Prayer to the Lady of the Lagoons

Waterlogged in a narrow cavern.
Sloshing underfoot, standing water floods the cavern floor, fed by an unending trickle that weeps down the sheer stone surrounding this lonely mountain recess. Diffuse, haunting prasine mists linger with strange luminescence just above the stagnant pool, coiling longingly toward a curtain of fireweed blossoms draped over the farthest wall. A faint breeze whistles from some indeterminate source, tracing over dappled blue pectolite that ripples in veins where it crests over duller rock in silky patches of erosion. Despite the constant stir, a briny stench hangs in the air, accompanying a pervasive clamminess that clings and chills.
You see exits leading east and through a tangled curtain of fireweed blossoms.

You think to yourself: *tired caution - anxious - a breath, release, inhale - courage*.

it's meeee
They are a feathered trill kindly demigod changeling. Downy plumes of vibrant orange cascade in a tumble around their head, the cluster of feathers stopping just short of their shoulders and moving at the slightest breeze. A cluster of snow-white feathers grow near their right temple. A natural mask of downy black feathers have sprouted around their eyes, covering the upper portion of their face and fading in with the colorful orange feathers at the hairline and temples. A moderately-sized, crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek, pink where it would otherwise be black. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen at the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. Two tufts of feathers gather where their ears would normally be, adorned by long, curling feathers that react to their mood. Their eyes are wide and inquisitive, a stunning gray that looks almost blue against the bright orange and striking black feathers. They stand just shy of six foot even, with a thin, willowy build, their skin sandy and smooth. Hanging half-limp behind them are a pair of great apricot-colored wings, the covert feathers nearest to their back the same ebony-violet as the feathers that cover their brow and cheekbones. Their wings are sleek and shiny, evidence of recent grooming efforts. A shifting pearlescence graces their skin as they walk with the truefavour of Carakhan, Sculptor of Waves.
They are wearing:
a starry wreath of celestial light set atop their head like a halo
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
the Mantle of Starlight which flows dreamily about their shoulders and back
a sleeveless black tunic which clings to their upper body flatteringly
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a Glomdoring friendship bracelet which jingles softly on their left wrist
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a shifting, living poppy of burgundy petals worn delicately upon their left wrist
a driftwood ring of sea breezes fitted tightly to their left middle finger
simple white linen trousers which swish around their legs freely
Refined Boots of the Paladin, worn and weathered from use
a bright red poppy tucked behind their left ear.

You have emoted: Gurashi's hands nervously fold over mercurial Mysraian prayer beads as they gaze towards the entrance of the Fulcrux, feathery ears flat upon the top of their head.

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

You step into the sanguine pool and approach the curtain of fireweed, gingerly parting a stalk woven with flame-red blossoms aside. The tangles ensnare your hand and set your skin aflame with numerous stings but it is too late to withdraw. The curtain is drawing you inwards, consuming you within its dark and lush depths. Momentary darkness gives way to light as you are cast out into a sultry lagoon, your body covered in crimson moisture.
The Fulcrux of Li-varili.
A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Captivatingly aquamarine shallows rest in preternatural stillness, secluded amidst this sultry, tropical lagoon. Beneath the water's crystal surface, visible roots stand unburied and upright, arching into mangroves like cages for the sinuous shadows intermittently threading between their aquatic bars. These spindly trees both shelter and protect the intimate space beneath their lushly snarled canopies, their boughs dripping with woven veils of tender fireweed blossoms, petals wafting a grassy scent into the saltwater air. As the forest finds purchase on sandy soil about the perimeter, its trunks cluster more thickly together, forbidding exploration with treacherous footing - and forging a dark, claustrophobic prison out of its labyrinthine overgrowth. A coarse island shrine rises from the centre of the shallow pool, bromeliads bursting about it in glorious adoration of the Lady of the Lagoons.
You see a single exit leading through a tangled curtain of fireweed blossoms.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly in recognition as they let their gaze sweep around the Fulcrux before they shyly shuffle forward, head bowed. Eventually they come before the master shrine of Li-varili, sinking to bow to a single knee before they rise.

You murmur softly to yourself.

Your karma rises in response to your deeds.
You place Mount Zoaka's Titanium Brazier of Explosive Transformation within the shallow bowl, and watch as the black glass fills with water. The bowl overflows, sending water and essence from the offering alike coursing down among the ridges and shells of the altar as it empowers Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons.

Kneeling humbly, you press your palms together before you and close your eyes momentarily as you pray devoutly to Li-varili, Lady of the Lagoons, "Oh Great Lady of the Lagoons. Hi. I am Gurashi. We met briefly, once... twice? Am the changeling, a shard of Dearest Keph, now... wibbly? That is not important. What is, is - have questions, that want to ask of You! Liiiike... if You knew the Lord Ilaedron, or, if You Two were friends, and why His compass led us to find You? It WAS pointing to You, yes? Did You know Shalidae, or Her significance? Or was it all a marvellous coincidences, the compass bringing everyone to You? Ah, oh - but also wanted to know if You would share to me Your Truths, yes - Mother of the Nereids, what it is that makes You You? Beyond that horrible, awful, no goodly chairs that was mean to You and everybody's obsessions withs it. You are a whole Lady who suffered and endured, not just a Lady in a Chair. I want to knows about Lady Li-varili to-be, what You wants to be in the future. I do not know how to express that offer no false pity, but only sorrows for Your sufferings, and listening, because I have pretty O-K earses. Will never be able to imagines what You went through, nor do want to, because was not fairly or right. Ah - words are always so hard to say - am sorry. Know You may not wants to hear thems, the words? I will understand if You do not like me. You do not have to! But I wish You peace and comforts, yes, soonly, hopefully. Stay goodly. Sincerely, Gura-- OH also have You seen the Captain Teyitha, because She disappeared in Your Fulcrux and have not seen her but maybe she went back to the ships anyway O-K goodbye now - sincerely Gurashi.".

In a swift, fluid motion, you spring up from your hands to land crouched on your feet.

You nod your head sagely.
sagenod

You have emoted: Gurashi turns awkwardly on their heel, immediately flitting for the curtain that granted them entrance, warbling nervously.

You approach the curtain of tangled fireweed, gingerly parting a stalk woven with flame-red blossoms aside. The tangles ensnare your hand and set your skin aflame with numerous stings but it is too late to withdraw. The curtain is drawing you inwards, consuming you within its dark and lush depths. Momentary darkness gives way to light as you are cast out into a narrow cavern, your body covered in crimson moisture.