A Volcanic Sermon (stolen from Tridemon)

Gurashi beams broadly at you.

Adrien tilts his head curiously at Gurashi.

Drastrath ponders the situation.

Gurashi's short tail wags a mile a minute, their starry eyes wide as they look at those beginning to
gather.

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.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: .... More friends....?
Goodness, my cousin has so many....

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** ah - friends, my friends **.

A charge of energy flows through your soul.

Shulamit stumbles in, yawning to herself before noticing Mysrai and curtseying deeply.

Xypher steps forward before the crowd, waving a hand filled with multihued energies that disperse into
the air. "Welcome, oh wonderful people of all walks of life. From every corner of the basin, each of us
experiences reality in such different ways. Yet, every piece..." He takes a coin from his pocket and
flips it as he continues, "Each is a piece, an angle, a reflection of other realities...This...this
pursuit of knowing the paths and the webs of reality is the call of Saffron."

Gurashi looks at Shulamit, face lighting up as they smiles brightly at her.

Drastrath gives a package containing a meditation rug scented with incense to Mysrai, the Scarlet
Courtesan.

Lenara paces about in a circle several times before finally collapsing onto the warm crystal, her tail
flicking gently as she watches the scene unfold.

Gurashi's attention is quickly drawn back to Xypher, the joy fading to curiosity, politely folding
their hands over their heart.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ... ** a coin ** ...

Xypher lifts his hand high above his head, allowing a burst of illusory light to show a brief after
image of a long reality past. "I experienced the wonder of Saffron...I saw my home...burned, crushed,
destroyed." The vision finds light of steel boots marching on skulls in the city of Gaudiguch as he
continues, "in this, I heard the call...to seek a better future."

The air shimmers from the volcanic heat like a mirage in the desert.

With several beats of his wings, Adrien alights upon Gurashi's shoulder.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Must ask my cousin where he
meets these people....

A charge of energy flows through your soul.

The visions spoken make themselves manifest as the Courtesan watches, heavily armoured soldiers
marching past you as flames lick the air.

Lenara pulls her tail in tight against her to protect it from a wayward foot.

As the vision continues to show all manner of destruction of the city, tears stream down his face.
Xypher whispers softly to those gathered, "In this dream...I saw the end. The end of all I loved. But I
see hope. I see hope for what will be. For what can be. In Saffron, I came to know how to walk the
realities." He drops his hand and lets the figures begin to walk amongst the crowd.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... Colorful....

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: I miss the purple and greens
of home.

A brilliant wash of orange and saffron push forward, and where once were soldiers and flame suddenly
are merchants and trade ships. Scholars and books. Children and playgrounds.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... Should hire help. An
Archivist. Someone to manage the books.

The pointed tips of Esei's ears twitch to some errant sound.

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

The Mantle of Starlight flows gently against your form, twinkling stars shifting across its surface as
the starry infinity continues its eternal motion.

Gurashi follows the soldiers with their head, furrowing their brow. As they return to watch Xypher,
their eyes widen upon seeing the trill's tears, and they close their hands into tighter fists against
their chest.

Xypher smiles softly as he whispers, "Think of all you know. Think of all you have yet to know...all
you will know. Every dream you walk, and every path you see. We each help craft the reality of this
dream, walking the web of potential realities." His smile brightens watching his illusions change as he
continues, "Shall we be stuck in decay and destruction? Or shall we see new life. New wonders."

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... Why Saffron? The spice, or
the color? Or a metaphor.

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

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** possibilities **.

Deep in thought, Esei leans their cheek on their hand.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Must speak to Gurashi
again.... need an Archivist. Need to help. Straighten out all the sad in his head.... try to unravel
the knots. I can help....

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.

As nightfall steals the last vestiges of daylight, a slender leothin's muted coat begins to shine with
a violaceous radiance, and a double pair of wings materializes, grandly extended as if they've been
there all along.

Xypher nods slowly as he looks over those gathered and whispers softly, "Each person here has a choice.
To pursue the future. Which future shall you choose? Which strand will you follow? I choose to follow
the path of Saffron. To pursue the path that offers glory to the One who opened my eyes to reality. To
seek a better future!"

The thick scent of sulfur stings your nostrils, and the ground rumbles slightly from volcanic activity.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** fluttering heartbeats **.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** the path of Saffron ...
possibilities ... so many possibilities ... **.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: I know the future I seek.... I
have since I was young. Before the portal.

Xypher speaks louder and louder, "I say Hare Mysrai! Hare the Great One! Who walks the Saffron, who
sees what shall be, what may be! Who guides my hand, and opens my eyes!"

The body of Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon appears in a flash and her soul
descends to fill it, causing the previously expressionless face to fill with emotion.

Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon thinks to herself: Ow. Ow brains.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: **a low droning buzz, like so
many insects in high summer. Inquisitive. Confused?**.

Esei's dark eyes become unfocused, half-lidded with thought.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ...f'ai glomdoring...

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom says, "Hare
Mysrai!"

Curtsying deeply, Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon says to Mysrai, "Hi hi! I'm
sorry! For sleeping! I love You! Be well!"

You see Xypher Stormcrow shout, "Hare Mysrai! The Great One! The Lord, and Lady, and Neither! May the
Glory of Saffron be Theirs forevermore!"

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: 'Hare'....?

Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Beacon thinks to herself: Hopefully my children stay
unsmote.

Shulamit curtseys gracefully.

You feel weak in the knees as Mysrai laughs lightly, raising a hand to His hair and raking His fingers
through. The motion releases flecks of coppery energy that shine and rain down about His face, only
serving to further frame His attractive features.

Shulamit grows still and her lips begin to move silently.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... Rabbits, I suppose. Oh....

Light spreads across Gurashi's back in numerous colours and hues, enfolding them like butterfly wings.

Shulamit is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, her soul safe until she returns to
Lusternia.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: .... Distracting. Handsome.

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

A look of understanding crossing his features, Reko nods his head slowly.

Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan says, "I am quite pleased with your impromptu performance, My Xypher. Yet
I have a question of you, if you should permit Me."

Smiling, Xypher Stormcrow says, "I am Yours."

Xypher nods his head sagely.

Gurashi suddenly takes a step closer to Xypher, pulling a square of white cloth from their pack and
offering it to the trill for their tears.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** oh - wait They are about to
be asking a question -- rude---! **.

Xypher pats Gurashi in a friendly manner.

There is a moment where Mysrai's lidless, void-struck eyes sweep across each of you in turn, lingering
for a moment and allowing heat to rise on the back of your neck before His attention is once more
solely Xypher's. "Why is the act of Choice so important?"

Lenara shivers violently.

Dispelling the gloom of night, the intense red glow from burning lava flows highlights your features.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** suddenly lit from behind by
the fiery lava - Choice **.

Gurashi blushes furiously.

A light smattering of clouds now covers the sky.

Intertwining shadows of dark blue and the fiery red glow of lava chase one another in a vibrant
nighttime display.

Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar constellations
that tell the tales of myth and legend.

Xypher Stormcrow says, "Choice is Will. Will is life. If we let go of choice, resign ourselves to fate,
we refuse to take ownership of who we are, and the reality we seek. Without choice...without Will...we
shall be blind and lost. Choice is the reality of potential. Choice...is the beauty of who we are, oh
lovely people."

Xypher's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Gurashi stares at Xypher, eyes wide.

Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan asks, "And how may choice break us free of the dangers of Sloth?"

You think to yourself: ... I'm pretty sure that 'Hare Mysrai' is not related to lagomorphs in most
capacities.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: Brother Crow...

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** repeating Xypher's words
softly back - without choice or will ... blind or lost .... Choice - Choice is reality of potential **.

A faint flurry of amused laughter, mellifluous to the ear as for a moment you feel the Courtesan's
attention lingering upon you.

With a passionate tone, Xypher Stormcrow says, "Choice awakens our hearts. It opens our eyes. It calls
to our hearts...to not be complacent, to not accept harsh realities, to not be just okay with a pitiful
existence...choice guides us to tomorrow and what it shall be."

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Sloth.... so slow they grow
moss. I wonder if they eat it.

The air about Xypher thrums with power, softly at first but growing in intensity. As the energy peaks
shimmering waves of heat burst outwards, dissipating into the air.

Shadows swirl around Gurashi's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around their
hand.

You think to yourself: What is it with him and thinking these things are about animals?

Gurashi's eyes widen, and though the heat seems to increase they do not back away, canting their head.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ...Sometimes all there is, is
patience. Run too fast and you don't see what's coming, or what's gone...

Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom thinks to herself: Is a wrong choice
better than no choice?

With a low, rumbling call, a short-haired okorushi trots in from the down.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: An interesting mindset. But
not mine.

Lenara's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ...... to not accept harsh...

From his position slightly withdrawn from the crowd Zitto takes on a dour expression as he considers
the questions and answers.

Swatting his tail, a short-haired okorushi trots off to the down.

Drastrath nervously stammers, "Does this mean that our choices are unknown to the fates?"

Xypher's eyes sparkle with amusement.

You think to yourself: The Fates record. They do not choose the paths.

Reko creases his brow in a frown.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: .... **curious buzz**.

Esei hums thoughtfully.

Xypher Stormcrow says, "Choices are always known to the fates. The difference is you get to decide
which fate you seek. Which reality you help create, which truth and Will you walk."

Gurashi suddenly begins to write in their notepad, bowing their head before turning the page towards
Xypher, hiding the lower half of their face: 'what if have MANY Choices? how do know which is
rightest??'

Gurashi looks at Xypher hopefully.

Mysrai's attention turns as His head falls to the side, resting comfortably on the crystal as though it
were a silken pillow. "A good question, little one."

Adrien purses his lips, contemplating Gurashi thoughtfully.

Her cheeks deepening into a blush, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom says,
"Is it better, then... to make a wrong choice than avoiding choice altogether?"

You think to yourself: This is part of where paradigms and veils come into play. Everything happens
everywhere. Those who can see through it are blessed and cursed.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... Ah, of course he
wonders.....

Revelrous Reko m'Viraz says, "What about when we make the wrong choices? And we are back to the strands
trying to move forward?"

Gurashi frowns and nods as more people speak up, their short tail wagging anxiously.

The favour of Mysrai has worn off.

Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan has bestowed His divine strongfavour upon you. It will last for 5 months. <-- Favor upgrade 1

Esei opens their mouth, then pauses, and closes it again.

Gurashi fidgets impatiently.

Esei glances askance at Gurashi.

With a smile, Xypher Stormcrow says, "We are mortal. We will inevitably make a wrong choice. But we
have the ability to stand back up, and walk further down the path and continue seeking that brighter
day. Such is the ever wandering goal of Saffron. It is not a one time thing, but a life. A truth. A
way."

Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom thinks to herself: Oh dear. I hope I
didn't cut off Beloved Gurashi's question.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... So impulsive, little
cousin. You truly hate to wait, do you not....?

Gurashi stares at Xypher, eyes wide.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: .... seeking that brighter day
...

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ..... ** deep washes of mauve,
amber - nervous and guilty **.

You have emoted: Tridemon lets his eyes shift over toward Lenara with a slight frown before turning his
attention back to Xypher.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Truth. Hm. A very subjective
thing to seek.

You have recovered balance on all limbs.

A light smattering of clouds now covers the sky.

Forks of black lightning strike up into the sky from the depths of the Balach Swamp, sending the dark
clouds above swirling ominously.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: ...they would consider it
forestal drivel.

Deep in thought, Esei leans their cheek on their hand.

Gurashi relaxes their grip, furrowing their brow as they stare at Xypher, then let their gaze drift
beyond the trill, staring to the fiery lava of the volcano all are gathered atop.

Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom thinks to herself: Tridemon seems
displeased.. at me? Or at the question? I suppose it doesn't matter. The question was mine to ask.

Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan asks, "Have you any more questions for My Xypher?"

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... Such fear of error. Your
knuckles went white.

Strong-Arm Drastrath, Entropy's Embrace says, "Is there a wrong choice? I know the choice may not lead
to the reality we wish, but that would be a choice for someone who wants that reality, right?"

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: .... ** Saffron .... is a path
of ... **.

Xypher's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of
Freedom, "Some things should be kept secret. Even in your thoughts. Because there are those who can
listen."

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** seeking ... the goodest
possible... **.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Honeyed words, and tempting.
All of this. I see your fascination, cousin Gurashi.

The melodious voice of Lenara resonates in your mind, "I.. I see."

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** Aschwar's bright,
enthusiastic voice, like a bell, washes of pastels and pinks: "...when I find Friend Akuuko, I will
have lots of practise!" **.

Xypher Stormcrow says, "The wrong choice...the right choice...in reality two sides of the same coin. We
call it the wrong choice when the outcome is negative. But negative to one is not necessarily negative
to another. Either way, it is a matter of pursuing that change and that choice, to see that new future
born of Will."

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ... Akuuko ...

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: But too much honey will kill
you.

Reko ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Adrien purses his lips, deep in thought.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ...Ah, now that I actually
agree with.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Subjective truth, subjective
outcome. It's hard to find a universal anything.

Gurashi watches Xypher with a difficult to read expression, letting their arms drop from their chest to
their lap, tail no longer wagging.

Adrien purses his lips, contemplating Gurashi thoughtfully.

Strong-Arm Drastrath, Entropy's Embrace says, "Making the wrong choice is better than making no choice?
The experience from the choice to be able to make more accurate choices in the future is the warning
against Sloth?"

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... So much sadness in your
chest, dear cousin. Let me help you sort it.

Mysrai slowly uncrosses His legs and shifts them to the side, showing ever more of His calves for a few
moments as He returns to a sitting position, watching the ongoing conversation with apparent interest.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: .... Distracting.

Adrien closes his eyes, focusing on his breath for a few moments.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of
Freedom, "It is not a large thing. But it is what it is. I do hope you don't think I'm angry with you."

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** a recollection of Friend
Tonatiuh's words... How Many Were Left **.

Esei pats Adrien in a friendly manner.


The melodious voice of Lenara resonates in your mind, "Not in the slightest. I appreciate the feedback
as I sometimes forget myself. Thank you."

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... Better to be blind, I
think. Easier to see in the dark.

Quietly, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Not making a choice is allowing
yourself to become reticent. Not making a choice is, in some ways, already a choice; to choose not to
choose."

Gurashi suddenly writes: 'NOT doing anything can also be a choice.' They look down at their words
before flipping the note around.

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi stares at Esei, eyes wide.

Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom thinks to herself: Best be careful not to
let a wrong choice drive you into Sloth for fear of making another wrong choice.

Thoughtfully, Xypher Stormcrow says, "Perhaps in truth, even making no choice is indeed making a
choice. Take a view of this in terms of how we communicate. In reality there is no way to not
communicate, in fact the act of not communicating is and of itself communicating a message."

Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom thinks to herself: Best not to think too
much about anything.. let the Scarlet in you take control.

Xypher Stormcrow says, "The difference is, did you make the choice by Will, or did others make the
choice for you?"

You think to yourself: Blinding oneself because one is in the darkness is a terrible idea. In the
darkness, become light.

Gurashi stares at Xypher, eyes wide.

In a quiet murmur, Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis says, "There is a difference
between laziness and deliberately stopping to allow things to play out, between apathy and
observation."


The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** suddenly - bright white,
hot, cold - did others make the choice for you **.

Xypher nods his head at Adrien.

Xypher Stormcrow says, "Indeed!"

In a quiet murmur, Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis says, "Sometimes, waiting is
the best choice."

Gurashi's gaze drifts to Adrien as they speak, staring.

His voice cold and disapproving, driving an icepick into your stomach, Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan
says, "My brother would approve of such a manner of thought."

You think to yourself: And when one has become light in the darkness, one becomes a beacon for others
who might be lost as well...

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** did others make the choice
for you **.

Adrien inclines his head politely to Mysrai.

The light cloud cover develops further, bathing the firmament in a white blanket.

The horizon glows with burnished shades of orange and red, heralding the imminent arrival of Father Sun
upon the rim of the world.

In a quiet murmur, Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis says, "I understand it is not
what You ask."

As the sun's rays begin to break over the horizon, a slender leothin's amaranthine visage begins to
fade back to a soft gray, wings dissolving like mist with the morning light.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Curious....

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: What's wrong with being
curious?

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

Xypher Stormcrow says, "Waiting often times can lead to others creating your choice for you. Forcing
your hand, or restricting the fullness of Will. Patience can be a good thing, but so too is motion and
seizing the reality."

Lenara uncurls her body and stands up quietly, still watching those around her.

You think to yourself: There's little wrong with being curious. But the answers you get might be a
source of... regret, if one is not careful in the asking.

Strong-Arm Drastrath, Entropy's Embrace says, "Therefore, keeping body and mind strong to protect your
ability to choose while not bowing to another's will to make your choice for you is of the utmost
importance?"

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.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: All I want is knowledge.
Little more... nothing less. Is that so.... wrong? To prefer to observe?

Esei closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.

Esei exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Gurashi stares blankly at Xypher.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** repeated, louder: did others
make the choice for you **.

Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan says, "Regardless of the intent behind it, unless there are powers beyond
your control that prevent you from acting, each inaction is the death of countless paradigms. It is the
surrender of Will. Such is the difference between inaction and patience."

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Paradigm...Hm.


Mysrai nods His head in approval of Xypher's words, a new wash of heat spraying across your flesh with
the movement.

In a quiet murmur, Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis says, "If I may be bold,
Neither-Lord-Nor-Lady."

Xypher Stormcrow says, "Dzaaa, such is Truth I fail to put into words."

Lord Zitto Shevat, Possessor of Permits thinks to himself: And yet, inaction is likely the only way I
walk away from this gathering without consequence.

The air shimmers from the volcanic heat like a mirage in the desert.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** continued washes of white -
again fearful and guilty - the death of countless paradigms - what is power beyond control **.

His head canting slightly to one side in thought, Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis
murmurs, "What is a paradigm?"

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** the paradigms - the veils -
the possibilities - so many... so...so many **.

Gurashi sways impassively in their spot.

Lenara raises her tiny paws far above her head in a big stretch before returning to a relaxed position
and shaking out her fur gently.

As His voice warms once more and He comfortably rests upon His throne, Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan
says, "An excellent question. Xypher, I return your sermon."

Xypher Stormcrow says, "A paradigm is a new reality."

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

Hot sulfuric vents shoot clouds of billowing black smoke into the air, obscuring the sky above.

Adrien purses his lips, deep in thought.

Xypher Stormcrow says, "Each paradigm, made by even the smallest of choices, even the smallest of
dreams."

You think to yourself: A fold in a veil- a possibility, a way, a branch of a great tree where the roots
are so tangled that they seem to be a single piece...

Xypher nods his head sagely.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** a brief kaleidoscope of
color - endless possibilities **.

Esei closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.

Esei exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

The favour of Mysrai has worn off.

Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan has bestowed His divine highfavour upon you. It will last for 5 months. <--Favor upgrade 2

Motes of rubescent light shimmer across the Golden Belt of the Enlightened briefly, lending the effigy
of the Guardian Drachou about Lenara's waist the appearance of dancing amongst flames.

Surrounded with an aura of comfortable heat and passionate ecstasy, His sublime visage is far more
potent than any mortal should bear; making it clear that He is a radiant immortal. A face that is
filled with arrogant angles, lent easily to smirking, and void-black, lidless eyes that are given to
sparkling with swiftly-changing constellations give Him the appearance of a sly, attractive youth.
Appearing as a wire-muscled adolescent, stained a coppery brown by the sun, His limbs hold in orbit
about them a constant flow of poppy blossoms both shredded and whole. His hair is an attractive,
feathered mess atop His head, tousled and streaked with shimmering powders of copper and scarlet sparks
that shimmer and pop in barely-restrained energies. Dark, rubescent powders mix with ivory beneath His
eyes, along His neck, and across His collarbones, displaying incomprehensible hieroglyphs that curl
upon themselves in puzzling suggestions of barely manifested realities.

He is wearing:
a three-layered tunic of bright ivory that has been pulled low over His chest;
a cropped pair of deep grey trousers that hang low on His hips in a provocative manner;
a burgundy belt of leather cinched loose and carefree;
a hooded coat of striking rainbow hues hung loose around His biceps.


Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: When to listen, when to speak,
what to say.... all choices. Perhaps not brash, perhaps not as decisive as they like, in the city of
fire. But preferable: as They noted, I am the Silent Lord's.

The air shimmers from the volcanic heat like a mirage in the desert.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... Their displeasure is
interesting.

Adrien frowns quietly, in thought.

Drastrath ponders the situation.

Mysrai arches an eyebrow in idle curiosity, causing hieroglyphs to escape His temple and float into the
space about His head in an endless dance as He watches for further questions.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... His? I do not wish to be
impolite. He has chosen that form for His own reasons, surely...

Strong-Arm Drastrath, Entropy's Embrace says, "So a paradigm is fleeting? Each an instance of
circumstances that leads or furthers from another?"

Volcanic ash rains down like burning dark snowflakes, singeing as the ash touches you.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom says to
Drastrath, "Wouldn't that depend on the paradigm? I would think some choices and changes make a bigger
shift and last longer?"

Lenara tilts her head and listens intently to Xypher.

Gurashi reaches up after a time to dust some of the raining ash from their hair, examining their sooty
hand afterwards.

Xypher Stormcrow says, "Some paradigms are much less fleeting. For you yourself are a paradigm, a view
of who you are against the back drop of who you might otherwise be."

Adrien purses his lips, contemplating Xypher thoughtfully.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** again, Aschwar's voice: "I
am kind..." **.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ...I knew you. You once lived
at Home.

Shadows swirl around Esei's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around their
hand.

Volcanic ash rains down like burning dark snowflakes, singeing as the ash touches you.

Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic sun's luminous presence as
he climbs higher into the sky.

Revelrous Reko m'Viraz says to Xypher, "I thank you for your time."

Strong-Arm Drastrath, Entropy's Embrace says to Xypher, "That paradigm was a different paradigm prior
to this sermon, though?"

Reko bows respectfully to Mysrai.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: I wonder what choices brought
you to this.

Mysrai nods His head at Reko.

Gurashi's eyes close suddenly, and they bring their hand to their cheek, ducking their chin to their
chest.

Revelrous Reko m'Viraz says to Mysrai, "Thank you my Lord."

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** me ... and me .... **.

Lenara's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Reko leaves to the down.

Motes of rubescent light shimmer across the Golden Belt of the Enlightened briefly, lending the effigy
of the Guardian Drachou about Nialla's waist the appearance of dancing amongst flames.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: .... Where to get an
Archivist....

Xypher Stormcrow says to Drastrath, "Indeed. That is one way to view it. Yet you might say that is a
new part of your paradigm folding into something new. Not all paradigms are drastically different, as
some can be quite similar."

You think to yourself: All branches and folds are paradigms. But not all paradigms are significant
enough to survive on their own. Weaving together in a vast braid that tightens. What seems to be one
might be a thousandfold or- ... huh.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** swirling sands, so many
possibilities, opportunities - which one of these paradigms is the best - not for me but for those -
around- me **.

Xypher beams broadly at Mysrai.

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.

(Celest): Faragan says, "Not the warrior kelpies. The ones in various shapes."

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ... ** the rightest ** ...

Happily, Xypher Stormcrow says, "Hare! Oh Great One! Thank You."

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Rabbits again.

In a quiet murmur, Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis asks, "...Hare?"

Mysrai rises from His throne, His coat loosening and sagging about His biceps as He raises His hands
for attention. "I believe we have found as much Enlightenment as we shall, this day."

Xypher Stormcrow whispers to Adrien, "A term of worship in a different tongue."

Lenara's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Adrien nods his head at Xypher.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Not rabbits.

Esei closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.

Esei exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Xypher beams broadly.

With the attention of the Courtesan no longer upon it, the crystal sinks back into the crystalline
surface of the peak like drops of falling water.

Volcanic ash rains down like burning dark snowflakes, singeing as the ash touches you.

Drastrath thanks Xypher profusely.

Adrien dips into a polite bow before Mysrai.

Gurashi opens their eyes again as Mysrai speaks, looking up at the Courtesan with a straight face.
Then, they offer a tiny smile.

Drastrath puts a package containing a sconce of dark fae into a rugged backpack resembling a turtle
shell.

Drastrath puts a package containing a finely wrought mahogany chair into a rugged backpack resembling a
turtle shell.

Xypher pats Drastrath in a friendly manner.

Gurashi looks to Xypher, lifting their notepad as they write: 'thank you - words were wonderful and
good to think about. is nice to meet.'

A golden furred lioness with a golden radiant tail cleans herself by licking her paws and rubbing them
onto her face.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** curious - have met? maybe
**.

Xypher pats Gurashi in a friendly manner.

As He places His hand on His hip, glancing at those gathered, Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan says, "I
believe many of you have come with Love in your hearts, and the desire to learn. For such, I find
Myself entertained, and pleased."

Gurashi looks at Mysrai hopefully.

Lenara beams broadly.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** love **.

In a quiet murmur, Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis says, "I thank You for Your
favour, Lord."

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: ** The Lord Silence, repeating
the word with much less joy: love... **.

Esei nods their head in agreement.

Zitto offers a reserved bow towards Mysrai but says nothing.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: An interesting thought,
regardless.

Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan says, "Remember that such a teaching is one to be shared. A simple
lesson, that any may come to know."

Xypher nods his head enthusiastically.

The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo thinks to themself: "Ever intent on learning
lessons the hardest way possible, little one."

Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan says, "Those who should seek to further their knowledge, regardless of
their home, may seek My Truths through My Beloved. I welcome all, save the shards of Illith, regardless
of their home."

Gurashi looks down at their notepad, scribbling only briefly before they lift the page, showing off a
poorly drawn heart towards Mysrai.

A golden furred lioness with a golden radiant tail crouches low on the ground.

Nialla curtseys gracefully.

Esei caresses a phantasmal shroud of shadows gently.

Adrien chuckles quietly at Gurashi.

Esei bows respectfully to Mysrai.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: Such a sweet, kind cousin
mine.

Your heart skips a beat as Mysrai's lips quirk into a small smirk, leaving Him arrogantly and
impossibly handsome as He does.

Gurashi glances askance at Esei.

Proselyte Adrien Shee-Slaugh, the Omenwise Amanuensis thinks to himself: ... *Distracting*.

Mysrai, the Scarlet Courtesan says, "Go now, I address My Beloved only."

Adrien nods his head emphatically.

Esei nods their head.

Nialla brushes her fingertips across the face of the Golden Belt of the Enlightened, which begins to
glow with a fiery light. A sudden, swirling morass of flames erupts from the mouth of the drachou upon
her belt and consumes her entirely.

Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant, draws the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree across the inside of their
wrist, causing a line of blood to well up. They then lifts the blade into the air, as shadows spill out
of the wet crimson tip, swarming around Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant, and taking them with them as
they sink into the ground.
Trailing stars and smoke, Dusan trails off to the ether.

You think to yourself: I think that very few will come to me for guidance on the Thousandfold. Probably
for the best. I don't have access to the literature.

The flicker of essence-silvered calculations trail Zitto as he leaves to the down.

You touch the Mantle of Starlight and are surrounded by a brilliant white light. The distant song of an
angelic choir can be heard, as you feel angelic hands lift you up and carry you away.