A Difficult Heart to Heart

Hands on either side of his face, you say, "WOwee..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Am filled... with -bees-."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares off blankly into space, exhaustion creeping in.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "Alas, one might expect the bees to have settled themselves by now."

You chitter at Rancoura with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Rancoura pats you in a friendly manner.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "No - was a-amazing."

With a hop, you say, "Was so -fun-, heck."

Swaying, you say to Rancoura, "Again, that ceremony was very very beautiful - many thank yous."

A subtle shifting of the shadows draws your eyes to the evanescent form of Nivn'falsia, the ephemeral umbravian, whose lazuline eyes gaze at you contemplatively from the darkness.

A hand to her chest, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "My pleasure, as it is always."

You beam broadly.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Am sorry that have not had chance to talk with."

You have emoted: Gurashi's smile fades just slightly as he goes about cleaning up the leftover mess from the various contests.

You see the following people here:
Xenthos, Rancoura, Reyqae, Gurashi.

Rancoura tells you, "Not at all. You have been speaking with many individuals this month, and I am quite well."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "O-K ..."

Rancoura tells you, "How are you faring, now that we are concluding our first month?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Kind Nepenthe, "Are willing to offer services to play a song now and again? Not whole time of course, can party too."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 25th of Juliary, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 23 days until the New Moon

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Kind Nepenthe, "Am hoping to dance with persons for this party, and would be nice to have talented musician such as self there."

(The Crux): Xenthos says, "Thank you all who attended. There will be more next month!"

Reyqae's eyes twinkle enchantingly.

You have emoted: Gurashi shuffles about, picking up the remains from the tree contest and scooping them into a box.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Am..."

Rancoura drifts to the remnants of the decorating contests, aiding you in carefully transferring various bits of entrails, insect parts and other detritus into the boxes.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Am good! Am exhausted. Am happy. Am worried. Am so happy!!"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up to Rancoura, chirping softly in thanks.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "He said He might know why that thing...? The, 'thing'..."

Reyqae hops down from the branch and helpfully begins moving small items to the boxes.

As she works, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "Best to bury these and allow the forest to feed upon them, I believe."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Forest food!"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up to Reyqae, beaming happily. "Many thank yous," He chitters gently.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Reyqae, "Exactly! What good idea, Lady Rancoura!"

Rancoura tells you, "Ah, aye. You wished to speak with me of Him?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "...ah - yes."

Reyqae flashes Rancoura a joyous smile.

Rancoura strokes Nivn'falsia, the ephemeral umbravian tenderly.
Nivn'falsia, the ephemeral umbravian closes her lazuline eyes and arches her slender, ephemeral neck, a faint, ethereal humming emanating from within her core.

Reyqae glances over at the nearby trees.

Rancoura straightens as she fixes you with a solemn gaze, a faint glow emanating from her hands as she sanitizes them, clearing away the leftover gore from her skin.

You have emoted: Gurashi uprights a box, now filled to the brim with tree decoration remains.

Reyqae flits about happily.

Rancoura tells you, "We may speak another month, if you tire, little one. Such would be perfectly understandable."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Really wanted to talk to about in persons... u-uhm, but the timing has been awkward - happened only other month."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Oh! No! Am O-K!"

Rancoura purses her lips, deep in thought.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Just, do not want to bother! IS a lot going on for you as well!"

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

Rancoura retrieves a stray string of bat intestine from the ground, offering it to Ilistala, an enormous leopard.

Bizirik, the leothin is off to the side, gently batting around a beetle bauble excitedly.

Reyqae cheerfully tries to keep her gown away from anything squishy as she grabs the corner of a box, attempting to drag it off into the forest. It doesn't budge.

Rancoura tells you, "If it concerns my Lord, I certainly wish to hear of it."

Reyqae creases her brow in a frown.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "O-K ..."

Reyqae tugs.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Reyqae, "Do not worry! Will take care of it!"

You move about quickly and lose Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist.

You chirp happily at Xenthos.

Xenthos tilts his head curiously at you.

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose asks, "Where is Tully when you need him?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Need to speak to Lady Rancoura privately about something."

Xenthos tells you, "Ah."

(The Crux): Kalaneya says, "The winning designs of our Ugly Solstice Shirt contest are posted! We hope you hate them as much as we do!"

Rancoura nods her head at Evette, showing her acceptance.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Will tell all about festival soon!! Was SO much FUN."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Where indeed."

You chitter at Xenthos with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Next month will be even MORE exciting!!"

Kalaneya gives the world a thumbs up.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Do want to talk about now... uhm - somewhere??"

You thank Kalaneya profusely.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says to you, "You're super pretty with spiderwebs on your head."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "You should consider wearing them all the time!"

Shaking his head, you say to Reyqae, "Are very kind."

Xenthos tells you, "I will go help some monks quickly then."

Xenthos tells you, "I have to make tweaks to the play still."

Rancoura tells you, "Aye. When you are prepared."

Reyqae flits about happily.

You begin to follow Rancoura.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Shiny!"

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Many thank yous for coming to-day!"

You beam broadly at Reyqae.

Xenthos tells you, "Will do that early next month I think. Get breads now so that there is time for stuff later."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Am needing to take care of things!"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "We can decorate me next year it's my turn!"

Ilistala melds into the shadows, quickly disappearing from view.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Will probably get my breads early next month! Do not know how long will take."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Reyqae, "O-K!"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Reyqae, "Will do that then."

You give a white chocolate avalanche cookie to Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life.
Reyqae zips around cheerfully.

Reyqae breathes a soft "Wahh!" with a wide-eyed look of surprise.

You nod your head at Rancoura.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "We must rest, but will return next month!"

Reyqae thanks you profusely.

You nod your head at Kalaneya.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "See you all soon."

Kalaneya waves goodbye.

Reyqae begins to flap her wings powerfully, and rises quickly up into the firmament.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "To kalaneya shadows guide, Ma'lanas Runia."

Rancoura looks up into the air for divine inspiration.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life yells, "Thaaank youuuu!"

You flash Rancoura a joyous smile.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life, "Are so very welcome!!"

You follow Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel east to labyrinthine undergrowth.

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

Rancoura nods her head at you.

You blink.

Looking about, you ask Rancoura, "Oh, er... is this O-K?"

You follow Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel northwest to between the branches of a fallen tree.

Rancoura nods her head.

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "O-K."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly. "Ah, uhm, many thank yous."

Brushing back his antennae, you say, "Oof. Am still like wowee. O-K. Where to start."

You have emoted: Gurashi rests his hands in his lap. "So, first of all, went to Lord Silence's realm. Had not heard anything from you, or Esei, or anyone else about anything. Did not know state, so... wanted to see. Was, fine, thought. Was there for a long time, just inside entrance, waiting...."

Rancoura purses her lips, deep in thought.

You have emoted: Gurashi lolls his head to the side. "As was leaving... a platform fell - scared life out of... so... is still, uhm," He sighs.

With the faintest narrowing of her eyes, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Apologies, little one -- when did this take place?"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "Oh, uhm..."

You have emoted: Gurashi counts on his fingers. "Two months ago. Not last month but month before."

You frown at Rancoura.

Showing that she understands, Rancoura nods her head slowly.

Rancoura gestures gently for you to continue.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, bobbing his head side to side. "So, the platforms still fell, and dust was falling from ceiling ... and then He showed up."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Have never actually... BEEN there, before, without someone else - am so very sorry for trespassing if was doing so."

You have emoted: Gurashi bows his head sheepishly. "Did only to try and help be vigilant, promise."

Rancoura offers an accepting nod, evidently not inclined to protest your journeys.

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together. "He kept... asking things like, why Glomdoring is important t-to, and said He sensed things in me...uhm," He looks at the shrine.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "Asked him, about the thing. Why it came to -me- of all peoples because... well, you know."

You have emoted: Gurashi plucks at a bit of grass slowly. "He said that a link to Him was a powerful lure... but, not the... only one." He lifts his gaze shyly.

You twiddle your thumbs.

You think to yourself: It's because have lots of thoughts...

Rancoura tilts her head at this, a thoughtfulness saturating her ethereal eyes as she regards you.

You think to yourself: So many thoughts.

You have emoted: Gurashi gently clasps a hand on either side of his head. "He said, was 'because am 'o so full of thoughts'."

Contemplating the notion for a long moment, Rancoura clasps her hands, her gaze somewhat distant. "I see," she whispers after a moment, her words trailing off pensively.

Looking down at his hands, you say, "Says is because senses am full of conflict, and doubts, and questions."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Do not know why... that... is a lure..."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, looking at his hands.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his mouth, then shuts it again, fidgeting.

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Perhaps it observes something in you of itself, Exemplar. If we are correct in our theories, and it is unsure of itself for the reason we are correct, such would be understandable."

Bursting open, the clouds in the sky release a light pitter-patter of rain.

You have emoted: Gurashi listens to Rancoura speak quietly, gently prodding the chitinous joins of his opposite hand.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

You have emoted: Gurashi remains quiet, antennae bobbing forward a bit.

After gazing upon you for some time, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Have you given further thought to pursuing a path closer to Him?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up quickly to Rancoura, a flash of fear crossing his expression before he calms himself and resumes concernedly looking at his hands.

Embarrassed, you say, "No."

Suddenly, you say to Rancoura, "He said is "looking forward to seeing how I make her hurt for crimes against us"."

You stare implacably at Rancoura.

Rancoura purses her lips, deep in thought.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at his hands again before bursting out again, "Why...?"

With a tilt of her head, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "The Lady of Serenity, or a more... mortal, individual?"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "D-did not say Her ... said, her."

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together again.

With the slightest of nods, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Curious, indeed. This statement disturbs you, little one?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly.

Again, softer, you ask Rancoura, "Why?"

Rancoura closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.
In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Why does He ask this of you?"

Bursting open, the clouds in the sky release a light pitter-patter of rain.

You have emoted: Gurashi hesitates, looking down again, not noticing the weather.

Just above a whisper, you say to Rancoura, "Yes."

<<ironbeardstop

Rancoura inclines her head politely to Ironbeard the Magnanimous.
Ironbeard the Magnanimous slaps his thighs and guffaws like an old man.

You stare blankly into space.

Rancoura draws another deep breath as Ironbeard departs, eyes closing momentarily. Only after she has released the breath does she whisper, "The Silent One has ever been curious of mortalkind. Through His Shrouds, and those who follow and exemplify His tenets, He has guided the Glomdoring since His return, and before then through the teachings of His Daughter." The Haruspex pauses as she drifts nearer the Lord's altar, touching its black crystal for a moment with two fingertips before allowing her hand to fall to her side. "He often seeks to strengthen those He believes worthy of His attention. He encourages actions which would ultimately result in this."

As she turns to you, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "Perhaps I should say not "often," but "occasionally;" for few are so deserving of His gaze."

Whispering now, you say to Rancoura, "...b-but... do not want to hurt anyone."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Rancoura silently, hands clenched anxiously before his stomach as he gauges your reaction.

Whispering still, you say to Rancoura, "... Am afraid t-to tell Xenthos."

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

Rancoura's eyes darken vaguely at this, and she contemplates you with renewed focus. "The Glomdoring is the Forest of No Mercy, Exemplar," she whispers, her normally soft words weighted. "There shall come a time when you must do harm, as it is your tah'vrai to defend the Glomdoring as one of the Thornwatch, and to spread its glory as one of its children."

Her tone still heavy, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "You cannot shirk from this, for as one of the Wyrd, it is your duty."

At last relenting a small measure, the heaviness of her voice abating a fraction, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "You need not harm without cause, little one. It is not our way to take pleasure in causing pain to others; that is the realm of the Tainted City."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "But if it is necessary, you must not balk at doing so."

Xenthos tells you, "I am going to kill some diggers for bread. If you think you will be done shortly I can wait for you so you can at least get a start towards it."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "You cause harm when you hunt, do you not?"

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "Is such not necessary, for your own growth, and the growth of those who accompany you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders sag a bit as he regards Rancoura, then looks down, nodding finally.

You have been recognised by Xenthos for: Day 1 of Solstice went well!  Thank this bug for getting it driven forward 'cause it wouldn't have happened without him!
You just earned 5 daily credits. You can earn 15 more.

Raising her chin slightly, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "So is it necessary for the growth of the Glomdoring, and the protection of our own. This extends to our Great Spirits and other Hallowed ones, and to our Divine."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods again, expression unreadable.

Quietly, you say to Rancoura, "Many thank yous ... uhm ... that's ... all, think ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi counts on his fingers, quietly muttering to himself.

Breaking through the ground, a glittering black rose unfurls.

You stare implacably at a midnight black rose.

You suddenly scoop up a glittering black rose.
A thorn upon a glittering black rose pricks your finger, and a drop of blood is absorbed into the stem.

Rancoura drifts towards you, her gracefulness undiminished despite the month's events. Taking the edge of one of your mandibles in her grasp, she whispers quietly, "It is a hard truth for some to accept. In my many years I have seen several children of this forest fade, unable to accept what is required of them."

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "But you are stronger than they, little one. The steadfastness in you extends beyond your chitin; simply consider what you have done to earn your place amongst us. We, whose very laws demand that kephera amongst our commune must strive to prove themselves worthy."

You have emoted: Gurashi stare hard at Rancoura as she touches his mandible, frowning. He considers Rancoura's words, breaking eye contact to cast his gaze downward again.

Releasing you, Rancoura's chin rises again as she gazes down upon you. "Do as the Silent One asks, Exemplar," she whispers. "Do His bidding, with His protection in mind. With the protection of the Glomdoring, and of Mother Night, His Daughter, in mind."

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty, spreading darkness across the land.

Many small, glowing red eyes peer out at you from beneath the trees, only to vanish moments later.

You have emoted: Gurashi offers Rancoura a curt nod, followed by the faintest of smiles.

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

Clasping her hands once again, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers to you, "This, however, is likely a matter which may wait until our festivities have concluded. For the moment, focus upon our events next month, and those following. There shall be many other visitors to entertain, I am certain."

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

Bursting open, the clouds in the sky release a light pitter-patter of rain.

You nod your head emphatically.

Softer still, you say to Rancoura, "Is true..."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Think am... almost done..."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Rancoura, "...many thank yous for time."

Xenthos tells you, "All right. Come find me at the stage when you are, then!"

Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

Shifting, unsure on his feet, you say, "Should ...go help Xenthos."

With an acknowledging nod, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "And then find your rest, little one. You have surely deserved it."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back at Rancoura, offering a little nod. He looks very much like he wants to say something else, but thinks better of it, disappearing back into the woods.