Voice cracking, you say, "You should be angry at me, or somethings. I'm sorry."

Esei tells you, "** Slow, soft feathers dragging against your skin... **."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "**a quiet response, the sound of creaking wood and the tinkling of ice, perhaps a log splitting from frost.**."

Esei tells you, "Jatasere. I see you have already jumped into the cold waters of the sea."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "**blue and lingering orange** I have. And they are actually really cold, yes. **a small laugh, almost pained.** Might need to get myself a coat. Or better gloves."

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

Esei tells you, "** Quiet, gentle silence. **."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "**a lingering silence in response, weary and hesitant.**."

You have emoted: Cheliyi closes her eyes.
You lean on Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow seeking consolation.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

A sudden groan emanates out from the surrounding trees, casting deep, swirling shadows in the soft twilight.
Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 1st of Tzarin, 584 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Esei tells you, "** Soft, distant blackthorn flowers drift across a dark, open space. **."

Cupping your hands before you, they fill with water and an image forms within of Esei at between the branches of a fallen tree (the Prime Material Plane).

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk, "**a quiet hum, driftwood branches floating along a dark, warm seabed.**."

---> go to sleep, wake up next morning

You have emoted: Cheliyi stares up at the ceiling, gaze dull.

Twisting vines of shadow crisscross the afternoon skies, casting unnatural shadows that herald the return of Nocht, the Silent to mortal perception.

You think to yourself: **quiet dread, you feel -terrible-.**.

You think to yourself: How am I going to tell Dad?

You have emoted: Cheliyi groans, and shoves her palms into her eyes.

You think to yourself: **you feel sick to your stomach. terrible. awful.**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi sits up on a bed of moss, putting her head between her knees, looking faintly green.

A wave of nausea overwhelms you as you briefly feel the gaze of the Silent Lord pass over you.

You think to yourself: I'm not -wyrden- anymore. I shouldn't have done that. **He hurt dad** y... yes. But I shouldn't- have-.

You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows thickly, looking up.

Quietly nauseous, you say, "Hello Lord Nocht."

You sigh quietly, frills drooping as your tail sags.

You think to yourself: **don't puke don't puke you're fine** no I'm not.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "* a curious thrum accompanying pale pastel colors * ...are in your heads? Are there? Have a -bread-."

A soft, empty voice whispers in your thoughts, "Hello, child... I sense distress in you. Are you finding your new life difficult?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "**a wave of nausea, followed by guilt** no, no. am talking to Someones."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, ".... * immediate concern, the colors withdrawing in surprise, then pushing forward curiously * Someone? That was an awful feeling just now - what is going on? Are O-K?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks blearily, staring out at the wyrden canopy. "Yes. I'm supposed to make my time count, and move forward. Grow. Did the opposite of that."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "**a sudden withdrawal, like a tide receding from shore** Sorry, did not mean to... um. I am fine. Please don't look for me."

You think to yourself: Stupid stupid stupid.
You think to yourself: Now dad -will- worry.

The whispering voice murmurs in soothing tones even as your stomach still churns from the intrusion into your thoughts, "Hmm... Poor child. And why do you think this is?"

Quietly, you say, "Because change is hard. And I am not very strong."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "* firmly * That is not how this works."

(And Everything Nice): Gurashi (from the Prime Material Plane) says, ">:C."
(And Everything Nice): You say, "Sob <3."

The voice murmurs softly, barely audible, "You think so? That's not what I saw, child... But you seem to be fleeing from your strength."

You wince in pain.

You think to yourself: Nononononono.

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

Naught a sound can be heard as a single, lonely leaf drifts down from the looming willows overhead.
Shadows grow longer in anticipation for the return of their dark mistress as Father Sun's chase brings him closer to the world's edge.

Quieter, you say, "Do not want this strength, then. Would rather be weak, than cruel."

Bizirik stalks in from the ether, wings spread as it clicks and thrums softly.

The voice whispers softly, "Do you really think what you seek isn't cruel?"

Gurashi emerges in a flurry of feathers and leaves, immediately stepping forth with a wooden training katana held tightly between their hands. "Huwah," They hiss at nothing, sweeping their gaze around the room.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's head whips up, and she stares up at Gurashi with wide eyes.

---> on Gurashi's end: A sudden, overwhelming mental thought pierces your own thoughts, tearing them to shreds - "UNWELCOME UNWELCOME LEAVE". The mental command is shockingly powerful, causing you to immediately feel ill.

Gurashi winces in pain.
Gurashi hisses suddenly, recoiling and narrowly dropping a wooden training katana, one hand flying to their temple. They withdraw to the portal entrance, but stand their ground, eyes wide and looking at last to you, distressed.
Shocked, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Cheliyi...!"

The voice murmurs gently in your thoughts despite the flurry of activity, "Why does your father cause you such distress, child?"
As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty, spreading darkness across the land.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * a rising swell of emotion, a collision of indigo on shades of apricot and gold - c o u r a g e *.

Softly, you say, "Even if kindness is not a truth of strength, it is a truth of pain and understanding. Even when we are kind..." she pauses, and watches Gurashi with clear worry, "it is not blindly. There is persistence. Like a withering sapling that grows on nonetheless."

You think to yourself: **purple and red, clutching at your throat** Don't touch them, please.
You think to yourself: They are being strong, why can't I? **quiet pain, you must be better**.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * fearful fluttering pounding in their chest, blood rushing in their ears as the colors evenly match, keeping them in their spot but holding them fast from fleeing - no, she is -my- daughter *.

An icy tone enters the whispers voice, "You mistake their actions for strength. It is not..."

The surrounding shadows convulse, grasping outwards in joyous anticipation as Nocht, the Silent suddenly materializes from the aether.

You have emoted: Cheliyi lips press shut, staring up at Nocht with a furious grimace.

--->look Nocht

Little is discernible about Him, but the way shadows cling to Him makes it clear that He is a radiant immortal. A voluminous cloak engulfs His form, leaving none of His body visible. Even His face is lost within the shadows of a large hood. A strange shimmer ripples in the air about Him, faint but clearer in contrast with the darkness the lingers about Him. A subtle floral scent wafts through the air nearby, a sickly sweet fragrance mixed with wyrden rot and decay.
He is wearing:
a voluminous cloak of concealing shadows.

Nocht glances around the room as He enters, allowing His gaze to briefly linger on Gurashi before turning His attention fully to you.
Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing familiar constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

Flatly, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "What an unpleasant expression, child. Are you angry with Me?"

You think to yourself: **... the snapdragons. He's still hurting. quiet guilt, even as your limbs tremble with silent, protective rage.**.

Gurashi's eyes widen, briefly meeting Nocht's gaze before the Divine looks away. The trill too looks at you, their plumage ruffling up in agitation.

Quietly, you say, "Yes. It is a very foolish thing to feel. But yes."

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Very foolish indeed. Hmm..."

You think to yourself: **a confusing swirl of emotions radiating, pain, anger, betrayal, and a small seed of love that lingers, even now.**.

Light radiates from Gurashi's heart, warming with shades of gold, wheat, and saffron.

You have emoted: Cheliyi swallows thickly, but does not avert her gaze.

Softly, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "But worry not. I'll depart shortly and they'll tell you nothing is wrong. They'll tell you all the lies you crave, my withered sapling. I hope the Light doesn't completely drown you, all the same. What a waste that would be."

Like a wounded animal, Gurashi creeps along the edge of the grove, at last moving away from the portal that brought them there. They keep their gaze on you, attempting to move closer to her in infinitesimal amounts, wary of the Divine.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * negation - no, -not- withered *.

You think to yourself: **the deep ache, renewed. His sapling? your chest throbs, pulsing in time with the shards of what feel like your heart.**.

You have emoted: Cheliyi stares, silent.

Nocht reaches out, an ashen hand choked with verdant vines briefly visible as He pats you on the shoulder. "Do not forget your promise to Me, child." Without turning His gaze, He whispers, "Hmm... Gurashi. It seems I am still correct about you too. Your cruelty extending to yet another."

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * muscles tensing with anxiety, ready to rush in, feeling the weight of the sword in their hand, so -heavy-, do not need to use will not need to use but ready-- *.

The surrounding shadows wane, falling back in despondent melancholy as the form of Nocht, the Silent dissolves into wisps of shadow.

Gurashi's shoulders bunch as they are addressed, ears flat atop their head.

Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

You have emoted: Cheliyi remains still, unceasing in her stare even as Nocht touches her shoulder, and disappears from view. "I will not. And it is not cruel. Simply hard."

At the Divine's disappearance, Gurashi's face brightens, and they suddenly lunge forward, closing the distance between themselves and you and immediately wrapping the mugwump up in a mess of arms and feathers. "Cheliyi!"

A sudden groan emanates out from the surrounding trees, casting deep, swirling shadows in the soft twilight.
Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 10th of Tzarin, 584 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You have emoted: Cheliyi visibly melts into Gurashi's embrace, weary and worn. "Hi Dad," she murmurs, hiding her face in their feathers.

You think to yourself: **suddenly sickened once more... how do you explain?**.
You think to yourself: Be honest.

Not releasing their sword, Gurashi holds you at arm's length now, speaking through their teeth as they shake their head. "W-what is He doing here? Why is still bothering you? What happened? What's wrong? What happened?" They burst, wings flapping, sending loosened feathers flying.

Guiltily, you murmur, "Um... Dad. I did something very awful. Went and hurt Mister Rhalkyr, for hurting you. Did not kill or anything or anyone, but made his skin very cold. Meant to just threaten, but then it actually hurt him, and I did not stop it. He just laughed, though."

You have emoted: Cheliyi does not meet Gurashi's gaze, already shrinking away.

Gurashi grows quiet and still as they listen, their ears still flat and hands resting on your shoulders, holding the mugwump firmly. They furrow their brow, opening their mouth... then closing it again.

Quieter, you say, "Was so angry I was not thinking straight. Thought it was a way to protect you. I got hungry, too."
You have emoted: Cheliyi wraps her arms around her knees, pressing her forehead against them. "Did not eat. He called me weak for not killing him, but honestly? Was very close to doing it."

--->aaaaaaaaaa

You feel something deep in the back of your mind whispering approvingly, a barely noticeable nudge towards that anger.

Quieter, her frills twitching with a sudden grimace, you say, "Not very... much like the Light."

Gurashi looks like they are at a loss for what to say, expression crestfallen as they listen to you speak. As her forehead rests to her arms and her expression becomes hidden, the trill slowly wraps a comforting arm around her shoulders, feathers smoothing out.
Gurashi loosens their grip on a wooden training katana, at last setting it onto the mossy ground near their feet as their other hand rises to complete the circle, wrapping you in a firm hug.

Voice cracking, you say, "You should be angry at me, or somethings. I'm sorry."

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * quavering emotions, too fast and colorful to keep track of, like a million conversations happening at once *.

You have emoted: Cheliyi leans into the hug, Gurashi's shoulder growing conspicuously damp.

A warm breeze drifts through, caressing the surrounding canopy and scattering various foliage underfoot. Origami swing in the wind in an almost mesmerizing pattern, until all grows still once more.
The horizon glows with burnished shades of orange and red, heralding the imminent arrival of Father Sun upon the rim of the world.

You think to yourself: **deep guilt, even now you can -hear- them, you're a disappointment.**.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * a gravely foreign but familiar voice settles in, whispered on repeat * "...Followed, broken trail, you made...."

Louder, yet muffled by their feathers, you say, "No. Not your trail. I'm doing this, to be better, and I am struggling just because it is hard for me. Do not blame youself."

You hug Gurashi as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.

Gurashi shakes their head insistently, still soundless as they squeeze you ferociously tight, left hand smoothing out the hair on the back of her head. They look over their shoulder, scanning the grove warily, mindful of each shadow and its place.

Faintly amused, you say, "If it were not such a poor joke, I would promise to go back and bonk him on the head. Maybe he will be too dazed to laugh."

You think to yourself: **your stomach roils, even as you try to make light of it all**.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * a continued cacophony of color and sound, pinging about too incoherently to be any sort of real thought, until at last - a sigh *.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's smile falls, and she grimaces. "Yeah. Bad joke. I am sorry."

Gurashi shakes their head.
Gurashi shakes their head.

Gurashi continues to delicately pet the back of your hair with a soothing hand, their expression strangely devoid of readable emotion. "Do not be sorry," They whisper at last, frowning.

Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic sun's luminous presence as he climbs higher into the sky.

Blinking, you say, "W... what? I..."

You think to yourself: Why do they always forgive me? I do not deserve it.

You have emoted: Cheliyi stares up at Gurashi with a plainly confused expression, before her gaze crinkles into one of worry. "You... you can be mad at me. I did a terrible thing."

Quietly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says to you, "Why would be mad at you."

Frowning, you say, "Dad... I.. I tried to eat a person. While saying it was to protect you. That's not a good thing."

You have emoted: Cheliyi takes Gurashi's hand, staring at them with a deep frown. "I... I don't know if... what is wrong, yes? Besides what I did?"

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * envisioning the mugwump, as if she were a child's drawing, lifting up another stick figure and shoving it into her own face - a pointed question mark rises from the colors, quivering there *.

You stare blankly into space.
Quietly, you say, "Well.. I um. Don't know how I would have. Not all of him, obviously. But... I still -wanted- to."

Gurashi's lips draw into a thin even line. They stare at you, at last some emotion creeping into their expression: sadness. "...but, did it out of love," They begin, choosing their words carefully, hand finally falling still, no longer petting your hair. "Did it because love me."

A babbling brook gurgles off in the distance, flooding the air with the scent of damp, fertile soil.
The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his shining golden rays.

Quietly, you say, "... yes. Maybe. I don't know. Maybe I just wanted to hurt someone, and I have been lying to myself all this time. Would not be surprised. But, that does -not- mean you should blame yourself, okay? Not on your shoulders. I did it, I did the action, and no matter what other peoples say, that does not make it your fault. You cannot control how I feel, no. So it is not your responsibility, no."
You have emoted: Cheliyi leans her head against Gurashi's sternum, sighing quietly.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * gentle thrumming, pulsing shades of blue and indigo, the normally bright colors clinging to the edges of their mindscape *.
Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * a growing sense of frustration - not -good- at this - what to say? colors taking bleary painted shapes, confused - hard to be kind, is hard to be kind - how to words so will not make worse *.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.

Gurashi opens their mouth again, then shuts it, cheeks puffing slightly.

Suddenly fond, you say, "I can hear you now, remember?"
You have emoted: Cheliyi lightly taps Gurashi's forehead, smiling wearily.
Softer, you say, "And... I know. It is. I just wish it was easier, for me. Do not know how to mix protectiveness with kindness and light to everyone."

Gurashi frowns slightly, reaching up to move a loose lock of hair from your face to behind one of her fronds. They look again at you, frowning deeper, eyes shiny.

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * at last, quiet, a plea, almost childlike: "... please - do not hurt anyone on my behalfs... ".

You have emoted: Cheliyi sighs quietly, closing her eyes as she leans against Gurashi. "I... okay. I will not."

Gurashi, The Heart's Friend thinks to themself: * weaker, worried * ... would be no different than me hurting them, thens ...

Slower, softer, you say, "Will not. I..." she pauses, as if it pains her, "I promise."

Gurashi bites their lower lip, expression apologetic before they reach out and abruptly wrap you up in another hug, almost painfully tight.

You hug Gurashi as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.
You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.

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

Gurashi again looks towards the shadows...then at you again, forcing a wary smile.

After a moment, you say, "Actually, come here, yes. Going to sleep, but I have...."
You make a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.

Gurashi stares at you blinking, obviously confused.
Gurashi tilts their head and listens intently to you.
Not moving, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "I am here."
Gurashi begins to follow you.


You have emoted: Cheliyi takes Gurashi's hand, and moves through some foliage.

A babbling brook.                                      (#OVERGROWTH_2)
A hint of morning haze burns through the twinkling twilight here, casting dappled sunlight and stark shadows into deep relief. Decaying leaves and plush moss give way to sandy sediment as one slips through the tree barrier, still wet beneath one's toes. And yet, this well-worn path has not yet been tamed, sprouting the occasional sturdy dandelion or leafy stem. As the path snakes and widens it leads to a sheltered hill, from which a crystalline brook bubbles over a stony stream-bed. Cutting a diagonal cross section of the glade, the rush of water burbles merrily over a series of rounded tiers formed by the occasional tangle of tree roots. The bark of these roots is oddly smooth, as if it were grown all at once, rather than forming naturally over time. Each pool is no more than three feet deep, the widest nearly 10 feet across. As the water tumbles over every step it shimmers in the morning light, enticing one to simply rest their feet in a pool, or for the more bold, to perhaps splash around. On the opposite side of the glade looms a massive rowan tree, its clusters of bright berries swaying dutifully in some unseen breeze. A delicate bench of twining iron daisies and vines rests here on curled feet. A painting of A fork in the road is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings.
You see a single exit leading west.

Stepping into the morning light, you say, "Is less shadows, here."

You sit yourself down on a delicate bench of twining iron daisies and vines and make yourself comfortable.

In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend whispers, "...oh!"
In an airy, melodic voice, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Oh! How cute!"

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.
You nod your head emphatically.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Wanted to... show you both. With the brooches. But... I am sleepy, and it is brighter in here."

Gurashi frowns and nods in agreement, following you, unable to mask their concern.
Quietly, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "It is beautiful, yes."

You are exhausted and open your mouth in an enormous yawn.

Gurashi tilts their head, gaze softening as they frown.

Gurashi reaches out and gently grabs you, pulling you into a tight embrace.

You hug Gurashi as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.
You have emoted: Cheliyi curls up on the bench, a clear spot left nearby if Gurashi would like to sit.

You grow still and begin to pray silently for preservation of your soul while you are out of the land.