Family Blues and Eyeball News

<-- So it all started with me logging in real late after a long day of work and other things! I logged on and Cali asked if I wanted to spin the wheel since it was getting close to weave!

The Cave of Chaos.
The walls of the cave bulge inwards in violently cubic shapes, looking much like a sculpture gone horribly wrong, in which the artist decided all of the angles would be incredibly precise and likely quite capable of cutting through flesh as though it were butter. The walls at first appear as if they might actually have solid colour, although they seem to change when one views them out of the corner of their eyes, and are never the same colour when looked at twice, which creates rather confusing patches of random colours that change when not looked directly upon. The Seal of Chaos slowly spins in the air here, spidery cracks running along its surface. Glistening resplendently, the Wheel of Tzaraziko towers here, ripe for the spin!
You see a single exit leading out.

LOOKIT ME
Standing at a scant four foot ten inches, they are an alluring sileni kindly demigod changeling. The slender curves of this creature's form, from their slight shoulders to their dainty, six-fingered hands, lend them a youthful, wholesome appearance. Their right hand has been scarred upon the palm, as if with a sharp object, and their most prominent three knuckles of the same hand are marred. A heart-shaped face houses a sheepish smile and a pair of large, expressive, slate-blue eyes, their brilliant white pupils resembling stars framed with dusky auburn lashes. Their long cheeks and thin, upturned nose both bear a permanent shade of blush, accentuated by the greatest cluster of freckles. A moderately sized crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek, brightly visible against the deep hue of their skin. Their smooth skin is tawny in color, covered in a smattering of auburn freckles. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen at the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. An unruly mane of bright, apricot colored hair is clustered in wavy clumps atop their head, parted on either side of their head by a pair of curling, deep sable ram's horns, the left horn slightly shorter and stumpier than the right. A shock of bone-white hair stands out along their left temple, the tuft tucked delicately around their horn. A pair of velvety soft black ram's ears hang down from below their horns, twitching every so often in response to foreign sound. Beginning along their midriff is a thin coat of apricot-colored wool, a hint of pure white spots seen poking out from the top of their pants. Their backwards-tilted legs are slender and fawn-like, covered in downy tufts of orange fur and coming to end with triangular, sable black hooves. A short orange and white tail can be seen occasionally wagging behind them.  Two tendril-like scars akin to burns wind their way up the sileni's arms, marring their knuckles, the backs of their hands, and ending finally before the elbow. Soothing mists of water and light weave about them in a sparkling white veil, marking the truefavour of Lantra, the Empyreal.
They are wearing:
a starry wreath of celestial light set atop their head like a halo
a twilight blue rose
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
a sunset cloak of the darkening sea which hangs off of their right shoulder asymmetrically
the Mantle of Starlight which flows dreamily about their shoulders and back
a simple deep blue tunic which hangs loosely from their form
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
aromatic cedar and cinnamon incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a shifting, living poppy of indigo petals worn delicately upon their left wrist
a charming wedding ring bearing a miniature white ghodak stone fitted securely to their left ring finger
a pair of black trousers bearing silver stars which fit their shape nicely.

You twiddle your thumbs.

A sense of uneasiness permeates the area as Calioliahali, riding a golden hippogriff with broad, translucent wings, patrols in from the out with rigid authority.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

LOOKIT SHE
She is a feathered storm trill demigoddess, a statuesque and imposing woman that stands well over six and a half feet tall. Her face is full of strong, rough edges, evoking imagery from a battlefield: her skin's hue is reminiscent of dusty, sun-bleached bones, long since stripped of their flesh and vitality; her lips are the tone of blackened earth, and her eyes the tint of a cloudless morning sky polluted by plumes of smoke. The feathers that adorn her head, the expansive wings upon her back, and much of the rest of her body are the color of a stream into which bodies were carelessly thrown, their blood staining the water. At the end of each of her well-muscled arms are hands hardened by callouses, and the nails that tip each of her fingers are curved and appear to have been sharpened, giving them a talon-like quality. Soothing mists of water and light weave about her in a sparkling white veil, marking the truefavour of Lantra, the Empyreal.
She is wearing:
an austere suit of full plate
a pair of disciplined roseate wings, protruding dutifully from her back through slots in her armor
a serviceable grey cloak with a dodecahedron clasp
a tactical leather baldric, clasped across her chest and back securely
a crystalline cloudberry brooch, pinned to the right side of her cloak
the Quintessential Mandala of Resplendent Harmony, partially obscured by her cloak
a striking wedding ring bearing a miniature black ghodak stone, worn on her left ring finger
a utilitarian pouch, secured to the left side of her waist.

Their tail wagging upon spotting the trill, you say, "My dearest!"

Calioliahali strides in and slips one arm around you, smiling warmly down at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi jogs towards Calioliahali, reaching out both six-fingered hands to wrap around Calioliahali's waist, hugging her tightly, tail wagging even faster. "You are here! Hooray!"

Calioliahali leans down to press her black lips against your forehead, then carefully guides you closer the Wheel of Tzaraziko.
You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Oh! Ouwah! The Wheel."

You grasp the edge of the Wheel of Tzaraziko before giving it a heavy push, sending it spinning. Slow at first, the wheel begins to spin faster and faster, the air about it warping in a wild array of colours as it becomes impossible to watch.

Calioliahali grasps the edge of the Wheel of Tzaraziko before giving it a heavy push, sending it spinning. Slow at first, the wheel begins to spin faster and faster, the air about it warping in a wild array of colours as it becomes impossible to watch.

You bounce up and down.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

You look at the Wheel of Tzaraziko hopefully.

The Wheel of Tzaraziko crackles with a brilliant display of colours, landing on A BUFF as you stare intently.
The Wheel of Tzaraziko crackles with a brilliant display of colours, landing on A BUFF as Calioliahali stares intently.

You flex your muscles in an impressive display of strength.

You beam broadly at Calioliahali.

Happily, you say, "That is not bad." Their shoulders bunch. "Someone else will have to use it, though. Ah... I was headed home..."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances over their shoulder towards the Wheel of Tzaraziko, then back up at Calioliahali, holding out both hands.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the out, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.
Tridemon turns towards the out and steps forward, instantly collapsing into a torrent of water that rushes outwards with a thunderous crash of water. <-- there and gone again in a second

You blink.

Calioliahali nods sharply her agreement as she turns back toward you, grasping both proffered hands firmly. The corners of her lips then tug downwards.

Calioliahali begins to follow you.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Oh my gosh - dear one! Good morning!"

You have emoted: Gurashi accepts Calioliahali's hand, and for a moment their starry gaze drifts to the entrance of the cave, and they look surprised, then hopeful, then - "Ah, uhm. Let's... go."

You nod your head emphatically.

Calioliahali follows you ether.
A bright, forestal curiosities room.                   (#HAH_1)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. 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 A Stack of Cats is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. A marble archway stands here, elegantly arcing up from ground to ceiling. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
You see exits leading north (open door), east (open door), south (open door), and southwest (open door).

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses as they return within their manse, attention drifting up towards Calioliahali, a smile on their face. "Ah...w-welcome home!"

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

Calioliahali draws closer to you as she arrives alongside you, arms reaching to fully embrace you around the shoulders, black lips curving again into a warm smile. "Home," she repeats, unable to keep the contentment out of her voice.

You have emoted: Gurashi still seems a bit off, if only for a moment. Their uncertainty fades as Calioliahali's arms slip around them, and they turn their attention upward, gazing at her. Behind them, their short tail wags slowly, and a smile creeps back onto their face.

You lean against Calioliahali, eyes half-closing.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Calioliahali, "I will be there, yes. For your ascendings. I-if I yam allowed to come. I will wear my shiniest clothes."

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Calioliahali, "A fanciful occasions! Nothing will be shinier than you, however."

Calioliahali's smoky blue eyes gaze down at you adoringly, one of her hands lifting to slip its fingers into your hair, stroking through it lovingly. Her eyebrows lift, cheeks filling with color, but her expression remains bright. "Ah, I am pleased, because, ah... I could not fathom undergoing this, ah... process without you by my side."

You have emoted: Gurashi nuzzles their head into Calioliahali's hands, inhaling deeply through their nose. "You are so brave! You will be great." They smile back at Calioliahali, knitting together their brow. As they squeeze Calioliahali's waist, they suddenly yawn, immediately gasping and apologizing after. "A-ah, ouwah. Am sorry! I really did j-just wake, a-fore sent you the flower. Just woke up. So much sleepies." They trail off in their rambling, leaning forward.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... Fast rock."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Did the Wheel give you good things this months?"
Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "No."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "M-me either. The last few months have been.... not very fantastical... but that is O-K."

Calioliahali's cheeks redden a little more at your compliment, and then her black lips draw together, her eyes intently observing your yawn. She then reaches both arms lower, gripping you by the waist, and hoists you up so that you are at eye level with her. A grin splits her pursing, and then she presses her lips to your own, brushing over them tenderly. "I love you, Gurashi. Ah, sleepiness and all." <-- cArRy Me TaLl OnE O_O XD

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out the faintest of noises when Calioliahali lifts them, their tail wagging wildly, instinctively kicking their legs behind them. Suddenly their arms loop around the taller trill's shoulders, and they return her kiss in earnest, nuzzling together their faces afterwards. "A-am not too heavy right," They suddenly look up towards Calioliahali, starry eyes wide, tail pausing for but a moment as they tighten their grip on the trill's shoulders.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Many single curio packs and .... a-anyway, h-how are you? How is your eye?"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... 'm alright."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Working on it."

(The Blood of the An'Ryshe): Xenthos (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Welcome, Illyria."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "H... have you found a way that ... do you still not want me to be there when you..."

You blink.

Calioliahali shakes her head swiftly, roseate headfeathers swaying and brushing over your forehead lightly in the process, a warm smile upon her lips. "I train with, ah... Considerably heavier implements. You are, ah, a feather in comparison." Once you are more comfortably hugging around her shoulders, she begins to walk further into the house, one of her arms lowering to loop beneath your behind to better grasp you. <-- AaAAAaAaAaAA XD!

(The Blood of the An'Ryshe): Gael (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Welcome indeed. Thank you, father, for inviting her."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out the faintest of noises, and as they look adoringly at Calioliahali, accepting the way she so easily adjusts their body in her grasp... a new strange expression overtakes them. Their lip twitches, and then their whole mouth twists into a pained smile. Just as their starry eyes fill with tears, they wordlessly lean forward to hug Calioliahali's shoulders more tightly, suddenly dipping their head out of sigh against the side of her head and neck. "That is good," They say after a pause, voice just above a whisper.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... will probably be done with it a few days after the weave."

Calioliahali's eyebrows knit together as she notices your change in expression, the corners of her lips tugging downwards when you bury your teary face against her neck. She inhales deeply through her nose, but only produces a soft noise from her mouth, proceeding forward with you tightly held in her arms.

You follow Calioliahali Skydrifter north to A modest kitchen with forest motifs.
You follow Calioliahali Skydrifter up to A cozy living room above the kitchen.

Calioliahali carefully ascends the stairs with you held within her arms, making certain that no part of you bumps unduly into the walls or doorframe as she does so. She then draws over to one of the couches, lowering herself to sit upon it, allowing you to comfortably come to a rest within her lap.

You have emoted: Gurashi clings tightly to Calioliahali, lifting their head only slightly as they reach the top of the stairwell. They inhale deeply, loosening their grip only once they feel Calioliahali sit, their arms still wrapped around her shoulders. "Sorry," They say at last as they settle, no longer clinging but comfortably leaning, their starry eyes shiny with tears. "Aether chatters. You did not do anything. All is well." They smile, their long ears twitching in tandem as they comfortably settle within Calioliahali's lap.

You lean against Calioliahali, eyes half-closing.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "...w-will you be able to see again...? When it is fixed?"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Er, w-when whatever you are doing, is done. The thing am not allowed to see."

As you better settle in atop her, Calioliahali turns her gaze back down to your face, her expression of concern remaining where it had been before she carried you through the house. Her smoky blue eyes hone in upon the tears still present within your own, and then she leans forward, brushing her black lips beneath each one. When she withdraws, it is but an inch, and she whispers, "I ah... I hope that you know you may share anything with me, Gurashi. But, ah... I will not press you." One corner of her mouth tugs upwards at your comment, and she adds, "Ah... Unless you would ah... prefer that I press."

Quietly, you say, "Xenthos has a new son." They pause. "And, I guess daughter-in-law, too."

The gray light of morning bleeds through the branches of the Ravenwood trees.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly looks down, tears still in their eyes, embarrassment settling in on their features. "I.. ah! I am, happy! I am... I promise I am. It is. A combination of many feelings, to hear..." They trail off, staring down into their own lap. "To hear his voice... speaking so freely... sounding so..."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "Himself..."

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales slowly through their nose. "...so fond and..." Slowly they lean in towards Calioliahali, squishing their cheek to her shoulder, the tip of their horn digging into the couch behind the pair.

Calioliahali slowly nods her head as she listens, gaze wholly fixated upon your expression. The moment your face presses into her shoulder, the arm that had been supporting you beneath your rump rises upwards, fingers returning to your fiery hair, tenderly cradling the back of your head. She carefully watches you for half a moment more, and then she tilts her chin downwards, pressing her black lips to the tip of your horn closest to her. "I, ah... I believe I understand. But, ah... the circumstances, they are ah... still not ideal." The corners of her lips tug downwards again. "I wish there were, ah... some thing that I could do, to ah... mend this rift between you. It is, ah... You do not deserve to feel so, ah... apart. He is your family, and you are his. You deserve contact."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "//A sudden surge of watery energies and a grinding pain that quickly subsides as if ruthlessly suppressed//."

You have emoted: Gurashi shrugs minutely, their head still nestled against Calioliahali's shoulder. "I do not think he does not want to," They murmur quietly, twiddling their thumbs in their lap. "I think it makes him sad, too. I am just... am happy he--" And then, they sit upright, as if struck by something from behind, knitting together their brow and letting out a startled little gasp. "Ah--!"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "*all at once a thrum and a splash of bright pastels, a sense of alarm* Tridemon???"

(OOC Clan): Tridemon says, "Muahaha."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Tridemon what."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Are you O-K? What happened? What was that?"

Calioliahali's eyebrows lift as you jolt upwards, and then they knit together, an expression of intense concern growing upon her features as she gazes down at you. "Ah, Gurashi...? What is the matter?" Her fingers within your hair gently pull away, slipping around to rest upon your cheek instead.

You have emoted: Gurashi immediately claps a hand over their mouth, apologizing afterwards, the tears that had welled up before suddenly spilling down over their cheeks. "U-uhm. Uhm," They wave a hand dismissively in the air, as if embarrassed. "I-I don't know. Tridemon, he..." They wibble as Calioliahali cups their cheek, eyes wide. "S-something, ah, feels wrongly. But, h-he won't -answer- me so I do not know what, so I..."

Anxiously, you say, "Am afeared f-for hims be-cause he is very good at ignoring painful things until it nearly -kills- him, yes." They say this with a fury, tears continuing to pour down their face. "It has happened be-fore."

Calioliahali's frown deepens, her thumb against your face tenderly wiping away your tears as they come. Her feathery ears twitch as she listens to you, and then she nods, her hold upon you shifting. "I see." Her jaw tenses and relaxes almost in the same instant, and her expression slowly softens. "Do you, ah... Do you believe it is necessary to investigate further? Ah, if you would not be, ah, opposed, I would accompany you on such a venture."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... 'm fine..."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "What happened? What was that? Please? Are you O-K? Is it your arm? Is it the eye? What can I do? can I see you?"

You have emoted: Gurashi hiccups lightly, lifting a hand to wipe at their own cheeks, attempting to apologize. "A-am so sorry, I-I was happy to wake up and see you a-and then all th-this bad news happened, I am, ah," They cup their face, hiding their eyes and nose and mouth between their hands for a time, shoulders shaking. "I-I am O-K," They manage to choke out at last. "I-I. I am, f-finding out. If." They inhale sharply, dropping their hands. "...sorry," They turn their gaze back to Calioliahali's own, sagging. "I do not mean to t-troubles you with..." They trail off as fresh tears well up in their eyes, teeth sinking into their lip to keep them from saying more.

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... 'm fine..."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "*bright glaring colors, a sense of anxious concern* -Tridemon- what -was- that."

Calioliahali's arm pulls you closer to herself, her head shaking adamantly as she fixes her smoky blue gaze upon your own teary one. "You are not troubling me, Gurashi. I am your wife. Ah, wife-to-be. And ah, your trials are my trials, willingly. I have already vowed to support you in all things, to share with you all things. This includes the good, yes, but also the, ah... less pleasant." She leans forward, brushing her lips over your freshly falling tears. "I would never allow you to suffer alone. Never again."

You sniffle softly.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to wipe at their cheeks again, lolling back their head to stare at Calioliahali. As she kisses away their tears, they let out another tiny hiccup, squeezing shut their eyes. "T-thank you."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Nothing... to be concerned about.. yes..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's arms return to Calioliahali's shoulders as they lean forward, throwing them around the trill's shoulders. Then, they tighten their grip, their voice high and thin as they say, "...I...." They swallow. "I-I need to checks on hims..."

Calioliahali tilts her face to brush her lips now over your temple, and then withdraws, nodding. "I understand. Am I permitted to come?" She meaningfully lingers her gaze upon your face, her hand near your face pushing back into your hair to scritch very lightly.

Eyebrows knitting back together, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "If I am not, then I would request that I be able to remain within contact throughout, so that you may have some form of relief."

Weakly, you say, "I ... want you to come..." They hesitate, shoulders bunching. "I j-just do not know if he will... run."

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales sharply through their noise, then squeezes Calioliahali's hand, sliding off her lap. They do not release the trill, tears spilling down over their cheeks as they step away from the couch, guiding the trill with them.

You sniffle softly.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "I am coming over."

Calioliahali's lips twitch at the corners as you rise from her and tug her along with you. She rises as well, falling in with you, remaining close. "I am with you, my apotheosis," she whispers down to you.

Calioliahali begins to follow you.

<-- nyoom!

Heart of the Celestial Leviathan.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. There is a dent in the wall here. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system. You see a sign here instructing you that WARES is the command to see what is for sale.
You see exits leading north, east, south, west, up, down (closed door), and out (open door).

You breathe in deeply through a sun-kissed nose, taking in the scent of your surroundings.
You make out the scent of Calioliahali coming from Heart of the Celestial Leviathan.
You make out the scent of Tridemon coming from A well-lit atelier.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Am here. I. Are you gonna run away."

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales deeply, then knits together their brow, their shoulders bunched. They squeeze Calioliahali's hand, their own trembling lightly as they do so.

Quietly, you say, "He is here..."

You murmur softly to yourself.

Calioliahali follows you up.
An inexplicably lonely beach.
Stretching out in every direction is a somewhat oddly colored beach- rather than white or brown or red sand, the sand here is largely a bluish-violet. In the immediate area though is a wide, somewhat tattered beach blanket covering the warm sands, along with a colorful, slightly crooked umbrella that shades a portion of the blanket from the eternal noontime sun. Next to the blanket is a wooden sign which has been planted deep in the sand, with the words 'Out to Lunch' painted neatly across the weathered boards in black and gold, although the paint has started to flake and the wood is turning gray from the passage of time and exposure to the elements. Off to the north, a forest of rising bamboo can be seen in the distance. The light of day shines brightly. Perpetually ticking away the hours, the Immortal Clock of Past's Restoration stands proudly nearby. Sparkling liquids bubble up from a fountain here.
You see exits leading north, east, and down.

Calioliahali returns the squeeze upon her hand, a frown remaining upon her face as she carefully scans the unfamiliar surrounds.

You have emoted: Gurashi's chin quivers, and they slowly look around the beach. "It used to be more..." They trail off, shaking their head, looking north still, towards the house. "I remember it when there was not even a house..."

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

The Mantle of Starlight flows gently against your form, twinkling stars shifting across its surface as the starry infinity continues its eternal motion.

Calioliahali nods mutely at your words, her gaze refocusing wholly upon your face. She tenderly squeezes your hand again, one of her roseate wings unfurling to brush against your back reassuringly.

Calioliahali follows you north.
A pathway from the beach.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Transitioning between the violet sands of the beach, a pathway leads up to soil tinted by the sand, and finally into firmer ground. Rising up from the sandy earth and the firmer soil to the north are an array of jewel-hued bamboo stalks and plants, all of which feature sparkling, crystalline veins of the same substance and color as the beach to the south. The plants are smaller and shorter to the south, and growing larger and taller up to the north until they dominate the skyline simply by being dozens of feet tall. Within the bamboo thickets, a rainbow of sparkling jewel-toned leaves constantly fall, constantly regrow, leaving the ground that is not the path a sparkling riot of marvellous color. At the end of the path is a sturdy and polished wooden door, set into the wall of a house whose walls- painted a bright, cherry red- rise a story or two above the ground, but nowhere near to the top of the surrounding jewel-toned bamboos. To the west, a sandy path winds through the bamboo, with glimpses of the top of a colorful tree above the rest of the foliage.
You see exits leading east, south, west, and in (closed door).

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Dear one...?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nervously reaches out to try the door, frowning.

This walnut door has been magically locked shut. <-- WHAT THE SHIT

You have emoted: Gurashi's hand twitches as they try the knob, finding it magically locked. Their grip tightens, and new tears well up in their eyes as they do. "Ah..."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "... the door...."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "...I can't..."

Calioliahali's smoky blue gaze eventually drifts from your face to settle upon the door, which you find difficulty opening. Her black lips draw together, pursing. "Ah... There are, ah... Methods by which to, ah... If the door is not, ah... reinforced. If the situation demands it."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "-Tridemon- ..."

<-- lots of IRL blowups and someone resolving their IC enemyship from like 70+ IG years ago ugh I hate politics

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "//Silence, a watery pressure that's subsiding, an oddly COOLING heat from pinpricks of light//."

Inhaling at last, you say, "We are going in."

Calioliahali's gaze drifts from the door to again settle upon your face, feathery ears swiveling towards your voice.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "*you can see in your mind's eye for a moment a short orange-haired sileni, behind them a looming trill, and in tow of the pair a concerned looking leothin* We. *a pause* We are coming in."

Reaching out with your mind, you grasp the harmonic song of the domothean energies as you seek Tridemon.

The lingering notes of harmonic purity swell to impossible heights as you step confidently through the song of reality itself.
Calioliahali follows you ether.
A well-lit atelier.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Following off of the living room, this room gives off a somewhat more serious feeling. The floor is made of more of that golden wood with whorls and specks of sparkling blue-violet crystal, treated with that protective coating, but the walls are missing the paper that lines most of the rest of the house's walls. Instead, the walls are covered in a lattice of blue-violet crystal, darker toward the floor and growing lighter toward the ceiling. Lighting is provided by globes of crystal-clear glass with steady white light shining from the center of each- there are quite a few of these, meaning that shadows are almost non-existent within this room. Along each of the walls is a worktable, each with a set of tools hanging off of a board behind the table itself, and a number of specialist items of unknown use underneath. The tools along the boards include brushes, knives of various shapes and sizes, rasps, chisels, hammers in a variety of sizes, and a set of screwdrivers that range from nearly being blunt instruments to tiny instruments of a clockmaker's work. The ceiling is covered in tiles of creamy blue stone, smooth and completely devoid of any tool mark or design. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters with an Unknown face 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.
You see a single exit leading south.

LOOKIT THE MAN
He is a crystalline lucidian tidebourne demigod and his body is a strange combination of colours. Most of him is a deep violet colour, while his left arm is a combination of oceanic shades of deep blues and greens, shifting in a rhythmic, tidally slow dance, with ridges running from his wrist to elbow in a pattern resembling swirling, stylised waves. In addition, it appears that his fingers of his left hand, including his thumb, have an extra joint, tapering off to sharp- but not narrow- points. His right hand is far more mundane, aside from a scar of deep red and blue that encircles his entire ring finger. He doesn't have hair so much as sculpted spikes of crystal, flaring back along his skull almost like plumage. Much of his body is crossed by dark lines of discolored crystal, like scars, pitch black opal with flecks of fiery rainbow color throughout, with a somewhat larger scar running vertically along his face from his chin to his forehead. His eyes are rather mismatched, with his left eye broken up into three jagged sections, each approximately a third of the visible surface of his eye, showing amber, emerald, and opal segments, with pupils occupying both the emerald and amber. His right eye isn't really an eye, but rather a swirling orb of deep violet water with a dozen points of starlight suspended within it, with tiny pieces of carefully shaped and enchanted platinum embedded in the crystal around his eye socket. Tattooed on his hands is an illustration of spiralling words of power. A shifting pearlescence graces his skin as he walks with the truefavour of Carakhan, Sculptor of Waves.
Resembling an entity from the cosmic planes, his head is wreathed in undulating strands of shimmering cosmic fire. Attuned to his moods, the chromatic waves are in constant flux, from rising up in a halo of incandescent anger to streaming back in ripples of pleasure.
He is wearing:
an Elemental Cloak
a pearlescent aspergillum
a circlet of smooth stones slowly rotating around his head in a pattern as steady as the tides
a resonating lens of cascading patterns
A Silk Mask of Amusement
a resplendent amberlight blossom
the Mantle of Starlight
Thalassic Prayer Beads of the Sculptor of Waves wrapped around his left forearm, partially fused with the flesh there
a pair of thin spectacles worn slightly too low on his face to actually cover the entirety of his eyes
a coruscating symbol of the Sculptor of Waves
a Celestian friendship bracelet
a ring of calming hues
a parafilament saddlebag
a silver necklace set with star sapphires
a delicate violet chrysanthemum brooch
bright white robes of platinum waves
a dark pearl pocket watch with a clover charm
Urlach's Black Gauntlet
a Brooch of the Elements
an elegant crimson briefcase
an amethyst crown representing the wine-dark sea
a weathered pair of travelling boots
a Runed Crown of Divine Light
a mark of Carakhan
an elegant knot of crystalline filaments
a pair of water-wrought wings
a suspiciously mundane wallet
a delicate white ring.

Tridemon looks up from his place sitting on the floor, a very slight trickle of blood running from the corner of his right eye, which quickly stops.

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

You have emoted: Gurashi's tail puffs up behind them, and their shoulders bunch as they appear, wobbling, near to the door with Calioliahali and Bizirik, the leothin behind them. "Ah!" They suddenly throw out both their arms to their sides, wrinkling their nose. "Tridemon wh--" As they spot the blood they blanch slightly, shaking their head and stepping closer. "Is that--".

Tridemon slowly blinks at you. "... 'm fine..."

Calioliahali remains close behind you as you approach Tridemon, her gaze drifting to settle upon the prone lucidian, a frown upon her black lips.

You have emoted: Gurashi sinks down to one knee before the lucidian, tears still streaming down their face. "What happened?" They ask, their voice high and cracking as they reach out, hand a few inches away from the right side of Tridemon's face. "Why did this happen? I could feel the pain all the way from my -manse-," Their chin quivers. "It was so -loud- - a-are you O-K??"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "'s what I've been working on. 's fine. Much better."

Tridemon focuses, the starry water of his right eye swirling for a moment more before stilling.

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard. "There's blood..." They trail off, looking at the surrounds for any further traces of mess. "Working on?"

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Calioliahali's smoky blue gaze quietly roams Tridemon's face, honing in upon the eye that had only just been bleeding. She inhales deeply through her nose, but remains otherwise silent.

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Tridemon, "...it's ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi furrows together their brow, then stares more intently. "...your eye is..."

The call of a cicada welcomes the setting of the sun and the coming night.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "'s enchanted platinum. Base for scry. Quasi-essence water. Full of the proper energies. Shaped properly. ... Theory perfectly sound..."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Certainly not the first time autosurgical manipulation has been necessary...

You have emoted: Even as Tridemon matter-of-factly explains the breakdown of the new eyeball, Gurashi's shoulders sag, fresh tears spilling down over their face. "Did you ..." They seem hesitant to speak, clawing at their words with great pauses in between, "....take ... take out your .... o-old eye?" They ask suddenly, hands balled into fists in their lap, expression dazed.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... no. Dissolution into the medium in the process of enchanting..."

Quietly, you say, "T-those ... that's..."

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "Could've been a lens in front of it. Didn't turn out that way..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's entire being trembles as their other knee falls to the ground and they both lean forward and sag before the lucidian. "Tridemon t-that sounds -awful- are you -O-K-?!" They blurt out, folding their hands over their heart. "W-why didn't you tell anybody? Why didn't asks anybody for advices or helps? W-what if it went wrongly??" They gasp. "W-what if it still goes wrongly?" Their hand rises to their own right eye, covering it.

Calioliahali's lips twitch at the corners, and then her frown returns, deepening. The talon-like nails upon her right hand very lightly tap against her waist, her gaze drifting from Tridemon back toward you, eyebrows now knitting together as she listens to your voiced concerns.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... then I'll be blind in that eye again. Take out the platinum, the enchantment ends, things start to grow back. Probably. 's fine."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Certainly wouldn't be the first time I've lost parts and they've come back. Most of my arm, for one.

Weakly, you say, "C-cheli could've made it been less painful - she is one of the Empyreal's... a-and... and..." They wipe pitiably at their own tear-streaked face, swallowing thickly. "Tr..."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off into silence after this, staring intently at the lucidian but a foot away from them. "You do -not- have to endure these things a-lone," They insist softly, fiercely, hands balled into fists still against their thighs.

Tridemon looks blankly at you. "... why in the world would I ever want her to WATCH that kind of thing? 's not pleasant to see."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: //Little bubbles and clear water turning deep violet, a trickle of blood- Viciously clamped down on again//.

Calioliahali's roseate plumage begins to ruffle, eyes narrowing as they drift back toward the lucidian.

You have emoted: Gurashi recoils slightly at this, their shoulders sagging as they do. "...d..." They start to speak but seem unable to find words, slowly leaning forward again, their embarrassment replaced with concern.

You think to yourself: *this entire time their insides have been in an icy grip, familiar pinks and golds now softened with cool hues, glacier blues - a fearful thrum - are they exacerbating the situation? are they doing more harm than good?*.

You think to yourself: *their own eye aches with the phantom echo of the pain shared over the aethers*.

At last, you say, "Am sorry...." They seem to struggle to find their words for a long time, hands relaxing slightly. Their voice comes again, resigned. "...w... what can I do to help?"

Tridemon starts levering himself up to his feet with the aid of his staff, a very slight tremble in his right leg before he steadies himself. "... I can see properly now. Depth perception, yes. Maybe... you can make some nice foods?"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Field of view... thirty degrees greater than left eye. ... Annoying...

You stare at Tridemon, eyes wide.

Calioliahali's eyebrows lift as Tridemon's body does, her ruffled feathers resettling, for now. Her nails again tap at her waist, a little more anxiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi watches Tridemon stand slowly, their starry eyes wide and concerned and confused. As he stands there, slowly they nod, swallowing again. "...do you have a preference?" They ask finally, not rising themselves. "Do you have something you want to eat?"

Bizirik, the leothin snuffles from its spot patiently waiting beside Calioliahali, its long tail wrapped around the trill's leg, slapping the ground once. At the mention of food it seems to wake up, staring at Tridemon in interest.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Nothing with eyes..

Golden shades radiate from your chest and your heart beats faster with newly-appeared determination.

Calioliahali glances down at Bizirik, the leothin as the creature stirs, her frown for the briefest of instants dissipating. She then returns her attention to both Tridemon and you, lingering more upon the latter.

Tridemon shrugs slightly, pausing a moment and shaking his head a small bit, right eye swirling with the motion before falling more or less still.

You have emoted: Gurashi's lip twitches, and they open and close their mouth. Then, they wordlessly nod, pushing themselves up to their hooves. "...stay here," They murmur to the lucidian, hand now raised in a gesture to halt. "I will make something good."

You sniffle softly.

You have emoted: Gurashi collects Calioliahali's arm as they wander towards the door, guiding the tall trill out after them. The leothin stays pointedly sat, snorting, slinking in to join Tridemon instead deeper inside the atelier.

Bizirik, the leothin strikes a pose.

Bizirik, the leothin flops down onto the ground.

<-- to the kitchen!!
Calioliahali follows you west.
A spacious kitchen.
Open and spacious, this kitchen stands in contrast with every other room in the house in that the floor is not made out of the golden bamboo wood with violet crystalline accents. Instead, the floor is tiled with some kind of unknown gem, each piece black as night with a spark of light glittering at the center. The tiles aren't evenly sized or shaped, making the spacing of the sparks of light somewhat on the random side, giving the impression that the floor is a starry sky. It is still a functional kitchen, and directly below the oven the crystalline tiles give way to a large slab of granite flecked with violet specks. The walls, however, are the usual golden wood, though the treated planks appear to have been chosen specifically for the density of their violet crystal, which makes up more of the surface area than the golden color. Above, the ceiling is again tiled with creamy blue stone, although the tiles do not take up a majority of the ceiling. Directly above the oven is a metal shroud for catching errant smoke, leading to a vent that rises up toward the roof. But most of the ceiling is taken up by a large skylight, with dozens of glass panes held securely in place within a frame of the golden bamboo wood. Adding to the functionality of the kitchen are a number of cabinets, which have been painted bright blue, with jade green vines in a pattern along the doors, each of which is securely locked with its own fitting of polished steel, inlaid with bits of blue-violet crystal that resemble the petals of a crysanthemum. In one corner is a cabinet that has been set aside from the rest, painted an icy blue, with a steel frame reinforcing the wood. All along the frame and door are minute aquamantic glyphs and symbols, for keeping the inside of the cabinet at a temperature that is only a few degrees above freezing. A half-dozen colorful geodes and crystals sit along the back ledge of the oven, glittering each time the stove is lit. Central to the kitchen is a large oven, next to racks of pots and pans that hang nearby.
You see a single exit leading east.

You sniffle softly.

You use an everlasting ember to kindle a fire inside an oven.

You have emoted: Gurashi steps back after they've started the oven, fresh tears glistening in their eyes. As they wait for it to warm up, they slowly look up towards Calioliahali, as if bracing for admonishment. "...d... do you want some food too?"

As soon as Calioliahali is alone with you, she slips closer to you, her arm pulling around your midsection as you work. She tilts her chin downwards, whispering, "Gurashi." She pauses as you speak, and then she gently shakes her head. "Ah, thank you, but ah... I am more concerned about you, at the moment."

You sniffle softly.

Quietly concentrating on their cooking, you say, "I-I am O-K."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Calioliahali, "I am." They hesitate. "Sad. And. Full of." They loll back their head. "...I do not feel very good."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Calioliahali, "But I yam needed."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Calioliahali, "I want to make sure he is..." They inhale. "It was very painful, even i-if he was, su-suppressing it."

Calioliahali's face briefly contorts, and then it smooths out, and she nods, mutely. Her arm around you squeezes lightly, and she leans down, pressing her lips into your hair, just between your horns. Her feathery ears twitch as she continues to listen attentively to you, and then she pulls away just few inches, gazing down at you. "I understand, Gurashi. Your heart, is ah... It is immense. I admire you for it. But ah..." She frowns again. "I hope that your suffering is not in vain."

You pick up 4 crispy salt porks from an oven.
You pick up 4 aromatic tomato and cheese flat breads from an oven.

You give Calioliahali a friendly squeeze.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back up at Calioliahali, smiling weakly. As they pull the food from the oven, they turn, slowly walking back towards the atelier, guiding Calioliahali with them.

<-- nyoom again
Calioliahali follows you north.
A well-lit atelier.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters with an Unknown face 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.
You see a single exit leading south.

You sniffle softly.

Bizirik, the leothin looks at you hopefully.

You have emoted: Gurashi wordlessly sets down the food on one of the workbenches before Tridemon, withdrawing as they do, their starry eyes wide and hopeful. "I-I made enough to share... o-or if you would like more of either."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say, "...there are also noodles." They pause. "B-but. They are healthy. Vegetable filled."

You glance askance.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

Quietly, you ask Calioliahali, "D-do you want any of anything?"

Calioliahali's black lips helplessly curve into a faint smile at your question, and she gently nods her head. "I would be amenable to whatever you may offer, Gurashi."

You glance askance at an aromatic tomato and cheese flat bread.

Softly, Calioliahali Skydrifter says, "If there are indeed portions to spare."

You glance askance at crispy salt pork.

You look at Calioliahali hopefully.

You look at Tridemon hopefully.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... sharing is good."

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Sharing is caring.

(OOC Clan): Tridemon says, "And friendship is magic."

You have emoted: Gurashi's short tail wags for the first time in many minutes, slowly. They smile weakly as they pass both items to Calioliahali as well... then to Bizirik, the leothin, who is already sitting there waiting, its jaws open wide and head lolled back to accept any food-shaped offerings.

You give an aromatic tomato and cheese flat bread to Calioliahali Skydrifter.
You give crispy salt pork to Calioliahali Skydrifter.

Squinting, you give an aromatic tomato and cheese flat bread to Bizirik, the leothin.
Delicately sliding the food into the leothin's awaiting mouth, you give crispy salt pork to Bizirik, the leothin.

Tridemon ponders the pork and bread for a moment... before carefully moving the pork onto the top of the bread to start eating.

Calioliahali's smile grows as she gratefully accepts the meat and bread, smoky blue gaze lingering upon you before settling upon the food within her grasp. After a cursory glance towards Tridemon, she begins to systematically consume both.

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders sag, and they look genuinely relieved as they watch Tridemon combine the dishes, listening both to the quiet sound of Calioliahali eating beside them, and the terrible, terrible sound that is Bizirik eating both dishes at once while chomping and snorting and chewing.

You think to yourself: *an exhausted thrum, an ache in their heart still - is this enough, for now? they want so badly to wrap the lucidian up in an embrace, to let him know it'll be O-K*.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a massive belch into the air.

You glance askance at Bizirik, the leothin.
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.

Softly, you ask Bizirik, the leothin, "W-was tasty? Happy, yes?"

Bizirik, the leothin grins smugly.

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

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Good girl.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Tridemon.

Bizirik, the leothin dramatically leans against Tridemon, almost threatening to knock the lucidian off-balance as he stands there.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily.

Tridemon leans over.

Calioliahali attempts to discreetly clean her fingers as she completes her meal, her gaze finally returning to those present, drifting from Bizirik, the leothin, to Tridemon, and at last settling upon you again.

Quietly, you say, "I..."

Lifting their gaze, you say, "I need to ... rest my souls...." They chew their lower lip, seeming reluctant to lift their gaze. "I am... sorry I..."

With a gentle, euphonic lilt, you say to Tridemon, "Sorry did not come sooner." They frown now. Their voice high and faint, they ask one final time: "Are you O-K?"

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says, "... yes. 'm fine. All is well... all manner of things shall be well..."

You look at Tridemon, expression filled with concern as you frown.

You think to yourself: *their stomach aches, and for a time they feel like they are on a precipice of indecision*.

You think to yourself: *a tiny, tired cry, a bittersweet thrum* I loves you still and always, yes.

You have emoted: Gurashi shuffles in their spot, their tail wagging just once. "Would you likes a hug a-fore ... ah, a-fore we... go...?"

You shuffle your feet uneasily.

Calioliahali inhales deeply through her nose, quietly observing the exchange between you and Tridemon.

Tridemon watches you for a long moment, and just silently shakes his head.

You think to yourself: *an anxious thrum, a sad little ripple of lilac - a fleeting pain of their own on either temple, along their forehead - itchy and distracting*.

With a nod, you say, "O-K."

Wordlessly, you give an aromatic tomato and cheese flat bread to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.
Wordlessly, you give crispy salt pork to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.

Quietly, you say, "Please - try not to suffers a-lone. A-and. Stay goodly and kind. And."

You have emoted: Gurashi bites their tongue, nodding finally.

<-- Gurashi runs home b/c all the tears XD

A modest kitchen with forest motifs.                   (#HAH_3)
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. Like something out of a story book, this little kitchen with a small center island feels warm and comfortable. Ground-level cabinets have been painted a rich forest green and are outlined with tiny handmade crow and leaf imprints. High-mounted ravenwood shelves are lined with jars of herbs and spices, as well as odd-shaped baking implements and pans. Cast iron fixtures are set in strategic places beside heavy wash basins, and an open window overlooks the garden, offering a refreshing breeze. Hanging over the island is a blackened storage rack with several well-used skillets and cooking utensils suspended by hooks. A half dozen cabinets have small locks fastened to their handles, the dark metal surfaces carved with beautiful leafy patterns. Offsetting the dark decorations are brightly colored hand towels and oven mitts decorated with childish happy cows playing in a field. A wooden stool carved to appear as a hand rests sturdily on its own wrist, awaiting occupation. A coiling silhouette of thickets is inked upon the supple surface of this softly pale tea table, low to the ground. Warm honeyed hues dance upon the surroundings, cast by a delicately-scented glass lantern from its perch upon a nearby wall. A painting of a hoard of gold is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. Central to the kitchen is a large oven, next to racks of pots and pans that hang nearby. A shimmering blue circle floats in the room here. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here.
You see exits leading east (open door), south (open door), west (open door), and up (open door).

(OOC Clan): Tridemon says, "You think to yourself: ... suffering alone is better than making everyone I care about suffer with me..."

You sniffle softly.

Calioliahali draws closer to you as the pair arrives home, her gaze filled with concern as she looks down upon you.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses as they reach the kitchen of their manse, hand in Calioliahali's. They stand at the base of the stairs, considering them intently as new tears begin to well up.

Weakly, you ask, "I don't feel very good. S-sorry. Ah, uhm," Their left arm curls over their stomach. "...can we ah, go to bed. Do you think. Would that be O-K?"

You think to yourself: *the ache grows, four pinpricks of pain coalescing along their brow and temple - not again*.

Calioliahali nods her head sharply, drawing closer to you to curl her arms around you, carefully lifting you up into her arms so that she might carry you up the stairs.

You sniffle softly.

You follow Calioliahali Skydrifter up to A cozy living room above the kitchen.

Calioliahali quickly ascends the stairs and pauses at the top, glancing down at you. She presses her black lips to your forehead, then proceeds southwest through the bedroom door.

You follow Calioliahali Skydrifter southwest to A quaint bedroom overlooking the garden.

You have emoted: Gurashi folds their arms around Calioliahali's shoulders again, their head gently thunking against the trill's shoulder as they do. They exhale as hot, fat tears spill over their cheeks, dripping down Calioliahali's armor and onto the floor. Though their head is bowed they do not close their eyes, staring intently at no point in particular on the trill's shoulder.

Calioliahali gently bumps the door closed with her rear end, and then slowly approaches the bed, sitting down upon the edge of it with you still wrapped up in her arms. One of her hands then draws upwards to tenderly stroke at your face, wiping away the tears as she gazes down at you.

Calioliahali closes the oak door to the northeast.

Weakly, you say, "A-am ... O-K... s-sorry..."

You have emoted: Gurashi hiccups, then lets out a pitiable bleat. "T-thank you," They cover their eyes with the back of their hand. "T-thank you, f... for coming w... w.. with me..."

Calioliahali leans down, pressing her black lips to the palm of the hand covering your eyes. "Of course, my apotheosis. I will always be at your side, to support you however I can."

You have emoted: Gurashi drops their hand, hiccupping again. They feebly wipe at their face once more, swallowing hard. "I ... I-I think think I would've been..." Suddenly their hand against their face clenches into a fist after Calioliahali has kissed it and drawn away again. "...I-I would be so lost w-without you..."

Calioliahali exhales deeply, and then she nods gently, smoky blue eyes shimmering somewhat as they hold you within their gaze. "As would I without you, Gurashi. We are each of us, ah, much more capable of finding our way, when we are as one." Her hand again tenderly strokes your face, and then she makes a soft noise. "Come, my apotheosis. Let us, ah... Get you into bed."

<-- and then cute further winddown including headache and tears and snuggles ;w; What a day!