A Peoples Like Me

<-- immediately after this log (https://pastebin.com/fSZNPrNN) where Gurashi pleaded their case before Lantra on behalf of Mysrai and it WORKED and WOOOOoooOOOO high on life and whew!

(Order): You say, "Good morning! Most Beloved - are You there? Do You wake?? I have news!!"

(Order): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Oh, hello friend Gurashi! The Shofets may not be super attentives, but I am here."

(Order): You say, "Ahhh! Good morning, Beloved Aschwar!"

(Order): You say, "How are you? How are you? I haven't seen you in a little while! But have been sleeping lots myselfs, so..."

(Veiled): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "I am very goodly! Me and the Saint have been making LOTS of problems and then fixing them! Did you know the special oranges can go bad?"

(Order): You say, "...what? They can? What happens when they do?"

(Order): You say, "Also when can see the super secret things that have been working on? Is anything that can do to help? Is it fun to make problems or are they problem problems??"

(Order): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "They start falling apart, like real oranges, but instead of stinking and being gross, they are full of dust that poofs out like the dandy lions!"

(Order): You say, "Ehhh? Oh! Is that good or bad?"

(Veiled): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Well, soon the Monastery will be finished and it will only be the Vaults that are still being workings on. So I suppose if the thiefs want to play nice, they can help you find out."

(Order): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "I think it is very pretty! But I do not know."

(Order): You say, "Play nicely? I have been noticing them lots more around the City, yes? Is because of your works with the Saints?"

<-- whole time walking into the Shifting City

You reach out and touch a pair of broad copper doors.
A warm wind filled with the scent of oranges washes through the monastery doors as they creak open.
The Courtyard of Broken Citrus.
The entrance to the Monastery of Orange Thieves is filled with vibrant life in the form of manifold strange trees that grow here in a large orchard stretching forward a good fifty feet, their bark a bizarre shade of indigo and their leaves a faded saffron. Tiles of jade in hues of pale ivory and emerald spread across the ground surrounding this orchard, surfaces swept immaculately clear whilst figures of the Hermit Clad in Saffron line alcoves in the wall, each expressing a separate mudra. Dishes of incense float languidly in thea ir before them, cones disgorging orange-scented plumes of smoke: sand trickles upwards from the ground to catch snapping sparks. The archway leading into the orchard itself violently disagrees with its surroundings, blackest onyx and inky obsidian rising on the left and right in enormous wings to meet with a blossom of palest ivory in the shape of an owl's face, saffron eyes staring down at all those who enter. Though their lowermost steps have been broken off, stairs lead towards higher passages in the north and east both, though neither rises high enough to meet a platform which floats high above the orchard to the northeast. Busying herself with the affairs of the grove, the Saint of Broken Citrus is awash with energy here. A pair of broad, coppery doors rest here, panels emblazoned with devices of mantra-adorned oranges. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here.
You see a single exit leading out.

You stare blankly into space.

(Order): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Yeah! The Saint said they had to go find something else to do, so they have been playing lots of games."

(Order): You say, "I saw the fishes with the faces! They made me laugh, yes. As long as they are having fun? Ah--."
The Courtyard of Broken Citrus.

(Order): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Oh, I think I see you! Stay right there!"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles politely towards the Saint of Broken Citrus as they enter, nodding their head and looking around the grove with some curiosity. "...looks so different," They whisper to themselves. "Or...maybe has always been this pretty...?"

There is the briefest of thundering behind you to serve as a warning as Aschwar charges face-first through what appears to be a solid wall - skidding to a stop on their heels and only barely avoiding colliding with Bizirik.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart beams broadly at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi squeaks in surprise, throwing up their hands though Bizirik does not move an inch from its spot, fur lightly rustled by the wind created by the incoming tae'dae. "Aschwar!" The sileni blurts out happily.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

LOOK ASCHWAR
Radiant gold and inky black compete for prominence in the thick fur that covers this enormous tae'dae's body, the well-groomed hair shifting like fields of wheat and clouds through the night sky with each movement. Despite their thick limbs and eleven-and-a-half feet of height, an aura of well-being and contentment radiates off of their body, only enhanced by the gentle smile that is nearly always present on their muzzle. Glittering mis-matched eyes, the right brown and the left green, stare with a gentle warmth at the world around them, only inches below a pair of fuzzy ears with several notches missing from them. A brilliant red hieroglyph crackles in the centre of their forehead, flaring occasionally with small tendrils of red lightning. They are nicely dressed in a comfortable pair of deep grey trousers, held up by a burgundy belt of leather, and a three-layered tunic of bright red-violet cloth that fits them nearly perfectly. Light tan, a pair of strap boots are a stark contrast to their fur and have been decorated with little, hand-drawn moths. Shifting colours swirl around them in a small space, creating an aura of delightful serenity for all who pass through it.
Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart has an air of extreme strength.

You have emoted: Gurashi throws open their arms, laughing. "Hi! Ah! I did not know that would get to see - oh! Am so happy!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart laughs with unquestionable delight, lurching forward and grabbing you up in a big hug that hides you from view entirely as you is drawn into the towering mass of muscle and fur.

You have emoted: Gurashi giggles, vanishing within the fur with a squeal. "Ah! I missed you!" They cry out, muffled, returning the embrace best they can, their tail a blur of orange and white behind them.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart eventually releases you, smiling beatifically towards you as they respond, "I missed you, too! And you are right, it does look very different in here! I've been doing lots of work!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart turns and points at the mudras lining the wall, launching into a lengthy diatribe about how much muck had to be scrubbed to have them gleaming again, and then begins happily bemoaning the weight of the onyx that had been pulled in to create the new archway. Never do their concerns seem actually...concerning, strangely enough, as they happily turn to show off their next labour, and their next.

You have emoted: Gurashi drops back to the ground with a little huff, hooves clacking against the stone. "It is so much more colorful!" They comment immediately, and continue to offer compliments to the tae'dae's work, trailing along after them with an adoring gaze. "You've done so muchly! Wowee!! Am so -proud- of you, gosh!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods gratefully and puts their hands on their hips, turning with a brilliant laugh. "So how come you're visiting today? Are you here to talk to the mothies?"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart peers at a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar unscrupulously.

Puffing their cheeks, you ask Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Are taking breaks though, right? Do not work TOO hard so that cannot move leggies or anything, right?"

Shaking their head, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "No, no, I am sure that once my body parts start to hurt that I am taking long breaks to stretch and relax."

You pet a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar ingratiatingly.
A lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar shivers as you approach, its mandibles clicking eagerly.

You nod your head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances back up at the tae'dae with a smile, canting their head. "I had to talk to the Shofets, cause They asked me to do a super secret task - like how you have been working on the secret thingies with Thems." They bring their finger to their lips. "It was a bigly one! And, I was JUST able to completes it, and so, I wanted to tell Thems!" Excitedly, they lean forward. "But will get to reveal it very soonly! To everyone! And so then it will not be a secrets but a celebrations."

You grin mischievously at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "I also, I also, I wanted to show you something before, but, you had to -leave- last time..."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart tilts their head curiously, reaching up a claw to scratch at their cheek as they ask, "The Shofets gave you a bigly secret task? Oh, that is so good!" They laugh and clap, then promptly deliver, "I do not know what it is, though, so you will probably have to pray to Them, though. I am so glad you did it, though! It feels very nicely to be doing good things for other people, don't you think?"

Softly, their voice momentarily far away, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Especially when no one is making you."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart shakes their head and bows it for just a moment.

You feel a brilliant wash of golden energy spill through your body as an errant mind calls for attention.

You have emoted: At this, Gurashi whispers, "It does. And I am glad too." They grow quiet, watching the tae'dae, head canting to the side as they watch their expression change.

You reach out and touch Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods their head once more and says, "Okay. If the Shofets does not come, then They are too big and busy. But! They know you are done, now, and I told them I still don't know the secrets."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods their head eagerly.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "What did you want to show me, the last time?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up curiously at the sensation, their ears twitching and tail wagging twice. "Ah, oh!" They step back a few feet, face lighting up. "I wanted to show you! Cause, you are my bestest friend, so wanted to be more like you, -so-..."

You have emoted: Gurashi scrunches their face, briefly awash in a pale golden light.

You reach out and embrace your hidden heritage of a changeling, and slowly transform into a tae'dae.
Your race is now that of Tae'dae.
LOOK ME
Lumbering at a comfortable six-foot even, they are a burly tae'dae starlit demigod changeling. Though they loom overhead when standing on their hind legs, their expression is gentle, their mouth turned into a lopsided smile. The entirety of their body is covered in luxurious, cinnamon-hued fur, save a streak of bone white along their temple and a star-shaped discoloration at the center of their sternum. Two bright eyes sit in the center of their face, a dazzling shade of blue-gray that stands out against the warmth of their surrounding fur. A moderately sized crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek, barely visible among the fur. A pair of fuzzy ears twitch and satellite this way and that atop their head, inadvertently listening for every sound. Their limbs are thick and are held clumsily near themselves, the ends of each terminating in long, solid-black claws. A short stubby tail can just barely be seen behind them, slightly darker than the surrounding fur. A shifting pearlescence graces their skin as they walk with the truefavour of Carakhan, Sculptor of Waves. A steel-hued scar traces along their cheek, gifted by Terentia, the Even Bladed, for their mettle in the field of battle. Soothing mists of water and light weave about them in a sparkling white veil, marking the truefavour of Lantra, the Empyreal.

A shifting, living poppy of scarlet petals displays a myriad of brilliant colours before its petals flash momentarily coalescing into a shade of bright ivory.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes out their entire body as they grow before Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, still standing just shy of half the other tae'dae's height. They blink several times, then crane their neck back to look up at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, huffing. "Awwuh, thought was gonna be taller," They mumble to themselves.

At almost twice your height, it is silly to imagine that Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart could look so small. Yet their age proves otherwise as their eyes widen in wonder and they watch your sileni form melt away to the burl and fur of tae'dae.

You have emoted: Gurashi cants their head dramatically to the side, left ear limp and flopping with the gesture. "What do think?"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart opens their mouth and then closes it several times, something beyond explanation catching their voice as they stare at you with equal parts admiration and adoration.

You have emoted: Gurashi spreads open their arms, their claws moving somewhat. "You must practice very muchly at folding origamis, because is so -hard- to do..."

You have emoted: Gurashi brings their arms together again. "But this shape gives very goodly hugs..." They look back up, nose twitching as they sniff once. "....Aschwar?"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart leans down, clearly shocked at how little effort it takes compared to the normal motion, and gently presses a claw against your unscarred cheek, rubbing it in a way that is rough, but not unkind or hurtful. An assurance, perhaps, that you are still flesh and blood.

You tilt your head curiously at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

With large, watery eyes, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "YOU ARE SO CUTE, FRIEND GURASHI! I DID NOT KNOW YOU COULD BE ONE OF MES! YOU ARE SO NICELY AND YOU LOOK LIKE A PERSON THAT I MIGHT HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH BACK HO--."

The words die in the tae'dae's throat violently, and they cough several times before they return their adoring gaze and smile back to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles faintly. "Yes - is really really me! Really real. Is O--".

You stare blankly at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart shakes their head and simply states. "It is nothing. I do not like to think of old home, lots, because it makes me sad. This is my home now."

You have emoted: Gurashi opens their mouth in shock before letting out a sharp laugh, reaching out and throwing their arms around the much larger tae'dae's midriff, squeezing tight.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart returns the gesture, and you feel an unexpected amount of almost vice-like force lock you in place as they hum appreciatively.

Quietly, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Thinking of old homes is not very fun, no. You have a goodly home now - are home."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "'lo, love."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart sniffles softly and nods, pulling back slowly and saying, "The Shofets is my new home. Here in the Shifting City, with all of my friends, and with all of the Beloved? It is the best home."

You think to yourself: * a fleeting ache, first thinking of the thrumming clicks of the hives, then the gentle murmurings from the shadows of the forest - a wistful sigh, reassurance: this is your home now *.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart squints suspiciously at you and then asks, "But how did you do it?"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* a swell of color, pastel and glittering across the aethers - you sense they are overjoyed, too much to form words just now - the Lady Empyreal, a song, -success- *."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Oh, good. I'll come over to give you hugs. Where you be?"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* a swell of emotion, first frantic, then relieved, pulsing in your own heart dizzyingly - you briefly see the tae'dae priest, smell honey and cayenne *."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Oh, you're with Aschwar? Hmm... Well, I wanted to show them a picture of Terrance anyway. I'll come over."

A whooping cry can be heard from a distant rooftop, and you see a swarm of thieves descend upon it like birds upon crumbs. The cry is soon amplified into a rousing chorus of raucous crows that echoes throughout the Shifting City before it vanishes altogether.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans back, releasing from the hug and waving their arms in the air slightly. "I-is because, I have uhm, changelings! Magics? Or, AM a changeling? I do not know because I am a -kephera-." They scratch their head, accidentally jabbing themselves with their too-long claws and grimacing. "Ahh-- but SOME peoples have -hats- like the one that sent you, yes."

Looking up, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "I just thought about how muchly wanted to be like you and then eventually my shapes did the thing."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's mouth opens but there are no words, only a heartfelt whimper as they reach a paw up to place over where their heart should be in their chest - barely ruffling the stitches and feathers there. "L-l-like..." Although they try to prevent leakage, the watery film that covers their eyes is too great and fat tears begin to spill down their cheeks.

You have emoted: Gurashi's delight instantly withers, and their gray-blue eyes fill with concern. "What? What--?" They reach up, resting their paw atop Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's. "Am sorry - am so sorry - I did not mean to make you cry more!"

Looking happy beyond belief, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart wipes away their tears to no avail - new tears leaking down their face as they enthuse, "You are already so goodly! You do not have to be like me, I am a big Liar!" They laugh and rub more tears away, and your heart soars in triumph as their cheer is felt through the aura surrounding them.

You flail about helplessly.

Blinking, you watch as a fish swims through the air nearby; its scales entirely bleached of colour save for a sloppily drawn, smiling face in vibrant saffron upon its side.

Insistent, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "No! No, you are goodly! One of my most favorite peoples in the whole Basins!"

Though it takes a few minutes, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart finally seems to calm their joyful sobbing enough to give you another look. Pride immediately is visible on their features as they begin manipulation your arms and legs by picking them up and gently kicking them to the side and back again. "You look like you are very strong! A little small, but lots of peoples from here are very small. Then again, lots of people don't walk the places I have so..." They quietly trail off, musing to themselves as they happily busy themself with their inspection.

You sense the sweeping gaze of Tridemon looking upon you.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles warmly back at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart in response, their right ear flicking in response to something unseen. "I can pick up some stuffs, but definitely have troubles with the fingers..." They click their claws together, letting their arms be pulls this way and that. "It is fun, though! I do not ever feel cold. Am soft-ish, too, yus. Think?"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Hmm... I don't think I can get to where you are."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods, and says, "You are soft until you are not soft! Is what happens when you use your muscles!" To show off what they mean, they flex, and twelve feet quickly becomes thirteen as they grow significantly larger with the motion.

The chiming of precious metal striking together signals the arrival of a wheelworked extravagant magpie. While soaring overhead, a wheelworked extravagant magpie opens its back compartment and turns upside down to drop a painting of Before a bejeweled tree into your hands as it flashes its shiny wings triumphantly.
He is loyal to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* assent and understanding, though: a courtyard you Cannot Enter, two tae'dae surrounded by a myriad of colorful orange trees *."

You boggle at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a startled gruff, then looks at their own arms, mimicking the flexing gesture with some extra dramatics. "Like this?" They ask, looking absolutely the same, albeit somehow even MORE awkward.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart smiles gingerly and says, "Well, the--" They pause, immediately, tattered ear flicking as you realise suddenly there is a monk perched upon their back as though they had offered a piggyback ride. "Oh. Mister Friend Tridemon is in my house!"

As fast as the monk was here, he is gone, launching from the tae'dae's back and soaring over the grove.

You nod your head emphatically.

A single fish swims by in midair, scales flashing with ivory and flame-hued luminescence.

You have emoted: Gurashi awkwardly holds out the painting they managed to catch, mindful of their claws not piercing the canvas. "Y-yes," They exhale at last, relieved. "Well, he said he was coming - was going to ask if wanted to say hi...b-but," They laugh sheepishly, "d-did not want to interrupt."

You have emoted: Gurashi shuffles happily, their ears flicking together happily as they watch the monk take off. "Gosh they can really Leeps."

A wry smile spreads across Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's face.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Should we go and find him? I think he will be very goodly surprised by how big and fuzzy you are."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* you see a flash of saffron, a thief whispering into an ear - aware of your presence! coming to see, coming to see *."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods several times, then flashes a shy smile, showing off their pointy teeth. "He has seen all my shapes, so maybe will be less surprised... Ah! But," They shuffle ahead, offering a paw. "Let's go! Let's go say hi!"

You bounce up and down.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods his head enthusiastically.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart vanishes abruptly in a puff of golden sand.

You blink.

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

You reach out and touch a pair of broad copper doors.
The cold air of the city infiltrates the monastery as the doors to the outside creak open.

A lush sandstone courtyard before a grand villa.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. Aesthetically geometric sandstone tiles lead the way towards the grand, multi-tiered villa rising ahead. Lush, long-bladed sedge grasses envelop the sand-strewn path, tall clusters of woody bamboo parting nearer the abode where the avenue opens into a large courtyard. Nestled within the grasses are a number of abstract statues depicting noble hawks and cobras, clear water pouring from their beaks and fanged mouths into basins cradled below. Surrounded by an intricate arrangement of small pools and complex fountains, pale stone benches and narrow monoliths of dark marble circle the courtyard, offering opportunities for tranquil rest and reflection. Beyond the yard rise the golden-wood columns of the villa, each supporting wide mahogany eaves from which hang chimes of miniature golden bells interspersed with bright crimson metal poppies that lend their delicate tintinnabulation to the music elicited by even the smallest stirrings of air. The immense statue of a proud jackal rests upon its haunches at the top of the wide sandstone stairs rising before the towering archway that marks the threshold of the villa, the dark animal's triangular ears and snout held high as its scarlet eyes watch over all who pass. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters with an Unknown face lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand.
You see exits leading east and in.

A sense of well-being and calm fills the air and warms your heart as an enormous tae'dae with black and gold fur strides in from the east.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

"Ahah!" you exclaim triumphantly.

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "How did I beat you?!"

Flailing, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "No fair! I had to re-poof! You are too speedy."

You bounce up and down.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs happily and shuffles in a circle around Tridemon, waving their arms. "Dear one dear one dear one!"

You give a painting of Before a bejeweled tree to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say to Tridemon, "You show thems, I cannot hold it right!"

Tridemon turns to look at the leothin entering from the east and then at you, his eyes quite literally lighting up for a brief moment.

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Tridemon hugs you compassionately.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart raises a paw in cheerful greeting to Tridemon as they pronounce, "Look how cute Friend Gurashi is!"

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

Wrapping their arms around Tridemon, you exclaim to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Aaah! Ahh, am not THAT cute!"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mmhmm. Extremely cute... I can do something similar with illusions, but it's not the same. But I mostly came here to give Gurashi hugs and show you this painting of a tree I managed to grow. It has fruits!"

Tridemon proudly shows off a painting of Before a bejeweled tree:
The bamboo here has opened up into a wide,
shady clearing, dominated by a singular tree. Wider than the average
igasho is tall, this tree's trunk displays dozens of glittering colors
from every angle, as if the entire plant were carved from a dark opal of
truly prodigious size. The trunk isn't particularly smooth, though, with
knots and handholds every few feet that seem to beg to be climbed at the
soonest opportunity, with the tree stretching well over fifty feet above
the ground below. Above the trunk and all along the branches, the leaves
are all a vibrant green at their cores, but the edges of each of them
are quite variable, glittering in dozens of colors. More notable are the
large fruits hanging from the branches, each a faceted shape of a single
color apiece, the flesh of each fruit transparent, with the shape of a
stone visible at the center of each one. An inconspicuous sign at the
base of the tree declares its name to be "Terrance".

You have emoted: Gurashi presses the end of their snout to the lucidian's forehead, letting out a happy huff as they admire the painting. "Tridemon is very good with paintings, yes."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's eyes widen and they nod eagerly as they witness the painting. "Oh, this is so big and COLOURFUL! Is the tree named Terrance?"

You have emoted: Gurashi releases Tridemon, stepping to stand beside Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart and observe the painting, free of trying to juggle the frame themselves and show it off. "The tree is named Terrance!" They clarify.

You eyes light up as you smile.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart boggles in awe for a little while before nodding and then asking Tridemon, "W-wait. You can also change your shapes like Friend Gurashi and the Shofets?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It is. I asked the aetherways to make me a tree for Cheliyi to talk to, and it became this. She's the one who named the tree."

Tridemon tilts his head curiously.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I can change what I look like. Not what I am."

Tridemon passes his hands over his face and changes from a crystalline lucidian to a burly tae'dae tidebourne demigod before your eyes.

LOOK TRIDEMON
He is a burly tae'dae tidebourne demigod and his body is a strange combination of colours. Well over seven feet tall, he is covered in shaggy fur that is largely a reddish-brown colour, with stripes of deep violet criss-crossing his limbs, torso, and back in a seemingly entirely random distribution. To add to the this confusion of colour, above his neck the stripes turn other colours that glitter in the available light- opal, emerald, and amber bands can be seen across his neck, forehead, and ears, with all three in parallel crossing over his left eye. Aside from the stripes, his muzzle also has lighter fur tones from the rest of him, and one half of his nose is tinted violet, as well. Another odd feature is that his left arm is somewhat bulkier than the right, with the occasional glimpse of sea-hued crystal poking up through the fur as he moves. In addition, the claws on his left hand are longer than the ones on the right, and made of the same sea-hued crystals as can sometimes be seen along his arm through the fur.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

In a rumbling growl like a far-off waterfall, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's illusory."

You have emoted: Gurashi covers their mouth with both hands to hide the wide grin that forms upon their lips, looking between the other two tae'dae now.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart blinks several times before asking, "Like a trick? Or like a lie, kin--" They cannot seem to finish the thought as they gasp in delight at Tridemon's sudden transformation.

You think to yourself: * a giddy thrum - ANOTHER tae'dae - they seem so -happy- to see... *.

Giddy, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Wanted to surprise you - knew he would -show- you."

Their voice so soft that it can barely be heard, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "...all look like peoples now..."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Clearly ecstatic beyond belief, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart exclaims, "I wish I could do that. You are all very lucky peoples!"

You give Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart a friendly squeeze.

In a rumbling growl like a far-off waterfall, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I look kind of like I got between two fighting painters who were both using their brushes to fence."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly wraps both their arms around Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's much larger one. "It is the magics! I think," They huff, canting their head.

Matter-of-factly, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "I know someday you will -also- be able to do other shapes too, yes."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's eyes are wide and far-away as they whisper, "So much weirdly magics...I wonder what I would look like as a not-people..."

Tridemon ponders Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

In a rumbling growl like a far-off waterfall, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Shorter."

Chipperly, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Would look neat! Super cute! Super strongly cute!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart appears to consider this for a moment, reaching up to tap at their chin. "Do you think so? I think I have always been very tall, except when I wasn't, but then I got very tall."

You have emoted: Gurashi releases the priest's arms to try and 'flex' again. "Uurwahhhh."

You think to yourself: * confusion - do not feel any stronger *.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at their paws curiously.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart carefully steps behind you to rearrange your limbs, moving them this way and that to force the muscles into actually flexing - though it never lasts for very long at all.

You have emoted: Gurashi gets a stoic expression on their face, letting their arms be manipulated while giving Tridemon a look. "Strongly," They announce plainly.

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Tridemon concentrates on something in the air, eyes going unfocused.

You think to yourself: * remembering the tae'dae's earlier tears - 'A Big Liar' - negation... *.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart curiously looks towards Tridemon, asking, "Is everything okay?"

An illusion appears standing on the ground in front of you of a barefoot human with the odd, somewhat gangly proportions of an adolescent on the cusp of adulthood, though already well over seven feet tall. Their hair is mostly black, tipped with gold, and a red heiroglyph upon their brow between eyes of brown and green.

You blink.

You ponder the situation.

In a rumbling growl like a far-off waterfall, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I think it'd be like that."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart gasps and kneels down, poking at the illusion with a golden claw with wide eyes. "Oh, I look so...nice..." They smile softly and say to you, "Kinda like you do when you are a...uh..."

Snuffling softly, you say, "Peoples - uhhhh, humans."

Quickly, with a soft smile of thanks, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Y-yes! Humans."

Suddenly and happily, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "But - you are a very goodly you."

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures to themselves, then to the other much more colorful tae'dae before beaming up at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart. "The bestest!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods and gives an appreciative smile, but turns their gaze to linger upon the turning illusion yet, mismatched eyes glittering in the reflected pwer.

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

In a rumbling growl like a far-off waterfall, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Aschwar is a very goodly Aschwar. But you are the most ruffle-able."

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart blinks and then looks up suddenly, asking you, "You sent me a gift, you said? I do not think I have opened it yet, 'cos there was so much work to be doing."

Surprised, you say, "Uh - yes! I sent... a present, to the Shofets! For Solstice."

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say, "For you!"

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say, "...w-wait, who handles the mails."

You think to yourself: * remembering Akuuko reading letters, thieves unfurling paper and vellum - uh oh *.

You ponder the situation.

Quickly, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Do not worry - I will resend."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart blinks and points a claw at their own chest, apparently shocked that such a thing would be done. "B-but...I didn't...who is...was I supposed to get you a gifts, too?"

You shake your head.

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "No? No."

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "It was Solstices - you were busy."

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Is time when am allowed to give out gifts and peoples are not allowed to say 'do not be so nice to me!', ahaha."

In a rumbling growl like a far-off waterfall, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "The thieves know better than to steal what belongs to Aschwar, dearest."

You shake your head.

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say, "No! No."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods their head slowly, still scratching at their head. "So it is like births day."

You have emoted: Gurashi sticks out their tongue so the tip of it is showing. "I am trying to remember if actually MAILED it...or if left in your room...sometimes other Beloveds go and pick stuffs up on accident... do not think was a mean thing. Just a fun mystery."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

You think to yourself: * envisioning themselves leaving an origami upon the ground only to find the palm sigil normally there gone! a mystery *.

Suddenly aghast, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Oh, n-no - wait - what exact date is your birth dates?? I have not been mailing cakes every year!"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You think to yourself: * s h o o k *.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart gives you a kindly, sad smile, and says, "I do not know. I think the Beloveds once gave me one, but I do not remember it."

You ponder Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Do remember who was there when got the birthdays? I will ask! I want to know." They smile. "Want to celebrates your beings with things that are sweet in intentions but not so sweets in flavors yus."

You nod your head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi huffs happily. "Anyway, uhm. Do not worry, if does not turn up, just let me know and I will send you a replacement, O-K? I sent you magics too, you know. To help be differently shapes hopefully - so am sorry that missed it."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart gives a very simple shrug. "When I want to be giving gifts, I just do. I don't need a births day, I don't think. It would just make me think about old home, and make me sad." They smile and reach out to press a paw against the top of your head, "I am happy just being friends!"

Speckles of cold stars open overhead, winking coldly in the silvery fog canopying the city.

As they are patted, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Gifts are goodly, yus, for whenevers. Will just celebrates Solstice and Sometimes Gifts Days, then, yes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi wiggles in their spot happily, flashing Tridemon a toothy smile.

Tridemon gives you a thumbs up.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods their head several times, and then says, "Well...I will have to be getting back to my job, I think. But I am very happy to have seen you!"

Tridemon nods his head sagely.

In a rumbling growl like a far-off waterfall, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's a very important job."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says to you, "I still don't feel Them any closer, so I think you should pray to tell Them the secret."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly lolls their head back, then spins around, bouncing still. "Me too, me too," They huff, opening their arms. "I know you have been very busy..."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods enthusiastically towards Tridemon and beams broadly. "I am making a big wall! I asked how big, and the Shofets said BIG so I am just going to build until I am tired."

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "But -miss- you lots, yus."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart smiles softly at you.

With another hug, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says to you, "I miss you lots, too! But I am sure that once I am done with this job, I will have lots of time to visit other peoples and play games, and do not trainings."

You nod your head emphatically.

Tridemon begins to follow you.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods his head enthusiastically.

Bobbing their head side to side, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Remember to eat when are hungry and drink when get thirsty."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart exclaims to you, "Promise!"

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "And rest when are tired. Do not work TOO hard, yus, and if can help..."

You have emoted: Gurashi'flexes' momentarily. "Uwahhh."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart exclaims to you, "The faster I am done building with all the help I have been givens, then the faster I will be able to play. Promise!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart nods his head emphatically.

The world seems a little less pleasant as an enormous tae'dae with black and gold fur departs to the east.

You gaze softens as you smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the tae'dae wander off, folding their hands together at their stomach, their own gray-blue eyes wide and filled with hope.

You think to yourself: * a sigh of relief - surely they know how goodly they are *.

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes their paws together over their stomach, looking at Tridemon. "Gotta pray," They whisper enthusiastically.

Kneeling humbly, you press your palms together before you and close your eyes momentarily as you pray devoutly to Mysrai, the Urchin in Ivory, "Dearest Most Beloved Shofets! It is me - Gurashi! I have completed my task for the Lady Empyreal, and, She agreed to help heal Beloved Aschwar! But, the request does not come freely? She has simple conditions - think the healing is going to be really hard! But She will do it, Most Beloved! We will make Beloved Aschwar feel better soonly, very soonly, yes! I love You! I love thems! I will keep my eyes and ears opened and be ready for the next steps, yes!".

You give a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars a friendly squeeze.

With a lop-sided smile, you say, "Still feel... mmm."

You think to yourself: * reeling, reeling - dizzy with joy and relief, colors bursting like fireworks *.

In grumbling, mellifluous tones, you say, "...I need to rest for a little bit, think."

<-- and then they went home to tackle and cuddle Cheliyi to sleeb because I had to make dinner ;A; ohhhh