<-- After having a WONDERFUL time hanging out with Avaris and Nabithia (https://pastebin.com/him5PhTH) and catching up with Tridemon and Esei, unawares that meanwhile elsewhere their Bestest Tae'dae Priest of Mysrai friend decided to get involved on Gurashi's behalf to try and reconcile things between them and their father, Xenthos ( https://pastebin.com/HyBHgxia ) ... It Did Not Go Well.

The centre of a meditative garden.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A fresh breeze is blowing through the area. White gravel paths from all around converge and intertwine here to lead to a large square of ivory flagstone, which paves this quarter of the gardens. Several small cherry trees line the edges of the square, lending shade and respite from the heat of the days. Shallow canals have been dug into the ground, allowing water from the surrounding ponds and streams to flow into the square to fill a large fountain at its centre. Though one can easily step across these narrow channels, several flagstone blocks are laid across the canals to facilitate movement in and around the square. Save for the outline of a large weeping willow tree to the northeast, the horizon is clear and unbroken, allowing those within to contemplate their role in the world without distraction or interruptions. Trickling water breaks the silence of the gardens as they flow down a monolithic stone fountain that sits in the middle of the square. Gracefully crowning these celestial waters, a single star lotus floats atop a celadon urn as it overflows with a boundless spring of healing light. The epitome of calm and control, Master Setmos stands here, quietly musing his own existence. Nothing more than a puffball with cerulean eyes, a seal lynx point ragdoll kitten lies here lounging languidly. A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence. 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. Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk floats here, suffusing the air with the sickly-sweet scent of blackthorn blossoms. They wield a lissom blooming blackthorn staff in their left hand and a glowing powerstone in their right hand.
You see exits leading northeast, east, southeast, southwest, west, northwest, and down.

LOOKIT ME
She is a feathered trill starlit demigoddess changeling. Downy plumes of vibrant orange cascade in a tumble around her head, the cluster of feathers stopping just short of her shoulders and moving at the slightest breeze. A cluster of snow-white feathers grow near her right temple. A natural mask of downy black feathers have sprouted around her eyes, covering the upper portion of her face and fading in with the colorful orange feathers at the hairline and temples. A moderately-sized, crescent-shaped scar mars her 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 her clothing. Two tufts of feathers gather where her ears would normally be, adorned by long, curling feathers that react to her mood. Her eyes are wide and inquisitive, a stunning gray that looks almost blue against the bright orange and striking black feathers. She stands just shy of six foot even, with a thin, willowy build, their skin sandy and smooth. Hanging half-limp behind her are a pair of great apricot-colored wings, the covert feathers nearest to her back the same ebony-violet as the feathers that cover her brow and cheekbones. Her wings are sleek and shiny, evidence of recent grooming efforts. Moth-like wings of sheer power radiate away from her back in nightmarish waves of bizarre hues.
She is 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
an indigo scarf dotted with lambent fireflies worn loosely around their shoulders
the Mantle of Starlight which flows dreamily about their shoulders and back
a sleeveless black tunic which clings to their upper body flatteringly
a hypnotic paisley saddlebag slung casually over their shoulder
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 mantric voidcopper poppy 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.

Your shoulders bunch as you let out a short giggle.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't cease to giggle, hands covering her mouth.

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

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim, "Guess what guess what!"

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: humming, buzzing, thrumming and whizzing inside, filled with -so- many wasps and locusts. .

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

Throwing her arms into the air as she exclaims happily, you exclaim, "A holy bird pooped on me!"

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Bread. Bear. Beard.

Esei blinks.

(Order): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "I hate hims, Shofets. I want to cut him in two with my swords. He is so mean!"

Quickly swiveling around to look and correct, you say to Tridemon, "No no, is a bear-shaped cookie! For Miss Mmelli's most marvelous Ghwer b--."

You have emoted: Gurashi trails off abruptly, her gaze losing its focus.

(Order): Mysrai says, "Hehe!"

(Order): You say, "...ah? Dearest Beloved Aschwar...?"

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

There is the scent of burnt honey as you briefly experience the emotions of the Ebongold Heart, their sorrow and fury rising like hot peaks of fire.

You have emoted: Gurashi's expression looks nothing short of concerned, her delight having withered in an instant.

Esei reaches out and touches you.

You think to yourself: a sudden familiar spike of pain - sorrow, grief, /anger/.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you, offering only a soft "Hmm?" in your direction.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly clenches a hand over her heart, her expression tense, bending slightly at the waist, plumage ruffling. A shiver rushes through her body, and suddenly her nostrils flare.

(Order): You say, "Aschwar...?"

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "...Gurashi?"

Esei cocks their head, eyes flicking to Tridemon curiously.

You see a tall man standing before you, though not nearly so tall as yourself. No emotion upon his face, or in his one eye as he says awful things, his words blurring against your ear.

Ocean waves echoing softly behind his voice, Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters says to Esei, "I don't know."

You think to yourself: immediate recognition, looking at the man that Aschwar looks at - / X e n t h o s /!?.

(Order): You say, "Dearest Aschwar ... Beloved Aschwar, that is..."

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk thinks to themself: from excited-happy-flappy to heartache-worry-tension - a flicker of curiosity, the urge to rip and peel away at the surface like the skin of a fruit, but wait, wait, bank that for later- their thoughts swirl deeper into black reflective water-glass. .

Tridemon reaches out to touch you on the arm.

Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters thinks to himself: Hmm. Bear. No beard.

(Order): You say, "You - are with Xenthos? Where a-are you? Are you O-K?!"

(Order): Mysrai says, "Hehe!"

(Order): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "He will not hurts me."

(Order): You say, "I... h-he would not!"

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes look up to Tridemon, then to Esei, and finally to Daxi. "Beloved Aschwar is meeting with..." Her voice warbles pitiably, and she sags and turns, anxiously pacing for a moment. "I-I need to go. I will be fine I love you lots I will be back."

A feral bloodthirst creeps into your throat and you find yourself slavering as the dark desires of the Ebongold Heart are made known to you. A scarlet katana, embedded into the chest of the man before you - a paw crushing his skill and spilling grey matter across the floor. <-- THAT'S MY /DAD/ AAAAA /weep

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Do you want us to come...?"

(Order): Mysrai says, "Hehehehe!"

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales sharply, clapping a hand over her mouth, eyes wide.

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "Uh...Beloved Ebongold Heart? Are you okay?"

(Veiled): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "I am...very angry. But I will be goodly, and not hurt people. Even if they deserves it."

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "Did...did something happen?"

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

(Order): You say, "Oh! B-B-Beloved--."

(Veiled): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Someone has said unkindly things about the Shofet, and is trying to say that I do not know who I ams."

(Veiled): Mysrai says, "Hehe!"

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "Is that someone, someone that should know better?"

<-- Gurashi literally just freaking out running in circles not knowing where to go

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "Is there something we Beloved can do?"

(Veiled): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "It will be okays. Forgiveness is a kindly thing."

(Veiled): You say, "It is! I-It really is! We are here, dearest Aschwar!"

(Veiled): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "What is a good thing, Beloveds, to think of when you are angry? To...to not be so mad."

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "Well in happier news, 4 new shrines have been raised by the Oracle, and I have almost fully sanctified all of them."

(Order): You say, "Do - do you want me, to come, to ..."

(Veiled): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "No."

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the northwest, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei, riding Dusan, the coruscant.

Esei reaches out and touches you.

You have emoted: Gurashi clenches her hands into fists, anxiously flitting around distractedly.

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "Hm."

(Order): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "No, Friend Gurashi."

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "For me, translating that passion into words and poems...that helps me from acting."

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Gurashi."

(Veiled): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Like...stories?"

(Veiled): You say, "Thank you! For the new shrines! I will thanks dearest TOnatiuhs, and you, and... am, sorry, am very..."

Esei gives a morose stuffed donkey to you.

With an ethereal, smoky lilt, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Pet Tsillah."

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "Yes, stories, and fantasies."

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "All the dark thoughts go right into there."

You have emoted: Gurashi doesn't answer or accept the doll nor the cat, wringing her hands together.

(Order): You say, "To ... to keep ME from doing, a badly thing?"

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "All of my imagined hurts and anger, put onto an imaginary figure."

(Veiled): You say, "I... I throw... rocks... at water..."

Esei tugs urgently on your sleeve.

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "Because anger, while a powerful emotion, is not conductive to relationships with other people."

Esei turns around to fully face you, frowning.

Esei slips into a dapper, cream-banded black felt hat.

Esei wraps their arms around you in a gentle hug.

You think to yourself: pained acknowledgement - anger hurts, anger burns anger /eats/ and consumes.

(Order): You say, "I love you, Beloved Aschwar! I ... do not know, why, are with Xenthos - or, why... he is making you feel, this way. But - love you! Am here! For you? Always!"

You have emoted: Gurashi hardly reacts, entire body shuddering as she is suddenly wrapped up in the embrace. Tears flood her eyes, and she lets out a little warble, then hiccup. "What's going on..."

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "I do not know. You will not say."

Esei gently caresses your back, claws catching lightly in the other trill's mantle.

Looking at Esei, you say, "Is Beloved Aschwar." Fainter, she adds. "And /Xenthos/...? I saw him, I know, I saw him..."

With dusky, lyrical inflections, Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk whispers, "Do you want me to go find uncle?"

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes her head, face flushing. "Told /me/ not to come, t-think they have to be... alone? Are they O-K?" She looks out towards the sea. "T-that feelings was scary, they wanted to..."

(Veiled): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "...He is gone, and I am going home. I am...very sadly, now."

Esei hums thoughtfully.

You touch the Mantle of Starlight and are surrounded by a brilliant white light. The distant song of an angelic choir can be heard, as you feel angelic hands lift you up and carry you away.
<-- Dumps Esei at the Pool of Stars ;A;

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "Would you like anything for comfort food?"

(Veiled): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "...if it is not too sweetly, that might be very nice, yes."

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Astral Plane) says, "I will find something for you."

You think to yourself: burning determination - seeking, moving onward - black and gold.

<-- run run run

The villa's cozy living hall.
Mahogany wood panels the walls of this living space, wide windows overlooking the surrounding grounds where distant flowering orchards, enormous monoliths and palm-bordered oases can be viewed. In one corner of the hall resides a simple kitchen furnished with a clay range and oven in addition to intricately-carved floor cabinets and ceramic-bearing hutches depicting various fruit-bearing trees. Another corner of the hall features an easel displaying a half-finished painting, a nearby bench sporting a myriad of brushes and open jars of paint that threaten to spill upon the already-stained mats underfoot. A work table surrounded by large stools occupies another corner, though this space seems to be dedicated to wood carving if one is to judge by the assortment of chisels, knives and wood chips scattered around it. The final corner of the hall is closed off, a glimpse of a latrine visible through the open entryway. A wide, wooden spiral staircase with golden railings occupies the centre of the hall, leading to the atrium below while continuing upwards to meet a vast hatch concealing a higher room from view. Resting on a nearby counter, a jar of honeyed chestnuts is nearly a quarter empty. Aschwar lingers here with an oversized scabbard clutched tightly in their left hand.
You see exits leading north, up, and down.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Sulwh whispers, "Good morning."

You have emoted: Gurashi is out of breath by the time she reaches the top of the stairs, skidding to a halting stop as she arrives, hand on her chest.

Your melodic voice sings into Caliph Sulwh's mind, "a dull throbbing sensation, deep unusual ruddy shades of amber and mauve sufficing the aethers Beloved Sulwh... hi."

LOOK ASCHWAR
Radiant gold and inky black compete for prominence in the thick fur that covers this enormous tae'dae's body, the well-groomed hair shifting like fields of wheat and clouds through the night sky with each movement. Despite their thick limbs and eleven-and-a-half feet of height, an aura of well-being and contentment radiates off of their body, only enhanced by the gentle smile that is nearly always present on their muzzle. Glittering mis-matched eyes, the right brown and the left green, stare with a gentle warmth at the world around them, only inches below a pair of fuzzy ears with several notches missing from them. A brilliant red hieroglyph crackles in the centre of their forehead, flaring occasionally with small tendrils of red lightning. They are nicely dressed in a comfortable pair of deep grey trousers, held up by a burgundy belt of leather, and a three-layered tunic of bright red-violet cloth that fits them nearly perfectly. Light tan, a pair of strap boots are a stark contrast to their fur and have been decorated with little, hand-drawn moths. Shifting colours swirl around them in a small space, creating an aura of delightful serenity for all who pass through it. In their left hand, they wield a ten foot long scabbard covered in vines of living, scarlet poppies.
Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart has an air of extreme strength.

Her voice cracking, you say, "Aschwar ....?"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart does not seem to have noticed your entrance until they hear your voice, and they raise an arm to wipe at their face before exhaling softly and turning to offer you a soft smile. "Hello, Friend Gurashi."

Caressing your ear, the voice of Sulwh whispers, "Hmmm. Should we find something for the Ebongold Heart?"

Before another word can be uttered, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart rushes forward and encompasses you in an enormous hug, burying you in their fur as they whisper something that you cannot hear in a growling, bestial tongue.

You have emoted: Gurashi bunches her shoulders, taking another step further into the hallway. "Beloved Aschwar," She whispers, opening up her arms and preparing to engulf them in a hug before she herself is scooped into a hug herself, squawking softly.

You have emoted: Gurashi wraps as much of her arms around Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's back as she is able, clinging to the tae'dae desperately tight. "Am sorry - am sorry, are O-K? What /happened?" She warbles pitiably, "Wh-why was Xenthos making YOU cry?!"

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Did you go to see Aschwar?"

Your melodic voice sings into Caliph Sulwh's mind, "there is a weak sense of acknowledgement, though it is muted by something else, something more pressing than food - a great sense of sadness."

Caressing your ear, the voice of Sulwh whispers, "Is everything okay?"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "a lack of response, dull throbbing shades of mauve and amber reaching you - you can smell faint traces of cayenne, feel briefly the softness of black-and-gold fur - sadness."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart exhales softly as they slowly release you, shaking their head as they quietly say, "He...he reminds me of my mum. I was just trying to help, and he is...his words are so tricksy..."

You have emoted: Gurashi sinks to stand before Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, her hands on either side of the tae'dae's face, holding it dearly. "Your mums...?" She whispers, canting her head before swallowing hard. "...am sorry. I know." Her grasp tightens the barest amount, thumb brushing over fur. "...is hard. Words are hard. And he is always so good at them."

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Well, I am not too much of a cook, but I will make something with my own hands."

Her throat clicking as she purrs in a strange, concerned manner, Bizirik, the leothin slowly moves and slinks around and between Aschwar's legs in an attempt at a comforting manner.

You have emoted: Gurashi's chin quivers. "He is always so goodly at them."

Bizirik, the leothin leans on Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart seeking consolation.

Softly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "I...I do not think he knows what love is, no more."

You have emoted: Gurashi's tears spill over at this, and blinks once, twice. "...what do mean?" She lowers her hands, canting her head to the side.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, lolling its head back to gaze up at the pair longingly, its tail slap slap slapping the ground softly.

Despite their fur, you can see Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's cheeks burning a hot red as they say, "I did not mean to be a snoop..."

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes her head, watching, her gray-blue eyes wide and shiny with her tears. "No, no. Is O-K - what happened? Why ... did go talk to Xenthos?"

The chiming of precious metal striking together signals the arrival of a wheelworked extravagant magpie. While soaring overhead, a wheelworked extravagant magpie opens its back compartment and turns upside down to drop a bucket into your hands as it flashes its shiny wings triumphantly.
Tiny cogs and springs make up this wheelworked magpie delivery contraption, the heights of gnomish complexity and extravagance all in one. Assembled from thinly-hammered platinum, each metallic feather sits just right to give the device an avian shape and figure. Trademark white belly, flight feathers, and shoulders come from white gold glazed with opaque lacquer. Every joint on its body is a cogwheel, perfectly positioned so that every aureate angle glints and shines radiantly from the eyes to the delicate, curling claws. A gold alloy provides a shimmering blue-green for the wings and tail with flecks of rose hues for a prismatic effect.
A wheelworked extravagant magpie looks weak and feeble.
He weighs about 10 pounds.
He is loyal to Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters.
You cannot see what a wheelworked extravagant magpie is holding.
It has the following aliases: bird, magpie.

Precious metal chiming against each other, a wheelworked extravagant magpie flaps its brilliant, metallic plumage and takes off, soaring away.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart exhales and quietly says, "I thought maybe...maybe if I talked to him, could get him to be kindly to you. And talk to you, and not be...not be so mean. But..." Their eyes flash with anger for a moment and they say, "He does not deserves to be your dad."

You think to yourself: at the offer, the attempt, her heart suddenly /aches/, twists inside her chest, gnaws away momentarily as a fleeting obscured vision of the too-tall faeling crosses her mind.

You have emoted: Gurashi's face twists, and she blinks once. As she looks over the tae'dae, her face slowly falls, and slowly she looks down into her lap where her hands have fallen, studying the backs of both, fingers tracing over the hairline scars on her right knuckles. "...am sorry he made you cry."

Setting her jaw, you say, "He is a really good dad, really. When he is."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart frowns deeply, their eyes filled with sorrow. "You sound like I used to, Friend Gurashi. She was a goodly mum, because she was taking care of my sister. But that does not mean she was a goodly mum at all." They are crestfallen as they whisper, "I...I begged, for him to talk to you. To ask how much he hurt you, and see, and he just...he said he loved you, but he did not want to hurt you. But he would not do anything to stop hurting you. I...he said that you broke your promise because someone said sweet whispers, and I... I think he means me..."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans forward, her wings flapping gently behind her, then curling forward, wrapping Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart in a loose feathered embrace, her arms wrapping around their shoulders again as they hug them again.

Quietly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Do you want to go back, Friend Gurashi?"

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Is not your faults. Is nobody's faults." She sniffles, furrowing her brow. "I did this."

Bewitching melodies drift languidly upon the air, heralding the entrance of Sulwh, riding a graceful swan graced with velvety wings of blush-pink, as he glides in from the down.
Pouncing playfully, a fluffy husky puppy scampers in from the down.

You look at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Sulwh inclines his head politely to those around him.

LOOK SULWH
Standing at a little over six and a half feet tall, the dracnari's svelte and toned body hints at an active lifestyle. Opalescent scales cover his form, the pastel rainbow gradient shimmering to impart a distinct mother-of-pearl iridescence. Faintly glowing figures, disappearing before fully taking shape, dance within the shadows beneath a pair of folded-down membranous wings, which trail behind him like a cloak of pearl gossamer silk. Hooded hazel eyes twinkle with warmth from behind a short draconian snout, their gentleness subtly softening the ferocity of twin alabaster horns that extend from his temples. Ringed with tawny and ochre accents and covered by an intricate spiderweb of faint silver and gold veins, they thrust straight upwards, curving slightly to end at pointed tips. A long, sinusoidal tail and a confident, sure-footed gait are proof that he is a fierce rapscallion dracnari incendiary demigod, who exudes a spirited and gallant charm. His fingers end in sharp talons that catch the eye with their vibrancy, soft cerulean blue accentuated by meandering bands of calming cyan, snowy white, and sandy brown to lend them a striking similarity to blue lace agate. A chaos butterfly is resting on his shoulder. Moth-like wings of sheer power radiate away from his back in nightmarish waves of bizarre hues.
Atop his head, two brilliantly alabaster horns thrust straight upwards, curving only slightly at the tips. So smooth are their exteriors that they resemble marble more than bone, their bright white complexions marred only by incredibly faint veins of silver and gold.
He is wearing:
a pair of munching rockeater cufflinks threaded through the outermost sleeve buttonholes
a ruby butterfly necklace flecked with gold, barely peeking over the top of his white dress shirt
a shimmering wisteria earring through his left ear, dancing merrily every time his head turns
a blackwood-encased pocket watch around his left wrist
a suave indigo-blue suit with pearl buttons, the top two undone
fashionable white leather gloves, immaculately clean
polished brown patent dress shoes, buffed to a mirror shine
blood-spattered cayenne incense beads.

Panting a bit, Caliph Sulwh says, "I uh...this is my first cooked meal so I had a bit of trouble working the stove..."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart looks up and offers a sad smile towards Sulwh, though appreciation grows within their odd-coloured eyes as their nose begins to twitch and sniff at the air.

Sulwh blinks.

A fluffy husky puppy tilts his head inquisitively.

Caliph Sulwh whispers, "I left it in the oven."

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

(clan): You say, "Didn't happen LOL."
(clan): You say, ":P."
(clan): Sulwh (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Oh god LOL."

A swirling gateway of brilliant light pierces the air before Sulwh, boring a hole through the very fabric of the planes. Sulwh ascends confidently through the rotating gate, which shimmers and snaps shut behind him.
A fluffy husky puppy howls softly before noticing it is supposed to run off to the ether, and promptly does so.
<-- gone for a minute but holy guacamole that was funny

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart looks back towards you, and they quietly add, "To be with him? He said...he said you could. Would that make you happy?"

Bewitching melodies drift languidly upon the air, heralding the entrance of Sulwh, riding a graceful swan graced with velvety wings of blush-pink, as he glides in from the down.
Pouncing playfully, a fluffy husky puppy scampers in from the down.

You have emoted: Gurashi opens her mouth to say more, but stops, leaning back and turning her gaze to Sulwh. She stares at the dracnari for a time, then looks down into her lap, reaching up to wipe at her tear-stained face. "Go back," She whispers.

A fluffy husky puppy starts to run, but his large head plants into the ground, sliding a bit before getting up and trying it again.

You look at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Sulwh grips his sides and chortles madly.

Caliph Sulwh says, "Ah sorry, a bit insane too."

Bizirik, the leothin sniffs the air as well, its tail squeezing the tae'dae's legs where it is sat comfortingly at their side.

Tilting his head, Sulwh gives Zoakan ramen soup with basalt-seared pork belly to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Warbling softly, you say, "Is O-K ... Beloved Sulwh, you did such goodly works... raising all those shrines, with Beloved Tonatiuh's......."

You sniffle softly.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's ears twitch again, and they look back towards Sulwh before starting with alarm and shuffling away from you and Sulwh both to quickly sit upon the countertop and pull their legs up, "WHAT IS THAT?!?!" They point a single golden claw towards the husky puppy, eyes wide in confusion and fear.

Sulwh gives a horrified gasp.

You blink.

A fluffy husky puppy scrambles about on stubby legs to jump into Sulwh's arms with a happy 'yip'.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "...the..."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA."

You have emoted: Gurashi watches the puppy, then looks at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, shocked. "The puppy..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim, "B-b-b-beloved Aschwar!"

In an airy, melodic voice, you exclaim, "It is O-K!"

Caliph Sulwh says, "I'm uh...sorry. Was just my puppy. I get lonely on my adventures so..."

Sulwh hangs his head, looking at the ground. "I did not mean to scare."

You have emoted: Gurashi raises her hands, rising to her feet. "They are small! Just babies, Aschwar!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart stares at the puppy now securely in Sulwh's arms and refuse to let themeselves even blink - watching as though it might explode suddenly. "I-it is...a...you keep those?! For friends?!"

Sulwh inches bashfully over to a fluffy husky puppy and nuzzles him tenderly.

Caliph Sulwh says, "Yes yes. Very good puppy. Yelps at mean people and keeps me company."

Caliph Sulwh smiles and says, "I will make sure he stays in my arms for now though."

Incredulously, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart slowly lowers their gaze towards the soup they were handed, and they quietly utter some thanks. They do not get off of the counter, though, and seem to be leaning slightly away from the puppy in Sulwh's arms.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks between Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart and Sulwh, smiling weakly, her face still flushed, eyes still watery. "There are lots of little friends, Beloved Aschwar - puppies and kittens, birds...ah, maybe stick to puppies and kittens..." She trails off, sniffling and looking at the puppy in Sulwh's hands, reaching out to ruffle the creature's head. "See? Baby."

In an airy, melodic voice, you ask Sulwh, "What is your friend's name...?"

Caliph Sulwh says, "Bleddyn. A...friend named him."

You sniffle softly.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart slowly raises the soup to their lips and uses their claws to shovel noodles into their mouth, glancing over the top of the bowl towards the puppy with a distrusting gaze.

"I always found pork belly to be very comforting and I hope you find the same." Sulwh's scales dance in lavenders and crimsons as he continues. "This is my first time cooking for another person though, so..."

Folding her hands before herself and offering a faint smile, you ask, "Is a cutely names. Ah - did, have fun cookings?"

Sulwh breaths out a faint smoke ring as he fidgets with his talons.

Between bites, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Mmmrrrph...'shgood..."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart appears to be struggling greatly with the noodles against their razor-sharp teeth.

Caliph Sulwh says, "Ah, don't bite the noodles! Slurp them up!"

Caliph Sulwh laughingly says, "Comfort food should make noise."

You think to yourself: the longer they stand there, the further they think - a pain they thought they had forgotten suddenly is back, picturing the faeling standing there, talking, feeling Aschwar getting more and more upset, watching him suddenly slashed in an imaginary scenario - a great shudder ripples through her - no, nono/no/, never that, never that, no matter how much....

Softly, you say, "Oh, I have breads..."

Gently, you give a loaf of aromatic herb bread to Caliph Sulwh.

Gently, you give a loaf of aromatic herb bread to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Sulwh tilts his head curiously at a loaf of aromatic herb bread.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "That will go goodly, with the soups, yes. Maybe, hopefully."

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

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart pauses at the instruction and then attempts this, but does not appear used to this. When they 'slurp' at the noodles, the soup spills down their front and, in a fit of exasperation, upend the bowl over their open mouth and swallow the soup whole.

Sulwh giggles happily.

Sulwh gives a loaf of aromatic herb bread to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Caliph Sulwh says, "Perhaps you would find bread a bit easier."

Bizirik, the leothin's stomach growls audibly, filling the entrance hall as the creature sits there, staring at the tae'dae consuming all the food themselves.

Bizirik, the leothin snorts.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Uhm, I have..."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart blinks as they look down towards Bizirik, the leothin and the audible growl, mouth still full. Looking as though it is quite a process, they carefully swallow before sticking their tongue out to reveal all of the pork entirely uneaten. Taking care to pick it off of their tongue, they carefully toss it onto the ground between themselves and the leothin, nodding encouragingly.

Sheepishly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Am not much liking the tastes of this weird plant."

You think to yourself: everything feels heavy, heavier with each step - no, do not /like/ this feeling again.

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

Bizirik, the leothin chirps happily at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Bizirik, the leothin proceeds to eat the strips of meat right off the floor, tail raising and sweeping back and forth excitedly.

Caliph Sulwh says to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Ah, I...I am sorry. I didn't realize."

You have emoted: Gurashi offers a creamy lavender-scented soap to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, holding the sweet-smelling bar between her hands. "Can clean ups with this, if want...?"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart shakes their head and says, "Do not be sorry, Beloved. You did not know." Turning their gaze towards you, they shake again, and say, "I've gots a mop. Will help give me something to do if I remember and get mad again."

You have emoted: Gurashi lowers the soap, tucking it to safety in the side pouch of her pack. Her gaze flicks to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, and she nods slowly in understanding.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart trails off at that, looking towards the meat-juice on the floor, and quietly say, "...do you thinks...if you choose to forget something that was hurting and bad, it makes you a different persons?"

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Scratching at his chin with a manicured talon, Caliph Sulwh says to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Only if you do not grow from the experience."

You have emoted: Gurashi's tufted ears rise, and she suddenly focuses in intensely on the tae'dae, blinking owlishly at them.

Frowning, knitting their brow together in an angry V, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "What...what if you did, but then it kept hurting and it was starting to hurt too much?"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "When you closed your eyes, it was all you could see...and you kept feeling...and remembering..."

You think to yourself: a dull throbbing in the center of her sternum - understanding, /understanding/.

Sulwh gestures at you and himself before saying, "Then let us help and be your support. Forgetting is nothing but running away."

You think to yourself: yearning to connect, to comfort, to know /more/, to find solace to feel /anything/ else.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart smiles softly and looks up, quietly stating, "It...it is too late. I already forgot."

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

You have emoted: Gurashi does not answer, watching Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, the tears that she had stifled before now dripping down her face, caught in the folds of her scarf. Behind her, her wings sag, her plumage there and atop her head deflating as she considers the words.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "I know that he did awful, horrible things to me. I just...the Shofets gave me a sweet drink, and then I could not remember all the badness, and my heads just told me that it was too bad. It was evil, and could never be goodly. I cannot remember how I spent my days, but know that I was...I was a slave. A pleasure slave." They pause, and sigh, "I cannot remember what my mum looked like, but know what she did. I cannot remember her voice, or my home, or anything that is not importants about my old home. It hurt too much.""

Their voice quiet, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Does that mean...I am not me? Am I just someone the Shofets wanted? Does...do...am..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's entire body bristles at the mention, arms folding over her chest, something new crossing her gaze - a fierceness.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart reaches up and gently massages at their head, grumbling in their throat in clear distress.

Musing over his words, Caliph Sulwh says, "Aschwar will always be Aschwar, as long as Aschwar does Aschwar things."

Suddenly, you say, "You are a VERY goodly you."

"But am not the same that I was before I forgot," Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart quietly says, "That is what mister sir Xenthos said. So...am I still Aschwar?"

You think to yourself: the same words, spoke once long ago, by the same man: "a good...".

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "He says that the Shofets made me...made me what They wanted me to be, and that I did not get to choose...but...but that is not what the Shofets teaches..."

Sulwh pauses a bit before continuing. "What is a 'you'? Are you a you if you think you are someone different?" He looks down at the ground before matching Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's gaze. "Paradigms of change. You are Aschwar. Just an older one. Everyone goes through these changes. You may not be able to change your past, but the course of your future is not set."

You have emoted: Gurashi slinks forward, sinks to her knees before the tae'dae, gathering up one enormous paw between both of her arms.

Pointing at you and himself, Sulwh says, "We both have passed through the Portal of Fate. Are we changed? Are we different from what we were? Perhaps. But I am still Sulwh, and she is still Gurashi."

"But--" Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart pauses as you takes their paw, halting their protestation to look down at you.

Weakly, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Asked me, before, if wanted to go back...."

Quietly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "If...if wanted to, would not be mad."

Sulwh looks between Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart and you before wrapping his wings around him and settling down on his haunches.

Blinking away a few tears, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Just want everyone to be happy."

Caliph Sulwh whispers, "One will never appreciate the heights of happiness without the depths of sorrow."

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows hard. "Sometimes, miss my dad... sooooo muchly," She whispers, shaking her head side to side. "I know - that ... badly, pains. The ones that makes you not want to move." Her feathers bristle. "But how /can/ I go back? Because made me feel like /this/." Suddenly she gestures wildly to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "Because more and more made me /doubts/ myselfs! Was feeling things, important ones, but kept being told they were /wrongly/, and that I was wrongly, but still good? And to not change! But also to change just enough to not care?" She shakes her head. "But how can someone tell you you are good if they also tell you you are NOT good? That is not /right/."

Fiercely, you say to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, "You. Are /good/."

Sulwh accentuates your point with a spurt of fire from his open mouth. He closes his mouth, flickering out a long tongue.

The relief that shines in Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's eyes falters for a moment, and is replaced with concern as they ask, "Then...then why do you miss him so much? If he is so mean?" They look up towards Sulwh and say, "Aren't families supposed to love you, no matters what?"

Her voice rising to something just short of a scream, you exclaim, "Because never even got to say goodbye!"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart winces at the rise in volume, almost jerking their paw away.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly flinches herself, withdrawing somewhat though her hands remain. "...was so suddens..."

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

Quietly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "He thinks if talks to you again, will hurt you. But will not even do that so you can stop wondering. So you can know what he will says..."

Apologetic, you say, "...everybody, was my friend, and loved me... and then they founds out the truths, and then, they didn't... and, everybody /else/ came to talk to me after, but .... I never got to say sorry to hims... I..."

You look at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Sulwh looks away from Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart and you. "Family bonds are always there. But..." He stops, strumming his violin. "But, I personally do not have a family. I just know what I know from stories." He pauses, looking down on his violin. "Love and hate are just opposite sides of the same emotion. All of that time and energy investment, for a person that you once loved..."

Shaking their head, and with a fierceness that befits a tae'dae, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "Well I say he is no longer your dads if he will not be nicely and show you he loves you. I will be your dads. Or...your brothers. So you can have a better family, who cares about you."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "And we can add all the Beloveds, and be the biggest, bestest family. Even mister Friend Tridemons and missus mine-child Cheliyi can be in the family, even though they aren't Beloveds."

Caliph Sulwh whispers, "I had a song that I wrote for someone that was also suffering from familial conflict. May I play it for the both of you?"

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart looks down towards you for agreement, but offers Sulwh a tentative nod.

You think to yourself: a weak flutter, a faint jolt in the center of their heart, rattling them to the core - "but he will not even do that, so..." .

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up to wipe at her eyes again, clearing her face of tears. "Please, play it," She whispers, not looking up.

Sulwh walks back to the staircase, and sits down on the lowest step. He picks up his bow and tunes his violin. His voice comes out in a low crone. "My whole life. I wanted pink flowers."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "You okay? You haven't said anything in a while..."

You think to yourself: distant voices and distractions reaching out, pinging about their head, albeit unregistered.

His violin, a sultry accompaniment, Sulwh's voice drops even lower to a soft whisper. "The kind that pick you up." A faint afterimage of a wilting rose appears to rise from the rosin coming off of his bow. "The kind that don't rot."

You have emoted: Gurashi glances in the direction Sulwh wanders before looking back into her lap. Her fingers drift to to her right wrist, anxiously plucking at a Glomdoring friendship bracelet with trembling fingers. Having finished licking the floor, meanwhile, Bizirik creeps over and sits itself down beside the seated trill and tae'dae, chattering softly and nosing at her head plumage.

A strange moment passes where you realise that you cannot seem to remember the last few minutes, the spot in your memory slipping away from your grasp and only leaving you to recall the faintest scent of citrus.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart watches Sulwh, slowly blinking away the watery film that had grown to cover their eyes.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "quiet, quiet - the distant sound of singing, familiar presence."

You think to yourself: for a moment she is pondering the last of the words, but then just like that, they are gone - orange, the scent of oranges ... oh, no, must... pay better attentions.

Sulwh's violin glows with a deep, angry red as he frowns. He closes his eyes as he begins bowing again, long, slow strokes that brings the violin's sound out in a pained sigh. He sings, in a low baritone, "No, you gave me your version of pink flowers."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "... should I come over?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up at Sulwh, blinking back her own tears slowly, still fidgeting with the jewelry upon her left wrist, alternating between bracelets.

Breathing out smoke from his nostrils that briefly form into twisted wyrden woods before dissipating, Sulwh croons, "The flowers that were for me to display so that they could still be yours." With three heavy downstrokes of his bow, he jarringly accents the next phrase, "Without you claiming them as such."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart frowns in confusion, listening nevertheless.

You have emoted: Gurashi's fingers curl over her wrist at the appearance of the Wyrden woods, her wings closed tightly against her back, feathers quivering.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "finally, awareness, acknowledgement Dear one... s...orry. Am sorry. Beloved Sulwh, is singing, and I ..."

Shaking his head as his eyes remain closed, Sulwh sings, "Your pink flowers...your love. They burned at the touch." His bow strokes flowing into a smooth legato, he continues, "I thought I saw all that the flowers did, but the roots. THey burrowed inside me, inside my heart and chest, suffusing me, suffocating me."

You think to yourself: so many little things - the feeling of the mud under bare kepheran feet, the sounds of insects and wind and /no/ it is not /fair/ to be made to feel like this....

Dropping his voice back into a low whisper, Sulwh sings, "But I asked for pink flowers all the same because life really isn't the same without them, and you gave me what I assumed to be flowers pink as the morning sky." His violin flares up to a fiery red as he sings, "Too bad they were only a lie."

Sulwh sways his body as he develops the music with a more tumultous motif. "Touch your flowers and the pinks rub away. Touch your flowers and it is clear that they were nothing but thistles and briars." The glow surrounding his violin slowly fades away as his voice follows suit. "And yet, I still asked you for flowers. Because I had known nothing else."

You have emoted: As the last of Sulwh's music fades, Gurashi inhales and exhales slowly, her fingers relaxing, smiling weakly. She pulls away from her jewelry, clapping quietly. "Said, you wrote that ... for family?" She asks tentatively.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart scratches at their arm thoughtfully, frowning as they try to piece together their thoughts.

Letting his violin droop from his shoulder, Sulwh gives you a faint smile before murmuring, "Mmhm. For family, but I think it applies to relationships in general."

Caliph Sulwh whispers, "Relationships change us. Permanently. Family, and friends, and even enemies and rivals. What once was, will always be, and those changes define us."

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "Is beautiful," She sighs, still smiling though her eyes seem dim, "You are a talented musicians, Beloved Sulwh."

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart blinks, stirred from their thoughts as they quietly say, "It is very good musics. I..." They frown again, letting the thought die off as they return to their thoughts, eyes searching the soup stain on the floor as though it holds the answer to some unsolved mystery.

You think to yourself: stinging still in the center of their chest, making the pleasant song that was just playing seem so far away - how to answer their question - how to feel about his response: "He will not even do that...".

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

Sulwh tilts his head curiously.

After a few more long moments, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "I do feel better, Beloved Sulwh. Thank yous. I am just...still thinking. There is lots to think about."

Sulwh smiles wryly at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

Winking at you, Sulwh says, "What's a bunch of bards to do other than play music and sing?"

You have emoted: Gurashi glances up, realizing she is being addressed. She smiles, albeit apologetically, ears flat on her head. "R-right!" She slaps a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars suddenly, grimacing at the hollow wooden sound it makes.

Quietly, Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "I think...I would like to go and lay down. But, we can talk again, another time. Promise?"

Nodding, Caliph Sulwh says, "Always. We will be here."

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly looks at Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart, ears still flat atop her head. "Of course," She whispers, squeezing her instrument.

Sulwh gives a tiger lily to Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart.

You have emoted: Gurashi hesitantly reaches out, resting her hand on Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart's arm, not saying a word.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart considers placing the scabbard still clutched in their hand onto the counter, then seems to consider otherwise, moving to the stairs and climbing past Sulwh by easily stepping over him, making their way up the stairs and closing the door behind them.

(Order): You say, "Love you soooo muchly, dearest Beloved Aschwar. You are, a goodly you. And am forever grateful for you, and the Shofets."

Sulwh nods his head at you.

Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart tells you, "...am sorry, Friend Gurashi."

(Order): You say, "And love my dad lots, but I love you too. Just as muchly, if not more."

Caliph Sulwh says, "I will be leaving to do some business of my own, but I hope you will be well as well."

(Order): Aschwar, the Ebongold Heart says, "...should not have to choose."

(Order): You say, "And is only because love him so muchly, that makes me sad. It is unfair, that it made you sad, too."

A swirling gateway of brilliant light pierces the air before Sulwh, boring a hole through the very fabric of the planes. Sulwh ascends confidently through the rotating gate, which shimmers and snaps shut behind him.

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh! Of course..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "I ..."

In an airy, melodic voice, you say, "Oh..."

You have emoted: Gurashi's shoulders sag a little, and she looks off, dazed. "Gone..."

(Order): You say, "I cannot go back, there. I do not think it would be good, for me. I would miss you and the Most Beloved too muchly. And all my other friends."

(Order): You say, "Is hard for me to think of words, right now, dearest Beloved Aschwars. Am sorry my indecisions caused you so muchly troubles, too. Thank you. Love you sooo much. Am so lucky."

A brief touch of the Ebongold Heart's mind washes over you and the rest of the Beloved, drowsiness turning into exhaustion.

(Veiled): Sulwh (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Be well, Aschwar."

(Veiled): You say, "Love you, Beloved. Always and forevers."

You have emoted: Gurashi swallows thickly as she looks up towards the closed door at the top of the stairs, then around the tiny kitchenette. They glance at the greasy stain in the center of the floor, noticing as Bizirik snuffles softly at it, tail raised.

In an airy, melodic voice, you whisper, "Let's go. Said wanted to leave it, for laters...."

You pet Bizirik, the leothin ingratiatingly.
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.

Bizirik, the leothin leans on you seeking consolation.

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Pub: 10 Jun 2021 02:18 UTC
Views: 80