You say, "Fain..."

Iwiertas tells you, "Wait... no."

Iwiertas tells you, "Come here."

You get up off a long black leather couch.

Somaria tilts her head curiously at you.

Iwiertas tells you, "Quickly."


You say, "Follow."


You say, "Quickly."

Somaria gets up off a long black leather couch.

Somaria begins to follow you.

Somaria nods her head emphatically.

You shed Shadowcaster faeling form and flow as a spirit through the verdant leaves, embracing the physical once more and arrive at putrefied glen.
Putrefied glen.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby. Filling the firmament is a lattice of heavy grey clouds. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A blackthorn sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Clad in elegant crimson robes, a handsome viscanti smiles warmly from the shadows of his cowl. A starving deer stands here, trembling. Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow is here.
You see exits leading southwest and northwest.
Observing your entrance, Safiyah i'Xiia conceals a sneer behind his hand as he affects a cough.

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow asks, "I'm sorry, sir?"
3479h, 4396m, 5244e, 10p exk-look safiyah

Lean and athletic despite the enveloping crimson vestments that hang about him, this young viscanti male stands with an effortless excellence of deportment. Framed by the red of his cowl, his features are noble. High cheek bones lend his visage an unconscious arrogance, and large violet-irised eyes gaze evenly from either side above an aristocratic nose. His skin is dark and unblemished, with a natural sheen. His hair is fashionably cut, and his mouth is curved in a pleasant smile. His robes, though of simple priestly cut, are of costly manufacture, with golden thread tracing complex patterns upon silky cloth dyed a bright and lustrous crimson. An expensive scent hangs about him, and he wears a single, unostentatious ring bearing the i'Xiia coat of arms.
Safiyah i'Xiia has an air of extreme strength.

Somaria tells you, "Damn.."

{Edited out bits of me running around like a headless chicken. No idea why I did that}

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "Lord Emar d'Murani, what a pleasure."
Safiyah i'Xiia flashes a charming smile.

Iwiertas jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.

Iwiertas raises an eyebrow questioningly.

You blink.

Spreading his arms wide, Iwiertas spins clockwise and a shimmering white orb springs up around him.

You ask Safiyah i'Xiia, "What do you want, visitor?"

Safiyah i'Xiia laughs pleasantly.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "Why! To take the air amid this pleasantly pungent forest."

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "Are you exercising, noble Emar? You seem to be running around."

Safiyah i'Xiia examines his finger nails absently.

You suddenly notice Somaria casually standing in the location.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "One might almost say.. panicked."

You smile softly.

Somaria Makiare` crosses her arms under her chest, narrowing her eyes gently as she regards the Viscanti.

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow frowns and says, "Quite."

Turning his eyes upwards, Safiyah i'Xiia composes his face into a semblance of piety and murmurs a prayer.

Safiyah i'Xiia chuckles melodiously to himself.

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "Quite the conundrum."

You say to Safiyah i'Xiia, "I assure you that it was nothing of the kind, though I am sure you have not made the trek from your home to exchange mere pleasantries."

You raise an eyebrow questioningly.

Somaria's eyes repeatedly shut as she tries to stay awake.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "I cannot begin to imagine why you chose to live in this ghastly, dank wood."

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "The society here is simply disgraceful."

Iwiertas gives a pained sigh.

Plainly, you say, "I would say the same of that city of yours."

With an insincere laugh, Safiyah i'Xiia says, "Quite, quite."

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "It has certainly gone down hill. There is nothing but scandal and gossip."

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "But I do wonder what could possibly have possessed you to move out to this cultural backwater."

You raise an eyebrow questioningly.

Iwiertas tilts his head and listens intently.

Somaria's eyes repeatedly shut as she tries to stay awake.

Safiyah i'Xiia sniffs the air in an over-exaggerated fashion.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "So damp."

You say, "I do prefer it to the noxious air of taint that pertains yours, but I suppose it is each to their own, no?"

The cloud cover clears, revealing the sparkling night sky.

Iwiertas's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

The screeching of a crow echoes through the dark woods, sounding almost like harsh laughter.

Somaria smiles softly at Iwiertas.

With a twinkle in his eye, Safiyah i'Xiia says, "This is a curious failing in a curious faeling."

You beat your wings furiously, hovering in the air.

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow smiles with a wink and says, "I'm certain the fact that it's alive might bear some attraction. I seem to remember the last -life- I saw in Magnagora was some wildflowers."

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "After all, your family, somewhat vulgar though it may be, was born in the womb of taint and rose to semi-greatness out of its rich and fertile earth."

Somaria's eyes repeatedly shut as she tries to stay awake.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "For the temple of My Master is the world."

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "All, even these dreadful, backwood woods."

You chuckle long and heartily.

Iwiertas peers at you unscrupulously.

Iwiertas reaches out and touches Somaria.

Shaking his head, you say, "It seems we are still exchanging pleasantries. Well, if so, then you must allow me to indulge more... I care little for d'Murani business, but I assure you whatever scandal that apparently flocks here is nothing compared to the incestuous scandal that breeds within the city of taint."

You smile and say, "And I think you shall find, that your Master has no influence in the Dark Forest."

Safiyah i'Xiia exclaims, "So I have heard!"

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "You d'Murani must try to curb your enthusiasms."

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "Pleasantries."

With a wicked smile, Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow says, "I must say, the last report I had on your city labeled them as the reason for a lot of your culture."

Safiyah i'Xiia pauses and gazes at you in mock befuddlement.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "I have quite forgotten why I was here."

Safiyah i'Xiia exclaims, "Ah yes!"

You smile and say, "I still do not know why you are here."

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "The prodigal druid."

Somaria narrows her eyes to thin slits.

Iwiertas's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.


Somaria's exhausted mind can stay awake no longer, and she falls into a deep sleep.

A large shadow flits across the edge of your vision for a bare instant, vanishing between the trees.

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow asks, "And you wish?"

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "My dear Somaria, you glower far too much. You should be careful lest it leave lines on the skin."

Iwiertas narrows his eyes to thin slits.

Somaria opens her eyes and yawns mightily.

Somaria stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "Was it a pleasant sleep, Somaria?"

Somaria Makiare` says to Safiyah i'Xiia, "Speak not to me."

Somaria glances askance.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "You have quite the reputation, or so I've heard."

Iwiertas winces in pain.

Somaria narrows her eyes to thin slits.

Somaria Makiare` asks, "Reputation?"

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow says, "Look at me, Viscanti."

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "They say you over-charged."

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow says, "Now."

Safiyah i'Xiia examines his fingernails critically.

Somaria steps up to Safiyah i'Xiia and, in one smooth motion, backhands him viciously across the face.

Iwiertas gives a pained sigh.

Safiyah i'Xiia shakes his hands free of his sleeves and flicks his wrists, unleashing twin coruscating bolts of crimson lightning at Somaria.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "Now now, we cannot have that."

Safiyah i'Xiia shakes his hands free of his sleeves and flicks his wrists, unleashing twin coruscating bolts of crimson lightning at Somaria.

Safiyah i'Xiia begins to chant in a deep and baleful voice, and an iron cross rises up from the ground before Somaria. Vicious spikes slam into her flesh and nail her to the cross. She screams in pain and agony as blood is spattered in all directions.
Somaria has been slain by Safiyah i'Xiia.
Somaria drops a carton of eggs.
Somaria drops a bunch of pennyroyal.
Somaria drops a sparkleberry.
Somaria drops a bunch of pennyroyal.
Somaria drops a sprig of chervil.
Somaria drops a sprig of chervil.
Somaria drops a sprig of chervil.
Somaria drops a stalk of faeleaf.
Somaria drops a stalk of faeleaf.
Somaria drops a sprig of chervil.
Somaria drops a sprig of chervil.
3479h, 4396m, 5244e, 10p exk-wield cudgel

You begin to wield a mystic cudgel in your left hand.

Iwiertas begins to wield a kite shield in his left hand.

You begin to wield a magic tome in your right hand.

Iwiertas begins to wield a golden sickle in his right hand.

The soul of Somaria swirls in the air like a sparkling whirlwind, then vanishes in a flash of chromatic colours.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "I am most disappointed that it has come to this."

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow says, "I see."

Somaria arrives from the northwest.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "But a gentleman cannot allow a whore to slap him."

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow says, "Would you kindly..."

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow hisses, "Explain yourself."

Arilyon arrives following Ashai d'Murani.
Ashai arrives from the northwest.

With widening eyes, Safiyah i'Xiia says, "Explain myself? Why! Explanations are so dull."

Iwiertas smiles softly.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "It is a pity our interview has been cut short, dear Iwiertas."

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "Regretably it seems I have some... urgent business to attend to."

Arilyon gives Safiyah i'Xiia the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

Somaria begins to follow you.

Safiyah i'Xiia smiles pleasantly at the growing party of angry forest-dwellers.

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow smiles broadly and says, "Shame, tell Fain I send him my best wishes."

Safiyah i'Xiia smiles with a tinge of malice.

Safiyah i'Xiia says, "I will do just that."

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow asks, "Perhaps Maylea can cheer him up with a bunch of wildflowers?"

You say, "Enough, Iwiertas."

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow gives a vicious smile.

Somaria tells you, "Apologies.."

A crimson robed viscanti dissolves into the mist.

You look thoughtful and say, "This is problematic."

Daedalion scratches his head in confusion.

Somaria creases her brow in a frown.

Putrefied glen.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby. The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A blackthorn sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. A carton of eggs has been left here. There are 2 pennyroyal bunches in 2 groups here. A sparkleberry glistens darkly on the ground. There are 5 chervil sprigs in 5 groups here. There are 2 faeleaf stalks in 2 groups here. Ashai d'Murani is here. He wields the Black Cudgel of Mighty Crow in his left hand and a glowing powerstone in his right. Veracruz d'Murani, the Muddy Scourge is here, shrouded. He wields a twisted staff in his left hand and a platinum shield with Urlach's horn in his right. Druidess Arilyon of the Blackthorn is here. She wields a platinum shield with Urlach's horn in her left hand and a mystic cudgel in her right. Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning is here, shrouded. He wields the Ebony Mandolin of Mahalla in his left hand and a batwing shaped shield in his right. Somaria Makiare` is here, shrouded. Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow is here. He wields a kite shield in his left hand and a golden sickle in his right.

Iwiertas ponders the situation.

Arilyon purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning says to Veracruz, "Never gets boring."

Daedalion giggles happily.

Veracruz snickers softly to himself.

Iwiertas chuckles long and heartily at Veracruz.
$
Druidess Arilyon of the Blackthorn says, "I've never known anything involving the i'Xiia's to be anything good. What seems to be going on now?"

Ashai d'Murani says, "Do excuse me, briefly."

Ashai vanishes before your eyes, scattered by the forest breeze.

Somaria Makiare` slips her arms around herself, appearing upset and angry as she digs her nails into her arms.

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow frowns and says, "I do not believe that was one of the i'Xiia's."

"Oh?" Arilyon exclaims quizzically.

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning says to Arilyon, "Anything involving i'Xiia's is always fun."

You say, "It was."

Iwiertas nods his head emphatically.

Somaria Makiare` says to Iwiertas, "Bu silent."

"Bleh," Somaria says, as she rolls her eyes in disgust.

Somaria Makiare` says, "Be, rather."

Somaria gives a pained sigh.

Iwiertas shrugs helplessly.

You say, "Somaria, Iwiertas. Follow me."

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning says to Veracruz, "Wonder who she's talking to."

You say to Daedalion, "And you too, Daedalion."

Somaria nods her head emphatically.

Iwiertas begins to follow you.

Daedalion begins to follow you.

Iwiertas follows you northwest.
Putrefied glen.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby. The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. A hemlock sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A small stone milestone thrusts up from the ground, engraved with but a single name.
You see exits leading north, southeast, south, and southwest.

Putrefied glen.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby. The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. A hemlock sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. A small stone milestone thrusts up from the ground, engraved with but a single name. Veracruz d'Murani, the Muddy Scourge is here, shrouded. He wields a twisted staff in his left hand and a platinum shield with Urlach's horn in his right. Somaria Makiare` is here, shrouded. Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow is here. He wields a kite shield in his left hand and a golden sickle in his right. Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning is here, shrouded. He wields the Ebony Mandolin of Mahalla in his left hand and a batwing shaped shield in his right.
You see exits leading north, southeast, south, and southwest.
3479h, 4396m, 5244e, 10p exk-who here

You see the following people here:
Veracruz, Somaria, Iwiertas, Daedalion, Emar

Veracruz d'Murani, the Muddy Scourge says to Daedalion, "No clue."

Daedalion shrugs helplessly at Veracruz.

Iwiertas follows you south.
Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. The Master Ravenwood Tree towers over everything here, pulsing with an immeasurable yet dark power. There are 10 shadowlord widowriders here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. There are 10 dark nighthags here. An ancient and skeletal tree surrounded by bushes of glittering black roses stands tall against the test of time. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. A black direwolf is here, blending in with the shadows. A hemlock sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a beetle around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a bat around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a spider around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a wasp around its skull. There are 34 iridescent spores here. A green eyelash viper is slithering about here. Mushrooms are growing here in a perfect circle. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A mottled blue wyvern gracefully stands here, arching its serpentine neck and flapping its massive leathery wings. Penumbra Ssaliss n'Kylbar, Witness to Her Glory is here. He wields an athame dagger in his left hand. Merciless Chieftain, Dylara Nimaet, Ward of the Rose is here. She wields a blood splattered hunting hammer in each hand. Kaervas d'Murani is here, shrouded. He wields an iron nekai in each hand.
You see a single exit leading north.

Iwiertas follows you down.
Under a dark root.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby. Hidden deep within the environment lies a mystic pathway. Suspended from the large black root hangs a large black cauldron. Dressed in liquid shadows, Rowena Nightshade stands here regally poised. Wyrm Loco, Ward of the Wyrd is here. He wields a steel claymore with both hands.
You see exits leading north and east.

Iwiertas follows you north.
North of the roots.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby.
You see exits leading northeast (open door), east, south, and northwest.

You ask Veracruz, "Yes?"

Veracruz's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Veracruz d'Murani, the Muddy Scourge smiles and says, "Was speaking to dad."

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning says to Veracruz, "Oh, apparently he doesn't want you to come."

Comprehension flashes across Veracruz's face.

Veracruz d'Murani, the Muddy Scourge says, "I see."

Veracruz looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning says to Veracruz, "We'll talk later."

"Shoo! Shoo!" Daedalion says to Veracruz as he waves him away.

Veracruz d'Murani, the Muddy Scourge frowns and says to Daedalion, "You promised we could spill blood today."

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning says to Veracruz, "Yes yes."

You tap your foot with mild impatience.

Veracruz sniffles softly.

Veracruz d'Murani, the Muddy Scourge says, "Ok."

Iwiertas follows you north.
The Shadow Court.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. A giant black widow studies you carefully from her web.
You see a single exit leading south (open door).

You close the steel door to the south.


You lock the steel door.

Iwiertas nods his head emphatically.

Pressing his hands together before him, Daedalion bows his head and a red glow runs down his spine into the very earth itself.

Somaria Makiare` says, "The nerve.."

You have emoted: Emar turns his gaze to those present, his eyes twinkling darkly.

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow frowns and says, "It's going to happen, Eye."

Somaria stares implacably at Iwiertas.

Somaria Makiare` asks Iwiertas, "What will?"

Iwiertas murmurs softly to himself.

You say, "This charade has expounded into such proportions that the Red Masque is sending his minions into the forest to threaten members of the Glomdoring on His behalf."

Somaria Makiare` says, "Indeed."

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning raises a hand to brush the hair from his face, his eyes glowing briefly with the pass of his hand.

You say to Daedalion, "Daedalion."

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

You ask Daedalion, "What do you know of all this?"

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning asks you, "Of what?"

Daedalion looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

You say, "Of your wife being a member of the Order of Fain."

Daedalion creases his brow in a frown.

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning looks skeptical and says to you, "I seriously doubt that."

"Oh?" you exclaim quizzically.

You say, "We shall find out later when she returns, but I have two separate sources claiming otherwise."


You say, "One of whom was brought into His fold by her."

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning asks you, "Whom is your sorces? these two?"

Daedalion peers about himself unscrupulously.

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning says to you, "A whore and an overly emotional child?"

You ask, "You do not believe she is?"

You say to Daedalion, "You will not disrespect a fellow Commune member like that, Daedalion."

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning says to you, "I believe in my wife, Emar."

Lord Deathchord Daedalion d'Murani, the Prince of Mourning says to you, "Respect? they deserve none with accusations like that."

Somaria raises an eyebrow at Daedalion.

Iwiertas shrugs helplessly.

Iwiertas smiles softly.

You say to Daedalion, "It is unfortunate that you were not privy to the conversation we held with Celina, then."

You say, "Rest assured I shall be speaking with her when she returns."

Somaria tells you, "He knows who told because he is aware of her dealings."

Daedalion shrugs helplessly.

You tell Somaria Makiare`, "I know."

You tell Somaria Makiare`, "But now is not the right time."

You say, "If you know nothing, then very well."

You unlock the steel door.

You open the steel door to the south.

You incline your head politely to Daedalion.

Somaria tells you, "Such is why I whisper rather than proclaim."

You close the steel door to the south.

You lock the steel door.

Iwiertas nods his head emphatically.

You tell Somaria Makiare`, "I needed him to be aware."

Somaria Makiare` says, "I'm getting sick of the 'whore' speal."

Somaria gives a pained sigh.

You tell Somaria Makiare`, "Either I put him on the spot, or he got fair warning off Celina or Arel."

Iwiertas gives Somaria the once-over, eyeing her suspiciously.

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow asks, "That's the fourth time today?"

Iwiertas murmurs softly to himself.

Somaria Makiare` says, "Indeed."

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

You say, "Things are going to get far more complicated, I fear."

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow intones, "Eye, Fain wants me dead."

Somaria Makiare` says, "Fain wants a lot of things."

Somaria grunts noncommitally.

You say, "He is desperate to cling to His plans within the Glomdoring."

You say, "I will not allow that to happen."

Iwiertas nods his head emphatically.

Somaria Makiare` asks you, "How do you feel this will continue?"

You say, "I have no choice but to convene and inform the Shadow Court."

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow says, "Ah, i'm exhausted."

Iwiertas murmurs softly to himself.

You say, "This is going to have to turn into a diplomatic affair."

Ashai tells you, "We ought to recognize Nyir as our child, now."

Druid Iwiertas, the Midnight Crow frowns and says, "My soul needs to be put to rest, I'm sorry for putting you through this."

Iwiertas grows still and his lips begin to move silently.

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Father?"

You unlock the steel door.

You open the steel door to the south.

You say to Iwiertas, "You might want to go south."

Iwiertas is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, his soul safe until he returns to Lusternia.

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "It seems we have a distinct problem."

You crease your brow in a frown.

(Great House d'Murani): Kaervas says, "Oh?"

You say to Ashai, "This is turning into a farce."

Ashai d'Murani says, "What is 'this'?"

You close the steel door to the south.

You lock the steel door.

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "It seems the would-be child of Celina and Daedalion has been spinning lies with Somaria, an enemy of my Order and Magnagora."

You say, "Fain sent one of His servants to the forest..."

(Great House d'Murani): Kaervas says, "Who?"

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Iwiertas."

(Great House d'Murani): Kaervas says, "And what does Somaria have to do with anything?"

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Iwietas and Somaria are plotting to have Celina and Daedalion thrown from the Glomdoring."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Somaria loathes Celina for being my pupil."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "And wishes to spin Fainite conspiracies where there are none."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "It seems they went to Emar."

(Great House d'Murani): Kaervas says, "Hmm."

You say to Somaria, "Your going to have to excuse us, Somaria."

You unlock the steel door.

You open the steel door to the south.

Somaria nods her head emphatically.

Somaria performs a graceful curtsey.

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "How does this regard the family, sister?"

You peer about yourself unscrupulously.

(Great House d'Murani): Kaervas says, "Sounds like Somaria is causing trouble for the sake of it."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "It is a betrayal of a fosterling, and a plot against the family itself."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Indeed."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "She herself came begging to My Lord and was rejected."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Oh, what a delightful conclusion to jump towards."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "And it seems the Shadow Court wishes to take them seriously."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "For Daedalion insisted, upon contacting me, that he and Celina would be thrown from the Glomdoring for these lies."

You raise an eyebrow questioningly.

You roll your eyes.

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "And you wish to see Celina and Daedalion continue to serve Glomdoring?"

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "This does indeed concern the family, for do not our numbers in the Glomdoring concern family interests as a whole?"

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Rather curious."

(Great House d'Murani): Daedalion says, "I will be quite fine, thought I can't say the same for my wife."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Our family interests are suited by being diverse, as with mercantile pursuits. The more markets the better, obviously."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Therefore, the wider our influence, the more power."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Oh, but Sthai, how much better everyone might serve Fain if they did not have to do so undercover!"

You smirk.

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "In Magnagora, certainly it is quite a noble thing."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "I fail to see what religious preferences have to do with the lies of a half-witted spy."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Daedalion, after all, and Celina, do not serve My Lord."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Is that so?"

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Celina may follow, but she certainly doesn't serve as a spy."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "My niece is many things, subtle is not one of them."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Ah, so you admit that Celina is of the Masque?"

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Which, apparently, is the insinuation."

(Great House d'Murani): Rattusk says, "And we like her for that! Unless she drags us into nasty nasty trees."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "And indeed, what matter is it? Family loyalties should trump all."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Well, I fear that they do not."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Did I not risk maggoting and the disfavour of my Lord, not to mention the loss of my position for the good of the family?"

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Do not be silly. Nothing matters but the Glomdoring."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "And the d'Murani means nothing as a tool for the Glomdoring? A pity, brother, for Celina and Daedalion are useful tools, are they not?"

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Lord Fain has little care for Glomdoring, as, I'm sure, the Glomdoring has little care for Him."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "I might just hold your word."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Or you might consider that the Shadow Court is well aware of allegiances, brother, and consider greater subtlety in your actions."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "For Celina's presence, and allegiances, are sanctioned. I would not wish to cause dischord within your Commune, considering how recently it has pulled itself from slumber."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Is that so, Eye?"

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Eye? What is this 'Eye' you speak of?"

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "The venerated Eye of Crow. My husband."

(Great House d'Murani): Daedalion says, "He's talking to his body parts."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Is it so that Celina and Daedalion are sanctioned Fainites?"

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "The Eye is new to his position. If you wish, I shall explain the matter."

(Great House d'Murani): Daedalion says, "Eh? when did I become a sanctioned fainite."

You utter a deep, rumbling laugh.

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Celina, mayhap. Daedalion, as far as I am aware, is not a member of the Order."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "As far as Celina's work for My Lord, it has been limited to keeping an eye on Somaria, who has been known to cause certain troubles."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "As she is even now."

(Great House d'Murani): Veracruz says, "Hehe to take somaria's word on anything, that's hilarious in itself."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "I think I might just tune my totem for the matter."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "The girl has been thrown from every organization within the Basin, and for good reason. She has betrayed two Gods, a multitude of allies, two husbands, several fiances, and several Orders."

(Great House d'Murani): You say, "How interesting, Sthai. It is amusing how the entire Shadow Court seems oblivious to the fact that Celina is a 'sanctioned' follower of Fain, and even that our illustrious Marshall has neglected to mention it in our conversations. In any case, I thank you for confirming what I already knew."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "To think that you would take her word on whatever conspiracies you may imagine is insulting. It certainly does no good for the Dark Forest."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Dear cousin, it was known, whether or not it was acknowledged."

You tell Merciless Chieftain, Dylara Nimaet, Ward of the Rose, "We must speak urgently in the Shadow Court."

You tell Lord Druken Inseira, the Silent Conductor, "We must speak urgently in the Shadow Court."

Dylara doffs a sinuous ornate helm cordially.

You nod your head at Dylara.

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "The point seems to be, Sthai, that Fain is not welcome within the Forest."

You say to Ashai, "I have asked Dylara and Druken to come so that we may discuss the matter."

Druken arrives from the south.

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "In any manifestation."

Druken inclines his head politely to those around him.

You say, "A situation has arisen."

"Oh?" Dylara exclaims quizzically.

You close the steel door to the south.

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "How terribly narrow-minded, brother."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Yes, it is quite delightful."

You say, "It appears that we have spies within the Glomdoring."

You frown and say, "Of the Lord Fain."

Dylara raises an eyebrow questioningly.

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "So you would choose to ignore the word of your sister over the poisoned words of an oathbreaker and a whore."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Charming."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "It is not Somaria's word, even."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Or her latest victim, indeed. Poor lad."

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Who sees a great deal more truth than I dare say can be hidden behind a mask!"

You say, "I was approached by Somaria two months ago telling informing me that Celina was a member of the Order of Lord Fain, and that she was receiving orders from authority within the Order to infiltrate Glomdoring. Apparently their desire is to take as much control as possible."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "What -truth- brother?"

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "I shall give you unvarnished truth then, if it shall do any good."
3
You say, "This month, Iwiertas made a confession."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Tune your totems."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "You will find nothing."

You say, "He is a crow within the Blackalon."

You say, "Ahem, Blacktalon."

Dylara nods her head emphatically.

Lord Druken Inseira, the Silent Conductor asks, "Why is the Ascendant not present?"

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Celina worked to assuage a debt."

Merciless Chieftain, Dylara Nimaet, Ward of the Rose says, "Yes, I think my Champion should be allowed."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "And reported to me on Celina, and offered unto Fain."

You say, "Very well."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Beyond that, she held no role within the Order."

You tell Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Xenthos, can you come to the Shadow Court?"

You open the steel door to the south.

Lord Druken Inseira, the Silent Conductor says, "He has the most experience, even more than I, ado with Court happenings. We can benefit from his input."

Xenthos enters from the south, emanating an aura of immense power.

(Great House d'Murani): Ashai says, "Whether true or false, this babble does little to persuade. Forked tongue."

Xenthos tilts his head curiously.

Dylara nods her head emphatically.

You nod your head in agreement.

You close the steel door to the south.

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Forked Tongue I am indeed, but the proof shall be revealed."

You say to Xenthos, "We have a situation, it appears."

A soft breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

You say, "Allow me to repeat myself for context."

You say, "Two months ago I was approached by Somaria claiming that members of the Order of Fain had infiltrated the Glomdoring."

Xenthos raises an eyebrow questioningly.

You say, "She only named two, however: Celina, and a member of the Murder who she had apparently only recently brought in to help her, one by the name of Iwiertas."

Dripping water echoes in the distance.

You say, "I spoke with Arel about this, and it appears we had found the same from sperate information, though I do not know what."

You beat your wings furiously, hovering in the air.

You say, "This month, Iwiertas asked to speak with my Talons."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "So then."

You say, "It turned into a confession of the entire incident."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Put Celina to the test. I do ask, politely, however, that you refrain from tuning your totems once you've satisfied your curiosity, for I would rather like to visit my family, no matter their opinions of my Patron."

You mutter discontentedly.

You say, "I must depart. Ashai, could you take over?"

Ashai d'Murani says, "Ah, I suppose."

You nod your head emphatically.


You grow still and begin to silently pray for preservation of your soul while you are out of the land.
3479h, 4396m, 5244e, 10p exk-incline

You incline your head politely to those around you.

Lord Druken Inseira, the Silent Conductor says, "Now that are all up to speed, I think we can open discussion."

You put a bloody eyeball into a leather backpack.

Lord Druken Inseira, the Silent Conductor asks, "Unless there's more to tell?"

You feel your insides clench as your soul is frozen.

You tell Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana, "Darkest tidings... Sthai."

Sthai tells you, "Eye."

You tell Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana, "It was the most interesting conversation that we had last month over the aether of the family, though I was most disappointed that I had not the time to add more. However, I am more than willing to engage once more. I do not believe we have, in fact, met. Further disappointing that I have not spoken more with my sister in law."

Sthai tells you, "Indeed. Perhaps over tea?"

You tell Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana, "Such a wonderful idea."

You tell Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana, "Perhaps you would care to join me in my manse? It is nothing grand I fear, but quite suitable."

Sthai tells you, "That will suit quite well."

You sit yourself down on a large, comfortable armchair of plush red velvet and make yourself comfortable.

You tell Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana, "Marvelous. You should be able to enter from the aetherplex. I fear I've not linked it to your wonderful city yet."

Sthai tells you, "Ah, indeed? What is the name?"

You tell Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana, "It is the Hall of Shadows."

Sthai tells you, "Indeed. Allow me to finalize some business, and I shall meet you there. Are you acquainted with the Black Cherry variant prized within the Presidio?"

You tell Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana, "Unfortunately not."

An enormous black crow slowly wakens, looking fit and refreshed.

Sthai tells you, "Ah, indeed. I shall bring a bit of it with, then."

Sthai tells you, "Indeed, my business is complete."

You portal to Hall of Shadows.
Expanse within the darkness.
You feel hidden powers in this room. The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. There are 2 large, comfortable armchair of plush red velvets here. A dark red leather couch rests here, its golden legs contrasting with the surroundings. A statue of Crow stands here, memorializing his noble spirit. A beautifully carved chess board is attached firmly to a heavy stand here. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. Sthai is here, pondering thoughtfully. She wields an elegant viola of the engine in her left hand. You see a sign here instructing you to use the PORTAL command to enter the aetherplex system.
There are no obvious exits.

Sthai inclines her head politely to you.

You incline your head politely to Sthai.

Gesturing towards the leather couch, you say, "Do take a seat."

One eyebrow twitching, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed."

Sthai sits herself down on a leather couch and makes herself comfortable.

You sit yourself down on a large, comfortable armchair of plush red velvet and make yourself comfortable.

You have recovered balance on all limbs.
3119h, 4134m, 5244e, 10p exk-look sthai

She is an ordinary undead human and is tinged with a faint, sickly yellow over ivory skin. Her cheeks, sunk and hollow, are sharply slanted beneath slitted yellow eyes and immaculately braided brown hair. Her lips, thinned and unwelcoming, have been touched with a crimson powder, rendering her facial features in a contrast not unlike that of a mask. She is thin, but moves with a dancer's grace, swaying slightly like a tuned automaton. Crimson amaranth blossoms cover her neck and arms, almost but not quite covering slanting scars on her neck that faintly resemble gill markings. She is wearing 3 etched ruby rings, a Circlet of Lucidity, a parafilament purse, an ivory amaranth-shaped brooch, a half moon mask, a beautiful pair of wine coloured slippers, a trailing, black chiffon skirt dusted with diamonds, and an amaranth-embroidered corset.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana smoothes her robes and leans back, drawing a small marble box from within her robes.

You smile and say, "A pleasure to meet you in person, at last. I am finally able to put a face to voice."

A faint smile crossing her lips, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed, likewise. I have long known Ashai, of course. It is well indeed to meet the man he is so enamoured of."

You have emoted: Emar rests his elbows on the arm of his chair and entwines his hands.

You ask, "Affairs have been well in Magnagora, I hope?"

Thoughtfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Passingly well enough, albeit marred with the usual politics and crude affairs of the Serfs. I'm afraid the stupidity of those young and old is a common denominator wherever one may go."

With a nod, you say, "Unfortunately so. Fortunately for the Dark Forest however, the Wyrd is an excellent tool to help weed out such weakness."

Running her fingers over the lid of the marble box, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed. We simply feed the weaker of them to Gorgulu, or oftentimes, use them as an object lesson. Every so often one must ask their peers to clean up the mess."

You have emoted: Emar turns his gaze thoughtfully into the darkness before flickering it back to Sthai, his lips breaking into a subtle smile.

You have recovered balance on all limbs.

You say, "Everyone has their place."

Serenely, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Quite true indeed. And it is often a winding road to reaching such a place."

You nod your head in agreement.

Tracing the carving of an amaranth with a single finger, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed, were it not for the vagaries of the Fates, I suspect I would be dwelling within your fair Forest even now."

Your eyes twinkle enchantingly.

You say, "All come to Mighty Glomdoring in time, Sthai. Whether as whole, or as dust."

Thoughtfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Perhaps. I find it a pleasant enough place to visit, but I rather prefer the comforts of civilization."

You look thoughtful and say, "Then it is here you and I part ways, I fear. Such comforts are made to simply veil the flaw in such life. There is nothing stronger than living and dwelling within nature, and what is more, within the epitome of utter perfection that is the Glomdoring."

With a shrug, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Perhaps. I find philosophy on such matters transitory, however, compared to the pursuits of aesthetics and scholarly inquiry. Where one dwells, I have found, matters little - it is the mind and self within that grows, separate entirely from philosophy, allegiance, or Divinity."

Starting thoughtfully into the shadows, you say, "To an extent one would agree. It is the mind that self which matters, that grows, but a seed cannot flourish without the proper soil."

You have emoted: Emar waves a hand as he turns his gaze to Sthai once more.

Smiling slightly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed, and different plans may flourish in varying soils. One cannot grow the grapes for fine wines on the same dirt as one grows amaranths, or, perhaps brambles?"

Thoughtfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "And tea, perhaps, requires more subtle environmentals yet. Speaking of which.."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana leans forwards, placing the carved marble box upon the chessboard.

A sparkle in her eyes, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Black Cherry, the pride of the Presidio nobility - a blend, they say, favored by Hallifax before the failure of Cosmic Hope."

Staring at the marble box, you say, "Oh? How fascinating."

You stroke an enormous black crow tenderly.
An enormous black crow spreads his wings and caws loudly.

Leaning back on the couch, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "It is raised under close supervision - pruned and raised in specialized pots, the water levels carefully watched - it is prone to root rot, you see."

Smiling slightly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "The priests feed it on the dried blossoms of the cherry trees that grow within the Presidio - thus the name, and the delicate, subtle flavors so acclaimed by the Magnagoran nobility."

Pondering the box, you say, "With such complex work, one would be surprised if it were nothing but the best."

You look thoughtful and say, "And then, as I have been told before by another d'Murani whilst visiting with my husband, Magnagora accepts only the best."

Thoughtfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "It is one of the best. I would not call it the foremost and king of teas, however. Ones mood may vary from one flavor to another."

You smile and say, "Such is the brilliant subtlety of tea, I'd wager."

A smile flickering across her lips, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed. Perhaps a book is in order."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

You say, "A sound idea."

Lightly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "For while the Lucidians may cry the glory of Black Cherry, the Dracnari, I'm sure, would dispute the claim."

Untwining his hands and resting his arms over the arms of the chair, you say, "More than likely. As I was telling a... particularly interesting visitor to the forest last month in fact, it is everyone to their own."

Sthai nods solemnly.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed. Many tastes and choices may suit only one or the other. Such is the marvellous diversity of life and mortality after all."

You say, "Indeed."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "But ah, let us cease the sophistry of the tea - one cannot taste it through words alone."

Sthai's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Much as one might wish to make the attempt."

You smile softly.

You say, "Quite, I fear there are few words left to say about it regardless."

Teasingly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Ah, it has such fine, smooth golden notes, redolent of the cherries it is fed upon and the scent in springtime - why, I can taste the refined soil and the black notes beneath.."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

You say, "Then again, I may be wrong it appears."

Wryly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "But let us brew it, and not chatter nonsense about the taste before experiencing it. Have you a teapot?"

Shaking his head, you say, "I'm afraid not."

Smiling slightly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Well then. I am glad to have come prepared."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana draws a small iron teapot from within her back, along with a small brazier and a powerstone.

Quirking an eyebrow, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Shall I make further use of the chessboard?"

Waving his hand, you say, "Feel free."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana sets the brazier down in the center of the board and slots the powerstone into place. A single murmured syllable sets the stone to burning with a visible aura of distortion.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana leans forwards and sets the teapot atop the brazier, then draws a clear vial of water from her purse, uncorks it politely and sips a drop from it before emptying it into the teapot.

Apologetically, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "A habit within the Engine, I mean no offense. Some of the nobility are quite touchy regarding what they allow past their lips."

You nod your head at Sthai.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana removes the lid from the marble box, revealing black pellets rolled and wraped partially in dried blossoms.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana carefully measures a small portion into the top of the teapot, then closes both teapot and box.

Sthai nods her head emphatically.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana draws a small wooden case from within her pack and opens it, revealing four delicate clay cups carved with thorny patterns. Two are selected and set upon the table, and the case is returned to her pack, securely latched.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana rests a slender hand against the belly of the pot, then nods and leans back.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "It shall need, I think, a few minute to heat and brew."

You smile softly.

You nod your head emphatically.

You say to Sthai, "You have me quite looking forward to this now, Sthai."

Smiling faintly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I do hope the tea shall live up to your expectations, then."

Wistfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Ah, this quite reminds me of dear Xinemus. I wonder how he has fared? It has been long since I have heard him in these realms."

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

You say, "I had the great pleasure of speaking with Xinemus a few months ago. He is usually quite rare, unfortunately."

You say to Sthai, "A wonderful asset to the Murder."

You look thoughtful and say, "The Murder in fact have many talented crows of late."

Smiling, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Oh? I am glad to hear it - talent is always a blessing, and rare indeed."

You nod your head in agreement.

A sad note in her voice, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Although so often touched by madness or childish actions."

You tilt your head curiously.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana glances down at the teapot, a shadow flitting across her eyes.

Wistfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Ah, never mind me. Too many proteges who demand my attention, and then come to hate me for it."

You say, "Ahh, yes. Proteges. I have found picking only the best typically works. One time I took on all who came to me, and this turned out to be a bad decision indeed."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana leans forwards, one hand cupped over the belly of the teapot.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "It has been my practice to take those who are promising, and yet, each one of them has broken under what they asked from me, or simply caused trouble. I have had... five of note. Three or four more perhaps who merely imitate, and seek to call themselves my pupils."

Thoughtfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I have never quite grasped the root of their discontent. I suspect I never shall."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana lifts the teaput off of the brazier and carefully pours a measure into each teacup.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana sets the pot down again and passes one of the cups to you.

You look thoughtful and say, "Some I suspect Sthai, despite our best intents and efforts, are simply too weak."

You have emoted: Emar smiles pleasantly before taking the cup off Sthai.

Thoughtfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Likely. So many are."

Annoyed, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Ah, there was the one child who came very close, and then was ruined by her father. Poor child."

Murmuring, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I never did get the correspondence journal back from the girl."

You have emoted: Emar lifts the teacup to his nose and takes a deep breath, before pressing it to his lips and sipping quietly.

You smile softly.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana takes up her own teacup and leans back, smiling over the brim.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "Unusual, yet quite enjoyable, yes?"

You say to Sthai, "A shame. And this definitely lives up to expectations, Sthai."

Sthai's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

You nod your head in agreement.

Pleased, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I am quite glad to hear it."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana sips at her own tea, eyes going half-lidded in enjoyment.

Taking another sip, you say, "Quite enjoyable indeed."

You look thoughtful and say, "Things have been... most interesting within the Dark Forest of late."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana arches an inquiring eyebrow.

Thoughtfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I caught but the edge of it in our discussion."

You say to Sthai, "It appears that we are beset by something most alien to the Glomdoring... I believe you in Magnagora call it 'scandal'"

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana nods pensively.

You have emoted: Emar takes another sip from his teacup as he stares thoughtfully into the darkness.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed?"

His brow contorted into a subtle frown, you say, "Indeed. It appears that we have spies in our midst."

Sighing regretfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Ah, that, yes. A misunderstanding, to some degree."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana sips her tea, her face unreadable.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "One of them being a rather personal game between myself and the Marshal."

You have emoted: Emar cocks his head to one side, surveying Sthai with his somber, red eyes thoughtfully as he takes another sip from his teacup.

You ask, "A personal game, you say?"

Nodding slightly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed. One of my former proteges is Somaria Makiare."

"Oh?" you exclaim quizzically.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "The girl came to me on multiple occasions asking to be my student - once from the Nihilists, seeking my former experience there, once personally, and once again when directed by My Lord."

Faintly annoyed, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "The first time, she... demanded, as opposed to simply asking politely - I sent her away, and my rejection had her husband of the time threatening to kill me. The girl later spent most of her days in rude jests and smirks in my direction."

Sthai rolls her eyes.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I endeavoured to ignore her like the maggot she was, as she passed quickly from Guild to Guild within the city."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Then she came to me again. I rejected her out of hand. Finally, she was beset by gravediggers, and saved by the intervention of My Lord."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana scowls into the depths of her teacup.

You look thoughtful and say, "I see..."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "And so, despite being thrown from the city, associating with Luciden's... den of iniquity, let us call it prettily... I was told by My Lord to take the girl under my wing."

Sipping her tea, face smoothing once more, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "So there was nothing for it but to allow the girl into the Order. And to be fair, she is not a complete waste of air - she has some talents in teaching the young, had some writing ability."

Thoughtfully, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "She divorced her husband, cast aside former associations, did good work - so I promoted her, and set tasks, each one she rose to with greater skill."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "It seemed as if her former associations and dramatic fits were a thing of the past. I entrusted her then with details of a plot to see the then Sohei of the Ninjakari deposed and replaced with a Fainite - for He is Patron of that Guild."

Irritated, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "There were three who knew. Myself, Makiare, and the poor fool we had hoped to replace the Sohei with. Within two days, the Sohei knew, and the fool had to leave his Guild."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "To say I was wroth with the girl was an understatement."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "My Lord wished the Ninjakari more firmly in his grip - they have, frankly, been a disaster since inception, and continue to be a blight upon the city."

You have emoted: Emar takes a long drink out of his teacup as he listens thoughtfully, eyes twinkling darkly as he surveys Sthai.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "All of this was thrown to nothing. I brought the girl before me. It was clear, from testimony from other Fainites within the Guild, from the word of the fool, from the smirks the girl had been throwing at me, what had transpired."

With some asperity, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "What was I to do? The girl had betrayed her Lord, betrayed me, spit upon the hand I had offered. I had taken the girl as my Handmaiden and protege, and now this - I cast her from the Order, of course, and branded her an enemy of it."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "She called me... a female dog, I believe, took her fiance, and fled to Celest. For some months afterwards, coming into years, she sent me reports of Eventru - some accurate, some not, some luring towards an ambush."

Sthai rolls her eyes.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I began to use her as target practice for the younger and more hot-blooded members of the Order seeking to curry favor. Some took to it with great zeal - it seems Makiare managed to make quite a few enemies in her tenure within the Engine and her shouts against My Lord."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Finally, I ordered the Order off of her, and let her be."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana sets down her teacup with a sigh.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Reports came here and there of her associating with Elostian to a great degree."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "After having left Celest in a snit regarding... an election and Eventru, I believe."

Sthai shrugs helplessly.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Rather more recently, word came up from the High Priest of My Lord that Makiare sought her enemy brand removed, as she had become engaged to one Gabranth n'Kylbar."

Dryly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "A more fitting couple the Fates could not have dreamt of. One overly dramatic girl with delusions of spying and subtlety, another man with delusions of superiority, both with a distinct tendency towards drama."

You have emoted: Emar takes a long drink from his teacup before setting it down on the chessboard.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "And yet, she had come pleading to my door. She now stood at Elostian's doorstep - the doorstep of my old friend, Arel Rillaen. I was irritated, needless to say - no one deserves being saddled with the wench."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "So I spoke with the Marshall regarding the situation. Even as Somaria attempted to insinuate her way into the good graces of My Lord, she courted Elostian."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Arel and myself compared notes and set the girl the impossible and known task of entering Elostian's Order and betraying all of the Order's secrets to Lord Fain."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "In the process, I called Celina to me."

Sthai purses her lips pensively, gazing off into the distance as she carefully gathers her thoughts.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "Another failed protege, one who owed me a favor for twice betraying my trust in two different Guilds."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "She retrieved Makiare, and I threatened Makiare speciously with all manner of horrors, then had Celina return her to the forest with the threat that My Lord was watching, and with a flick of her finger, Celina held Makiare's fate within her hands."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "Well and so. The Marshall and I wagered some small coin on it, had tea, and went back to managing the Commune and the Cacophony respectively, wondering what Makiare's next movement would be."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "An Exarch, highly placed within the Order of Fain, who apparently took it upon himself to slay Somaria and Iwiertas - apparently recruited by, mmm, Melville, in the hopes that Celina would return to the fold - and set off this entire mess."

Waving a hand dismissively, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "At the time, Celina and Daedalion had been considering Iwiertas for a son. He was convinced otherwise, and from Fain, I gather, by Makiare."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "And so we come to the scandal."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana leans back with a sigh, brow creased with a frown.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "And all this over a bet."

You have emoted: Emar drums his fingers against the arms of the chair, filling the silence with rhythm.

You say, "So..."

You ask Sthai, "Iwiertas was lying when he talked of Celina welcoming him into the Order of Fain?"

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I'm not sure why or how he decided to mak the accusation."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I don't know the young man in question, unfortunately."

You look thoughtful and say, "Indeed, I was not aware that there was such bad blood between Iwiertas and Celina..."

You smile and say, "Fortunately however, my dear Sthai, I do know him."

Sthai raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed?"

You stroke an enormous black crow tenderly.
An enormous black crow spreads his wings and caws loudly.

You have emoted: Emar leans back into his chair, his eyes flickering darkly as his mouth curls into a twisted smile.

You have recovered balance on all limbs.

You say, "Tell me, Sthai. Do you know of a poem called 'N'h Wyrd'?"

Tilting her head slightly in curiosity, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I'm not acquainted with it, no."

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

You look thoughtful and say, "It was a poem in crow tongue revealed to myself while dwelling within the shadow of Mighty Crow himself the last time that I was the Eye of Crow."

You say to Sthai, "This is going back... sixty or so years, now."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana nods slightly.

You look thoughtful and say, "The first passage is by far my favourite..."

You proclaim, "N'h Tzya K'noh Oari K'ian Doim d'ia Wyrd, n'h tzya K'liani Mor'dhis d'ia Wyrd."

You say, "Translated... It reads 'Through the Eye of Crow we see the Truth, within the Epitome of Perfection'"

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana's eyebrow quirks slightly.

You flash your most manicured, charming and utterly false smile.

You say to Sthai, "Something you said last month struck me as most curious, and you elude to it today in fact..."

Shaking his head, you say, "But before we get to that, I wish to tell you a story."

You say, "In similar vein to the interesting tale you just told."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana folds her hands and leans back.

Sthai tilts her head and listens intently.

You look thoughtful and say, "Several years ago now, a new crow was welcomed into the Blacktalon and the Commune."

You say to Sthai, "By my husband, in fact."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana smiles a slight smile of honest pleasure and nods to you.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "From the Shadowdancers, aye?"

You say, "My husband spent some time in the Night Coven before coming to the Murder, but I speak of another crow, who is Magnagoran in origin I believe."

You say, "When she arrived, the most interesting event happened... It appears that she was of the Order of Fain, but must have done something deeply terrible to upset Him and His Order, for She was silenced by her tongue being ripped out, and we had several Magnagorans at the Master Ravenwood teasing and provoking her. Quite the spectacle."

Sthai winces in pain.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana murmurs, "The girl was never terribly subtle or wise."

You stroke an enormous black crow tenderly.
An enormous black crow spreads his wings and caws loudly.

You say, "So, some time pasts and she rises within the Murder. She does much, and becomes a great asset. However, there is something about her that strikes me as most odd... Something that does not seem quite right. I then find the most... intriguing tomes left on the floor of our guild library."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana's left eyebrow arches.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Tomes?"

You say to Sthai, "Apologies, I mean a singular tome."

You say, "It was most definitely hers, it had her mark on it. And yet... the writings inside were most definitely not Wyrden."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana frowns slightly.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Curious."

You say, "However. I let it pass, and I return said tome to her via letter."

You look thoughtful and say, "In the next act, we turn to affairs of the Shadow Court..."

You say to Sthai, "The most unusual things have been occurring you see, Sthai. There is a hidden hand it appears around the neck of the Shadow Court, manipulating affairs and bringing us closer to your city."

You look thoughtful and say, "What strikes me as most odd, is that our illustrious Marshall disagrees entirely."

You look thoughtful and say, "And then... this."

You stroke an enormous black crow tenderly.
An enormous black crow spreads his wings and caws loudly.

Sthai gives a pained sigh.

You look thoughtful and say, "I am approached by a member of the Commune claiming that there are Fainite spies within the Glomdoring, seeking to clutch and gain power and influence within the forest."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana rubs the bridge of her nose slowly.

You say, "They name two... Celina, and Iwiertas, who apparently had been brought into the fold to help assist Celina."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "You have my word, upon My Lord and art itself that there is no plot such as you ennumerate, has existed."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana leans back, rubbing her temples.

You smile softly.

Annoyed, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "If there were such a Fainite plot, I assure you the Exarch, highly placed himself within the Order, would not have dared risked the Lord's anger by setting upon members of the Glomdoring. Such would be even worse than Makiare's deeds."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "He is most wroth when His games are spoiled."

You smile and say, "You will have to do better than that, Sthai. It is most curious that everything that I have found out, has turned out to be true, despite your interesting attempts to still cling to the influence that you have appeared to have tried to build within the Dark Forest. Yes, your name was mentioned too. As was the name of your leader, Morvior..."

You look thoughtful and say, "It appears further that I am not the only member of the Shadow Court to have suspected Celina. You didn't choose very wisely when you picked her, I fear."

Dryly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "My influence is thus. Arel is an old friend - we collaborated upon a book when I was a member of the Nihilists."

A wry smile spreads across your face.

You say, "Ahh yes... Our illustrious Marshall. Arel Rillaen."

You look thoughtful and say, "The most curious lucidian."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "A valued friend. A good scholar."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "And that I shall freely admit without shame, for he is one of the best I have known in my existence."

You say to Sthai, "I have no doubt. I made a point of seeing him after I spoke with my contact, you see."

You smile and say, "And only him."

Sthai raises an eyebrow questioningly.

You say to Sthai, "And yet despite he being the only one who knew, my name pops up later in this grand charade. By Celina herself, no less."

You smile impishly and say, "Most amusing."

Sthai blinks.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana tilts her head curiously.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Celina?"

You smile and say, "Not to me directly, of course."

Plainly, you say, "The Shadow Court is set to reprimand Celina for her actions. She could even be removed from the forest."

Sthai gives a pained sigh.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana rubs her temples slowly.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "A damned waste. She was becoming bareable, it seemed, in the Blacktalon."

You say, "Indeed."

You say to Sthai, "On another note, Daedalion is not the most subtle of people either. When Iwiertas confessed, I confronted Daedalion before he had the chance to find out. Curious that he should have gone to you."

Tired, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "He wanted my word that I would give corroboration on Celina's Order status."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

You look thoughtful and say, "And this provoked that curious statement off you over the d'Murani family aether..."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Emar. I shall speak plainly, for I have little energy - it has been a hellish year for me. There is no plot, save the bet. Whether or not you believe it seems to have little impact, at this point, however, which is regrettale."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana leans forwards and pours herself another cup of tea, her eyes shadowed.

You smile softly.

You say to Sthai, "I do not know why you continue to cover this up, Sthai. You admitting or not admitting it holds no weight over consequences now. And I am not going to drag your name into this charade further, there is no point."

You look thoughtful and say, "However, that does not mean all your effort has to become naught..."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana closes her eyes and sighs, inhaling the steam rising from the tea.

Without opening her eyes, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Oh?"

You ask, "You enjoy games, Sthai?"

Flatly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "No."

You say, "Curious, considering that bet with Arel."

You say to Sthai, "I am going to make you an offer, Sthai."

You stroke an enormous black crow tenderly.
An enormous black crow spreads his wings and caws loudly.

You say, "That could save Celina from being removed from Glomdoring."

Sthai raises an eyebrow questioningly.

You look thoughtful and say, "I'll even have those totems against Fain removed."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana murmurs, "Kind of you. I do enjoy the ambiance."

You look thoughtful and say, "Last month you said that Celina was sanctioned within the Glomdoring."

Sthai nods her head emphatically.

You ask, "I am curious... by whom?"

Sthai gives a pained sigh.

Pained, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Initially, her status as a member of My Lord's Order was known, by Arel, as a... gesture of some sort. The girl, although to a lesser extent than Somaria, has a tendency towards trouble. She was very disliked in Magnagora, as you yourself noted."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "At the time she entered the Forest, she was a member of the Order."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "She was ejected. She hasn't been a member for quite a while. She has, however, wished otherwise. Offered to some extent."

Sthai shrugs helplessly.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "She is not useful to My Lord in the Glomdoring."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

You say, "I agree. She probably is not a member of Fain's Order, though I disagree with the reasoning why."

You look thoughtful and say, "Unfortunately, due to Iwiertas confessing in front of Celina, my plans to tune a totem to test her vanished."

You say, "As no doubt, she has renounced or been removed."

Shrugging, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "This would seem a good tactical move, were it the case."

You say, "I agree, it would be rather foolish of that not to happen."

Flatly, you say, "When Arel agreed to that, he broke the laws of our Commune, broke the very fibre of the Glomdoring. Would the Mistress of the Webs be awake, She would further have been most displeased."

You look thoughtful and say, "Though I doubt that my Lord cares very much for Fainites within the Glomdoring, either."

You say to Sthai, "I am willing to help protect your endeavor within the forest, Sthai, as spies of Lord Fain are not the most concerning matter at hand right now."

Sthai's eyes repeatedly shut as she tries to stay awake.

A wry smile spreads across Sthai's face.

Sthai murmurs softly to herself.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "I have just recieved a message from the Marshall. It seems the totem has been tuned."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana rubs the bridge of her nose.

A wry smile spreads across your face.

You say, "I will prevent Celina from being rejected, but in return, I require information."

You smile and say, "Against Arel."

Sthai gets up off a leather couch.

You stroke an enormous black crow tenderly.
An enormous black crow spreads his wings and caws loudly.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "It seems you have misunderstood something Emar, throughout our conversation."

You tilt your head curiously.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "The Marshall is, and remains a good friend. His honor, his drive, and his sense of responsibility, drives him."

You smile and say, "Wonderful, then that is all in fact I needed to hear."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "There is nothing I can tell you about the Marshall, Emar. I have no information that can be used against him."

Flatly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "There is none, and I will not, by all that I am, craft some to satisfy your political needs, Celina on the line, my Lord's whims, or any other consideration."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "Find another liar. I am not what you seek."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana's face cracks briefly before she turns, back stiff.

You say to Sthai, "Very well then Sthai, at any rate the final piece of the puzzle has been put in place. I have heard everything that I need to know."

Choked, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Indeed. Do enjoy the tea. I pray that it had been... under more pleasant circumstances."

You say, "Perhaps the circumstances shall grace us more favourably next time."

You say, "Until then, Sthai."

Flatly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Doubtful. Give my brother my regards."

You incline your head politely to those around you.

Sthai leaves to the ether.

The Shadow Court.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. A giant black widow studies you carefully from her web. An enormous black crow flies here with gigantic wings spread. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist is here. He wields a baleful rapier of darkened steel in each hand. Maestro Eliron Inseira, Augur of the Lament is here. He wields a ravenwood viola in his left hand. Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma is here. He wields a twilit lyre of clear crystal in his left hand. Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana is here. Kaervas d'Murani is here, shrouded. He wields an iron nekai in each hand.
You see a single exit leading south (open door).

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "I want to thank you. As it turns out, honesty truly is the best policy."

Sthai's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

You tell Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "Do you know what is going on?"

Xenthos tells you, "I do not."

Sthai puts an ornately etched dagger into a parafilament purse.

The smell of decay assaults your nostrils.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana hefts a rune-inscribed twilight dagger in one hand, and smiles, a somehow unnatural expression on her lips.

Sthai gets down on one knee and, while holding forth a rune-inscribed twilight dagger, declares her eternal love for Arel, and asks him to marry her.

Arel, with a look of utter joy on his face, accepts Sthai's proposal of marriage.

Xenthos looks up into the air for divine inspiration.

Sthai stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says to Sthai, "Let this dagger between us take it's sheathe."

Arel begins to wield a rune-inscribed twilight dagger in his right hand.

With a flourish, Arel slips a rune-inscribed twilight dagger into a supple leather scabbard.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to Arel, "Let it be a symbol of our pact."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "Do you plan to tell us what this pact is?"

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Sthai and I have often found it beneficial to work together in the past."

You have emoted: Emar turns his gaze from Sthai to Arel, his somber red eyes twinkling darkly.

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Strengthening our ties will only aide Glomdoring."

You smile and say, "Congratulations."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "So. What is the pact?"

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana tucks her hand demurely into Arel's arm, and takes an adroit half-step, turning to face the Court.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to you, "Thank you. Your conspiracy, as requested."

Sthai performs a graceful curtsey.

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says to you, "Thank you, Lord Eye. I am glad you could be here with me for this."

Maestro Eliron Inseira, Augur of the Lament says to Arel, "Agreed, congratulations."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "To bed wed, of course."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Be wed, rather."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "This engagement has tied my tongue, it seems."

Maestro Eliron Inseira, Augur of the Lament tips his head to one side, golden eyes half closed.

Maestro Eliron Inseira, Augur of the Lament says to Sthai, "And of course, congratulations to you as well."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to Eliron, "Why, thank you."

Maestro Eliron Inseira, Augur of the Lament smiles and says, "Since you are one half of this matter."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "Tied your tongue, Arel?"

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana smiles slightly, her eyes alight with amusement.

Arel flashes Eliron a joyous smile.

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "This is a curious engagement. I wonder if this might intersect with what Sthai incidentally divulged regarding Celina's status as a Fainite being somehow 'sanctioned'"

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "And now I cannot help but wonder should Fain become any more welcome within the Forest."

Delicately, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Regarding the totem - I should like to visit my husband without being attacked. I know this may be rather demanding of me.."

It is now the 23rd of Estar, 209 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Xenthos rolls his eyes.

Ashai arrives from the south.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana raises her eyes to the statue of Crow, a thoughtful look on her face.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "You already can. Simply walk through the tunnels."

Ashai gives Sthai a peck on the cheek.

Sadly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "But I do so enjoy the trees."

Sthai gives Ashai a peck on the cheek.

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "A brilliant thought, Ashai. I am glad you have brought it up with the Court."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I have been meaning to speak about this with you all."

You tell Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist, "It turns out Arel knew Celina was a Fainite, and 'sanctioned' it."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "If you wish to reach the Ravenwood, use the tunnels. Otherwise, enjoy the Forest. I do not appreciate your attempting to manipulate us so shortly after your engagement."

Dryly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "Hardly a manipulation. I do so detest the thought of tarnishing my engagement."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma rests a glowing hand on Sthai's shoulder, glowing with soft pink motes of light.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana turns her head to look at Arel, a soft smile on her lips.

A soft breeze caresses your exposed skin, sending shivers through your body.

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I have been worried about this sanction as well. Emar's offer to shelter Celina and have the totem retuned should she give him some political dirt on me has concerned me greatly."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

(The Shadow Court): You say, "We talk not of the interesting conversation I had with your fiance', Arel."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "We talk of you sanctioning a known Fainite, and not informing the Shadow Court."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "Since it appears that there is much revelation of late, you must allow me to indulge."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Please explain, Lord Eye. I am most interested in hearing what you have to say."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "I approached Sthai hoping to find out who 'sanctioned' Celina, as she mentioned last month, and to find out whether you were involved at all. I left the meeting believing that you had nothing to do, short of sanctioning Celina."

Horrifying screams fill the air with torment, echoing down from Avechna's Teeth.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana's eyebrow twitches.

(The Shadow Court): You say, "So I find it most curious that Sthai went to you directly after that meeting, and that you are now engaged."

Brow creasing in a frown, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "A poor omen."

Ashai smiles wryly at Sthai.

Pressing his hands together before him, Xenthos bows his head and an indigo glow suffuses the area around his forehead.

(The Shadow Court): You say, "I also find it most curious that you took it upon yourself to sanction a Fainite, and when I spoke to you about spies within the Commune, fail to mention this at all."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I don't recall sanctioning any Fainites, Emar, you will have to point out where I did this. I am most confused."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "Sthai said this last month to the entire d'Murani House, and confirmed it to me at that meeting, saying that you were the one who did so."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "I simply find it concerning that this seems to be done as a response to the discussion about Celina... and her very first action after it was to ask that a totem be retuned so as to allow other members of the Order to hide in the Forest at will."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "I concur, and more the troubling that you, the Dark Marshall of this Commune, appear to be going along with it."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Did I order the totem to be retuned, Shadow Court?"

(The Shadow Court): You say, "You seem to be most silent about it, Arel. Not to mention bringing up my discussion with Sthai. Please, by all means prove otherwise."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "You did not. Nor did you object to her request, which, as I said, was immediately after the engagement."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I am merely confused on how I am somehow complicit with Lord Fain's operations when I bring up that Emar was offering to shelter and protect Celina, and allow for the totem to be retuned to not attack Fainites."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I seem to be quite turned around in this discussion."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "It seems you are intent on working that meeting to your own agenda, Arel, which if used against an enemy of the Commune and not a member of the Shadow Court would be most noble indeed."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "I do not believe that the Eye supports such a notion."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "In fact, it was the Merciless Chieftan, the Lord of the Song, and the Eye himself who decided to tune the totem against Fainites."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "I am not sure why you're trying to hide behind that, when you know exactly how your actions... and hers... look. That makes it somewhat harder to believe your claim, along with Ashai's statement."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I am aware of exactly how they look. I do not mind a political marriage in service of Glomdoring when Emar has his sights on condemning me for secret conspiracies with Sthai whether or not where are engaged."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "It's no longer a secret."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "So, instead, you tell us of some "conspiracy" yourself, and make it official?"

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "It was plainly a conspiracy, on your behalf."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "One accusation at a time please, it is getting a bit hard to keep track of them all at the moment."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Such is the way that a twisted web unravels, I suppose."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Xenthos, your accusations first please."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "I'm simply trying to understand why you thought this was a good idea. This was clearly done as a reaction to our "finding out" about Celina, and further, you remain silent on her request based entirely upon her new tie to you. What, exactly, are you trying to do at this point? You've created your very own conspiracy for no apparent reason that I can ascertain."

Dripping water echoes in the distance.

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "My apologies, Xenthos, but you are mistaken in your assumption of this being in response to Celina. I informed Druken of Celina the moment I found out from Somaria. I also spoke with Emar about it, though her clearly knew of more spies than just Celina. You may confirm this with Druken if you wish. At this point the engagement is partly for my own amusement and partly to gain some political tie with Magnagora. I certainly have no love for Lord Fain, being presently engaged in trying to find out who his spies are in Glomdoring and in Lord Elostian's Order."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says to Sthai, "My apologies, dear Sthai, but the Court has yet to come to the decision on what to do with the totem tuned against Lord Fain's Order. You will have to go by the caves if you wish to visit me."

Sthai gives a pained sigh.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to Arel, "Ah, things are never simple."

A wry smile spreads across Sthai's face.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to Arel, "I'll send letters, then."

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana reaches up, brushing her fingers against Arel's cheek, a fond smile on her lips.

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says to Sthai, "Oh, could you speak to the Iron Council about having the statues tuned against Lord Elostian's Order retuned? I do not wish to run into the same problems in Magnagora that you have here."

Sthai nods her head at Arel.

Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says to Arel, "I inspected them a few years ago. None remain at this moment."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Has that addressed all of your concerned Xenthos?"

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Ah, excellent."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Concerns, rather."

Dryly, Sthai d'Murani, Aois-Dana says, "It appears that the Legion's Order simply forgot."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "Addressed, yes. Answered, no. As well as raising more... but perhaps someone else should raise their own at this point."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "One moment then, I will need to get a bite to eat."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Excuse me a moment."

Sthai leaves, following Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma.
Arel leaves to the south.

"What the...?" says Xenthos, looking puzzled.

You shake your head.

Ashai peers about himself unscrupulously.

Sthai arrives following Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma.
Arel arrives from the south.

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Ah, my apologies."

Sthai consumes a roasted steak platter leisurely, seeming to enjoy every bite.

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Alright then, continue with the accusations. Ashai, would you like to go next?"

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Very well."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "It is clear that you somehow think that Fain will do good for the Forest. This has lead to several decisions, first, the sanctioning of Celina. Secondly, the engagement with Sthai, and thirdly, what it entails, the notion that a bond with Fain shall strengthen the Forest somehow. Is this at all incorrect?"

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Indeed, Ashai. I have never sanctioned Celina and informed Druken of her motives within Glomdoring as soon as I had found out from Somaria and planned to use this to Glomdoring's advantage. No one has produced any proof of this sanction yet, which I will be interested in hearing when all of the accusations have been addressed. Second, the engagement with Sthai is political maneuvering with Magnagora, not with Lord Fain. Finally I have never intimated a bond with Lord Fain would strengthen the forest, that is something your willingness to accuse me of has led you to, when the obvious front would be a bond with Magnagora."

Dripping water echoes in the distance.

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "Pardon, but with recent events, that's hardly the obvious front."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Yes, it's been confirmed several ways otherwise."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "By your fiance."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I stand corrected, you make a very good point Xenthos."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "What is most distressing, however, is how despotic these decisions are becoming."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Oh?"

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Yes. That you are consulting with Magnagora and Fain's Forked Tongue entirely on your own, as evidently, none of the Court knows any of this."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Even the seated Court."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "The only consulting I have done with Sthai since she left the Lord Enigma's service was only a month or two ago when she revealed that Celina was a spy in the forest, by which point I had already informed Druken, a member of the Seated Court. The Court has no need to know who my contacts are in any organization. From what Emar has admitted, I am not the only one consorting with Lord Fain's Order."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "As to Magnagora, the only consorting I have done with them is to have their Ambassador replaced with one who did not enslave the fae."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Yes. In exchange for sanctioning Celina."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Ashai, I am deeply impressed with the depths of your plotting. You and Emar make excellent companions in your quest to shame me. Celina was a member of Glomdoring long before I spoke with Magnagora about having their Ambassador reappointed, and allowing spies a foothold in the forest is hardly worth getting a new Ambassador."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Fortunately, merely that your plot is uncovered leaves barely any effort on anyone's part to shame you."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Further, on the most pedestrian scale, do we wish to strengthen bonds with Magnagora?"

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says to Sthai, "I am sure you are quite bored standing her in silence, dear."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Is that an executive decision, on your behalf?"

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "We wish to strengthen the ties with both cities, is what I have been hearing from the Court. The plan was to use Celina as an example to Celest that we do not sympathize with Magnagora and to show Magnagora they will meet with us on our terms."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I believe we lost that edge when Emar revealed Celina to the entire Court and to Lord Fain's Order, even though I requested he keep it to himself and speak about it only with Lord Nocht."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "It seems you are using the incorrect pronoun. We, rather than I. Sthai is not of the Shadow Court, nor does anyone else seem to have assented to such a program."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Emar has expounded upon it many times."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Does the Marshall embody your words aptly, Eye?"

(The Shadow Court): You say, "I find this most amusing, to say the least. Perhaps it is time that I shared a few words, no?"

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Please Emar, go ahead."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "One moment."

Sthai leaves, following Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma.
Arel leaves to the south.

Arel arrives from the south.

Arel closes the steel door to the south.

Arel locks the steel door.

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "My apologies."

Arel tilts his head and listens intently to you.


You say, "First of all, yes. When I learned, through Somaria, that there were spies within the Glomdoring, I approached Arel to see about how the situation could be handled. Arel quotes in fact my proposal, that we use this as a way to sort out our relations with both cities simultaneously. However, as Iwiertas revealed the truth about Celina in front of Ashai, Somaria and Celina herself, this became a Court matter and I treated it as such. The rest of your actions, Arel, are entirely of yourself. Such as taking such a political gambit as becoming engaged to Sthai, for instance. In the future Arel, I think the entire Court would like to know about your plans. Further, you did not approach me as you made out earlier Arel to discuss Somaria. I learned this off Somaria herself, when she apparently worried that you were not acting on her information."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "I never made out that I approached you about it. I explained that I told Druken. You, in fact were the one that came to me about it, whereupon I informed you that I already knew of Celina."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Somaria seems quite the impatient one, seeing as she only informed me less than a month before she informed you."

You say, "Yes, I was clarifying a statement you made earlier."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Ah, I see, thank you."

You beat your wings furiously, hovering in the air.

You look thoughtful and say, "Now then."


You say, "I must say Arel, that this entire facade has me quite drained. There have been more twists then I can care to mention, and would care usually to have to deal with. Nothing matters but Glomdoring, however, and it is merely by obligation as the Eye of Crow that I carry out with enthusiasm. As to any 'accusations' that I have, I feel that these have been addressed quite sufficiently by Xenthos and Ashai. I am curious as to your implications with all of this, considering that we did learn last month that you sanctioned Celina, even though you are most adamant that you did not. If you did not, then this would mean that Sthai was lieing. To what agenda, I do not know."

You say, "What is clear however, is that there are many loose strands appearing of a web that is gradually unraveling."

You say, "However, I believe Xenthos had some more questions with regards to your initial statement in response to him earlier."

Arel tilts his head and listens intently to Xenthos.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I was mainly extremely disappointed to hear you say, "The engagement is partly for my own amusement.""

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Yes, that was incredibly selfish of me and not in serving with the Glomdoring.

It is now the 24th of Estar, 209 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Xenthos shakes his head.

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma asks Xenthos, "Were you looking for something else other than an admission of my selfishness in that statement?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Understanding."

You say, "You will have to excuse me a moment, I require sleep."

{I rush to get some sleep and then return}

You beat your wings furiously, hovering in the air.

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Do you wish to continue onward, or shall we have a recess and pick this up some other time."

You say, "As it seems the topic has died down, we shall leave it there I think. For now, at least. Celina is within the Realms. We should discuss what we are going to do with her."

You say, "I for one would like to hear what she has to say, unless she has already been spoken to?"

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma asks, "Shall I call her in?"

You nod your head affirmatively.

Hmph. All this behind my back.

Good read.

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Celina comes into view.

The Shadow Court.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby. A comforting feeling of privacy pervades the area. A giant black widow studies you carefully from her web. An enormous black crow flies here with gigantic wings spread. Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma is here. He wields a twilit lyre of clear crystal in his left hand. Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist is here. He wields a baleful rapier of darkened steel in each hand. Maestro Eliron Inseira, Augur of the Lament is here. He wields a ravenwood viola in his left hand. Ashai d'Murani is here. He wields the Black Cudgel of Mighty Crow in his left hand and a glowing powerstone in his right. Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart is here. She wields a mystic cudgel in her left hand and a golden sickle in her right.
You see a single exit leading south (open door).

Celina inclines her head politely to those around her.

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Quite the crowd."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "How would the Court like to proceed?"

Celina raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Dripping water echoes in the distance.

(The Shadow Court): You say, "Whether she is willing to admit it or not is a good start, and then to if she is not, her thoughts on Iwiertas' tale."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Please lead the discussion then, Lord Eye."

You have emoted: Emar turns his somber, red eyes to Celina, gazing at her thoughtfully.

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart folds her hands behind her back calmly.

You ask Celina, "Are you a member of the Order of Lord Fain, or ever have been during your time within the Glomdoring?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says to you, "I was, yes. For a short time after I moved to Glomdoring."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Undoubtedly some noticed the curse he set upon me when when I left the city. He even removed my tongue."

You ask Celina, "And this was when you left His Order?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "I was removed, actually, but yes."

A wry smile spreads across Ashai's face.

You ask Celina, "If this is true, then what do you make of the revelation of Iwiertas?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "A plot, Eye."

You ask, "A plot?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "The Priesthood striking back at me for my alleged betrayal."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "The Red Masque is notoriously unforgiving."

You look thoughtful and say, "I see."

You ask, "So they approached Iwiertas and used him against you?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "That is my suspicion, I can not confirm this as of yet. To use my own child against me."

You ask, "If this is true, then why did Safiyah i'Xii enter the Dark Forest to hunt for Iwiertas?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Alternatively, this may be an i'Xiia plot."

Celina nods her head at you.

You ask, "A i'Xiia plot?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says to you, "To Emar you must understand Magnagoran politics. The i'Xiia and the d'Murani have never seen eye to eye. A rivalry that stretches back long before my time."

Celina coughs softly.

Shrugging softly, Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "But as I said, I can't confirm anything. You must understand many see me as a traitor. They think I turned my back on the Engine when I left. I've served the Murder and Glomdoring because this is where I belong...but I've lost much in doing so."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says to you, "I was a Champion, Eye. A Marquessa. The daughter of a Noble House."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "I require opinion on something."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Then ask, Eye."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "I learned off Sthai that apparently she asked Celina to fetch Somaria several months ago, about infiltrating an Order within Celest as I recall her saying. I am not entirely sure whether it is wise to mention Somaria, however."

Arel nods his head in agreement.

Dropping her shoulders, Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "I thought I had proven myself. Broken away from my past. Now, to have those who's opinions I have held so highly look down their noses at me."

You ask, "Then you deny all allegations that you were spying on the Dark Forest for the Lord Fain, and being apart of His Order past when you were allegedly removed from it?"

You ask, "Have you had any contact or collaboration with any members of the Order of Fain with regards to matters of the Glomdoring?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "I can say with all sincerity that I have never spied on the Glomdoring for any Divine, nor have I been apart of the Order since my removal."

Ashai tells you, "It is true, she was not a spy."

Ashai tells you, "Explicitly."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "There is little else that we are going to get out of her, I fear. Are there any other questions?"

Ashai tells you, "However, there are myriad ways to infiltrate."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Celina, I am interested in hearing about your relationship with Somaria."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "We are...friends as far as I know."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Ah, so there is no underlying tension from Magnagora's game of Houses left over between you?"

Dripping water echoes in the distance.

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "I have been wondering since Somaria's punishment at the Master Ravenwood Tree."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "I may have slighted her when I first met her, but I believed we have resolved the issue. We've had many conversations since, though I can't speak for her."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Good. I would not have tensions between n'Kylbar and d'Murani affecting the forest."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "Celina is unaware that Somaria has betrayed her trust, but I'm assuming that this is obvious to everyone."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "She might feign ignorance as well."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Or Celina is aware but wishes to cover that up."

With a slow nod to Arel, Celina shows her understanding.

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Excellent, excellent."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I have no other questions."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "Xenthos? Ashai? Eliron?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "If I may ask..."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Is my husband under suspicion as well?"

Ashai d'Murani says, "Ought he be?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "I assumed he proved his loyalty to Glomdoring some years ago, but he mentioned someone had brought up his name."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Did he mention that that someone was himself?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "No, he didn't mention names. I'm not certain he knows who is trying to smear his name. He's in the dark just as much as I am."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "He's still in the Lady's order, last I knew. In fact, I noticed his wreath a few days ago."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "I do have one matter."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "Celina said herself that she had amicable relations with Somaria. There is no bad blood between them."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "That's hardly confirmation of anything, as the wreaths are not taken until She desires to take them."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "Yes?"

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "It does not concern Celina."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "However. I do believe if we were concerned about Daedalion, we would ask him."

Xenthos shrugs helplessly.

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Well, necessarily. Arel, I hope that we can trust your assurances that your ties to Sthai are solely for Magnagora, and not for Fain, because he is still unwelcome. Anyone with an ounce of tact realizes well that he does naught but exploit that which he seeks."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Thusly, I would assent to the totem remaining to be tuned as it is, for it seems highly plausible that he will continue to send spies."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "It merely concerned me that he might be removed from the only home he has known."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I hope that you can trust my assurances as well, though I have no control over whether your trust me or not."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Though, he is a bit of a pessimist. He might be fretting over nothing."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "In any matter, I would prefer to keep the totem as it is tuned."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Indeed."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "That is not entirely true, Arel."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "Your actions help decide whether or not we trust you."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I've been serving Glomdoring for most of my life, I'm not sure what else you wish of me Xenthos."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Perhaps some measure of trust exhibited on your behalf, cooperation with the Court."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "Frankly? Before this month, I believe that most of us trusted you completely. I did. Yet, as you said, "for your own amusement" you've decided to shake that foundation which you've built so well. I still do not understand why."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Because I grow weary of working for this Court when some among you are willing to claim that I knowingly sheltered a spy, yet you all seem confused as to whether Celina is a spy or not. The illogic of it all boggles my mind. You will have to forgive my immaturity in my engagement to Sthai in front of the entire Court out of spite."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Well, you do not have to forgive it, but I am truly apologetic."

(The Shadow Court): Xenthos says, "I did not claim such of you, nor would I have believed it."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Then I am sorry for involving you in such pettiness, Xenthos."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Oh, we are quite sure that she was a Fainite. Whether a spy or not... well, there are other methods of infiltration."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "I am curious as to what she would do, considering she has stated she has amicable relations with her, if Somaria testified."

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "You are all aware Somaria is a spy for Lord Fain, yes?"

(The Shadow Court): Synl (from the Aetherways) says, "If we know for a fact that Celina serves Fain, then whether or not she is a spy is of little consequence. Why has she not been removed from the Glomdoring?"

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says to Celina, "I believe that is all. Thank you."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Of course."

Celina inclines her head politely to those around her.

(Order): Nocht says, "Fascinating."

(Order): Ashai says, "My Lord?"

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma asks, "Were you all aware that Somaria is a spy or not?"

(The Shadow Court): Synl (from the Aetherways) says, "Anyone? A similar question stands regarding Somaria, though I am interested in hearing why you believe Somaria to be a servant of the Masque."

(Order): Nocht says, "Hmm. All this business with the Court. Fascinating."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I was not aware of any spies, or I would have mentioned something."

(Order): Ashai says, "You listen in, my Lord?"

(The Shadow Court): You say, "I do not believe she is a servant of the Masque."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "You should be here, Synl."

Maestro Eliron Inseira, Augur of the Lament says, "I was not aware."

(Order): Nocht says, "The talk on the aetherwave was interesting enough on its own."

(The Shadow Court): Synl (from the Aetherways) says, "The last question was more directed towards Arel."

(Order): Ashai says, "Ah, indeed. Well, it seems to be the intersection of several plots."

(Order): You say, "Aye my Lord, it has all been a most dramatic affair. As Ashai says, there has been a great many plots that appear to be unfurling."

Synl closes the steel door to the south.

You lock the steel door.

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Sthai is using her to infiltrate Lord Elostian's Order to spy. I do not know if she is spying on Glomdoring or not."

(The Shadow Court): Synl says, "Ah, that is more likely than not."

(The Shadow Court): Synl says, "And for my first question then, what is the defense in regards to Celina staying within the Glomdoring?"

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "I will put forth no opinion on this matter."

You tell Marina, Queen of the Night, "You should be here in the Shadow Court."

(The Shadow Court): Marina says, "What is being discussed."

Marina tells you, "I'm on my way."

(The Shadow Court): You say, "Celina."

The steel door to the south is opened from the other side.

Marina, riding Venilo, a mysterious sphinx, arrives from the south.
The ground rumbles ominously as a mysterious sphinx enters from the south, surrounded by a blinding aura of golden light.

Marina steps down off of Venilo, a mysterious sphinx.

Xenthos closes the steel door to the south.

Xenthos locks the steel door.

Marina inclines her head politely to those around her.

(The Shadow Court): Synl says, "Ashai stated that 'we' know of Celina's service to Fain for sure - I am wondering why this obvious breach of the law has not resulted in her being ostracised."

Marina raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Marina, Queen of the Night says, "This is still being discussed?"

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "You have missed the more... recent events."

Xenthos gives a pained sigh.

(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "While I am not certain of the reason, Celina's testimony was that she was for a brief time after joining the forest, but then was thrown from the Order and has serving Glomdoring faithfully since."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "That is not all of the truth."

(Order): Nocht says, "There is something I wish to speak to you about, Emar."

(Order): You say, "Of course, my Lord."

The Divine voice of Nocht, the Silent echoes in your head, "Within My fulcrux."

You tell Nocht, the Silent, "At once, my Lord."

You say, "You will all have to excuse me."

{Emar goes off to see his Lord, comes back afterwards. What follows is a bit of what he heard of the discussion over the Court aether}



(The Shadow Court): Arel says, "Has the Court come to a resolution or shall I start a referendum?"

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "Regarding what, exactly?"

(The Shadow Court): Marina says, "Celina."

(The Shadow Court): Synl says, "There seems to be a distinct lack of information."

(The Shadow Court): Marina says, "I would say a referendum would be best, after the information is presented in its totality for us to review."

(The Shadow Court): Marina says, "That is my own personal thought on this whole matter."

(The Shadow Court): Synl says, "If there is proof presented of a member of the Glomdoring serving Fain, then that member is to be removed as our laws state. Whether or not the member was a spy serves only to tell us whether or not that person should be hunted or not."

(The Shadow Court): Marina says, "And she did join Fain's order knowing it would break a law."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "No, she retained Fain's Order."

(The Shadow Court): Ashai says, "She joined it while in Magnagora."

(The Shadow Court): Synl says, "I will wait until there is a post made regarding Celina by whomever was present during this supposed testimony before making my decision. I would like to know how long Celina was a member of the Glomdoring before she stopped serving Fain, keeping in mind that she has served the Wyrden Woods before and should have thus been properly aware of our laws."

(The Shadow Court): Synl says, "If there is proof of Somaria's service to Fain, too, then I will await such evidence as well."

{Emar returns to the Court}

You beat your wings furiously, hovering in the air.

You ask, "What has been discussed or decided?"

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Nothing, of course."

Ashai d'Murani says, "It is my opinion that Celina is an asset to the Murder, and to the Forest."

Ashai d'Murani says, "It is also my opinion that anyone who attempts to deceive the Forest should be punished severely."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "I believe we decided to hold a referendum concerning Celina and everyone with pertinent information would make a post tot he Court boards."

Ashai d'Murani says, "Perhaps there is a way where these two ideas might still be upheld."

Synl nods his head at Arel.

Synl Nimaet, the Hidden Messiah says, "If Celina was a member of the Glomdoring for any significant amount of time before revoking her service to Fain, then she shall be removed. Our laws are the ultimatum, and their

Ashai d'Murani says, "Very well, then."

You ask, "How long is this referendum to last?"

Synl Nimaet, the Hidden Messiah says, "We should, however, wait until the relevant information has been posted for the Court to review."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "You will all post your thoughts to the Court boards, regardless of whether or not you feel this should be handled there."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Well, she did confess to having been a part of His Order for a "brief time" before quitting it while here."

You say, "I am surprised that the Court is unable to make a decision now, given we already have the information, or the ability to divulge it if there are lapses in people's knowledge."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The question wasn't whether she had been, but for how long."

Synl nods his head affirmatively at Xenthos.

Synl Nimaet, the Hidden Messiah says, "If she was a member for, say, a day or two, then such circumstances are understandable. When such service stretches to months, however, then it is in clear violation of our laws."

Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma says, "Once the situation has been adequately discussed, I will open a referendum."

Arel inclines his head politely to those around him.

Arel opens the steel door to the south.

Arel leaves to the south.

The steel door to the south closes abruptly.

You hear the steel door to the south being locked.

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

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

So what's the running tab on people removed from the forest for being fainite, and for the people in the forest who were fainite at one point or another?

The Hall of the Black Nest.
Seemingly within the heart of the ravenwood, this hall is huge in both size and menace. Hundreds of crows stare down at those below with their glistening dark red eyes from little niches, carved into the wood with the power of talon and beak, their feathers twirling through the air and carpeting the floor. Little can be seen of the ceiling, nor where it ends, bar a great cloud of webs that vanish gradually into complete darkness. What can be seen of the floor is smooth, in stark comparison to the great, rough wall of the ravenwood which bares the scars of crows, insects and the cruel, sharp tools of druids. A small knothole in the wall allows for the free entry of crows and insects, though little light seems to cascade in from the outside. Carved from the wall of the ravenwood here, statues of various druids stand within alcoves around the hall. A tapestry of an ensorcelled wyrden tomb lies silkenly along the wall, filled with flecks of light and dancing shadow. A tapestry embellished with crows is hung here, their mighty forms captured flawlessly. A sigil in the shape of a small, rectangular monolith is on the ground. The ravenwood form of Emar stands here in an alcove within the north of the wall. The ravenwood form of Xavius stands in an alcove here within the southwest of the wall. The ravenwood form of Yeralih stands in an alcove here within the southeast of the wall. Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart is here, shrouded. She wields a mystic cudgel in her left hand and a golden sickle in her right.
You see a single exit leading south (open door).

You have emoted: Emar turns his gaze to Celina, his somber red eyes twinkling with thought.

You say, "Mor'k'al."

Lowering the hood of her robes to reveal tired eyes, Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Tidings."

You beat your wings furiously, hovering in the air.

You say to Celina, "It has been an interesting few months, Celina."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "They have been difficult, yes."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Interesting. I had so much to say but I find myself at a loss of words."

You look thoughtful and say, "I do believe that this is the first time in the history of the Murder that an Attendant to the Black Nest has been accused of being a Fainite and spying within the Dark Forest."

You say to Celina, "There have been many words said already Celina over the past few months, that I am amazed some can even speak."

Arel tells you, "Have you gathered Dylara's opinion of Celina yet?"

You tell Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma, "Doing so now."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Perhaps not the best way to be recorded in the history books, but at least I'm in them."

You tell Merciless Chieftain, Dylara Nimaet, Ward of the Rose, "A moment, Dylara?"

Dylara tells you, "Go ahead, just learning some influence from Brennan."

Dropping her shoulders slightly, Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "So many words, as you say, but so few of them have been my own. It seems everyone has felt free to speak on my behalf."

You have emoted: Emar stares at Celina thoughtfully, his face expressionless.

You say to Celina, "This is true."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart runs a hand through her unusually disheaveled fur.

You tell Merciless Chieftain, Dylara Nimaet, Ward of the Rose, "It is in regards to the situation surrounding Celina. I am of the opinion that it is unwise to wait for a referendum, and Arel agrees. I have spoken with the rest of the Court already, I just seek your opinion. Do you believe we should remove Celina or simply disfavour and punish her accordingly?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "I must admit, Eye, I had thought you would at least come to me at some point."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "I must admit, Eye, I had thought you would at least come to me at some point."

Dylara tells you, "If she refuses to either leave Fain's Order or stop sending information to Him in whatever fashion she is, she should be removed. Our laws dictate she be removed regardless, but I doubt we've any concrete proof she really is?"

Celina coughs softly.

You say, "Our conversation was always going to happen, Celina, no matter at what point during this facade it occurred. Over the past days I have been caught in a great, complex web that has been unraveling slowly."

You smile and say, "But you now have my undivided attention."

Gesturing gently with his hand, you say, "Speak."

Ears subtly twitching, Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Do my words even matter at this point? I'm not blind, Eye. I know what's being said about me and my husband. I know most have already made up their minds. I'm not so naive to think that ...interview with the Shadow Court was anything but a formality."

You tell Merciless Chieftain, Dylara Nimaet, Ward of the Rose, "No. Even if she was of the Order she would not be now. However, we have three separate sources claiming that she has been."

Dylara tells you, "Hm. I am torn, to be honest. We should show our laws will not be disobeyed."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "The Court has been dangling me above the spider web for some time now, and nothing I can say at this point will change anything. Iwiertas, Somaria, Sthai...it seems everyone had a voice in my fate but myself."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says to you, "Do you believe I've manipulated you? That anything I have done for the Murder thus far was to further some other agenda?"

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

Tilting his head to one side, you ask Celina, "How do you know that Sthai has said anything, or been involved in all of this?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "I'm a d'Murani, Emar. She's engaged to the Dark Marshall, the Forked Tongue of Fain, and she was the Mistress of Somaria for quite some time. As I said, I'm no fool."

You tell Merciless Chieftain, Dylara Nimaet, Ward of the Rose, "It is a difficult matter, but it is a matter that requires completion. Would you remove her?"

Absently, you say, "Ah, yes... d'Murani."

Celina raises an eyebrow questioningly.

You shake your head.

You say to Celina, "Celina... There have been many things that have led me to suspect you for some time. I would not believe that the manipulating hand, touch of Fain would leave you so easily after departing Magnagora for the glory of the Dark Forest..."

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

Staring thoughtfully at the darkness of the ceiling, you say, "However, your progress within the Murder impressed me. You became an asset to your crows, a help to me. I cast such thoughts to one side."

Dylara tells you, "Remove her. If she is proven to be not a spy for Fain, she can reapply for entrance to the Glomdoring on probation due to suspicion."

You tell Merciless Chieftain, Dylara Nimaet, Ward of the Rose, "Thank you, Dylara. We then have three for removal, one for disfavour, and one for abstention. Can you please inform Arel of your decision?"

You have emoted: Emar turns his gaze down to Celina as a subtle frown appears across his brow.

You look thoughtful and say, "But then... these events."

You tell Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma, "It appears that those who wish her removed have a majority."

Arel tells you, "I have not yet voted."

You shake your head.

You tell Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma, "I was not aware that you were going to vote. How shall you be voting in this case?"

Raising an eyebrow, Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "These events turn everything into compost."

Arel tells you, "I am not sure yet."

You have emoted: Emar turns his gaze to one side as his eyes flicker back and forth, twinkling with thought.

You tell Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma, "Unsure?"

Arel tells you, "I have been mulling it over, thinking of everyones comments on it."

You tell Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma, "The rest of the Court has reached a decision, Arel. You would have be believe you are unable to do so yourself?"

You have emoted: Emar shakes his head before returning his gaze to Celina.

Arel tells you, "Do you take issue with the fact that I am thinking it over, Lord Eye?"

You say to Celina, "These events raise questions, Celina. Questions that cast doubt over many things."

Arel tells you, "I will follow Xentho's example and abstain however."

You tell Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma, "Then there is a majority verdict."

You tell Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma, "How do you propose we go about this?"

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Then what now? Would you have me resign as an Attendant? Cast me out entirely?"

Arel tells you, "It has traditionally been left in the hands of the offender's guild to decide."

You tell Lord Arel Rillaen, Voice of the Enigma, "Very well."

You say, "I am afraid I require a quick rest before we continue, Celina. I assure you I shall not be long.

As she nods slowly in your direction, you realize Celina understands.

{Depart for some sleep before returning}

You beat your wings furiously, hovering in the air.

You suck thoughtfully on your teeth.

Gazing at Celina thoughtfully with his somber, red eyes, you say, "Though you are an asset to the forest, Celina, this situation has developed such that most questions go unanswered, or are answered to a disturbing light."

You frown and say, "The law of the Glomdoring is quite clear."

You state, "The Shadow Court has reached its decision."

Celina raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Lovely how they keep me so informed."

You say, "As the Eye of Crow, the responsibility to carry it out falls upon me."

A shadow flickering across his eyes, you say, "The Shadow Court has heard all that has been said, and been privy to much in discerning the Truth. They have decided, that you be removed from the Glomdoring. Consequently, you must be removed from the Murder."

Attendant Celina d'Murani, the Ebon Heart says, "Interesting."

You brand Celina a traitor and cast her out of Glomdoring.

You eject Celina from the Blacktalon.

Celina d'Murani says, "An asset, you said it yourself. Nothing matters, indeed."

Solemnly, you say, "You will have a month or so to forget the Ways of Crow."

You say, "Follow me."

Celina begins to follow you.

{We leave the guildhall to...}

Celina follows you south.
Entrance to the putrefied glen.
The hypnotic scent of roses lingers in the air, permeating the terrain in an array of sweet aromas from a healing shrine of Viravain nearby. The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. Standing guard vigilantly, Brultk paces about a ravenwood sapling here. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. Surrounded by an eerie red glow, a ritualistic ravenwood sapling has taken root here. A hemlock sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. A grotesque ravenwood tree stands here, branches twisted and knotted.
You see exits leading north, northeast, southeast, and northwest.

Celina wrinkles her nose and sniffs.

You beat your wings furiously, hovering in the air.

Celina d'Murani says, "I hope you truly understand, Emar. My loyalties have never interfered with my service to Glomdoring. Ever."

You say, "If there is one thing I truly know, other than the Truth Celina, it is this."

Celina raises an eyebrow questioningly.

You frown and say, "But the laws of this Commune are clear."

A large shadow flits across the edge of your vision for a bare instant, vanishing between the trees.

Celina d'Murani says, "The laws of the Shadow Court. Don't be fooled into thinking the leadership always do what is best."

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty, spreading darkness across the land.

You intone, "Trough the Eye of Crow we see the Truth."

You say to Celina, "Should you reject the path of your Master, Celina, you may one day return to the Dark Forest. All come to the Glomdoring, Celina. Whether whole, or not."

You say, "Such is the Truth."

Celina curls her lip and sneers arrogantly.

Celina d'Murani says, "I rejected Him long ago, and yet here we are."

The night sky is clear, and the stars twinkle like diamonds.

Finally, you say, "The Court believes otherwise."

Celina d'Murani says, "I passed by that totem a dozen times, and here I am."

You say, "You know that this means nothing, Celina. That totem was not always there."

Many small, glowing red eyes peer out at you from beneath the trees, only to vanish moments later.

You say, "I am required elsewhere. Farewell, Celina. I pray that you return to the Truth once moe."

Celina d'Murani says, "Keep it."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Well played, Emar. A bag of tea, delivered to the victor, as promised?"

(Great House d'Murani): You say, "You're more than welcome to my manse for tea any time, Sthai."

(Great House d'Murani): Sthai says, "Quite, quite."

You say, "Apologies for that Lord, I could think of no way to speak with You without notifying Ried of Your presence."

The Fulcrux of Nocht.
A complex series of stones orbit around a stygian orb here. A rippling image of a beautiful night sky has been magically wrapped around the fulcrux here. Nocht, the Silent stands here, obscured behind a hazy veil of shadow.
You see a single exit leading through an image of the night sky.

You kneel before Nocht, swearing your allegiance to Him.

Waving His hand, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "What did you need, Emar?"

Frowning, you whisper, "I wished to discuss something of particular importance with You my Lord, regarding the Masque. Among with some other minor matters."

You whisper, "You may be aware my Lord, of the... charade that took the Court only a month or so ago, regarding the then crow and member of the Murder, Celina."

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Aye."

You whisper, "It became apparent to me my Lord through conversations with the Masque's Tongue, Sthai, that there the matter was decidedly more complex, and implicated our own Marshall."

Nocht, the Silent watches you quietly, His face unreadable.

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "How troubling it would be if that were the case."

You whisper, "If You have been listening my Lord, you may have heard me speaking with the others members of the seated Court this month about what I learned over those months of unraveling the complex web that it had appeared been formed."

You whisper, "And then this month, my Lord, the entire seated Court received a most interesting text from Fain's Tongue herself..."

Whispering, you ask, "Would You care to see, my Lord?"

Ayisdra tells you, "Greetings Eye."

Holding out His hand, Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Very well."

His head bowed and straitening out the pamphlet, you give a crimson pamphlet emblazoned with a leering mask to Nocht, the Silent.

Nocht ponders the situation.

Nocht gives a crimson pamphlet emblazoned with a leering mask to you.

The image above wavers and ripples gently as a cold breeze howls through the fulcrux.

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "What reason do you have to believe this other than her words?"

You whisper, "This is the problem facing the Court, my Lord. There is no substantial proof, bar glaring irregularities in the testimony of Arel when faced with questions, such as when You were listening several months ago. I am not even sure if Arel is a willing traitor, but I am sure that he has given Fain's Tongue his throat willingly. She is a master at her art, my Lord. Arel is most decidedly not."

You whisper, "What worries me my Lord is the desire of the Masque, particularly with regards to the Lady Viravain."

Frowning, you whisper, "Apparently He visited Her in Her fulcrux just last month."

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Viravain is weak, and her current state of being isn't helping the situation."

You whisper, "I am afraid that the Masque will do anything, and this pamphlet just goes to hint at that."

The boughs of the large blackthorn moan loudly as they shake, sending a new shower of petals cascading across the fulcrux.

Ried tells you, "...Eye?"

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "He will not have her, little one. I will see to that."

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "As for Arel... I leave it to you to search his true motives."

A glimmer of sadness in his eyes, you whisper, "My Lord I... I am sorry that we did not succeed in gathering enough essence for Her."

The image of the night sky grows terrifyingly dark as an icy breeze cuts across the lonely hill, spiralling patterns dancing across the tall grass

Frowning, you whisper, "But... She appears well, if weak. We are not sure what to think, other than to be weary."

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "Be vigilant. There is no telling what further trickery awaits."

Nocht, the Silent glances over His shoulder as His eyes momentarily lose focus. A frown passes over His features as the shadows close in to conceal Him further.

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "I must leave for now, Emar."

Nocht, the Silent whispers, "We will speak another time."

You whisper, "Of course, my Lord. Thank You."

The surrounding shadows wane, falling back in despondent melancholy as Nocht, the Silent fades seamlessly into the aether.

Whoever was was running it probably gave up by now.

running what? a tab? (i.e. list?) I'm confused