Intent

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "A good evening to
you, Avower Idarin. How are you adjusting, when so freshly through the Portal of Fate?"

Idarin tells you, "Hm. Too early to tell, perhaps. It is...an adjustment to be sure."

Idarin tells you, "But I do my best."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "That is often all
that we can do, as we hope that it is sufficient. Do you have any questions, or particular topics,
or areas, that you are more keen to gain clarity on?"

Idarin tells you, "Oh, hah, many. I am entirely out of my element here--Lord Paladin? Is that how I
heard you referred?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "Then it would be
best that you speak up and ask, rather than dwelling in mystifying dark, I should think. You will
find that your fellow citizens are rather...Particularly welcoming and kind, for the most part. Lord
will suffice, or Enduring. Paladin is my profession, but that guild has been defunct for some time
now."

Idarin tells you, "Has it? Hm."

Idarin tells you, "Well, Enduring Avaris. A pleasure to meet you."

Idarin tells you, "I don't know what I am doing here, only that I have found myself looking for...a
change. I don't even hardly know what my questions are yet."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "Indeed. You will
find that all of the traditional, long-standing guilds of the land are now all destroyed, or
disbanded, due to a variety of reasons. Each organisation has raised new guilds in their stead, of
which the Archons are an example. It is likewise good to meet your acquaintance, at least insomuch
as one can, via tells."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "Ah. It can be
quite overwhelming, for some time, yes."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "You have been
reading your scrolls, I trust?"

Idarin tells you, "Of course. Thoroughly."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "That is well. You
will not, I believe, require food and drink to any great degree for a little while, but you will
find yourself inundated with offerings soon enough, I daresay. Some basic supplies are in order. One
moment."

Idarin tells you, "Hm. Ah?"

Idarin tells you, "Water."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "Vials can be
somewhat irritating to locate. The one just delivered to you will never decay, and can be linked to
up to five liquids, within your rift. Which, conveniently, is the number of curative liquids you
will usually require."

Idarin tells you, "Oh...I see."

Idarin tells you, "You must be a noble, to be so blessed with riches."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "By technicality
only. I was born at a station lower than most slaves. You will find that consistent effort and a
sincerity of intent will carry you far in life."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "Research the Hives
of the kephera that dwell in the Undervault, someday. You may find it illuminating. For now,
however, have you learned up to LiquidRift in your Planar skill? You will require it to make proper
use of that vial."

Idarin tells you, "Then perhaps I will have found kin here after all."

Idarin tells you, "I haven't. I will."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "You would be far
from the first to come from a low place in life, Avower, worry not. You should consider speaking to
Gurashi at some point. They are...Exuberant, but kind, and likewise came from a less than
prestigious origin."

Idarin tells you, "Kind."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "Inform me when you
have done so, and I shall teach you how to best utilise the aetherplex to secure goods."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "Very much so, yes.
Many in New Celest are so."

Idarin tells you, "Mm."

Idarin tells you, "I am a grub of the Taint. But you all would forgive?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "[An abrupt shift
in his mental presence, from benign distance to an acute, cold regard, the entirety of his attention
focused upon you at once. The resonating, layered voices that harmonise to form his own grow chill,
almost painfully polite.] The Taint. Explain yourself."

Idarin tells you, "Obligingly. If I knew what the question was. [The voice is wary as ever it was,
not so much nervous as careful, piqued.]."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "You say that you
are a grub of the Taint. The Taint is anathema to my Lady, to the Light, and all that New Celest
champions. I suggest that you provide clarity on what, precisely, you mean by that statement."

Idarin tells you, "I am Viscanti. That is my blood. Wallowing. But I--my feet--they stumble toward a
different path after all. Does that answer your question?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons, "[A prolonged
silence, in which a vast array of starkly luminous, stylised eyes study you intensely.] I see. You
will come with me, now, and I shall take your measure for myself. You know how to make your way to
the Pool of Stars, New Celest's nexus of power?"

Idarin tells you, "Of course, Enduring Avaris."

The Pool of Stars.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Meeting in the radiant heart of New
Celest, the broad city streets come together in a large, open plaza of marbled stone. Rising in the
centre of the plaza is a structure of noble and luminescent pillars which suspend a round, ring-
shaped platform twenty feet above the light-studded surface of the pool below. The atmosphere within
the structure and around the pool bristles with a warm, electrical energy, giving a slightly
disorienting sense of dizziness and euphoria. A gradually ascending stairway winds its way about the
inside of the pillars, leading towards the upper level of the structure and offering a bird's eye
view of the pool. An enormously wide circular pool, as dark as the night sky, glitters softly
between the columns. His form suffused with soft light, the Keeper of the Pool of Stars stands here
attentively. A statue of Zenobia the Queen of Queens stands here, memorializing her noble spirit. An
imposing sword of radiant white metal has been driven deep into the ground in a silent statement of
intent. A mosaic tiled chest stands here, ready to share donations given. There are 10 archons of
Eternal Light here. There are 10 cavaliers of the Light here. There are 10 Kusalas of the Tahtetso
here. Glowing gently with a soft blue light, a delicate dreamcatcher has been permanently hung here.
In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. With a cheerful mien, a fluffy flaxen
llama with fragile furry wings stands guard here. Slakened Haegan, Novitiate of Purity is here. He
wields an angelic battle hammer in each hand.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest, and up
(open door).

Idarin arrives from the southeast.

They are a fiendish viscanti of about six or so feet tall, their grey flesh tinged indigo, with
swells of the colour concentrating around points of increased bloodflow. Juts and scales of obsidian
decorate the outer edges of their forearms and legs, as well as down the length of their spine,
sternum, and ribs; the effect is as a crystalline exoskeleton, harkening to a lineage long lost to
the Taint. Their countenance is all hard lines and sinew, borderline emaciated, with countless scars
both old and new decorating the hide. The Viscanti's eyes are sunken, though their irises are a near
fluorescent violet and a maw of jagged teeth peek from behind their thin lips. Their asymmetrical
horns are grandiose and barbed growths of the same obsidian shards, one broken off scant inches from
the scalp while the other asserts itself proudly with a modest recurve.

The broad, sanguine curves of Avaris's four antennae flick towards Idarin, the
massive kephera's expressionless, visored face turning to regard them silently for a time. Lifting
the upper right of his four hand in a gleaming arc of golden chitin, he beckons, tone curt, "Follow
me. We shall go somewhere more secluded."

Idarin steps forth with uncertain footfalls, looking warily upon you but falling into line all the
same, obedient.

The centre of a meditative garden.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. White gravel paths from all around
converge and intertwine here to lead to a large square of ivory flagstone, which paves this quarter
of the gardens. Several small cherry trees line the edges of the square, lending shade and respite
from the heat of the days. Shallow canals have been dug into the ground, allowing water from the
surrounding ponds and streams to flow into the square to fill a large fountain at its centre. Though
one can easily step across these narrow channels, several flagstone blocks are laid across the
canals to facilitate movement in and around the square. Save for the outline of a large weeping
willow tree to the northeast, the horizon is clear and unbroken, allowing those within to
contemplate their role in the world without distraction or interruptions. Trickling water breaks the
silence of the gardens as they flow down a monolithic stone fountain that sits in the middle of the
square. Gracefully crowning these celestial waters, a single star lotus floats atop a celadon urn as
it overflows with a boundless spring of healing light. The epitome of calm and control, Master
Setmos stands here, quietly musing his own existence. Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons is here.
They wield a steel claymore with both hands.
You see exits leading northeast, east, southeast, southwest, west, northwest, and down.

Radiant with healing light, life-giving waters pour forth from this celadon urn as a single star
lotus crowns its luminous surface. Immaculate white petals unfurl from the lotus's centre to reveal
the twinkling light of a star, captured within the heart of the sacred blossom. Though the water
moves beneath it, the star lotus remains beautifully and impossibly still as it floats atop the urn
with a silent poise and dignity. Boundless in its flow, the rippling celestial spring cascades
across the smooth and polished jade of the urn to spill over with the soothing rush of falling
waters.

The massive, bladed talons of Avaris's feet pierce the earth as he strides
purposefully towards the center of the tranquil gardens, his hands clasped beneath the heavy,
layered cloak of his softly effulgent, golden wings. Despite having his back to Idarin, the lines of
light that form the eye-like markings that adorn his plumage track the viscanti with unerring
precision and awareness, and remain focused upon them even as the titanic figure comes to a halt. He
does not immediately move to address Idarin, instead studying a healing shrine of Lantra in a cool,
contemplative silence that stretches far into the realm of the uncomfortable.

Eventually, Avaris turns, the immobile plating of his helm-like visage unreadable
as he looks down upon Idarin with the seven, azure orbs of his natural eyes. The humming, resonating
tones of his voice are cold and flat as a frozen blade as he states, "You are greatly afflicted."
Extracting his lower right hand from beneath the heavy feathers upon his back, he unfurls the
glinting claws and gestures to Idarin with a small motion of his wrist. "Yet you seek to serve the
Light. Why?"

Though the fiend follows thus far, Idarin lingers a pace or two behind, and their reticence proves
correct--under the scrutiny of the eyes, the gesture of your hand, they freeze as still as a statue,
instinctively bracing for a blow without a flinch. "I seek nothing beyond...a life," the viscanti
reasons, and releases a boisterous hiss. "To choose as I may. And this...as I understand...is the
way to free myself."

Humble Idarin, Avower of the Archons says, "I cannot change where I came from, but I can choose
where I go."

As if parting through mists of water and light, the Empyreal Goddess quietly unveils Her soothing
presence to the Basin of Life.

The peal of metal striking metal cuts across the firmament as the Even Bladed turns Her attention to
the First World once more.

(Celest): Romaan says, "Hail, Lady Lantra."

(Celest): Lantra says, "Light's blessings upon you, New Celest."

(Celest): Kennian says, "Oh goodness! Hello!"

(Celest): Azula (from the Aetherways) says, "Hail Lady Lantra, and Lady Terentia."

(Celest): Romaan says, "Hail, Lady Terentia."

(Celest): Selia says, "Greetings."

(Celest): Soterasiel (from the Aetherways) says, "Hello Lady Lantra, Lady Terentia."

(Celest): Gyorn says, "Hi Lady Lantra and Lady Terentia."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "Good morning, dear Lady Empyreals! Lady Even Bladed!"

(Celest): Terentia says, "New Celest."

(Celest): Alarin says, "Hail, Lady Even-Blade!"

(Celest): Romaan says, "Yes, my Lady?"

(Celest): Reyqae (from the Aetherways) says, "Ooh hello Ladies."

(Celest): Vaevaya says, "Hello, Great Ladies!"

(Celest): Kennian says, "A lovely morning to You both!"

(Celest): Kennian says, "On! And our Star-friend! How lucky we are!"

Noting the reflexive reaction to his movements, Avaris pauses, lowering his hand
with a deliberate lack of speed, and slipping it back beneath the cloak of his wings once more.
Though the unmoving chitin of his visored face reveals nothing of his emotion, the lightforged eyes
upon his plumage thin upon Idarin. "I will not strike you, but do not hiss at me. Take care to have
manners." Distracted, briefly, his head lifts up and to one side. "Greet the Ladies of your new
home, and our young ephemeral friend, Lady Vaevaya. Be respectful. We shall resume our discussion
afterwards."

(Celest): Alarin says, "Hello, Vaevaya!"

(Celest): You say, "A good morning to You both, Ladies, and to you as well, Lady Vaevaya."

Idarin's chin dips lower, still watching you unblinkingly even as their eyes glaze a touch with the
diverted focus.

Faragan has entered the area.

(Celest): Niralahi says, "Greetings, Lady Lantra, Lady Terentia, and Lady Vaevaya."

(Celest): Idarin says, "Hail. Lady Empyreal, and...the Even-Bladed. And to you, too, Vaevaya."

Faragan has left the area.

(Celest): Romaan says, "Well met, Vaevaya."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "Hopes each and every one of yous are doing well this
day, yes. Hopes the day warms you."

The sharp point of Avaris's chin stabs down in a brisk nod. "Passable. If you wish
to learn of either of the Elder Goddesses that you sense currently, or young Lady Vaevaya, you may
ask myself, or those of the city."

Warmth dances across your palms. A warmth that grows into a stronger heat, like your chitin were
charring and sizzling from the flash of angry, blood-red essence that cuts across from heel to
fingertip. The sensation lingers for a time, a reminder of Her disfavour, before disappearing again--
a figment of your imagination. ((Dark red))

"So am I right, then? Do the stories ring true?" It's as close to hesitance, trepidation, from
Idarin as you've heard. "This is how I choose?"

(Celest): Lantra says, "With so many about, I wonder little star, would you like to inspire some joy
in the city?"

(Celest): Romaan says, "That would be great!"

(Celest): Vaevaya says, "Oh, it is all that I want to do! But I should ask first, shouldn't I?"

The cool, stoic manner in which Avaris holds himself is abruptly shattered as he
flinches, snatching all four of his hands out from where they hide, turning them up to stare at the
long, plated palms, which tremble like swords rattling in ill-fitting sheathes. Apparently having
forgotten Idarin for the moment, in the midst of whatever has distracted him, the kephera clenches
his hands into fists, squeezing them so tight that the chitin groans in protest. Turning his back
upon Idarin, he loosens his fingers so that he can rub his palms against one another in short,
frenetic bursts of rasping, metallic sound, as if he strives to grind away something that clings to
them still.

(Celest): Lantra says, "That would be polite, yes."

(Celestial Gathering): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "She is baby."

(Celest): Vaevaya says, "Would everyone like to play a game with me and some new friends of mine?"

(Celest): Soterasiel says, "Always!"

(Celestial Gathering): Azula (from the Aetherways) says, "Its an eyebrow wars, you pluck each others
eyebrows and the first one to grow bald loses."

(Celest): Romaan says, "Yes, I would."

(Celestial Gathering): Haegan says, "Vengeance!"

(Celest): Kennian says, "Oh yay! New friends are wonderful! And games too!"

(Celest): Falaine (from the Realm of the Even Bladed) says, "Good evening, New Celest."

An iridescent twinkling at the corner of your vision - Vaevaya, the Refulgent's giddy excitement
stretches across the aethers to find you.

(Celest): Alarin says, "Greetings, Falaine."

Idarin jerks backward, eyeing the kephera with all the wide-eyed skepticism of a feral animal.
Waiting, they observe--and then something makes them jerk their head sideways, searching, prickling.

Falaine has entered the area.

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "Ah! Oh! A game...?"

(Celestial Gathering): Azula (from the Aetherways) says, "A game within a game."

(Celest): Vaevaya says, "Indeed! I am just...finding my friends..."

(Celest): Lantra says, "Your friends? How curious... Where exactly are you looking, little star?"

You think to yourself: A flare of instinctive, panicky fear, sparked into life by the heat that
rages across his palms, sending his heart thundering against the dense prison of his exoskeleton, as
if seeking escape. A resurgence of emotion, like an old wound torn open once more, which he
desperately seeks to clamp down upon with his will. "Fortitude. Fortitude. I have endured this, and
will endure it again."

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "I yam incoming! I will be there, ah, i-in just a few
minutes! Sorry!"

(Celest): Kennian says, "Where is the game?"

Continuing the hunt for his dark mate, Father Sun presses forward in his journey, lowering himself
in the sky yet still casting even, full light upon the land.

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "Good evening, Avaris. Have you been
well?"

The lines of his immense shoulders shivering like steel cables drawn too tight,
Avaris's voice is oddly calm, the level, detached manner in which he speaks entirely at odds with
his evident distress. "My apologies. An...Old hurt flaring up."

(Celest): Romaan says, "She has many friends at the Pool of Stars!"

(Celest): Vaevaya says, "In the waters, Great Lady!"

(Celest): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "Yes! Was just about to asks, is it at the Pool? Of
Stars? ...... oh boy are we swimming in the Pool of Stars?"

Jerking his head aside, Avaris "Go to the Pool of Stars. Enjoy yourself. I will not
keep you here."

(Celestial Gathering): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "Womp womp."

(Celest): Terentia says, "One would think the Basin has had enough of 'friends from the waters', but
these ones might be more friendly."

Idarin is not following or leading you.

(Celest): Lantra says, "As long as you do not bring in gatorsharks, I believe your friends will be
welcome."

(Celestial Gathering): Kennian says, "Yes! Oh! Maybe some nicer octopi. So pretty but so upset at
everyone!"

(Celestial Gathering): Kennian says, "Mis."

(Celest): Kennian says, "Yes! Oh! Maybe some nicer octopi. So pretty but so upset at everyone!"

(Celestial Gathering): Kennian says, "I'm not awake enough for events."

Idarin states flatly, "I do not know how to do that." They take half a step forward, and then
another boldly in kind, studying you. "So your kind purges the Taint?"

The sweat-inducing heat tapers down to a pleasant warmth.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Slakened Falaine, Novitiate of Purity, "[A stiff
response, almost cool in its forced politeness, a touch of something strained to his voice.]
Falaine. I have little to complain of."

(Celest): Kennian says, "Would you like some help finding your friends? I can come!"

Faragan has left the area.

You hear a playful splish splash admist a scattering of starlit motes as laughter ripples throughout
the city.

   ** A HAMSTERHUNT event has been set up! (see EVENT STATUS) **
             ** You must JOIN EVENT to participate. **


(Celest): Vaevaya says, "Hello, little squids!"

The quartet of sanguine antennae snap down, curving forward over the layered blades
of Avaris's golden crest. He does not turn to face Idarin, though the steady gaze of the many eyes
that adorn his wings remain focused upon the viscanti. "That is what we are supposed to do, yes. You
will find many more tolerant towards it, presently."

(Celest): Gurashi says, "You are looking for squid friends! Oh! How wonderful!"

(Celest): Gurashi says, "I will helps!"

(Celest): Selia says, "I think Kennian is our current squid-catching expert, to be fair."

The bright, bell-like voice of Falaine rings in your ear, "[The open camaraderie with which her mind
had approached becomes suddenly guarded, a tinge of hurt stiffening her own reply] Ah. That is well.
I will not bother you further."

(Celest): Gurashi says, "Yes! Is true!"

(Celest): Lantra says, "To make it a more intriguing game, I offer My truest Divine favour to the
victor."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say to Idarin, "This is a rare opportunity for you to
encounter young Lady Vaevaya, and bond with your citymates. I suggest you at least go and spectate."

(Celest): Kennian says, "I am only the most recent. There are so many with more experience!"

(Celest): Terentia says, "I shall offer Mine as well, then."

Auriella has entered the area.

(Celestial Gathering): Kennian says, "Do they go anywhere?"

(Celestial Gathering): Gurashi says, "Everywhere!"

Starlight races across the skies, raining down about the city of New Celest in streaks of iridescent
light.

Something lights in Idarin's violet eyes, but they avert, and the fiend nods stiffly to follow
directive.

(Celest): Vaevaya says, "The squids sound ready! Are you ready?"

(Celest): Kennian says, "So ready!"

(Celest): Romaan says, "We are!"

(Celest): Niralahi says, "I am ready!"

Idarin disappears in a flash of light, teleporting by the power of the Gods.
Idarin has left the area.

Shadows grow longer in anticipation for the return of their dark mistress as Father Sun's chase
brings him closer to the world's edge.

(Celest): Gurashi says, "R-reading!!"

(Celest): Gurashi says, "I-I mean... READY not reading."

                  ** The Hamsterhunt has begun! **
               ---- NOTE: this is a NON-PK EVENT ----