"... Well, THAT'S a disturbing sentiment."

**Preface: month 4 of missing Bizirik! Gurashi hates it. And there have been some small developments since the previous log: https://pastebin.com/KfzjFkqP **

Downed and overgrown trees.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The grasses part to reveal a wide clearing that looks to have been the location of some great calamity. Great ravenwood trees have been felled by a storm and litter the ground, and form a natural barrier to the north and east. Moss and mushrooms cover the logs entirely, occasionally dotted with the splash of color from a resilient wildflower. The earth here sinks, and within the center of the clearing is a small natural reservoir of crystal clear water. Felled trees line the bottom of the reservoir, every detail visible from the shore. The tall grasses wrap around the rest of the clearing, obscuring the view of the house to the west. The sounds of frogs and other pond life can be heard reverberating pleasantly in the air.
You see exits leading north and south.

You sense the piercing eyes of Tridemon looking upon you.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**a gentle chirr** Hi, Tridemon."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "'lo. Anything interesting going on?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Oh, uhm... **a little vibration of noise** Not really. Have been getting breads, and helping when am needed, and looking for Bizi...."

**morose walkies**

A path through tall grasses.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Grasses tall enough to dwarf even the tallest of kephera have made this natural pathway barely noticeable from the garden. Repeated trips are evident from the flattened earth no wider than a single body, though evidence of small animal prints are seen in the soft earth. The rich smell of wet dirt and fresh water is strong to the northeast.
You see exits leading north and southwest.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**chittering** Anything?"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Nope."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**a sharp whistle of frustration** Right. Right."

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the southwest, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi cants his head, pulling out of the tall grasses and looking at Tridemon in surprise. "...ah, er, hi!" He chitters, antennae raised.
You have recovered balance on all limbs.

Brilliant sunset hues bathe your surroundings in a warm carmine afterglow.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "'lo. ... I don't think she's hiding in there."

You think to yourself: / *the standard bustle of the hive, along with a familiar chirr* Good evening, Keeper /.

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders sag, and he lets the grasses part again, timidly tapping his fingers together. "...well thought it was worth a look... figure, if she would go somewhere... she would want to maybe be close to home. Right?"

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Evenin', Khep. So, I assume reaching out toward Bizi didn't work?"

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, looking quite upset. "Uhm."

You think to yourself: / *a tentative hush* /.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "No."

Tridemon tilts his head curiously.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... did something else go wrong?"

You think to yourself: *a rush of embarrassment and uncertainty*.

You have emoted: Gurashi folds his hands together over his lute, shaking his head. "Uhm. No. Well, I mean, it was fine. But, I did not want to do as much as did before because I am still new and you are knowing more of these big brain things? But, I tried." He gestures in the air. "To call out, without leaving. But THAT did not work. Is just quiet."

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

You think to yourself: / *the sound of clicking mandibles, and shifting chitin* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I see. Well, would you perhaps like to give it another go with me here?"

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You lean over to one side then stand up straight again.

You think to yourself: / We're alright, thank you /.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks again quickly towards the tall grasses enclosing them, wringing his hands together nervously. "...I mean...."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Perhaps somewhere with furniture."

You think to yourself: / She's... probably somewhere here, Tiso /.

You think to yourself: / Yes. Probably here, where there are soft things to lay on /.

Suddenly, you exclaim, "But she isn't?!"

You look about in confusion.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hmm. Maybe I should go get a shrimp or five."

Aquamantic symbols suddenly project themselves upon the very air in dark blue light, fading after a brief moment.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly lowers his voice again as soon as he's raised it, chittering softly. "....right."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "I will be back shortly."

Tridemon turns towards the southwest and steps forward, instantly collapsing into a torrent of water that rushes outwards with a thunderous crash of water. <-- he went to get shrimpies!

You sniff softly.

The evening air is warm and still, and your surroundings glitter with dappled, luminous starlight.
Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 20th of Tzarin, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 2 days until the New Moon

You think to yourself: / Don't open your circle right now, Tiso /.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Why not?"

You think to yourself: / *a nervous chirr* Just ....not for now.... /.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

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

You think to yourself: // *a sudden tick* //.

You look about in confusion.

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes his lute tighter, antennae raised, listening.

You think to yourself: ......Miss Khep, do you know what that is?

You think to yourself: / ....... /.

You think to yourself: Miss Khep...?

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the south, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

Tridemon begins to wield a fat pink shrimp in his right hand.

Tridemon hurls a fat pink shrimp north.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi raises his hand, following the shrimp.

Downed and overgrown trees.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The grasses part to reveal a wide clearing that looks to have been the location of some great calamity. Great ravenwood trees have been felled by a storm and litter the ground, and form a natural barrier to the north and east. Moss and mushrooms cover the logs entirely, occasionally dotted with the splash of color from a resilient wildflower. The earth here sinks, and within the center of the clearing is a small natural reservoir of crystal clear water. Felled trees line the bottom of the reservoir, every detail visible from the shore. The tall grasses wrap around the rest of the clearing, obscuring the view of the house to the west. The sounds of frogs and other pond life can be heard reverberating pleasantly in the air. There are 2 fat pink shrimps here.
You see exits leading north and south.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the south, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi says nothing, watching the shrimp from the edge of the clearing, perfectly still.

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae twitches. Nothing happens.

You think to yourself: / ... *a sympathetic sound* /.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Your ear drums almost burst as Tridemon blows on an algontherine whistle, which emits a low tonal note that causes the air to ripple with variegated colours.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...mmf!"

The gray light of morning bleeds through the branches of the Ravenwood trees.

You see Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters yell, "Bizi! Get your lazy butt over here! We've got shrimp!"

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, clapping his hands over his ears. "Ow." He whispers as the whistle finishes its sound. He stares out across the empty clearing, then looks at Tridemon, frowning.

You have emoted: The wind rustles the grasses again. Insects begin to rouse in the trees. Gurashi looks to be a mix between crestfallen and concerned.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Being gentle and waiting doesn't seem to be working, nor does going out to look for her. It might be slightly mean to yell, but she's either sulking really HARD or she's stuck."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks a few times, bunching his shoulders. "...I ... yell for her??"

You think to yourself: Oh! But..

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Never really had to deal with a missing animal much... but she really might be stuck somewhere she wasn't supposed to go if she's not coming."

Softly, you say, "Much...??" He reaches up to touch his chin. "...you have had pets run away?"

You think to yourself: Did she run away...?

You think to yourself: / ....... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally, subdued, stoops down and picks up one of the shrimp, twirling it in his fingers.

You pick up a fat pink shrimp.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Not pets, just... animals that had gotten off to somewhere else and needed to be retrieved."

Quietly, you ask, "Like, the cats? In New Celest...?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Or the seahorse. Or even these silly little squid."

You think to yourself: *an image of Tridemon scooping a kitten out of a box - and then another! One per hand, victorious*.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Tridemon pets a golden firefly squid ingratiatingly.

You gaze softens as you smile.

You think to yourself: // .. *an abrupt, albeit gentle pulse among the hivenoise*.. //.

You think to yourself: / ...*the clicking of mandibles - waiting* ... /.

Tridemon peers about himself unscrupulously.

Tridemon drops a golden firefly squid.
Tridemon picks up a golden firefly squid.

You tilt your head curiously at Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi abruptly wheels around, cupping his hands over his beak and shouting at the top of his lungs: "BIZI am SORRY if you are MAD at me but we can WORK IT OUT!! And if you are mad at Miss Khep we can WORK IT OUT with her too, YES!" His voice cracks. "But am MISSING you and think you should come home now... O-K???"

You have emoted: Gurashi waits with bated breath, his eyes wide and hopeful, antennae raised. Another gust of late-summer air. The shrieking of cicadas and other insect life are the only answer.

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

A gust of wind carries on it the pleasant warmth of the noon day sun and the tranquil song of insects.

Tridemon looks around a bit, watching, gathering up a bit of psionic power and letting it out in a short pulse to ripple through the surroundings.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around, checking again and again for any changes, or familiar flashes of gray. Nothing. His mandibles click against his face, and he lets out a whistling sigh of frustration, tightening his grip on the tail of the shrimp. "NOW what." He asks, his voice wavering.

You think to yourself: // ...... **a gentle pulse in response, like an echo** /.

You think to yourself: / *the sound of scraping chitin again and a passing wave of alarm* /.

Tridemon frowns slightly, and gathers up another bit of energy, letting another pulse ripple out- this time containing both traces of inquisitiveness and touches of the ocean.

You think to yourself: / *alarmed* Keeper. What are you doing. /.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns to look back at Tridemon, frowning again, his antennae sagging. Abruptly he reaches up to scratch at the side of his head, brushing against the circlet incessantly and looking uncomfortable. "Tridemon? Miss Khep? What are you guys doing?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Finding something that probably shouldn't be there."

You think to yourself: // **another pulse - the rattle of the hive, a sing-song series of words unheard...cheerful. friendly** //.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Tridemon gathers up a slightly stronger pulse, with a stronger sense of inquiry. Not words, but the mental impression of 'Who is this?'

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae twitch as the energy ripples out, and he takes a timid step closer, once more hugging his lute. "...something..." He looks up. "Oh. The feeling."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. It's not particularly normal to get intrusive pulses of mental noise."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Your eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across your face.

Brilliant sunset hues bathe your surroundings in a warm carmine afterglow.

You think to yourself: // **a tittering response, upbeat and rapid. A name? A story? You cannot tell but it keeps talking on anyway. You hear fluttering, feel the faint impression of wings in the air around you, real enough over the mental connection to feel physical. This presence is strong** //.

You think to yourself: / *sounding flat and irritable* Just ignore them and they'll eventually have to leave /.

You blink.

Narrowing his eyes, you say, "They?? Miss Khep have you been keeping secret secrets."

You think to yourself: / *a non-answer - only waves of concern* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Is this that empty-headed butterfly you wanted to put an icicle through the head of?"

You think to yourself: / ..... tch /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Well, might as well ask..."

You think to yourself: / *finally, resigned* Yes /.

You look about in confusion.

You have emoted: Gurashi scratches at the circlet again, distressed. "...who are you talking about? I do not hear anyone else."

Tridemon gathers up another pulse of psionic power, carrying an impression of a certain leothin, and another inquiry- Where?

You think to yourself: // *a laugh! definitely a laugh... and then, confusion? a leowhatnow? .... oh, oh, don't know where it is now... but that thing's familiar. A fluttering of wings and confirmation* //.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. No, she doesn't seem to know, either..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "At least it's not whatever ran headlong into the wall I threw up. Far too jovial."

You twiddle your thumbs.

You think to yourself: // *recognition, but not from now - a passing memory... a much smaller, much less scarred Bizirik, jaws clamped down tight over a kepheran arm, teeth piercing chitin and drawing forth rivulets of bright orange-red blood* //.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "....there is another she?"

The Mantle of Starlight shimmers and twinkles as the starlit darkness that it is formed of continues its eternal motion.

You have emoted: Gurashi folds his arms awkwardly over his chest, listening to the voices he can hear, his antennae limply drooped back.

You think to yourself: / ......... *the annoyed, somewhat nervous clicking of mandibles* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mmhmm. They don't seem to know where Bizirik is. ... But they seem to know WHAT she is. In a general sense."

Tridemon gives you a sidelong glance.

Confused, you ask, "... am... not understanding. They know Bizi?"

The evening air is warm and still, and your surroundings glitter with dappled, luminous starlight.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 21st of Tzarin, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 1 days until the New Moon

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Think they might have met her before you did. Not sure."

You think to yourself: // *an excitable chittering, some more unrecognizable, upbeat conversation, dismissing the conversation about Bizirik. Small talk? Weather? A joke? Definitely a terrible, terrible pun being made, and nobody but this kephera is laughing - so nice to have new people to talk to* //.

You have emoted: Gurashi's breath catches in his throat as Tridemon says this, covering his mouth. "Oh... other kephera who knew Bizi..." He seems surprised. "Did... she say her name? Is she nice like Miss Khep? Is she the one who has been watching??"

You think to yourself: / *continued vigilance, hardly taking a moment to relax* /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "I can't actually hear much in the way of specifics."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "From what I can tell she's... chatty."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Flitting from subject to subject like a butterfly across a field of flowers."

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae raise. "...like a butterfly?" He clarifies quietly. "Oh...Miss Khep you do not feel very happy. Something is wrong?"

You think to yourself: / *an agitated chirr - uncertainty* /.

You think to yourself: // *you hear a distinct 'pff', and then some more chattering, and then, very distinct - tap, tap, tap, against the wall of vines, reverberating gently like a finger on glass* //.

You blink.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I don't recommend letting her in."

You think to yourself: / ..... *a bit of relief. barely* /.

You have emoted: Gurashi scratches at his circlet, surprised. "Oh, heard that... she--" The knocking comes again, a little faster now, and more of them, like knuckles rapping away.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well... at this point, you can either install a window, or just grow thorns."

You think to yourself: // *a few more raps, then a confused chirr. senses of inquiry? verification, validation? hello hello?* //.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks -very- concerned. "A -window-?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's a wall. It can have windows. Even if it's a thicket of vines. The inside of your head doesn't need to make sense to be strong, it just needs to be internally consistent."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Tridemon, eyes wide with confusion. "...but... could something get in if have a window?" He perks up, tapping his fingers together again. "Or do think is O-K? To look? I want to see this persons."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "A window doesn't have to be a weakness. It can even be made out of the same stuff as the wall it's in. Just needs to be converted to the proper transparency."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "...a vine... that is... transparent?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Not easy to imagine?"

The gray light of morning bleeds through the branches of the Ravenwood trees.

You think to yourself: // *continued gentle chittering... ^ //.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a curious little noise, canting his head. "Uhm..." He shuts his eyes. "Mean, can try to."

You think to yourself: // *the sound continues to get softer, further away, until it seems as though its gone completely...* //.

You think to yourself: / ........ /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Khep, did she leave, or is she getting a run-up for ramming speed?"

You have emoted: Gurashi is still contemplating the notion of a transparent vine, looking up curiously at Tridemon's statement. "...w-what, to run into it? T-that has not happened yet!"

You think to yourself: / *sounding tense* She did leave - but not far... *the sensation of over-zealous prying eyes* /.

Quietly, peeking, you ask, "You said that she knew Bizi...? Yes? But did not know where... if she comes back can ask her where last saw?"

You think to yourself: // *a familiar pulse of energy* //.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I think the last place she saw her was before you left the hives."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Tridemon, taken aback. "That was so long ago..." He pauses, counting on his fingers in silence, then abruptly stops, dropping his arms. "The -window-. The vine!"

You think to yourself: / Windows work both ways - if you see them, they will see you, Tiso /.

You let out a soft, buzzing sigh.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, rubbing his forehead in annoyance, pushing again at the circlet.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "This is weird. You guys are talking about something, and I do not see or hear what you are talking about."

Shaking his head, you say, "But is all going on in the same place, so is ... little helpless feeling - do not like it?"

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

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, I'm slightly worried about something else. Khep, am I right in assuming that whoever that is is a gossiper? Has trouble being quiet, loves talking to people even when they're not listening, just to be speaking?"

A gust of wind carries on it the pleasant warmth of the noon day sun and the tranquil song of insects.

You think to yourself: / *you can practically feel your own hands press against your face - a wave of frustration* ... She only gossips to one - and I think that one is here, right now /.

You think to yourself: // *another gentle pulse* //.

You think to yourself: / *wary* Do not make a window unless you want to give yourself another headache /.

Tridemon looks slightly more worried. "So... would that one also be something really angry and the kind of person who'd try ramming through a wall of ice and screaming at the person who put it there?"

You have emoted: Gurashi listens, his confusion and frustration growing. He turns away and looks around the clearing, scanning the nearby reservoir, red fish-a-plenty.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "You're honestly not missing much. It's a lot like someone going 'Bloop!' in the background every so often."

You think to yourself: // *a ripple, two little pulses in a row*... //.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances at Tridemon, but looks unconvinced, frowning at the mention of the wall of ice. "...oh... wait, are you in danger?" He asks the lucidian nervously. "Is Miss Khep in danger?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Me? No. I'm not really connected to the hives, and if they decided to invade my mind, they'd have ever-so-much... FUN."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Tridemon gives a slightly manic sharp-toothed grin.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "I cannot tell in which way you are joking."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "You are going to kill them yes? Not let that be the other way around."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Killing someone from this kind of distance is unlikely. I do, however, have well over a thousand deaths in memory for them to experience."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to fret regardless, wringing his hands together. "Oh, but - they can't jump from my mind to yours right? Not unless you were doing what you did before, where were all water, when I was just vines?" He continues to look nervous. A gust of wind whips through, causing the surrounding grasses to rustle noisily.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Pretty much. Kind of tempted to yell at them, actually."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh - Tridemon I do not want to put you in danger like that..."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You think to yourself: / *tired* That would be something ... /.

Brilliant sunset hues bathe your surroundings in a warm carmine afterglow.

You think to yourself: // .... *tap* //.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around again with a huff, watching as the tall grasses dance in the wind. His antennae sag as he looks towards the pool of water again, shutting his mouth.

Tridemon closes his eyes and gathers up another pulse of psionic power, laden with impressions of something cold and watery with a general sense of disapproval at the tapping. Alongside a memory of jagged ice.

You think to yourself: // ..... *a creeping unease in response, and then - something... a flicker of colors in the dark spaces between the vines* //.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, scratching at his head again. "Ooa. Is all buzzy," He mutters as he scratches again at the side of his head, staring intently now at the nearest fallen log.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hmm..."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "What...? What's going on?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, I think they're trying to peek in, by virtue of the fact that your wall of vines isn't completely solid."

You think to yourself: / *silent, but practically radiating caution, keeping to the center of the circle* /.

You blink.

You blink.

You give a horrified gasp.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh, no... uhm..."

You have emoted: Gurashi fretfully looks around, then drops down to his knees where he stands, swinging his lute over his shoulder. "I can fix it," He says as he shuts his eyes. "Just gotta think about it yeah."

Tridemon breathes in, and lets out a long breath, letting waves of his own telepathic psionic presence fill the immediate area, bringing the rush of the ocean, the warmth of the shallow reefs, tide and wave...

You think to yourself: *an excited, nervous chittering* O-K, O-K.... *suddenly, the visual of vines is very clear, and very present and... * OOoA! They are so MESSY!

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, you made it in a hurry."

You think to yourself: Well yes, but, I did not leave them like this! I swear! You saw! *The vines begin to straighten and stretch as they start re-working themselves together, bolstered by the presence of the sea* This is messier than last time, gosh!

You think to yourself: // *suddenly, a strangely familiar grating noise* //.

You think to yourself: Maybe was slacking in upkeep... that has to be it... oof. Gotta practice my not-focused big brain stuffs. *the vines continue to braid together* ....

The evening air is warm and still, and your surroundings glitter with dappled, luminous starlight.
Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 23rd of Tzarin, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 31 days until the New Moon

Tridemon lets the warmth of the shallows fade away, bringing in the colder, deeper ocean. Deeper. Darker. Colors fading from the lack of sunlight. Yet deeper. Pressure of the crushing depths, but turned away from the circle.

You think to yourself: ......*the weaving slows a bit, and a sense of remorse settles in, making the work feel tedious* ... almost done...

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "At least one of them doesn't like me. At all."

You think to yourself: // *the cold... dark, heavy. Crushing. Suddenly, another ripple, pressing back against your aquamantic powers. This feeling is cold, but not like ice. An empty cold. A bitter, spiteful cold. //.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Tch."

You think to yourself: // *another flicker of color - vision of orange-red blood pouring off of a kepheran arm. High pitched voices... a thud...* //.

You think to yourself: *the vines are nearly entirely closed now, though they stop abruptly* Whoa, what was that?

You have emoted: Gurashi's head tilts, eyes closed.

You think to yourself: / Ignore it /.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "*Very softly, directed at Khep* Kind of sounds like something with sharp teeth and a grudge deciding to be protective."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *urgent* It... it's so much -more- than that /."

The gray light of morning bleeds through the branches of the Ravenwood trees.

You think to yourself: *the cautious return to weaving the vines.... chittering, watching where the colors were previously*.

You think to yourself: // ....*another sound, this one followed immediately by a high-pitched pained yelp, a flash of uneasy reds and cyans splashing across the mind scape, familiar agitated hissing and thrumming*... //.

You think to yourself: / Tiso. Finish /.

Tridemon abruptly lets the crushing pressure fade- instead replaced by a sea of jagged glaciers. Cold to its depths with something dark and raging at its core. It has the feeling of an actual place, though. A memory instead of a construction.

You have emoted: Gurashi stills, fingers tightening in his lap.

You think to yourself: // *your glaciers are stalwart but this pressure continues to remain resolute and resonate outward against your own. There is no physical change. The same bitterness... now, delighted //.

Aquamantic symbols suddenly project themselves upon the very air in dark blue light, fading after a brief moment.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "/ *spoken soft, but no less urgent* Do not let her bait you /."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Well, THAT'S a disturbing sentiment."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to sit rigid in his spot, hands balled into fists.

You think to yourself: / What, her baiting you? *a buzz* Or that she is enjoying this? /.

Tridemon lets the memory become clearer. An endless, maze-like sea of glaciers. Walls and ways, shifting constantly. Not a maze. A prison.

You think to yourself: // *continued delight... a manic buzzing noise rings out over the darkness of the mindscape, echoing back and forth off of the walls. Walls. Walls. Crumble. A complete lack of concern even as the walls surround* ... //.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Okay, new impression. She's a godsdamned MANIAC."

A gust of wind carries on it the pleasant warmth of the noon day sun and the tranquil song of insects.

You think to yourself: // *suddenly a jagged shape strikes the nearest wall, sending a hunk of ice cascading across the ground, spinning and sliding away....... pools of cyan ichor, bloody little pawprints* //.

You think to yourself: *the visual is cut of just as soon as it appears, the wall of vines now thick. Solid... green.... not a single cap to be seen. not even overhead*.

You think to yourself: / ...... *tentative, waiting* /.

Tridemon completely dismisses the memory, ceasing to project it onto the immediate mindscape.

You think to yourself: / *the grating noise and subsequent cold sensation are now absent within the circle, in which you feel Khep proceed to fall over, practically deflating with relief* /.

You think to yourself: // .............. //.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I don't think they're happy with any of us, now."

You think to yourself: *the vines dim in their saturation, now a muted green* ...

Keeping his eyes closed, you ask, "...did make things worse?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I don't think so. But I don't think Bizi's sulking anymore."

You look about in confusion.

Suddenly opening his eyes, you ask, "Is she O-K?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I THINK she might be being a guard-leothin."

You think to yourself: *a rush of anxiety - Bizi? a guard-leothin? guard? for who? who got her?*.

You think to yourself: / *a miserable sound* ... /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "For you."

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes suddenly open, and he stares at Tridemon, very serious. "What?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "She's busy being a good girl who makes it harder for weird things to follow Khep back to you. Or to make it painful when they do."

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

You stare ahead, looking utterly wounded.

You think to yourself: *a pang of guilt*.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I don't even think she really dislikes Khep, honestly."

You think to yourself: // *just as the words are spoken, there is a sudden pulse of ANGRY energy, causing the vines to tremble* //.

You shiver violently.

You blink.

You think to yourself: / ...no, no she dislikes me. /.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You glance askance.

Tridemon shrugs helplessly.

Touching his head, you say, "...if ..."

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

You think to yourself: ... will they just stay there forever?

You think to yourself: / ...like I said - they have to leave eventually. They have duties /.

You have emoted: Gurashi rubs the back of his left hand with his right thumb.

You think to yourself: Don't you have duties too?

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I gather that the angry, crazy one is angry at Khep for... some slight or other, deserved or not, and the other one is just kind of along for the ride because she has nothing better to be doing?"

You think to yourself: / *sudden silence* /.

You think to yourself: / ............ *a nervous little buzz* /.

The evening air is warm and still, and your surroundings glitter with dappled, luminous starlight.
Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 24th of Tzarin, 557 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 30 days until the New Moon

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I'm sure it'll be fine. Eventually."

Quietly, you say, "...would really like for Bizi to come back." He stares at the nearby empty pool of water again. "She does not bother me with brain stuffs. -I- bother -her-."

You think to yourself: ...but, more than Bizi - are more peoples, now? To worry about...

You think to yourself: I do not WANT more peoples, was just getting used to the one.

You have emoted: Gurashi fidgets impatiently, shaking his head.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You don't want to invite them in, anyway."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... oh, that reminds me, I wanted to check on something."

Tridemon removes the Mantle of Starlight.
The starry infinity worn about Tridemon as a mantle darkens as he respectfully and carefully removes it.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly, watching Tridemon in silence.

Tridemon gives the Mantle of Starlight to you.

You blink.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Can you wear this?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...what's..."

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a little noise, shrugging the mantle over his head.

You slip into the Mantle of Starlight.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon, bewildered.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hear any voices from it?"

You think to yourself: *a sense of curiosity... warm, and swirling, like stars - silent*.

You have emoted: Gurashi slowly shakes his head, looking down at the mantle and taking a bit of the fabric to examine it.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "...it talks to you?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Only when I put it on or take it off."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at the mantle again, starstruck. "It ...is not talking...." He hesitates before adding, "...thankfully."

After another dazed moment, you ask, "... oh, here - you are needing this back yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi tugs lightly on the mantle, prepared to remove it straight away.

The gray light of morning bleeds through the branches of the Ravenwood trees.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Yes, but not particularly urgently. It'll probably come back to me eventually anyway."

You have emoted: Gurashi relaxes a bit, returning to staring at the starry apparel with a temporarily dazzled expression.

You think to yourself: / ....*quietly* We should work on making some thorns... but, next time /.

You think to yourself: // *a gentle distant pulse - testing...* //.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... should I start indicating when I hear those pulses?"

Looking up from the mantle, you say, "No."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Notice them, now. That have pointed them out."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Can feel. Not... in my head but..."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up and taps the circlet. "It gets all fuzzy."

You have emoted: Gurashi drops his hand into his lap again. "...I should go." He buzzes quietly.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Wait, where? This is YOUR manse."

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Tridemon a look. "Meant like, inside...!" He says, making a vexed little chirr.

The corners of Tridemon's mouth turn up as he grins mischeviously.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Slowly rising to his feet, you say to Tridemon, "You know what am meaning..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh.."

You have emoted: Gurashi very carefully removes the Mantle of Starlight once he's upright, folding it carefully using all four arms and offering it back to Tridemon. "Here."

You remove the Mantle of Starlight.

Watching it go, you give the Mantle of Starlight to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.
You think to yourself: It didn't talk...a talking piece of clothing...

Tridemon carefully takes the mantle and slips it back on.

Tridemon slips into the Mantle of Starlight.
Waves of fluid darkness settle across Tridemon's shoulders as a mantle, countless pin-pricks of light and empyreal stars flaring to life in wild and infinite constellations within its depths.

You think to yourself: ...what would socks have to say.

You gaze softens as you smile.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Wash more often."

Tridemon shifts his eyes suspiciously from side to side.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "See it is all pretty when you wear it..." He chitters at the joke. "Aha, yeah!"

You sniff softly.

Looking around the clearing once more, you say, "Will not lie, is hard not to mope, because I miss Bizi very much."

Faintly buzzing, you say, ".. she can't be so far."

You think to yourself: Thought heard her, for a second... but - no.

You think to yourself: / ... /.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "She's busy being a Bizi-bee. Very active. And bitey."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "...bitey... ?"

You think to yourself: / *you get the sense she wants to say something very, very badly...* /.

Weakly, you ask, "But she's O-K right?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "If you say she is bitey she is biting like, fishes right...?"

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I mean... she MIGHT be biting fishes. It's not mutually exclusive."

Worried, you ask, "...the fishes... are biting her?"

A gust of wind carries on it the pleasant warmth of the noon day sun and the tranquil song of insects.

You think to yourself: / *an amused buzz* /.

You shake your head.

You think to yourself: No fishy would dare bite Bizi...

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "As far as I can tell, she's doing big brain stuff to bite other things."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Tridemon's expression carefully... then nods. "... O-K."

Suddenly, you say, "Uhm, th..ank you. For help. Again." His mandibles click frantically. "This is..."

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks for a word he cannot find, shaking his head again. "Thank you Tridemon. Do need anything from -me- before go...?"

Tridemon shakes his head.

Tridemon eats a crumbly raspberry-lemon donut with obvious gusto.

Offering four tired thumbs-up, you say, "O-K."

As you move away, you give a bountiful shawarma to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Goodnight, then. Goodbye."

Tridemon waves goodbye at you.

You think to yourself: / ...see you, Keeper /.