A winding aurora of pink light snakes over Mt. Zoaka, the Skarch, and the city of Gaudiguch in a
hypnotising motion, bathing everything it passes in a strange glow before abruptly disappearing into
the darkness of dusk once more.
(The Crux): Gurashi says, "Is... pink light normal for, Gaudiguch..ians? Ites?"
(The Crux): Ashira says, "It's...an omen of sorts for us lately."
(The Crux): Gurashi says, "Omen??"
(The Crux): Gurashi says, "Good things, or, bad things??"
(The Crux): Shulamit says, "Yes."

An ancient fear, buried deep into your bones from some forgotten time, rears its head as the
cacophonous baying of a jackal can be heard in the distance, the haunting memory lingering in your
mind long after the sound has silenced itself.

Dust and stones throughout your surroundings shake and rattle before rising ominously into the air,
vibrating with painful intensity before suddenly dropping with a clatter to the ground once again.

(Gaudiguch): You say, "It feels like the Herald approaches. This feels like a big one. I suggest we
go in with a plan when it arrives, particularly whether to try and help the Liar, the Madman, or to
try and keep both onside and help both."
(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "Mesadari has seen a beast within the Flame, so yes. We are gathered at
the Flame currently."
(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "She just said the storm draws hear. About half a day away now."

(Gaudiguch): You say, "The Madman seems to want to kill the Liar's darkness. To help the Liar, I
believe we need to be armed with Truths, theirs and ours. If we threaten the darkness, the Liar will
likely flip out."

(Gaudiguch): Nepenthe says, "That sounds like a lot of nonsense."
(Gaudiguch): Tsakali says, "Nonsense is simply sense that your mind isn't prepared to understand."

(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "I'd like to see us save them both, honestly. I also think it would be
beneficial if we had one or two spokepersons instead of everyone throwing out questions."

(Gaudiguch): You say, "And yet, we've seen strange things these past years."

A sudden storm breaks over Gaudiguch, filling the night sky with the sound of a raging monsoon as
the downpour soaks the ground and sends a raging, impromptu river through the Old Imperial Road.
Before the disastrous effects can fully come to fruition, it is gone as though it had never been.

(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "Dys, I elect you as one of the spokespersons, if you are willing."

(Gaudiguch): You say, "The Liar did say that the Herald brought death and destruction in its wake."
(Gaudiguch): You say, "I'm happy to, but I wouldn't mind others speaking too. It'll be more chaotic
but quite Gaudiguchian!"
(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "True! I just know how much you have studied all of this and trust you to
ask the right questions."
(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "I've met the Madman. I can try with him if needed. He reminds me of
someone..."

'SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!' The cry of a hawk sounds unnaturally loud, as
though it were swooping to devour you whole now. You feel as little more than a rabbit before a hot
wind dispels the fear and allows you to breathe easy once more.

The echoing blast of a horn rings in your ears, played by Kistan. Judging by the volume and timbre
of the sound, you judge it was played at before the Portal of Fate in Avechna's Peak.
(Trasto): Gurashi says, "Every time you blow that stupid horn gurashi thinks or says to himself
where Kistan is."

(Trasto): Kistan says, "I have to put selfishness up now to stop Gabe stealing it!"

Maddened cackling sounds from every which way, incessantly loud and accompanied by the hideous
creaking and groaning of metal against metal. Suddenly, there is a loud crash, the dull, echoing
thud soon fading away and leaving only silence in its wake.

Before the Eternal Flame.
Throughout the location, small dancing flames flicker and spark. A fluid crimson chaise couch has
been hidden in obscurity here, awaiting someone to come ponder great mysteries upon it. A plush rug
depicting the city of Gaudiguch has been laid upon the ground. A chair of freedom sits here, free
and unencumbered by its surroundings. Sitting here is a large bag chair roughly resembling a large
ribbachi. A plain wooden chest sits in the corner. Draped with colourful ribbons, a chandelier
festooned with dangling gemstones sparkles here. A painting of the scene at a fume-choked dome is
proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. A handful of pale ashes lies on the ground, slowly blowing away
in the wind. An illuminated scroll rolls loose in the dust. Mesadari Rhiero, Keeper of the Eternal
Flame lounges languidly nearby, the light of the nexus washing her scales in a panoply of colour.
The Eternal Flame burns here, a towering inferno of white flame that flashes with a chaotic spray of
colour. There are 3 great brindle mastiffs here. An orb of blazing aether shifts and turns
continuously as it hovers above a plain granite pedestal. Ornate carvings lining the edges of this
massive construction, a sandstone banquet table stands here. In the shape of an open palm, a
metallic sigil lies here. Glowing gently with a soft blue light, a delicate dreamcatcher has been
permanently hung here. Springing from a floating golden disk high in the sky, a riot of gold and red
streamers have been attached to any available surface, creating a joyous, festive atmosphere. There
are 10 Red Hands of the Illuminati here. There are 2 rainbow dreameater moth sky lanterns here. A
very sticky looking cup cake has been left behind here. There are 10 jade-armoured Wyvern Riders
here. Her stellar moving erratically in orbit, a flame-wreathed egregore with with howling wings of
void-like emptiness waits here. A dream-dazed byakko wanders the area, his wide silver eyes
following unseen paradigms with utmost terror and curiosity. A lithe, ebon veiled dancer wreathed in
black stars poises gracefully here. Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons is here, shrouded. He
wields a fiery basalt staff in his left hand and an ebon blackthorn kite shield in his right. He is
surrounded by one reflection of himself. Blue-green tendrils wriggling constantly, an animate muku
sinker looms here with shimmering poise. A dramatic harlequin is here, limber and ready for any
performance. Shulamit stands here, a muted glow within her crystal body. She wields an elegant
sapphire violin of the ever-shifting cosmos in her right hand. She is surrounded by one reflection
of herself. Nepenthe is frowning at Xis, lines creasing his forehead. He wields a chocolate mahogany
viola of dulcet melodies in his left hand. He is surrounded by one reflection of himself.
You see exits leading north, east, and west.

Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons says, "It did sound like something metal broke."

You see the following people here:
Xis, Zacheah, Ashira, Tsakali, Shulamit, Errente, Nepenthe, Dys.

Shulamit glows an exceptionally confused shade of maroon before calming down, glowing pale grey.

You say, "Like the madman's cage?"

Tsakali tugs urgently on your sleeve.

Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons says, "Madman and a Liar..."

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says, "I think he broke free..."

You nod your head emphatically.

Errente nods his head at Ashira, showing his acceptance.

You say to Tsakali, "Hello!"

Errente bows respectfully to you.

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says, "Ok, everyone needs to follow Dys. We need to stay
together."
Ashira begins to follow you.
Shulamit begins to follow you.
Tsakali begins to follow you.
Errente begins to follow you.
Xis begins to follow you.
"Why?" Xis asks with a frown.

Nepenthe begins to follow you.

'Oh?' Errente exclaims quizzically at Xis.

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "If you think it is smart, okie dokies."

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "We're stronger together is why."

Zacheah begins to follow you.

A great, bestial roar echoes from the skies above Gaudiguch, filled with a bitter melancholy so
severe that the sound of wails can be heard throughout the Basin as children and babies respond in
kind. Then, like a passing dream, it is gone - leaving only the sound of youthful tears in its wake.

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says, "If we don't stay together, you may get lost. Stay together
at all times."

Utterly entranced, Tsakali emits a long "Ooooh."

Ourina arrives from the up.

You say, "And that sounded like the Liar."
Errente nods his head at you.

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says, "I-It was..."

Shulamit peers about herself unscrupulously.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "The Liar is youthful."

Errente hugs Lunette compassionately.

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says to Lunette, "Follow Dys, and keep together."

Glowing pink, Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "All things are flowing."

Loudly, Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons says to Lunette, "It comes!"

You caress the thoughts of Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi as you whisper, "It does a bit, it seems
incongruous but we'll see."
Lunette hugs Errente compassionately.

Showing that she understands, Lunette nods her head slowly.

Lunette begins to follow you.

Errente grabs protectively at Ashira.

Errente folds his arms across his chest, searching the area for danger.

Kistan Rithel says, "We are all grouping nicely for one of Dys' meteors."

Shulamit peers at Kistan unscrupulously.

Esoneyuna hums a happy tune and smiles at you.


You have emoted: Dys grins, a flash of white teeth visible for a moment within the shadows of her
hood.

Kistan Rithel says to Shulamit, "I know, we are indoors!"

You say, "Hopefully we'll be able to talk over the city aethers if we need to confer without the
Madman or the Liar hearing us."

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says to Kistan, "Death is a minor set back, to be worked
away."

Nepenthe gives a horrified gasp.

Kind Nepenthe says, "I don't have my death karma."

Nepenthe frets over everything that might go wrong.

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "Neither do I."

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "It will all be well."

Esoneyuna begins to follow you.

Oldsie, Ourina says, "Getting trapped in an alternate reality is a whole other problem though."

Zacheah exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

You nod your head in agreement.

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says to Ourina, "That's...more true."

Kistan Rithel says to Shulamit, "What if the fates change their mind one day and it turns out we are
not part of their plan, just an unsightly stain on the rug they weave?"

Ourina gives Kistan a horrified gasp.

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says to Kistan, "Well, then it's been a lovely run."

Errente frowns at Kistan.

As Shulamit caresses the surface of her icon, a tendril of smoke rises from the surface, whirling
about her head. With a shudder Shulamit's eyes go empty and fathomless, cold stars spinning over the
depths of her oilslick-swirling gaze.

Kistan Rithel says, "If i did it again, i'd show less restraint."


You see the following people here:
Xis, Ashira, Esoneyuna, Zacheah, Tsakali, Ourina, Lunette, Errente, Nepenthe, Shulamit, Kistan, Dys.


As Shulamit caresses the surface of her icon, a tendril of smoke rises from the surface, whirling
about her head. With a shudder Shulamit's eyes go empty and fathomless, cold stars spinning over the
depths of her oilslick-swirling gaze.





Nepenthe hugs himself compassionately.
Errente pats Nepenthe in a friendly manner.

As Shulamit caresses the surface of her icon, a tendril of smoke rises from the surface, whirling
about her head. With a shudder Shulamit's eyes go empty and fathomless, cold stars spinning over the
depths of her oilslick-swirling gaze.

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says to Errente, "Always."

The icon cools, the smoke dissipating from the gleaming image.

The midmorning sun is blotted out as clouds that were not there a moment ago suddenly take strange,
geometric formations in the sky - moving at an awkward pace and flowing against the breath of the
wind before scattering as though they had never existed.

Tsakali stares at Shulamit, blinking several times in confusion.

As Shulamit caresses the surface of her icon, a tendril of smoke rises from the surface, whirling
about her head. With a shudder Shulamit's eyes go empty and fathomless, cold stars spinning over the
depths of her oilslick-swirling gaze.
The icon cools, the smoke dissipating from the gleaming image.

Zacheah tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "The icons are unhelpful. Or, to say, infinitely
helpful."

Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons says, "Strange clouds."

You nod your head in agreement.

Kistan Rithel says, "We need an astronomer!"

Errente nods his head at Kistan.

Tsakali points accusingly at you.

You mutter discontentedly.

Shulamit plays with a set of four icons dedicated to the Lord and Lady, flipping them over in her
hands as she caresses each one in turn.

You say, "Not right now."

Kistan Rithel says, "Or a lady with tea leaves."

Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons says, "I second the tea."

You say, "Though I can tell you that there are five planets aligned in Skull."

Errente frowns at you.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "That sounds ominous."

Esoneyuna's eyes sparkle with amusement at you.

With a shrug, you say, "It may be an omen, yes."

Kistan Rithel says, "What was the name of that goddess that never was that plummeted to the desert?"

You say, "Beyond 'don't annoy an astrologer today'"

You say, "Ashtariel?"

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "Lady Ashtariel."

Comprehension flashes across Kistan's face.

Kistan Rithel says, "The oily one?"

Zacheah blinks.

"Eh?" Ourina says curiously.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "An oily Goddess?"

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "There is a torn painting of Her in the Lord and
Lady's temple."

Kistan Rithel says, "Her skin shone like oil."

You say, "The sister of the-Lord-and-Lady, and Lord Zvoltz, yes. An Iklaran goddess."

Beloved Zacheah, Iklaran Nomad says, "And a statue."

Kistan Rithel says, "Moving oil."

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "There's a few things."

Oldsie, Ourina says, "I thought she was sparkly, not oily."

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "Oil can be sparkly."

Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons says, "Well, something oily appeared earlier."

Oldsie, Ourina says, "Failed cooking experiment."
Ourina nods her head sagely.

Kistan Rithel says, "One spark, no oil."

You say, "Can you all think of a truth for yourself, your truth, in case it's needed?"

Errente nods his head at you.

Ashira nods her head emphatically.

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "Hmmm."
Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says, "Probably."

"Ummmm," Ourina says uncertainly.

Zacheah nods her head at you.

"WHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHS!!!" The overwhelming sound of whispers suddenly blares at your
eardrums, popping in and out of existence in odd intervals as though they were straining to reach
you through some great barrier.

Nepenthe pauses for a second, a slight frown upon his face.

You say, "It might not be, and it might not work, but it's an idea for helping The Liar."

Ourina winces in pain.

Errente curls his nose up and grimaces awfully.

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a
muted glow appearing within.

Errente claps his hands over his ears, not wanting to hear the awful truth.

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says, "Incoming."

Lunette climbs onto a slender wyvern with feathered wings.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "I am responsible for only myself, but that doesn't not allow me to
neglect my concern for others."
Tsakali ponders the situation.

Zacheah quickly places her hands over her ears to blot out the noise.

You say, "Perhaps something to ward off the darkness."

Looking slightly worried at the situation, Tsakali quickly hides behind you.

Errente positions himself in front of Ashira, prepared to ward off all dangers.

Oldsie, Ourina says to you, "You need a candle?"

"I once saw an invisble dragon," sings Kistan, playing bawdy notes upon a terrible lyre.

Lunette does a few last minute checks, glancing at her vials and adjusting her goggles, giving a
slight nod to Errente.

"Through the bottom of an empty flagon," sings Kistan, loosing a melody that warms your stomach.
"He burped and gave a cheer," sings Kistan, playing a terrible lyre.
"Then he brought me another beer," sings Kistan, playing a vigorous tune on a terrible lyre.
"But that wasn't all he got," sings Kistan, loosing a series of high-pitched notes from a terrible
lyre.

A homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin says, "I'm the real Tsakali. This one over here is my
homunculus."

"As he poured tequila and brought a shot," sings Kistan, playing a terrible lyre.
"So if you see him too let him know," sings Kistan, quickly playing a celebratory tune on a terrible
lyre.

Childishly, Tsakali sticks her tongue out at a homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin.

Errente nods his head at a homunculus resembling a deformed furrikin, showing his acceptance.

You say to Ourina, "The darkness is the snake and the hawk and the jackal that wraps around the
Liar. Possibly keeping them trapped."

Shulamit turns towards you and starts to glow brightly, pure and incandescent white light.

Ourina waves about a fiery basalt staff energetically.

Ashira nods her head emphatically.

(The Crux): Kistan says, "If I am to die, know that I was here."
(The Crux): Kistan says, "Where you ask?"

Kistan raises the mouthpiece of a Horn of Wonder to his lips and blows. A resonating thunder sounds
from the horn's bell.
The echoing blast of a horn rings in your ears, played by Kistan. Judging by the volume and timbre
of the sound, you judge it was played at before the Eternal Flame in the City of Gaudiguch.

You say, "The black beast, or beasts, that the Madman wishes to destroy, but that the Liar seems to
consider a friend - or the only thing between them and loneliness."

Nepenthe folds his paws over his chest and thinks deeply.

(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "Just a reminder, please stay together. Follow Dys. If she should die for
some reason, follow me please."

Errente nods his head at Kistan.
Kistan begins to follow you.

(Gaudiguch): Esoneyuna says, "Now now, if my wife dies I will be murdering everything."
(Gaudiguch): Errente says, "Seems fair."
(Gaudiguch): Ourina says, "Don't murder me please."
(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "You are excused from following me if that happens."

(Gaudiguch): You say, "Ideally we'll try a more peaceful approach first but if we need to fight then
we will. Both the Madman and the Liar sounded riled up."

Nepenthe quivers like a tightly strung wire.

(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "They did, yes. I'd rather it be peaceful as well."
(Gaudiguch): Ourina says, "They don't like food, right?"
(Gaudiguch): Kistan says, "Kill them both? don't want to be seen to be taking sides."
(Gaudiguch): Errente says, "Maybe we are food."
(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "They don't seem to, Ourina."
(Gaudiguch): Ourina says, "First approach is out then."
(Gaudiguch): You say, "They both refused Coraline's food which is strange!"
(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "I'd like to save them, not kill them, if we can."

"So if you see him too let him know," sings Kistan, quickly playing a celebratory tune on a terrible
lyre.

(Gaudiguch): Errente says, "As would I, but Gaudiguch must be protected."
(Gaudiguch): You say, "It's unclear how much danger Gaudiguch is in, aside from perhaps the Herald's
power."
(Gaudiguch): Ashira says, "I wonder what size she'll be this time...it's been so varied."

A brilliant explosion of pink light flares to life over the city of Gaudiguch, shining high above
the Great Pyramid and the Eternal Flame. A sphere of prismatic light the same colour manifests
before unfolding into a butterfly easily twice the size of the Guardian Drachou - its great wings
beating lazily as it hovers motionless.

Oldsie, Ourina says, "Butteryfly."
You say, "The biggest yet!"

Utterly entranced, Tsakali emits a long "Ooooh."

Tsakali clasps her hands together briefly before spreading her palms, releasing a small prismatic
butterfly into the air that briefly swirls about in a rainbow of chaotic colours before vanishing
from existence.

The entire world blurs - appearing not only once, but twice, thrice, the two additional realities
shifted slightly to the left and right of what you hope to be real. In what could be a split-second
or an age, a beat of monstrously large wings pulses. It pulses again. Then everything is as it
should be, as it was, as it always will be.

Most Darling of Wifes, Esoneyuna Mzithrei says to you, "Stil the best of colors."

Nepenthe tugs nervously at his ears.

Shulamit hums a happy tune.

You narrow your eyes at Esoneyuna in an unnerving manner.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi whispers, "So exciting."

You have emoted: Dys barely suppresses a shudder.

Zacheah covers her mouth with her hand, looking a bit sick.

Shulamit continues to glow a bright white colour before shifting to other muted colours as well.


Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says, "Ok, be ready to move."

Marquis Xis says, in Dracnari, "I'm ready."

Xis begins to follow you.
You nod your head in agreement.

Xis gives the world a thumbs up.

Errente babbles incoherently at Xis.

Xis flexes his muscles in an impressive display of strength.

You say, "It's right above us for now."

Ashira nods her head emphatically.

You are the leader of your group.
Members of your group include:
Ourina
Esoneyuna
Tsakali
Zacheah
Lunette
Errente
Xis
Shulamit
Kistan
Ashira
Nepenthe
There are 12 people in your group.

Tsakali tilts her head back and looks up at the sky.

Errente cringes pathetically.

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says, "Maybe she'll come to us this time..."

Kind Nepenthe asks, "Is the butterfly something we like?"

Kistan Rithel says to Xis, "Don't you worry. You do your own thing. it is important to eat in these
moments of stress. I bet you are sensible and stretch before a fight to!"

Oldsie, Ourina says, "Hope it doesn't fall on us."

The butterfly descends closer and closer to the Free City, bathing Mt. Zoaka and the Skarch Desert
in its overwhelming pink glow - the light hanging over everything like a strange duplicate that
nearly perfectly matches up save for subtle differences.

Most Darling of Wifes, Esoneyuna Mzithrei says to Nepenthe, "Something we endure."

Nepenthe's whiskers droop slightly as a soft, disconcerted growl rumbles in his chest.
You say to Nepenthe, "We don't dislike it, but it hasn't spoken. Just transported us across
realities."

Xis gives Kistan a thumbs up.
Marquis Xis says, in Dracnari, "If I die, I want a full belly."
You say, "And the Liar said that it brings death and destruction to those not versed in its
whispering."

Ourina nods her head at Xis.
You grin mischievously at Xis.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "Is this Herald some sort of anomaly?"

Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons says, "Prepare."

You shrug helplessly.

Shulamit hums a happy tune, glowing away cheerful obliviously.

Marquis Xis says, "Ixion coming?"

Esoneyuna tilts back her head and inhales deeply while twitching a wolf's snout.

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says, "No."

Errente growls menacingly at Xis.

You say to Tsakali, "I'd say so yes."

"So if you see him too let him know," sings Kistan, quickly playing a celebratory tune on a terrible
lyre.

With a single, lazy flap of its enormous wings, a great susurration of grey whispers spills out
across the entire Basin of Life - crying out in deathly quiet whispers,
"WHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHSWHS!"

Nepenthe cringes pathetically.

Tsakali flaps her fleshform wings slowly, peering up at the sky.

You see the following people here:
Lunette, Xis, Zacheah, Esoneyuna, Tsakali, Errente, Kistan, Nepenthe, Shulamit, Ashira, Ourina, Dys.

Then, with a disturbing, lurching feeling, the whispers withdraw past your body - moving like
serpents past skin as they slither back towards the enormous butterfly and cast themselves over the
city of Gaudiguch.

You ponder the situation.

Kistan Rithel says, "Fly up to meet her?"

Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons says, "Did... it try to talk to us?"

Oldsie, Ourina says, "It doesn't talk, I think."

You say, "The whispers surround it. I'm not sure."

You say, "They're hard to make out, nigh on unintelligible."

Oldsie, Ourina says, "Maybe we should go to Drachou. That's the highest point in the pyramid."

Prismatic light flares in chaotic arcs, shining between the cage of grey whispers as it fills the
space between them until it forms an enormous, nearly opaque dome over Gaudiguch, nearly blocking it
entirely from sight but for shadows showing where its pyramids, where its guardian, and where its
Flame should be.

Marquis Xis says, "Zoaka!"

Utterly entranced, Tsakali emits a long "Ooooh."

Azarae arrives from the east.
A Red Hand of the Illuminati says, "Remember, Azarae: I am always watching."
A jade-armoured Wyvern Rider says, "Enjoy your stay in Gaudiguch, Azarae."
A Red Hand of the Illuminati says, "Whatever you do, Azarae, follow the law."

Her eyes glowing an emerald green, Tsakali presses her palms against her forehead. When she takes
her hands away, the symbol of a nine pointed star glows upon her forehead.

You say, "It's truly massive."
Kistan blushes furiously.

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says to Azarae, "Not a good time to be here."

Xis gives Azarae a thumbs up.

Nascent Azarae, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Oh, why is that?"

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, in Dracnari, "We can push her into the Flame for fuel since Feoragan
left."

Oldsie, Ourina says, "We're about to get squashed by a giant butterfly."
You have emoted: Dys grins, a flash of white teeth visible for a moment within the shadows of her
hood.

Kistan raises the mouthpiece of a Horn of Wonder to his lips and blows. A resonating thunder sounds
from the horn's bell.
The echoing blast of a horn rings in your ears, played by Kistan. Judging by the volume and timbre
of the sound, you judge it was played at before the Eternal Flame in the City of Gaudiguch.

Oldsie, Ourina says, in Dracnari, "Good plan!"

Nascent Azarae, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Is it going to squish though?"

Shulamit takes a deep breath as the crystal surface of her face softens and shifts in colour, a
muted glow appearing within.

Nascent Azarae, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "The thing made me curious."

Most Darling of Wifes, Esoneyuna Mzithrei says, "Regardless of what it does we prefer no outside
interference."

Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons says to Azarae, "Careful little sister."

Ashira nods her head at Esoneyuna.

Zeebin arrives from the north.

Azarae curtseys gracefully before Errente.

Shulamit inclines her head politely to Zeebin.

You say, "It's unlikely to squash us, but we don't know its effect on one not linked to the Eternal
Flame."

Nascent Azarae, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Alright."


A sandstorm begins to pick up throughout the city, beginning as little more than flying grains of
black sand, but quickly multiplying in number.

Shulamit Lunarose, Multifaceted Designer says to Zeebin, in Dracnari, "Hello son. We are...watching.
Waiting."

Azarae curtseys gracefully.

"Eep!", Ourina screams in fright.

Azarae leaves to the east.
A Red Hand of the Illuminati says, "Farewell, Azarae, and be careful."

You flash Zeebin a joyous smile.

Utterly entranced, Tsakali emits a long "Ooooh."

Zeebin sways on his feet, teetering over to nuzzle Shulamit.

Tsakali fluffs up her tail, making it more appealing to look at.

Ourina pets Tsakali ingratiatingly.

Esoneyuna tilts back her head and inhales deeply while twitching a wolf's snout.

Shulamit continues to glow brightly, but reaches over and cuddles Zeebin.

You say, "This feels more dangerous. Black sand - perhaps linked to the darkness."

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says, "Most likely."

Errente nods his head at you.

Most Darling of Wifes, Esoneyuna Mzithrei says to you, "The beasts were like black sand."
Esoneyuna shrugs helplessly.


The sandstorm passes you without interference, then coalesces around the Palace of Pleasure. There,
the storm begins to crackle with red lightning throughout, taking on strange shapes as you watch -
at one moment a jackal, the next a hawk, but most frequently a coiled serpent, all keeping careful
guard there.

Ourina clears her throat in an attempt to gain everyone's attention.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "Should we head there?"

You say, "Shall we head to the Palace first?"
You nod your head in agreement.

Errente Bel'Fiore, Firebear of the Goons says, "Is the Liar at the Palace?"

Ourina nods her head emphatically.

Ashira Ysav'rai, the Glowing Ember says, "Yes."

Showing that she understands, Shulamit nods her head slowly.

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

Ashira grabs you boldly by the arm as she points towards the horizon and declares in a proud tone,
"Onward!"
You say, "Yes, the Liar has appeared at the Palace each time, along with the darkness."
You say, "To the Palace!"



<----- Moving to the Palace of Pleasure ----->


[Continued on the next log]