"She is very loud."

BACKSTORY: Following up on this log (https://forums.lusternia.com/discussion/3965/visiting-a-friend#latest) in which Gurashi et al went to go visit Liar, and it  became apparently there was some sort of Psionic nonsense happening. Gurashi should be good at psionics but he is not because his antennae is broke so... he decided it was time to fix it:

***

It is now the 25th of Klangiary, 553 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 20 days until the New Moon

Starry shadows herald Dusan, the coruscant as he deposits a blackthorn bouquet origami into your hands before dissolving into mist again.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Ah ... hello!"

Esei tells you, "Mm?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "The origami - they were from you? Or Dusan??"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Either way Dusan delivered, oh yes."

Esei tells you, "Yes."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Many thank yous!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "...have a curious question for you!"

Esei tells you, "Mm?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Are healer, yes? Is why are always touching."

Esei tells you, "Yes, I am."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "...so like, what is the most that can do with your healing? Can fix really old wounds? LIke scars and stuff??"

An ethereal cat makes a plaintive meow, looking pitiable.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down towards the cat, then gasps. "Oh, didn't lock you in here, did I?"

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You pet an ethereal cat ingratiatingly.
An ethereal cat looks the other way, ignoring you completely.

You open the oak door to the northeast.

Esei tells you, "I could... theoretically, at least."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Guess did... oops."

With a twitch of his tail, an ethereal cat romps off to the northeast.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Oh."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "You have never done..."

Esei tells you, "No, not yet. No one has ever asked."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "... hmm!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Hmm hmm hmm.... **The voice trails off**."

You think to yourself: Could....

Esei tells you, "Is there something you wish to be healed, my friend?"

You think to yourself: Learn more about big brain stuff...

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae twitch subtly. "But ..."

You lean on Bizirik, the leothin seeking consolation.
Perking up, Bizirik, the leothin begins to chitter and thrum, its tail sweeping back and forth across the ground. It cranes its neck to gently headbutt your side contentedly.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "**Quiet - you can sense thinking**."

You think to yourself: My peoples are supposed to be like, best big brain peoples...

You think to yourself: ...maybe if can hear what Friend Liar hears...

Faintly buzzing, you say, "What... Friend Aschwar hears... but, would it be the same?"

You sway back and forth.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares down at Bizirik, the leothin. "This is serious business, Bizi. Busy Bizi. How are you." He cups the leothin's face adoringly. Bizirik snorts, licking her snout, tail slapping the floor happily.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Uhm. Am having some thoughts."

Esei tells you, "I am willing to listen."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Am wondering ... my - you know, my antennae?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Am wondering..."

Esei tells you, "If they can be restored?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "....yeah."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "If can... eventually do the things that, am supposed to be able to do."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "My peoples are very good mind peoples. They are supposed to be."

Esei tells you, "Mm."

Esei tells you, "We would have to be... careful."

Esei tells you, "Do you remember if before the Portal, you had full antennae?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Oh - no... have never had them."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "I mean - yes! Of course will be careful just."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "I do not know how else to help Aschwar."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "And they need help so badly, and feel for them so strongly but cannot do any things, so maybe if can understand what it is they are experiencing, at least a -little-, then can... do something??"

Esei tells you, "Ah... using the telepathic ability of your race to help?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Being able to understand! Psionics, yes? Big brain stuffs."

Esei tells you, "Something along the lines yes."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Maybe I can see what is causing them so much pain!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "What they are missing!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "I will do anything for them!"

Esei tells you, "I suppose I shall help you, then."

Esei tells you, "Where would you wish to meet?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "... a-am not sure I should do it!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "But am not sure what else to do!!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Am in my manse."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Probably shouldn't be sitting around in the Glomdoring, haha!"

Esei tells you, "Mm. I shall come to you."

Esei tells you, "Ah, if that is alright with you."

<-- Goes to portal room

A frosty sense of coolness brushes one's skin by the twinkling of tiny snowflakes that appear to drift over the area, as the light escapes the paper lantern above.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "....OooooOo-K."

You fidget impatiently.

Esei tells you, "Are you well?"

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You see the following people here:
Esei, Gurashi.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Yes! Yes. Am O-K."

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

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

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Am gathering my resolve!"

You have emoted: Gurashi takes another deep breath. "It... is a little scary. Am not sure if it will actually help or not. Know?" He smiles.

Esei nods their head at you.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Have been so lucky to have not heard the voice of the hives... but... the few other kephera that HAVE met - Mister Minkahmet, and, Mister Lleuke - they both said they could still hear the Queens."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "And THEY were O-K."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "So."

You beam broadly at Esei.

Showing that they understands, Esei nods their head slowly.

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Love my commune, and believe in the Shadowbeats, oh yes."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "You do know that Bizirik is also... telepathic? Psionic?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Uhm."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down to Bizirik, the leothin, who stares up, grinning stupidly. "She is... a something. Uhm, think Tridemon said she was an empath!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "She shows feelings. Sometimes."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Yes, that."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "When she wants."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Many words to describe similar things."

Esei ponders the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives the leothin a look. "Sometimes I would see things that Ishra was feeling... see is a weird word... uhm..."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "The Queens, even distant, may be a bit... overwhelming, at least initially."

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head. "Could feel the things. When Bizi would look at her, and I would put my hand on Bizi's head..."

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "Since you have perhaps never heard them, yes?"

With a wave of his hand, you say to Esei, "The Queens are dead right now, yes..."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Esei, "So ... it should be O-K?"

A wry smile spreads across Esei's face.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Reincarnation."

Esei reaches out and gently taps you on the beak. "Regardless..."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Ah... you are..."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks Bizirik, the leothin, "Would you like to help ground him?"

You have emoted: Gurashi claps his hands on the sides of his face. "Suddenly am having second guesses."

You bounce up and down.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Maybe this is a bad idea."

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: No.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

You think to yourself: We have to do the thing.

You think to yourself: We must endure the thing.

You shake your head.

You nod your head sagely.

You sense the piercing eyes of Tridemon looking upon you.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**You sense acknowledgement of the scry, but are otherwise greeted with distracted silence**."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "O-K."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "How would we know if we do not try?"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "I will do it."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "O-K."

Suddenly, you say to Esei, "Oh! Uh, if things get bad, you one-hundred percent have permission to hit me."

You suddenly let loose a chittering laugh.

Esei smirks.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly removes his lute, setting it on the nearby table. "O-K O-K O-K."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Here, or elsewhere?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "....ahh."

You have emoted: Gurashi paces in a nervous circle around Esei. "I do not know."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Esei, "I mean we could go outside?"

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Perhaps in the garden?"

A lovely garden of kaleidoscopic colors.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Beyond a small gate of rough ravenwood, vines of ivy cascade over a fence, tendrils creeping in every direction. A small stone path is dotted with moss and bits of weeds, parting a great sea of ever-blooming flowers of every type and color. Rolling swaths of prismatic petals sway like ocean waves in a gentle wind. At the heart of this glade is a small, deep spring lined with smooth black stones. On the far bank grows a short, wickedly twisted, ebon-barked willow tree that reaches out over the water, its round, drooping branches and vibrant green leaves barely skimming the surface. Nearly unnoticed beside the willow tree is a small wooden marker and a tiny mound of freshly piled soil. The atmosphere here is crisp, fresh, and quite peaceful, save for the occasional distraction of the bumblebees, dragonflies and cicadas that buzz and wheel through the blossoms. A large rowan tree trunk lies here on its side, worn smooth from use. A large golden cocoon hangs from high above here. Covered in bone armour, a giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. Surrounded by a faint, emerald halo, an ethereal cat romps playfully about the area. A luminescent butterfly flutters about here, emanating a soft glow. A sign suggests you can use STABLE commands here.
You see exits leading north (open door), east (open door), southeast, and northwest.
You ponder the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at Esei, smiling brightly. "O-K. What do need to do?"

Esei gestures for you to sit on the ground.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh - O-K."

You have emoted: Gurashi settles down upon his knees, laying his hands in his lap after pulling out his cloak from beneath himself. He sets his hat on the ground beside him, chittering nervously.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Esei, "Er - this will probably NOT work, right?"

Esei kneels in front of you, hands lifting to touch both your antennae. Their eyes flutter close as they murmur soft, nigh inaudible words as silver flows underneath the skin of their arms, swirling up towards their fingers.

Esei places a forefinger between your eyes, and a soothing warmth passes through you.

You have emoted: Gurashi leans back at the initial touch, flinching. Immediately after he composes himself again, gripping fistfuls of cloak and sitting very still. He stares at the ground before him, gaze intensely focused.

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

Esei's eyes open, pupils flaring briefly silver as the light coalesces into shape atop your broken antennae. With one final, ethereal-sounding word, it flashes and solidifies into a natural shade of black, as though nothing had been different. The elfen, however, slumps suddenly, looking exhausted from the endeavor. Their hands fall slack to their sides as they pull away from you, glancing over to the leothin with tired eyes.

LOOK ME
He is a compound-eyed kephera wyrden demigod. He looks imposing at first glance, standing nearly two meters high with a black chitinous exoskeleton and broad blood-orange thorax. His bulbous red eyes sit on either side of his wedge-shaped head, [and a long, thin pair of antennae protrude from atop his skull.] Where his mouth would be sits a small pair of jagged mandibles. Two sets of spiny orange arms are affixed to his torso, the top set of which are long and thewy while the second are spindly and pulled close to his chest. A long abdomen hangs down to his knees and is angled away from his back, ribbed in full black bands with orange lines throughout. Evidence of conflict mar his once flawless carapace, the occasional crack and abrasion clearly visible. His legs are long and covered in thick orange plates with tiny black spines tracing down the back of his calves, ending in small segmented dual-toed feet. Set on either side of his lower back are two delicate orbs that whistle and click as he breathes. Two pairs of veiny, translucent wings looking far too small for his body size hang stiffly from his back. Tattooed on his hands is an illustration of a bumblebee constellation. <-- not broke eeee

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his eyes, first the left, then the right. He blinks, sitting up straight. His right antennae bobs with its usual vigor, while the left, newly formed, dips very stiffly. His eyes widen. "Ooa..." He slowly grins. "Hey, they are... there! I feel them!"

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches his hands up excitedly, but does not touch the antennae, mandibles clicking. "Oh my gosh, it worked! Oh my gosh Mixter Esei you are the best!!"

From the moment the process began, Bizirik, the leothin kept itself at a further distance than usual. But now, the leothin creeps further and further away, slinking in its movements, eyes narrowed as it regards Gurashi carefully.

Esei blinks, leaning away from you. They narrow their own eyes, as though sensing something.

You eyes light up as you smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head up thoughtfully, listening. "...huh."

You think to yourself: It does not feel any different.

You think to yourself: ...that is surprising!

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters softly to himself. "I do not hear anything."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Esei.

Softly, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks, "Do you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head quickly. "No. Thought that would."

Esei narrows their eyes at you in an unnerving manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns. "Uhm... sorry?"

You suddenly let loose a chittering laugh.

Esei shakes their head.

You have emoted: Gurashi pushes down on the ground, rising to his feet. He looks this way and that, attempting to wiggle both antennae together, then independently. "Ooh. This is weird."

You stand up and stretch your arms out wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks this way and that, still smiling. "...oh - what do tell people??" He looks thrilled - relieved.

Esei also rises, despite their apparent exhaustion. They frown at you, brow furrowing in thought.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a soft, low grumble, staying near the garden gate. Its tail lashes this way and that, nostrils flaring.

You think to yourself: / *A faint, high-pitched keening begins to swell in the back of your mind...* /

You have emoted: As Gurashi reaches down for his hat, he suddenly pauses, fingers touching the fabric of the brim. He takes a breath, steadies himself.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You think to yourself: ... it is ... loud.

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze loses its focus, and he bows his head, taking a deep breath. He manages to grasp his hat by the brim, rises up straight - jerks suddenly, involuntarily, as if struck by something unseen. He staggers, boggling, dropping the hat again.

You drop a leather explorer's hat.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "U-uhh."

You think to yourself: It is very loud.

You think to yourself: / *The sound remains incessant, joined by even MORE sounds, and now voices too, all speaking and chittering and whispering and yelling to one another* /

Esei suddenly scoops up a leather explorer's hat.

You think to yourself: It is very loud, it is very loud.

You think to yourself: What is that SOUND.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 1st of Juliary, 553 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 19 days until the New Moon

Bizirik, the leothin's bio-luminescent lines flare, and it stalks up to stand beside Esei, chattering noisily, emitting a low, ominous clicking noise as it stares down its kepheran companion.

Esei ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

Softly, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk asks you, "Are you well?"

You have emoted: Gurashi tilts his head back, beak falling open, mandibles clicking. He spasms, stiffly raises a hand to his face - "Ah, it's, v..." He shudders, left visibly trembling, eyes wide. Sweat begins to appear on his carapace. "V-v-very n... ois...y ... uhm, cannot hear... th..."

You think to yourself: Cannot hear... the Drums.

Esei's face turns utterly blank, swiftly reaching out to entrap your larger hands in theirs.

Esei reaches out to you and offers their hand, leading you in a moment of supplication to the guiding Spirits and signs of the Wyrd. You share Their embrace with Esei as the melody, scents, sights and sounds of the Wyrd suffuse you in the bounty of the Dark Heart.

You have emoted: Gurashi desperately clamps his hands over either side of his face, palms flat. Desperately searching for something - and, for a few, blissful moments, he finds it in the presence of the Wyrd, the Dark Heart, the presence of a fellow Glomdorian and Augur...

You twitch spasmodically.

You have emoted: Gurashi's relieved face falls.

You have emoted: Gurashi carefully peels away from Esei, once more vibrating. "Oh, it's bad," He whispers, eyes widening. "Go - you have to go. Have to." He jerks violently. "Please go."

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "No."

You think to yourself: ...bad ...

You think to yourself: You are bad.

You think to yourself: You are a threat to... m..

You shake your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes his head again, more violently. "Do not un--" He cuts himself off, letting loose a shrill, cicada-like cry. The sound pierces the garden, silencing the other previously noisy creatures.

You slump down dejectedly.

Bizirik, the leothin snarls softly, chattering still as it paces in an anxious half-circle around Esei, ever watchful of Gurashi. It's wings expand, as if to be threatening, as if to ward off something bad.

You think to yourself: No! Is not a threat.

You think to yourself: That is Esei.

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: That is Esei and EsEI is a fr..

You think to yourself: / A threat to the HIves /.

Esei adjusts their stance, pulling their athame in front of them.

You think to yourself: What?

You think to yourself: / AbomimatION /.

Esei places a hand atop Bizirik, the leothin's head, glancing to her.

Bizirik, the leothin suddenly spits, hissing viciously. Even as you lay your hand upon the leothin's back, all you sense is anxiety. Something is wrong, wrong very wrong and you are not safe, and you are suddenly aware of how very -big- Gurashi actually is when you look at him.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "The timequake is being boring."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**A noise - like buzzing, chittering, static. The noise is unnerving**."

You think to yourself: They are ...

Esei draws their hand back, facing you once again as they lower into a crouch. The same hand reaches to touch a phantasmal shroud of shadows, but hesitates.

You have emoted: You aren't sure what Gurashi is doing for a time, the kephera standing very stiff, twitching, gaze drifitng in and out of focus. He opens his mouth to speak, grimacing.

Esei closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.

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

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

You think to yourself: / You must protect the Hive /.

You think to yourself: / They are one of Them /.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Gurashi? Are you with me?"

You think to yourself: They are Esei!

You think to yourself: They are good people, they are a friend - mean, sometimes do silly stuff.

You think to yourself: Mean stuff - they are my friend.

You think to yourself: / They are Tainted /.

You think to yourself: .....what!

You have emoted: Gurashi twitches again, staring off into space, looking this way in that, as if conversing with someone.

You think to yourself: / You must not hesitate you must destroy it /.

You look about in confusion.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks very strangely at Esei, mandibles clicking.

You think to yourself: But ... do not...

You think to yourself: / You must /.

Esei frowns at you.

You think to yourself: Do not want to.

You think to yourself: / You must /.

You shake your head.

You think to yourself: / You must /.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, gripping either side of his head. "Gnn," He points with his smaller right hand. "...you're..."

You think to yourself: ...Mixter Esei, please!

You twitch spasmodically.

You think to yourself: So loud.

You sense the piercing eyes of Xenthos looking upon you. <-- oh heck

You think to yourself: /You MUST./.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "I am...?"

You think to yourself: /There - the weapon --/.

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze settles upon a cruel hunting knife.

Ilistala emerges from the shadows, curiously looking around. <-- oh HECK

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against you, purring like a cat.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard rubs up against Esei, purring like a cat.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "LOL."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "OH HI ILISTALA."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Andu m. xenthons."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "*falls over*."

You twitch spasmodically.

Esei grabs Ilistala, hurriedly shaking their head.

Bizirik, the leothin continues to growl, backing away.

Bizirik, the leothin lays down on the ground beside Xenthos, eyes trained on Gurashi.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard sniffs you, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from you is.

You think to yourself: / THEY are just as bad... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Xenthos, then Ilistala, an enormous leopard, unfocused, blinking several times, both antennae raised and alert.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... Oi, you alright over there?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**The buzzing continues, ebbing in and out as you mill about**."

You stare about yourself, baffled.

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

Faintly buzzing, you whisper, "It's ... very l... oud..."

You glance about alertly, your antennae twitching as you scan the immediate area.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Words. Use your words. Buzzing is not words."

Esei reaches out and touches you.

Xenthos tilts his head and listens intently to you.

Clearly overwhelmed, antennae twitching, you say, "V... lou..d.. loud..."

You stagger suddenly, placing a hand on the side of your head.

You think to yourself: / Abominations /.

You think to yourself: / They are a danger /.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard lifts a paw up and rests it on your chest, her face mere inches away as she stares with concern into your eyes.

You think to yourself: No... Xenthos is my father, and Ilistala is m--.

You think to yourself: / ABOMINATIONs /.

You think to yourself: / -YOU- MUST PROTECT THE QUEENS /.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly seizes, violently knocking Ilistala, an enormous leopard's paw away. He lets loose a dreadful sound, a noise like his cicada cry, only low and grating, distressed. He turns away, hands on his hand as he tries to make some distance between himself and those gathered.

Bizirik, the leothin continues to growl, then looks up at Xenthos, making a concerned series of clicks and tossing its head.

Xenthos raises an eyebrow at you.

Xenthos removes a circlet of crystal thorns.
The psionic presence about Xenthos fades as he removes a circlet of crystal thorns from atop his head.

Xenthos gives a circlet of crystal thorns to you. <-- WHAT

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "What's THIS."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "ARE YOU SOLVING MY PROBLEMS WITH ARTIFACTS."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "It gives the Mindfield defense."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Wear that."

You think to yourself: /A B O M I N A T I O N /.

You begin to wield a circlet of crystal thorns in your left hand.
You begin to wield your weapon
**Gurashi hurls circlet back at him lmfao**

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Put it on."

You have emoted: Gurashi hurls the circlet back at Xenthos, watching as it bounces off the faeling's shoulder and rolls off somewhere else. In his moment of distraction, suddenly Esei is in front of him, grabbing his antennae. He looks down, confused, startled by the presence--.

You think to yourself: / KILL IT /.

You have emoted: Gurashi's smaller right hand suddenly finds its way to a cruel hunting knife, and in one fluid motion he strikes out at Esei with it, hissing fiercely.

You begin to wield a cruel hunting knife in your left hand.

Your strike lands on Esei's body.

Xenthos's fist lashes out suddenly, blocking the knife and dashing it out of your grasp.

You hunch slightly and flare your body as you hiss warningly at Xenthos.

You think to yourself: / DON'T LET IT /.

Esei blinks.

You have emoted: Gurashi trembles as he is disarmed, suddenly elbowing Xenthos hard in the sternum in an attempt to break free.

Xenthos grasps your arms, holding you still just after the circlet slips onto your head.
Placing a circlet of crystal thorns atop your head, you sense a psionic field rise about you.

You think to yourself: / NO-- /.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Here, now. What's this?"

(Trasto): Ixchilgal says, "It was unpleasant."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Esei, "What, precisely, is going on here?"

You have emoted: Gurashi thrashes violently, suddenly seeming very small compared to Xenthos. He continues to jerk and angrily chitter for several seconds before relaxing - slightly - his breathing comes labored, and he stares up in confusion. "O...."

You think to yourself: Uuh, is... loud still ... less loud... less?

You think to yourself: Oh is just me?

You think to yourself: Is just me oh.

You think to yourself: Bad.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to Xenthos, "He wanted... to regrow his antennae, to help someone..."

You wince in pain.

Beads of sweat break out on your face.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I see."

You sense the piercing eyes of Tridemon looking upon you.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**The maddening buzzing and chittering stops rather abruptly, replaced with stock silence**."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "You're stronger than this."

You stare at Xenthos, eyes wide.

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Xenthos is the cursed treasure confirmed."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks very confused. "What do you mean?"

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses, looking down at a cruel hunting knife.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Just voices in your head? Try hearing the entire Basin. All the time. The babbling background of thousands of voices, always there."

You blink a few times and stare at Xenthos in confusion.

Xenthos touches a finger to the centre of his forehead as he intones a prayer to Lord Shikari, asking Him for comprehension of all aethers of communication. As soon as the prayer ends, his eyes briefly unfocus as an expression of pain passes over his face.

Nodding once, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Like so."

You think to yourself: Did not actually listen to it, did I?

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Oi, you alright?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares up at Xenthos, dazed, touching the circlet. He looks to Esei, chittering weakly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Can I release you now?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "No more stabbing friends."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods once, curtly, still looking very concerned and confused.

You twitch spasmodically.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Where'd I stab you esei."
\(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Huh."
(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "Idk."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "You bleedin."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Yeah you bleedin."

Xenthos releases your arm. "Besides, if you want to stab people, you need practice. You shouldn't just lash out like that."

You have emoted: Gurashi's arm drops, as does the knife.

You drop a cruel hunting knife.

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: It is s...till loud though...

You have emoted: Gurashi shuts his eyes, standing very, very still.

Esei holds a hand over their shoulder, healing the cut there.

You think to yourself: ... find the Drums, find the Drums...

Bizirik, the leothin continues to remain at a safe distance, eyes narrowed. Its tail lashes this way and that, regarding Gurashi cautiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his eyes again, staring over at Esei, bewildered. "Am... very sorry," He says weakly, "That was uh..."

Voice wavering, you say, "Embarrassing!"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard continues to stare at you in concern.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, awkwardly touching his antennae. "I.. it was really weird! All of a sudden was like watching self, instead of -being- self, just for ..." He trails off. "It was... weird! It was -weird-."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Am sorry."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Am so so so so so sorry."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "You di-did me a kindness and I went and tried to -stab you-."

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "Th..."

You twitch spasmodically.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "That was very bad of me."

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

Esei pats Bizirik, the leothin in a friendly manner.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

You have emoted: Gurashi clears his throat, looking down and wringing his hands together. "...well..." His antennae twitch, first one, then the other.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Never stab something unless you mean it. Unless you intend to do damage to them."

(Glomdoring): Evette (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Dark Tidings, Lady Viravain." <-- OH NO

You stare blankly into space.

Esei blinks.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Greetings, Lady Viravain."

You blanch suddenly.

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

You think to yourself: This is a bad time.

You think to yourself: Oh.

You think to yourself: The Lady of Roses ...

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 2nd of Juliary, 553 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 18 days until the New Moon

You think to yourself: Y... must say hello.

You think to yourself: Must say hello.

You think to yourself: Must...

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And when you do it, you do it like so."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Midnight tidings, My forest."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Many greetings, Lady of Roses."

You think to yourself: There...

(Glomdoring): Esei says, "Tidings, Lady Viravain."

Xenthos takes the knife, and demonstrates in the air. "You don't want to give them a chance to block it. Swift, sure. Straight to the heart."

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Xenthos."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "You are wild man."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "<3."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "I mean, dad sees eson doing things badly."
(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "LOL."
(The Shadow Kindred): Xenthos says, "Of course he will give lessons."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Xenthos as he demonstrates with the knife, wringing his hands together.

Dryly, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Yes, do stab me in the heart while you have the chance."

You think to yourself: ...I did not... want to hurt them though.

Esei stares implacably at you.

You carapace turns a bright shade of red as you blush.

You think to yourself: Mmf!

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We've already discussed that it is not to be done to friends, or upon a whim."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Only with intent, with reason."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "So taciturn, My Glomdoring. Has My Cousin taken your voices?"

You think to yourself: / ..... /.

You twitch spasmodically.

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Xenthos.

You glance askance.

(Glomdoring): You say, "Many apologies, Miss Lady of Roses - how are You?"

You think to yourself: Be...

You think to yourself: Here and breathing, yes.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I still have claim to my own, at least."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Hmm... do you need quicksilver? I have too much in my rift to take more out of the fountain."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Indeed."

Esei stares blankly into space.

(Glomdoring): Kreon (from a temporal rift) says, "I'm always quiet unless fighting is involved."

You think to yourself: / ..... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, scratching the side of his head, antennae twitching.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Is there something we can be of assistance with? We were seeking a bit of a fight, but there was not much to be had this time, within the rifts to elsewhere."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "And how do you fight, Kreon? With wailing?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Xenthos quickly, then shuffles, stepping back. He looks around for his dropped hat, frowning.

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "I will ignore your suggestion that I require a reason to speak to My forest, Xenthos."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**Finally, quiet - very, very quiet** ... oh - Tridemon ... am sorry."

(Glomdoring): Kreon (from a temporal rift) says, "Yes my Mistress, it seems my wailing is enough that they seem to scatter on occasions or they want me dead."

(Glomdoring): Kreon (from a temporal rift) says, "Mostly the latter."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about, frowning. "Where..."

You have emoted: Gurashi dips his head, scanning the ground, the small patches of grass that are flattened.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Where?"

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Mmm. As long as you do not use discordant caterwauling as your weapon of choice."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ah--."

You slip into a leather explorer's hat.

Esei blinks.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Oh, that."

You have emoted: Gurashi is careful pulling the hat on his head, extra mindful of the new lengthened antennae. "...many apologies."

(Glomdoring): Viravain says, "Quite so. We dare not appeal to My Cousin's noise of choice, lest She assume She is still relevant anywhere but that rotting corpse of a nation."

Weakly, you whisper, "She talks about Lady Enchantress...?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Yes."

Like spiders weaving a web, the voice of Viravain, Lady of the Thorns crawls across your mind, "She does, My bumblebee."

You carapace turns a bright shade of red as you blush.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly lets out a nervous "mm", looking down.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

Xenthos carefully folds up his standard and stores it safely.

You have emoted: Gurashi nervously wrings his hands together. "She did not answer how She was doing," He says finally, aloud, staring over at Bizirik who continues to stare back at the kephera anxiously.

(Glomdoring): Kreon (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Oh yes, Xenthos I have our two anomalies."

(Glomdoring): Kreon (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Er three rather."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Two go to Yendor, one to me."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Uh... am... **The voice is suddenly interrupted by the fleeting smell of roses, and a lingering sense of guilt**."

You think to yourself: / ...... /.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "If you were a divine, would you answer that question?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Knowing that mortalkind would have difficulty comprehending your travails?"

Xenthos tilts his head curiously at you.

You think to yourself: ... oh - it was..

You have emoted: Gurashi looks confused, then a bit ill, touching the circlet again to make sure it is still there.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...thought was polite to ask Her..."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... Do you need me to come over and check on you? Cough twice if you're being held hostage by a legion of gnomes."

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns has bestowed Her divine truefavour upon you. It will last for 5 months.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about miserably. "Am sorry." He shakes his head. "You can go - am. You--".

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "It is not that you were impolite, simply that it is a question without an answer that She can easily provide. And She is not given to expressing empty platitudes."

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales sharply as he is suddenly enshrouded with the sweet smell of roses.

You blink.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, ""I am good," is not something you will hear from Her."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "She will not say something just for the sake of saying it."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Thus, you know that when She does say something, -she means it-."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods weakly, touching his beak.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And thus it is with Lord Nocht, and Lord Shikari as well."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Xenthos, ".....w-what about Mister Lord Manteekan?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "**The voice returns, still quiet and distracted** I'll ... be done soon so can come say hi..."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "He is... different. His motives are to serve the Glomdoring, but we always must watch and observe, lest He start to drift beyond the bounds of reason."

You think to yourself: / ....... hh .. /.

You twitch spasmodically.

You nod your head emphatically.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "It is not beyond the realm of possibility for Him to say something untrue, for His own ends."

Shrugging, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But I have no evidence of Him actually doing so, either."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And He is one of our Pantheon. We show Him the same respect as the rest, until and unless He demonstrates otherwise."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Lady Viravain and Lord Nocht have bound Him to us."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks a little unsure, then returns to watching Xenthos, though it's hard to tell how hard he's paying attention, gaze drifting in and out of focus.

Showing that you understand, you nod your head slowly towards Xenthos.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "**Quiet** Am so sorry."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "Am so so so so sorry."
Esei tells you, "What for?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk, "That was weird - are you O-K."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... Not really sure what you were doing in the first place, but alright."

You see the following people here:
Xenthos, Gurashi.

Esei tells you, "Ah... just... tired."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to you, "Would you like to kill things? A bit of vigorous activity might help distract you from what is in your head- and perhaps give you time to acclimate."

Esei tells you, "Usually, with healing, I encourage the body to regrow and heal faster, because it already knows how."

Esei tells you, "Your... antennae. It was like... making a whole new part of you."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly shakes his head. "No, it's too loud right now - still." He makes a face. "Maybe... later? Not right now." He repeats. "Not right now."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "Am sorry."

Earnestly, you say to Xenthos, "Am so very sorry."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "Am bigger than the voices yes."

You think to yourself: / .... /.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "They are empty, hollow."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "...yeah!"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And you- you are not."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Xenthos, "Yeah!"

You think to yourself: / ...... hollow ..... /.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard nudges against you, purring loudly.

You have recognised Esei for: FOR JUMPING INTO THE BATHTUB OF DEATH WITH ME even if Xenthos made me not kill you, it's O-K i'll get you someday <3.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at Ilistala, an enormous leopard, startled by her purrs. He gently pets the leopard with all four arms, bowing his head.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "Still - that was very embarrassing."

You glance askance.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Remember that next time. You control your emotions. They do not control you."

You carapace turns a bright shade of red as you blush.

You nod your head emphatically.

You shuffle your feet uneasily.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "Right! Right..."

Xenthos steps down off of Ilistala, an enormous leopard.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard begins to follow you.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Xenthos, "It is --."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Wait - aren't you going hunting?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Ilistala wants to stay here with you for a time."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I am. She is staying."

Xenthos pats Ilistala, an enormous leopard in a friendly manner.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against Xenthos.

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...O-K."

You pet Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against you.

Xenthos spreads his arms wide, and the air between his hands begins to warp and twist, dancing with brilliant multicoloured light as he bores a hole through the fabric of the planes.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Be safe ..."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard purrs loudly, curling up around your feet.

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters softly, suddenly very aware he is alone. He looks to Ilistala, an enormous leopard, then Bizirik, the leothin, exhaling quietly.

You think to yourself: The circlet will not last forever...

You think to yourself: What then...

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at his head, hesitantly poking the circlet again.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters, "Am home."

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Esei hopefully.
Esei pets Ilistala, an enormous leopard ingratiatingly.

Esei blinks.

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the east, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

Esei blinks.

Esei tilts their head curiously at Tridemon.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Esei, "Gurashi was being very buzzy. I've come to check on him."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up from Ilistala, an enormous leopard to Esei as they enter, and then to Tridemon.

Esei's eyes flit to the ground at Tridemon's words, frowning.

You twitch spasmodically.

You think to yourself: / .... /.

Tridemon pats you in a friendly manner.

Quietly, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Gurashi has both antennae now."

Tridemon tilts his head curiously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi twitches again as Tridemon pats him, expression unreadable. His right antennae twitches like normal, the left sluggish.

You think to yourself: ... hh.. still loud...

You think to yourself: Is making so tired.

You think to yourself: This was a bad idea.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Does...that have something to do with why he was buzzing at me before?"

Tridemon gives a pained sigh.

You glance askance.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...likely."

You think to yourself: This is humiliating.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about suddenly, as if reacting to some errant sound. When he can't find the source, he turns to looking at Esei and Tridemon, tilting his head again.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "You don't have to explain if you don't want to. But you're acting a touch odd."

Quickly, you say to Tridemon, "Wanted to help Friend Liar."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Tridemon, "So thought maybe if understood what it is they have - the thing? The....."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, looking at Esei for clarification.

Esei shrugs helplessly.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Telepathy, empathy."

Rambling, you say, "It never worked before so thought maybe if fixed t.."

You think to yourself: / ... hh .. /.

You twitch spasmodically.

You glance askance.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Take your time. Finish your sentences."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Tridemon, staring for a few seconds before continuing. "Telepathies. Kephera are supposed to be good at it."

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows audibly. "Am not."

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae twitch again, as does he. "So thought maybe if Mixter Esei fixed what was broken then would..."

Tridemon reaches up and scratches behind his ear for a moment, looking confused. "Alright, but what does..." The lucidian suddenly thinks of something, and leans in to look at your antennae, pushing his glasses up his nose.

(Trasto): Esei says, "Sexy professor tridemon?"
(Trasto): You say, "*eyes emoji*."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... Did it?"

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly looks up, dazed. After a few moments, he continues, "It worked."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "It is loud."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "N...ot right now - the circlet helped."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to periodically check that it is there. "The voices stopped when Xenthos put it on."

Tridemon lifts his glasses up to pinch his nose lightly. "Gurashi... Zenobia the Queen of Queens is reigning. I literally warned you about something like this."

Suddenly, you ask, "Is not - what?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Xenthos would tell me if She was raised - he knows, s--."

You think to yourself: / ... pr ... tec... /.

You twitch spasmodically.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Is she not reigning? Hmm. Perhaps I viewed the signs wrongly, then."

Esei shuffles their feet uneasily.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at his hand, quickly gripping the fingerbladed one tightly as he stares at the ground. "Mixter Esei did me a kindness and... I did not do them a kindness..."

You carapace turns a bright shade of red as you blush.

Deadpan, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "He tried to stab me."

You blanch suddenly.

You glance askance.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I am perfectly fine."

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "The Seal of Keph was intact the last time I checked, and the kepheran warders were guarding instead of the Illithoid reapers... Hmm."

Tridemon seems somewhat oblivious to the notification of attempted stabbing.

Weakly, you say, "Am sorry."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Thought would help but - is just ..."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's just loud and intrusive and foreign?"

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk murmurs, "Overwhelming, as I said it would be."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods quickly. "She is very loud."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "She? She who?"

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters anxiously. "When the circlet was off, was so loud c-could not even hear the Drums..."

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses at this, looking up. "....she.... do not know - but it is... a woman's voice? Or a very womanly sounding man."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Probably one of the Kepheran Queens, I sup..."

You think to yourself: Am sorry - is so embarrassing.

Tridemon blinks, and then looks directly at Bizirik.

Bizirik, the leothin does nothing, remaining hunched near the garden gate and watching you warily.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Were you reaching out to Gurashi, little lady?"

Esei smirks.

Bizirik, the leothin makes no noise, makes little to show it's even heard Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi nervously touches the circlet again, staring off into space.

You twitch spasmodically.

Esei reaches out and touches you.

Tridemon crosses his arms as he looks over at the leothin again, pulling out a pearl pipe from one of the folds of his robes and tapping it a few times.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts softly, finally looking up at Tridemon. It looks surprisingly tired.

You see the following people here:
Tridemon, Esei, Gurashi.

Dipping their hand into a shadow cauldron, Esei pulls out a long shadow and releases it into the air. The room darkens with the churning darkness.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... bah. This is going to be uncomfortable for a few months."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...Xenthos said that I am bigger than the voices, because he hears all of the voices all over the basin all of the time ..."

You blink a few times and stare at Tridemon in confusion.

Esei blinks incredulously at Tridemon.

Awkwardly, you ask Tridemon, "U-uncomfortable?"

The Pearl Pipe of the Oracular Ocean glows with power as Tridemon draws in a long drag of smoke.
A column of smoke billows out from the Pearl Pipe of the Oracular Ocean and swirls about Tridemon, eventually taking on a form reminiscent of a kephera before dissipating into the air.

You blink.

Esei blinks.

(Trasto): You say, "Big blink."
(Trasto): Esei says, "HUGE BLINK."

Esei blinks incredulously at Tridemon.

Tridemon coughs a few times as the kephera shape dissipates into the air.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Bleh."

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Tridemon, looking very confused.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Tridemon, "Oh - wh...at are you doing?"

You twitch spasmodically.

You think to yourself: / ...... sut /.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Anamnesis. Taking on the powers of a previous life- possibly mine, possibly not. Kephera, in this case."

Tridemon taps his foot impatiently, glaring at the Pearl Pipe of the Oracular Ocean.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I usually use it to be somewhat Merian."

Esei furrows their brow in thought.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "...b-but why?"

You twitch spasmodically.

You reach out and touch a circlet of crystal thorns.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "So. Are you going to keep that crown on and that antenna whole?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks uncomfortable, staring off into space before looking back at Tridemon. "I... .do not know what else to do."

Tridemon fiddles for a moment with a gnomish multitool.

Tridemon takes a pair of diamond shears from Gnomish Industries Multitool.

Tridemon begins to wield a pair of diamond shears in his right hand.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his mouth to speak, then looks quite ill, bowing his head instead. "It will take gett...ing used to." He explains aloud, "That is all."

You nod your head emphatically.

The shadows slowly start to dissipate.

Esei quietly shuffles a few papers, briefly exposing a pair of designs - a dark suit and a matching gown - before shoving the pages into their robes.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

Tridemon snips the shears experimentally for a moment, before looking back at you. "Well, if you say so."

Tridemon keeps playing with the shears, opening and closing them with an unusually ominous sound.

You think to yourself: / ... so /.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Tridemon a look at the snipping of the shears. "Ah you are making a j--".

You twitch spasmodically.

You think to yourself: / .... *quiet laughter* /.

Esei eyes Tridemon warily, ears lowering.

Dryly and seeming dead serious, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "No, not really. Amputation is entirely an option."

Esei pets a barghest ingratiatingly.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at Tridemon, for a moment matching the lucidian's seriousness as he considers the proposition.

You think to yourself: No.

You think to yourself: Must endure.

You think to yourself: For Friend Liar - must understand.

Esei tells you, "If that is what you want to do... I will not stop you."

Tridemon glances over at his left arm for a moment before continuing. "It's something I've had to do to myself a few times, in fact, when an injury healed up a little bit too wrong to be functional."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly shakes his head. "No."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Well, as you say."

Tridemon ceases to wield a pair of diamond shears in his right hand.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I cannot - did this for Friend Liar - Friend Aschwar - cannot give up after less than a month!"

Tridemon puts a pair of diamond shears into Gnomish Industries Multitool.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "That would be... even more embarrassing than stabbing Esei think."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Do not know."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "They are both pretty awfu--uhnn."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Well, trying to."

You twitch spasmodically.

Esei blinks.

Esei lays a hand on your forehead, and your body tingles with a healing warmth.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Just remember that the option is open to you, hmm? ... Why did you try stabbing Esei, anyway?"

You have emoted: Gurashi blushes, looking down. "A-ah, do not know! Was trying to pick up hat, then felt very unwell, then Xenthos was telling me to drop the knife - it was all so fast..."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Do you have any particular urge to stab me?"

Eyes wide, you say, "Felt like was suddenly very much in danger."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "If did not..."

With a flourish, Esei draws an athame dagger of dusk from a sleek black leg scabbard.

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, looking at Tridemon thoughtfully.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... no."

(The Shadow Kindred): Esei says, "*give athame to gurashi* *tell gurashi get him*."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "It is... different now. Softer."

**checks inventory, suddenly have a cruel hunting knife again**

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi starts.

You have emoted: Gurashi nearly drops a cruel hunting knife, suddenly aware he's holding it again. Quickly he sheathes it, looking concerned.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "Even if you did manage to properly stab me, I wouldn't hold it against you."

Esei shuffles their feet uneasily.

Suddenly forcing a laugh, you ask Esei, "Ah - this was fun - until it wasn't, huh?"

You twitch spasmodically.

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "... Is that YOUR crown?"

Softly, Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Xenthos's."

You glance askance.

You twitch spasmodically.

Esei caresses the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree gently.

Esei blinks.

Esei ponders the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Esei ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's going to return to him then, isn't it?"

Bizirik, the leothin continues to watch, now laying down, having gotten bored of standing.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "Eventually."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

You carapace turns a bright shade of red as you blush.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Try being human for a bit."

You blink.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh... uh..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up. "But that is just an illusion..."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Indeed."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "But it's an illusion that might help put you in a frame of mind of NOT being a kephera."

You have emoted: Gurashi raises a hand. "Will... be right back."

*changes clothes*
LOOK ME
He is an ordinary human wyrden demigod. He stands a few inches short of six feet tall with a slim build. His arms and legs are lanky, square hands nervously balled into fists at his side. His sandy skin has been reddened from exposure to the sun, causing an array of tawny-colored freckles to appear upon his long cheeks and thin, upturned nose. Perhaps the most noteworthy thing about him is his straight mop of fiery red hair, complete with a few strands at his part that to obey the natural laws of gravity. A pair of kind gray eyes gaze out from below red bangs, their hue striking against all the surrounding warm hues. Tattooed on his hands is an illustration of a bumblebee constellation. Wyrden flames flicker across his form like a shadowy cloak, the sweet scent of roses trailing in his wake.
He is wearing:
a royal blue silken shirt that is just barely too big, sleeves rolled up and collar upright
a pair of tan trousers pulled up high on his waist to accommodate their length
a midnight black rose
a circlet of crystal thorns
the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree.


Esei blinks.
Esei frowns at themself.

You have emoted: Gurashi quietly wanders back outside, hand on the side of his head. He looks incredibly tired, bags already under his eyes. He looks over at Bizirik and waves, but the leothin merely growls and turns its back on him, slinking further off into the garden.

Weakly, you say, "Hi..."

You think to yourself: / .... /.

Esei reaches out and touches you.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "I can change too, if you like."

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face. "It's... still very loud," He finally admits, touching his temple and wincing.

Esei ponders the situation.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Hmm. Well, it's more of a state of mind than something that actually does anything physical, remember."

Esei ponders the situation.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon, then nods.

You think to yourself: What will do when the circlet goes...

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face. "What should do?? Am a whole human now yes."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Now, it is just as loud, but, am shorter about it."

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Mmf."

Esei bows their head and closes their eyes, radiating a brilliant healing aura.
A warm tingle runs through your body as Esei touches two fingers to your forehead, shifting a brilliant aura to you.

You twitch spasmodically.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "You may note you are twitchier than usual."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "The aura might help with that."

Surprised, you ask Esei, "Twitchier?"

You think to yourself: Am not twitchy.

You think to yourself: / .... /.

Esei nods solemnly.

You glance askance.

Suddenly, you say, "That was really scary!"

Esei creases their brow in a frown.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Mm. It's like the two of you have the exact opposite problems. You've gained something you never had and are unprepared to deal with, not unlike a man who suddenly finds that he can see an extra fifteen colors. The Liar has lost something they've had forever and miss dearly, like a man who's suddenly become colorblind..."

Esei stares blankly at Tridemon.

You blink a few times and stare at Tridemon in confusion.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "...d... but, I didn't ... I do not want to cause more problems, am trying to -solve- them, yes."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Did not think - thought that, because of the Shadowbeats, that wouldn't even ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, twitching again, significantly less jerkily than before.

Esei reaches out to you and offers their hand, leading you in a moment of supplication to the guiding Spirits and signs of the Wyrd. You share Their embrace with Esei as the melody, scents, sights and sounds of the Wyrd suffuse you in the bounty of the Dark Heart.

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Voice bright and clear, you ask Tridemon, "Was this a really dumb idea?"

Flatly, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Yes."

You slump down dejectedly.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "But it's a well-meaning kind of dumb."

You have emoted: Gurashi covers his face. "Ugh."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It might actually help."

Esei tells you, "Would you like to sit next to the Drums for a while?"

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly lifts his head to look at Esei, frowning. After a thoughtful silence, he nods.

Softly, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "But do you remember what the Liar said about people not caring if they hurt them?"

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, starting to look like he's going to follow Esei before Tridemon speaks again, stopping, listening.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It might not be a permanent hurt, but they don't want you to suffer for them. So keep that in mind as well."

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: ...but have already....

You think to yourself: / .... /.

*walk to drummies of dead*
Meshwork of plants.
A thick cover of clouds obscures the sky in a sheet of dense white. A tiny trail, barely two feet high, runs along the ground through the dense foliage. Broad leaves of saplings and ferns twist together into a knot of clutching undergrowth. Vines and brambles are draped across the path, hanging down and across at the worst moments to snatch at anything passing by. The foliage constantly rustles with the movements of small creatures, and the sound of birds is loud and harsh against the wind. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Amid the twisting plants, the Drums of the Dead wait patiently here to answer the call of Glomdoring. There are 4621 shadows crawling over the drums. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A large skeletal tree's remains stand here erect, covered in a large spider web strung between the tree's finger-like branches. A mature blackthorn tree stands proudly here. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters lingers nearby, the air about him singing with the rush of the ocean. He wields a dazzling white staff crowned by a platinum pearl in his left hand. Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk floats here, suffusing the air with the sickly-sweet scent of blackthorn blossoms. They wield an athame dagger of dusk in their right hand.
You see exits leading southeast and southwest.

<-- got amazing letter and gifts from Gabe, lmao

You have emoted: Gurashi turns his attentions to the Drums of the Dead, exhaling and shutting his eyes.

You think to yourself: / *An ear-splitting insectoid cry, followed by defeaning, manic chittering* /

You have emoted: Gurashi's expression becomes strained.

You think to yourself: ... is still so loud... and that is with the circlet...

You think to yourself: Is going to be really REALLY loud when it goes ...

You think to yourself: ... will hear that voice again?

Esei reaches out and touches you.

You think to yourself: Ah - it is just a voice... it can't make me do things.

You think to yourself: / .... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens his eyes, sweat beading on his brow. "Oh. Thought being closer would make them louder.." He stares at the Drums of the Dead, dazed. "It does -not-."

You wince in pain.

You see the following people here:
Tridemon, Esei, Gurashi.

Tridemon reaches out and touches you.

Esei reaches out and touches you.

Tridemon reaches out and touches you but with his other hand.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Tridemon, then Esei, then Tridemon again, making a face. "What."

You think to yourself: / .... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi flinches again suddenly, then sighs, reaching up and rubbing at his temples.

Voice cracking, you say, "I do not feel very good."

Esei pets you ingratiatingly.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "The Night is coming."

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives Esei a look. "Will still have a headache when is night time."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Xenthos could always remove your head for you. ... you'd be slightly dead, but your headache wouldn't be a problem."

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi awkwardly stares at Esei, then quickly drops his gaze, then looks over at Tridemon, nervous.

Esei smiles winningly, patting your cheek.

You have emoted: Gurashi squeezes his eyes shut, finally leaning out of Esei's touch.

You think to yourself: / .... /.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

The foliage rustles to the southwest, as a mass of brambles and thorns tumbles into the room.

Esei pats a thorn beast in a friendly manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi rubs again at his temples, looking around. "...being here does not help the noise. Am sorry."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... think it wants pancakes?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Tridemon again, then after the departing thornbeast in a daze. He twitches. "...maybe."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 4th of Juliary, 553 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 16 days until the New Moon

Esei blinks.

Esei bows their head and closes their eyes, radiating a brilliant healing aura.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances to Esei.

A warm tingle runs through your body as Esei touches two fingers to your forehead, shifting a brilliant aura to you.

Esei leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.

You blink.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Mmf."

<--Esei leaves

You blink.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "... oh - they..."

You look about in confusion.


You have emoted: Gurashi frowns up at Tridemon.

You lean on Tridemon seeking consolation.

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Do not want to inconvenience Friend Liar - so, do not tell them that stabbed Esei please."

Tridemon tilts his head curiously.

You think to yourself: Still cannot believe ...

You think to yourself: / .... hh ... /.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "Oh, alright. I'll just tell them you decided you needed to suffer to help them. ... Or maybe I won't say a thing, and let you do the explaining."

You flail about helplessly.

Voice bright and clear, you exclaim to Tridemon, "I talked about it with Esei first!"

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "T-they thought it might help too!"

Suddenly, you exclaim to Tridemon, "If it will do no good then cut it off again!"

<--Esei comes back!

Esei reaches out and touches you.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to you, "I don't know either way, dear boy. It might help. It might not. I know next to nothing about the Liar. Species, appearance, affiliation. That's about it."

You blink.

You glance askance.

You think to yourself: ... I just ...

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It's not my job to tell you what to do with your body. I always, ALWAYS reserve the right to be wrong. And I allow that right in others as well."

You think to yourself: / ... ..nk /.

You have emoted: Gurashi listens to Tridemon quietly, expression unreadable once more. His left arm twitches.

Esei pats you in a friendly manner.

Finger extended, Tridemon pokes the shadow of a crow.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "They bite."

You think to yourself: / ..... /.

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.

Bizirik, the leothin licks its lips as it is pet, but otherwise remains quiet.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Bizirik, the leothin, "Do you want a fish."

Bizirik, the leothin looks up at the mention. Its nostrils flare.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I can give you a fish, or I can go get a shrimp or two from the kelpies."

Bizirik, the leothin licks its lips.

You have emoted: Gurashi carefully closes his hands over his ears, staring tiredly towards the Drums of the Dead as if waiting for something to happen.

You think to yourself: Cannot hear own sounds... is too noisy.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, squeezing his eyes shut and hands tighter over his ears.

You think to yourself: Very noisy.

Esei ponders you thoughtfully, looking you up and down.

You think to yourself: / ..... so ... /.

Esei removes a phantasmal shroud of shadows.

Esei gently wraps the shroud around your ears, holding it in place for you.

You stare at Esei, eyes wide.

Esei rubs their hands together greedily.

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes open suddenly, and at first he looks very confused, then terrified, unwrapping the shroud and shoving it back into Esei's hands. "Whatareyoudoing," He says breathlessly.

Esei shakes their head.

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "It makes things..."

Esei slips into a phantasmal shroud of shadows.
Esei takes the surprisingly light fabric of a phantasmal shroud of shadows and hangs it over their right shoulder, winds it to cover their mouth and nose and then over their left shoulder. Esei repeats the wrapping at the back of their head, and then round the whole once more, before finally letting the remaining cloth drape down the right side of their chest. Finishing off Esei pins the garment securely in place with an amethyst seven-pointed star at the right shoulder, and tucks and adjusts the folds until it is completely to their liking.

Tridemon ponders a pearlescent aspergillum thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Esei tilts their head curiously at Tridemon.

Tridemon moves a pearlescent aspergillum slightly closer to you.

You have emoted: Gurashi keeps his hands near his ears, though no longer covering them.

You have emoted: Gurashi glances at Tridemon, suddenly jumping as he looks at the approaching aspergillium. "What's that." He asks warily.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Oh, it's a gift from my Lady."

Tridemon proudly shows off a pearlescent aspergillum:
Driftwood polished by the tides has been whittled into a porous globe and the exterior inlaid with mother of pearl. Faint etchings have been made upon the nacreous surface, too faint for the eye to follow, though fingers can trace the pattern of rising and falling. Light plays along the striations in rippling waves, following the natural whorls of the wood beneath. The scent of the open ocean rises from the small sphere, the only outward sign of the saltwater hidden at its heart.

Softly, you ask, "Wh... what's it for?"

You think to yourself: Loud again...

You think to yourself: / *The grating sound continues* /.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Sprinkling water on people. Slight increases in dampness!"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I'd touch it, but She might notice and come to see what's going on."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly. "Oh..."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "The shroud makes things... quieter."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "But clearer."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "...I thought it might help."

Quietly, you say to Esei, "It is not that kind of ..."

Esei boops you right on the nose, staring at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out another little "mmf".

Tridemon takes out an orange from somewhere and starts peeling it, his left hand making quick work of the rind before starting to pull it apart to eat it.

Esei moves to position themself behind you, taking the longer strands and beginning to braid them.

You blink.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly shows a confused expression, jerking away at the sensation of his hair being pulled and looking very uncomfortable. "Wh.."

Esei stops suddenly, coughing. "Ah, sorry."

You twitch spasmodically.

You have emoted: Gurashi makes a face, reaching up to check the circlet again.

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

Tridemon gives you a brief, sharp-toothed grin as he eats the last slice of orange.

Esei stares blankly at Tridemon.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks twice at Tridemon, the corner of his mouth quirking into a smile.

Suddenly, you say, "I want to go home."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks aside, dazed.

Tridemon reaches over and ruffles your hair with a fond expression.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Oof."

Master Esei of the Ascending Dusk says to you, "You can go home."

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up and over at Bizirik. "Bizi bee... do you want to come home?" The leothin barely registers Gurashi's existence, staring off into the foliage.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Esei pets Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly at Esei. After a moment its tail lifts once then thumps back against the ground with potential delight.

You glance askance.

**goes home not realizing was still followed**

A chilling, forestal curiosities room.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The first discernible sensation upon entering this room is a mixture of earthy smells; mulch, petrichor, decaying wood, and the heady scent of Wyrden roses saturate the air. As one's eyes adjust to the darkness, barely abated by shadowflame sconces hung on the walls, tall figures begin to emerge. Expansive shelves carved to look like tree trunks seem to grow out of the floor and reach clear to the ceiling. The moss-green rug has been cut to fit neatly between each root and around each curve, giving the illusion of springy turf underfoot. Gently glowing fungi, which seem to be growing out of the shelves at random, make it just possible to see their contents. On one shelf, a scorched dragonturtle shell and a dried starfish sit beside a glistening glasswork recreation of a pile of salmon roe. On another, a pair of arrows with heart-shaped heads are arranged with one crossed over the other, and a scented love-letter lies on top of them. Other shelves are crammed with an increasingly peculiar assortment of knickknacks: an ice pick, a tiny red stone, a dusty brown bottle with "Alchywhole" written in a barely legible script, a cuddly stuffed Tae'dae bear, a miniature rockeater figurine, an ornate ivory pipe, a pile of glittering Czigany coins, and a charm bracelet that looks to be of Fae origin. One rather macabre shelf holds a coiled slave master's whip and a skull that appears to have belonged to a Krokani before it made its way here. Still other shelves lie bare, waiting to be filled with more mementos of adventure to come, and in the corner of one of them a tiny black spider has made its web. A brightly colourful tapestry depicting a bear filled picnic has been hung on a nearby wall. A small table hewn from a ravenwood trunk has been upended here, providing a small surface on which to rest various objects. Depicting the four trees of Glomdoring in stylistic renditions, a woven, rose-scented rug spreads across the floor. There are 2 lyre-backed chairs here. Hanging from fine silver, this large snowflake lantern has light blue gems dangling beneath it, causing a gentle sway. A broad glass-faced display rack for musical instruments stands proudly here. A painting of Gurashi's Staring Contest is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. There are 2 ethereal cats here. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see exits leading north, east (open door), and south (open door).

You blink.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "...ah - are still following - am sorry."

You twitch spasmodically.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... I don't think you quite realized that I was following you and not Esei."

Tridemon stares into his cupped hands.
You sense the piercing eyes of Tridemon looking upon you.

Tridemon nods his head emphatically.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Tridemon ponders a painting of Gurashi's Staring Contest thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

A frosty sense of coolness brushes one's skin by the twinkling of tiny snowflakes that appear to drift over the area, as the light escapes the paper lantern above.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down, then back up. He opens his mouth to speak, then decides against it, looking up at the painting as well.

You twitch spasmodically.

You think to yourself: / ... /.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... you lost that staring contest."

You have emoted: Gurashi's lip twitches again as he smiles, suddenly remembering the moment. "Yeah!" Suddenly, he looks around. "Birbemon is usually flitting around here somewhere... likes the patio..."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly grips the back of the chair, staring off intently into space before returning to the present. "Biiiirbemon~".

You drop a turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding.
A turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding flaps his wings quickly, alighting on whatever is nearest. Turning to you, he cocks his head, giving you a long look before lifting one taloned foot to pick at.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Aha!"

You think to yourself: Loud.

You think to yourself: / *A sound like whistling breaths* /.

You pat a turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding in a friendly manner.
A turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding leans over to preen any part of you he can reach, pausing now and again to examine something nearby.

Voice bright and clear, you say to a turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding, "You were my first magical pet."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to a turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding, "Being a good boy?"

Voice bright and clear, you say, "No - he steals my berries when am cooking..."

You have emoted: Gurashi shuffles in his spot, bending down to pick up the parakeet. He holds it at face level, offering it up to Tridemon. "Very naughty, like most of my friends."

You pet a turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding ingratiatingly.
A turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding waddles up and hops onto your foot, an aggressive hiss rising in his throat as he pecks and bites at your ankle.

You twitch spasmodically.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to a turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding, "And he's bitey, too."

Jokingly, you say, "Most of my friends are bitey too."

You have emoted: Gurashi forces a taught grin, then looks dazed and confused, then grins again.

Tridemon subtly bites his own arm. ... it's not at all subtle.

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

After a solid few seconds of staring, you say to Tridemon, "Doesn't that HURT."

Voice bright and clear, you ask, "Your teeth are sharp - or, are they?"

You twitch spasmodically.

You think to yourself: / .... hnn /.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "It depends. ... It's variable."

You have emoted: Gurashi listens, glancing down at the noisy parakeet in his hand only briefly before returning his full attention to Tridemon.

A flash of emerald from the north announces the entry of an ethereal cat.

Tridemon peers at an ethereal cat unscrupulously.
An ethereal cat rubs up against Tridemon's legs, a small purr barely audible.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... you look like a muffin."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans his head to the side, staring at Tridemon's mouth.

An ethereal cat makes a plaintive meow, looking pitiable.

Tridemon does not currently have sharp teeth. But he's still staring at the cat.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, digging a hand through his hair as he looks around the room in a daze.

Not looking at the cat, you say, "Croissant be nice."

It is now the 5th of Juliary, 553 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 15 days until the New Moon

Weakly, you ask, "Do really think can maybe possibly hopefully help Friend Liar with this?"

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Once ... am getting used to it..."

You have emoted: Gurashi grips the back of the chair tighter.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'm going to say there's a distinct possibility."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "I ..."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Do not want to hurt them more."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Than they have already..."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi looks uncomfortable, then ill. He shuts his mouth and looks aside, waiting.

Tridemon hugs you compassionately.

Voice bright and clear, you say, "I w--."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a startled noise of surprise, inhaling sharply.

You think to yourself: / *The sound suddenly dampens, as if submerged in water* /.

You think to yourself: .. less loud.

You think to yourself: / ... ha ha... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Tridemon, furrowing his brow.

Tridemon pats you on the back after a few moments, pulling back.

Quietly, you say to Tridemon, "... it will be A-O-K."

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "...just noisy, for a little while! And, maybe, stabby."

Tridemon ponders the situation.

Suddenly, you say to Tridemon, "If get really bad you totally have permission to drown me or something O-K."

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Am going to tell Esei same thing."

You twiddle your thumbs.

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Thank you."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I could always just tell you to stop with authority, I suppose."

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Oh..."

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "The vo.."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off, looking suddenly very confused.

You shake your head.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Are they softer?"

You think to yourself: / ... get it .. /.

You have emoted: Gurashi purses his lips. "They come and they go - like waves."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "It is mostly one..."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "And it doesn't want fish?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nervously taps his fingertips together. "But when does is very big feeling - like the time that ate those swai belly nuggets... oo..." He looks sick again.

You narrow your eyes at Tridemon, canting your head and peering at him suspiciously.

You have emoted: "Please do not talk about fish," Gurashi jokes, looking over to where Bizirik would normally be. But the leothin is nowhere in sight, having stayed behind at the Drums.

You purse your lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as you carefully gather your thoughts.

<-- like 80 cats wandered in

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... There seems to be many, many cats."

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "Have like thirty cats, Tridemon."

Suddenly laughing, you say to Tridemon, "Between my curio friends and manse friends and the ones Unitos sent me from New Celest..."

You think to yourself: / .... bad ..... /.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "You should have more like three-hundred."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Everything you own, smell like cats."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Indelibly."

You have emoted: Gurashi's smile strains. "That sounds terrible..."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Maybe a little."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... synchronized meowing. They are learning to organize. Soon, you will be overthrown."

You have emoted: Gurashi runs a hand across his clammy forehead. "Yeah... it is sort of loud, here," He adds breathlessly. "Am going upstairs. You are welcome to stay..."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "I'll head home. You need quiet, and I am not particularly quiet either."

Grabbing an ethereal cat by the arm, Tridemon points towards the horizon and declares in a proud tone, "Onward!"
An ethereal cat looks away from Tridemon, ignoring him completely.

Voice bright and clear, you say to Tridemon, "O-K ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi offers a little wave. "I will see you later, yes."

Voice bright and clear, you say, "Many thank yous."

Tridemon waves goodbye at you.

Tridemon waves goodbye at a turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding.
A turquoise and yellow parakeet with emerald banding bites Tridemon with his needle-sharp beak.

Tridemon waves goodbye at an ethereal cat.
An ethereal cat looks away from Tridemon, ignoring him completely.

You glance askance.

Tridemon turns towards the ether and steps forward, instantly collapsing into a torrent of water that rushes outwards with a thunderous crash of water.

You think to yourself: / ... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly winces, as if feeling a sharp pain.

You think to yourself: / ..... tor ... /.

You have emoted: Gurashi frowns, looking very concerned.