Nocht, the Silent whispers, "You play a dangerous game, sapling."

---> after praying at Darvellan's Shrine, I couldn't help myself and went to peek at the mantle

In the centre of a cavernous geodesic prism.
Bright light radiates from the magnificently cut crystals formed into the cavern walls, displays of iridescent light shower the openings with bright rainbows of colour. The prismatic crystals hum as if charged with forces of divine energy themselves. Warmth seethes from the very walls.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, southeast, south, southwest, west, northwest, up, and down.
You glance askance.

Beneath glimmering veins of amethyst.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The cavernous floor comes to an enclosed space here as it narrows towards a delicate veil of shadows. Dim light filters in from outside, barely piercing the shadows that cling to the cavern walls. Dark stones covers the walls, and the walls are lined with veins of shimmering amethyst. The violet gems wind along the walls in circuitous patterns, reflecting what little light there is in the area. Billowing like a cloth in a gentle breeze, a veil of shadows covers a wall of the cavern here.
You see exits leading north, northeast, east, and through a delicate veil of shadows.

---> glance through veil

You look through a delicate veil of shadows:

The Fulcrux of Nocht.
The image of a beautiful nighttime sky has been stretched across the fulcrux. Dim stars struggle futilely to compete with the terrifying beauty of Mother Night. The ethereal image wavers on occasion, the sky rippling like water in a pond. A lonely hill covered in tall grass leads up to a single shrine. Behind the shrine stands a large blackthorn tree. The tree is taller than most of its kind, extending upwards rather than outwards. Delicate blossoms shower down from its branches, creating a flurry of white petals and filling the air with the pungent scent of wyrden foliage. A complex series of stones orbit around a stygian orb here. A rippling image of a beautiful night sky has been magically wrapped around the fulcrux here. Reverently laid before the shrine in a sheath of starlight and shadow, the Sidereal Mantle of Ailustris emanates Divine power here.
You see a single exit leading through an image of the night sky.

You reach out and gently brush your hand against a delicate veil of shadows. Your senses suddenly dull as you feel yourself pulled into the entrancing darkness. As your senses return, you find yourself beneath a beautiful night sky.

You have emoted: Cheliyi slips into the Fulcrux, her steps light and as silent as she can manage across the grass.

You think to yourself: Hello, Cousin Blackthorn.

You have emoted: Cheliyi moves to stand in front of the divine mantle laid on the grass, staring down at it with a grim, if sorrowful expression.

---> probe mantle

Grasping shadows linger and take hold of this exquisite cloak of Night, a constellation of stars drifting across its tenebrous silk with an empyreal beauty. Like misty diamonds, each captured star twinkles brilliantly in the darkness as if plucked from the heavens, arranging and rearranging in endless, ephemeral formations. There is an enchanting quality to the fluid way the cloak ripples with its every movement, at once inky, opaque, and shimmering in its fragile resplendence. A single radiant star serves as the clasp for this heavy mantle, its seven points glaring with cold illumination.
It weighs about 8 pounds.
It has a warmth factor of 8.
It has the following aliases: mantle.
You feel compelled to TOUCH the Sidereal Mantle of Ailustris.

You glance askance at the master shrine of Nocht.

You reach out and touch the Sidereal Mantle of Ailustris.

The air of the fulcrux suddenly whips about violently as you feel the gaze of the Silent Lord fall upon you as soon as your hands touch the mantle.

You curl your nose up and grimace awfully.
You think to yourself: ... sorry, Lord Silent.

You have emoted: Cheliyi sweeps the hair from her face, uneasy but unmoving.

You think to yourself: It is strange how time has changed my feelings toward You. I am... less angry now, though I doubt You like me much more than you did half a centuries ago, Lord Nocht.

You think to yourself: Even now, even as I used to hate You... I just hope You get better. I hope the plants do not hurt as much. I hope that You can heal.

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches the master shrine of Nocht, staring at the orb with a slight, determined frown.

You think to yourself: ... You would probably not like this, would you? I do not know. But I hope the plants do not hurt. I hope You get better. I hope You heal.

Kneeling humbly, you press your palms together before you and close your eyes momentarily as you pray devoutly to Nocht, the Silent, "I wish for Your good health. And I hope You are able to be well, Lord Nocht.".

You think to yourself: I could keep hating You. But I don't think I will.

An intense feeling of unease briefly passes through you as the Silent Lord's gaze falls upon you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi looks up to the sky, raising an eyebrow. "Good evening, Lord Silent."

Soft whispers twist through the air, a hollow voice rising up from them, "Greetings, wayward sapling..."

With a hint of amusement, you murmur, "Have not been calleds that in a whiles."

You clear your throat.

You think to yourself: **a momentary wavering, unease, but you are only the -healthy- amount of worried. probably**.

You glance askance at the Sidereal Mantle of Ailustris.

Slowly, you say, "... have been hearing on occasion, that You are not... doing wells."

---> midddnight

It is now the 6th of Roarkian, 675 years after the Coming of Estarra.
The boughs of the large blackthorn moan loudly as they shake, sending a new shower of petals cascading across the fulcrux.
Fluttering as if caught by a breeze, the silvery threads of tinsel weave about in a haphazard pattern: conjuring new constellations and shapes as they glow from the sidereal light of the wreath's fine filaments.

You have emoted: Cheliyi looks to the blackthorn, her tail sweeping behind her in slow, calm motions.

The air twists around the fulcrux slowly, the whisper moving with it as if adrift on the breeze, "There is no need to worry, child. I survive, and in the end, that is all that matters."

You narrow your eyes to thin slits.

The image above wavers and ripples gently as a cold breeze howls through the fulcrux.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Survival is not exactly healthiness, Lord Silent. And... will ask forgiveness, but I honestly do not totally believe Yous."

You think to yourself: **a pang of genuine worry that surprises you, but then again, it never really left you, did it?**.

Waving her hand, you say, "I can see in Esei's eyes, how they are so worried for yous. Even if they would never say its."

The murmurs draw closer, and the voice whispers in your ear now - a gentle tone that seems to dance a fine line between mockery and sincerity, "Perhaps you have been in the Light too long, sapling. Your eyes can no longer make out the truth in the shadows... But why this sudden concern, child? Am I not an enemy of what you hold dear?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi's frills twitch erratically, and she clearly resists the urge to turn to the voice, instead looking to the the master shrine of Nocht. "As much as would have hated to admits it, I did not stop caring. The concern, it is not 'sudden'."

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

Quieter, you say, "Have always been worried. I do not like suffering, for anyone."

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Even You."

The soft voice of Esei tickles your ear, "Finding the answers you seek, I presume?"

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Haruspex Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "... well, Lord Silent is asking why I care, and am answering honestly. I have other questions, always will. But this must be explained first."

Fluttering as if caught by a breeze, the silvery threads of tinsel weave about in a haphazard pattern: conjuring new constellations and shapes as they glow from the sidereal light of the wreath's fine filaments.

The soft voice of Esei tickles your ear, "I... see."

You think to yourself: Is it really such a surprise? I loved Yous. That doesn't just... go away.

You think to yourself: **a flicker of curiosity, you -want- to ask about the Lost Sibling, about the Mantle, but no. No... this is more important.**.

The boughs of the large blackthorn moan loudly as they shake, sending a new shower of petals cascading across the fulcrux.

You think to yourself: **Besides. It's not like He'd answer.**.

The soft voice of Esei tickles your ear, "And how odd- you used to be full of such wrath, dear sapling, and yet..."

The image of the night sky grows terrifyingly dark as an icy breeze cuts across the lonely hill, spiralling patterns dancing across the tall grass.

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Haruspex Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "Hmph. I can be angry if I'd likes. But peoples are allowed to grow and change, you knows."

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Haruspex Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "**a pointed feeling, as if you were being poked gently in the elbow**."

The same, flat hollowness returns to the whisper, "Too much of them in you, o wayward one. Too much of Her. There is no need to lament suffering. And your thoughts are such loud whispers... did Lantra never speak of Our siblings?"

---> WEEP HE TOLD CHELIYI SHE'S LIKE LANTRA

The soft voice of Esei tickles your ear, "Of which I am fully aware."

You curl your nose up and grimace awfully.

You think to yourself: **a flicker of apology, followed by a sigh. you can't help that your thoughts are loud.**.

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "She didn'ts."

The soft voice of Esei tickles your ear, "Or do you forget what I serve?"

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "... She didn't like to talk about a lot of things, honestlies."

Your melodic voice sings into Wyrden Haruspex Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk's mind, "That was my joke, yes."

You think to yourself: And isn't that familiar.

A tinge of spite colors the whisper this time, "Hm. Shame. Guilt, perhaps."

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Carefulness with words, I would says. Grief, even."

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

The soft voice of Esei tickles your ear, "So I see."

Echoed by rippling waters, you say, "Iyam sorry. I... have been trying to collect lost... stories, about Divines. And it is a story so close to Her. And You."

The invigorating fragrance of zesty citrus fills your nostrils, accompanied with a fresh salty seabreeze that swirls around you and uplifts your spirits.

You think to yourself: She couldn't even say Their Name.

The whispering voice leaves your side, lingering above in the maciked image of the nighttime sky, "Hmm... How would dearest Lantra tell the story I wonder. Nobility. Duty. A noble sacrifice, perhaps?" You feel a sudden, oppressive heaviness as the empty voice whispers harshly in your ear once more, "But it is simple... He was sent to be ripped apart and swallowed alive, body and spirit for nothing."

The boughs of the large blackthorn moan loudly as they shake, sending a new shower of petals cascading across the fulcrux.

"But everyone knows the story of the Firsts. If you ever find your way home, My wayward sapling, you'll be welcome to learn more. The one and only First worthy of the title, perhaps...."

Quietly, you ask, "You really loved Him, didn't You?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi stares up to where she hears the whisper with a pensive frown.

In an instant the murmurs stop, and you are left with nothing but absolute silence.

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "You play a dangerous game, sapling."

You blink.

The Fulcrux of Nocht.
The image of a beautiful nighttime sky has been stretched across the fulcrux. Dim stars struggle futilely to compete with the terrifying beauty of Mother Night. The ethereal image wavers on occasion, the sky rippling like water in a pond. A lonely hill covered in tall grass leads up to a single shrine. Behind the shrine stands a large blackthorn tree. The tree is taller than most of its kind, extending upwards rather than outwards. Delicate blossoms shower down from its branches, creating a flurry of white petals and filling the air with the pungent scent of wyrden foliage. A complex series of stones orbit around a stygian orb here. A rippling image of a beautiful night sky has been magically wrapped around the fulcrux here. Reverently laid before the shrine in a sheath of starlight and shadow, the Sidereal Mantle of Ailustris emanates Divine power here.

Nocht, the Silent lingers here, shadows coiling in the air about Him.

You see a single exit leading through an image of the night sky.

---> look Nocht

More silhouette than Elder, the way the shadows on the ground seem to grasp towards Him make it unmistakable that He is a radiant immortal. Standing a little taller than the height of an average elfen, all other aspects of the Elder's appearance are shrouded in veils and robes. Flashes of brilliant emerald and prismatic light occasionally light up the air around Him, accompanied with a sickly sweet floral scent that lingers in the air.
He is wearing:
a cluster of snapdragons erupting from the shoulder of His cloak
concealing robes painted with the colours of Night that twist in the air around Him as if underwater
a veiled blackthorn crown that obscures His face

You have emoted: Cheliyi looks to Nocht, her shoulders stiffening. Her voice soft but steady, she says, "I am not playing a games at all."

You look at a cluster of snapdragons that Nocht is wearing:
Three stems make up this bunch of snapdragons, and from each stem springs forth many flowers. The shades include pale orange, bright red and stark white, but each individual snapdragon seems to have been created from the same mold. The petals fold in such a way that they do indeed resemble small mouths poised to snap.

You look at concealing robes painted with the colours of Night that Nocht is wearing:
Shimmering with a faint divine energy, these billowing robes look like a piece of the nighttime sky has been cut from the heavens. Soft purples, like dusk, paint the areas near the shoulders before slowly giving way to the deepest black that colours the majority of the elegant robes. Struggling, faint pinpricks of light dot the dark cloth, like faint stars in a moonless sky. The robes engulf the wearer, flowing fabric seeming to move of its own accord. No sign of the wearer is visible within the garment. Long swaths of fabric hang from the shoulders, tied at the elbows to form sleeves before falling loose to cover even the wearer's hands from sight.

You look at a veiled blackthorn crown that Nocht is wearing:
Blackthorn branches have been masterfully coaxed to wrap around the thin gold band that forms the base of this crown, the dark colour of their wood contrasting sharply with the gleaming gold and their own bone-white petals. A rippling band of thin cloth falls from the crown down to the wearer's shoulders, it's sheer fabric allowing only a faint outline of the head behind it.

Nocht stares at you, unblinking in His regard.

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Even more dangerous if you don't realize you're playing, hmm..."

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances askance for a moment at the snapdragons, a flicker of anger crossing her features before she schools her expression.

You think to yourself: **anger for His behalf, it is the reason you never joined Velcora in her home, as much as you loathe to admit it**.

The faintest suggestion of amusement in His eyes, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Regardless... a gift for your concern, sapling."

Nocht, the Silent has bestowed His divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 3 months.

You blink.

Startled, you say, "Thank You?"

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "May you learn to rejoice in your suffering, Cheliyi. It means you're still alive, after all."

The surrounding shadows wane, relaxing into their normal state as the form of Nocht, the Silent dissolves into the aether.

You crease your brow in a frown.

Quietly, you say, "And may You find respite in Yours, Lord Silent."

With a flourish of your arm, you bow deeply.

You have emoted: Cheliyi casts one last lingering glance to the divine Mantle laid upon the master shrine of Nocht, and quietly steps into an image of the night sky.

You stand before the wavering image of the night sky, your arms spread wide. In an instant, shadowy tendrils shoot out and wrap around as they forcibly drag you into the image. All fades to black before you are suddenly hurled into a dark cavern.

---> look me

Small and cheery, she is a glistening mugwump tidal demigoddess of axolotl descent with pearly skin and six mauve-tinted frills. Her stature is not unnatural for a mugwump, barely above 4'3" and sturdily built. A bob of magenta hair flows from her scalp, adorned with shiny knickknacks, small origami, and albino feathers. Carefully woven, a single braid hangs from her disheveled bangs, affectionately clipped with a small, sapphire bead. Affixed to one frill is a tiny set of bone chimes, so small that it almost seems like an earring. Her skin has a soft, oily sheen akin to most mugwumps, but strangely enough, the skin becomes abruptly dry and brittle in some places. Most notable are her forearms and eyes, her pale complexion discolored to an uncomfortable gritty beige. Glittering mists soothe the damaged areas, ebbing and flowing in a constant tide across her skin. Frozen fog clings to her eyelashes like gems, shimmering and shifting with each blink. Clouded, milky grey eyes gleam at a certain angles, her gaze glowing with a vibrant inner light. Her warm grin reveals normal teeth with suspiciously wooden canines, while tree bark clings to the soles of her webbed feet. A long, thick tail lined with a frilled fin twitches occasionally behind her, stirring up dust and litter with each sweep. The pale frills that would usually extend from her tail tip are torn and scarred, the wounds long since healed.

Shadows cling adoringly to her, reluctant to surrender their grasp on one with the truefavour of Nocht, the Silent.

Dazzling the eye with elegant shades of magenta over deep aubergine, a sassy bob frames her face. Reaching scarcely to her jawline, the hair is tousled and wavy at the ends, providing additional volume, while thick and artistically frayed bangs cover her forehead entirely.
She is wearing:
Immaculate Prayer Beads of the Empyreal Goddess wrapped reverently around her bandaged right hand
a pair of thin spectacles tinted to reduce incoming light
a hat of sensational blooming
a silken blouse of dragonfly embroidery
a dangling lily pad earring through her left ear - like frill
a gentle water lily brooch proudly securing a leaf-green woollen blanket in place
a leaf-green woollen blanket pinned over her blouse like a shawl
a dangling earring of willow leaves through her left ear - like frill
a glass ampoule of bottled starlight hanging securely from her waist
the Mantle of Starlight hung about her waist like a starry skirt
a frost-touched white rose wedding ring

You have emoted: Cheliyi runs her hands through the shadows clinging to her, uneasy.

You think to yourself: ... He is so strange.