'Again.'

You bind together a notepad covered in flowers and pollen-dusted bees.

Protective cover drenched in a flurry of beautiful wildflowers, a kaleidoscopic spectrum of color bursts upon the surface of this notepad. Stalks of heather mingle with a dash of lovely daisies, pretty violets, and puffs of clover, improbably growing alongside tulips and marigolds and many-hued lantana blossoms. All bloom together in tender, careful detail, each open and inviting. Among them, some perched among the petals, some hovering on their way, a cluster of fat but busy bumblebees tend this unruly garden. Their plump, striped bodies dusted at some point with pollen, they wear speckles of goldenrod yellow upon their fuzz, a telltale sign of their work. Along the top, copper wiring binds the pad of paper underneath to this scene, easy to flip open and tear through.
It has no title and the author is listed as being Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo. It
is written in the common tongue.
It weighs about 1 pounds and 0 ounce(s).
It bears the distinctive mark of Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon.
It has been stamped with the seal of Prismatic Parchments.
It has the following aliases: notepad, pad, book.

-squeeze songbird for gurashi saying You are thought about, and you are loved.
You squeeze a wooden songbird gently and watch it take flight in search of Gurashi amidst joyous chirping.

[Movement]

Beautiful woods.
A strong sense of security emanates through the local area from a shield shrine of Charune nearby. It is warm and quite pleasant. Bright flowers and vibrant, variegated leaves form a pattern that spreads through the plants here. Although the thick oak trunks dominate the valley, here they are studded with bright mushrooms, vines of ivy and thorn, and moss, all of which combine into a stunning, abstract shape of a thousand colours. Where birds are visible flitting through the bushes, they are green and blue woodpeckers, bright goldfinches and stunning red-breasted robins. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. An oak sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. A genteel peacock of blood red hue stands poised, possessing a branched tail spreading open like a prismatic fractal.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, and up (open door).


Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "** a fluttering - rapid and embarrassed - grateful pastels tinged at the edges with gray**."

You tell Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo, "Ah...there it is again. I sense a lack of color about you, when I sensed so much when we were together watching my sister sing." She pauses, and then she continues, her words soft upon the aethers. "How are you, Gurashi?"

You have emoted: Lief hugs a notepad covered in flowers and pollen-dusted bees close to her, her eyes closing as her ears twitch and strain, seemingly every sense alert.

You have emoted: All but Lief's sight - closed, to focus on something not visible, perhaps.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "... ** you can sense distraction, disorientation - suddenly many voices, answering questions - orange-red **."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, ".... ** ripples of embarrassment - affirmation - a weary impression - O-K - the question reflected back **."

You have emoted: Lief's brows furrow, and she hugs a notepad covered in flowers and pollen-dusted bees tighter.

You tell Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo, "I am well - I am very well." Softly she speaks. Softly the sense of warmth she feels emanates from her, humming along the aethers with her words. "I can speak with you later, if you are busy - if you would like to. But know that my songbird is right."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "..... ** softer, washes of gray overtaking the earlier pastels - negation - cannot see **."

You have emoted: Lief hesitates, her teeth lightly biting her bottom lip.

You teleport along the aether strands to the Aetherplex Chamber.

You portal to REDACTED.
This room has not been mapped.
A chilling, forestal curiosities room.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The first discernible sensation upon entering this room is a mixture of earthy smells; mulch, petrichor, decaying wood, and the heady scent of Wyrden roses saturate the air. As one's eyes adjust to the darkness, barely abated by shadowflame sconces hung on the walls, tall figures begin to emerge. Expansive shelves carved to look like tree trunks seem to grow out of the floor and reach clear to the ceiling. The moss-green rug has been cut to fit neatly between each root and around each curve, giving the illusion of springy turf underfoot. Gently glowing fungi, which seem to be growing out of the shelves at random, make it just possible to see their contents. On one shelf, a scorched dragonturtle shell and a dried starfish sit beside a glistening glasswork recreation of a pile of salmon roe. On another, a pair of arrows with heart-shaped heads are arranged with one crossed over the other, and a scented love-letter lies on top of them. Other shelves are crammed with an increasingly peculiar assortment of knickknacks: an ice pick, a tiny red stone, a dusty brown bottle with "Alchywhole" written in a barely legible script, a cuddly stuffed Tae'dae bear, a miniature rockeater figurine, an ornate ivory pipe, a pile of glittering Czigany coins, and a charm bracelet that looks to be of Fae origin. One rather macabre shelf holds a coiled slave master's whip and a skull that appears to have belonged to a Krokani before it made its way here. Still other shelves lie bare, waiting to be filled with more mementos of adventure to come, and in the corner of one of them a tiny black spider has made its web. A brightly colourful tapestry depicting a bear filled picnic has been hung on a nearby wall. A small table hewn from a ravenwood trunk has been upended here, providing a small surface on which to rest various objects. Depicting the four trees of Glomdoring in stylistic renditions, a woven, rose-scented rug spreads across the floor. There are 2 lyre-backed chairs here. Hanging from fine silver, this large snowflake lantern has light blue gems dangling beneath it, causing a gentle sway. A broad glass-faced display rack for musical instruments stands proudly here. A painting of Gurashi's Staring Contest is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of the Lazing Leothin, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered. A marble archway stands here, elegantly arcing up from ground to ceiling. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of A Future Endeavor, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered. A gilded pedestal, displaying a painting of A Wee Highland Cow, stands here, its gold leaf cracked and weathered. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see exits leading north (open door), east (open door), south (open door), and southwest (open door).

-e
This room has not been mapped.
A flooded garden.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Within view of a placid lake sits a little plot of sunken land hosting a garden. Most of the surrounding area is submerged with clear, clean water, water-laden plants that breech the surface verdant albeit wilting. A handful of flowers survive the deluge, however, their colors bright against the deep blues and greens of the landscape. The air here is heavy with moisture, and the soft sounds of frogs chirping carries serenely on the wind. A thick wall of tall golden grasses shields the view to the north and northeast. An elegant pink rose, a twilight blue rose, an entrancing red rose, a purple tulip, a brilliant white rose, a cool tulip of dusk, a yellow lily, an entrancing red rose, an entrancing red rose, a cool tulip of dusk, a bright red poppy, and a brilliant white rose blossom within a beautiful, lush garden. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here.
You see exits leading east and west (open door).

-e (to Lief's favorite room!)
This room has not been mapped.
A placid lake.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The towering ravenwood trees that surround this manse break here, allowing for a stunning view of a tranquil lake. The water laps softly at the grassy shores, evidence of its subtle tidal rise and fall visible in the muddy lines left on the bank. The grass around the edge of the lake is well-traveled, eventually leading to a short wooden bench just big enough for two. The sounds of frogs and insects buzz and chirp in pleasant harmony with one another, and the rich perfumes of petrichor and rainwater, are heavy here. A large rowan tree trunk lies here on its side, worn smooth from use.
You see a single exit leading west.

You tell Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo, "...I understand."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "... ** immediate remorse, you can sense - apology for sounding so harsh - but, continued ... negation **."

You have emoted: Lief hugs a notepad covered in flowers and pollen-dusted bees to her, her wings keeping her aloft as she gazes out across the tranquil lake.

[Time passes.]

Bewitching melodies drift languidly upon the air, heralding the entrance of Gurashi as they glides in from the west.
Bizirik slinks in from the west, clicking and thrumming softly.

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a joyful yowl and bounds forward.

A gust of wind causes the many wind chimes to crash and clatter together chaotically, accompanied with the steady patter of rain.

You have emoted: Lief hovers here before the lake, gazing out upon its tranquil surface, a notepad hugged to her chest. Bizirik, the leothin's yowl immediately draws her attention, however, and she laughs, lowering herself to the earth and offering forward her hand.

Bizirik, the leothin flops down onto the ground.

You have emoted: "Who is a very good leothin?" Lief murmurs as she pets Bizirik, the leothin's head.

Bizirik, the leothin scoots itself across the ground, pushing its face along the grass, leaving wet streaks on the ground. It snuffles and thrashes on the ground, looking up at you cheerily as it sprawls on its back.

You giggle happily.

Gurashi keeps to the edge of the clearing, standing near the tall grasses that border to the north, as if hoping to remain unseen.

(REDACTED): You say, "Lief isn't here for Gurashi actually, she is obviously here for Bizi."
(REDACTED): Gurashi says, "As it SHOULD BE."

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at you.

Gurashi sits up, shaking itself off, not minding the rain one bit it seems. It sniffs the notepad.

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

You have emoted: Lief chases after Bizirik, the leothin on the lightly muddy earth, continuing to pet and stroke. To the leothin, she asks with warmth, "Did Gurashi send you here all alone? They did, didn't they? And you've come to see me, of everyone you could see here!"

Bizirik, the leothin stretches out wide and thrums joyously, writhing on the ground, its tail flailing this way and that. Suddenly it looks back towards the west and sits up, barking.

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

Gurashi flinches as Bizirik's gaze falls directly upon them, and they quickly try to hide in the tall grass nearest to them.

You have emoted: Her gray eyes glimmering with mischief - with bold candy pinks and merry sunflower yellows, Lief follows Bizirik, the leothin's attention with her gaze. She lifts her hand from petting Bizirik, the leothin to wave to Gurashi. "You know you don't have to hide from me," she calls through the gentle rain.

Gurashi continues to stand close to the grass, looking aside nervously. At last, they step away from their cover, bowing their head sheepishly.

Gurashi's tail wags hurriedly, and they begin to step forward, approaching you where she sits. Bizirik snuffles happily, looking up at the sileni expectantly.

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.

You have emoted: Lief flashes Bizirik, the leothin a grateful smile as she lowers her hand. Her other arm continues to shelter the notepad she carries, hidden mostly beneath the billowy white sleeve of her kimono. Her smile softens, as do the colors radiating from her gaze, and she gently studies Gurashi.

Without a word, though with an attempt to shield it from the rain as she extends it forth, you give a notepad covered in flowers and pollen-dusted bees to Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo.

Bizirik, the leothin stands up at last, stretching, only to saunter over to the lake and slip into the water soundlessly, skimming along the surface like some crocodilian horror.

Gurashi remains standing, though they are much closer to the ground in this form than many of the others you has seen. They wrinkle their nose, wiping rainwater from their face before lifting the notepad and writing: 'did not expect to see - how are?'

Gurashi glances up, shielding their face from the rain, then looking down at the page quickly getting wet and wrinkled, their letters staining and spreading.

Gurashi flails about helplessly.

Gurashi makes a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.

You have emoted: "Worried," Lief confesses, then smiles as she rises from her perch.

You begin to follow Gurashi.

Gurashi quickly ushers an arm around you as the rain begins to fall harder, huffing and the bulk of their coat to shield the faeling from the downpour.

You follow Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo west to A flooded garden.

You follow Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo west to A chilling, forestal curiosities room.

A flicker of lightning is followed shortly after by long, low rumble of thunder which causes the windows to rattle.
It is now the 16th of Dvarsh, 565 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Gurashi huffs and puffs, stamping their feet, stepping inside just as lightning strikes somewhere nearby. They pull the door shut with a grimace, shaking out their limbs.

Gurashi closes the oak door to the east.

You have emoted: Lief ducks down under the shielding arm, surprised by the sudden thunder. She draws back and laughs a merry little laugh, giving her antlered head a little shake near the door, spraying water with the jerking motion. "I have so much to tell you about," she says, "but I want to know what is troubling you more."

A flash of emerald from the west announces the entry of an ethereal cat.

An ethereal cat makes a plaintive meow, looking pitiable.

Gurashi bids you to wait, lifting their hand and drifting to the north. They return with a hand towel in either hand, offering one to you. They drag their hand over the back of one of the pleading ethereal cats as they continue their walk, waiting for you to follow.

You follow Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo southwest to A bright but barren solarium.

Gurashi takes the hand towel to their hair, then wraps it around their neck, shrugging off their coat and throwing it over one of the empty flower beds to hopefully dry. Rain hammers against the glass walls and ceiling, at times almost deafening, but over time becoming more of a soothing background noise. Gurashi lifts their still-wet and wrinkled notepad, writing: 'faster'. They point at you, smiling apologetically and gesturing to the piano bench.

The chirping of frogs and crickets surrounds you in a medley of natural song.

You have emoted: Lief gratefully takes the towel to tousle her hair, then dries her neck, smiling. She watches Gurashi as she pats herself, then follows their attention to a white cushioned wicker bench. "If you would like," she laughs, perching at the very edge of one side of the seat. Her dragonfly wings fold behind her, still dripping water. "Is the notepad okay?"

The wind sings quietly as it passes through the branches of the ravenwood trees.

Gurashi sits instead on the ground beside the bench, drawing up their knees, their tail wagging again. They look at the notepad and smooth it out, blowing on the page. They nod insistently, waving it repeatedly to help it dry.

Gurashi smiles apologetically at you.

You have emoted: Lief uses her towel to pat at her shoulders, and then her considerable sleeves, a quiet hum in her chest as she watches Gurashi drying the notepad from the corner of her eye. "I painted that for you," she smiles before returning to her hum.

Gurashi tilts their head curiously at you.

Gurashi stares at a notepad covered in flowers and pollen-dusted bees, eyes wide.

Gurashi tilts their head, setting aside their previous notepad and letting it dry naturally. Their eyes widen as they give the notebook a more thorough look over now that they're out of the rain. They lift it close to their face, touching the little bumblebees upon the cover, expression curious.

Gurashi frowns, squeezing the notepad lightly, looking up at you in surprise.

A bit of pale morning light tries to bleed through the clouds, but is quickly lost again in the storm.

The sweet, inviting scent of baked goods comes drifting in from the kitchen.

You have emoted: Still smiling, still humming, Lief continues the work of drying off her sleeves. She gives her wings a little flutter at one point, helping the rainwater to fall from them. "I confess I think of you every time I see those bees," she finally says, her hum trailing off. "I know a garden with some very particular bees. Their wings hum blessings to you sometimes when you pass them by - they wish you nothing but joy and happiness as they go about their work."

You have emoted: "Just like you do," Lief adds with a nod of her antlered head. Her hands settle in her lap, calloused musician's fingers lightly grasping the dampened towel she holds there.

Gurashi lifts their gaze just in time to catch your explanation, at first smiling, though it soon withers and fades. They look down at the notepad and pull it close to their chest, bunching their shoulders as the lower half of their face disappears behind the colorful cover.

Gurashi leans on a notepad covered in flowers and pollen-dusted bees seeking consolation.

You think to yourself: The flowers are as colorful as you normally are, too.

Loud to the point of seeming reverberation, cicadas play out buzzing dissonances.

-l
A bright but barren solarium.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Stepping out from the wildly busy curiosities room, you find a brightly lit octagonal space that is nearly entirely composed of clear glass walls and dark ravenwood support beams. The solarium stands as wide as the neighboring greenhouse to the north, and the conical ceiling comes together at an equal point where a lovely glass lantern has been set to hang. The floor is made of smooth, slate-colored stone, three half steps leading down to the heart of the solarium. Multi-tiered gardening beds have been set up along four of the eight walls, freshly planted but far too soon to be showing signs of life. Another wall holds carefully organizes shelves with gardening supplies - gloves and spades - small instruments intended for light indoor horticulture. The final wall houses an unassuming upright piano. No more than fifty inches in height and carved from walnut, the instrument houses shiny ivory keys and offers a sweet, lovely tone when played. A tan wicker bench rests here, white cushioning plump and inviting. Chain neatly folded, this globe lantern casts a wistful shade of blue on its surroundings. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo is here. They wield a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars in their left hand and a wyrden shield emblazoned with the Drums of the Dead in their right hand.
You see exits leading northeast (open door) and east (closed door).

Gurashi gazes miserably at some poor stone on the ground before them, partially slumped over.

You have emoted: Lief's smile remains through the shift in her mien, from explanation to concern she does a poor job of hiding. She turns her gaze from Gurashi, gazing instead to the glass walls and the life beyond that is absent within. "And so I worry," she says softly, ankles hooking together.

A passing breeze causes the flame within a delicate glass lantern to flicker, innumerable tiny flowers suddenly painting the surroundings in a colorful wash of pale blues and violets.

(REDACTED): Gurashi says, "And that's my lantern."
(REDACTED): Gurashi says, "SORRY."
(REDACTED): Gurashi says, "My manse is full of scary things LOL."
(REDACTED): You say, "EVERYTHING MAKING ME JUMP."
(REDACTED): You say, "XD."

Gurashi finally opens a notepad covered in flowers and pollen-dusted bees, touching the unmarred pages with a difficult to read expression. They write at last: 'notepad is so beautiful thank you SO much <3 <3 <3 am very sorry - do not worry - many things is fine. want to hear your things please.' They hold up the notepad hopefully.

You have emoted: Lief's ear twitches to the sound of writing, which draws her gaze back to Gurashi. Her fingers tighten slightly on the hand towel she still holds, her expression, for the briefest of moments, unreadable. And then it passes like a shadow cast by a cloud that's very high up, and she smiles anew. "If you wish." She clasps her hands together and lowers her voice conspiratorially. "You remember Binky, yes? And of course you know Aschwar."

You think to yourself: I'm not certain I believe them...

Gurashi perks up, their starry eyes widening.

Gurashi leans forward, nodding hurriedly, their tail a blur of orange and white as it wags side to side behind them, barely visible beneath their too-large-of-a-coat.

Wooden wind chimes can be heard clunking gently together as a breeze moves through.

Gurashi tilts their head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: "Well," Lief says, her voice burgeoning with effervescent delight, "I finally heard from Aschwar from the first time in *forever*, and I'm so glad that they're doing well. I miss them!" She laughs a bit and gives her antlered head a little shake. "But that's not what I wish to say. I wish to ask - do you know where they are staying to be the priest of the Thousandfold? They've sent a gift they hope I will give to Binky - and I will - but more importantly, I want them to see each other again!"

Gurashi boggles at you.

Gurashi's hands fly to their mouth as they gives a short gasp of elation.

You nod your head enthusiastically at Gurashi.

Gurashi suddenly scribbles: 'Friend Aschwar's villa?! know where is yes!'

You have emoted: Lief claps her hands together delightedly. "Wonderful!" she beams. "We shall need to bring Binky there, or bring Aschwar to visit Binky - I hope soon. We *will* do this together, right?"

Gurashi nods their head sagely.

Gurashi nods their head at you.

Gurashi nods their head at you.

Gurashi looks suddenly to you, face lighting up as they smiles brightly at you.

Gurashi writes again: 'Binky misses Aschwar too! still has their cookies! will be so happy!' They sigh.

Gurashi sways back and forth.

Rain steadily streams down the window panes, crashing in noisy waves against the walls and roof.

You have emoted: Lief flashes Gurashi a beaming smile, her hands clasping tightly together. Conspiratorially, she asks, "Would you like to see the gift I am to give? I do hope Binky hangs it somewhere prominent."

Gurashi's eyes bulge out and they lean forward, nodding.

The soft tinkling of seashell wind chimes is carried in on a warm breeze.

You have emoted: Lief turns and unslings a waterproofed sack containing something bulky from her shoulder. She draws it open, then pulls out a painting of cookie-bound bliss, as proud as though *she* were the one to have painted it.

You display a painting of cookie-bound bliss for all in the room to see.

-p painting
Smaller than the average portrait, this painting nevertheless manages to portray a large amount of detail in the washes of colour that are displayed upon it. While the art is fairly simplistic, the sheer joy that radiates from it shows a display that is almost childlike in whimsy and happiness. Simple illustrations of a small mouse-kin furrikin and an enormous tae'dae sit in a field of purple grass, surrounded by cookies that appear to be growing straight from the ground. Filled with marshmallow, chocolate, almonds, and a wide variety of other delicacies can be seen in the circular sweets, being picked at by a fiesty faeling, a concerned-looking kepheran, and even by an airy looking elfen woman with white hair. The tae'dae and mouse-kin, though, share the spotlight as they split a large cookie fill to bursting with chocolate chips with large mugs of steaming tea sat between them. In the bottom-right of the painting is a small pad-print, brilliant gold marking where the artist left their signature.
It has 252 months of usefulness left.
It weighs about 37 pounds.
It bears the distinctive mark of Aschwar.
It has the following aliases: painting.

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi gasps, amazed.

You have emoted: "It's amazing, isn't it?" Lief asks as she scoots on her seat to likewise admire a painting of cookie-bound bliss. "Someone as big as Aschwar painted something just the right size for Binky, and it is perfect."

Gurashi nods several times, their jaw dropped, as if hardly able to register the painting before them. They clasp their hands over their mouth, eyeing you.

You have emoted: "So much attention and love went into this painting," Lief sighs quietly, happily, before she carefully returns it to its temporary home.

Gurashi nods again, smiling weakly, furrowing their brow as they watch you regard the masterpiece.

Loud to the point of seeming reverberation, cicadas play out buzzing dissonances.

Gurashi looks down at their colorful new notepad, tail wagging once.

The sweet, inviting scent of baked goods comes drifting in from the kitchen.

You have emoted: Lief uncrumples the hand towel she'd used to dry herself and carefully folds it on the bench next to her, keeping her musician's fingers busy. She smiles again, deeper, and she says, "I've missed spending time like this with you, Gurashi. You look different nearly every time I see you, and you had me worried earlier - but even if I worry still, I'm filled with so much joy regardless."

Softly, to herself, you say, "That must be selfish of me, to feel happy despite your troubles..."

A passing breeze causes the flame within a delicate glass lantern to flicker, innumerable tiny flowers suddenly painting the surroundings in a colorful wash of pale blues and violets.

Gurashi shakes their head, gazing morosely at the cover, their tail no longer wagging. They lift the quill as if to write but find no words, glancing at the piano, then up at you again. Finally, they scribble something new, setting the notepad on the bench beside the faeling, letting their head droop until their horn presses into the bench, keeping their head aloft: 'are too many things and not enough times but i <3 you and am so very glad you are back - also you should probably go. not safe to be around me for little while'. They stare at their words, then quickly add 'again' at the end of their sentence.

A gust of wind causes the many wind chimes to crash and clatter together chaotically, accompanied with the steady patter of rain.

Gurashi sniffs softly.

You have emoted: Her hands stilling, Lief's gray eyes slip sidelong to study Gurashi's words. Her softness and her warmth fades the longer that she reads, until she reads, 'again' and her nostrils briefly flare, not unlike a doe's might. She jerks her chin and stares at Gurashi, and then she slides off the bench to kneel on the ground beside them. "You already know my answer," she says quietly, her eyes flashing with glimpses of golds and reds and violet blues.

From somewhere unseen, a cat meows softly before it is heard scampering off.

Gurashi sits up a little straighter, blinking as you joins them on the ground. Clearly not expecting it, they rise, shoulders bunched as they pull the notepad close to their chest. They frown and shake their head insistently, stumbling to their feet.

Gurashi shakes their head.

Gurashi shakes their head.

Gurashi glances askance.

You have emoted: Lief follows Gurashi's movements, rising to her feet as well, and then taking to wing to keep at roughly eye level. "Gurashi," she says, blinking several times, her eyes beginning to water. "Please don't push me away again. We've only just reunited."

The chirping of frogs and crickets surrounds you in a medley of natural song.

You have emoted: Lief holds a hand to her heart, her fingers curling slightly into the kimono's fabric.

You think to yourself: You are one of my very dearest friends.

Gurashi is making for the door when you halts their departure, exhaling noisily. As their miserable gaze meets your, they abruptly reach out and pull the faeling into a hug, mindful of her wings as they squeeze their eyes shut.

A warm, gentle wind brings forth the scents and sounds of fresh moving water.

You have emoted: Lief breathes in deeply, opening her arms to squeeze - almost to cling to - Gurashi in turn.

Fireflies light up the darkness outside as they dance in slow, chaotic patterns.

Gurashi trembles in their embrace, squeezing so tight your lungs are hard pressed to find air, if only for a moment. When they pull back, they have composed themselves enough to stifle any potential for tears, watching you seriously, holding the faeling at arm's length. Finally, they write: 'won't risk another - is just for little while. then maybe will be O-K again.' They hold out the notepad, unable to meet your gaze.

Gurashi quickly adds: 'thank you for notepad is so beautiful you are so sweet owe you kindesses.' They sniff.

Gurashi stares at you, gaze softening and face filling with concern as they frowns at you.

You have emoted: When Gurashi pull away, Lief slowly brings her arms up to hug her elbows, her gray eyes quietly reading, and then re-reading, Gurashi's words. Finally, she lifts her gaze to meet Gurashi's own, and she nods. "But I'm not going to let you be for very long," she frowns.

Gurashi stares at you, gaze softening and face filling with concern as they frowns at you.

Gurashi adds more to the page: 'so glad are back.' They smile sadly, looking down again at the page, their tail drooping.

Gurashi glances askance.

Gurashi writes: 'i have to go. six months? hopefully will be safe again by then.' They laugh in bitter silence.

Gurashi smiles dryly.

You have emoted: Lief's voice is quiet, almost featherlight. "I am happy to be here, and to see you." She blinks her eyes several times again, then breathes out despite Gurashi's silent laughter. "I will hold you to that number. Six months."

Gurashi glances askance.

Gurashi tugs urgently on your sleeve.

Gurashi suddenly lifts up a wooden songbird.

Gurashi pets a wooden songbird ingratiatingly.

Gurashi's gaze softens as they smiles at you.

A flicker of lightning is followed shortly after by long, low rumble of thunder which causes the windows to rattle.
It is now the 17th of Dvarsh, 565 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You have emoted: Despite herself, Lief's lips are pulled up into a little smile as she flits nearer to admire Gurashi's wooden songbird. She is quiet for a moment longer, and then she quietly says, "I will be different when we next see each other again. But I will not be hurt, and you needn't worry."

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi's eyes widen as they stares at you.

Gurashi tilts their head curiously at you.

Gurashi writes: 'promise?'

You have emoted: Lief nods her antlered head, her eyes smiling at the corners as she reads Gurashi's word. "I promise."

Gurashi hugs you compassionately.

You give Gurashi a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Lief quickly draws back, wiping her sleeve at her cheek before smiling at Gurashi again. "Shall I see myself out?"

Gurashi heaves a great sigh, stepping back again. They look at the new notepad... unable to help but smile as they look at it. They run their fingers over the cover once more, then beckons for you to follow, grabbing their coat.

You follow Wakabi-Armed Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo northeast to A chilling, forestal curiosities room.

Gurashi smiles weakly.

You think to yourself: They need space. But...it's so hard to, when they hurt.

You smile softly at Gurashi.

Fireflies light up the darkness outside as they dance in slow, chaotic patterns.

Gurashi writes: 'thank you for visiting - happy.' They hide their nose and mouth behind the pages, nodding.

You have emoted: Lief lingers for a moment more, searching Gurashi's face. Her gaze lowers to the notepad, and then lifts again, nodding. "I am happy to have seen you. I will visit again, after six months."

Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

Gurashi bobs their hand side to side awkwardly.

You have emoted: Lief dips her antlered head toward Gurashi, then turns to leave.