A Visit with Friends and Chat with Mother Moon

<-- After some negotiation with the Moonhart Circle, Gurashi got permission to visit Duethielle et al in the Serenwilde sans an escort! So Gurashi IMMEDIATELY wrote Duethielle et all to let them know:

Dear Miss Duethielle and friends,

Hello! It is me, Gurashi!

Guess -what-! [this word has been underlined several times] I sent a letter to the Moonhart Circles to ask if would be O-K to visit you and your friends without having to wait for others and I gots PERMISSIONS! That means, I can come see you all soonly! I do not know exactly when? Or what are goodly times to come and see you. I do not want to abuse this gift, so I want to try not to visit more than once or twice a year. I may try to say hello in one of the next three months, perhaps closer to my birthday in Urlachmar? I will bring cake!

I hope you are all doing well! I miss you muchly. Am sorry to have taken so long to reach this points.

Stay goodly and kindly and know I loves you all and will see you soonly!
Sincerely,
Gurashi (and Bizirik) [in a quickly scrawled addition to the original letter] and Ham!!

PS - I got a new friend! His name is Ham! He is still a puppy but he is already quite big! He is very goodly, yes. I do not have a dessert for hims yet, but I hope you and your friends will like him despite his bigly size. He is a very good boy! Bizi was jealous, but she is coming around. I think she likes having a doggy around because is so used to cats. [There is a doodle at the bottom of the page of a stick figure throwing a ball to what must be a poor rendition of a leothin and an awkward circle-beast that must be the aforementioned dog]

~~~
A day later, Gurashi was delighted to receive the following response:
~~~

You read what is written on an elegant white letter:
Dear Gurashi,

I am so happy you can come to Serenwilde now when you want...

I did not know your birthday was in Urlachmar.

It is early in the year, and the frosts still rest on the trees.

I hope I do see you when you come to visit. Olikai says I am more myself
around the weave. [Here, something appears to have been written then
scratched out.]

There is a flower in this letter for your birthday. I hope it does not
fall out... It is bright, like you.

Duethielle

An elegant white letter is holding:
<--- a VIBRANT SUNFLOWER :D (I wore it)

~~~

<-- Deciding to follow up on the promise, Gurashi snuck into Serenwilde to see if their friends were awake...

A adolescent Nyalian mastiff paws at the ground absently, a low whine escaping his muzzle.

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to an adolescent Nyalian mastiff's brow.
A adolescent Nyalian mastiff playfully snarls at you, baring perfectly white teeth and then his lolling pink tongue.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

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

Bright and clear, you ask, "O-K, Ham. What say you we go check on our friends?"

You gaze softens as you smile at an adolescent Nyalian mastiff.
A adolescent Nyalian mastiff's ears rise and sharpen into tight triangles as he stares vigilantly at you.

Moon River mouth.
Superimposed over this location, an ethereal forest reaches up to the sky. A rainstorm pours down from the heavens. The waters of the Moon River to the northwest flow here into the cold blue of the Inner Sea. The tide reaches into the river a small distance, kicking white-flecked waves against the far-away banks. Islands of sand have gathered where the tides are not so violent, and cormorants and black-headed gulls circle above, waiting for a meal of fish. To the southeast, the vast expanse of the Inner Sea stretches as far as the eye can see.
You see exits leading southeast and northwest.

LOOK MEEEE
The being standing before you exudes friendly energy, standing several inches shy of six feet tall with an athletic build. They are an ordinary human kindly demigod changeling. Their arms and legs are sinewy, the muscles in their upper body evidence of recent training efforts. Their calloused hands are constantly in motion, either loosely balled into fists at their side or resting on their instrument. Their most prominent three knuckles of their right hand are faintly scarred, pale star-shapes etched across their flesh. Their sandy skin has been tanned from repeated exposure to the sun, causing an array of tawny-colored freckles to appear upon their round cheeks and thin, upturned nose. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen near the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. A moderately-sized, crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek. Perhaps the most noteworthy thing about them is their untamed mop of fiery red hair, complete with a few strands at their part that fail to obey the natural laws of gravity. A shock of bone-white hair has grown in along their temple. A pair of kind gray-blue eyes gaze out from below red bangs, their color striking against all the surrounding warm hues. Soothing mists of water and light weave about them in a sparkling white veil, marking the truefavour of Lantra, the Empyreal.
They are wearing:
a starry wreath of celestial light set atop their head like a halo
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
the Mantle of Starlight which flows dreamily about their shoulders and back
a sleeveless black tunic which clings to their upper body flatteringly
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet which jingles softly on their left wrist
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a crystalline poppy with inlaid smoke worn delicately upon their left wrist
a driftwood ring of sea breezes fitted tightly to their left middle finger
simple white linen trousers which swish around their legs freely
a vibrant sunflower tucked into their pocket.

You nod your head emphatically.

You pet an adolescent Nyalian mastiff ingratiatingly.
A adolescent Nyalian mastiff playfully snarls at you, baring perfectly white teeth and then his lolling pink tongue.

You murmur softly to an adolescent Nyalian mastiff.
A low rumble shudders throughout a adolescent Nyalian mastiff's chest, a sort of gentle, contented sound.

Bright and clear, you ask, "Behave goodly, O-K?"

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles up at their massive mastiff compatriot. Ham placidly stares back, tail wagging.

Hidden glade market.
A fresh breeze is blowing through the area. A number of briar rose bushes grow at the edges of the glade, enclosing it in a thick, thorny ring that is difficult to traverse without injury. Rising from the leaves is a subtle fragrance, sweet as apples, which permeates the meadow with its rustic stalls and shelves that house various items for sale. Tall birch trees rise from among the briars, their whorled eyes overlooking the area like silent guardians. Wings humming, Miaei Wildbriar hovers in midair. Shimmering with a stately posture, Olikai Clawheart floats in the air. A pleasantly plump golden tae'dae origami sits next to the enshrined painting, smiling cheerfully. Her olive skin glowing with beauty, Duethielle Landrennbenn sings to herself. Binky Tailsnap stands here, his soft nose and whiskers lifted thoughtfully. A painting of cookie-bound bliss has been enshrined on a shelf here, festooned with flowers and leaf garlands and a trail of mouldy cookie crumbs. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. A mature oak tree stands proudly here. There are 4 slice of layered rainbow cakes with star-shaped sprinkles here.
You have emoted: Gurashi cautiously pokes their head into the glade, an adolescent Nyalian mastiff's head appearing just overhead as they do. "Ah, uhm..."

From the entrance to the glade, you say to Duethielle Ladrennbenn, "Good evening, Miss Duethielle... I hope this time, we are not too early! Instead, of too late..."

You have emoted: Gurashi offers a tentative wave towards Olikai Clawheart, Binky Tailsnap, and the trees where they assume the faeling Miaei Wildbriar is hiding, puffing their cheeks.

You pet an adolescent Nyalian mastiff ingratiatingly.
A adolescent Nyalian mastiff playfully snarls at you, baring perfectly white teeth and then his lolling pink tongue.

Whispering, you say to an adolescent Nyalian mastiff, "You be good, yes? Stay. Very big, will introduce. Remember? Like when you were a puppy and you were the small one."

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures with their hands, squishing them gently to make the approximate shape of the mastiff when he was once small. "You were a sausage, Cheli said." They nod at Ham, who licks his nose then resumes to panting placidly in response.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Olikai Clawheart.

LOOK OLIKAI
Floating in the air as if she were a mirage, Olikai Clawheart is an loboshigaru woman of gentle elegance. She stands tall, with a long, refined snout and ears that drape down the sides of her head like fine, wavy hair. Though translucent of form, she bears the full colours of her pelt in faded saturation: a warm red run through with streaks of silver along her ears, upon her chest, and on the back of her hands and feet. Her eyes are liquid brown, a quiet kindness behind them. Upon her long-furred body drapes a fine robe woven in blue, decorated with the fauna of the forest dancing in leaping circles about one another. A satchel of the same faded translucence as her body hangs from her shoulder and across her front, a simple golden clasp in the form of a bumblebee holding it closed. Now and again, her long, luxurious tail waves at the hem of her robes, shifting back and forth in thought or in welcome.
Olikai Clawheart looks to be crushingly strong.

You think to yourself: ... oh! How did not notice that clasp? *their gaze lingers on the bumblebee* So very cute. No wonder Duethielle loves thems so muchly.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn turns slightly to look at you, breaking into a soft smile. "Oh... Hello..."

LOOKIT DUETHIELLE
Duethielle Ladrennbenn is an elfen of radiant olive skin and snow white hair, which is kept out of the way in a long, drooping braid that reaches down to the back of her legs. She wears a light, airy tunic of pale rose and loose, billowing pants of midnight blue limned in silver. Her bare skin has been inscribed with emerald tattoos in spiralling shapes of plants, vines, birds and forest creatures, which run across her cheeks and down her neck, over the collarbone and onto her chest, her back, her lithe limbs, even to the very tips of her fingers and toes. She hums softly off and on, her clear blue eyes glittering with flashes of joy. A musical bracelet of blue and white violets hangs from one of her wrists.
Duethielle Ladrennbenn looks to be crushingly strong.

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up at the response, their face brightening. "Ah! Miss Duet!" They wave a little more eagerly, stepping forward though an adolescent Nyalian mastiff stays near to the entrance to the glade. "Look! I am here!" They twirl once as they approach joyously. "Like promised!"

You beam broadly at Duethielle Ladrennbenn.

LOOK BINKY
A mouse-kin of average height and gentle spirit, Binky Tailsnap looks about himself with bright and curious eyes. His fur is soft and well brushed, with whiskers extending like a fan from his small, pink nose. He wears a supple leather jerkin, its colour slightly darker brown, and matching breeches ending in tiny feet enclosed in a pair of well-worked moccasins. His hands bear remarkably agile and slender fingers, which are often clasped together or twirling his whiskers in thought. Draping behind him, a flexible, ropy tail curls from side to side to accentuate Binky's movements.
Binky Tailsnap looks to be crushingly strong.

LOOK MIAEI
Possessed of slender limbs and a spritely, sharp-angled face, Miaei Wildbriar easily exemplifies her faeling heritage. Her wings are butterfly-like, translucent, light filtering through their many-hued sections to cast colour upon her cool, blue skin. She wears a tunic of flower petals and a skirt of verdant leaves, with a leather pouch slung across her shoulders to hold small odds and ends. An incessant humming surrounds her form as she hovers barely off the ground at baseline, darting here and there, high and low, as various aspects of the surroundings draw her attention.
Miaei Wildbriar looks to be crushingly strong.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn smiles at you and reaches forward, laying a finger on the sunflower in your pocket. "Yes... you are here!" She then tilts her head. "Happy birthday... Has it already passed?"

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts their tunic slightly near their chest, where the sunflower adorns their left breast pocket as Duethielle Ladrennbenn touches it. "Ah, yes! It was on the fifth," They shaking their head, offering the elfen a reassuring wink. "But, that is O-K! I still brought cake, like promised. I was asleep when it happened! Slept right through my ooooown birthday."

Using your tongue and the roof of your mouth, you make a quiet clicking noise.

You think to yourself: *bemusement* I am getting /old/.

Happily, you say to Duethielle Ladrennbenn, "Many thank yous for the gift - I love it. A goodly flower. Goodly gift."

Duethielle Ladrennbenn clasps her hands together and smiles, staring at you fixedly. "If I had a moonflower I would give you one. But I had only a sunflower..."

You think to yourself: *a thoughtful thrum, a swirl of bright saffron and pink hues* Ah - now that mention it... need to find out, HER birthday. Their birthdays...

You have emoted: Gurashi opens their mouth, then closes it again, looking confused. "A moonflower?" They look up, studying the nearest tree. "That is O-K, the sunflower was lovely!" They insist, returning their full attention to the elfen. "I do not think I have ever seen a moonflower. Are they a flower you can only find in the Serenwildes? Like how the Glomdoring has those shiny black roses?" They wiggle their fingers of their right hand in the air as if their hand were a spider before dropping it back to their side.

Suddenly, Miaei Wildbriar pops out from the branches and steals a slice of cake before she could be engaged with.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans in to listen, canting their head to the side.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances towards Miaei Wildbriar but says nothing, offering a little smile. At the edge of the clearing, an adolescent Nyalian mastiff continues to wait benignly, tail disturbing the brush behind him as he watches.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn says to you, "Lady Lisaera... She has all the moonflowers." She pauses, considering this statement as she hums slightly. "I suppose that makes sense."

Repeating the name back gently, you say, "Laaady, Lisaera... I never met Her - sorry..." They smile. "What is YOUR birthday, Miss Duethielle? Since you were so sweetly to give me a gift for mine."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to pat the sunflower tucked within their pocket, smiling warmly.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn turns to Olikai Clawheart, asking dreamily, "What is my birthday...?"

You look at Olikai Clawheart hopefully.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans over to look at Olikai Clawheart beyond the elfen standing in front of them. "And yours!" The human adds.

Taking Duethielle's hand and squeezing it, Olikai Clawheart says to you, "It's 19 Dioni, if you would know. She's a spring maiden. As for mine, it is 25 Roarkian."

You stare blankly into space.

Happily, you exclaim to Olikai Clawheart, "Oh! It is almost Miss Duethielle's birthday!!" With a gasp, they add, "Oh! Your birthday is JUST before the New Year! How lovely for you!"

You boggle at Olikai Clawheart.

Olikai Clawheart laughs, her long ears swaying. "Not as lovely as you might think. Everything is celebrating the New Year's eve instead."

Duethielle Ladrennbenn says to Olikai Clawheart, "But you love snow..."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly scrunches their face and counts on their fingers. "Uhm, then, that makes you, a Skull sign, and Miss Duethielle... a volcano." They giggle. "For a-strologies? I remember learning it long long long long time ago. I think that is right." They perk up, listening to the conversation, then smiling. "Oh, I guess I hadn't considered that... but also, everyone is already celebrating and happy. So, fortuitous, in this way." They offer the loboshigaru a smile. "But then again my birthday is not on the 25th of Roarkian."

Bright and clear, you say, "Oh! Oh. Snow! That is another lovely thing."

You hum softly to yourself.

You sense the passage of Xiran to the west with a fluffy pair of ursine ears.

Nodding and spreading her hands, Olikai Clawheart says, "I certainly have an affinity for the spirits of the dead... or at least where they dwell."

A bright yellow rose comes flying in from the west and lands on the ground with a 'thump.'

You have emoted: Gurashi cants their head to the side, reaching up to brush their bangs out of the way. "I--".

An entrancing red rose comes flying in from the west and lands on the ground with a 'thump.'

A vibrant sunflower comes lofting in to you from the west, and you catch it nimbly.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the bloom as it lands on the ground near their boots, mouth forming a perfect 'o' of surprise. When the second one falls they scrunch their face and squint towards the west just as the sunflower comes in and piffs softly against their face.

You have emoted: Gurashi catches the sunflower, holding it with a blank stare.

<-- squints west
Sheltered hollow.
It is quite cool. An oak sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem.
You see exits leading east, south, and northwest.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn appears to have not at all noticed the various flowers flying in. She hums brightly in the dawning sunlight.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes out their head thoroughly, blinking several times over and calling aloud towards the entrance to the glade "HELLO???" They stand up straight, then look down at the flowers scattered among the ground, quickly bending to scoop them up. "Ah, more gifts...!"

Your snout twitches and trembles at the air, sensing through a striped badger nose upon your face the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.

You make out the scent of Xiran coming from coiled about the treetops.

You pick up a bright yellow rose.
You pick up an entrancing red rose.

You have emoted: Gurashi offers the blooms to Olikai Clawheart and Duethielle Ladrennbenn both, allowing both or neither to pick between the two roses or sunflower, a bemused smile on their face.

Still offering the flowers, you ask, "Am sorry for rambling, before - was going, to ask how you were all doing? How things have been, for you in the Forest lately! Any newly news? Goodly things?"

Duethielle Ladrennbenn blinks once and says to you with a curious expression, "You have many flowers... Where did you get them?"

Cheerily, you say to Duethielle Ladrennbenn, "A mysterious benefactor!" They glance over their shoulder then back to the elfen. "Or possibly Miss Xiran. I do not sense anyone else a-wake right now. Would you like one?"

Your snout twitches and trembles at the air, sensing through a striped badger nose upon your face the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.

Your melodic voice sings into Xiran Stormcrow, Scribe of the Woodbine's mind, "I sensed... you walk by... and then... was assaulted with beautiful blooms! Did you happen to see the culprits?"

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

The smell of wildflowers wafts past your nose.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn now stares at your hands. "Oh! Which one would you like me to have?" She leans forward to look at the blooms vaguely.

Bright and clear, you say, "Oh? Uhmmmm..."

The soft voice of Xiran tickles your ear, "Hmm! I'm afraid not. But there were various pixies about, and lots of flowers gathered of late for them to choose from."

You have emoted: Gurashi considers each of the three flowers, then begins to carefully hold each one aloft, lifting them into the air just to the right of Duethielle Ladrennbenn's right temple. They scrunch their face and suck in on their lower lip as they consider the roses, then the sunflower, finally settling on the latter of the three. "We can match!" They offer. "Because we do not have moonflowers, right now."

Carefully with a smile, you give a vibrant sunflower to Duethielle Ladrennbenn.

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi offers the yellow rose to Olikai Clawheart. "Can have a yellow one as well if want! So can all match." They say with a smile, twirling the flower in their grasp.

Your melodic voice sings into Xiran Stormcrow, Scribe of the Woodbine's mind, "Hmm hmm! Curious! Curious!"

Duethielle Ladrennbenn holds the sunflower happily in her hands, grasped tightly. She slightly dips her nose into the centre of the bloom and closes her eyes.

You gaze softens as you smile.

Bright and clear, you say, "A goodly flower."

Olikai Clawheart says to you, "Certainly, thank you. Although I'm somewhat... translucent, so that is my overarching colouration."

The soft voice of Xiran tickles your ear, "I take it that the Regent and Vates Arboreal responded well thens? I hope the pixies' mischief didn't interrupt your visit."

As they pass over the flower, you say to Olikai Clawheart, "Think most peoples look good in the right sunshine shades! Yellow will look goodly on you, yus."

Nodding most certainly, you give a bright yellow rose to Olikai Clawheart.

Your melodic voice sings into Xiran Stormcrow, Scribe of the Woodbine's mind, "Yes! No! I mean, yes! Mister Elarin said he was thinking about it but Miss Nialla just GAVE me a letter saying I could so... I am! But not all the time, just sometimes. DO not want to abuse, still must be respectful, but - this is..."

Your melodic voice sings into Xiran Stormcrow, Scribe of the Woodbine's mind, "*a warmth, a quiet sigh, a bloom of sunset hues* Nice."

Duethielle Ladrennbenn opens her eyes again, her eyes the clear blue of the afternoon sky. She laughs and says, "Now you have given me a present!"

The soft voice of Xiran tickles your ear, "Hee. I hope you have a good time with your friends, Gurashi."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods several times, letting out a little laugh and blushing a little in response to the elfen's joy. "You gave me an early present for my birthday! So this is for you. For yours!" They flash a toothy smile.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn grips the sunflower tightly in her hands, happy at the present. "I will treasure it always..." She sniffs at the flower again, even though the centre has already started to go to seed.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles, gaze briefly passing over the bracelet upon Duethielle Ladrennbenn's wrist before bowing their head. "Feel similarly for mine," They insist, laughing as they look up again. From the edge of the clearing, an adolescent Nyalian mastiff yawns and lets out a soft whine, panting and drawing quiet attention to it. Gurashi gasps, hand flying to their mouth. "Ah! Oh, uhm...do you remember, the friend I was telling you about? In my letter - Ham?" They turn back to the elfen and her wife, eyes wide.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn turns her blue gaze to an adolescent Nyalian mastiff.

You have emoted: Gurashi wordlessly points to the mastiff patiently waiting at the edge of the clearing, his tail wagging benignly. "That is he. This is he! I asked him to wait there, in case was..." Their gaze flicks towards the smaller of the glade's occupants. "Too big! Even though he is still a baby!"

You have emoted: Gurashi gestures towards an adolescent Nyalian mastiff, whose tail wags a little faster upon being addressed. An excited little wiggle, but he stays put, panting quietly and watching as Gurashi excitedly wanders closer. "He is friendly, I swear!"

Stating the obvious in her melodic voice, Duethielle Ladrennbenn says, "He is very big."

Bright and clear, you ask, "Yes! Can you believe?"

You have emoted: Gurashi moves to stand beneath the mastiff, able to fit as snug as a hand within a glove, the panting creature's bottom jaw just sitting atop the human's head. "Still a little more growing to do. He is muchly bigger than Bizi. But Bizi is realy coming around to like him." They wrap their arms around the dog's forelimbs, standing there goofily. "I wanted hims to say hi! Is making all sorts of friends."

Duethielle Ladrennbenn bends and picks up a slice of cake, then she offers it to the very large puppy.

You have emoted: Gurashi rocks a little, though Ham does little moving, his massive bulk too large for the human to effectively sway. At the proffered cake his panting ceases and his ears rise up curiously. He leans forward and gives the plate a good sniff before his great tongue lolls out and laps up the slice in a single bite.

Your eyes bug out as you boggle in amazement.

You have emoted: Gurashi squawks as they are slightly crushed by the leaning mastiff, lolling their head back to try and look at an adolescent Nyalian mastiff as he licks his lips, then stares at Duethielle Ladrennbenn, tail wagging faster again. He leans forward and sniffs at the elfen's hands still holding the plate, as if expecting a new slice to have already appeared.

Slinking out to be free of the mastiff, you say, "See? Biiiiiig... and just as hungry, as Bizi."

You beam broadly at Duethielle Ladrennbenn.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn hums softly to herself.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn lightly pats an adolescent Nyalian mastiff on the snout, humming happily. "You are beautiful..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's face brightens as the puppy receives the praise. Ham gives Duethielle Ladrennbenn's hands a few more sniffs before licking at them thrice, letting out a content little grumble in response. He then proceeds to lay down, thwumphing gently in his spot to allow himself to be doted upon.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

You pet an adolescent Nyalian mastiff ingratiatingly.
A low rumble shudders throughout a adolescent Nyalian mastiff's chest, a sort of gentle, contented sound.

Bright and clear, you say to an adolescent Nyalian mastiff, "Yes, my goodest of Hams."

Tilting her head to one side, vaguely, Duethielle Ladrennbenn says to you, "Where is the other one?"

With a smile, you ask, "Bizirik?"

Olikai Clawheart snorts in a little laugh. "I imagine they don't get along yet, if this hound is new." She curls her snout in amusement.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn says to you, "Yes..."

Bright and clear, you say, "She is at home! Yes," They glance towards Olikai and shrug a little. "Bizi was REALLY jealous early on, but now she is getting used to him and they get along... But, since I have been focusing on TRAINING Ham, she has been allowed a little more free-times, and so she has been doing a LOT more being -lazy-, if you can believe it. So many naps! But soonly I will be training them both to-gether."

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Olikai Clawheart.

A adolescent Nyalian mastiff paws at the ground absently, a low whine escaping his muzzle.

Bright and clear, you say to an adolescent Nyalian mastiff, "Oh I know, we miss Bizi too."

Leaning forward, you gently press a kiss to an adolescent Nyalian mastiff's brow.
A adolescent Nyalian mastiff playfully snarls at you, baring perfectly white teeth and then his lolling pink tongue.

Bright and clear, you say to Duethielle Ladrennbenn, "Miss Duethielle, do you want to see Bizi? I could call her, yes, to say he-llo..."

As if continuing some thought in her head, Duethielle Ladrennbenn says to you, "Bigger than you..."

You think to yourself: *a ripple of guilt, not having any Bizi-shaped cookies to offer*.

You nod your head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi spreads their arms. "Ham is the biggest." They assure the elfen.

You flop yourself into an adolescent Nyalian mastiff's arms.
A adolescent Nyalian mastiff playfully snarls at you, baring perfectly white teeth and then his lolling pink tongue.

As the mastiff licks them for leaning against him, you say to an adolescent Nyalian mastiff, "Or are going to be! Ack!"

You have emoted: Gurashi pushes an adolescent Nyalian mastiff away and wipes at their face, ruffling their own hair to make sure it is not parted by puppy spit.

As it becomes night time, Duethielle Ladrennbenn hums and sings to herself lifting her eyes to the waxing gibbous of Mother Moon.

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze lifts, and they blink a few times, watching Duethielle Ladrennbenn, their expression softening in understanding. They glance towards Olikai Clawheart, furrowing their brow.

You pet an adolescent Nyalian mastiff ingratiatingly.
A adolescent Nyalian mastiff playfully snarls at you, baring perfectly white teeth and then his lolling pink tongue.

Gently, you say to an adolescent Nyalian mastiff, "Caaalm, now."

The Moon's gentle, silvery light falls down upon the glade, and Duethielle's voice blends with the light in beauty.

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze quickly returns to Duethielle Ladrennbenn's, their eyes widening, breath stilling. They step closer but do not intervene, merely watching.

You think to yourself: *the sunset hues soften, soften and cool, shades of blue and violet, shimmering ivory white light*.

Olikai Clawheart gazes upon her wife, a soft, sad smile playing across her lips. She leans in close to you. "You know, to me, she is as lovely as Ellindel herself. I do not know what she sees in a loboshigaru like me." She places a hand on your shoulder and grips it in a friendly way. It is odd to have such translucence there and yet so solid.

You have emoted: Gurashi does not say anything immediately after Olikai Clawheart's comment. As they feel the loboshigaru's hand upon their shoulder, they lean in towards the touch, their head lolling to the side, lips curled at the corners into a faint smile as they watch Duethielle Ladrennbenn sing. "You are a lucky lady - am glad, you are here to-day," They human whispers at last, hands folding over their heart, over their instrument, returning to silently watch.

You think to yourself: *a little flutter in their chest and a deep, far off sigh, then a deeper one - affection and amazement and longing, happy longing*.

Still, Duethielle sings under the light of Moon, and overhead, Miaei peeks out her head to hear the elfen's song. The faeling is calm for once, her expression admiring, chin resting on a palm.

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows lightly, their eyes glazing over with a thin film of tears, smile growing as they hear the branches rustle. Beside them an adolescent Nyalian mastiff yawns and rests his head upon his paws, quiet.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn ceases her singing suddenly, and she pauses, humming as she weaves and turns back and forth.

You have emoted: Gurashi stands up a little taller, expression no less curious.

The howl of a distant wolf momentarily silences the crickets.

Olikai Clawheart gently reaches out to Duethielle Ladrennbenn and asks in a low voice, "My love, what does Mother Moon say today?" She wraps her arms about the olive skinned elfen.

You think to yourself: Mother Moon... ah - she said She talked to her...

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a cautious, curious step closer, giving their mandolin a squeeze as they watch the pair, focused on the elfen.

Vaguely, in a low voice, Duethielle Ladrennbenn says, "She says... the Daughter of the Rivers is drenched in sorrow... Or she will say?"

Duethielle Ladrennbenn blinks.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Duethielle Ladrennbenn, canting their head dramatically to the side. "The Daughter of the Rivers..." They cup their unscarred cheek, repeating the word again, silently.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn looks into Olikai's gaze and smiles. "Oh, my wife. Are we dancing again?"

Olikai Clawheart says to Duethielle Ladrennbenn, "You were singing to Mother Moon."

Vaguely smiling, Duethielle Ladrennbenn says, "I like talking to Mother Moon..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up with a smile as Duethielle Ladrennbenn returns to focus, glancing towards Olikai Clawheart. "Is She very goodly conversation?" They look up at the sky, squinting. "In... my old home, we weren't... allowed to look, very muchly, but." They stare up brightly. "She is very pretty."

Nodding, Olikai Clawheart says, "She is beautiful."

The last vestiges of midnight shadows flee as Mother Night hides herself from the luminous arrival of her shining mate as he chases her across the bowl of the sky.

You think to yourself: *straining, thoughtful - how does someone just listen to the Moon??*.

Duethielle Ladrennbenn closes her eyes and rests her head against Olikai Clawheart's shoulder, as if tired with the rise again of the morning.

You think to yourself: *does She sing, like the Resin Child? Or the Sileni Song?*.

You shake your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances towards the pair, hand resting against their chest. "Ah, are..." They ask Duethielle Ladrennbenn. "I guess talking to the Moon is a pretty Bigly Conversation," They whisper thoughtfully, brow furrowed. "Do need anything?" They look between the pair worriedly.

Olikai Clawheart pats Duethielle gently on the back, kissing her on the top of her head. "I suppose Duet is done again for this weave." She gives you a kind smile. "Thank you for spending your birthday month with us. I think she will rest and be better again."

You look at Olikai Clawheart hopefully.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles and nods several times, squeezing their hands together. "Thank you, for inviting me... I am, so glad I could catch you boths..." They glance towards the other two and smile. "All." To the loboshigaru they add, "My soul will be resting lots and lots the next few months, but, be sure to take care, O-K? Take it easy. Stay goodly and kind. I will come back again, next year." They smile. "Perhaps again for a birthday gift."

Addressing the sleepy elfen, you say to Duethielle Ladrennbenn, "Thank you for the letter. And the gift. Happy birthday, Miss Duet."

Duethielle Ladrennbenn opens her eyes and smiles at you. "Happy birthday, Gurashi." Then she closes them again, and Olikai holds her.

Bright and clear, you say to Olikai Clawheart, "And happy belated birthday, to you." They step back, smiling. "We're gonna go, now! Have a goodly rest. Ah..."

You give a slice of layered rainbow cake with star-shaped sprinkles to Binky Tailsnap.
You give a slice of layered rainbow cake with star-shaped sprinkles to Miaei Wildbriar.

You wink knowingly.

You flash the victory sign.

Binky Tailsnap clutches the cake in his little hands and bows deeply, tail lifted. "Thank you! Visit lots, please!" He nods to himself.

You have emoted: Gurashi turns and jogs over to join an adolescent Nyalian mastiff again, clapping and urging the puppy to rise. "O-K, let us make like pigeons and swoops into the day," They enthuse to the puppy, offering a cheerful wave goodbye to the gathering in the glade before vanishing to the west.

<-- POOF!!!