At the top of Strombus Gigas Tower.
A continuous flow of protective energies radiates from a shield shrine of Weiwae nearby. This
location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. High atop the Strombus Gigas watch tower is a
spectacular view of the city of New Celest and the shores of the great Inner Sea. Delicate pink and
orange-tinted shells inlay the stone which comprises the tower's walls and floor, arranged into
uneven checkered patterns. The raised edge railing of the walls is also in the shape of the shell
which gives this tower its name, coming up to about waist height of a merian. The exquisite strombus
gigas beacon throbs with a brilliant yellow glow.

(Celest): You say, "Good evening, New Celest."

Caressing your ear, the voice of Aeldra whispers, "Hello my friend, I hope you are doing well?"

You tell Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters, "I am hale. How does the night find you, Aeldra?"

Caressing your ear, the voice of Aeldra whispers, "Similarly then before, confused and uncertain,
but I try to keep a good outlook. Would you mind some company?"

You tell Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters, "Not at all. I am atop Strombus Gigas Tower, unless
you would like to go elsewhere."

With an audible "baa", Yvai, the battle sheep trots from the down.

Aeldra flits in, looking around for her kepheran friend. As she spots you and flits over to you, she
rises an eyebrow slightly "Of all the places, here is a curious choice my friend." she says to you
as she stops in the air next to you.

You have emoted: Facing out across the city below with his hands tucked together, presumably,
beneath the immense cloak of his wings, Avaris's antennae twitch backwards at Aeldra's arrival,
prompting the kephera to turn. "Ah. It is good to see you once more, my friend." Turning his head
slightly towards the view behind him, he lifts a hand free to gesture towards it, explaining, "I
sought perspective. I had thought the higher vantage point would be helpful."

Aeldra smiles at your words, her eyes similarly travelling out across the city and the water lapping
against its shores. She asks after a moment "Did you gain what you sought? Do you wish to tell me
what you hoped to gain perspective on?" she turns in the air, looking at your fully "And maybe I can
help, even though my heart is troubled it is not that I have lost all perspective upon the world."

Avaris is silent for a time, the still-cool breeze stirring the thick ruff that
rings his throat, grasping and tugging the pristine white in erratic, violent jerks. In a sober
tone, he replies, "I did not. I would not seek to trouble you, Aeldra - You are burdened enough as
it is. I will manage, one way or another." Turning back towards the view, he listens for a time to
the mixture of violent and pious chanting. "Have the letters you received brought you any
perspective on your own issue?"

Aeldra's eyes narrow ever so slightly at your and a bright spark reflecting in her emerald eyes that
wasn't there a moment ago, "I could be lying in my own blood, wings torn asunder and I would still
have an ear for my friends trouble, Avaris and you clearly are such, troubled. So put it out on the
table so we can look at it together will you?" while her tone has not changed, determination is
clear on her expression now as s he adds "My own troubles are there, but they will never overwhelm
me, Avaris."

A few motes of brilliant light manifest in Avaris's sevenfold gaze, his version of
a faint smile - Very faint indeed, but present. "It seems even an Avatar still has lessons they
would benefit from learning, Aeldra. It is unwise to seek to take on others' burdens when your own
have brought you to the brink of collapse." With a slight, resigned exhalation, the sound tinged by
subtle vibration, he continues, "Yet I sense that the more I protest, the more you will grow angry
with me. Thus." The angle of his gaze changes subtly, shifting towards the direction of the distant
mangrove, far across the sea. "I wish to stop the Lady of Lagoons before She brings harm and
ruination upon others. I do not know how - Not yet."

Her eyes sparkling in clear amusement for a moment Aeldra answers to you, "Wise are those who know
which battles are not worth fighting, my dear friend. Besides, remembering that there are people
that can benefit from your aid can be very helpful in balancing ones own battles." More serious, she
nods "I've lost a few thoughts to that particular Elder myself, after Tavi told me how upset our
Lady was at Her and after you told me about your encounter with Her." she drifts in the breeze,
letting herself being carried a little up and down. "I admire your courage my friend and your
determination. Makes me proud that you consider threats that rise within our world, even those that
seem too great for any mortal to face. If such a task is to be undertaken, I think in either case
you would need the aid of another Elder. Have you considered bringing your concerns to any, yet?"

The light of the sun catches upon the sharp lines of Avaris's flared jaw as he
cocks his head in inquisitively, asking, "She was upset at Her? Ah. When I informed Her of the Lady
of the Lagoon's attempt at undergoing the Rite of Abomination, yes?" In contrast to Aeldra, he
remains as solid as the tower they stand upon, a pillar of gold that is unswayed by the clutching
fingers of the wind. "You are very kind to say so, Aeldra." The four broad lines of red that adorn
his head flow down and forward, curving up at the tips in a steep frown, his harmonic tones growing
troubled. "I spoke with the Lady Empyreal of them, after I recovered from my execution at the Lagoon
Mistress' hands." He lapses into a brief bout of silence, the curve of his antennae growing more
severe, before he gives himself a shake. "I intend to seek out Lady Terentia, and the Thousandfold,
first. If They will not aid me, then I shall search elsewhere."

Adjusting her location slightly so she can keep looking directly at you Aeldra pauses for a moment,
"Tavi said She was very angry and concerned about Her and the nature of Her betrayal, so I assume
yes. I haven't spoken to Her directly about it, given that I haven't met the Lady of Lagoons." she
says, considering the kepheras question. "But I assume you are right. And yes, Lady Terentia is, as
far as I can assess this, very skilled in such matters and would be undoubtedly an asset." she rubs
the side of her left cheek softly, "You know, I would send you to Nelras, my best friend and Avatar
of the Lady Welkin, for I would believe Her insight also valuable, but Nelras told me She has
returned to the void for a time.". As you mentions the Thousandfold, Aeldra's eyes widen slightly
and she asks "Are you certain employing Her help would be wise?"

Avaris's pointed chin brushes the tips of his frothing mane as he nods. "She was. I
felt Her anger, as I imagine all of the Order did, that were awake. " Extending a hand, he rests it
gently atop the wall, the gold of his long, pointed digits reflecting the hues of the pink and
orange shells beneath them. "Nelras? I would enjoy meeting the one you claim as your dearest
companion, with or without their Divine being awake. Another time, perhaps." The question elicits a
puzzled tilt of his great, helm-like head, the mild bafflement seeping into his voice. "I apologise,
Aeldra - Which Her? Not the Even Bladed, I assume, and not the Lady Welkin. The Thousandfold is not
a She, I had thought, but a They? Gurashi always refers to Them as such, in any case."

Realization dawns upon Aeldra's face as she exclaims, "My bad, you haven't met Nelras yet. I'll
introduce you to him when I have a chance. I think you'll enjoy his perspective on the world. He's
one of the few I know who stepped out of the portal in the tainted City and managed to understand
its darkness by themselves, subsequently freeing himself of it and becoming one of the fiercest
opponents Magnagora has. Also, if you ever need someone to give you confirmation of our believes...
ask him." She shakes her head slightly, "He hates to speak of his time there, for I think he's
ashamed that he was ever there but in his tales I find the conviction that my stance is the correct
one." With an apologetic nod, "Their. Forgive me, the Thousandfold changes so often that I often
struggle to refer to them correctly. The Thousandfold is a lot more then our friend Gurashi sees in
Them and our Lady is very wary of Them."

Quickly Aeldra adds, "I have a particular tale of caution or two about Them, I can add as to why I
caution such."

The glimmering points of light resurface in Avaris's eyes as the faeling speaks,
the colossal kephera listening with an attentive air as he faces towards the sea. The brightly
glowing markings of his wings shift and stir occasionally, a few turning their eerily aware gaze
onto Aeldra, thought the majority stare out over the tower's wall. "I need no confirmation, though I
thank you for the advice. I would not seek to make him uncomfortable. I know that place is evil. I
should prefer to speak with him of brighter things, if we meet." With a slight inclination of his
head, he says, "I had an inkling that that was the case. The memories feature Them, briefly. I would
appreciate whatever you may share with me, if you are willing, and permitted to do so."

Aeldra nods slightly at you, "Certainly. Though it is at times good to hear concrete tales and he's
told me some that still make my bones shiver." she changes her position slightly in the air, still
towards you, but her eyes look out over the sea again, a sad smile on her lips. "The Thousandfold
once, not too long ago, shouted across the aethers that They would bring a plague upon the world
lest the mortals would entertain Them. They were courteous enough when I offered Them I thought
something worth thinking about, yet the very notion makes me hesitate." she shakes her head
slightly, closing her eyes a moment, stretching her neck into the soft ocean breeze. "Of the other
I'd rather not speak." she adds, finally.

The frown, it seems, is here to stay, as Avaris listens to Aeldra, motionless. "I
see. In jest, perhaps? Though I would not put it past a capricious Divine to follow through with
such a threat." At the last sentence, he merely nods, the gesture slow and understanding. "I will be
careful, should They grant me audience. Any interaction with the Divine carries some level of risk,
I believe. The trick, I am coming to learn, is gauging their patience, and where not to step in the
dance of conversation and respect. Many can be...Alarmingly sensitive to certain topics, I believe."
The small, right-side antenna twitches towards Aeldra as he asks, "Would you recommend any other
Divine to seek counsel from?"

Aeldra taps her nose thoughtfully, reflecting for a moment "There are a few, but most of Them are
sleeping. The Forest Dreamer, Lord Hoaracle, would've been interesting to gain insight upon such,
given that He was upon the council that judged the Traitors as would've been the Frost Queen, Lady
Jadice." her left hand taps gently upon her right, "Those of the First and of the Second are rare
upon the world these days. It may be that our Lady could recommend you those upon Her siblings that
would be best to speak to, though I feel the Lady Terentia is the one you want in on this." she
pauses and nods at you, "Aside of our Lady, this is true for most Elders, yes."

You think to yourself: "Ah, but interactions with Her carry risk all the same, Aeldra. Merely a very
different sort."

Once again, the sharp, aureate point of Avaris's chin dips into the spray of his
mane. "That is why I seek the Thousandfold's opinion, yes. They are the sole waking Triumvirate
member from that particular instance of one being called. I am unaware of Who was a part of earlier
Triumvirates." He says nothing for a time, quiet as a stone, until he utters a brief, thrumming
sound - A harmonious cousin of a grunt. "I will not be speaking to the Empyreal upon this again, if
I can avoid it. That is a wise suggestion, however. I shall see what I can accomplish." Turning his
head, finally, he looks upon Aeldra directly, inhuman gaze intent. "In the interim, be wary of the
Lady of Lagoons. Avoid Her at all costs, if you can, and warn others from Her company. She is not to
be trusted."

Aeldra asks softly, "I hope you'll find answers in your quest, but I would not discard our Lady's
guidance if She's given you any." she muses, "And let me know how it goes, yes? Do not get yourself
turned into a maggot or worse."

The outermost antenna on Avaris's left side makes an odd maneuver, twisting up and
aside in a kinked manner, before smoothing once more. "She has give me no directions. She does not,
generally. She trusts in my Wisdom and my judgement, and so I shall allow them to be my guide,
however flawed." A faintly amused breath, a whisper of mirth, and, "I shall try not to. I am
respectful, generally, but I cannot account for the whims of the Divine."

Aeldra nods softly at you, "Of course, dear, just be careful."

Aeldra flashes you a joyous smile.

Avaris replies with a level, "I ever am. Will you excuse me for a time, so that I
might go pray to Them?"

Aeldra nods softly at you, "If you wish, I'll wait here for you."

Avaris inclines his head to Aeldra courteously, turning to depart. "I shall
return."

((Goes off and prays to Sword Mom and Thousand-Parents-In-One))

At the top of Strombus Gigas Tower.
A continuous flow of protective energies radiates from a shield shrine of Weiwae nearby. This
location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. High atop the Strombus Gigas watch tower is a
spectacular view of the city of New Celest and the shores of the great Inner Sea. Delicate pink and
orange-tinted shells inlay the stone which comprises the tower's walls and floor, arranged into
uneven checkered patterns. The raised edge railing of the walls is also in the shape of the shell
which gives this tower its name, coming up to about waist height of a merian. The exquisite strombus
gigas beacon throbs with a brilliant yellow glow. Yvai, the battle sheep dwells here, antler-bearing
head raised proudly. Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters with a Pilgrim face stands here within a
luminous pool of light, surrounded by white water lilies. She wields a radiant battle axe of the
paragon with both hands.
You see a single exit leading down.

Aeldra circles around you as you enters, looking you up and down. "You do not look worse for wear,
my friend. Am relieved."

Avaris's arrival is preceded by the sharp clack of hard chitin upon stone as he
climbs the steps, his antennae twitching idly as they coming into view. Looking to Aeldra, he nods,
gesturing at himself with a small twist of his wrist. "For the time being. We shall see how I fare
when my prayers reach Them." Remaining still as he allows Aeldra to inspect him, save for the lower
left antenna, which spins about , tracking Aeldra like the needle of a compass, he asks, "You are
making sure to rest and eat sufficiently, yes?"

Aeldra stops in front of you and nods, "I have people who provide me with sufficiently lovely
cooking recipes. Gurashi and Cheliyi, especially." her eyes sparkle brightly. "As for water, I just
so happen to have a lot of water in my rift. But thank you for your concern. As for rest" she
pauses, hesitance in her next words "uh, hm, I have never been great in resting." She bops up and
down in the air, clearly enjoying floating in the sea breeze till she finally adds "But I can tell
you, I may have a way forward at least."

Avaris listens and watches Aeldra with equal intensity, the scrutiny oh his inhuman
eyes direct and undisguised as Aeldra gives Aeldra's answer. The admission of the resting portion of
the response elicits a slight, downward curve of his antennae, though they flick up once more with
interest at the last sentence spoken. Voice bright with earnestness, he asks, "Oh? That is
marvelous, if so - What is it?"

Aeldra smiles at your scrutiny and nods at your question. "Yes, it is by no means a solution but...
I think I know a way to tell our Lady about my plight without causing rifts." she pauses gathering
her thoughts for a moment "In essence I understand my feelings well enough now that I can put it
into words that may give us a start at a good discussion about this."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says to you, "I can give you the gist if you'd like to hear
it."

Avaris lifts a hand and opens it in invitation, nodding in an encouraging manner.
"By all means, please. I would be most interested to hear."

Aeldra pauses midair, turning her back into the breeze, eyes looking on two of you, "Celest has a
noble and important goal, the Light is a set of principles that has a high chance go guide the world
back onto a path that would lead to its eventual purification. The citizens sworn to the light tend
to forget this, but I believe that can be remedied. It is, however, not the only path that is geared
towards restoring the basin to its untainted state." she pauses for a moment, "I believe our Lady's
goals are the ones that will reinforce this goal, to bring succor and healing to the basin, driving
back the taint and eventually purging it of its impurities, regardless which where it comes from."

Avaris inclines his head in silent agreement with Aeldra's words, watching her intently.

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says to you, "However, in my heart, while I value and highly
praise the way that Celest offers, I also feel in my heart that the path that really brings me peace
is the one that walks alongside the one that Celest chooses, back in the forest of Serenwilde, as
one of the Coven of Moon. My goals remain the same, but a part of my soul tells me that is where I
belong. Currently I am in celest because of situations outside of my control and there I have found
our Lady who reflects more clearly then ever what are my goals and my focus in this world."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says to you, "As such, I believe that, eventually, I'll find
myself at a crossroads where I need to consider what is best for me and for the basin at large and
for this, I hope our Lady will engage in me in a conversation that is more focused upon the eventual
outcome and for this feeling that rests within my heart, but anything else. I intend to write her a
letter that describes both my stance in believing that Celest has a path that will lead to the goal
I share and this part of me that knows that my path to walk is different then theirs, but with the
same goals. I intend to make it clear to Her that my goal is to discuss this with Her, not to seek
to turn my back to Her... yet this is the part I struggle most with."

Aeldra falls silent then, asking you, "It is still pretty convoluted, isn't it?" she asks, quietly.

Avaris brings his lower pair of hands together atop his navel, interlocking the
dauntingly armoured fingers as his right hand ascends to pluck at the thick tufts of his mane.
Coiling the white fluff around his forefinger in a distracted, thoughtful gesture, he utters a
contemplative, vibrating hum. "It is. What do you hope will come of telling Her this - If you know,
that is."

Aeldra tilts her head slightly, "Oh, I do not think or aim to gain anything from Her, dear. I wish
Her to know. If something good comes of it, I'll be happy but I do not expect anything of it."

Avaris's pointed chin dips in a series of slight nods. "How do you believe She will
react, if you frame it thusly?"

Aeldra's face shows her uncertainty as well as her words as she replies, "I do not know. At best,
She'll be sympathic to what plagues me, at worst She'll be a little sad that I feel this way, but it
should not be as much a surprise to Her given that She knows my history."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters asks you, "How do you think, She'll react?"

Avaris's visored countenance shows nothing at all of his emotions, though his voice
is steady and calm. "I would not dare to guess, in truth. I do not know Her well at all, Aeldra. She
is as distant from my understanding as the stars, which is fitting, I suppose." With a mild shrug of
the spiked halos of his pauldrons, he nods his head at Aeldra, continuing, "You know Her better than
any, I imagine, and can best gauge Her reactions in matters, large and small."

Aeldra smiles slightly, "I can not guess Her mind anymore then you can, dear. Would you advise me to
not speak about it?"

Avaris's head drifts up upwards, so slow it is as if gravity has lost its hold upon
just the sole corner of the left side of his jaw. When he speaks, it is slowly, puzzlement lending
his choral voice an odd quality. "But...You are Her Avatar. You...You have a cult with Her, Aeldra.
Surely the two of you are extremely close? Is that not the way of such things?"

Aeldra smiles at you, "Yes and no. I mean, We're close but, She's still an Elder Goddess and I am a
mortal. Her thoughts are as enigmatic to me as they are to anyone. I may have more chance to
understand what She wishes then others do, but still. Mountain to a molehill, you know?"

You think to yourself: A pang of disappointment, a sharp prick of reality deflating a far-away,
preciously held dream. "...Ah. That is the truth of it, then. Forever a deluded child, Avaris. Life
is not a storybook."

As Avaris stares at Aeldra, the quarter of crimson banners that thrust up from his
head slacken, losing their rigidity until they lay wilted, draping across the sharp, layered edges
of his crest. There is a strange quality to his voice that is difficult to pinpoint, as he replies,
eventually. "I...I see. I had not expected that." He falls into a thick silence for a time, before
he visibly rallies, antennae making a valiant effort at straightening. "To your question, I would
suggest speaking of it to Her, when you feel you can do so. I think that would be best, for the both
of you."

Aeldra nods softly at you, "My thoughts as well, for I feel while She may feel some of it through
the bond we share, She deserves to understand how I feel."

Lady Aeldra Ladyn, of Cerulean Waters says to you, "I should go attend that, am sorry my friend."

Aeldra hugs you compassionately.

Avaris dips his head in a slight nod. "Of course. Fight well, Aeldra."

Aeldra touches an effulgent stained-glass cubix, which begins to click and whir. Through a complex
series of shifting shapes and patterns, it unfolds into a sheet that improbably wraps around Aeldra
and folds back up until nothing remains.
Falling into a light trot, Yvai, the battle sheep trots out to the ether.

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Pub: 08 Jun 2021 10:50 UTC
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