RIP IT OUT

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Ah! I've just attained a Great Rune of Resumption. That is not the worst thing ever to uncover at these vaults."

Uzriel tells you, "Congratulations! What does it do?"

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "It makes me a little better at handling when I am stunned and blacked out - I find myself better able to withstand it for a short period of time, if I've already suffered such."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "In a century, when I start participating in combat in earnest, I will be glad to have it, I think!"

Uzriel tells you, "I see that now, it is also quite valuable!"

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "It is! I'm not disappointed, in truth."

Uzriel tells you, "That name though. It sounds like a disease."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Bah. Nobody will see it."

Uzriel tells you, "I know that you are afflicted with a case of resumption!"

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "But you will keep my secrets, you have said."

Uzriel tells you, "I will."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Then this secret, too, is safe with you!"

Uzriel tells you, "It is, so long as its not contagious."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Now, you were contagious once before with your drunkenness. If this *does* happen to be contagious, we might consider things fair and settled between us."

Uzriel tells you, "But you like being drunk."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Yes, but I was robbed of the best part of it - the journey!"

Uzriel tells you, "And I was kind enough not to be contagious with the other symptom."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Death - yes, though I wonder if I would have gotten there were it not for my brazier."

Uzriel tells you, "You may have just wished for it."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "I had to be fully recovered and healed by someone from fallen Gloriana!"

Uzriel tells you, "You would have survived without it!"

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Yes, but I would have suffered!"

Uzriel tells you, "All artist suffer! You could have made a good piece about it."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Perhaps I'll write a piece about how a dear friend of mine enjoys my suffering instead."

You hum a happy tune.

Uzriel tells you, "Some people just don't get art!"

-drop dragonfly
You drop an iridescent clockwork dragonfly.
Steam rolling from the faint cracks beneath its wings, an iridescent clockwork dragonfly hovers instantly into motion next to you.

-read 308914
"Stars", By Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon (Page 1)

STARS =+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

I want to freeze this moment here:
    This most unbearable view
And you: it's insufferable, I fear,
   The way that you make new
The rising of our Father Sun,
   And his setting, too.

A wind tears through my antlers' blooms,
   Smog choking at my throat,
And I am strangled by the fumes
   Of unfamiliar rote:
Some incantation just begun,
   Yet you don't seem to gloat.

I think that I would rather die
   Than suffer another chance
Meeting of your meticulous eye,
   So I look askance,
Down upon the roiling sea
   And the tide's advance.

The sun begins to set out there,
   Dusk dashed against the waves,
Painting darkness beneath our stare,
   Those orange and violet graves,
And as I watch, I am ensnared:
   Something within me caves.

All too soon, it disappears,
   Swallowed by the sea -
It was laid upon that great big bier
   And carried away from me.
But then you point down there: "Now look,"
   Down into the black city.

One by one, they wink to life,
   Like stars up in the sky:
Down below, the midnight streets are rife
   With lanterns which belie
The deepness of the taint down there,
   A deadly lullaby.

I gasp and feel earth on my lips,
   And soot stains on my face.
I wipe at them with my fingertips,
   But it's futile to erase
The taste of this city's infection
   As it marks me with its trace.

Is that why I feel my pounding heart
   As it rattles in my chest?
Is that what pushes me to start
   Feeling around you stressed?

These stars, you say they are man-made,
   So to them I can't confess.

-give 308914 to dragonfly
You give a delicate silver scroll of roses to an iridescent clockwork dragonfly.
An iridescent clockwork dragonfly takes a delicate silver scroll of roses between its claspers, twirling through the air in confusion.

You say, "Deliver to Uzriel."
An iridescent clockwork dragonfly curls his lengthy abdomen inward and grasps the offered package almost delicately between his brassy claspers. Faint plumes of steam drift from the cracks beneath his wings, and then with a harmonic buzzing sound, an iridescent clockwork dragonfly takes off into the air.

An iridescent clockwork dragonfly arrives amidst a metronomic drone, barely visible save the flash of metal and stained glass wings.

You say, "Perch."
An iridescent clockwork dragonfly dives in a perfect circle, landing on your head with a faint, metronomic drone.

 Uzriel tells you, "Oh, this poem is amazing. It's ahh, I did not realize."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "You think it is?" Faint threads of anxiety flit upon the aethers. "Oh goodness - I am so relieved if you think so."

Uzriel tells you, "It is. I am trying to think of the words to respond with. There is quite a lot to it."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Oh, if the words do not come, that is okay, too! Chasing around our thoughts and mustering them into words is *hard*. That is why I write poetry and music."

Uzriel tells you, "I am very honored and humbled by your words though. You captured both sides of...Magnagora, well."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Much of what I see of Magnagora, I see through you, Uzri-- ah, Geochemist."

Uzriel tells you, "Would you care to go adventuring somewhere maybe? I need to figure out what next task I want to work on though."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Oh, yes, I would!"

Uzriel tells you, "Oh!"

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Oh? Oh, if the invitation was meant for someone else, that is okay!"

Uzriel tells you, "Maybe poke around the asylum? Beyond pacifying the residents, I saw a note about some cure for insanity."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Oh - yes, that would be interesting!"

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Where would you like me to meet you?"

Uzriel tells you, "Unless you have a different idea or suggestion, did you ever find anything more about those memory crystal fragments?"

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Oh, sadly, I haven't. My eyes have been peeled for the right silver bell, but...alas."

Uzriel tells you, "Have you pacified the asylum residents before?"

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "I never have, myself. Is it ... ah... something someone from my nation wouldn't like to do?"

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Will I be handling dark essence matter myself, or ingesting the void?"

Uzriel tells you, "I believe the fame from pacifying the residents is considered "light" and involves slaying i'Xiia and undead."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Ah! Ah, I mean...while I would never enjoy murdering members of a noble house of your city...ah, I would join you and take notes if you chose to."

Uzriel tells you, "I was more curious if we were both going in blind or not."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Oh! Hah, then we shall figure it out together, yes?"
9800h, 7300m, 10800e, 10p Bexkb-

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "I do not need the fame just now myself."

Uzriel tells you, "I'm here now if you want to teleport."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "I am bidding Haghan farewell - I shall teleport to you anon!"

Uzriel tells you, "Excellent, I am looking for the mugwump with the cure for insanity. I'm not sure what all it involves but it might be interesting too."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "I think so, too!"

You tug upon the aether strands around you, searching for one that connects to Uzriel.

You teleport along the aether strands to Uzriel.
---------- v41275 -----------
                \ | /
             [ ] [ ] [ ]
                \ | /
-[ ]-[ ]     [ ] [ ] [ ]
  |   |         \ | /
 [ ] [ ]         [ ]
\ | \ | \         |         /
 [ ]-[ ]-[ ] [+]-[ ]-[ ] [ ]-
/ | / | /   \     |     /   \
 [ ] [ ]     [ ] [ ] [ ]
  |   |         \ | /
-[ ]-[ ]         [ ]
                  |
                 [ ]
                  |
---------- -1:2:0 -----------
A high-security cell.
The air in this room is hot and heavy and contributes to the oppressive atmosphere that resides within. As a result of the heat, some of the padded lining has come loose and litters the floor, uncovering the rocky wall that sits behind it. Oddly enough a coolness can be felt upon touching it, and it has perhaps been left bare to offer some relief. The azure orb that looms overhead however keeps watch upon the patient's every move, and upon closer inspecting one might see an unclear resemblance of what lies on the other side. Vuram Blegurli stand here, dressed in the slightly torn garments of a scientist. Trailing eddies of dream motes, the evanescent form of a blithe dream phoenix lingers here, wings made of lissome shadows cascading behind her. Geochemist Uzriel hovers in midair, borne upon a bank of sickly, coiling black smog. He wields a twisted staff in his left hand and a magnum blastworks in his right hand.
You see a single exit leading east (closed door).

You have emoted: Lief flits a merry circle about Uzriel, then looks about herself thoughtfully.

You begin to follow Uzriel.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Debating if we should help free him or pacify the prisoners, I am thinking pacify."

-p vuram
With a skin of midnight green and great yellow eyes, this mugwump makes an oddly handsome figure amongst the other patients. He furthermore stands out by wearing the garments of a scientist working at a lab. One half torn sleeve indicates a sign of struggle having taken place. Occasionally, he will take longer than usual to blink, while his eyes seem to widen in fear, as if seeing something which you do not observe.
Vuram Blegurli appears to be extraordinarily strong.
He weighs about 131 pounds.
He has a moderate weakness to fire damage.
He has a slight resistance to asphyxiation damage.
He has a moderate weakness to electrical damage.
You cannot see what Vuram Blegurli is holding.
It has the following aliases: vuram, blegurli.

The flickering of the asylum's gas lamps cause shadows to twist and mutate eerily in the moving light.

Glancing wryly at Uzriel, you hide a grin behind your hand.

Uzriel gives the reinforced door to the east a couple solid raps.
A door slides smoothly open, but begins closing again almost immediately.

Uzriel glances askance.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel east to approaching the private chambers.

A door closes tightly and you hear the lock click shut.

A horrific asylum warden snores loudly.

A miniscule parasite skitters in from the north.

You suddenly scoop up a miniscule parasitic creature.
A miniscule parasitic creature wriggles around impatiently in your hands, as if waiting to be given away.

You curl your nose up and grimace at a miniscule parasitic creature.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Hrm interesting."

You follow Geochemist Uzriel north to between two high-security rooms.

You say to Uzriel, "Would you like to hold this? I certainly don't like it."

-p creature
This miniscule parasitic creature is seemingly the spawn of some terrible evil, as it is slavering wildly and clicking its sharp teeth menacingly. Its tiny black beady eyes glow with crimson fire, and its skin is of a midnight hue.
A miniscule parasitic creature is a humble-looking creature.
He weighs about 5 pounds.
You cannot see what a miniscule parasitic creature is holding.
It has the following aliases: parasite, creature.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Never seen them before, hand it over surely."

You follow Geochemist Uzriel north to before the ward.

Uzriel gives the reinforced door to the north a couple solid raps.
A door slides smoothly open, but begins closing again almost immediately.

A door closes tightly and you hear the lock click shut.

Unable to conceal her disgust with handling it, you give a miniscule parasitic creature to Geochemist Uzriel.

A miniscule parasitic creature squirms around in Uzriel's hands, running up his arm and, without warning, cutting open a small hole and squeezing inside in a spray of blood.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Oh somebody already pacified them."

Uzriel stumbles backwards slightly and blinks in confusion, his face turning in a rictus of horror and pain.

You squeak in fright.

It is now the 11th of Urlachmar, 551 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Alarmed, you exclaim to Uzriel, "Are you all right?!"

Uzriel looks around in confusion.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "The Nil did you do to me!"

You have emoted: Lief hides her face in her hands, groaning.

Shakily, Geochemist Uzriel says, "I'm sure its fine, I don't have a strange parasite burrowed into the back of my brain right now."

Agonising screams of raw pain and torment reverberate around you.

Her face still buried, her voice muffled by her palms, you ask, "You aren't hurt?"

Uzriel looks down at his arm with a strange curiosity. In a flurry of movement, he claws viciously at his skin, spilling crimson blood.

Uzriel stares intently at his arms as if watching something transfixed.

You have emoted: Finally, Lief dares to peek through her fingers, staring at Uzriel. "Uzriel?" she asks anxiously.

Looking up finally, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Mm? Everything is normal, nothing to worry about."

Uzriel looks down at his arm with a strange curiosity. In a flurry of movement, he claws viciously at his skin, spilling crimson blood.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel south to between two high-security rooms.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel south to approaching the private chambers.

You have emoted: Very slowly, Lief lowers her hands from her reddened face, her eyes still burning with anxiety.

Uzriel gives the reinforced door to the west a couple solid raps.
A door slides smoothly open, but begins closing again almost immediately.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel west to a high-security cell.

A door closes tightly and you hear the lock click shut.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Do you know anything about strange parasite like creatures?"

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

Uzriel gives the reinforced door to the east a couple solid raps.
A door slides smoothly open, but begins closing again almost immediately.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel east to approaching the private chambers.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel south to a horrific passage.

Uzriel gives the reinforced door to the south a couple solid raps.
A door slides smoothly open, but begins closing again almost immediately.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel south to before the asylum wards.
[lots of movement]

Uzriel presses down upon the elevator pad and a crisp voice asks, "What is your destination?"

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Staff area."

A crisp voice states, "Doors closing."
The doors on the elevator begin to slowly close.

-gl
A large elevator.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A large sign has been hung from the metal bars of the elevator, a warning to those who would enter the asylum. A genteel peacock of blood red hue stands poised, possessing a branched tail spreading open like a prismatic fractal. Trailing eddies of dream motes, the evanescent form of a blithe dream phoenix lingers here, wings made of lissome shadows cascading behind her. Geochemist Uzriel hovers in midair, borne upon a bank of sickly, coiling black smog. He wields a twisted staff in his left hand and a magnum blastworks in his right hand.
You see exits leading north and south.

The metal doors on the elevator cage swing shut, and you are locked inside.

The elevator jolts suddenly and begins its descent, chains groaning overhead.

The chain rattles unnervingly as the metal cage sinks lower and lower into the asylum.

The elevator jolts very abruptly to a stop and your knees buckle, sending you sprawling.
A crisp voice states, "You have arrived at the staff facilities."

Uzriel stands up and stretches his arms out wide.
In a swift, fluid motion, you spring up from your hands to land crouched on your feet. (<--I love how extra acrobats are about standing up again.)

A crisp voice states, "Doors opening."

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says to you, "I may be experiencing some slight symptoms."

The metal doors on the elevator cage swing open once more.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel west to nearing the staff facilities.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel west to a wide lounge of shredded intestines.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel west to beside a pool of bubbling blood.

Her alarm returning in full force, you exclaim to Uzriel, "Symptoms?!"

Uzriel greets Ceria Inalai with a sincere smile.
Ceria Inalai says, ""If they have a stomach ache, remove the stomach!" It works every time..."
Throwing her hands in the air, Ceria Inalai tosses her head back and laughs sadistically.

Uzriel greets Ceria Inalai with a sincere smile.
Ceria Inalai says, "Want to help me, viscanti? Bring me every sliver of entrails you can find in this glorious hospital! I will pay you well..."

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Very minor ones, nothing to be alarmed about."

You follow Geochemist Uzriel east to a wide lounge of shredded intestines.

Miserably burying her face again, you say, "Oh goodness, oh goodness, what did I do to you..."

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "I'm sure it will probably sort itself out?"

You mumble incoherently.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Maybe."

A blank expression overcomes Uzriel's face, and all colour drains from his skin as he stares bleakly into space.

Your eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across your face.

Uzriel glances askance.

You have emoted: Lief's eyes settle on Uzriel again, and she covers a gasp.

Suddenly and loudly, Geochemist Uzriel says, "What did you infect me with!?"

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Is this resumption? It's far worse than I thought."

You follow Geochemist Uzriel east to nearing the staff facilities.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel west to a wide lounge of shredded intestines.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel west to beside a pool of bubbling blood.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Do you know anything about parasites Ceria?"

You follow Geochemist Uzriel east to a wide lounge of shredded intestines.

Uzriel stumbles forward, screaming out loud and clawing desperately at his eyeballs.

You have emoted: Lief groans as she wrings her hands together. "Don't do that!!"

Uzriel wrests his hand back down as he regains control, "Fascinating."

You have emoted: Lief looks anything but fascinated as she hovers beside Uzriel, practically bleeding anxiety and concern.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "I am. Not sure what this is, but it feels like I'm on astral amplified a hundred fold."

Weakly, you say, "When you are better, we will laugh about how this was wonderful payback for getting me drunk."

You follow Geochemist Uzriel east to nearing the staff facilities.

An edge of madness in his voice, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Right after I reach my hand in through my eye and RIP IT OUT."

Uzriel screams loudly and collapses to the floor, curling up into a quivering heap and shutting his eyes tight.

Uzriel stands up and stretches his arms out wide.

You have emoted: A strangled sound rises in Lief's throat as she dives nearer to Uzriel, worriedly flitting around him until his footing is regained.

The bone-chilling, twisted cackling of asylum doctors filters through the institute.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says to you, "Did you get a good look at the thing before it burrowed into me?"

You have emoted: A whimper in the back of her throat, Lief nods her head.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Can you describe what it looked like?"

You say, "It was...tiny - it looked like the spawn of some terrible evil." Her voice squeaks with anxiety as she adds, "I thought you'd be able to handle it! It was slavering wildly and I could tell it had sharp teeth and tiny black beady eyes. They were glowing with crimson fire!"

Uzriel looks strangely at the ground before lifting his gaze upwards, staring horror-struck at something invisible to you.

Cringing, you whisper to Uzriel, "What do you see...?"

Swaying on his feet, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Let's get out of here. I saw the creature huge crawling out of the ground and about to eat me."

You follow Geochemist Uzriel east to a large elevator.

Uzriel presses down upon the elevator pad and a crisp voice asks, "What is your destination?"

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Entrance."

Agonising screams of raw pain and torment reverberate around you.

A crisp voice states, "No destination."

Quietly, you say to Uzriel, "I didn't see anything...I..."

You blink.

Uzriel presses down upon the elevator pad and a crisp voice asks, "What is your destination?"

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "The exit! The lobby."

A crisp voice states, "Doors closing."
The doors on the elevator begin to slowly close.

The metal doors on the elevator cage swing shut, and you are locked inside.

The elevator jolts and suddenly begins its ascent.

The chain rattles unnervingly as the metal cage is slowly dragged up through the asylum.

You are pulled quickly past the main wards as you continue rising up through the institute, leaving their tortured screams behind you.

The elevator jolts suddenly and comes to a stop, sending you stumbling forwards to maintain balance.
A crisp voice states, "You have arrived at the lobby."

A crisp voice states, "Doors opening."

The metal doors on the elevator cage swing open once more.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel south to a dank lobby.

-l uzriel
He is a fiendish undead master viscanti twisted demigod. His tall, regal frame is held with a proud, dignified posture, bestowing upon him an aura of refined aristocracy. His skin is ashen-grey, however in no manner impresses a state of ill health; rather, it lends his sharp features the appearance of a masterfully-carved statue, defined by stark angles and broad, chiselled contours. Contrasting the slate-grey hue of his complexion is a vibrant rust-red shock of short, wavy hair, the locks curling around an impressive pair of curving goat horns, the osseous structures of lacklustre black barely touched with dark ochre. A focused set of golden-amber eyes gazes out with calculated curiosity and determination. Upon his back he wears a heavy pair of cylindrical iron tanks, a complex labyrinth of pipes, tubes, regulators, and valves interconnecting the tanks with one another along with the various strange, scientific devices which hang from his belt. A pair of flexible hoses attaches to the underside of a plague mask with a long bird-like beak, allowing it to serve as a respirator when worn. Velvety coils of incandescent indigo billow about his shoulders like a luxurious shawl, its threads woven of eventide fog and vespertine blooms. An ethereal bracelet of azure flame rests upon his wrist, marking the truefavour of Raezon, the Forbidden upon him.

Menacing horns twist upon themselves like crooked spires on his head, their dully reflective circumferences rigid enough to accommodate silver wire criss-crossing to either side in a wretched dreamcatcher. Bent and cracked bells abuse their clappers betwixt these, a disharmony brought to life with each twist of head or subtle movement.
He is wearing:
a brooch of pale oleander entwined with serpents
an exquisite black suit embellished in sanguine and gearwork
geochemantic goggles set in a mask rent with dark fissures attached to metal hoses, serving as a respirator
earthy wingtip brogue shoes of leather and suede
a crisp ebon military coat edged in gold
the Iron Key to the Infernal Machine hanging from the side of his belt.

Uzriel throws his hands to his head and writhes in pain, clasping his ears tightly and sinking to the ground.

You have emoted: Lief wrings her hands together as she keeps apace with Uzriel, wincing. "You're in pain," she whispers.

Peering at you closely, Geochemist Uzriel says, "What are you laughing about! It's not funny!"

Her voice tight, you exclaim to Uzriel, "I'm not laughing! It's *not* funny!"

His voice loud and excited, Geochemist Uzriel says, "I just heard you laughing!"

You have emoted: "Uzriel," Lief pleads as she wings closer to the Geochemist. "Maybe we should go back in. Maybe if you feel insane, their cure *will* help."

The bone-chilling, twisted cackling of asylum doctors filters through the institute.

Uzriel screams loudly and collapses to the floor, curling up into a quivering heap and shutting his eyes tight.

You cringe pathetically.

Crawling several paces back from the elevator before standing back up, Geochemist Uzriel asks, "Oh no way. I'm not letting an i'Xiia get a scalpel anywhere near me. Did they hire you?"

You have emoted: Lief opens her mouth, then closes it helplessly as she watches Uzriel. She follows after Uzriel, never too far from his side, her wings a perpetual hum behind her. Finally, she whispers, "Do you really, truly think I would hurt you on purpose?"

Uzriel holds his hands up over his head, looking around in confusion, "Maybe, I don't know. I can feel it crawling around inside, poking and prodding at my gooey brain."

Uzriel screams loudly and collapses to the floor, curling up into a quivering heap and shutting his eyes tight.

Uzriel stands up and stretches his arms out wide.

You have emoted: Lief visibly shudders, her fingers rising to press into her cheeks - as though she might desperately want to hide her face again. If she does want to, however, she doesn't do so. "I'm so sorry," she says helplessly. "I'll talk to them. I'll see if they will tell me how to kill that creature."

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the out, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant.
Shadows pour out from the out, heralding Dusan.

Esei blinks.

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

Esei pulls a sturdy lever downwards.

A crisp voice states, "The elevator is already at this floor."

You have emoted: Lief is here, visibly fretting over Uzriel.

Esei blinks.

Esei raises a slender brow.

Shaking his head vigorously, Geochemist Uzriel says, "No way no way at all."

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

You have emoted: Lief lowers her hands from her cheeks to wring them together before herself. "It's *their* creature," she pleads. "They will know best about it, right?"

Uzriel screams loudly and collapses to the floor, curling up into a quivering heap and shutting his eyes tight.

Uzriel stands up and stretches his arms out wide.

Esei gives Uzriel the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

-l
A dank lobby.
This large hall was clearly a resplendent lobby when first built, lavish with crystal chandeliers and exquisite paintings exhibited upon the walls. However, a dreary gloom has descended and the vibrance of the colours has been washed away, tending to darker greys and blacks. The air is still and heavy with the scent of blood and sweat. A large wooden cabinet rests against the eastern wall, filled with exquisite jewelleries, though tell-tale hairline cracks creep up behind it and reveal its true purpose. A wide red carpet, smothered with dust from ages past, glides to the north and terminates against the elevator door. A small lever has been fitted to the left-hand side of the doorway. A genteel peacock of blood red hue stands poised, possessing a branched tail spreading open like a prismatic fractal. Trailing eddies of dream motes, the evanescent form of a blithe dream phoenix lingers here, wings made of lissome shadows cascading behind her. Dusan, a coruscant wyvern, lurks in the shadows here. Geochemist Uzriel hovers in midair, borne upon a bank of sickly, coiling black smog. He wields a twisted staff in his left hand and a magnum blastworks in his right hand. Esei is leaning their cheek on their hand as they thinks deeply. They wield an athame dagger of dusk in their left hand.
You see exits leading north and out (open door).

You have emoted: Lief's bare feet touch the dusty, moth-eaten carpet as she gazes helplessly at Uzriel. "I'm so sorry," she says miserably. "I...I don't know how else to help. I can see if the Serenwilde would cleanse you, but I know you don't want that. I..."

Esei tilts their head curiously at a genteel peacock crowned with a crest of bright scarlet drooping to one side.

A genteel peacock crowned with a crest of bright scarlet drooping to one side fans his tail open behind him, extending the feathers in a stunning crescent before Esei.

Skeletal white blossoms flower along the flesh of Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant, as their body splits apart into a blizzard of blackthorn petals that leave to the out.
Trailing stars and smoke, Dusan trails off to the out.

You have emoted: Lief trails off, rubbing her face.

Suspicious biterness in his voice, Geochemist Uzriel says, "You're assuming they even want to. NO, no cleansing. And no go backing in there."

You think to yourself: What did I do? What *do* I do?

Loudly, her voice strained, you exclaim to Uzriel, "*I* want to help you. Tell me what to do, then!"

Uzriel looks down at his arm with a strange curiosity. In a flurry of movement, he claws viciously at his skin, spilling crimson blood.

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "I don't know! Get it out get it out."

You follow Geochemist Uzriel out to before a dark, blood-stained arch.

You have emoted: Lief lashes her hands out, trying to grab onto Uzriel's wrist to stop the self-clawing.

You follow Geochemist Uzriel south to a steep tunnel beneath Avechna's Teeth.

Uzriel finds a nice place to sit and flops down hands over his head.

-l
A steep tunnel beneath Avechna's Teeth.
All light recedes from this dark flight of steps that descends deep into Avechna's Teeth, the air becoming still and stale, reeking of both blood and sweat. Patches of damp moss have grown over many of the individual steps, making the descent treacherous for the inattentive. Large and small rocks lie randomly discarded down the staircase, having caused varying degrees of damage to the walls and the flooring as they fell from above. A genteel peacock of blood red hue stands poised, possessing a branched tail spreading open like a prismatic fractal. Trailing eddies of dream motes, the evanescent form of a blithe dream phoenix lingers here, wings made of lissome shadows cascading behind her. Geochemist Uzriel hovers in midair, borne upon a bank of sickly, coiling black smog. He wields a twisted staff in his left hand and a magnum blastworks in his right hand.
You see exits leading north and out.

Esei tells you, "Is... all well, Phrase?"

You tell Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "*No*!"

Esei tells you, "How so?"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Ah - Esei says that Mister Geochemist is not well, and he is not answering me asking if he is unwell, and see you are with him so: is unwell?"

You have emoted: Lief watches Uzriel closely, her cheeks red with her panic. She hovers above him, studying his head, and then her eyes grow distant.

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "He is very unwell!"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "**Suddenly, as if startled** Ehhh??"

You tell Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "He has...a parasite in him. And it's driving him mad. Madder than he usually is."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "It is not a quest?"

You tell Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "And Idon'tknowhowtogetitout. He won't speak with anyone in the asylum, even though that's where the parasite *was*."

Uzriel suddenly stands stock still, then suddenly spins on his heel, appearing disappointed when he sees nothing.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "You ..."

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Wh-what do you mean? No! I gave him a parasite and it decided it was going to burrow into him and now he's going even *more* insane and--."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Do you need help??"

Esei tells you, "Mm. I see..."

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "He won't let me go back into the asylum. I don't know. He said it feels worse than the insanity we feel upon the Astral Plane. Ahhh!!! If you or anyone can figure out anything about a parasite and what to do...!"

Uzriel removes his mask, eyes blinking and unfocused as he slowly turns his gaze to you, a faint reddening on his face as he asks, "Erm what did you just say?"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "...do want me to come down and carry him into asylum??"

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the out, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant.
Shadows pour out from the out, heralding Dusan.

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Esei glances askance at you.

Uzriel gives Esei the once-over, eyeing them suspiciously.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Miss Lief if are needing help, then can - and, am not expert on parasites, but am pretty good at carrying peoples."

Their lips curling up at the corners with predatory intent, Esei flashes Uzriel a decidedly feral grin.

You have emoted: Lief blinks, staring down at Uzriel's unmasked face, focusing again. Her usual reaction is fraught instead with worry. Her ears twitch as she catches Esei's entrance and she jerks her head up. "It's a parasite of some kind," she repeats herself helplessly.

Uzriel looks strangely at the ground before lifting his gaze upwards, staring horror-struck at something invisible to you.

Esei purses their lips, deep in thought as they contemplates Uzriel.

Pointing suddenly, Geochemist Uzriel says to Esei, "You're in on it aren't you! You're not stealing my brain, none of you are."

Bewitching melodies drift languidly upon the air, heralding the entrance of Gurashi, riding Bizirik, the leothin, as he glides in from the out.
Bizirik stalks in from the out, wings spread as it clicks and thrums softly.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to Uzriel, "I have no use for your brain, Geochemist."

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi slows to a halt, hopping off of Bizirik once he arrives. He tilts his head, antennae bobbing.

Gurashi tilts his head curiously at you.

Gurashi tilts his head curiously at Uzriel.

Her bare feet alighting on the mountain path, you say to Uzriel, "Nobody here is going to try to take anything from you."

Voice muffled by his mask, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Gah! You're all up to something!"

Esei lays a hand on the forehead of Uzriel, who glows with a sparkling silver light.

You have emoted: Lief's face is wrought with anxiety and thinly veiled panic. "No!"

Black fog swirls about Uzriel as he murmurs something under his breath. All is still until he stomps his foot and cracks the earth which sends a fracture splitting the very terrain asunder. Poisonous fumes burst forth from the gaping maw of the chasm that forms, corrupting all life in the vicinity.

A pixie is dragged screaming out of the shadows, which bind around him.

Uzriel swats Esei's hand away before flopping down and laying sprawled out on the earth.

You have emoted: Lief's attention whips to the presence of a pixie bound in shadows, and she makes a strangled sound in her throat.

Esei shakes their head at you.

Esei tells you, "Peace."

Gurashi looks about at the chaos unfolding before him, unsure of what to make of it all. Finally, he takes a tentative step forward, leaning down. "Mister Geochemist?"

Esei purses their lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as they carefully gathers their thoughts.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I have seen this before."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "It should leave in its own time."

You have emoted: Lief's attention cuts to Esei, her brow knitting together. "Truly?" she asks, voice cracked.

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "I don't know what to do..."

Esei nods their head at you.

Uzriel looks strangely at the ground before lifting his gaze upwards, staring horror-struck at something invisible to you.

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "**The aethers groan with her distress** Oh, what have *I* done..."

Uzriel is too busy sprawled out on the ground, pulling his mask back up to breath deeply from the fumes within to notice the conversation or take any comfort from it.

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

You have emoted: Lief follows Uzriel's gaze upward, then flies back to his face, her hands wringing together before her kimono robed lap. "I'm so sorry," she repeats herself, her voice quiet and weak.

Esei's hand lifts to squeeze your shoulder, just for a moment. "Be at peace," the elfen murmurs. "This is not your fault, Phrase."

The last tendrils of white mist briefly fill the air around you, flooding your lungs. Your senses are utterly overcome by the strange gas, which sends your body into deep slumber.

Uzriel jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Vatul pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Uzriel.

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Esei pats themself in a friendly manner.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk murmurs, "Odd."

You have emoted: Lief glances over her shoulder at Esei, shaking her antlered head. "It *is* my fault," she says. "I couldn't bear to hold onto the creature one moment more, and he took it from me, and now it's *inside him*."

You have emoted: Lief buries her face in her hands with another helpless groan.

Vatul steps forward with a rather urgent gait, she stops before Uzriel and grabs the man's chin. She takes a look at his eyes, as if taking a gauge of the man's consciousness.

Uzriel screams loudly and collapses to the floor, curling up into a quivering heap and shutting his eyes tight.

Uzriel inhales the misty fumes, calming at first, then bolting straight up, "Aaah, cut it out!"

With a gentle sigh, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says, "At least he can still speak."

Glancing over to you, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to you, "What has happened, Lady Lief?"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Miss Lief - you did not do anything wrong."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Was an accident, really."

Gurashi looks towards you, reaching out a hand to consolingly rest on her shoulder before glancing back over towards Vatul.

You have emoted: Lief uncovers her face at the sound of Vatul's voice, only for her to cringe with guilt. "We were inside," she explains, her calloused fingers lowered just enough to bare her gray eyes. "We were going to see about helping the asylum residents, when I found this disgusting little creature..."

You have emoted: Lief trails off with a shudder, her eyes squeezing shut. She makes herself finish. "I asked Uzr-- I asked the Geochemist if he'd like to inspect it, and I gave it to him. And then it burrowed into him."

Gurashi looks back over towards Uzriel, not taking a step closer but clearly concerned by the man's state. He considers his lute, then the viscanti again, mandibles clicking.

Excitedly babbling, Geochemist Uzriel says to Vatul, "Lady Nightingale! Don't let them anywhere near me, they're all trying to steal my tasty gooey brain away for the i'Xiia. I know it, it's a trap.  But if I could get one for myself later hmmm, aaah, its squirming again."

Uzriel looks down at his arm with a strange curiosity. In a flurry of movement, he claws viciously at his skin, spilling crimson blood.

Gurashi winces in pain.

Her voice strangled, you exclaim to Uzriel, "Stop doing that to yourself!"

Vatul's gold, twilight-flecked eyes rest on you as she moves towards you. "Did it ever burrow in you?" Her voice low as the din of the man afflicted grows into a loud fervor.

You have emoted: Lief shakes her antlered head vigorously. "It didn't," she says, her voice breaking. "I thought nothing of placing it in his hands."

Esei purses their lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as they carefully gathers their thoughts.

Gurashi turns his attention again to Uzriel. "Mister Geochemist do you like music??" He asks hopefully in an attempt of distraction.

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

Vatul flicks her gaze over to Gurashi, her brow furrowing as she yet does not address him. She draws a nail across her collarbone idly as she hears the distress, through such a pleasant mien there is a note of muted concern - poise in the face of madness.

Esei pats Gurashi in a friendly manner.

Uzriel looks down at his arm with a strange curiosity. In a flurry of movement, he claws viciously at his skin, spilling crimson blood.

Inhaling faintly, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to you, "We shall find a way."

You have emoted: "Esei says that it should pass, but--" Lief lunges again for Uzriel's wrist, attempting to stop the self-attack. "Stop that!!"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Miss Lief be -careful- - is clearly not in right mind! Is going to be O-K!!"

Vatul turns on her heel and steps forward, making her way towards Uzriel. She grasps the man's now bloodied hands with a harsh grip, even as you snatches for the same. The strength of her hands show that his action is an involuntary spasm, now shaking within her grasp.

Her melodious voice low, and soothing, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to you, "Try to be at ease, this is not your fault."

Gurashi opens his mouth to say something to you, but is instead distracted by Vatul as the woman strides on by to the Geochemist. His mouth remains agape, speechless as she takes the man's arm.

After a pause, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "....ah! She is right Miss Lief!"

You have emoted: With Vatul's grasp, Lief's own hands touch Uzriel, and then pull away as if she'd grasped fire for a moment. She breathes out, looking from everybody gathered to Uzriel again, her shoulders sagging helplessly.

Uzriel tries to pull his hands away, perhaps he might have from just you, but not from the two ladies, he exclaims with a sharp edge that turns to fury as the earth around you shudders and dust swirls, "Let me go, let me go let me go! I have to get it out!"

Uzriel looks strangely at the ground before lifting his gaze upwards, staring horror-struck at something invisible to you.

Gently, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Sometimes do things that accidentally hurt peoples we care about - he will be O-K! Most definitely. Miss Lady Vatul will handle the thing!"

(REDACTED): Gurashi says, ""Sometimes do things that accidentally hurt peoples we care about" aka foreshadowing."

Esei purses their lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as they carefully gathers their thoughts.

Gurashi chitters at Esei with energetic clicks of his mandibles.

Esei tilts their head and listens intently to Gurashi.

You have emoted: Lief wrings her hands together - bloodied, now, from Uzriel's efforts. She looks from Vatul to Uzriel, then back to Gurashi and Esei. Her expression seems just on the cusp of crumpling completely.

You think to yourself: This *is* my fault, and I don't know how to *fix* it.

(REDACTED): You say, "No gurashi no bad foreshadowing."

Gurashi stares at Esei for a long while, nodding as if in conversation before turning to look once more at you. His expression goes from hopeful to concerned once again, and from his vest pocket he produces his kerchief, holding it out to her.

(REDACTED): You say, "D:."

(REDACTED): Gurashi says, ";3."

Whispering, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Your hands, Miss Lief."

You have emoted: Lief looks at Gurashi's offering with confusion, and then down to her hands. She gasps; she quietly groans; she accepts the kerchief and does her best to wipe the stains from her calloused fingers and palms.

As the blood begins to stain her own pale hands in the struggle, Vatul seems to be indifferent to it, as if the gilded trap to the rabbit caught in its snare. "Uzriel," she states in a cold voice, as if to bide him to be still. Gurashi, Esei, and even the presence of you seems to fade away behind her as she takes a slow breath. She slowly begins to hum, at first the sound trilling from her throat and then now spilling from her lips in a crooning aria - the song wafts into the air, lulling and hypnotic about Uzriel as she locks eyes with him.

Uzriel suddenly stands stock still, then suddenly spins on his heel, appearing disappointed when he sees nothing.

Gurashi produces his waterskin from his pack, offering it to the faeling as well as he uncorks the cap. The low sound of music draws his attention away, however, and his antennae raise in interest, turning to look in Vatul's direction.

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

Uzriel blinks confusedly, seeming to calm his struggle, though he looks around wild eyed at those around, no recognition in his face as they scan over friend and foe alike.

You have emoted: Lief barely manages a smile of gratitude for Gurashi as she accepts the water from the waterskin. Dampening her hands with it, she turns to likewise listen to Vatul's song, the movements of her cleaning her fingers subconsciously rhythmic with the melody.

(REDACTED): Gurashi says, "I love gthat there are 3 diff bards here."

(REDACTED): Gurashi says, "I am outnumbered but."

Uzriel stumbles forward, screaming out loud and clawing desperately at his eyeballs.

Esei raises a palm in the air. Uzriel glows with a sparkling silver light.

(REDACTED): You say, "I was just thinking to myself, I wonder what it says about Uzriel that he is a scientist who tends to surround himself with artists."

(REDACTED): Gurashi says, "Bless."

As the exotic song deepens in a few, gentle, eventide notes, Vatul drops her volume merely to the resonate hum it was before. It is as if she is plucking strings out of the air. The grip on his hands tighten, vice-like, as the idle struggle slowly comes to a close.

A blank expression overcomes Uzriel's face, and all colour drains from his skin as he stares bleakly into space.

Agonising screams of raw pain and torment reverberate around you.

Esei jabs Gurashi in the torso with an elbow.

Gurashi winces in pain.

Gurashi stares at Esei, eyes wide.

Her voice echoing quietly, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says, "I have no experience with these parasites, but I can slow the self-harm, and the struggle. He may need to die, in order to be free of its control." While her eyes are locked on Uzriel, she asks to those in her periphery. "Are you prepared for that?"

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "It leaves in its own time."

Uzriel suddenly gasps tilting his head towards the geochemantic mask that dangles just out of reach, expelling a slow trickle of fumes. Squirming a little as he tries to reach it.

Gurashi rubs his torso where he'd been elbowed, squinting. Suddenly, he perks up again, looking towards Vatul. "...oh - uh - it will make him better, yes?"

Each word fully enunciated, loud and buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Uzriel, "Mister Geochemist! Do not know if can hear or understand but everything is going to be O. K."

You have emoted: Quietly, Lief passes Gurashi's waterskin back to him before she steps closer to Vatul and Uzriel. "I don't want him to die," she says, her voice cracked. "There must be another way. Esei said it will work itself out of him."

Gurashi blinks.

Surprised, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks you, "He is not already dead?"

Esei lets out a short, soft laugh.

You have emoted: "It's complicated," Lief gestures helplessly at Gurashi.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "But, if is how have to fix him, then, have to fix him." He gestures towards the two Viscanti just a few feet away. "Otherwise is going to keep suffering, yes?""

Uzriel screams loudly and collapses to the floor, curling up into a quivering heap and shutting his eyes tight.

Esei pets an athame dagger of dusk ingratiatingly.

Vatul moves a hand to the geochemantic mask, following the length of his hand to assist. She glances to Gurashi, "Unlife. Such will make it better, for a time." Ignoring the comments of Esei, nor the laughter at such a compromising situation. "Let us hope that the -elfen- is correct."

Esei lifts a dainty hand to their neckline, glancing about with uncertain disdain.

Reassuringly, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks you, "I do not know what is happening! But Miss Lady Vatul seems to have a better idea, so let us trust her maybe-experience, yes?"

Gurashi's eyes widen as he stares at you.

You have emoted: Lief makes a vexed sound as she looks back at Uzriel. Her now-clean hands wring together as she watches his face, silent.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Do not have to watch."

You think to yourself: The truth behind a joke... would he prefer to die, or would he prefer to suffer through this...?

Her twilight eyes unblinking, boring into Uzriel, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to you, "Do not dwell on his pain. I am holding it for him."

Uzriel inhales deeply from tainted fumes expelled by geochemantic goggles set in a mask rent with dark fissures, which seems to calm him a little.

Uzriel looks strangely at the ground before lifting his gaze upwards, staring horror-struck at something invisible to you.

You have emoted: Lief's knees give way, and she kneels down next to Uzriel, near Vatul. She breathes in deeply, calming her own nerves with what fresher air can be claimed in this tunnel, and she nods to Vatul. "Thank you," she murmurs.

Gurashi stares at Vatul, eyes wide.

Esei pats Gurashi in a friendly manner.

Gurashi watches as you joins Vatul upon the ground, keeping his distance. "Uh..." He chimes in finally, "...can do anything to help?"

Gurashi glances at Esei, mandibles clicking.

Esei caresses a genteel peacock crowned with a crest of bright scarlet drooping to one side gently.

A genteel peacock crowned with a crest of bright scarlet drooping to one side fans his tail open behind him, extending the feathers in a stunning crescent before Esei.

Vatul remains rigid, descended on one knee as she rests before Uzriel. While her face slightly turns to you she whispers, "Why are they here?" Her wine-stained lips barely shift, but the sound is enough to reach the faeling's ears. The perfume of lavender and jasmine soothes around the viscanti, like a gentle heat that begins to float upon the air.

Uzriel throws his hands to his head and writhes in pain, clasping his ears tightly and sinking to the ground.

Calling back succinctly, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to Gurashi, "You have been most helpful, it is appreciated that you assisted Lady Lief in a time of need."

Gurashi remains oblivious to Vatul's whispered commentary, looking at Esei in surprise as the elfen reaches down to pet the peacock.

Gurashi stares at Esei, eyes wide.

Gurashi blinks.

A look of sweetest innocence overtakes Esei, as they smiles at Gurashi.

Turning to look, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Vatul, "Oh, uh - yes!"

Gurashi's carapace turns a bright shade of crimson as he blushes.

You have emoted: As caught up in watching Uzriel and Vatul, Lief doesn't seem to notice Esei's hand on Savit. Her ear twitches to Vatul's voice, and she leans forward in her kneel, her voice quiet. "I...was so distraught. Esei happened upon us, and we know one another. Gurashi heard that I was distraught and the Geochemist was suffering, and he is a friend of mine."

Perking up, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe exclaims, "Came to help!"

Uzriel lets out a soft little whimper with another sudden thrashing before his body stills again.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Vatul, "In case needed to...carry inside, or something... am very strong, you know."

Gurashi chitters at Vatul with energetic clicks of his mandibles.

Uzriel stumbles forward, screaming out loud and clawing desperately at his eyeballs.

Uzriel sighs with overwhelming relief, then pauses slightly and shivers.

Gurashi blinks.

Esei pauses for a second, a slight frown upon their face.

Bowing before Gurashi, Esei whispers, "May Mother Night obscure your trail." A dark symbol flares across Gurashi's brow before swiftly fading.

Skeletal white blossoms flower along the flesh of Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant, as their body splits apart into a blizzard of blackthorn petals that leave to the out.
Trailing stars and smoke, Dusan trails off to the out.

Gurashi blinks.

Uzriel turns his head to the side and half coughs, half retches up the dead remains of the parasite.

Gurashi opens his mouth, turning on his heel to call after Esei, but is stopped short by the elfen's abrupt departure.

Gurashi blinks.

Gurashi takes an awkward step closer towards the door until he hears Uzriel's retching, perking up.

Vatul bends her brow closer to Uzriel at the outburst, her low humming becoming a sonorous, faint melody. It lilts only for his ears alone, and perhaps you as well, her eyes remain locked upon the man as if possessed. At the last snatchings of song, the bug's guts are expelled.

Uzriel looks around, blinking in confusion but recognition of those around him.

You have emoted: Despite the disgusting remains and the way they are expelled, Lief looks overwhelmingly relieved as she watches Uzriel, and then politely looks away until the sounds have finished.

Her voice purring softly as the remnants of her notes fade away, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to Gurashi, "He shall be alright, now."

Slowly looks toward Uzriel Vatul's golden eyes slowly beginning to fade into their own twilight lanterns.

Quietly confiding her relief, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to you, "Thank the Goddess."

Geochemist Uzriel says, "Urgh. Seriously, Ashtorath's Bells I need to scrub my insides with sandpaper."

Gurashi claps his hands on either side of his face, eyes wide. "Ahh - wowee!"

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks Uzriel, "Mister Geochemist, you are well now?"

You have emoted: Lief fidgets with her hands in her lap, but flashes Vatul an equally relieved smile before looking to Uzriel once more. "Do you feel better, though?" she asks him.

Gurashi tilts his head and listens intently to Uzriel.

Looking from the dead carcass of the bug, to the kephera, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says, "No doubt the Queen of Insufferable Cruelty would be pleased with such a little bug. A torture, to be certain."

Uzriel tries to sit up, brushing some of the vomit from his lips with the back of his hand, "Urgh. Like Gorgulu ate me, spat me up, and ate me again before deciding it wasn't any better the second time."

Whispering, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Queen of Insufferable Cruelty -what-."

Suddenly worried, you ask Gurashi, "Did I use your only kerchief for my hands?"

(REDACTED): Gurashi says, "You think to yourself: Why does that exist."

(REDACTED): You say, "LMAO."

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Ah - yes, was clean before gave to you!"

Gently supporting him, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to Uzriel, "I was concerned. You were being controlled."

Gurashi suddenly offers his waterskin to you again, chittering excitedly.

You have emoted: Lief hesitates, looking from Uzriel to the bloodied kerchief she still has kept on her, then back to Uzriel, then to Gurashi. Sheepishly, she rises from her kneel at Uzriel's side and passes the kerchief back to him. "I'm sorry. If I'd have known, I would have saved it for the Geochemist."

Uzriel rubs his head, "Urgh, I could feel it doing all kinds of things inside of me."

Perking up, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to you, "Ah - miss Lief, do not apologize."

Gurashi stares at Uzriel, eyes wide.

Gurashi blinks.

You have emoted: Lief scrubs her cheeks as she exhales an abrupt, breathy laugh of relief. "Oh, goodness, I am glad we didn't have to kill him."

Gurashi's gaze softens as he smiles at you.

Uzriel blinks suddenly, wiping his mouth off more fully with the sleeve of his suit, then pulls his mask up again for another long breath, "Nil. I feel so gross."

Vatul casts a look back over to Gurashi, as if searching for the other half of a former pair. Her brow furrows faintly, though she lowers her gaze to the vomit-stained shirt of his suit.

Gurashi blinks.

Suddenly, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says, "Here."

Stepping forward to pass the pastry, Gurashi gives a dark mint chocolate leothin cookie to Geochemist Uzriel.

Her smooth voice lilting, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says, "I apologise for striding in, and attempting to assess the situation quickly."

Gurashi tilts his head curiously at Vatul.

You have emoted: Lief shakes her antlered head earnestly at Vatul. "I am glad you came," she confesses, lowering her hands back to her lap. "I am glad everybody came. I was at such a loss."

Gurashi flails about helplessly.

Uzriel lets his mask fall back down, as he wipes at the interior of it with a frown, "Nil. I hope I didn't say anything offensive. It felt like a bad weed trip mixed with being drunk, mixed with with the astral realm."

Gurashi hesitates a little too long, then offers his waterskin to Uzriel.

Gurashi exhales a plume of smoke and a bit of flame and nods, his chin rising as if to a challenge.

You have emoted: "Nothing too terrible," Lief remarks dryly, her gray eyes sliding to Uzriel's face. "You only accused all of us - save the Lady Nightingale - of working with the i'Xiia family to get your brain for ourselves."

Sternly, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to Uzriel, "I will need to bandage your arms, your wrists." Realising she still had a hold on him, she releases his hands slowly. "You were also flailing about like a puppet."

Still extending the waterskin, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Uzriel, "You were -very loud-."

Uzriel shakes his head vigorously at the offered waterskin, then frowns a little at you, clearing his throat a little in embarrassment.

Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to you, "He called to me. I do not deny such a call."

Gurashi lowers the offered drink, returning it to his pack.

You smile softly at Vatul.

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "He thinks water is really gross. It's not personal, I don't think."

Geochemist Uzriel says, "That is so embarrassing."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Ah! Then probably will also not like the cookie."

Flashing a brilliant, lush smile up to him, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to Gurashi, "Thank you for the kindness...?" She pauses, as if searching for a name. "Ah, forgive me."

Gurashi blinks.

Surprised, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Vatul, "Oh! Uh! Yes! Gosh."

You have emoted: Lief's smile turns empathetically to Uzriel, her dragonfly wings fanning once behind her. "Well, you asked if I wanted to go on an adventure with you. I'd say this counts."

Gurashi suddenly extends both right hands. "Gurashi An'Ryshe of the Glomdoring." He wriggles his fingers. "Know who you are because are very big persons in world, yes. Still, should have asked - is Lady Vatul, yes?"

Gurashi chitters at Vatul with energetic clicks of his mandibles.

Abashed, Geochemist Uzriel says, "Not quite what I had in mind. I thought a little killing, some puzzling, some exploration."

A little tonelessly, as if numb to her next words, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to you, "Nearly a usual adventure in our streets."

Turning her gray eyes curiously to her, you ask Vatul, "Truly, this is normal in Magnagora?"

Gurashi boggles at Vatul.

Her lips twitching subtly, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to Gurashi, "I am the Lady Nightingale, yes, you must be the kephera my Lady spoke of."

Suddenly nervous, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Vatul, "Oh - your Lady must be Miss Lady Enchantress."

Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre asks you, "Have I ever told you of our mutant rat infestation?"

Increasingly nervous, trailing off, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Vatul, ".....hope She said nice things."

Her voice a dark balm, spiced, and playful, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to Gurashi, "Of course, nothing but the fondest things for you. Or so I have heard, at least She was invited to such an affair in your forest."

You have emoted: Lief cants her antlered head, considering Vatul's words, then suddenly brightens with understanding - and then darkens with memory. "One of our novices once fell into that strange place you can get pulled into in Magnagora's sewers," she says to Vatul. "I went chasing after them, and suffered for a year or more for it."

Gurashi's carapace turns a bright shade of crimson as he blushes.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe whispers, "Muud?"

Geochemist Uzriel says to you, "Oh that is Great Muud."

Gurashi tilts his head curiously at you.

You nod your head emphatically.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Vatul's lips.

Gurashi stares at Uzriel, eyes wide.

Geochemist Uzriel says to Gurashi, "What? That is the title. Like Kethuru the Almighty."

Gurashi stares at Uzriel, eyes wide.

Gurashi blinks.

Waving a hand gently, almost dismissive, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says, "Muud is common-place, though I am sorry your novice was lost within it. The rats have been a curious part of our sewer ecology, and it has been studied extensively."

Uzriel gives the inside of his mask one last going over with his sleeve before affixing it into place and wearing it.

Uzriel closes his eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of his surroundings.

Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says, "It is one of many examples to describe that such a small parasite is like a grain of sand in an hourglass of dangers."

Gurashi's hand twitches subtly against his lute.

Uzriel rises shakily to his feet.

Gurashi chitters at Uzriel with energetic clicks of his mandibles.

Vatul offers her arm to Uzriel as if the conditions of her arrival had never occurred - like she was on holiday in the finest of locales.

You have emoted: Lief follows Uzriel's standing, her wings lifting her from the earth to keep herself level with him. A worried look at Uzriel betrays her careful watch. With Vatul's arm, she flits back a bit and says, "Will you be heading back, then?"

Uzriel takes the hand gratefully and hauls himself more steadily to his feet before stepping towards the wall and leaning against it.

Gurashi awkwardly glances towards his feet, then towards the doorway, unsure.

You think to yourself: Will Uzriel ever want my company again after this?

Geochemist Uzriel says, "I think, I'm not sure. I need to gather my thoughts, to urgh. Sandpaper my brain out."

Exchanging a reassuring look with you, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to you, "If only I would be invited on such adventures." She flicks her eyes over to Gurashi, now in her full attention, the weight of a lady's gaze. "Leaving so soon? I would hope that your companion was given much amusement this day."

Gurashi blinks.

Quickly waving all five hands, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe asks Vatul, "Oh, just - you all seem to have handled, and, already did not do much of anything to assist, so - was going to leave to the thing, so, could do the...thing?"

You have emoted: Lief's expression is briefly unreadable before her smile returns. Bobbing slightly in the air upon her wings, she nods toward Uzriel, then offers Vatul an embarrassed look. "I didn't plan on any of this. I'm so sorry for any worry caused."

With a subtle glint in her twilight eyes, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to you, "No one would plan upon a parasitic fit, my Lady."

Her lips curving faintly, Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre says to Gurashi, "I would hope I am not a deterrent should I speak to you at a later interval, Gurashi."

Uzriel looks down at his suit and murmurs a low curse with a sigh to himself at how it appears, "I think I will need some time alone. I thank you all for your help and erm, not in fact stealing my brain for the i'Xiia.

Gurashi tilts his head curiously at Vatul.

Faintly buzzing, Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe says to Vatul, "Oh - uhm, of course not, Miss!"

Vatul executes a coquettish turn of the corners of her lips, her eyes twinkling as a shadow darts within their warm depths.

You have emoted: Lief smiles weakly at Vatul, then puts some strength behind it, bowing her antlered head in agreement. Her eyes flit back to Uzriel with the sound of his voice, and her smile softens. She is quiet for a moment before she bows her antlered head a second time, this one directed toward Uzriel. "I hope you will forgive me for...well...everything that happened."

Gurashi quickly bends at the waist to offer a polite half-bow.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Vatul whispers, "There is no worry, I am merely glad you are both safe and sound."

Uzriel freezes suddenly, clearing his throat meaningfully before saying to you, "Whatever I might have said while under the influence of that thing. That wasn't me. I do not blame you or hold it against you."

Gurashi offers another bow, then carefully backs out, departing from those that still remain.

Gurashi, riding Bizirik, the leothin, drifts outward, trailed by the hauntingly beautiful notes that dance upon the air.
With a great sweep of its tail, Bizirik breaks off to the out.

Geochemist Uzriel says to Vatul, "Back to Magnagora? But, somewhere I can sit alone please."

You have emoted: Lief's brow furrows slightly, her mind visibly racing by the knitting of her brows as she bobs, considering Uzriel's words in silence.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Many apologies Miss Lief! I did not know what else to do."

Uzriel tells you, "I just, need a bit of time to myself after that is all."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "But am glad Mister Geochemist is better!"

At the parting of the kephera, Vatul glances at his leaving. She looks curiously back to you, as if in a silent inquiry of the connection. She then moves forward and presses a light kiss to you cheek. "Thank you, little flower," she intones before she cordially straightens and escorts Uzriel from the maddening screams so distant now from the asylsum.

[We all go home!]

Caressing your ear, the voice of Vatul whispers, "What strange company you keep in those two."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "I understand! You will let me know if I can do anything at all for you, yes?"

You tell Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre, "Ah! Well, I am a Sower of the Last Seed. I...know that not everybody among my circle shares my particular outlook, but I think it's important to make connections in all sorts of places. How else will they know to do better and follow a better path?"

You tell Lady Nightingale Vatul Feyranti, of the Danse Macabre, "I would desperately like to be a light for Gurashi, so he does not fall completely to the silence of the Wyrd. Perhaps that is bold, and perhaps it is impossible, but...I would still try."

Uzriel tells you, "I will, I didn't intend to ruin your day, and I -really- wish you didn't see me like that. So. Embarrassing."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "This secret is safe with me, Uzriel. I will not speak a single word of it to anyone who was not there, I promise it."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "My day was not ruined - seeing you better - goodness, how relieved I still feel."

Uzriel tells you, "I mean, how embarrassing that you saw it at all, not worried about you telling people."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "...oh, goodness! Oh, it *was* my fault, though...I do not think you have reason to feel embarrassed with the way I'm hitting my head against the Mother Moonhart."

Uzriel tells you, "But pay no attention to anything I might have said at the time, -clearly- you are not working with the i'Xiia to steal my brain. Urgh, embarrassing I even said that aloud."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "I will only ever bring it up again when it's advantageous of me to tease you a little bit. You have my word!"

Uzriel tells you, "That is not encouraging!"

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Hah! I am all right, Geochemist, I promise it. You have not changed terribly much in my eye."

Uzriel tells you, "That is suddenly worrying."

You tell Geochemist Uzriel, "Is it really very terrible of me that I enjoy having you a little bit worried?"

Uzriel tells you, "A little yes!"

You squeeze a grinning gargoyle eliciting a deep sigh. After a moment's deliberation, it launches heavily in search of Uzriel, dust trailing behind it.

You hum a happy tune.

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Oh, yes! I am very, very much okay! I'm so relieved that Uzriel is okay."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Knew he would be, but still - was very scary, so do not blame for acting way that did."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "My friend Tridemon - he was very very wounded recently, and it was a very scary thing then too."

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Oh...oh, goodness. I don't know him well, but he seems like he is very nice! Is he okay now?"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Ah - yes! He is better than ever! He spent hundreds of years - almost all of his life - suffering! Could not believe it was so -upset-."

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "...I cannot imagine living with any kind of suffering like that for hundreds of years..."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "He is better now. Better than ever, now that has been fixed. But still, it was scary. Thought was -dead-."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "So... get it."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "It is scary! When somebody that care about is suddenly in so much pain? Wowee wowee."