Shunned

The base of a small waterfall.
A small, cool waterfall chatters its way down the cliff face at the north end of this canyon,
spilling into a pool at the foot. Overflow from the pool trickles lazily away in a broad, shallow
stream, down the length of the canyon to the south. Mosses and ferns grow thick under the trees that
shade the canyon floor. An oak sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. A small, mottled pig
snuffles about here, looking for food. The partially burrowed form of a scrumhog is here.
You see exits leading south and through a luminous waterfall.

Avaris hesitates before the luminous falls, fingers plucking at the stiff tufts of
his mane as he stares at them with a tortured sort of hunger.

You think to yourself: Trepidation and wariness war with simple longing, the ache of loneliness, of
a gap in his soul that cries out to be filled. "Perhaps...Just a little visit. She said She would
turn Her back, not...The others. Maybe...Nabithia will be there. She is always kind."

You part the misty curtain of a luminous waterfall and vanish in a shimmer of water and light.
Within the Lake of Polaris.
Beautiful waterfalls surround this starry grotto to pool into a luminous lake, filling the vaulted
cavern with sparkling white mist. Koi fish of every colour glide throughout the grotto's pool,
pressing against the star lotuses that bloom in abundance before the sidereal falls. Behind one
waterfall's veil of mist, a statue of the Empyreal Goddess can be made out in the hazy fog, Her
stoic figure wrought into the alabaster stone. Though Her expression is inscrutable, Her hands are
pressed together to hold a single star lotus, which impossibly remains in radiant, eternal bloom. A
stately plaque at Her feet reads the following: "As above, so below." Cradled within the marble
Goddess's outstretched hands, an immaculate stone basin awaits the falling waters. There are 3
beautiful merian anchoresses here.
You see exits leading north, east, south, west, up, and through a luminous waterfall.

An unsettling stillness descends upon a beautiful merian anchoress at your arrival, rendering her
silent. ((x3))

Growing visibly uncomfortable at the reaction, Avaris executes an awkward, aborted
half-bow, stepping swiftly away from the accusatory silence of the achoresses.


Pink lotuses adrift on starry waters.
Polished river stones sunk into the shallow waters here allow one to drift aimlessly across the
surface of this star-scattered pool, one of many formed by this island's countless waterfalls. Pink
lotus blossoms float upon the water, their centres imbued with an amber glow that sends rays of
golden light dancing across the area, while myriad koi swim just beneath the flowers. The song of
frogs fills the air, while dainty damselflies dart between the lotus in beguiling and dizzying
patterns. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A painting of An Elephant Upon
the Waters has been thrown on the ground here. Tavi, an adorable white elephant festooned in star
lotuses, looks about herself here with starry-eyed wonder. Carved surface catching light, a tea
bottle depicting a murder of crows has been discarded here.
You see a single exit leading east.

Looking uncertain, Tavi, the Pure-Hearted covers her face with her ears to ignore you.

You bow respectfully to a beautiful merian anchoress.
A beautiful merian anchoress lowers her gaze, turning away from you with cool indifference.

You think to yourself: A steadily winding coil of distress, tightening about him like a garrote.

You greet Tavi, the Pure-Hearted with a sincere smile.
Tavi, the Pure-Hearted lowers her ears, desperately trying to avoid looking at you.

Avaris lowers his hand, faltering as he steps back uncertainly, antennae wilting.

You think to yourself: A rising desperation, clawing for any source of warmth, any welcome.
"Nabithia! Nabithia will talk to me."

Within a celadon-tiled workshop.
Simplistic yet beautiful, this sparsely-decorated workshop is outfitted with everything needed to
make tiles and pottery, as well as other handicraft designs. Graceful arches patterned celadon-green
tiles form small alcoves from which an artisan can work, each outfitted with a table, clay, tools,
and myriad glazes. A kiln on the southern wall allows pieces to be fired, the nearby shelving of
rough wood filled with pots and tiles, with a heavy set of thongs hung on a peg to retrieve molds.
Upon the northern wall, fabrics and spools of thread lay waiting beside a tailoring workshop perfect
for cobbling, haberdashery, and sewing, with a comfortable bench seated beside it. Wispy silks drape
about Princess Nabithia as she stands here, a haughty look in her compound eyes. You notice a
variety of WARES for sale here.
You see a single exit leading northeast.

Awkwardly looking away, Princess Nabithia attempts to ignore you with a turn of her head.

You bow respectfully to Princess Nabithia.
Princess Nabithia desperately attempts to look away from you, though the effort appears quite
forced.

Shoulders tight and trembling with suppressed emotion, Avaris maintains his bowing
posture for a long, painfully uncomfortable moment, the eyes within his wings desperately sliding
away from the sight of Princess Nabithia's lack of regard.

In a hoarse, anguished whisper, Avaris says, "I see. I understand. It is alright,
Nabithia. It is alright. Take care of Her for me." With this, he rises, too swiftly, and turns,
fleeing from the realm and its dreadful, deafening silence.