Singing of the Sea: Kalikai

You reach out and carefully run your hand along the rough surface of a granite obelisk. The threads of liquid fire decorating the obelisk abruptly stop their continuous weaving of symbols and patterns and instead congregate around your hand. After a brief moment, the fiery threads wrap around you, wreathing your entire body tightly. Your vision turns red as a brief feeling of pure agony spears through you, the sensation as short as it is intense. As your sight returns you stand within the shallow waters of an oasis.
The Fulcrux of Kalikai.
An oppressive feeling of heat and aridity lies in the air, invading the senses together with the acrid taste of sand. Rolling dunes stretch out as far as the eye can see, their shape and texture shifting perpetually as if following the whims of an unfelt wind. The only immutable aspect in the fulcrux presents itself as a deep depression in the sand where worn stone steps lead to a small oasis. As if placed in the eye of the storm, the sand surrounding the oasis and the water within it are perfectly calm, undisturbed by the ceaseless alteration that goes on just a foot beyond it. Breaking the monotony of the desert is a small patch of sage brush. Growing in the sands is a cactus weed. An obelisk of weathered sandstone rises from the centre of the oasis, its surface decorated with flaming symbols. Fine threads of burning aether congregate high above the oasis, forming a blazing orb that bathes the entire fulcrux in a harsh crimson light. A fruit salad served in a watermelon half has been left here.
You see a single exit leading through a sandstone obelisk.

You drop a slender amethyst slaugh bottle.
Before a slender amethyst slaugh bottle reaches the ground, a network of delicate threads of aether catch it, burning brightly as they consume it whole.

You incline your head politely to those around you.

[skittering off]

"For a place that doesn't drink, I seem to get a majority of My whiskey from Glomdoring." remarks a brash voice from over your shoulder.

Dryly, you whisper, "The Wyrd provides, some might say."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Though I find that there are many a design by wyrdkin past that are fascinating. Even if I myself do not partake."

Sparks of blazing aether flare into being, whirling erratically before converging into the form of Kalikai.

After a moment of thought, you whisper, "And it would be more accurate to say that it is public drinking that is frowned upon."

You give Kalikai a respectful bow, one hand clasped over your heart.

The Stairs of Sacrifice. (road).
Dense white clouds have spread completely across the sky. Misty clouds form a fog that make the degenerated road positively perilous to travel. Indeed, the glacial fog is so thick that no view is possible, either above or below. The cold air is arctic and breathing is a fight to stay conscious. Kalikai, the Crimson Eye stands here casually, threads of fiery aether swirling capriciously about Her form. She wields a double bladed axe of crimson flames with both hands.
You see exits leading southwest and up.

A look of understanding crossing Her features, Kalikai nods Her head slowly.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye looks thoughtful and says, "What a thick and sweet whiskey. Interesting choice."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "My apologies, if my gift interrupted Your musings."

You nod solemnly.

Kalikai utters a loud, booming laugh.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Not at all, mortal. I do enjoy multitasking, but never avoid thanking a mortal for making an offering to Me."

Tilting Her head curiously, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "It seems you placed well in the Beauty Competition. A fighting ring, was it?"

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Some forget that although Mother Night is cold and capricious, she has many gifts to offer us as well." They pause, glancing aside. "Ah. Yes."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I thought it a unique pattern."

Continuing the hunt for his dark mate, Father Sun presses forward in his journey, lowering himself in the sky yet still casting even, full light upon the land.

Kalikai's gaze follows yours, just for a second. "You seem rather discomfited. You aren't pleased with your work?"

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Only in that it could have done better - been better. I am... resigned to it, Lady Crimson."

You have emoted: Esei's lips twitch.

Kalikai crosses Her arms, leaning against nothing in particular. "Ah. You're displeased at not coming in first, perhaps?" She murmurs, giving you a thoughtful nod. "If Elders were allowed to take part in voting on such things, I would have voted it highly. It was intricate, not something one often thinks of as 'beautiful'. A work of art."

Drily, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Certainly better than Mine put forth. Making an attempt is the first step to greatness, shard. Though you didn't win, you accomplished what many are afraid of attempting."

You have emoted: Esei dips their head. "The Shee-Slaugh are defined by how well one does - it is how we earn the Name. Through excellence." They lift it again, clearing their throat and abruptly moving on, clasping their hands behind their back. "It is easy to be afraid, but bravery exists in the face of it. Spits in the face of it, even."

Kalikai smiles softly.

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.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "What others of your family stepped forth in this competition, shard?"

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...ah. No others, I fear. I am one of the few left."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Then, if I may say so, it seems that you stand head and shoulders above those of your family in this regard."

Not quite hesitant, you whisper, "I did mean to ask You a question. If You wished to answer, of course."

You have emoted: Esei blinks slowly.

Kalikai motions for you to continue.

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty, spreading darkness across the land.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Some months before the Dreamshade revealed Herself, there was a Divine... council, I suppose. Many of us noticed something trailing after Them towards the Havens."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I was curious if that had been You, hidden."

A wry smile spreads across Kalikai's face.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Do you care to speak of this here, or in My fulcrux?"

You have emoted: Esei's brows raise. "If it is Your wish, it would be suitable in Your fulcrux, aye."

Threads of fiery aether coalesce around Kalikai, enshrouding Her form whole before bursting in an explosion of jittery sparks and fading from view.

A sudden thrumming fills the air as a vibrating Divine portal opens up directly before you, wavering madly before settling in the air, strange colours and pathways flowing beyond.

As you step into a vibrating Divine portal you are momentarily deafened by the thrumming of the portal, distracting you from the fact that you have just stepped out into nothingness, though this uneasy realisation has barely struck you before your legs are compelled to take another step, and you emerge through an identical portal.
The Fulcrux of Kalikai.
[...] A fruit salad served in a watermelon half has been left here. Filling the air with a low-pitched thrum, a vibrating Divine portal floats here. Kalikai, the Crimson Eye stands here casually, threads of fiery aether swirling capriciously about Her form. She wields a double bladed axe of crimson flames with both hands.

Kalikai nods Her head at you.

You have emoted: Esei's wings flutter as they alight daintily on one foot, and then the other.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "The simple answer is yes, that was Me. I had been back in the First World for a short time, and noticed the scent of something foul. When My cousins came together to discuss it, I trailed Them, hidden, to see if any had the scent upon them. Some of My Cousins are more...likely to traffic in such things, as you are no doubt aware."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Not in... particular, no. Unless They were Themselves being chased, I suppose?"

You tilt your head inquisitively.

You think to yourself: ** a brief image of Drocilla, Mahalla, Lyreth, a half-dozen others - Voices, left to wander long after their Elder has vanished. a vague recollection. **.

Kalikai stares at nothing in particular, pinching the bridge of Her nose momentarily as though collecting Her thoughts. Finally, She shakes Her head. "I meant that I suspected these Soulless, if they had been such, might have been in cohorts with one of the Twelve, or someone else. I wasn't sure who to trust, and thus, spied upon the Council until I had decided to reveal Myself and My presence to Them."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Ah. Yes, that."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Imagine My anger, and disappointment, that upon returning from My patrol in the Void, that something had slipped past Me and was able to remain hidden from My Cousins. Once I found out that these Soulless had been here all along, albeit in a prison, I was almost relieved. Almost."

A wry smile spreads across Kalikai's face.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Carefully, you whisper, "Every prison has its flaws, no?"

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Yomo was smart, but you can't predict every outcome. I still don't know who let Them out of the Prison."

Kalikai sucks thoughtfully on Her teeth.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says to you, "Not just that, but something is still afoot. I have reason to believe that one is still out there, though I can't for the life of Me figure out who it is."

Kalikai scowls miserably.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I understand He left custodians behind to run it, and those were found by those of the Basin. There is no certain proof, as I understand it, but there are theories."

It is now the 6th of Shanthin, 685 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 5 days until the New Moon.

Kalikai nods Her head at you.

You have emoted: Esei tilts their head, blinking large doe-like eyes. "Is it not Nohaji, Lady Crimson?"

Shaking Her head, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "I do not believe so. Nohaji was outside the Prison, and it's My current belief that Nohaji is the one that released the ones in the prison. However, if you recall, there were three Soulless: Panaxra, Marutok, and Godith, and for some reason, They spoke of a fourth whom They could not recall."

Kalikai paces back and forth beside Her mastershrine, taking a sip of whiskey every few seconds. After a moment, She turns back. "How the frag do you just forget someone you were locked up with for so long, eh?"

Kalikai frowns at fruit salad served in a watermelon half.
Kalikai picks up fruit salad served in a watermelon half.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Mortals leave Me the strangest things."

Kalikai puts Her nose over fruit salad served in a watermelon half and inhales.
Kalikai tentatively sticks out Her tongue and licks fruit salad served in a watermelon half.

You have emoted: "I believe it may be deliberate." Esei quiets, eyes flicking to observe the dunes as if enraptured. "The Voice of Mahalla and two individuals that reside in the Namiraa Trench appeared to have similar afflictions."

Kalikai tilts Her head curiously at you.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Mahalla, eh? What happened to Her?"

Kalikai eats fruit salad served in a watermelon half with obvious gusto.
Kalikai ponders a cloisonne bottle overrun with butterflies thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "After the fall of the old guilds, the Voice vanished with the Harbinger's hall. In very recent times, She returned, followed by Lord Manteekan. She appeared as though chased by an unseen assailant, and struggled to remember who was chasing Her, convinced it was the Nightmare. Though it seemed He was attempting to protect Her, at least to my eye."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Theone and... Soriali, I believe her name is, were both affected when we noticed that the Great Worm offspring had rather abruptly appeared in the seas and began to assail the rivers and docks."

Kalikai's gaze studies you closely for a moment as She takes another sip of Her whiskey, tucking it away. "I wouldn't put it past Manteekan to chase someone to scare the frag out of Them, but that doesn't sound like something He'd do to His own commune, much less His own crechemate."

Kalikai puts Her hands on Her hips and goes "Hmmm!"

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Theone had been within the Trench for well over a decade, studying the Great Worm Mother, yet seemed to recall none of it and appeared to insist he had done no research at all. I had not spoken to Soriali, but she had been down there for millenia, guarding the Morokeche Seat."

Kalikai grunts noncommitally.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Mortals losing their memories isn't something I'm terribly worried about. No offense, of course. However, I wonder what these two have in common."

Kalikai takes a long draught of whiskey.

You ponder the situation.

Gesturing with Her bottle, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "This Soriali, what's she guarding the Seat from?"

 Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "It was once where the Lady Li-varili was imprisoned. I understand she was stationed there to ward anyone off of releasing Her, but, well. Attempting to prevent mortals from touching something new and shiny is as fruitless as stopping a crow from stealing jewelry."

Kalikai smirks.

After a moment, Kalikai's gaze hardens. "I never did find out who did that to Liv. We were close, you know. Very, very close. Maybe I should stop in and see this Soriali for some answers."

Quietly, you whisper, "Ah. She..."

Kalikai tilts Her head and listens intently to you.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I cannot claim to know the story as well as others, such as Her Bloodtide, nor recall it quite so clearly, but I understand that She wished to take part of the Elixir. Instead, She was betrayed and imprisoned upon the Seat by the Lady Enchantress, and surrounded by the rather deadly creations of Lord Blooredi."

Kalikai stares implacably at you.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "SHE WHAT."

You have emoted: Esei raises their hands in surrender. "That is how I recall the story being recounted, but it has been some years."

Kalikai takes a rather large drink of Her whiskey, crushing the empty bottle in Her grasp until dust rains down between Her fingers. For a second, She closes Her eyes and takes a deep, shaky breath. "Thank you, shard." She murmurs in what is, for Her, a very quiet voice.

Hesitant, you whisper, "You are... welcome?"

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 7 months.

Eyes flaring momentarily, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Perhaps you should go, for now. I hope I've answered your question, as you have answered one of Mine."

You give Kalikai a respectful bow, one hand clasped over your heart.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Thank You for your answers. Be... well."

[getting gone]

At the summit of Avechna's Peak.
You see exits leading west and down.

A myriad of fiery sparks race across the sky, angrily painting the western horizon a blazing red as Kalikai, the Crimson Eye reveals Herself to mortal perception.

You have emoted: Esei shifts their weight warily from one foot to the other.

Trailing in a bone-chilling fog, Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie flies in from the west.

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously at you.

You blink.

You tilt your head inquisitively at Cheliyi.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Yes?"

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "What's going on? Miss Kalikai's is around? Also, goodly job at Beauty."

The corners of Cheliyi's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

You have emoted: Esei dips their head briefly.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...it's..."

After a few moments, you whisper, "...complicated."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "I hope She likes the fruit salad I lefts."

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Yes. She did say She thought it strange."

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi giggles happily.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom asks, "Why strange?"

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "But She did eat it, or at least appeared to eat it."

You shrug helplessly.

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "I guess can go ask."

You cough softly.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I believe that might be unwise."

Cheliyi raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Cheliyi peers at you unscrupulously.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom asks, "What happened?"

Evasively, you whisper, "Things."

Cheliyi narrows her eyes at you in an unnerving manner.

You tilt your head inquisitively.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Be specifics."

Finger extended, Cheliyi pokes you.

Dryly, you whisper, "Words."

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

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Words happened. I am sure you know of those."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "You are gonna drive me nuts."

Lifting a dainty hand to finger your neckline, you glance about with uncertain disdain.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Ought to bonk yous with a fish."

Cheliyi brandishes her fists defiantly.

You glance askance.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "So She is upset cause of words. Are you gonna tell me the words?"

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "...not yet, I suppose. I think it is wise I mull it over first."

You murmur softly to yourself.

Cheliyi peers at you unscrupulously.

Cheliyi sighs quietly, her frills drooping as her tail drags on the ground behind her.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Alrights."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "I'm gonna go look at the beauty winners."

Cheliyi pats you in a friendly manner.

"She is upset because someone She considered to be an ally at one point, who was imprisoned for an eternity in a torture, and is now gone. As are many of Her Cousins." declares a voice overhead, rife with anger and no small amount of fumes.

Cheliyi blinks.

You have emoted: Esei's lips twist.

Cheliyi looks up, shock flitting across her face, followed by a sympathetic grimace.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "... Is this about Lady of Lagoons?"

Cheliyi sighs quietly, her frills drooping as her tail drags on the ground behind her.

Sparks of blazing aether flare into being, whirling erratically before converging into the form of Kalikai.

You have emoted: Esei nods mutely.

Cheliyi bows respectfully to Kalikai.

You give Kalikai a respectful bow, one hand clasped over your heart.

Hoarsely, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Liv loved Keltari, but...we were close in different ways. None of which are any of your business, mind you."

You nod solemnly.

Eyeing the Divine's armor with obvious concern, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Would not ask, Lady Crimson. Am still very sorry for You."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "In the War of the Circles, We worked together under Mysrai to push back against Zvoltz's....ideas. He felt like He had to control everything, in Mother's absence. Obviously, many of Us didn't agree."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "I remember hearing about that from Shofets, yes."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "She was erratic, but She was good people, and I looked up to Her sometimes. She deserved better than to be tortured for what must have felt like an eternity."

Kalikai smiles softly.

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "She..."

Cheliyi winces.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Well, did not like me very much, but. Always admired Her a whole lots."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "To find out that She was missing, and tortured because of Drocilla is unforgiveable."

Kalikai smirks.

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says to Cheliyi, "She was an acquired taste, shard. As am I, I suppose."

Muginn shakes out his feathers, the plumes suddenly glowing with an ethereal haze. Ripples of mist pool at his talons, writhing with silent, screaming faces that leave hoar-frost in their wake.
Cheliyi pets Muginn, the ghost-feathered magpie ingratiatingly.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at Cheliyi with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

You have emoted: Esei remains silent, standing off to one side and watching each speaker intently.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "My Lady tried to help Her heal, though They both chafed a lot during the process. Um. How much was explained, besides how She was on the seat?"

Aknarin enters from the west, emanating an aura of immense power.
Slinking in from the west, a platinum furred lioness cautiously takes in her surroundings.

Aknarin bows respectfully to Kalikai.

Cheliyi glances askance.

Cheliyi inclines her head politely to Aknarin.

Aknarin Stormcrow says, "Sorry I didn't mean to be rude, I was just rushing through and didn't really check who was around."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says to Cheliyi, "Very little. Go on."

Aknarin doffs an emerald crown of laurels cordially.

Kalikai nods Her head at Aknarin.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper to Cheliyi, "I was not present for much of it, as you may recall."

Aknarin humbly drops one knee to the ground before Kalikai, genuflecting reverently in Her presence.

Aknarin Stormcrow says, "G'day to all of you."

Aknarin touches a large, castle-shaped cookie, and a delicious sugary smell fills the air. Just as Aknarin licks her lips, she suddenly disappears in a puff of powdered sugar.
With a low growl, a platinum furred lioness slinks etherwards.

You nod.

Cheliyi nods emphatically, inhaling softly. "Well. I was. So... here goes."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Lady of Lagoons, we found Her in the Trench because of hearing parts of song. We followed nereids, some of Her fae down and down and helped free Her, and She was very upset, as is Her right."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Damn right."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "She took Her time to get used to the Basin, told everyone to, ah, leave Her alone and nurses her wounds."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "But in the process, Lady... um. Enchantress tries to get back into good graces, says She regrets everything. Do not know what to believe."

Kalikai spits on the ground in disgust.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Lady of Lagoons tries to get more strength, and also revenge. Because, so many centuries ago, wanted to raise Sister Sea, yes? So."

A wry smile spreads across Kalikai's face.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "That is Her goal. She does... many very brash but also cunning things to summon a Blood Tide, to raise Sea by Herself and uses... ah... the nature seal to do it, I think. Also traps almost every Elder in a mirror world so they cannot interfere."

"Ha!" Kalikai exclaims with gusto.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "A number of mortals helped her do this, yes."

You shake your head.

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously at you.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "No, not quite."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "She used the Eye of Dynara to wake Sister Sea. It..."

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "It shattered, you recall?"

Romaan bows respectfully to Kalikai.

Kalikai nods Her head at Romaan.

Kalikai gives Romaan a respectful salute.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Right. Uh. She stole it from Lady Bloom and sorta... tricked Lord Silent too."

Cheliyi curls her nose up and grimaces awfully.

Sir Romaan D'Varden, Knight of the Paladins says, "I will not intrude or linger."
Romaan gives the world a smart salute.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "It was a big old mess, yes. And so the eye shattered, violently, and Sister Sea was in so much pain that we had to put her back to sleep."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "It killed every mortal present and rendered Lady Li-varili unconscious, which is the only way Lady Lantra was able to spirit Her away to the healing mound in Ethereal Mornhai."

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

A breath of invigorating sea air breezes in from the down, carrying with it a shimmering mist which soon coalesces into the form of Tridemon.

Tridemon blinks.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "So my Lady finally started healing Her."

Nodding, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "That must have been what I felt. Go on."

Somehow even quieter, you whisper, "That is one theory we had on how the Soulless were unleashed from their prison, in part, as well. Because the explosion was so massive."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "And people thought, um. That is not good and that my Lady was taking too long."

You incline your head politely to Tridemon.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "So they tried to break the healing early. And... it succeeded."

Kalikai rolls Her eyes.

Cheliyi sighs quietly, her frills drooping as her tail drags on the ground behind her.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Mortals have always been impatient. I get it, but I wish the lot of you would slow down sometimes."

You glance askance.

Kalikai motions for Cheliyi to proceed.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Lady Lagoon was not happy about the healing, and wanted out. She gave very worrying visions to her beloved followers, so they had distress and distrust."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "But ah, anyways."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Long story shortly, she was free again and wanted... wanted Keltari back."

Cheliyi glances askance.

A look of understanding crossing Her features, Kalikai nods Her head slowly.

Quietly, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Very badly. And something in the distance sounded like Them."

Kalikai raises an eyebrow at Cheliyi.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "So Lady of Lagoons used... seal of Life... then. To try and bring Them to life."

Quietly, you whisper, "It was some ilithoid that mummed Their form, I believe. They were hiding Sister Sea."

You shake your head at Cheliyi.

Beads of sweat break out on Cheliyi's face.

"By Roark!" Cheliyi profanes.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "I am so bad at memories, Nil it."

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

Backed by the sound of gentle waves, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Vestera's eye."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says to you, "Thanks for keeping my brain straights."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "After Sister Sea was put back to sleep by Lady Carakhan and my Lord, She used the Seal of Justice."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Small pieces of a puzzle make for a bigger picture."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Which hecking seal-."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Oh."

Cheliyi thrusts her palm towards her forehead and hits it with a resounding *smack*!

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Either way, we found that Keltari was a fake, and a part of Illith as a lure."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "And we killed thems and got Sister Sea back."

Looking downtrodden, Kalikai sadly shakes Her head.

Cheliyi sighs quietly, her frills drooping as her tail drags on the ground behind her.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "It was then She used the mirror to entrap all of the Elders - or most of Them, at any rate - while we fought against the Unjustly Dead and restored Them. When Her Curse was broken, She broke the Seal of Justice, saying that if She could not have justice then no one could. Shortly after, the other Elders were able to trap Her."

A look of understanding crossing her features, Cheliyi nods her head slowly.

Sharply, you whisper, "Though, Her shards yet remain."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Yeah. She uh, she Splintered."

Blankly, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Her...Liv splintered?"

Cheliyi nods her head emphatically.

"Ha!" Kalikai exclaims with gusto.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Her choices at the Trial held were pretty bad, and it was gonna be that my Lady would help heal Her longer, but... She Splintered insteads."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Aye. She was brought before mortal and Elder alike in judgement, and instead of accepting the healing of Lady Lantra or the long exile of the Void, She instead chose the third route."

You nod.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Well, now that's some justice. Well done, My old friend."

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

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Her shards, they are in a hidden part of Lagoon."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Well... some are, at least."

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye looks thoughtful and says, "Are they now."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Some we brought to Lanikai and the kelpies, others were brought to the nereids, and more chose their own paths still."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Divine said they needed a place to be safe and kinda... do the things that shards do."

You glance askance.

Kalikai smirks.

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "I bet. So these shards, have you mortals seen them walking around?"

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "So.... yeah. She is not gone exactly, but now another race of shards. Not yet."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Ah, not recently."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "We did at the start. It was... fascinating, certainly."

You shake your head.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "And kinda creepy."

Cheliyi shudders violently.

Unexpectedly softly, Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "I hope Her mind is at peace now. I'm not sure how long it takes to be fully mortal, but we'll see."

Backed by the sound of gentle waves, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "There were people who wanted to guide them into various paths. Maybe try to fuse back together."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "I imagine that it would not be long now. It takes a... few generations, aye."

Kalikai frowns at Tridemon.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "And it has been some... oh, not quite a hundred years. But close."

Cheliyi nods her head at Tridemon.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "That was what the Nereids were trying to do."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you murmur, "Yes, that."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "But, ah. I don't think will work."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "Not now, certainly."

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "And it is unlikely that... all of the livari ended up in the Basin, aye?"

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "As She splintered in the Havens directly, and thus they were sent scattered down instead of all at once."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "I mean, there are not a lot of places to goes, Esei."

Dryly, you whisper, "Is there? I had not noticed."

You clear your throat.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says to Tridemon, "Fuse...I don't think that's a thing, shard. Frag, I still don't understand how Eventru and Lyreth, or Elcyrion and Lacostian did Their thing."

With a slow nod to Kalikai, Cheliyi shows her understanding.

Kalikai waves Her hand dismissively.

Cheliyi smiles wryly at you.

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

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Your story has certainly given Me something to think about. I think Drocilla and I are going to have a talk at some point."

With a sigh, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "So, uh. Yeah. That's the story as goodly as I remember it."

Cheliyi winces in pain.

Kalikai nods Her head at Cheliyi.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Uh. Good lucks?"

Backed by the sound of gentle waves, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's an insane idea, frankly, to try to fuse the splintered souls back together. There's this taurian that's been giving it a try, and..."

Kalikai gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "It never ends well for him."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Am always happy to help if... can."

Beads of sweat break out on Cheliyi's face.

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Also, uh, hope did like the salad of fruit I lefts. Is good for hydration."

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "If I know Tauro's shards as well as I think I do, that's gonna be rough. She never really was a "go with the flow" goddess."

Slowly, you whisper, "Is there any else You might wish to know? I understand that there has been quite a bit of history since You last resided in the Basin."

Kalikai nods Her head at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi stares blankly into space.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says to Cheliyi, "I don't require food, but it was appreciated."

Kalikai shakes Her head.

Cheliyi narrows her eyes to thin slits.

Kalikai, the Crimson Eye says, "Shard, I feel like you would be stuck here for eternity if you told me the things I did not know. But thank you."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "If a roc grabs me, I swear on my Lady..."

Cheliyi peers about herself unscrupulously.

Cheliyi grins mischievously at Kalikai.

Lilting in a dark, ethereal voice, you whisper, "It is not much different for us mortals, I think."

Echoed by rippling waters, Anointed Cheliyi Lunarose, Seeker of Wisdom says, "Always happy to talk!"

You think to yourself: ** and, for just a moment, a seething heartbeat of bloodlust, hidden among the murk. **.

Cheliyi blinks.

Cheliyi glances askance at you.

Kalikai gives the world a smart salute.

Cheliyi gives Kalikai a respectful salute.

Threads of fiery aether coalesce around Kalikai, enshrouding Her form whole before bursting in an explosion of jittery sparks and fading from view.

Cheliyi slumps down dejectedly.

You nod.

Cheliyi exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.