A tranquil, fragrant glade.
Banks of clouds roil about here. Motes of coloured light surround a sculpture of
a regal woman, enthroned here in splendour. An enormous falcon nervously talons
the ground, wings mantling. Librarian Portius Windwhisper is here.
You see a single exit leading south.
You are transported by the power of the Divine.

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

Volucer says to you, "We're planning fun."

Portius bows respectfully to you.

Volucer nods his head at Portius.

You curtsey gracefully.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "It is excellent to see you."

Volucer says to Portius, "I have found us a fun planner."

Volucer beams broadly.

You say to Portius, "And you, Librarian."

You tilt your head curiously.

You say, "What fun event are we planning?"

Volucer exclaims, "We don't know!"

You grin mischievously at Volucer.
Using his tongue and the roof of his mouth, Volucer makes a quiet clicking noise.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "We really hadn't gotten that far."

You look thoughtful and say, "I see."

Volucer struts about the statue in thought, the sight nearly comical as his
large wings flap about him.

You say, "So, whom would this event involve? All of Hallifax? Our neighbors?
Only the Order?"

With the same solemn intonation as before, Volucer says, "We don't know."

Volucer says to Portius, "Do we know?"

Volucer looks about himself suspiciously.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Our ignorance truly is a curse. Enlighten
us!"

You have emoted: Zyphora laughs, covering her mouth with one hand.

Flickering motes of argent light rise up from the ground, filtering lightly
through the air before fading silently away.

You look up into the air for divine inspiration.

You say, "Hm, what would Lady Isune do in this situation?"
The sculpture blinks its shining eyes, a crooked smile crossing its face.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Something delightfully clever and artistic,
I would think."

You say, "I am at a complete loss. If only Minister Irillia were here."

You say, "Is it too soon to have another art auction?"

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Hm. I haven't the slightest idea."

Volucer says, "We could do a small fun thing."

Strings of light meander through the chill night air, illuminating tunnels of
space that flicker through the spectrum of colours.

You say, "Er, informal tea party?"

Utterly entranced, Volucer emits a long "Ooooh."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I approve."

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

Volucer says, "What do we do at a tea party?"

Volucer bounces up and down.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "We drink tea and have witty conversations."

Eagerly, Volucer says, "With our talons out?"

Volucer sticks out a talon to illustrate his point.

You nod your head sagely.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Oh, yes."

Volucer nods his head sagely.

You say, "There are also tea and little delicacies such as sandwiches, crumpets,
and scones."

Volucer says to you, "The little sandwiches are important."

You say, "Very."

The sky lightens and stars fade as Father Sun approaches the horizon in his
neverending quest to capture Mother Night.

Rubbing her temple, you say, "Ah, I am becoming redundant with the tea. Forgive
me, my mind is rather in a daze right now from whisking myself from one place to
another so quickly."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "It happens to us all. I think it is a
symptom of having responsibility more than sudden transportation."

You say, "It seemed almost as though it took merely a blink to travel the last
few miles."

Volucer checks his wings with a slight frown.

Sighing, Volucer says, "I do not have tea."

You say, "Perhaps! That may be it as well."

Volucer picks his head up and looks around, then relaxes slowly again.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I haven't the slightest idea how to make
tea."

You say, "Ah! I have some with me, though I have want for more teacups."

Volucer exclaims, "To the tea cups!"

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

You say, "Oh! I can make more."

In a whisper, Volucer says, "Um. Where should we get tea cups."

Volucer looks about himself suspiciously.

You ponder for a moment and say "Hrm..."

Pulses of errant, untamed beauty wriggle smoothly through the air, quivering
through a range of indeterminate prismatic shades.

You scratch your head in confusion.

You look thoughtful and say, "I need gemstones to make glasses."

You say, "I wonder if it can be done with specific gems."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I daresay if you have one glass we could
pass it around. A breach of etiquette, but forgivable under the circumstances."

You nod your head emphatically.

You say, "I do have one teacup."

Utterly entranced, Volucer emits a long "Ooooh."

You pour out the contents of an origami tea cup on the ground.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Always prepared, I see."

You say, "Old tea."

You pour white orange-blossom and pomegranate tea from a diamond vial into an
origami tea cup.

You say, "Ah, here is a tea that I somewhat recently created the recipe for.
Lady Orventa was kind enough to submit the idea to the Gastronomists cartel."

The statue blinks her eyes once more, and a glint of light shines at her feet,
revealing two tea cups.

"sculpture74007" a tiny sculpture of a regal woman
"falcon63793" Volucer
"cup158339" an origami tea cup (filled with white orange-blossom
and pomegranate tea)
"cup158483" an origami tea cup (filled with white orange-blossom
and pomegranate tea)
Number of objects: 4

Comprehension flashes across your face.

Portius blinks.

Volucer says, "Oh who left that there."

You say, "How lovely!"

Volucer trots over.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "What wonderful luck!"

You smile impishly and say, "Ah, I wonder if Lady Inedra has a secret cache of
teacups somewhere."
A flicker of light washes briefly over the sculpture's crystal eyes.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "It seems like a possibility. And prepared
with tea, by the looks of it!"

You say, "How convenient in a time of crisis!"

You say, "Indeed! How she knew which tea I was pouring, I do not know."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "She plans for everything."

You have emoted: Zyphora leans over to delicately scoop up the cups in her hands.

You give an origami tea cup to Librarian Portius Windwhisper.

You give an origami tea cup to Volucer.
Volucer shakes his head at you.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "My thanks."

Volucer says, "I'll drink from here."

You nod your head emphatically.

Volucer points at the ground.

Glancing askance, Volucer says, "It's easier."

You have emoted: Zyphora carefully sets the cup back upon the ground in front of
Volucer.

You smile and say, "I apologise for my assumption. How inconsiderate of me."

Volucer hums a happy tune.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Well, comrades, shall we?"

Volucer delicately cradles the cup in his talon, sipping with it extended just
so.

The soft chittering of birds fills the air, filtering down beside sparkling rays
of sunlight.

Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic
sun's luminous presence as he climbs higher into the sky.

Portius takes a drink from an origami tea cup.

You have emoted: Zyphora mimics the motion, suppressing a smile as she sips
daintily from her cup of tea.

Volucer ponders the situation.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "You two are so elegant."

Puffing himself up a bit, Volucer says, "Well of course we are."

Your mouth turns up as your face breaks into a smile.

Volucer blushes a faint pink beneath his feathers in surprise regardless.

You say, "Of course. We attended only the finest tea-drinking classes in
Hallifax."

The soft chittering of birds fills the air, filtering down beside sparkling rays
of sunlight.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Alas, I must have missed those classes!"

You have emoted: Zyphora idly preens her crest of feathers.

Portius takes a drink from an origami tea cup.

Volucer says to Portius, "Well you're in luck. We can teach you now."

Volucer nods his head sagely at you.

You have emoted: Zyphora nods in acceptance.

Intoning, Volucer says, "What do you wish to know, social aspirant Portius?"

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Very well. One must learn as much as one
can."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "How is it that one sips tea in the manner
that is both the most dignified and the most effective for attracting a mate?"

You say, "The first rule is that when you drink tea, no one must hear it.
Slurping tea is as inconceivable a notion as Gaudiguch possessing any trace of
decorum."

Volucer delicately leans over to slurp noisily and disgracefully, licking his
beak with a solemn nod.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Then I must endeavour to drink silently."

Volucer says, "That is how you slurp."

Volucer says, "If you were wondering."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I always wonder about everything, comrade."

Suppressing laughter, you say, "Yes, thank you for demonstrating, Volucer."

Volucer nods solemnly.

With great gravity, you say, "The second rule is that one must prepare an array
of appropriate topics to discuss in between sips."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "What are these appropriate topics?"

You say, "This will provide entertainment for both yourself and the others."

You have emoted: Zyphora ponders the idea thoughtfully, sipping from her tea as
though to inspire herself.

You smile and say, "Well, the weather, for one. Politics in guild and city. The
latest works of the stage and library."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Or the lack thereof, when that is the
case?"

Volucer says, "I find the lack of works very difficult to comment on, as I have
not seen them."

Volucer preens vainly.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Yes, seeing a lack is rather difficult."

Volucer says, "I stare at a blank canvas but I just do not understand the
artist's intentions."

Volucer ponders the situation.

You say, "Indeed. And..." She lowers her voice so as to be barely audible,
saying, "One may indulge in... talk of others... amidst appropriate company."

You have emoted: Zyphora sips her tea, glancing askance, though a hint of
mischievousness crosses her expression.

Volucer glances around too, but with a perplexed look as if he's not sure who
he's looking for.

The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the
land to bask in his shining golden rays.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Ah, yes. I've often heard that to be common
among socialites."

You smile impishly and say, "Indeed. If one has the time, it can be quite the
enjoyable pastime."

(Hallifax): Irillia (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Good afternoon,
Hallifax."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Ah, but who to speak of? I hear so little
about my comrades! It seems that one must gossip to be able to gossip."

The soft chittering of birds fills the air, filtering down beside sparkling rays
of sunlight.

Looking about suspiciously, Volucer says, "I think Minister Irillia has feathery
wings."

You say, "Oh! Minister Irillia is here. We should invite her."

Volucer sips his tea nonchalantly.

You give a trillingly melodic laugh.

You nod your head at Volucer.
Using his tongue and the roof of his mouth, Volucer makes a quiet clicking noise.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says to you, "I agree!"

Irillia, riding a scintillating gold thunderbird, arrives from the south.
A thunderclap amidst forks of white lightning announces the entrance of a
scintillating gold thunderbird from the south.

You flash Irillia a joyous smile.

Irillia curtseys gracefully.

Portius flashes Irillia a joyous smile.

You curtsey gracefully.

Volucer inches bashfully over to Irillia and nuzzles her tenderly.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom smiles and says, "Greetings,
Librarian, Provost, Volucer."

Volucer says to Irillia, "We're teaching Portius how to be a socialite."

You say to Irillia, "Have you a teacup on you? We are drinking tea."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I'm not very good at socialization, I'm
afraid."

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "But you are so gracious and
well-spoken! How could you not be good at socialising?"

You say to Portius, "No, no, you are performing magnificently, I assure you."

You say, "It is only your first class, besides."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Ah, but I get so little practice!"

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "Let me see, let me see...
Why, yes, I do have a tea cup on me, filled with fine tea. Black, though, I'm
afraid."

There's a ray of light that glints off of Inedra, shining off of a second tea
cup that sits at her feet.

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

Volucer says, "People need to stop leaving those lying around."

Looking downtrodden, Volucer sadly shakes his head.

You smile impishly and say to Irillia, "It seems that Lady Inedra has found a
spare for you."
A flicker of light washes briefly over the sculpture's crystal eyes.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "Indeed! Unlike Volucer, I
do not object to free tea in the least."

Volucer says, "Pssshhhh..."

Irillia scoops up an origami tea cup.

Confidentially, Volucer says, "We are gossiping."

Pulses of errant, untamed beauty wriggle smoothly through the air, quivering
through a range of indeterminate prismatic shades.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "It is a surprisingly difficult thing to do."

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "Ah! The freer, but less
inhibited and circumscribed younger sister of the Logician and other similar
publications."

Volucer snickers softly to himself.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "The Logician is not inhibited! It's merely
dignified."

Volucer preens in a very dignified manner, nodding solemnly.

The soft chittering of birds fills the air, filtering down beside sparkling rays
of sunlight.

Your mouth turns up as your face breaks into a smile.

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

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "Perhaps you are right about
that."

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and
then quickly solidifies as Jozen, riding a hideous war goat with midnight black
wings, comes into view.

Overseer Jozen, the Queen's Own Torturer says, "Whats going on here."

Jozen blinks.

Jozen suddenly scoops up an origami tea cup.

You cough softly.

Jozen, riding a hideous war goat with midnight black wings, marches off to the
south to the tune of a martial cadence, a blood-red haze lingering nearby.

Irillia blinks.

You say, "That was..."

You say, "He stole our tea."

Continuing the hunt for his dark mate, Father Sun presses forward in his journey,
lowering himself in the sky yet still casting even, full light upon the land.

The atmosphere distorts with a bloody haze as Jozen, riding a hideous war goat
with midnight black wings, marches in from the south to the tune of a martial
cadence.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "A topic for gossip, I think?"

Volucer looks about himself suspiciously.

Jozen peers about himself unscrupulously.

You frown at Jozen.

Overseer Jozen, the Queen's Own Torturer says, "Sorry."

Jozen drops an origami tea cup.

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

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

Solemnly, Volucer says, "You are forgiven."

Volucer sips his tea.

Flickering motes of argent light rise up from the ground, filtering lightly
through the air before fading silently away.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says to Portius, "You are quite
right, that does make a good topic for gossip."

Volucer says, "What is a Torturer doing with tea cups."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "It might be better not to ponder that."

Volucer says, "Do you think he's the one leaving them about?"

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "If only to speculate what
could have drawn such an undignified fellow to such a dignified gathering."

Volucer ponders the situation.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "I doubt it. If he were
leaving them about, I have a feeling that hideous goat of his would eat them
right away."

You wrinkle your nose and sniff.

The soft chittering of birds fills the air, filtering down beside sparkling rays
of sunlight.

Patting a golden thunderbird affectionately, Minister Irillia Shevat, the
Silvery Skybloom says, "Unlike Samiel here, for instance, who knows to eat his
vegetables."

Portius takes a drink from an origami tea cup.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "A noble creature."

A scintillating golden thunderbird perks up at the mention of his name and
preens vainly.

Irillia flashes Portius a joyous smile.

Pulses of errant, untamed beauty wriggle smoothly through the air, quivering
through a range of indeterminate prismatic shades.

Turning toward Portius and Volucer, Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery
Skybloom says, "Oh, I hope you are both enjoying the tea, by the way. Did
Zyphora mention that it was her own recipe?"

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Oh, indeed. And it is most pleasant."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

Smiling softly, Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "Isn't it? I
imagine that it is like drinking sunlight in liquid form."

You say, "Thank you, Minister Portius."

Irillia takes a drink from an origami tea cup.

Portius takes a drink from an origami tea cup.

You give a trillingly melodic laugh.

You smile and say, "I do not know if I would go so far to say that, but that is
indeed a pleasing remark."

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "Ah, but comrades, I must beg that you
forgive me for taking my leave. Weariness calls to my mind. I hope it is not so
large a breach of etiquette."

Volucer narrows his eyes at Portius in an unnerving manner.

At length, Volucer says to Portius, "Fine."

You smile and say, "Of course not, it is quite understandable. We shall continue
the lesson next time."

The eyes of the sculpture open suddenly, blink once, and close once more.

Shadows grow longer in anticipation for the return of their dark mistress as
Father Sun's chase brings him closer to the world's edge.

Librarian Portius Windwhisper says, "I hope so. You are most pleasant companions."

Volucer preens his feathers, looking quite nonplussed.

With a flourish of his arm, Portius bows deeply.

Portius grows still and his lips begin to move silently.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "Oh, dear. Well, I hope you
have learned a sufficient amount from Volucer and Zyphora about etiquette and
socialisation."

Pulses of errant, untamed beauty wriggle smoothly through the air, quivering
through a range of indeterminate prismatic shades.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "Fair winds, Librarian."

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

Volucer says, "Is this the part where we gossip about Portius?"

You ponder for a moment and say "Hrm..."

With great solemnity, Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "Oh,
indeed, it is imperative that we do so now that he has left."

You say, "He is a most eligible bachelor, if I may say so."

You say, "We should matchmake him."

Volucer opens his mouth as if to say something, but pauses.

Irillia nods her head at you.

You say, "Could do with more lessons in tea, but once those are out of the way,
he shall be quite the catch."

Volucer says, "How does this work exactly?"

Volucer ponders this, staring into his tea cup as if looking for an answer.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "The gossiping or the
matchmaking?"

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk swaggers in from the south.

<
shimmering threads of silk. Rippling muscles flex beneath the shifting suit at
the man's slightest movement, speaking of masculinity and strength. His face
obscured by a mask of silver feathers, only the man's stone grey eyes and pale
lips are visible. A strange, mischievious light glints in his eyes while his
mouth curves into a knowing grin. Above the delicate silver feathers of his mask,
strands of icy white hair have been elegantly sculpted into the form of a
crashing wave.
A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk almost glows with nearly god-like
power.
He weighs about 156 pounds.
You cannot see what a grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk is holding.>>

The silken rustle of black robes accompanies an exquisite priestess as she
glides gracefully from the south.

<
wine robe, held together by a hummingbird shaped clasp of diamonds and rubies.
Her hands are small and her fingers are long; around her wrists are golden chain
bracelets, fixed with charms of birds and feathers. Her feet are bare, and her
fluted ankles give her the sprightliness of a dancer. With eyes the colour of
rainclouds, this priestess has a soft, yet nonetheless unshakeable mein of
resolution. Her name is "Perpetue."
A graceful priestess looks to be crushingly strong.
She weighs about 142 pounds.
You cannot see what a graceful priestess is holding.>>

You curtsey gracefully.

Volucer blinks.

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible,
shadowy beauty, spreading darkness across the land.

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk says, "I heard there was tea."

You smile and say, "Tidings, newcomers."

A graceful priestess curtseys gracefully, to the gathered company and the
gentleman now present.

Ingwe Thulisile slips in from the south, her various charms clinking softly.

<
confidence and fluid grace of a predator. A multitude of jagged scars crisscross
over her pale skin, the largest running diagonally from throat to cheek, marring
her otherwise delicate features. White-blonde hair sweeps away from her heart-
shaped face, the tresses braided into a thick plait that falls to her waist;
crimson feathers and beads of blackened bone weave into the locks. Eyes of a
deep forest green glitter with zeal while a soft mouth quirks with every slight
expression. An elaborate ceremonial robe, bright scarlet embroidered with white
and black threads, flows freely about her form, while charms of small, sun-
bleached animal skulls adorn her neck.
Ingwe Thulisile has an air of extreme strength.
She weighs about 125 pounds.
She is loyal to the Divine Order of Shikari, the Predator.
You cannot see what Ingwe Thulisile is holding.>>

You say, "And yes, we were just having tea."

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom drops an unce

Strings of light meander through the chill night air, illuminating tunnels of
space that flicker through the spectrum of colours.

Sniffing the air, Ingwe Thulisile exclaims, "Oh? Is that - it is tea!"

A graceful priestess says, "Blessings."

Volucer imitates the gesture with an awkward bow, dislodging a few feathers in
the process.

Ingwe Thulisile peers at a graceful priestess unscrupulously.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "Greetings, everyone. There
is indeed tea, if you all wish some."

A graceful priestess peers about herself unscrupulously.

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk bends low, gracefully scooping up a
cup.

Ingwe Thulisile gives Volucer the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

There's a ray of light that glints off of Inedra, shining off of a series of
more tea cups that sit at her feet.

You clap your hands together merrily.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom laughingly says, "It is quite
amazing how those tea cups are multiplying."

A graceful priestess steps toward the sculpture of a regal woman, acknowledging
it with a bow and an aerial kiss. She turns, and reaches for a cup of tea.

Strings of light meander through the chill night air, illuminating tunnels of
space that flicker through the spectrum of colours.

You say, "Ah, Lady Inedra's infinite cache of tea cups has not failed us yet."
A flicker of light washes briefly over the sculpture's crystal eyes.

Volucer gives Ingwe Thulisile the once-over, eyeing her suspiciously.

To the newcomers, Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "If I may
introduce myself, I am Irillia Shevat, of Hallifax. May we have the honour of
knowing your names?"

Ingwe Thulisile ponders a teacup inquisitively.

You say, "Ah, and I am Zyphora Windwhisper, of Hallifax."

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk says, "My presence is honour enough,
I feel."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

You say, "Indeed."

"sculpture74007" a tiny sculpture of a regal woman
"falcon63793" Volucer
"thunderbird76155" a scintillating gold thunderbird
"cup180304" an origami tea cup (filled with white orange-blossom
and pomegranate tea)
"man63149" a grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk
"priestess180453" a graceful priestess
"ingwe131838" Ingwe Thulisile
"cup180676" an origami tea cup (filled with white orange-blossom
and pomegranate tea)
"cup180681" an origami tea cup (filled with white orange-blossom
and pomegranate tea)
"cup180682" an origami tea cup (filled with white orange-blossom
and pomegranate tea)
Number of objects: 10

Volucer creases his brow in a frown.

Volucer discreetly rolls his eyes at the grey-eyed gentleman.

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk gives Ingwe Thulisile the once-over,
eyeing her suspiciously.

Ingwe Thulisile says to Volucer, "Oh, you. I have something for your Lady, from
my Lord."

Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing
familiar constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

Ingwe Thulisile turns and steps into the shadows, instantly vanishing as they
consume her form.

Before she takes a sip, a graceful priestess says, "My name is Perpetue, sisters
of the Lady." With that stated, she sips gently. "Mmm, very nice."

"Oh?" Volucer exclaims quizzically.

You say, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Perpetue."

You have emoted: Zyphora sips daintily from her cup of tea.

The shadows nearby churn as Ingwe Thulisile emerges from their depths, the
trinkets around her neck clinking softly.

Conversationally, you say, "A lovely night in the Ethereal, is it not?"

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk pets a scintillating gold
thunderbird ingratiatingly.

Ingwe Thulisile dumps the corpse of a white-tailed doe on the ground.

You say, "Oh... Oh dear."

Grinning, Ingwe Thulisile says to Volucer, "For the painting, He says."

Volucer stares implacably at the corpse of a white tailed doe.

A graceful priestess gasps softly, disturbed by the offering from Ingwe.

Volucer stares implacably at Ingwe Thulisile.

His voice cold, a grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk says, "What a
wonderful gift for the Lady."

A scintillating thunderbird nuzzles affectionately at a grey-eyed gentleman clad
in mercurial silk's hand.

You say, "That is." She swallows perceptibly. Glancing askance, she says, "Not for tea."

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom instinctively steps back from the
corpse of the doe, drawing her skirts closely about her feet.

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk dips his hand into his pocket to
pull out two sugar cubes, furtively slipping them to the thunderbird.

Ingwe Thulisile seats herself, picks up a tea cup with womanly grace, and takes
a dainty sip.

Pulses of errant, untamed beauty wriggle smoothly through the air, quivering
through a range of indeterminate prismatic shades.

Lightly, you say, "So, a painting was mentioned?"

After another sip, Ingwe Thulisile says, "And I am Ingwe. Pleased to meet all of
you."

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk chokes into his tea.

Eyeing the sugar cubes with greed, the thunderbird takes one furtive look at
Irillia, sees her distraction, and promptly devours them.

Volucer says to Ingwe Thulisile, "Ahem. Well. She'll uh. She'll appreciate it."

You incline your head politely to Ingwe Thulisile.
Ingwe Thulisile says, "Do not mistaken me for a weak priestess. I am the blood
and blade of Lord Shikari."

A graceful priestess raises a hand and coughs.

Volucer stares at the corpse and pokes at it with a talon suspiciously.

Ingwe Thulisile nods her head sagely.

Volucer jumps back as if he expects it to move.

Strings of light meander through the chill night air, illuminating tunnels of
space that flicker through the spectrum of colours.

Ingwe Thulisile says, "Do you have food to go with the tea? I'm famished."

Volucer glances askance at a grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom frowns and says, "I'm afraid I do
not have anything, except more tea."

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk says to Volucer, "Don't be such a
chicken."

Taking another sip, Ingwe Thulisile says, "I see."

Ingwe Thulisile laughs melodically at a grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial
silk.

Flatly, Volucer says to a grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk, "You could
make yourself useful and get some."

Volucer pointedly turns his back on the gentleman, preening.

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk says, "Get some what? Chicken? I
can roast some now if you'd like."

Ingwe Thulisile says, "Volucer, do you go hunting?"

Volucer's eyes flash with sudden alarm at the man's suggestion though he remains
completely composed.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land
in utter darkness.
It is now the 23rd of Kiani, 335 years after the Coming of Estarra.

You whisper to Irillia, "Perhaps I should disappear for a bit to gather some
refreshments."

Bobbing his head in agreement, Volucer says to Ingwe Thulisile, "Yes, actually,
I do. Um."

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom whispers to you, "Ah, a good
suggestion. I shall stay here and stand in front of Volucer to prevent any
potential roasting."

Volucer glances back to look at the gentleman with suspicion once more.

You nod your head at Irillia.


<>

Zyphora takes the Quintessential Mandala of Resplendent Harmony in both hands and bows her head.
Swirling ribbons of colour race outwards from the mandala, wrapping about Zyphora as she begins to break down into an infinite number of small, fractal shapes before flaring outwards in a fractal swirl, dissipating into the air.

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk idly sips his tea.

Ingwe Thulisile scoots closer to Volucer, not caring that she spills a bit of tea upon herself as she does so.

Ingwe Thulisile says to Volucer, "Oh? Like what? Where are good spots? Is it different because you're a bird? Does the Lady let you hunt anywhere you like?"

You have emoted: Irillia inches over to the side, coming to stand between Volucer and the grey-eyed gentleman and holding her arms out on both sides.

Strings of light meander through the chill night air, illuminating tunnels of space that flicker
through the spectrum of colours.

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk chuckles long and heartily at you.

A tranquil, fragrant glade.
Banks of clouds roil about here. Motes of coloured light surround a sculpture of a regal woman, enthroned here in splendour. Surrounded by forks of white lightning, a scintillating gold thunderbird spreads his white-feathered wings here, grey eyes alight with a considerate intellect. There are 4 origami tea cups here. Serenely, a priestess clad in red-wine robes appraises her surroundings. Ingwe Thulisile stands here, hands folded in the sleeves of her robes. The corpse of a white tailed doe is here, its beautiful brown eyes glazed in death. A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk grins knowingly beneath a mask of silver feathers. An enormous falcon nervously talons the ground, wings mantling.
You see a single exit leading south.

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk says, "As fascinating as this conversation is, I have matters to attend to."

His voice growing louder with his boasting, Volucer says to Ingwe Thulisile, "Well, the Lady lets Me go just about anywhere, but mostly, I attack from the skies."

Ingwe Thulisile tilts her head and listens intently to Volucer.

Volucer puffs out his chest with a proud chirp, blatantly ignoring the gentleman.

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk inclines his head politely before moving to leave,
nudging the dead doe with his foot as he passes.

A graceful priestess says to you, "Mmm, I shall attend to this."

A grey-eyed gentleman clad in mercurial silk swaggers off to the south.

Strings of light meander through the chill night air, illuminating tunnels of space that flicker
through the spectrum of colours.

A graceful priestess places her tea elsewhere and moves toward the doe. Bending down, she gathers the poor creature in her arms and moves to leave.

The motes of light surrounding the sculpture brighten briefly, sparkling in vivid colours.

Volucer says to Ingwe Thulisile, "You have to be sneaky. Especially with fish."

Ingwe Thulisile nods her head enthusiastically.

An exquisite priestess glides off to the south, black robes swirling about her ankles.

Ingwe Thulisile says, "Of course. Sneakiness is necessary."

You say, "Are you quite sure? She did say that the doe was for Lady Isune, even if its presence is... quite offens... Oh."
The sculpture blinks its shining eyes, a crooked smile crossing its face.


<>

A tranquil, fragrant glade.
Banks of clouds roil about here. Motes of coloured light surround a sculpture of
a regal woman, enthroned here in splendour. Surrounded by forks of white
lightning, a scintillating gold thunderbird spreads his white-feathered wings
here, grey eyes alight with a considerate intellect. There are 4 origami tea
cups here. Ingwe Thulisile stands here, hands folded in the sleeves of her robes.
An enormous falcon nervously talons the ground, wings mantling. Minister
Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom is here, surrounded by clouds. She wields a
delicate crystal staff in her left hand.
You see a single exit leading south.

You curtsey gracefully.

Volucer says to Ingwe Thulisile, "If you aren't sneaky, how are you supposed to
get any good meat?"

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "The fashion of the evening
seems to be to drink tea and rush away."

Volucer ponders the situation.

Irillia flashes you a joyous smile.

Flickering motes of argent light rise up from the ground, filtering lightly
through the air before fading silently away.

Ingwe Thulisile frowns as if noticing the missing doe for the first time.

You have emoted: Zyphora whips out a large square of cloth and sets it upon the
ground, looking about. "Ah, nearly everyone's disappeared, I see."

Volucer says to Irillia, "You should tell Portius that. It might be important
for spouse-hunting."

You have emoted: Zyphora spreads her findings upon the cloth, carefully
arranging them.

You drop 10 overstuffed ham sandwiches.
You hold no more overstuffed ham sandwiches.

You drop 7 tart lemon crepes.
You hold no more tart lemon crepes.

You drop 8 crisply toasted bread with apricot jams.
You hold no more crisply toasted bread with apricot jams.

Ingwe Thulisile gives a tart lemon crepe the once-over, eyeing it suspiciously.

You drop 5 spicy cheese quiches with no crust.
You hold no more spicy cheese quiches with no crust.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says to Volucer, "Good heavens, no.
I am most certainly making sure that the fashion will not catch on back in the
Collective."

You drop 8 elegant dishes of mango ice cream.
You hold no more elegant dishes of mango ice cream.

Standing, Ingwe Thulisile says, "Well, speaking of hunting, I am hungry and I
don't think tart lemon crepes go well with my stomach."

Volucer says, "Well remember. Be careful with the fish."

Ingwe Thulisile tosses back the rest of her tea and returns the cup to the
ground.

You nod your head emphatically.

You curtsey gracefully.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "In that case, I wish you
good hunting, Lady Ingwe."

You say, "Thank you for attending our informal tea, Lady Ingwe."

Ingwe Thulisile raises an eyebrow.

Ingwe Thulisile says, "Lady?"

Ingwe Thulisile chuckles long and heartily.

Ingwe Thulisile turns and steps into the shadows, instantly vanishing as they
consume her form.

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

Volucer says, "I should probably hunt too. All this lemon crepe business is bad
for the stomach of a fierce hunter."

Volucer ponders the situation.

You look thoughtful and say to Irillia, "I do not know how to address those who
do not prefer being called 'Lady'."

Eyeing the shadows, Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "That is
a rather neat trick. I ought to learn that with clouds and mists."

As if to convince himself, Volucer says, "Which I am."

You grin mischievously at Volucer.
Using his tongue and the roof of his mouth, Volucer makes a quiet clicking noise.

Volucer inches bashfully over to you and nuzzles you tenderly.

You say to Volucer, "Good hunting."

Volucer exclaims, "I will hunt all of the fish!"

Irillia gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Volucer inches bashfully over to Irillia and nuzzles her tenderly.

Your mouth turns up as your face breaks into a smile.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "I hear they are most
tricksy. Do be careful with them, Volucer."

Volucer nods his head sagely.

Volucer rips open an uneven portal and darts through with a flutter of his wings
before it snaps shut behind him.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "That was perhaps the oddest
tea I have ever attended."

Pulses of errant, untamed beauty wriggle smoothly through the air, quivering
through a range of indeterminate prismatic shades.

You say, "I am inclined to agree with you, dear Irillia."

You say, "What a motley arrangement of persons... Especially that one who
brought the... overly rare venison."

You have emoted: Zyphora scans the ground for traces of blood.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "Indeed. I thought the odd
fellow riding the goat was surprising enough, but then all those other strangers
who apparently heard about our tea..."

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom shakes her head in bemusement.

Strings of light meander through the chill night air, illuminating tunnels of
space that flicker through the spectrum of colours.

The horizon glows with burnished shades of orange and red, heralding the
imminent arrival of Father Sun upon the rim of the world.

Finally, you say, "Well. Would you care to have some refreshments, Irillia?"

(Order): Isune says, "Can anyone explain to Me why there is a white doe corpse
in My Fulcrux?"

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "I suppose I will risk the
lemon crepe that frightened off both Lady Ingwe and Volucer."

(Order): Aldani (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I do not know, my Lady."

(Order): Astrina (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I don't know sorry..
would You like it removed?"

(Order): You say, "Ah, a young woman by the name of Ingwe left it as inspiration
for your painting, my Lady."

(Order): Isune says, "I find Myself more curious than anything."

(Order): Irillia says, "My Lady, Ingwe said that it was a gift from Lord Shikari
to You for a painting."

(Order): Isune says, "Well what does He expect Me to do, paint it? Most odd."

(Order): You say, "Perhaps He is bartering with it?"

(Order): Irillia says, "I suppose asking a hunter of Lord Shikari's prowess to
provide subjects for a painting runs the risk of receiving many such "gifts.""

(Order): Isune says, "Do I send back a black doe? Is this how it works?"

(Order): Astrina (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Perhaps You could paint
the doe?"

(Order): Isune says, "Oh wouldn't that be tricky."

You say, "And I believe I will brave this apricot-jam with toast."

You pick up crisply toasted bread with apricot jam.

You quickly devour crisply toasted bread with apricot jam.
You eagerly eat each slice of toast, enjoying the sweet apricot jam, until the
plate is empty.

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "I am sure you will be able
to conquer it, dear Zyphora."

Irillia scoops up a tart lemon crepe.

Irillia eats a tart lemon crepe with obvious gusto.

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

(Order): Irillia says, "As for why it ended up in Your fulcrux, a priestess
named Perpetue did say that she would "attend to it." I suppose that was what
she meant."

You say, "Perhaps I should have brought a basket. Most of these seem rather
perishable."

(Order): Isune says, "All of these people dallying in My Fulcrux. It must be the
social hub of the season."

Minister Irillia Shevat, the Silvery Skybloom says, "I can fashion you one, if
you think it's needed."

(Order): You say, "Perhaps. It is too bad that you missed our giving tea lessons.
Volucer is quite skilled in demonstrating how not to sip tea."

Flickering motes of argent light rise up from the ground, filtering lightly
through the air before fading silently away.

(Order): Isune says, "Oh heavens. This is why we don't invite him to parties."