Filled with Bees

With a gentle creak, you say, "Well... I think this time, it will be easier, if I am in this form. And..."

Looking up at the Wyrdenwood as they continue their slow walk, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo asks, "Yeah? Bigger tree makes bigger confidences?"

You follow The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo north to before a tenebrous pool.

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances askance, before looking back at Gurashi with something hardening in her gaze. "If you ever need any help... I will be here for you. Even if I am not the best at helping," she ends with a chuckle, her intense expression relaxing into something sheepish.

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

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "...ah! You are very kindly, yes you are." They continue again, chittering to themselves. "Maybe am crazy persons to admit. But. Things are probably going to be a little differently soon, maybe."
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo chitters, "Feeling in my insides. Filled with ... bees."

You follow The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo north to near a statue of the Lady of Thorns.

Rather wryly, you say, "My insides are always filled with bees."

Gurashi steps into the clearing slowly, quietly bowing as they look towards Akuuko, the Rewoven. "Am not sure if you are awake, but hiiiii," They say in a whispering buzz.
Gurashi stares blankly at you.
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo exclaims to you, "Oh - me too...!"

(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "We buzz lol."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Fdnsjkncsnnslkd."

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, before pointedly making an effort to look in Akuuko, the Rewoven's direction.
Cautiously, you bow respectfully to Akuuko, the Rewoven, only to sway dizzily once you stand upright.

Gurashi looks at the sleeping dracnari before leaning against a nearby tree to look back up at you. "They are probably still sleepings. I did leave them message." They point at the caracal kitten origami upon the ground nearby, smiling. "Hopefully he sees."

You think to yourself: **red, fiery red washing over the green**.

Gurashi chitters at you with energetic clicks of their mandibles.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's grip on Gurashi's hand tightens ever so slightly.

Softly, you say, "I see. Well, I am glad they are resting. They had quite the trial, before."

Quietly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "...yeah, I do not remember when I was growing my leggies as a small larvaes but -imagine- would make -me- tired too."
Gurashi chitters at you with energetic clicks of their mandibles.

You hum softly, your leaves resonating with song.

Gurashi looks up at the surrounding trees, mandibles clicking. "Do have much to say today? Your siblings."

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances up at the trees, her expression softening. "Not exactly. They sing Her praises, mostly. Most of them are happy to live in such a beautiful place, and to be judged as such."
With a gentle creak, you say, "As for the others... they say much the same. Make sure to eat, take a bath, you know."
You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles, her leaves rustling with amusement.

Perking up, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Trees can eat cakes? Oh," An embarrassed whistle, "mean, obviously YOU can but."

You chuckle softly, your leaves rustling with laughter.

Gurashi peers towards a nearby mature Rowan tree. "They look after you?"

With a gentle creak, you say, "Yes."
You smile, lips creaking softly.
With a gentle creak, you say, "Even if they can be rather rude about it~."
You grin mischievously at a rowan sapling.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo asks you, "That is kindly of them ... eh?"
Gurashi chitters to themself with speedy movement of their mandibles.

You hum softly, your leaves resonating with song.
With a gentle creak, you say, "Well, I know that they've been my siblings for a long time. They were the only ones who cared for me, and I for them. It was... a difficult time made manageable. Lovely, even."

Gurashi reaches out to lay their smaller right hand on the tree they've chosen to lean against. "Ahhh. Yeah yeah. Heard explained like, find love in those around you?" They look at the surrounding forest fondly. "So must be nicely."

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.
With a gentle creak, you say, "Yes, it is nice."
You close your eyes, branches growing still as you listen intently.
You crease your brow in a frown.

Thoughtfully to themselves, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Trees are different from kephera ..."
Gurashi ponders the nearest tree, chittering again.

You have emoted: Cheliyi opens her eyes, only for the question to die on her lips. She eventually smiles, and nods. "It... I think it is less like a hive mind... and more like a web. Most choose to link to it, but can ignore the roots of their siblings if they choose to."

Gurashi blinks slowly, eyes widening. "... a psychic web..."

With a gentle creak, you say, "They are all... very distinct. Even if my siblings always manage to find me, no matter what form they take I can always see who they truly are. Brother Rowan has been following me around quite a bit, lately."

Thoughtfully, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, ".... ah, actually," They let out a buzzing laugh, "kind of doe sound muchly like Hivemind - but, not. At least how the connection works."

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances pointedly at a rowan sapling, smile amused.

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

You hum thoughtfully at Gurashi, your leaves resonating with song.
With a soft laugh, you say, "Really? Well... I don't remember much about the world, so I'm not surprised that I'm wrong."

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Fcsndndsklnk hivemind is cell service, trees are landlines."
(The Shadow Kindred): Gurashi says, "Perfect."

Gurashi shakes their head. "Uhm. Well, there is our Hive minds, yes yes. Where we do and, feel and, talk to each other, all the time. Always aware of each others. And, can make it louder, or, softer. Apparently. We learn really -little." They twiddle the thumbs of their smaller hands together. "Is what Miss Khep said at least."

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "But we are always connected, unless antennaes get broke, or, something goes wrong in our brains and we no longer have big-brain-psionics. Ah!" They look at Cheliyi suddenly. "I actually did not have functioning antennae until somewhat recently...!"

You crease your brow in a frown.
You think to yourself: **green interrupted by spikes of orange** Who keeps harming you?

Gurashi reaches up, gently touching the end of their left antennae, which sags almost immediately after.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's expression smooths out, and she just huffs a quiet sigh. "Well, I'm glad you have it back. If I could not hear my siblings..." She goes quiet, branches spreading out as if subconsciously reaching for the surrounding trees.

Gurashi's expression softens as they look back towards Akuuko, the Rewoven, then up at you. "...it is very quiet, yes. So quiet it is loud."
Shadows swirl around Gurashi's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around their hand.

You have emoted: Cheliyi hums softly, but her leaves do not shake. The branches pull back, and she smiles weakly.

Gurashi hums softly to themself.


---> look cookie

This cookie is soft, but has been skillfully shaped into the likeness of
a crow with wings outspread. Though not painstakingly detailed, the
essential spirit of the bird is captured in the tilt of head, the flare
of feathers, and a beady eye shaped from a minuscule chip of kafe.
It has 9 months of usefulness left.
It is strangely weightless.
It has been preserved against spoilage.
It has a trade valuation of worthless.
The beauteous craftsmanship of The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo radiates throughout it.
It has been stamped with the seal of The Shadowfeast Cooking Cartel.
It has the following aliases: cookie.

--->eat cookie

You consume a crow-shaped cookie leisurely, enjoying every bite.
The cookie melts enjoyably in your mouth, releasing the full-bodied, nutty flavour of invigorating kafe.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Anyway ... Miss Khep has been teaching me to tune out the other Hive - so, is not so loud. Because, is loud other way, too."

So quiet it's almost lost in the breeze, you say, "I see. You make really good cookies, by the way."

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

You smile, lips creaking softly.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Oh! Many thank yous, am LOVING to cook."
Gurashi chitters to themself with speedy movement of their mandibles.
Proudly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Here! I also made this - it is my whole design."
Chittering, Gurashi gives a platter of sliced chocolate oranges with viridescent leaves to you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls out her spectacles.
You slip into a pair of thin spectacles.

You have emoted: Cheliyi studies a platter of sliced chocolate oranges with viridescent leaves with a smile, before glancing back at Gurashi. "I believe I've eaten these before as well. They really are tasty."

---> look platter

Bearing a striking resemblance to an actual orange, the shiny
confections on this platter have been carefully carved and textured. Set
atop the treats are vibrantly green meringue leaves, barely stuck to
their chocolate stems. Equally spaced hairline cuts down the sides of
the oranges gives a hint to the breakaway nature of the dessert.
It has 23 months of usefulness left.
It weighs about 1 pounds and 14 ounce(s).
It has been preserved against spoilage.
It has a trade valuation of worthless.
The beauteous craftsmanship of The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo radiates throughout it.
It has been stamped with the seal of The Shadowfeast Cooking Cartel.
It has the following aliases: platter.

---> eat platter

You eat a platter of sliced chocolate oranges with viridescent leaves with gusto.
Taking a meringue leaf from its topmost perch, you pop it into your
mouth, the faux frond melting instantly and leaving granules of sugar to
disintegrate as you chew. You take the rest of the dessert in your hand,
pressing down on the top and the bottom simultaneously, causing it to
snap open, spreading like a flower's petals. All at once the deliciously
powerful scent of oranges reaches your nose, enticing you to have a
bite. A smile-shaped wedge disappears into your mouth, the infused
flavors of the orange zest mixing with the delightfully sweet taste of
milk chocolate as it melts upon your tongue. One after the other, the
slices are devoured, until nothing is left but the lingering scent of
citrus.

Tucking their hands back together before themselves, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "You gotta break it against something and then eat the little slices... or just all at once - hah."
Gurashi chirps happily.

You have emoted: Cheliyi freezes, the orange already halfway in her mouth.

Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.
Looking up, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "No! You can eat how want! But for smaller peoples, it can be broken!"
Gurashi chitters at you with energetic clicks of their mandibles.

You have emoted: Slowly, without breaking eyecontact Cheliyi shoves the rest of the pastry into her face.

Grinning, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Imagine a faeling trying to put mouth over one of these."
Gurashi looks at you, eyes lighting up as they grin.

You have emoted: Cheliyi snorts, before briefly choking on the chocolate orange.

Gurashi laughs again... then gasps, offering up their waterskin. "Ah! Food is for enjoying not choking!"

You have emoted: After a moment of silent struggle, Cheliyi manages to finish swallowing, and coughs out a laugh.

Gurashi frets over everything that might go wrong.

You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your branches creaking harmoniously with joyful amusement.

Gurashi beams broadly at you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi takes the waterskin and and sips it, before handing it back to Gurashi with a mischievous grin.
With a somewhat scolding tone, you say, "You aren't allowed to be funny while I'm eating."
The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

Gurashi's eyes light up as they smile.
With a defeated sigh and a shake of their head, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Ah - this is something I cannot commit to - many apologies, Miss Cheliyi."

Covering your mouth with a mossy palm, you choke back laughter at Gurashi.

Gurashi's eyes light up as they smile.
Gurashi chitters to themself with speedy movement of their mandibles.
Gurashi looks pleased, antennae bobbing as they quickly look about the clearing, letting out a fast and cheerful hum.

With a poorly hidden grin, you say, "Terrible. Awful. Be ashamed."

Gurashi offers you a weak smile, waving a hand. "O-K. Will cease and be nicely again. No more jokes." They look down, plucking another cookie from its basket and biting it in half with their beak.

You smile, lips creaking softly.

Gurashi stands quiet for a while, their wings opening and snapping shut again. "...he is still not awake." They smile sadly, their head resting against the tree behind them. "And have so much to say."

You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls out a cookie as well, inspecting it quietly before taking a large bite.

---> look cookie
A dark, square cookie has been baked from gingerbread to emulate the
wooden nature talismans wielded by practitioners of Nature magic.
Depicted in lines of pale-grey and deep-yellow frosting, the shapes of a
wiccan athame dagger crossed with a druidic golden sickle decorate the
cookie's surface.
It has 9 months of usefulness left.
It is strangely weightless.
It has been preserved against spoilage.
It has a trade valuation of worthless.
The beauteous craftsmanship of The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo radiates throughout it.
It has been stamped with the seal of The Shadowfeast Cooking Cartel.
It has the following aliases: cookie.

Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.

Mouth half full of crumbs, you say, "Perhaps write him another letter? So that way the words do not eat you up, sitting inside for so long."
You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "... ah - have no papers. For letters. Well. Have lots of letters, but not empty."
Gurashi suddenly cants their head and narrows their eyes at a slim letter printed with beetles, peering at it suspiciously.
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "...words mean more than letters, sometimes. Cannot hear tone. Sometimes words may seem mean, but, they are not."
Gurashi shuffles their feet uneasily.
Gurashi looks at Akuuko, the Rewoven, expression filled with concern as they frown.

You give Gurashi a friendly squeeze.

Longingly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Is so hard to express extremest of feelings in words - like, love or fondness or guilt or regret."
As they are squeezed, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Words have powers."

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances askance. "... Yes, they do."
You have emoted: Cheliyi goes quiet, staring at Her statue with an unreadable expression.

You think to yourself: **orange, mixing with a deep, dark green.** I do not have a death wish. But that does not mean that I have to like you.

In their silence, Gurashi continues to watch Akuuko, the Rewoven as he sleeps, their expression twisting, unreadable.
Quietly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Wish was dreamweavers..."

Gurashi folds their smaller arms across the chest, thoughtfully resting their cheek against their face.
You have emoted: Cheliyi squeezes Gurashi's hand, gently. "Convenient, but... perhaps he does not dream, either. Sometimes, sleep is empty."

Thoughtfully at this, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "I do not dream either..."
Curiously, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Never have."
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "...well, once did."
Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile.

You blink.

Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.

Thoughtfully, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "I hope he does not NOT dream - having seen what they can be, golly..."
Gurashi sways anxiously in their spot.

You hum softly, your leaves resonating with song.

With a gentle creak, you say, "Well, he is sleeping peacefully, so we can hope."
Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo whispers, "Hope when wakes up is still..."
Gurashi bobs their head side to side, thoughtfully strumming their mandolin.
Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile.
Gurashi looks up at you suddenly. "Am sorry, got all sentimentals, did. We were talking about Hiveminds, and the webs. There is a psychic web - did you know?"

Oddly cheerful, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "For kephera - maybe for ALL peoples - it is what allows my peoples to be reborn over and over, and why the Queens that get born now are same as were hundreds of years ago, oh yes."

You blink.
With a gentle creak, you say, "I... know of the tapestry. But not of the web."

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo whispers, "Ahhhh - am not sure how it works... but - is like the kind spiders weave. But is everywhere always, is."
Gurashi ponders the situation.

You hum softly, your leaves resonating with song.

Thoughtfully, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Have theory is where we go when we go through the Portals - happened to Tiso! But," They chirr, "my hypothericals are often incorrectly."

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.
With a gentle creak, you say, "That seems... likely."
You have emoted: Cheliyi absentmindedly rubs at her forearms, stopping when the sound of scraping bark fills the air.

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

You blink.
You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls back her hand from her wrist as if burned, before smiling hesitantly at Gurashi.

You think to yourself: **red, creeping back into the green and orange like an ever hungry flame**.

Blatantly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "I have not yet been a tree, no. Just squishy forms - and this." They rap on their own torso, the sound reverberating. "See? Hollow."
Curiously, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Is painful? What does feel like? My chitins do not feel much," They ramble on, gazing, haunted, at nothing. "I do not know HOW humans survive with their poor toes suffering the way they do in shoes and on corners of things."

You chuckle softly, your leaves rustling with laughter.
With a gentle creak, you say, "I am much... tougher in this form. Growing to become this is... quite painful at first, to be honest. But, I do not mind."
You have emoted: Cheliyi hums softly, glancing at a rowan sapling with a loving smile.
With a gentle creak, you say, "My bark does not hurt, and I hunger little. I am much heavier, much taller."
The chirping of crickets surrounds you in a medley of night-time music.

Gurashi tilts their head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi gestures at her branches, her expression wry. "The only thing that bothers me are my branches, which often weigh so much that it is hard to bend over and such."

A look of understanding crossing their features, Gurashi nods their head slowly.
Gurashi leans forward thoughtfully, as if testing their own center of gravity. "Oh - did not consider..."

You chuckle softly, your leaves rustling with laughter.
With a gentle creak, you say, "Neither did I."

Curiously, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Do have favorites? Being small, and squishy, or, tall and..." They trail off before adding, "tree-y?"

You crease your brow in a frown.
With a gentle creak, you say, "I..."

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo whispers, "Am sorry - was squishy the bad word?"
Gurashi frets over everything that might go wrong.

You chuckle softly, your leaves rustling with laughter.
With a gentle creak, you say, "No, no. You are fine."
You have emoted: Cheliyi glances at Akuuko's sleeping form, her body tensing before she glances back at Gurashi.
With a gentle creak, you say, "My other form... it feels more vulnerable. It is nice, to return to it once in a while... but it..."
You have emoted: Cheliyi goes quiet.

Gurashi is silent as well, staring up patiently at the wyrdenwood.

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles at Gurashi, expression grateful. "It does not feel as comfortable as my current form. It seems to bring up... memories of a worse time. And I do not wish to return to that, when the now is so lovely."

Gurashi stares at the wyrdenwood as you_she says this, frowning. "...is your portal forms - the smaller, mugwumpier you?"

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.

Gurashi offers you a sad smile. "That is not so far-fetchings."
Gurashi's mandibles twitch as they voice a soft, curious chirr.

With a gentle creak, you say, "Out of the portal, everything was so new and pleasant... I did not remember."

Gurashi looks again towards Akuuko, the Rewoven, thrumming quietly in agreement. "Mm."

Expression tightening, you say, "I still do not. But... I am not sure I want to."

"You may have had a very unkindly story." Gurashi explains quietly, wringing their smaller hands together. "If you do not want to know, then do not. Otherwise, may regret what learn."
Laughingly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Am both happy and sad to know mine!" They shake their head. "Has taught me, that life is often like waves, and things often repeat."

You think to yourself: **brown bleeds into the red and green, a heavy weight sits on your heart**.
You sigh quietly, branches creaking with the weight of drooping leaves.

Gurashi stretches languidly.

You have emoted: Cheliyi offers Gurashi a weak smile, and squeezes their hand gently. "Is that how you regained your voice?"

Gurashi looks to your hand joined in their own, returning the affection with a squeeze back. "Mm."
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Well."

Gurashi glances askance.
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Already -knew-, but..."
Gurashi chitters to themself with speedy movement of their mandibles.

With a gentle creak, you say, "Well, I'm sorry people keep being so awful to you. It isn't fair."

Without looking up this time, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Every experience teaches."

Her voice raising, ever so slightly, you say, "Well yes, sure, but they don't -have- to. Some people are just cruel, and it benefits none."

You have emoted: Cheliyi abruptly closes her mouth once more, glancing at Her statue with a hint of discomfort, and then annoyance.
You sigh quietly, branches creaking with the weight of drooping leaves.

Gurashi looks up. "... came at time when things are about to probably, be changing?" They chitter up at the wyrdenwood fondly. "I know you are mad. Because, I was also mad. Well, hurt. And, confused. What is mean to some, is lesson to others..." They shuffle. "But - the Forest has many reasons to be mad at me, yes."

Suddenly, staring, calm, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo asks you, "Would you like to know my secret?"

You blink.

With a gentle creak, you say, "I... well, you do not have to tell me, but I will listen."

Gurashi closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.
Gurashi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Closing all four of their hands around Cheliyi's own, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "No no, mean, am going to tell everybody later anyway."

Blinking at the sudden contact, you say, "I... alright."

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "...mean, unless you do not want to know? You do not have to."
Gurashi frets over everything that might go wrong.

You flash Gurashi a quiet smile, your leaves shaking with amusement.
With a gentle creak, you say, "Of course I do."

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo asks you, "Was not meaning to put on pressures. Oh - maybe I SHOULD wait." They look over at Akuuko in a huff, then back up at the wyrdenwood. "Heckity. Oh - are sure?"

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

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.

Softly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Mm. I broke a big big BIG big rule, dear Miss Cheliyi, I did." They pause, furrowing their brow, antennae sagging. "Ah, am having the weird dijon vu's about this moment.... oh, but, anyway."

Gurashi's eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across their face.

Suddenly, frowning, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, [REDACTED]

You blink.

Softly, you say, [REDACTED]

Gurashi smiles sadly up at you. "So. Of course She is mad." They drop their gaze.
Gently, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, [REDACTED]

Gurashi squeezes your wooden hand a little tighter, their antennae drooping. "Mm." They glance towards Akuuko, the Rewoven. "An Eye for an Eye."
Gurashi stares ahead, looking utterly wounded.

You have emoted: Cheliyi goes still.

Gurashi stares at you, gaze softening and face filling with concern as they frown at you.
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "... am sorry."

You think to yourself: **orange, orange ORANGE**.

Gurashi's antennae droop further, and they release two of their hands. "...m...Miss Cheliyi?"

Voice creakling like the snapping of a tree branch, you say, "-That- is why? Sincerely? That is-."

Gurashi winces in pain.
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Know - is really bad yes."

You have emoted: Cheliyi closes her mouth abruptly, absolutely fuming at Her statue.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Is like, number two or three rule."
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Number one is Nothing Matters but Glomdoring."

Stretching your branches, you cast a gloomy shadow over your surroundings.

You have emoted: Cheliyi looks the most furious you've ever seen her.

Gurashi flails about helplessly.
Deadly quiet, you say, "Gurashi, could we leave the temple?"

Flailing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "M-miss Cheliyi! Yes! Uhm --."
Gurashi flails about helplessly.
Gurashi fretfully scuttles at your underfoot, then scurries south, chittering.
Gurashi frets over everything that might go wrong.

You follow The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo out to before a web infested rock.

Gurashi steps away from the rocks, catching their breath in their hurry as they turn towards you. "What is wrong? What happened? I-I'm sorry if upset are you -O-K-???"
Gurashi flails about helplessly.

You have emoted: Without pause, Cheliyi whirls around and hugs Gurashi tightly. Her shoulder shake.

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi reaches for you, pulling you into a tight hug as they wrap all four arms tightly around you.
Gurashi chitters up at you anxiously, eyes wide. "What is wrong, what is wrong!!" They chitter frantically, wings opening and closing.

You have emoted: "You deserve none of this. I cannot believe-" Cheliyi's voice warbles with pure frustration, her branches trembling.

Gurashi suddenly cants their head and narrows their eyes at a sheep, peering at him suspiciously.
Gurashi blinks.

Her branches creaking with a mighty groan, you say, "This is most foolish-, shortsighted, -selfish- thing I have seen, and it is from- from -Her?-."

Voice cracking in surprise, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo asks you, "Oh - wait, huh?"

Gurashi flails about helplessly.
Gurashi stares at you, gaze softening and face filling with concern as they frown at you.
Quietly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "M-miss... oh."

You have emoted: Cheliyi releases Gurashi, staring intently into what she assumes are their eyes. "This is not fair. An eye for an eye teaches nothing, except to bring you pain and to service Her." Her branches tremble violently.

Gurashi fretfully laces their smaller hands together, frowning and pacing before you. "Ahhhh - ah, it must be more, than that. And. I just." They shake their head. "I do not know what will happen, but She knows - and so does the Shofets, but the Shofets will be there for me, yes." They reach out suddenly, touching your arm. They lower their voice, their gaze suddenly intense. " Please - You must be careful too. Please only speak nicely of the Lady of Spiders. Or if you cannot, then eat your thoughts when are inside of the Forest."
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "I do not understand why Divines are the way They are."
Frowning, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Obviously - am doing so weirdly."

You sigh quietly, branches creaking with the weight of drooping leaves.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Is one thing you MUST know, yes."

With a gentle creak, you say, "I will not make things harder for you. I promise."

Gurashi bounces in their spot, vibrating audibly. "I LOVE the Glomdoring. And even though She has been mean, I love Her too - the Lady of Roses." They shake their head furiously. "[REDACTED] does not mean do not love Her. I do not know if that ..." They chitter. "It may not be -enough-. But. Heckity."
Thoughtfully, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Have come this far."

With a low thrum, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "I love you too, Miss Cheliyi! And all of my Wyrdenkin family and friends. [REDACTED] And also many more peoples I would not have enough time to name in this exact moment."
Gurashi's mandibles twitch as they voice a soft, curious chirr.

You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Will hope that the Glomdoring that I would never do this to hurt them. Nope."
Gurashi chirps happily.
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "But but. Be careful. And goodly and smart."
Gurashi reaches out to lay a hand on your arm. "You are those things yes. Goodly and smart."

With a gentle creak, you say, "I can both love my siblings and you. And my other new friends. It is not so hard to understand, I think. I will stay safe, and smart."

Gurashi reaches for you, pulling you into a tight hug as they wrap all four arms tightly around you.

You smile, lips creaking softly.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Do not worry."
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to you, "Whatever happens I will be O-K, yes. Will come out of it."

You have emoted: Cheliyi returns Gurashi's hug just as fiercely.

Muttering wryly, you say, "You better."

Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile.
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "I must rest my souls and send Miss Ethna a couple cookies before she begins to cry..."
Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

Lycidae arrives from the in.

Lycidae looks about herself suspiciously.

Gurashi glances askance.

"Shoo! Shoo!" Lycidae says to Gurashi as she waves them away.

You follow The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo down to before the Master Ravenwood Tree.

Chittering softly, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says to Ethna, "Moment."
You nod slowly, leaves rustling softly.

You follow The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo northeast to Shadowfeast Kitchens.

Gurashi hums softly to themself.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Me-cookies."
Gurashi nods their head emphatically.
Gurashi gives a kephera-shaped cinnamon cookie to you.

You follow The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo down to before the Master Ravenwood Tree.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "... I should make a lot more."
Gurashi glances askance.
Gurashi winks knowingly.
The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo has lost you.
Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "Mm - goodbye! Will see soon!"

The tears welling up in Ethna's good eye slowly run down her cheek before dissipating into nothing as the cookies appear into her hands.
Ethna runs up to Gurashi and envelops them in a massive bearhug.

Gurashi steps up to Ethna, wrapping all four arms tightly around her as they pull her into a tight hug.

Ethna D'Rose says, "Okay, you're free to go."

Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

Ethna shovels a cookie into her mouth.

Faintly buzzing, The Basin's Friend, Gurashi An'Ryshe, the Crescendo says, "One for each arm."
Your hearing returns to normal as the thrumming hive din that filled the air fades with Gurashi's departure to the down.

You have emoted: Cheliyi huffs a sigh, shaking out her branches as if ridding herself of water.

Ethna holds out a kephera-shaped cinnamon cookie to you, her head tilting to the side as a muffled, "Cookie?" escapes her lips.

You smile, lips creaking softly.
With a gentle creak, you say, "I have plenty, thank you."