appreciated. Far better to exceed an attempt at manners than to forego them in Our company."

You look at Lantra hopefully.

Rhapsodic hymns emanate from within the tower's depths, fervent with devotion.

Gently, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "You are afraid to speak with Me, are you not? I sense an uncertainty about you."

You have emoted: "Yeah, manners important," Gurashi whispers and nods, lacing their fingers together, eyes still lingering on the Goddess. At this, they blink very slowly, then frown, looking towards their feet.

You think to yourself: * for a moment, a passing visage of the gold-and-black furred tae'dae, laughing one moment, then smiling tiredly, shouldn't have to be so tired -- *.

After a pause, you say, "I..."

With perfect composure, Lantra waits for you to answer, Her hands pressed before Her as the wind fills the silence.

Bizirik, the leothin looks away from the balcony towards Gurashi suddenly, nostrils flaring as it snorts in the trill's direction.

You have emoted: With a deep, trembling breath, Gurashi's head bobs left, then right, and slowly they begin to sink where they stand, eventually coming to their knees. They bend forward, hands too finding the floor as they bow fully before Lantra, their wings quivering as they try to fold against their now bent back. "...please do not say no," They whisper, barely audible over the wind.

You think to yourself: * suddenly they are standing at the Fulcrux as they had last time speaking with the Empyreal, gazing at their own reflection in the pool, recoiling at the rejection *.

Lantra, the Empyreal says, "When last We spoke, I asked you to deliver My words unto the Urchin in Ivory."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods from the floor, not looking up, their gaze burning into the ground beneath them.

Calmly, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "I take it that you did so?"

You think to yourself: * ...fuzzy, graining - they see now the tae'dae again in their mind's eye, standing in the atrium, happily talking to their poppies, twirling their claws to help them grow *.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods again, plumage bobbing.

After allowing a few moments to pass, Lantra lifts an eyebrow. "You do not seem to hold much confidence that Their answer will change Mine. Was the attempt at expressing sincerity such an unreasonable request for your patron?"

You have emoted: Gurashi sits up suddenly, still settled on their knees, tears shining in their eyes. "Because LOTS of peoples assumes the worst about the Shofets, no matter how much say 'n show is not true," They say suddenly, practically bursting, voice wavering. "Peoples t-talk about the meanly things that They did before, during the Wars, and, and," Suddenly tears spill over their cheeks, and they quickly reach up to wipe embarrassedly at their face. "I-is like are talking about whole Other Persons...! But, it was before..."

Voice wavering, you say, "Before They met Aschwar ..."

You think to yourself: ... why is so hard ...

Lantra listens to the outpouring of emotion, though Her own reaction remains obscured behind the misty veil. "There are many who find it difficult to reconcile the present and the past," She agrees simply. "Though both are nonetheless aspects of who Mysrai is, has been, and may someday become. Such is true of Divine, and such is true of shards, too."

With a hiccup, you say to Lantra, "But, They aren't -now-... and," They again wipe at their face, though it does little to stem their tears, "it should not -matter- that Aschwar is the Shofet's - they are -not well-, and, it is -not O-K- that they are not O-K... and, if -I- could fix it, then -would- - I -tried-! Really tried, too! Lots did - we all did."

You have emoted: Gurashi starts to say more, but stops, quickly looking down, ears flat on their head as they attempt to regain their composure.

Calmly, the statement given with almost the same intonation as Her last, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "And what did Mysrai do, to answer My request? What have They done to prove Their sincerity and put My doubts to rest?"

You think to yourself: * said to themselves in a blubbering tone, roiling shades of blue and indigo * stopcryingsomuchwhattheheckity.

Bizirik, the leothin finally slinks away from the balcony, snuffling at the trill on the ground, tail sweeping back and forth curiously.

You think to yourself: * at the question - suddenly they are standing on the mountain path, and the tae'dae is stepping through a portal of sand, embracing them bodily, a visit, a welcome break - a break from their work to say hi.. *.

As your mind fills with anxiety, the gentle sound of a woman's voice, soft and lilting, briefly silences your inner turmoil with their soothing refrain, spoken in a language you do not understand, but that nonetheless calms you with its words. The great weariness that weighs upon your shoulders lightens for a moment as a gentle glow of healing light suffuses you, though the heaviness in your chest still aches with sorrow.

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes scan the ground in front of them as they blink away a fresh round of tears. At last, they look up, brow furrowed, expression twisted with confusion. "...They sent me," They answer at last, jaw set, eyes wide. "'cause, I am Their's. And ... and, Aschwar is my bestest friend."

Her voice so soft it is almost a whisper, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "Your sincerity has never been in question, little one. I have never wished for you to prove yourself or your intent. The Purity of your heart is understood by Me, as is your Devotion to your patron."

You think to yourself: * a continued miserable ache - have tried so -much-, will they ever get to feel better? *.

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard, furrowing their brow.

With a graceful turn, Lantra faces the landscape beyond the balcony, staring at the Vanishing Isles as She exhales deeply. "It is difficult, is it not, to be given the weight of a seemingly futile task? It weighs upon the soul. It can drive the mind mad, or break your heart over and over until it feels as if nothing can restore it to as it once was. And yet," the Goddess says, with quiet confidence, "the belief that the task is futile is in itself the most harrowing blow. The fear that nothing shall change. That failure is the only result that can be ascertained."

The words a breathless sigh, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "We Hamadhi understand this better than most, though all Divine faced such doubts in the Elder Wars. Thus I understand, to some degree, how you must feel to face Me in this manner."

You think to yourself: * a mind swirling with instances of this, of moments of waiting, thrust into endless situations they will never win-- *.

You have emoted: Gurashi listens, their tears slowing to a stop though their shoulders continue to tremble, jaw set.

Her expression kind, though Her words remain cool, Lantra, the Empyreal says to you, "Know then that your task is not impossible, though if you continue to address it in this manner, you are unlikely to succeed."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly wipes at their face again, mumbling a hurried apology.

You think to yourself: .... is not impossible ....

You think to yourself: * a bright skein of pastel lavender in the gray and blue - trying not to be excited do NOT get too hopeful or excited ohmygoodnessGurashidon'tyoudare-- *.

You stare at Lantra, eyes wide.

You think to yourself: * now thinking more thoroughly on the Goddess's words * .... addressitinthismannerohNO....

You blush furiously.

Her hand resting upon Her heart, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "To understand a Divine's intent is difficult for many mortals. And yet you come to Me expressing you that understand Mysrai's fully, beyond the shadow of a doubt. But it is not enough for you to understand, you see? You must find a way to express that sincerity to others. To Me."

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders sag. "I know."

Lantra, the Empyreal says, "I am not surprised that Mysrai does not know how to conduct such an act, for Mysrai is an entity few understand, even among the Havens. They are not often given to acts of sincerity."

Puffing their cheeks, you ask, "...what... do You consider act of sincerities?"

You tilt your head and listen intently to Lantra.

Bizirik, the leothin shoves its angular head into Gurashi's hanging hand, earning a few idle pets from the distracted trill. It thrums happily, snorting in the Goddess's direction.

For the first time, a radiant smile appears on the Goddess's face as She nods. "Yes," Lantra replies. "These are the questions that you then must ask. If you understand Mysrai, then perhaps the fault is that you do not understand Me. The origins of My doubts. The reasons for My caution."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...oh!"

You thrust your palm towards your forehead and hit it with a resounding *smack*!

Voice muffled, you say, "Oh no am so sorry Lady Empyreals I did not even--."

You flail about helplessly.

You have emoted: Gurashi folds their own hands over their heart, huffing again. "Sorry - am sorry. Please, tell me. Wanna know - really wanna know."

You blush furiously.

A watery spray of starlight twinkles dreamily across the alabaster pillars.

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly at you.

With a maternal air, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "Thus I leave you with this Wisdom, child. Speak with My Order of Me. Express your sincerity to them, as you have to Me, and the obstacles you have faced. Learn of the past that informs My present and Mysrai's. And perhaps with this knowledge, you may yet understand how to convey Mysrai's intent to Me, and why the Beloved bears no harm to Me and Mine. Your task is difficult, yes. But I will not say impossible."

You look at Lantra hopefully.

Nodding slowly with each carefully laid out instruction, you say, "Speak to Your Order about You... sincerities ... past... informing presents... Shofets ... intentionsBeloveddifficults O-K, O-K, O-K..."

Lantra lifts your chin upwards to meet Her kind, grey-tinged gaze, Her eyes devoid of guile or cunning. "Mysrai may yet help you, if you give Them the means to do so. Know that I do not wish for your failure, child."

You have emoted: Gurashi seems to suddenly be brimming with nervous and excited energy, biting their lip before their attention is drawn to the hand on their chin, then to Lantra's face, eyes wide.

Quietly awed, you say to Lantra, "...mm - mmme either, no."

Soft laughter as light as a gentle rain spills from Lantra's lips, the melodious sound accompanied by a faintly amused smile.

You think to yourself: May help? The means? Hum hom hoom.

Her figure beginning to fade into the starry mists of the isle, Lantra, the Empyreal says, "Then I shall not keep you from your quest. May you find the answers you seek, child of the Light, now that you have the Wisdom to pursue them."

You think to yourself: * faintly recalling their first visit to the fulcrux, the way the statues terrified them wholly, now a sense of... hope, relief, calm, nervous energy * ... is not so scary...

Lantra leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.

You think to yourself: Not like ...

Lantra, the Empyreal has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 1 month.

You have emoted: Gurashi shuts their eyes, exhaling.

A quiet breeze sweeps through the vicinity as Lantra, the Empyreal dissolves in a luminous swirl of white lotus petals, leaving only twinkling motes of starlight in Her wake.

Quietly, you say, "O-K..."

Hands still folded over their heart, you say, "Many thank You's, yes..."

A watery spray of starlight twinkles dreamily across the alabaster pillars.

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

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.