Promises

The Gardens of the Rhapsody.
The air is filled with motes of light emanating from a healing shrine of Terentia nearby. This
location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Dark, rich wood forms two steps at the
entrance to the Gardens of the Rhapsody, bringing it up a couple feet above the lower walkways of
the gardens. Pale white stones spread off in all directions, each carefully smoothed by the push and
pull of the rivers that have grasped at them for decades or more. Little greenery grows from the
ground, instead it drapes over the walls and from the trellises above, the walls themselves at the
same height as everywhere else - that is, roughly around the waist in this particular garden.
Pristine white doves flutter back and forth from the trellis to trellis, from alabaster perch to
alabaster perch, warbling rhapsodic hymns to the stars, seas and the Light. Captured in pristine
alabaster, the Elder Goddess Rhapsody sits in delicate repose, surrounded by 10 shimmering celestial
doves. Resting within alabaster hands, the Rosewood Lute of Celestial Rhapsody emanates a soft light
and vibrates with celestial music. There are 25 seekers singing in joyous carol about the garden. A
glorious light surrounds the Voice of Rhapsody.
You see exits leading east, south, southwest, and northwest.

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

Cheliyi tilts her head curiously at you.

You tilt your head curiously at Cheliyi.

Curiously, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Usually sit next to Sister Willow, yes. Why
are you next to the nicely Lady Rhapsody?"

Cheliyi pets Flapjack the fox ingratiatingly.

Avaris does not reply immediately, instead turning his head back towards the Voice
of Rhapsody as he lifts his right hands to rub his thumbs across the penitent marks that mar his
left.

You think to yourself: A flash of memory, vivid and lurid with detail - The willow tree, two swords
swung with the force of an Elder, blood, pain.

Cheliyi glances down at your palms, at first paling with worry, only for sudden comprehension to
flash across her features.

Quietly, Avaris says, "I am no longer comfortable there."

Cheliyi stares up at you for a long moment, her expression unreadable save for quiet concern.

Avaris dips his chin in a reverent nod towards the Voice of Rhapsody, indicating
towards an alabaster sculpture of the Elder Goddess Rhapsody with a lift of his finger. "I have much
regard for the Lady, as well. She represents...Much."

Cheliyi's gaze finally follows your to the statue, and she hums in agreement. "Watched Mister Alarin
summon the Flock. Was... yes. Muchly."

Avaris vibrates with a subdued, thrumming sound of agreement, the brilliant hue of
his eyes dimming. "That it is. Yet, but a small sample of the Memories the Empyreal allows us to
partake of. They are all harrowing, in one fashion, or another. You will need to cleave tightly to
Fortitude so that you can endure them, Cheliyi."

Cheliyi stares implacably at you.

You tilt your head curiously at Cheliyi.

Simply, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity asks, "Do you needs a hug Mister Avaris?"

The solid blue of Avaris's alien eyes is interspersed, briefly, with a few faint,
littering motes of light as he offers his version of a wan smile. "Ah. I am not one for hugs,
Cheliyi, if you recall. I appreciate the sentiment, however. I will be fine, thank you."

Cheliyi peers at you unscrupulously.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say to Cheliyi, "How are you? Lady Aeldra tells me you
are settling in well to the Order."

Seriously, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "If it is because touch makes you
uncomfortable, then I will relents. But, if it is because you are scared about hurting me, I have
literally hugged a tree made of thorns and not gotten a single cut. And also another spiky kephera!"

Cheliyi wiggles her hands. "Have practice hugging things that are stabby."

The divine song emanated by the Voice of Rhapsody fills the air, bestowing upon you a sense of
comfort and happiness.

With a minute shake of his great, helm-like head, Avaris passes his left, upper
hand through the air in a smooth, dismissive arc. "It is alright, Cheliyi. You are kind. Answer my
question, please, if you would."

Black ink blooms from the northwest, heralding a small cat made of black ink.

Cheliyi huffs stubbornly, but relents.

A cat of black ink meows endearingly at Cheliyi.

Cheliyi pets a cat of black ink ingratiatingly.
A cat of black ink purrs softly as she butts her head into Cheliyi's hand.

Avaris's right antennae flick towards a cat of black ink.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "I am
goodly. Did my first Purity task, and am learning more about Her tenets, slowlys."

Cheliyi's stubborn frown softens into something fond, and she pats the ampoule hanging from her
waist in a friendly manner.

Avaris's pointed chin dips gently into the froth of his thick ruff, indicating the
ampoule with a small turn of his wrist. "You are progressing swiftly. Well done. Are you firm in
your conviction to remain with Her?"

Cheliyi laughs softly, inclining her head. "Honestly, thought my first task would take much longers.
Was planning to help the kelpies agains, maybe talk with you or Aeldra about its, but Lady Empyreals
said I had shown its in my hearts, so..." she trails off, her left hand fidgeting with her prayer
beads. "Am very firm. Doubts were cast away like shadows beneath the noon sun on a spring day, yes."

You think to yourself: A warm pulse of aureate light, approving.

Suddenly, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity asks, "Do know, what the star lotus means?"

Cheliyi smiles brightly at you, her frills puffing with joy.

Bringing his hands together beneath the thick, feathered cloak of his wings, Avaris
nods in a pleased manner. "Ah, excellent. She has that effect, yes - And She seems to be generous
with the Purity tasks. I had not intended to conduct a sermon, but She saw fit to allow my efforts
with the Voice here to be sufficient." Tilting his head towards Cheliyi, he utters a thoughtful
sound, stating, "I know of the origin, but I have not learned of the significance, otherwise, no."

With a bright grin, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Well, did ask Her, and She said
that is an important message, yes. See, the star lotus, it is a flower that blooms anywheres, and
brings beauty and light, yes?"

You think to yourself: A memory recalled with great care - One not his own, of Keph's lair, of two
Ladies, and a star lotus.

Cheliyi leans forward, her gaze almost sparkling behind her tinted spectacles. "Well, it -thrives-
in the muddiest of waters. And said, She wants us to be like the lotus. Thriving from darkness and
bringing light."

Avaris studies Cheliyi intently for a time, chin tilted down to look upon the
smaller mugwump. The chorus of his voice softens into a gentle hymn of quiet praise as he remarks,
"Ah. It resonates, I see. That is well. That is well." The subtly metallic rasp of his chitin
rubbing against itself emanates from beneath his wings, as he observes, "She will grow very fond of
you, I think, Cheliyi. Be worthy of Her regard. Ever strive for that, whatever else occurs. Do not
be disloyal."

Cheliyi nods seriously, before squinting up at you. "Did promise my undying loyalties, Mister
Avaris. Never break promises."

Pausing, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Ah, by the bys. Could you show me the Fonts?
In Her temple? Is fine if you are tired, though, trulies."

The manner in which Avaris returns Cheliyi's regard carries a particular intensity
to it, his wings shifting to stretch out to half their immense span. From within the softly
luminescent span, a galaxy of staring eyes weighs Cheliyi, judging with a silent severity. A minute
dip of his chin precedes the furling of the six wings once more, and he says, simply, "Do not." To
the question, he glances upwards, as if gauging the time. "Mm. I have less than a day before I
should return to my meditations. That is not sufficient. Partaking of Her Memories should not be
rushed. I will not permit it." Glancing down, he suggests, "Next month, perhaps, or the ensuing one.
I will require your full attention, and that you be hale of heart, body and mind."

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Warmly, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Of course, Mister Avaris. Would not want to
fall behind on any of those expectations, no. Do look forwards to it, if we can be awakes at the
same times!"

Avaris nods in a firm, crisp fashion, stating, "Very good. I apologise in advance,
for I am not so adept at providing comfort as Lady Aeldra is. We shall go slowly, so that you may
have time to center yourself between each Font, and discuss what you have seen."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Promise,
will be fines."

Cheliyi pats you in a friendly manner.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "You're very
goodly at being a comforting presence, even if you don't think sos."

(Celest): Alarin (from the Aetherways) says, "Greetings, fellow citizens! I will be holding a sermon
on the city's stage in roughly half a day or so if anyone is interested!"

Avaris regards Cheliyi quietly for a moment. "We shall see. I do not doubt your
Fortitude, but She has had a harrowing life, and She is One of the most ancient Elders. There are
many Memories provided to us, but they are only the merest fraction of Her experience." At Cheliyi's
reassurance, he lifts his lower left hand from behind his back to wave aside the words. "Ah. You are
very kind to say so, Cheliyi. Tell me, have you considered what you will do for your other tasks?"

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

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Honestly,
was so busy planning my Purity task, did not think about the others, yet."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity murmurs, "To prove
devotions...."

Avaris's vast, armoured chest thrums with a gently vibrating hum of
acknowledgement. "It would be best to think ahead, I feel. You can always change what you wish to do
for Her, when you come to them, but forethought is beneficial."

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

With a hint of a wry smile, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "I guess I cannot use
devotions to my family as my Devotion task, can I?"

The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his
shining golden rays.

Waving her hand, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Am kidding, of course. Will have to
think of something soonly."

Avaris considers this for a time, the jutting ridges of his jaw rising as he tilts
his head thoughtfully. "Perhaps, but a more emphatic, unusual task is generally what I would
encourage. I am certain that whatever you choose to do, you will please Her."

Cheliyi blinks, her expression brightening slightly with the encouragement. "Ah, well. Do hope sos."

Cheliyi ponders the situation.

The pristine white of Avaris's dense, voluminous mane gleams in the bright sunlight
as he lowers his head once more, gesturing towards the edit and offering, "You should consider
attending the sermon that Anointed Alarin intends to conduct. It would be beneficial, for a variety
of reasons. To show support for the Lady in public, to attain a grasp of how the Anointed sees Her,
and to learn of Her, of course."

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Was
planning tos, yes."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says to you, "Will
come, or will rest?"

Several of the light-forged eyes visible atop Avaris's wings shift their attention
to the sky once again, gauging the span of time remaining to him. "Hm. I can attend for a time, but
I do not know if I can remain for the entirety. We shall see how verbose the Anointed is feeling, I
suppose."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Will meet
you theres?"

You nod your head emphatically.

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "I shall be there presently."

Cheliyi pats you in a friendly manner.

The room grows warm once more Muginn the ghost-feathered magpie glides off to the northwest with a
click of his beak.

Watching the mugwump depart, Avaris turns his attention to the Voice of Rhapsody,
bending at the waist in a deep, respectful bow. In a voice so low as to be almost inaudible, yet
nonetheless solid as tempered steel, he murmurs, "Lady. I am trying. She will know happiness again.
I will not fail You."

The divine song emanated by the Voice of Rhapsody fills the air, bestowing upon you a sense of
comfort and happiness.

Avaris rises from his bow, casting one last look upon the Voice of Rhapsody, and an
alabaster sculpture of the Elder Goddess Rhapsody, before turning away.

A grand stage beneath a crystal canopy.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A thin pathway leads centrally down
towards a vast wooden platform, at the back of which rest vibrant red curtains which obfuscate the
interior from view. Ten neat rows of seats rest in front of the stage, each comfortably partitioned
to seat five separate beings. The smooth gravel that glides in from the north changes to a fine,
misty golden sand that bears the footprints of many individuals. Immediately in front of the viewing
area is a massive stage roughly fifteen feet deep and thirty feet wide. Embedded deep within the
crystal roof is a small globe of multi-faceted glass that reflects precise beams of light down on to
the stage, a few of the smooth sides tinted in a variety of colours. Embedded in the wood on the
right-hand side of the stage is a small crystal globe that holds a pale light. There are 2 cushioned
crystalline benches here. A milestone of white marble rests here upon a low dais. Muginn, the ghost-
feathered magpie perches here with a mischievous glint in his eye. Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of
Purity stands quietly here, trickles of water playing across her form. She wields a radiant chalice
in her left hand.
You see exits leading north and south.

(Celest): You say, "Will you beginning the sermon shortly, Anointed Alarin?"

(Celest): Alarin says, "We still have about a third of a day before it happens. There's plenty of
time."

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "They are not a terribly punctual person, I must
admit. It seems I will not be attending, alas."

A wry smile spreads across Cheliyi's face.

Cheliyi pats you in a friendly manner.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Rest well,
then."

You nod your head emphatically.

Voice resonating with choral harmonics, you say, "I hope that you enjoy the sermon. Do try to
encourage them to conduct themselves with dignity. Admonish Thaldorn if he becomes filled with the
urge for levity. She is not a joke, and I will not permit Her to be treated as such, Anointed or
no."

Cheliyi nods her head sagely.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "Thaldorn is
usually respectfuls, when talking about the Lady."

Cheliyi peers about herself unscrupulously.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, Slakened Cheliyi, Novitiate of Purity says, "And he
better stay that ways."

With a decisive nod, Avaris replies, "I leave it to you to see that he does. Alarin
also. Thank you for your company, Cheliyi. We shall tend to Her Memories soon."

Cheliyi nods her head at you.

Cheliyi waves goodbye.