Wyrden Loss, Wyrden Gain

[Esei was in their manse with Cheliyi, Gurashi, and Tridemon in addition to Olethea and Gael.]

The air around you constricts sharply, as if it were being pulled from your lungs. You realise with a start that the Lady of the Thorns lingers close, and your connection to the Glomdoring is responding to Her pleasure.

Gael nods his head slowly, a hand moving to rest over his stomach as a soft grumble emanates from it. Looking around the room sheepishly, he mutters, "I...no preferences.."

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile at Gael.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart looks thoughtful and says, "Spicy."

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Got it."

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

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

Gurashi suddenly makes a well-worn apron covered in colorful pockets much more prominent, pulling out a hairband which they use to pull their longer locks away from their face. "One second, friends."

Gurashi uses an everlasting ember to kindle a fire inside an oven.

Gurashi hums softly to themself.

Gurashi hums softly to themself.

Olethea tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "...Hm."

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "We may... need to check something."

Suddenly anxious, Gael glances quickly from you to Olethea.

With a gasp, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Wait, wait!"

Gurashi quickly mixes up some ingredients into a batter, and then puts it into the oven to bake something tasty. There is enough for four portions.

You have emoted: Esei moves to gently touch Gael's shoulder but stops short.

You tell Nascent Gael, Attendant to the Wyrd, "It will be alright."

Gurashi nods their head emphatically.

Cheliyi's mauve frills twitch to some errant sound.

Gurashi wipes the back of their hand across their head in relief as they mutters, "Whew."

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "There."

Holding the food in his arms and dipping his head lightly, Nascent Gael, Attendant to the Wyrd says to Gurashi, "Thank you, Gurashi.."

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "Something spicy - something not."

Gurashi's eyes light up as they smile.

Gurashi beams at Gael, tapping their temple where their hair has gone white. "You guys need to leaves?"

Cheliyi moves over beside Gurashi, humming softly.

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend asks, "Awuh man, did I miss two parties? Is everything O-K?"

Softly, you say, "The Lady is pleased about something."

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

Gael blinks.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "...And I'm inclined to see what."

Gurashi blinks once...twice... "Oh."

Gurashi's gaze softens as they smile at you.

Cheliyi blinks slowly.

In a husky, honeyed cadence, you say to Gurashi, "West, south, out and south some more when you want to leave."

Gurashi nods their head at Olethea.

You pat Gurashi in a friendly manner.

In soft, mellifluous tones, Gurashi, The Heart's Friend says, "O-K, O-k."

[path tracking to the Master Ravenwood]

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

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

Gael inclines his head politely to Xenthos.

Olethea curtseys gracefully before Xenthos.

All around you, the shadows fall away, bowing low against Her will, subservient, afraid. The Glomdoring itself grows quiet and still.

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

Olethea tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

Gael seems to shrink somewhat, tugging a high-crowned, broad rimmed hat of pale beige on quickly.

You have emoted: Closing their eyes, Esei inhales and exhales slowly, as though centering themself.

Words whisper through the wyrd, pummeling you with their arhythmic staccato, hammering at your sanity with their effusiveness. It's as if thousands and thousands of hands were ripping and tearing at your thoughts, but not in search of memories -- merely roving, pulling, seizing, and in the same instant, a motherly carefulness holds your fragile mortality intact.

The screeching of a crow echoes through the dark woods, sounding almost like harsh laughter.

Olethea winces one eye shut, her hand lifting to her brow.

You have emoted: Esei gently rubs at their forehead, frowning thoughtfully.

Gael shudders violently.

Xenthos tilts his head slightly as if listening, but appears otherwise unaffected.

Many small, glowing red eyes peer out at you from beneath the trees, only to vanish moments later.

The sound of a distant scream echoes between the trees, only to be suddenly cut short.

Brennan Stormcrow sinks to his knees, his hands covering his ears. Wincing, he barks, "What is going on?"

[Kreon enters]

Olethea shakes her head at Brennan Stormcrow, face still contorted in a grimace. "I don't know. She seemed happy, and then...?"

You glance askance at Xenthos.

Xenthos lifts one shoulder slightly, a small shrug. He does not seem truly focused on Brennan Stormcrow's words or the reply thereto.

The incessant whispering echoes across the tendrils of the wyrd that connect to all things, filling you with their hollowness. The thrum of Her energy rips and tears at you, but you realise you are not the object of Her searching. Then, at once, it ceases, like a storm ending.

Olethea shakes her head a few times, as if dazed.

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

You have emoted: Esei glances downward, subtly, then back up.

Tentatively, Gael glances about the the Master Ravenwood Tree and mutters, "Does...is She still seeking the betrayer?"

[Evette enters]

His eyes regaining focus as they turn to Brennan Stormcrow, Xenthos says, "Mm. Interesting."

And then, the motherly caress of Her power becomes thorns that rip across your skin, battering against the Glomdoring like a wound gushing blood. From all around you, the haunting crescendo of the wyrden song belts out Her rage until the spiders, beetles, and other small creatures grow hoarse, unable to voice Her displeasure.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard blinks, her ears laying down flat upon her head as she crouches, staring at the woods.

You have emoted: Esei flinches slightly, exhaling sharply through their nose.

Olethea winces, hunching in on herself slightly, holding her own shoulders, drawing her wings in close.

Gael crouches low on his haunches, tugging a high-crowned, broad rimmed hat of pale beige tightly to his head and shuddering.

Evette takes a half step back, closing her eyes for a moment.

Evette purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

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

(Glomdoring): Gael says, "Ah...is everything alright, Lady Viravain? Is there...anything we might...do for You?"

As one, the voices of the wyrd, rattling and spent, swell with life once more, pouring across the Glomdoring with a warbling vibrato, repeating in dissonant clips the words: "They knew. They knew all along." Then, little by little, the beetles are just beetles again, the bats just bats, and the Glomdoring quiets. With a last crushing weight, you feel the terrible sadness of the Summer Song wash over the forest, and then, with the sighing of a breeze across the canopy, She withdraws from mortal perception, and You feel the significance of Her departure.

You crease your brow in a frown.

Olethea creases her brow in a frown.

You have emoted: Esei gently presses their open palm against their chest, staring up at the Master Ravenwood Tree.

Glancing up from beneath a high-crowned, broad rimmed hat of pale beige, Gael peers about at the forest and asks, "Who...knew? And what?"

Evette coughs softly.

With a slow nod to Gael, Olethea shows her understanding.

Evette closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

Brennan Stormcrow clambers to his feet and then taps the Master Ravenwood, absently at first, and then with a firmer hand.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to Brennan Stormcrow.

You have emoted: Esei's gaze tilts towards Brennan Stormcrow, brow quirked with curiosity.

The ground bubbles up as though a seething mass churns underneath.

Quaking slowly to her full, upright height, Olethea frowns at Brennan Stormcrow.

"I, uh..." Brennan Stormcrow falters a moment, his hand still pressed against the trunk of the Master Ravenwood. "The tree remains, and the power is there, but it's as if...well, it's as if there's a depth there now. A hollowness."

You crease your brow in a frown.

Olethea frowns, before her gaze falls on a war shrine of Nocht.

You think to yourself: ...the Web...?

With a wistful look on her face, Evette touches the Master Ravenwood Tree.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart asks, "....Should we ask, Him...?"

You caress a phantasmal shroud of shadows gently.

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Perhaps a better question would be if we deserve to serve Her at the moment. I shall say nothing more in Her absence."

As if quoting, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Olethea, ""If a lie has been planted by mortal hands, then it must be ripped out by them as well." Those are His words."

Evette nods her head emphatically.

You glance askance.

[checking up on Glomdoring's nexus world - everything seems to be in order]

Olethea nods her head at Xenthos.

Olethea creases her brow in a frown.

Gael's good ear gives a sudden twitch, rising and lowering quickly.

In dark, lyrical tones, you ask Brennan Stormcrow, "A... hollowness?"

Glancing slowly from the Master Ravenwood Tree to Brennan Stormcrow, then the rest gathered, Gael asks, "Is...She gone? I know I felt Her leave but...is Her essence gone from the Ravenwood too?"

Brennan Stormcrow shakes his head firmly at first, and then, his eyes widening some, he answers, "I couldn't say." With slow, jerking movements, he taps the tree again and listens.

Xenthos purses his lips thoughtfully, observing Brennan Stormcrow.

The sharp sound of a twig snapping echoes behind you.

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

A deafening "CAW!" booms across the Glomdoring Forest as Crow leaps from his perch, swoops low across the canopy, and then wings into the distance, a cacophony of his cries echoing across the Basin of Life.

You crease your brow in a frown.

[climbing up to check on Crow]

Olethea blinks.

In dark, lyrical tones, you whisper, "He is gone."

Brennan Stormcrow swallows hard and then glances upward, his black eyes narrowing around his rotting sockets.

Gael stares implacably at you.

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

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart looks surprised and says, "...I'm, I'm sorry?"

You nod solemnly to Olethea.

Evette purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

Olethea blinks.

Gael tilts his head back and looks up at the sky.

In dark, lyrical tones, you whisper, "...perhaps... Her fulcrux?"

[Illyria arrives]

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "...The Spinner's words worry me."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Olethea.

Illyria blinks blearily, then peers around at the crowd.

Quietly, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "If we deserve to serve Her."

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "So it is know, may it be said to all, if I discover whom has betrayed my Mistress and whom had a hand in their design, I will do all within my power to crush their hearts. Nothing matters but Glomdoring and She is the Glomdoring, remember it well."

Gael blinks.

You have emoted: Esei takes a step back, frowning.

In a muted whisper, Proselyte Illyria, Listener of the Silent Knell says, "Wha....?"

You think to yourself: ** suddenly, horror- **.

You think to yourself: ...did -we- know?

[Synl arrives]

You stare blankly into space.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "I believe that the Auguries were planning to conduct a rite to discover more information on that very subject, yes?"

With a flourish of his arm, Synl bows deeply.

Glancing back up to the top of the Master Ravenwood Tree, Gael asks, "Has...Brother Crow ever left like this before?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Not exactly like this, that I can recall."

Tendrils of shadow creep their way through the Dark Forest as soft whispers blanket the Glomdoring. They echo after the creaking of branches overhead, the crunching of dead foliage underfoot, and the skittering of spiders and wasps and beetles.

Gael's good ear gives a sudden twitch, rising and lowering quickly.

Olethea tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Indeed, perhaps I will learn the names of whom with held the information that She demanded and whom woven this into being. I certainly look forward to K'ian Doim lining the edges of His dark nest with their carrion."

You have emoted: Esei's fingers brush gently against the hem of their shroud before their hand falls to their side.

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "And if any of those are waking members of Her commune, perhaps begging mercy from the merciless would be a good beginning."

(Glomdoring): Nocht says, "Hmm..."

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Greetings, my Lord."

(Glomdoring): Evette says, "Tidings, Lord Nocht."

(Glomdoring): Gael says, "Good evening, Lord Nocht.."

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "Blessed be Your return, Lord Nocht."

(Glomdoring): Kreon says, "Darkest of greetings Silent Lord."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Hail, my Lord."

(Glomdoring): Olethea says, "Darkest tidings, Lord Silence."

Illyria looks entirely, completely, and utterly bewildered.

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

(Glomdoring): Nocht says, "If any here have truly betrayed Dearest Viravain, then there is no hope for mercy."

(Glomdoring): Nocht says, "Good evening, Glomdoring."

Olethea tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

(Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "My Lord, there is a... "hollowness" in the Master Ravenwood, now, or so Brennan feels."

Illyria whispers to Gael with an uncharacteristically anxious expression, "What happened?"

Dominique Nightshade steps forward from the down, her unseeing eyes a pool of black shadows as she moves.

Leaning in slightly, Gael whispers back to Illyria, "The Lady Viravain...might have left? Brother Crow has, for a certainty...but there is a hollowness to the Ravenwood now."

You have emoted: Esei blinks slowly.

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

(Glomdoring): Nocht says, "I sense it too, little ones. Behold just a fraction of Her anger. But She is not truly gone, and so to panic or despair would be a waste. Neither is Her Crow. Continue your work, Glomdoring. That is all you need do."

Evette doffs a dapper, silver-banded black felt hat to Dominique Nightshade.

Gael exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from his lungs.

Glomdoring): Olethea says, "We will.. Find the ones who would hurt Her, so."
21:13:26 (Glomdoring): Xenthos says, "Aye, my Lord. Our work continues."

Olethea curtseys gracefully before Dominique Nightshade.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Dominique Nightshade, "Welcome."

Dominique Nightshade bows low, her unseeing eyes a mask of concern. As she rises, she asks, "We have all felt it, then?"

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If that word can be used, at this time."

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

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "Felt... and then not-felt."

Nodding, his voice uncharacteristically muted, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Yes, Lady Nightshade. Have you, ahh..."

Brennan Stormcrow wiggles his fingers and asks, "Done your witchy thing on it yet?"

[Tylwyth arrives]

Brennan Stormcrow's finger drops to the forest floor as he wiggles it, and unlike before, no spiders move to retrieve it. He absently bends down and picks it up himself and sets to work on reattaching it.

You think to yourself: ** [redacted] **.

Frowning slightly, her unseeing graze sweeping the area, Dominique Nightshade replies, "I see ... " She steps slowly this way and that, her hands outstretched as if to guide her. "Only flickers, now. What were once vibrant pictures, images given to me by the forest itself, are now pale echoes."

The pale mists part abruptly as a shifting beast stands with the form of a tremendous bear, towering overhead. In mere moments, the mist disperses and the beast vanishes into the shadows.

Dominique Nightshade tilts her head then and steps toward Brennan Stormcrow. "Master Brennan, your hand. The spiders do not aid you?"

Looking up suddenly, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Eh? Oh...I, ahh, I suppose not..."

A faint sensation from your link with the Silent Lord, a deep well of anger simmering deep beneath crystalline surface of perfect calm. Soft whispers urging that the course be maintained, and secret uncovered.

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

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

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Dominique Nightshade, "If we are to determine more, we need a way beyond the Veil. Or to convince Her to release some of what She keeps to Herself."

Illyria absently reaches up and caresses her shroud.

You tilt your head back and look up at the sky.

Dominique Nightshade nods thoughtfully at Brennan Stormcrow and then frowns again. Slowly, she turns toward Xenthos and shakes her head. "Forgive me, Spirit Warden, but I only See what the wyrd allows me to. I feel its present and sometimes its past, but I can only See the future if Mother Night blesses me."

Olethea tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And is there a way in which we might beseech Her to do so, on your behalf?"

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "No. Not your behalf."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "On behalf of the Glomdoring itself."

"But perhaps..." Dominique Nightshade pauses, her lips pursed. She crosses her arms as if chilled and then continues, "Well, it is my mother who is Mother Night's Chosen. If any would know a way into Her Veil, it is she."

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

Brennan Stormcrow snorts loudly and then crosses his own arms, defiantly, not as if he were chilled.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And therein lies the problem."

Dominique Nightshade tilts her head then and stumbles, tripping over a root. Carefully, she rights herself, and then she sighs. "Admittedly, I have very little experience with blindness. I have always Seen so surely where my feet should fall, and now..."

With some pause, Dominique Nightshade says, "The problem? You wish not to speak with my mother?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Dominique Nightshade, "How does one become Her Chosen?"

Olethea's ears perk up as her attention turns towards Xenthos.

Glowing eagle feathers flutter silently above as a shifting, mist-wreathed beast circles briefly overhead. With a rush of chilled air, it lands and bends its hooked beak as it vigilantly gazes for prey before melding shapelessly into mist and shadow.

Dominique Nightshade lifts into the air with a short flap of her wings, her hands outstretched to ward off unseen objects. "Ah, well...that is Mother Night's will. Her Chosen is Her vessel, Her mortal link." She smiles then and bows her head. "You have seen my mother's ritual, where the glorious Night uses her body. No one else can call Mother Night to them like she can."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And if one were to abuse that link..?"

You have emoted: Esei's hand twitches subtly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But if that vessel chooses to abuse the trust with which they were endowed... what then?"

Shaking her head, her bat-like wings flapping steadily to hold her aloft, Dominique Nightshade continues, "The Greev spared her, after all. She is one of the strongest among us, despite her..." She frowns then. "Shortcomings."

You think to yourself: ** a deep, swirling anger, held tightly by the scruff. **.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Dominique Nightshade, "There is speculation that the greev did not spare her of its own volition, but that she instead... tilted the scales."

(Glomdoring): Tau says, "Hello Forest!"

(Glomdoring): Synl says, "Darker tidings than usual, Tau."

(Glomdoring): You say, "Greetings, Lady Tau. You might like to join us at the Master Ravenwood."

[Tau arrives]

Dominique Nightshade gasps softly and then makes the sign of darkness in the air. "It is as if you blaspheme, Spirit Warden. What causes you to say such terrible things?" Ducking then, she whispers the next, "What if the Wyrden Mother hears you?"

[Kelhrae arrives]

Brennan Stormcrow sighs and then says, solemnly, "It is unlikely, Lady Dominique." He holds his broken finger up to the available light, and then, as if remembering she cannot see, he puts it in his pocket. "Say all you'd like. She is gone."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "She knows that there is a traitor, a liar, in the woods. We have little but speculation ourselves... but... enough evidence has come to us to know that beyond the Veil, answers may be found. Answers that may confirm - or clear - the involvement in these affairs."

Lifting a hand to her mouth, Dominique Nightshade says, "I hadn't considered..."

Blurting out suddently, Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "We want to fix it. We want to make things right."

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

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

Tau purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "But this is why it is so essential we find a way."

Dominique Nightshade drifts slowly in a circle. She perks up at Xenthos and replies, "Yes, I have heard those whispers, too -- so many of them, so forcefully..." Frowning then, she asks, "But what has the Veil got to do with it? My only experience of it is Lothwen emerging, when my mother spared her from the Greev."

Tau glances askance at Xenthos.

(Glomdoring): Afollia (from the Realm of the Lady of the Thorns) says, "T'iar K'lis lom, K'liane N'are Viravain K'wal msoi d'l K'wam - sleep well or do not, you know whom you are."

Gael's good ear gives a sudden twitch, rising and lowering quickly.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Within the Veil lie portions of that-which-was. Within, tomes of ancient knowledge. Including tomes upon the greev itself."

Softly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Tomes which Rowena was apparently reading from, incanting from, shortly before the rising of the Greev itself."

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

[Tylwyth arrives]

Dominique Nightshade nods slowly and then taps her chin. "I can still See flashes," she replies, then flits forward, this way and that. "Allow me to do what I can? If nothing else, I think I will be able to point you toward...well, anything."

You tilt your head and listen intently.

A caliginous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to Dominique Nightshade.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Allow you? I - we - all of us - will do whatever you ask of us to assist."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If you need our sight, use it."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Yes, use all our sight."

With a low sigh, Nascent Gael, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Moment.."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Let us be bound by common purpose."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard tilts her head and listens intently to Gael.

Gael turns fitfully in his sleep, his eyelids fluttering momentarily.

Vespula Tau the Twilit says to Xenthos, "By the by, His order also prepares to beseech Mother Night. It is... not yet ready."

A pair of hungry, golden eyes are all that betray the presence of this massive jade tiger, the hypnotic stripes ever shifting in the shadow-white mist.

Dominique Nightshade flits headlong into a low-hanging branch and then winces. Rubbing her head, she nods and says, "I think -- and perhaps this will ease your minds -- that the Wyrden Mother leaving is what we needed to do this next." She folds her hands in front of herself, an attempt at grace despite the branch still dangling in front of her face.

Olethea tilts her head curiously at Dominique Nightshade.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard steps forward, her feet treading softly in the dirt as she stretches her head out. Teeth closing around the branch, she gives a brief twist of her powerful neck, snapping off the branch and freeing the space in front of Dominique Nightshade.

Speaking intently to the low-hanging branch, Dominique Nightshade says, "I assure you, Spirit Warden. Already, I feel a tension leaving the shadows. Perhaps soon, they will be more willing to reveal Mother Night's secrets."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard peers with befuddlement down at the branch still within her mouth, then turns to peer at Xenthos.

Dominique Nightshade bows low in the air to the low-hanging branch and smiles faintly as she rises. "We will know when that time has come to pass. Conduct your rites, whisper your incantations, and carry on as you have. In the meantime, I will try to attune my Sight to Mother Night." She reaches out a hand to the low-hanging branch, as if to pat someone gently on the shoulder. Realising her mistake, she flushes brightly and wings around. "Yes, uhh. Yes."

Xenthos ponders Dominique Nightshade's words thoughtfully. "Thank you for your insight, Dominique."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The shadows have indeed been full of a great deal of tension."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard drops the branch, staring at it quizzically, as if expecting it to move.  She paws at it a couple of times, but when nothing happens, she loses interest.

Dominique Nightshade nods slowly. "Imagine what they will reveal, now that they do not embitter the Lady of the Thorns with their presence." She frowns at that, and again makes the sign of darkness. "Shadows keep you, Glomdoring," she whispers, as she prepares to depart. "And listen to the Silent Lord. He knows the Lady Viravain better than most, almost as much as our Lord Shikari."

Tau nods her head sagely.

Olethea briefly bows her head at Shikari's name, before nodding.

Dominique Nightshade pauses in her preparations to depart and then turns toward a nearby stump. "Master Brennan, have you any insight into...what it was that the Lady of the Thorns heard that forced Her departure?"

You glance askance.

Reciting, Vespula Tau the Twilit says, ""There is nowhere you can hide that the shadows cannot find you, My little one." Thats what He said to me."

Ilistala, an enormous leopard gently tries to nudge Dominique Nightshade around so that she is facing in Brennan Stormcrow's general direction.

Brennan Stormcrow shakes his head and shrugs. "All I know is that there was a great deal of tension, the likes of which we all feel when your mother is speaking in her riddles, and then it was as if the Goddess..." he begins to gesticulate, but thinks better of it. "It's like a bloom withered on its stem. She learned something, I think, and blames ... everyone."

You purse your lips, deep in thought.

Dominique Nightshade exhales softly and nods, shaking her head slowly. "I do not profess to Know the thoughts of the Elders, least of all one so enigmatic as She, but I do not think it was blame, Master Brennan." She taps her temple in thought again. "It felt more like when a swarm of hornets stay their stings at once, commanded by their queen. I think She did not want to harm Her creation anymore."

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Olethea's smile is soft and quietly heartbroken, at that. She nods.

Using her tongue and the roof of her mouth, Evette makes a quiet clicking noise.

You have emoted: With a single feathered brow furrowed, Esei clasps their hands loosely behind their back.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Then hopefully it gives us the room we need to find the truth for Her."

Olethea nods her head at Xenthos.

Tylwyth's face remains unusually expressionless, his thoughts distant, his usualy energentic demeanor still...

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Perhaps we should avoid too much speculation till our rites are done and we hopefully know more."

With several beats of her wings, Tau alights upon your shoulder.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Tau.

Vespula Tau the Twilit murmurs to you, "We have a lot of work to do, I sense."

Dominique Nightshade nods her head. "We'll know more in time, I agree," she utters, absently. "It reminds me of when the fae would visit me. They would tell me and Damien of their Queen Maeve, and how wise and powerful she is..." Frowning, she continues, "And how...how profoundly she cares for them all. Not motherly, not queenly, but viscerally. So fascinating, the fae."

You furrow your brow in thought.

In dark, lyrical tones, you ask, "...is Queen Maeve not also a... an embodiment, of all the fae?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Dominique Nightshade, "One more thing I might ask - if you can See the circumstances of your birth. There is also some cause for belief that the story we know is not the entirety of it."

Dominique Nightshade sighs wistfully and smiles again. "Of course, Laird Shee-Slaugh," she says, speaking directly to a short tree. "The fae are all connected to their Queen, and vice versa. What happens to her, happens to them, and the reverse is the same."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Dominique Nightshade tilts her head to one side and swivels to face the low-hanging branch again. "Spirit Warden? You ask me about my...birth now?"

Ilistala, an enormous leopard walks up to the tree, then stares at you, then back at the tree. She blinks, and then loudly begins sharpening her claws upon the tere's bark.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Dominique Nightshade, "I do. And I do not ask his lightly."

Drifting lower to the ground, Dominique Nightshade says, "Then, certainly, Spirit Warden -- ask what you wish."

Softly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It seems to be connected- the mystery there, the truth unspoken, dwelling deep within the Glomdoring for so long. And, perhaps, it is the source of the lie that festers so deeply."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Again, we have but speculation."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And Rowena refused to speak of it with us."

Dominique Nightshade opens her mouth to speak, her unseeing eyes squinting up at the low-hanging branch, and then she pauses for several heartbeats, a flush of uncertainty creeping across her face. Finally, she offers, "I cannot quite say that a memory surfaces for me from that day, Spirit Warden, but I can...certainly try to think on what you are asking." She frowns, and then, "What is it, exactly, that you are asking?"

A tenebrous leopard turns her head to listen to Xenthos, her tail idly twitching from side to side.

Xenthos inhales softly, slowly. Finally, he speaks, the words just as soft as before. "This is a difficult thing to say, Dominique. But for the Glomdoring, the words must be said. Rowena used your birth to prove to the Lady her fitness to continue her life, such as it is." He pauses again, letting the words fade away into the air. "If there is more to the story that she did not convey- this would explain much. Especially if she failed to fulfill her claims entirely."

Shocked, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Really, I had not heard that."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Wow."

Vespula Tau the Twilit murmurs to Tylwyth, "A gusee."

Tau coughs softly.

espula Tau the Twilit says, "A guess, too."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Tylwyth, "There is no proof, only hints, pieces of the past that have surfaced to cast doubt."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And we -must- determine the truth."

Dominique Nightshade flaps her wings somewhat helplessly, lifts off the ground a ways, and then falls back to the ground, her unseeing eyes downcast. She finally replies, "My father was Laeroc, Consort of the Maeve. I know the story -- my mother lured him to her with her beauty, and then my brother and I were conceived."

Brennan Stormcrow reaches out a gnarled hand to the faeling and frowns. He withdraws it slowly and then leans against the Master Ravenwood.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard ponders the faeling for a moment, then moves closer, her nose tappng against the a shadowlord widowrider's hand.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard ponders the faeling for a moment, then moves closer, her nose tappng against Dominique Nightshade's hand.

Dominique Nightshade absently places a hand on the leopard's head as she sits, thoughts flashing across her expression.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Dominique Nightshade, "She did not lure him with beauty, but with a potion. Or so was the claim. We fed the potion to him, and she took him away."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "What happened then... we do not know. Not for sure."

You tilt your head back and look up at the sky.

"Potion, beauty -- it is all the same, is it not? Mayhaps it was the potion, mayhaps it was a combination of them," Dominique Nightshade protests, the powerful Seer giving way to the frightened woman. "What do you say now, Spirit War -- Xenthos? That my mother ... did something to my father?"

Vespula Tau the Twilit murmurs, "Or nothing at all."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Then who fathered her and Damian?"

Snorting haughtily, Brennan Stormcrow says, "It would be less mysterious if nothing at all happened, knowing that woman."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Or who mothered them?"

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Is that the offending Lie?"

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

A look of understanding crossing his features, Tylwyth nods his head slowly.

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "...We don't know."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Dominique Nightshade, "There are too many questions, too many possibilities."

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "It may be one of... many. It may not be at all."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says to Dominique Nightshade, "All we know is that we do not know the story."

Olethea tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to Dominique Nightshade.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Perhaps it is mostly as she claims. But perhaps... not."

Dominique Nightshade points a finger in the vague direction of Tylwyth and replies, "The Lady Viravain was my mother's midwife. She was there -- it is in all the stories!" The faeling stands then and lifts off the ground with a swift flapping of her wings. "If my mother did not give birth to me, to my brother, then the Goddess Herself spreads lies!"

Olethea runs a hand through her cascading, fiery red curls, stroking the tresses gently and tucking a lock back into place.

Dominique Nightshade gasps and claps a hand over her mouth. Frantically, she draws the sign of darkness once, twice, three times, and then she calms herself. "You have caused me to deny the Wyrd this evening. I will depart now to think on the Sight and how I might use it to See through Mother Night's Veil." A flash of anger washes over Dominique as she flits toward the edge of the clearing. "Shadows keep you."

Unseeing eyes turning to the down, Dominique Nightshade departs, the shadows reaching for her as she goes.

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

Even more softly, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Unless Rowena used her connections as Mother Night's Chosen to feed the lie... to let the Lady see what She wanted to see."

Proselyte Olethea, Euphony of the Dark Heart says, "She's gone."

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

Gael's good ear gives a sudden twitch, rising and lowering quickly.

Tau tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.
22:19:30 Brennan Stormcrow whistles low and then turns back to the Master Ravenwood, busying himself with the underbrush.
22:19:37 Odd sounds echo through the gloomy forest, their source undetermined.
22:19:47 Kelhrae stretches languidly.
22:19:48 Kelhrae looks exhausted and opens his mouth in an enormous yawn.

[Kelhrae leaves]

Xenthos shakes his head slightly. "Hard words to hear, but we must root out the lies, wherever they hide."
22:20:16 Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Wise words if that were any tonight."

A tenebrous leopard ponders Brennan Stormcrow thoughtfully, nudging Ilistala, an enormous leopard's side with a slight flick of the paw.

Synl of the Stormcrow Tribe says, "Does Rowena have more a connection to Mother Night than the Silent Lord?"

Tau shakes her head.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "I wouldn't think so."

Synl of the Stormcrow Tribe says, "Could He not pierce this Veil? Or dispel whatever illusions she casts?"

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "But Mother Night doesn't possess the Silent Lord."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Their connections are very different."

Xenthos closes his eyes, preparing to quote the words anew. '"If a lie has been planted by mortal hands, then it must be ripped out by them as well."'

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Those are His words."

Evette opens her mouth to speak, however closes it before a single word escapes.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Strength and "more" can be measured different ways."

Reciting, Vespula Tau the Twilit says, ""Hmm... My Night hides many secrets. Some very ancient, indeed. I will be curious to see how you convince her to allow you past the veil.""

You glance askance.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "And it is thus -our- duty to act."

Vespula Tau the Twilit says, "So said He to us, the Shrouded."

Tylwyth nods his head emphatically.

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

Olethea runs a hand through her cascading, fiery red curls, stroking the tresses gently and tucking a lock back into place.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "That makes some senes to me."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "There are some things only mortals can do."

Xenthos purses his lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as he carefully gathers his thoughts.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "No full divine can recharge the Seals afater all."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "This may be something along those lines."

Tau's eyes fall onto Tylwyth. "You are the most Nightshade of all of us here gathered. What do you think about these things?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I see no reason why Lord Nocht could not do this. But *should* He? That is the question - and it seems, by His words, that He believes it is up to the Glomdoring to root out its own rot."

The pointed tips of your ears twitch to hear an errant sound.

Tylwyth scratches his head looking for an idea.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Well."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Beyond what I've said."

Evette raises an eyebrow at Synl.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "I generally agree with Xenthos's statement that we have to face whateer harsh truth is to come."

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Whether it's because we can or we should, we should coninue with our planned rites, all of hte gourps that have planned them."

Shaking his head more forcefully this time, Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "It will not be easy for us, I fear. But necessary."

A pair of hungry, golden eyes are all that betray the presence of this massive jade tiger, the hypnotic stripes ever shifting in the shadow-white mist.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "I completely agree with you there."

With a slow nod to Synl, Evette shows her understanding.

Vespula Tau the Twilit says to Xenthos, "Someone who thinks He should, is not someone who understands Him at all. He is intensely amused by our workings."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Or, perhaps, He has faith in us."

Evette purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Well, I am not saying the divine can't do this, but perhpas it's better for us if we do it?"

To Xenthos, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "Like that idea."

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

Olethea stretches her wings forward, bringing them within reach of her hands, and begins to smooth and arrange her wingfeathers.

With nary a sound, Synl turns downward and melts into the environment.