The Vernal Ascendancy of Tacita An'Ryshe!

Svorai

PART 1 OF 3

(Glomdoring): You say, "Glomdoring, please start making your way to the Master Ravenwood."

<< MOVING >>

Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.

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. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. There are 5 dark nighthags here. There are 4 black direwolves here. There are 5 illithoid scourges here. A crudely crafted shrine of harsh black crystal stands here, thrumming powerfully. 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. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a beetle around its skull. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. Covered in bone armour, a green eyelash viper is slithering about here. A blackthorn sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. A leopard lurks in the shadows, curiously watching anything that moves. Eddies of glittering flecks of ice swirl around the graceful form of a resplendent snow phoenix with wings of amethyst frost. A diminutive feline crouches here, wreathed in shadow. Insinuation of the Wyrd, Skeara An'Ryshe is here. Wyrden Snare Kirambe, Ward of Xenthos is here. She wields a rusty iron rapier in each hand. Arcanis n'Lochli of the Ravenwood stands here with the wind whipping furiously at his form. He wields a golden sickle in his left hand and a dark shield in the form of crow wings in his right. Tacita An'Ryshe is here, surrounded by a flurry of dancing cherry blossom petals. She wields a midnight skybloom in her right hand. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Shikari, the Predator lurks here, a tense, primal aura emanating from His form. Aleyah flaps her wings quickly, hovering in the air here. She wields a diamond and onyx violin in her left hand. Draped in the folds of bone-white robes, a tattooed savage idles here with predatory intent. Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament stands here, the air around him filled with an ominous ticking noise. He wields a jewelled viola of the setting sun in his left hand and a shadowfae tower shield in his right. Athree, Tender of Swarms is here, shrouded. He wields a scorpion stinger nekai in his left hand and an iron nekai in his right. Clad in matte black leather, a golden-eyed savage lingers here like a living shadow. Haezon The Black is here.

You see a single exit leading north.

Brennan Stormcrow cocks his head to one side, looking you over with an appraising stare.

Brennan Stormcrow exclaims, "Mighty Crow has his eye upon you, Dark Savant!"

<< WAITING SPAM >>

You see the following people here:

Skeara, Haezon, Celina, Tacita, Kirambe, Athree, Xenthos, Eliron, Arcanis, Aleyah, Anita, Aerdiya, Shikari, Karlach, Nyxx, Svorai.

Rialorm arrives from the down.

An illithoid scourge bows respectfully to Rialorm.

An illithoid scourge says, "Tidings, fellow Cultist."

Iorwen arrives, following Keeper Zilias Ysav'rai, Proselyte of the Wolf.

Brennan Stormcrow cocks his head to one side, looking Zilias over with an appraising stare.

Brennan Stormcrow exclaims, "Mighty Crow has his eye upon you, Dark Savant!"

Rialorm inclines her head politely to those around her.

Zilias doffs a charred skull great helm cordially.

Iorwen inclines her head politely to those around her.

Ghostly voices echo softly, combining into a haunting melody.

Celina bows her head and closes her eyes, radiating a brilliant healing aura.

(Glomdoring): You say, "I trust we are all here, then."

It's mid-morning in Lusternia.

The phase of the moon is the Waxing Crescent.

Today is the 24th of Estar, 388 years after the Coming of Estarra. The phase of the moon is the Waxing Crescent.

Uish arrives from the west.

A dark nighthag turns her gaze to Uish momentarily.

Aleyah flashes Uish a joyous smile.

Eliron flashes Uish a joyous smile.

Uish flashes Aleyah a joyous smile.

You have emoted: Svorai moves to the centre of the gathering slowly, her hands by her sides. As she moves, the bone adornments of her robes clink together. Turning in a circle, and gesturing with an upturned hand, she motions for silence.

You have emoted: Svorai Stormcrow's eyes fall on Tacita and she makes a subtle gesture to indicate she should stand beside her.

Tacita An'Ryshe rocks up onto her toes until she is just about tall enough to lean her forehead against Xenthos's. She remains there for a brief moment, her eyes closed. When she turns away, it is to drop a soft kiss onto the top of Skeara's head. Finally, she takes Eliron's hands in hers and smiles softly, before releasing him and turning. With a determined nod, she takes her place beside you.

Her voice clear as she addresses those present, you say, "Brethren, we are gathered today..." She smiles as she glances at Tacita again, "In celebration..." Her tone dips to solemnity as she says, "and in reflection."

With a flourish, Shikari draws a massive black halberd from the surrounding shadows.

Haezon removes a dashing black silver-plumed hat.

Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament watches Tacita with a proud smile.

You have emoted: Svorai moves close to the Master Ravenwood and touches it with her fingertips. "The Glomdoring surges with power... power fed from the hands of each person present today. Through your efforts, the Master Ravenwood holds over five million power... enough to raise almost two Vernal Ascendants." Her fingertips fall and she draws her hand back to herself.

You say, "This wouldn't have been possible through the dedication of one, or a few." She says, opening her palms to indicate those gathered, "We are strongest when we are unified in heart and deed."

You have emoted: Svorai falls silent as her eyes fall on each person gathered.

Aleyah flaps her wings quickly and begins to hover in the air.

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

You say, "Tacita stands as one we wish to honour today with the gift of Vernal Ascendancy."

You have emoted: Svorai Stormcrow lowers her head as though introspective, and upon rising it, she smiles fondly and says to Tacita, "There are a great many things I would say to you, sister. You have been an inspiration to me, and many of the Dark Heart."

Tacita smiles softly.

You have emoted: Svorai Stormcrow steps back and says, glancing meaningfully at Karlach, "Though, I will let others say their part."

A flame-tongued savage in lustrous steel nods its head at you.

Forge-born Karlach Stormcrow, Master of the Bloodhunt steps forward, eyes transfixed on Tacita. Carefully encircling with slow, methodical steps as he appraises with a judgemental eye.

The sound of wings flapping heralds a screeching murder of crows flying overhead.

A flame-tongued savage in lustrous steel says to Tacita, "To our enemies, there are things that define each of us, that in the chaos of a battlefield are a signal of our presence. Symbols of fear, terror and uncertainty in their midst."

Forge-born Karlach Stormcrow, Master of the Bloodhunt circles round once more, coming face to face with Tacita.

A flame-tongued savage in lustrous steel says to Tacita, "The weapons we wield."

Karlach brandishes a dark cross katana menacingly.

Tacita An'Ryshe tilts her head as Karlach speaks, listening intently.

A flame-tongued savage in lustrous steel says to Tacita, "The beasts we ride."

A flame-tongued savage in lustrous steel pats a monstrous wyvern with bat wings in a friendly manner.

A flame-tongued savage in lustrous steel says to Tacita, "The masks we wear."

With a flourish, Karlach slips a dark cross katana into the Belt of Klangratch.

Karlach removes a flame-wreathed stole of lustrous grey silk.

The steel of a flame-tongued savage's armour glows a molten yellow-orange as his entire body melts together. In a matter of heartbeats, the viscous liquid hardens around him, then cracks and crumbles away, revealing Karlach.

Karlach steps down off of a monstrous wyvern with bat wings.

You hear a rustling and turn to see Astraea emerging from the undergrowth.

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Astraea hopefully.

A monstrous wyvern with bat wings bobs his head several times just before trotting off.

Forge-born Karlach Stormcrow, Master of the Bloodhunt says to Tacita, "All these are symbols of how the world sees us, they serve purpose for what they do, but they are irrelevant to the symbol that is bestowed here, today, upon you."

Narrowing his eyes, his face deadpan without hint of expression or emotion, Forge-born Karlach Stormcrow, Master of the Bloodhunt says to Tacita, "You, Tacita An'Ryshe, are to become a symbol of the Glomdoring, the manifestation of the Wyrd embodied in flesh, chosen by those who walk amongst you. Whether in the field of battle, the wonders of the stage, the depths of Aetherspace or hunting prey wherever it is to be found, you are a banner of flame and shadow to be cast across the First World and beyond."

Forge-born Karlach Stormcrow, Master of the Bloodhunt says to Tacita, "You will go from this place, and spread the glory of the Wyrd wherever you tread. You will go..."

Forge-born Karlach Stormcrow, Master of the Bloodhunt turns his head, eyeing the gathering around him with a cold, unrelenting glare, before turning back to Tacita.

Forge-born Karlach Stormcrow, Master of the Bloodhunt says to Tacita, "...and they shall follow. You have been raised in a time where we know not the luxury of comfort, our challenges are many and what you choose to do from here on is your call, and yours alone. But know that whatever tasks you set your hand to, you will have my support each step of the way."

Forge-born Karlach Stormcrow, Master of the Bloodhunt solemly nods to Tacita, before giving a sly grin and a knowing wink, before handing her a small piece of parchment and stepping back, taking his place once more admist the gathering.

Karlach gives a pale green sheet of stationery to Tacita An'Ryshe.

Karlach nods his head at you.

Speaking from the host gathered, you ask, "Will the Night Coven come forward and offer their words?"

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.

Darkest Celina appraises Tacita silently, a cruel and knowing smile playing across her features before she gives a vain toss of her hair and clears her throat.

Darkest Celina says, "Long is the memory of the Faethorn Realm, and yet longer is the memory of Night."

Darkest Celina says, "Great is the wisdom of the Spirits, and yet greater is the wisdom of Night."

To Tacita, Darkest Celina says, "You stand upon the precipice of a great blessing, and the Night stands beside you as witness."

Darkest Celina lifts her athame and places the edge upon Tacita's cheek.

Tacita An'Ryshe blinks, but does not flinch, holding herself tall and steady as the metal touches her.

Her voice rising to all that are gathered, Darkest Celina says, "The Conquering Darkness is capable of giving, but it is not prone to unconditional generosity. It remembers well the failings and successes of those who stand in its Great Shadow. It is equal parts unforgetting and unforgiving. It is as benevolent as it is cruel."

Darkest Celina moves her athame from Tacita's cheek and places the tip above her heart.

Approvingly, Darkest Celina says to Tacita, "Remember your triumphs: Avatar of the Silent Lord, former Regent of Glomdoring, Song of the Wyrd, Dirgesinger."

Darkest Celina jabs the tip of her athame savagely into Tacita's chest.

Her voice adopting a cruel darkness, Darkest Celina says to Tacita, "But do not forget your failings for they are manifold. First and foremost, your love of Xynthin, the Wyrden Glory, and that you allowed it to end your career as our Regent."

Tacita An'Ryshe lets out a grunt of pain, and lines tense in her face as she grits her teeth.

Darkest Celina removes the athame from Tacita's flesh, allowing the tip to linger above the wound.

Ghostly voices echo softly, combining into a haunting melody.

Her voice cool and emotionless, Darkest Celina says to Tacita, "The Night watches, as She ever does and always shall do. You know better than most the fate of those that fail to fulfill Her purpose. Rise to Her expectations or fall at Her feet. The choice is yours. Know that you are bound to Her will so long as She will have you."

Turning back to the gathering, Darkest Celina says, "Let it be known that the Night Coven puts its full faith in Tacita An'Ryshe. May she serve our Mother's dark kingdom. May she bleed not blood, but glory itself."

Bowing her head, Darkest Celina says, "Let us pray."

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

Leau opens his eyes and yawns mightily.

In a swift, fluid motion, Leau springs up from his hands to land crouched on his feet.

Tacita An'Ryshe bows her head and clasps her hands before her as blood continues to trickle down the front of her gown.

Darkest Celina says, "By Her grace we are marked as the Chosen, to baptize the Basin in an Endless Night, to bring the lost into the shadow, and offer them Her dark salvation. May the Night mark the path of Glomdoring's ascent."

Darkest Celina lifts her head, returning to the crowd once more.

You have emoted: Svorai Stormcrow nods at Celina and her eyes find Rialorm's from the crowd.

Tacita An'Ryshe lifts her head once more, and as her hair falls from her face it reveals an oddly warm smile which she directs at Celina.

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.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow steps forward and bows before Tacita, hands clasped before her chest.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow says to Tacita, "Defender of the Wyrd, as you rise to be Glomdoring's next Vernal Ascendant, hold in your heart the values of Grandmother Scorpion."

Tacita An'Ryshe returns the gesture with a deep curtsey, the flame-like folds of her gown skirting the forest floor.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow says to Tacita, "She is Perfection, pure and simple. She is the speed of the Wasp, the one who strikes surely, swiftly, and decisively into her opponent. No mercy, no regrets."

Black Shuck, the Darkhound pads about the area, sniffing at the air.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow says to Tacita, "She is the innovation of the Beetle, the one who creates new techniques to confound and confuse the enemy. Tirelessly, she works to better herself in mind and in body."

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow says to Tacita, "She is the stealth of the Bat, who never fears the unseen and whose ways shroud her actions from her prey."

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow says to Tacita, "And she is the preparedness of the Spider, who patiently and carefully weaves her deadly web, ensnaring her opponents in her beautiful and inescapable embrace."

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow says to Tacita, "Grandmother Scorpion is the deadliest combatant."

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

Rialorm ceases to wield a twilit sky nekai in her left hand.

Rialorm ceases to wield a twilit sky nekai in her right hand.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow throws both her nekai forward, with an intense look of concentration on her face. She then bids the nekai to float in the air before her, psionic energy thrumming powerfully through the air.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow makes a small motion with her fingers and sends the two nekai flying past Tacita, cutting her shallowly along both forearms, from wrist to elbow. The nekai hover in the air behind Tacita, appearing as two wings that emergy from Tacita's shoulders.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow says to Tacita, "Scorpion's claws shall never release their grip. Her will is unshakable. May you find the strength always to pursue your prey with the drive of Scorpion. Once your hands have tasted their flesh, then may you finish them swiftly, with grace and power."

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow makes a grand, horizontal motion with her arms and then crouches down on her right leg, leaving the left leg outstretched to the side. As she crouches, the nekai behind Tacita swoop downward over Tacita's shoulders, then zoom between Tacita's legs and upwards again, arcing through the air in the shape of a scorpion's tail.

Tacita An'Ryshe stands still as her blood falls to the ground in wisps of shadowfire which dissipate as they alight on the ground.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow looks up abruptly, her eyes drawn towards the flying nekai. She brings her hands together in a praying position to her chest. In response to this motion, the nekai halt in their path and hover above Tacita's head.

A black direwolf tilts back his head in a low, resonant howl.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow says to Tacita, "Her strike is deadly, her venom fatal. Grandmother Scorpion holds power over our emotion and our action. She is our wrath, our passion. She holds the power of judgement over others, through mercy or through death. Yet she is the enchantress that piques our senses with the exotic and unknown."

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow rises slowly, dropping her arms to the side in a slow, controlled manner. The nekai float gently back to her hands. The psionic pressure formerly present in the air dissipates, allowing the air to flow breezily once again.

Rialorm begins to wield a twilit sky nekai in her left hand.

Rialorm begins to wield a twilit sky nekai in her right hand.

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

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

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow produces a glimmering beryl gem from the folds of her robes. She holds it between two of her fingers, allowing it to catch the light in a way that maximizes the gem's sparkle.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow looks at Tacita, her eyes coldly inquisitive.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow asks Tacita, "Will you serve the Wyrd through your faith and your blood?"

Holding out her bloodied arms, Tacita An'Ryshe says, "Always."

Rialorm gives a beryl gem to Tacita An'Ryshe.

Ghostly voices echo softly, combining into a haunting melody.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow says to Tacita, "You have proven yourself worthy to Grandmother Scorpion by earning your station."

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow says to Tacita, "On behalf of the Cult of the Scorpion, I bless you, Vernal Ascendant."

Rialorm slides her opposing nekai against each other, causing an earsplitting screech to warble through the blades.

Athree's aura of weapons rebounding disappears.

Athree slides his opposing nekai against each other, causing an earsplitting screech to warble through the blades.

Tacita An'Ryshe inclines her head deeply in respect to the gathered Nekotai.

Mother Rialorm Stormcrow bows to the crowd before melting into the shadows. She disappears into the dense wood, leaving naught but silence in her wake.

Svorai

PART 2 OF 3

You have emoted: Svorai Stormcrow watches Rialorm depart into the crowd, and her eyes find Aerdiya. She nods in Aerdiya's direction.

Uish curtseys gracefully before Tacita.

Uish flashes Tacita a joyous smile.

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

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow slowly steps forward, a solemn expression on her features as she regards the crowd. After a few moments she nods to herself and turns around to those gathered, addressing them in a loud, clear voice.

Her gaze turning to Tacita, Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow says, "The day has come again to honour one of us with the gift of Ascendancy. Now, Sage Tacita An'Ryshe stands before us, ready to embark on her journey to further greatness."

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.

It is now the 25th of Estar, 388 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow continues, the corners of her mouth turning upwards into a small smile, "I have known her ever since I stepped out of the Portal, in fact, she was the one who sewed me my first robes, and believe that she will do greatly in her new role." She turns around again, now fully facing Tacita, directly addressing her, "I congratulate you, sister, or rather k'z'lia, as does the whole Murder. May Brother Crow guide you."

Tacita smiles softly.

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow takes a few steps back, a look of deep concentration on her face. After a few moments, she raises her gaze to the sky and caws loudly, her voice echoing through the otherwise silent forest like a ghostly chorus. Then, slowly but with increasing volume, she is joined by one and then another crow until the whole forest rings with the rasp song of those black-feathered birds.

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow looks upwards again as if waiting for something, her expression still a reflection of highest concentration. Suddenly, four great crows fly into the clearing, their ebon plumage glistening in the torchlight. Clutched in their sharp talons, are sickle, a bundle of cloth, a book and a dark cloak. They circle the gathering once, ruby eyes scanning the ground below them, before they drop one item each into the hands of Arcanis, you, Nyxx and Anita. Cawing one last time in unison, they finally depart again, the forest falling silent once more.

Aerdiya kneels and reverently places a palm on the ground. A golden sickle slices through the air from an unseen location and lands in her other hand.

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Illidaen hopefully.

The Master Ravenwood Tree suddenly flares with pulsating energy as Illidaen steps through.

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow steps forward again, turning the sickle in her hands before lightly slashing her wrists. She smiles as a thin ruby line tickles out of the wound, coating the golden blade in a crimson sheen. She turns to Tacita, offering her the sickle, "Blood Thirst teaches us to strive to hunt and improve ourselves while we sate our thirst with the blood of our foes. But He also teaches us to wait and not let our hunger overcome us. May Blood Thirst guide you and give you wisdom."

You intone, "May Blood Thirst guide you and give you wisdom."

High Druidess Nyxx Ysav'rai, Keeper of the Black Nest intones, "May Blood Thirst guide you and give you wisdom."

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow intones, "May Blood Thirst guide you and give you wisdom."

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow bows her head before stepping back into the circle.

Many small, glowing red eyes peer out at you from beneath the trees, only to vanish moments later.

You have emoted: Svorai Stormcrow walks closer to Tacita, and stands an arm's length apart from her. She regards Tacita with affection before glancing at a bundle of silks in her hands.

You have emoted: Svorai slowly unfolds the bundle, unveiling a magnificent gown. Coloured like the twilit sky, deep blues muddle with a dusky maeve, and the edge is hemmed in a faint rose. Silk threads form a web-like covering for the bodice, the centre of which holds a gem peorth rune.

You have emoted: Svorai gently folds the gown, almost lovingly, until it rests in her hands once more. Her expression seems to change, her reminiscent air replaced by an edge of determination.

Her tone solemn, you say to Tacita, "Black Sorrow teaches us to overcome what saddens us, feasting on the sensation of being stronger than our sorrow. We turn our weakness into strength, reserving the salty tears of despair for our enemies, as we manipulate them into drowning in the dark pits of their sorrows."

You say, "May Black Sorrow aide you and give you insight."

High Druidess Nyxx Ysav'rai, Keeper of the Black Nest intones, "May Black Sorrow aide you and give you insight."

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow intones, "May Black Sorrow aide you and give you insight."

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

You have emoted: Svorai Stormcrow hands the gown to Tacita, inclining her head as she returns to her former position.

High Druidess Nyxx Ysav'rai, Keeper of the Black Nest steps forward, holding a small book. She opens the book, revealing many blank pages. Handing the item to Tacita, she speaks in a low voice, "False Memory teaches us to reign supreme over our past, present and future. You are what you want to be. You write your own destiny, shaping everything to your liking. Do not let yourself become the subject of somebody else's quill, be the ink that fills the pages of this book. May False Memory shape you and give you adaptability."

The sound of a distant scream echoes between the trees, only to be suddenly cut short.

You intone, "May False Memory shape you and give you adaptability."

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow intones, "May False Memory shape you and give you adaptability."

Nyxx gives a wyrden journal to Tacita An'Ryshe.

High Druidess Nyxx Ysav'rai, Keeper of the Black Nest steps back into blissful cover of shadows.

Druidess Anita Myeras approaches Tacita, holding a long, dark cloak in her hands. Made out of countless black feathers, the garment seems to absorb all light like a reflection of Great Crow Himself. As she gives the cloak to Tacita, its plumage rustles slightly in the wind, emitting a faint scent of carrion. Raising her voice, Anita begins to speak, her gaze turned towards Brother Crow's nest, "Dark Spirit teaches us to embrace the Wyrd and give ourselves to the Glomdoring in mind, body and spirit. We all belong to Brother Crow, each one of us a feather in His magnificent plumage." She pauses, and looks around at those gathered before turning her gaze upon Tacita once more. "One feather alone may be weak, but a storm of feathers is terrible to behold, striking fear into the hearts of our enemies. May Dark Spirit bless you and give you strength."

You intone, "May Dark Spirit bless you and give you strength."

Sharp jerking notes hang in the air, reminiscent of Crow's caw.

High Druidess Nyxx Ysav'rai, Keeper of the Black Nest intones, "May Dark Spirit bless you and give you strength."

The last vestiges of midnight shadows flee as Mother Night hides herself from the luminous arrival of her shining mate as he chases her across the bowl of the sky.

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow intones, "May Dark Spirit bless you and give you strength."

Anita gives a cloak of crow feathers to Tacita An'Ryshe.

The air about Tacita thrums with power, softly at first but growing in intensity. As the energy peaks shimmering waves of heat burst outwards, dissipating into the air.

Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow nods to you.

You have emoted: Svorai Stormcrow smiles thankfully at Aerdiya. She looks over to Xenthos and nods toward him.

Tacita An'Ryshe reverently places the gifts of the Blacktalon to one side, smiling warmly at each of them in turn. She returns to her place and folds her hands before her, entwining her fingers around the stem of her skybloom.

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

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We live in a world with a simple, fundamental truth. Life thrives upon death. The proof of this is all around us- the Glomdoring was birthed from the ashes of the Gloriana. From the decaying corpse of the fallen Forest arose our mighty home, weakness subsumed by strength."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Everything we do, we do with this understanding. We kill, leaving heaping mounds of shattered foes in our wake, blood filling the streams and rivers. This is not done simply for enjoyment- we strengthen ourselves, our companions, our Pantheon and our Forest with every corpse."

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "To raise an Ascendant is another such endeavour. We sacrifice one of our own, shedding the last of her mortal blood to feed the Forest, providing one final surge of the power contained within a mortal body who has given it so much in dedication, blood, and devotion. This is not a matter of "reward," however- this is a chaining to the Glomdoring and its purposes stronger than any other."

The sound of wings flapping heralds a screeching murder of crows flying overhead.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "We are all the servants of the Forest. We live for it. We die for it. An Ascendant of the Glomdoring is bound to this way of life, setting the standard for all who dwell here."

The sound of drums rings violently in the air before falling back to a hushed rhythm.

The sound of drums rings violently in the air before falling back to a hushed rhythm.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist inclines his head slightly to Eliron. "The Harbingers will do their Rite before we conclude."

Eliron nods his head at Xenthos.

A black direwolf tilts back his head in a low, resonant howl.

The sound of drums rings violently in the air before falling back to a hushed rhythm.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh, Thorned Threnody lands.

Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament steps forward, guildmates arrayed behind him.

Haezon The Black adjusts his jacket.

Haezon slips into a dashing black silver-plumed hat.

Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament stops and stands before Tacita. From within his robes, he draws forth an inlaid triquetra dagger of platinum and sapphire and holds it up with both hands.

Tacita An'Ryshe accepts the dagger with slow, deliberate movements, holding it in her hands for a moment. Carefully, she drags the blade along the thin, silvery scar on the palm of her right hand, causing inky red blood to well up. The viscous liquid clings to the pale blade, shimmering like dancing flames in the light as she holds the dagger out to the gathered Harbingers.

The sound of wings flapping heralds a screeching murder of crows flying overhead.

Shadows swirl around Tacita's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around her hand.

Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament nods solemnly at Tacita and steps aside, allowing the other members of the guild to come forward.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh, Thorned Threnody takes to the air with a beat of her wings. She circles Tacita once, smiling, and with a laugh lands on her arm. She takes the point of the blade in both her small hands and squeezes, until red runs between her fingers, and drip onto the blade.

Aleyah flaps her wings quickly and begins to hover in the air.

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

Haezon The Black moves forward and bows deeply to Tacita. He then straightens up and removes his right glove. Haezon jabs his right thumb onto a sharp piece of his instrument, blood rising to the surface as he presses the bleeding digit to the dagger and lets a few drops fall onto the blade, tinged with green. He pulls it back and wraps some cloth around his thumb to stop the bleeding. Putting the glove back on, he then rejoins the circle around Eliron and Tacita.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh, Thorned Threnody lands, and takes her place in the circle beside Eliron and the others.

Iorwen Shee-Slaugh, Prelude of the Wyrd takes the dagger from Tacita and grips grips the it within her left hand, using its edge to draw a line across her palm. She then holds her palm out delicately over the blade, allowing blood to fall in droplets onto the dagger's platinum surface, before returning it to her.

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

Iorwen Shee-Slaugh, Prelude of the Wyrd steps backwards, taking her place within the circle beside Eliron and Aleyah.

Insinuation of the Wyrd, Skeara An'Ryshe accepts the dagger with a short nod and flutters forward to hover just in front of Tacita. With a swift motion, she draws the sharp edge of the dagger over her palm, cutting deep. Clenching her hand to a fist, she speaks quietly, "Your blood in mine, returned to yours. A cycle complete, a bond renewed." With a brief smile, she turns around and steps back in line with the other Harbingers.

Tacita smiles softly at Skeara.

Tacita An'Ryshe presents the handle of the dagger lastly to Eliron, one hand beneath the other as she holds it up.

Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament stands in front of Tacita. He leans forward and places a gentle kiss on Tacita's forehead before catching her hands in his and raising them, still holding the dagger, so that he can press his lips against the now darkened edge of the blade.

Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament lowers his and Tacita's joined hands, sliding the dagger from her grip to his as he does so. Stepping closer, he lightly brushes the dagger over each of Tacita's eyelids, leaving behind a trail of blood with no sign of whether it came from the dagger or Tacita. He then brushes it over Tacita's lips, leaving her in a world of silent darkness.

Eliron begins to whisper a haunting melody as numerous glittering shadows being to swarm about his form. He reaches out to place his hand upon Tacita's chest, his brow furrowing as if searching for something.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh, Thorned Threnody takes a long step to the right as Leader rests her hand over Tacita's heart, moving in time with the others so that the sound of their feet striking the ground echoes around the clearing. As her foot strikes the earth, shadows rise in the center of Harbingers.

Haezon The Black slides his other foot to the first in time with his guild mates, the sound softer but still heard throughout the clearing. In response to the sound, the shadows billow even higher around Tacita and Eliron.

Iorwen Shee-Slaugh, Prelude of the Wyrd continues to circle Tacita and Eliron with the others, their steps forming a steady rhythm of two, like the strong beating of a heart that the shadows pulse to.

Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament raises his arms and begins to move as well, circling counter to the other dancers, his steps light, a mere whisper amongst the heavier rhythm. The shadows seem to hear them clearly, however, and begin to twine about Eliron and Tacita.

Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament completes a full circuit around Tacita, steps cutting an intricate pattern through the swirls of shadow and sending them to trail tendrils around Tacita, pulling on her.

Tacita An'Ryshe steps into the shadows with her eyes still closed, joining the dance, and for a moment she and Eliron whirl around each other in counterpoint to the circling Harbingers.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh, Thorned Threnody brings both feet together in time with the others in an echoing thud that sends the shadows cascading over the heads of Tacita and Eliron.

Tacita An'Ryshe steps forward in the silence, eyes open and face unbloodied, as the shadows sweep towards her, sinking into her pale skin.

Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament nods to the assembled Harbingers with a pleased smile and bows deeply to Tacita before stepping back into the circle of Harbingers and then back again with them, returning to the watching crowd.

Tacita An'Ryshe lets her bloodstained arms fall to her sides, and she raises her head to the sky as if in anticipation.

Aleyah flaps her wings quickly and begins to hover in the air.

Aleyah smiles softly at Tacita.

Haezon The Black moves backwards silent, rejoining the throng.

Svorai

PART 3 OF 3

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "Now we give Tacita to the Glomdoring's thorny embrace."

Xenthos locks eyes with Tacita, watching her closely.

Xenthos razes Tacita's aura of rebounding with a ravenous crow-beaked bardiche.

With a focused look, Xenthos strikes at Tacita with a ravenous crow-beaked bardiche. Xenthos plunges his blade through her gut, impaling her viciously on the blade.

Xenthos gives his weapon a vicious twist and withdraws it from Tacita's gut in a shower of blood.

Letting a dark cross katana droop, Karlach suddenly heaves it up at Tacita. Karlach hacks into her gut, which opens up and pours blood in a pool at her feet.

Thin tendrils of shadow reach out from Karlach to rake across the skin of Tacita.

With a heavy overhand stroke, Zilias slams a wickedly serrated, black steel katana down upon Tacita. Zilias hacks her across the chest, laying open a flap of skin which bleeds profusely.

Thin tendrils of shadow reach out from Zilias to rake across the skin of Tacita.

With a focused look, Xenthos strikes at Tacita with a ravenous crow-beaked bardiche. Xenthos pricks her in the gut causing her to bleed slightly.

Septim swings a midnight rapier of Crow at Tacita. Septim cuts her right arm, striking a major artery that splurts blood in all directions.

Septim swings a midnight rapier of Crow at Tacita. Septim cuts through Tacita's chest, gashing apart layers of skin to reveal her bloody ribcage.

With a heavy overhand stroke, Karlach slams a dark cross katana down upon Tacita. Karlach hacks her forehead, which bleeds messily.

A copious amount of blood suddenly splutters from Tacita's gut onto the ground, and she slips in the deep red puddle.

Shikari looks up curiously.

With a focused look, Xenthos strikes at Tacita with a ravenous crow-beaked bardiche. Xenthos plunges his blade through her gut, impaling her viciously on the blade.

The point of the blade thrusts through Tacita's body and emerges from her back, jolting her upright as an expression of horror crosses her face. She finally slides off the blade, dropping to the ground with a thud.

Tacita has been slain by Xenthos.

The song that Tacita was performing fades away.

Tacita drops a beryl gem.

Having been too much for the mortal threads of Tacita, she screams in agony as flames engulf her body and burn it to a crisp.

Zilias carefully wipes all the poisons off of a wickedly serrated, black steel katana.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist watches, unmoving, as the last of Tacita's blood drips from her body. After a few moments more, he lifts his gaze from his wife's corpse and turns it back to those gathered.

A dark spirit appears, wrapping around the soul of Tacita, whose face contorts in pain before they both fade away.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "The Glomdoring will fill this broken form with its strength. New life will flow through through its veins, blood thrumming with the might of the Glomdoring. Through death of the mortal body, the Ascendant rises, just as the Glomdoring has."

Bewitching melodies drift languidly upon the air, heralding the entrance of Tacita as she glides in from the up.

Brennan Stormcrow cocks his head to one side, looking Tacita over with an appraising stare.

Brennan Stormcrow exclaims, "Mighty Crow has his eye upon you, Dark Savant!"

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Tacita hopefully.

Uish picks up a beryl gem.

Uish gives a beryl gem to Tacita An'Ryshe.

Xenthos nods his head at you.

Aleyah smiles softly at Uish.

You have emoted: Svorai Stormcrow steps forward from the crowd, her eyes fixed on Tacita.

Haezon The Black looks around with a grin.

Tacita kneels onto one knee, demonstrating her humility and respect.

Her voice clear, you exclaim, "And now rise, Tacita, Vernal Ascendant of the Wyrd!"

You unlock the powers of the Master Ravenwood Tree for Tacita.

Tacita steps towards the Master Ravenwood Tree and places her hands on it, causing it to creak and groan wildly as she drinks of its shadowy essence. Thrumming power fills the air and pours through her mortal coil, swathing her body in oily shadows. The ethereal, haunting forms of the Great Spirits briefly fill the air around the Master Ravenwood Tree, chief among them Mother Night and Brother Crow, as Tacita is suffused by incredible powers, and rises as a Vernal Ascendant!

A new Ascendant rises! By decree of Dark Marshall Svorai and with full support of the Shadow Court, let it be known that the Free Forest of Glomdoring has this day imbued Tacita with the energies of the Master Ravenwood Tree, raising a Vernal Ascendant!

Shikari's eyes sparkle with amusement at Tacita.

Tacita An'Ryshe falls to the ground as the power of the Master Ravenwood flows through her, clasping one hand to her head. Her breath comes in fitful gasps as she fights to steady herself, as if some internal struggle were occurring in her mind. After several long moments she raises her head to look at you, her pink eyes wide and bright. A smile curls the corners of her lips, hesitant at first, then broadening into an almost rapturous joy. She steps shakily to her feet, gaining a little more strength and composure once standing again.

Illidaen nods his head sagely.

Tacita stands up and stretches her arms out wide.

Tacita closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.

Wyrden Snare Kirambe, Ward of Xenthos bares her filed teeth at Tacita in something resembling a broad, dagger-filled grin.

(The Crux): Subotai says, "Congratulations, Tacita!"

Her eyes fluttering briefly closed, Tacita An'Ryshe says, "Oh, my."

You smile softly at Tacita.

His voice underscored with the snarls of many beasts, Shikari, the Predator says, "Well done, Tacita of the Glomdoring. You've been granted a great honour, or so they tell Me."

Karlach grins mischievously at Tacita.

(The Crux): Diniah (from the Fire Elemental Plane) says, "Congratulations m'lady Tacita."

A wry smile spreads across Shikari's face.

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

Tacita An'Ryshe places her hands over her heart, one atop the other. Between them, a slender purple flower rests, which she dips her head to inhale the scent of.

Zilias flashes Tacita a joyous smile.

With a smirk, Darkest Celina says, "On with it, Ascendant. You know what to do next."

The sound of drums rings violently in the air before falling back to a hushed rhythm.

In a soft, low voice, Tacita An'Ryshe says, "Remember this, Glomdoring: I am nothing."

Tacita An'Ryshe's lips curl into a smile, and she lifts her head to gaze at all of you with great warmth.

Tacita An'Ryshe says, "Within the Wyrd, there is for all of us a place. What matters is not those of us that fill those places, nor even those places themselves: all that matters is the whole of which we are a part." Her eyes drop back to the flower over her heart. "We are nothing: the Glomdoring is everything."

Haezon nods his head sagely.

Tacita An'Ryshe lowers her hands to her waist, and steps a little closer to her audience, the cloying scent of cherry blossoms moving with her.

Tacita An'Ryshe says, "You have chosen to grant me Ascendancy through your power - to give me this place in your Amalgam. No thanks that I could give you, no expression of honour or pride would do justice to this feeling. I feel..."

Tacita An'Ryshe breaks off, her eyes pinching with sudden emotion. Whatever feeling has struck her causes her brows to knit and her eyes to dart away.

Effervescent motes of light flow in from the north, gracefully coalescing into the form of Crek.

An illithoid scourge spares Crek a quick glance.

Lifting her head, Ilistala looks at Crek hopefully.

Her focus returns, and her expression becomes one of concern. Lifting her head once more, Tacita An'Ryshe says, "I feel worry, and pain. Hesitation and loneliness."

Tacita An'Ryshe blinks widely, her eyes darting over her audience as if seeing each of you for the first time. "All of these feelings are yours," she says, as understanding dawns on her face. "At times they overwhelm you. But - but they are not all that you feel. No..."

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

Her words racing with sudden excitement, Tacita An'Ryshe says, "I feel joy and contentment, unity and fervour, passion and devotion - Glomdoring!" She throws her hands out before her. "You cannot see them at times, but they are there - all of these feelings, all of your glories."

Tacita An'Ryshe's bloodied gown becomes alive with movement, the inky stains waxing into licks of purple-and-black fire that entwine around her limbs like a child's fervent embrace. Her smile broadens, lightening up her face, and her pink eyes sparkle with joy.

Tacita An'Ryshe proclaims, "We mortals, through our gaze of emotion, are often cursed to see only the loneliest, the dreariest of futures: but we of the Wyrd know the remedy. We have the strength of Brother Crow, the beauty of Mother Night, the skill of the Idols. We have the perfection of the Lady of Thorns, the drive of the Lord Predator, the wisdom of the Silent Lord."

Tacita An'Ryshe raises her hands to the night sky, and the flames around her wax with power.

Tacita An'Ryshe exclaims, "Glomdoring! We are the solution to the stagnancy, the destitution, the desperation of mortalkind. We are the route to piercing the dangers of emotion, to granting them clarity, to using their strength and their power unlike any other people of the First World. We stand in the emptiest of places and we know that we will survive, that we will endure - nay, that we will emerge stronger for it!"

You smile softly.

Tacita An'Ryshe lowers her hands, and turns her gaze back down from the sky, her face bright with rapture.

Her voice softening, Tacita An'Ryshe says, "But even we who are the truth know that nothing comes so easily. What we are and shall be is achieved through hard work, through sacrifice and perseverance."

Tacita An'Ryshe extends her flame-wreathed hands before her as if in offering.

Tacita An'Ryshe whispers, "But we shall get there. We shall walk this path together, for we are one. We are the Wyrd. And we remember."

Tacita An'Ryshe's eyes flutter closed, and the flames about her leap up to the skies as her lips move in devout incantation.

Ghostly voices echo softly, combining into a haunting melody.

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.

You see Tacita An'Ryshe shout, "Nothing Matters but Glomdoring!"

You shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

You see Forge-born Karlach Stormcrow, Master of the Bloodhunt shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

You see Druidess Aerdiya Stormcrow shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

You see Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh, Thorned Threnody shout, "Glory Be to Glomdoring!"

You see Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist shout, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."

You see Darkest Celina shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

You see Iorwen Shee-Slaugh, Prelude of the Wyrd shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

You see Illidaen, Of the Insatiable Night shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

You see Lord Eliron Shee-Slaugh, Maestro of the Lament shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

You see Wyrden Snare Kirambe, Ward of Xenthos shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

You see Druidess Anita Myeras shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

You see Druid Crek Ysav'rai shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

You see Haezon The Black shout, "Glory Be To Glomdoring!!"

You see Athree, Tender of Swarms shout, "Glory be to Glomdoring!"

The sharp sound of a twig snapping echoes behind you.

Magister Aeral McCloud, Companion of the Even Bladed shouts, "Glory be to Silence."

Tacita gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

A black direwolf tilts back his head in a low, resonant howl.

You see Astraea Nightshade, Cimmerian Veritas shout, "Yes, Glory be to Lord Nocht!"

Darkest Celina says, "I can arrange for her silence, if required."

Crek snickers softly to himself.

Illidaen nods his head at Celina.

The corners of Kirambe's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

Illidaen, Of the Insatiable Night says, "Exactly my thoughts too."

Shikari smirks at Astraea.

Eliron grins mischievously at Astraea.

Haezon nods his head sagely.

Druid Crek Ysav'rai asks, "Why? She was shouting the glory to Lord Nocht?"

The corners of Illidaen's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Astraea curtseys gracefully before Shikari.

Aleyah curtseys gracefully before Shikari.

Tacita has accepted your invitation and has joined the clan.

Crek bows respectfully to Shikari.

As an afterthought, Shikari, the Predator says to Tacita, "Nocht speaks often of you. You serve Him well. That has not gone unnoticed."

Haezon bows respectfully to Shikari.

Zilias bows respectfully to Shikari.

Shikari, the Predator says to Tacita, "Kill well, blood of Glomdoring."

With a flourish of his arm, Subotai bows deeply.

Aerdiya curtseys gracefully before Shikari.

With great elegance, Boss Grand Monger Subotai Ysav'rai, Seeker of Graces lays out a spread of exotic cuisine and delicacies before you. Along with everyone else, you indulge yourself in this epicurian feast, eating and drinking until utterly satiated. The fine meal not only lifts your spirits, but enhances your body as well.

Tacita curtseys gracefully before Shikari.

Subotai doffs a gold and silver crown of Cosmogenesis cordially.

Anita curtseys gracefully before Shikari.

Subotai leaves to the down.

Kirambe gives Shikari a respectful salute.

With a curt nod of farewell, Shikari, the Predator says, "Glomdoring."

Long tendrils of shadow violently rake across Shikari's form, consuming Him completely.

Haezon applauds Tacita heartily.

Aleyah beams broadly at Tacita.

Crek beams broadly at Tacita.

Aleyah hugs Tacita compassionately.

Aerdiya beams broadly at Tacita.

Tacita gives Aleyah a peck on the cheek.

You smile softly at Tacita.

Eliron smiles softly at Tacita.

Athree smiles and shakes Tacita's hand, offering his congratulations.

Karlach inclines his head politely to Tacita.

Svorai

So that's sort of it.

I just want to point out that Tacita is an amazing roleplayer, and person, in general. Her inputs really made this. I'm really glad to have seen this happen (finally!). Tacita is basically everything I love about Glomdoring, and deserves this over and again.

I've false memoried a few things in this log. Events never go quite as well as we hope them to, but we will remember them as perfectly as they were. /forumrp

Tacita

It seemed fitting to put this here rather than in a new thread: it was entirely unexpected and so very lovely and special.

--

A whirlpool of incorporeal shadows fills the area with an unnatural darkness, revealing the ghostly figure of Viravain, Lady of the Thorns at their centre as the umbral filaments dissipate.

Viravain strokes a wickedly curved scythe tenderly.

You bow respectfully to Viravain.

Aleyah curtseys gracefully before Viravain.

Cyndell curtseys gracefully before Viravain.

Shadows flickering over Her eyes, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Well met, Glomdoring."

Ssaliss bows respectfully to Viravain.

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns glides across the forest floor, coming to stand before you.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh, Thorned Threnody says, "Well met, my Lady."

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says to you, "Well done, Ascendant of the Ravenwood. The Forest has both song and singer now."

Shadows flicker over the blue surface of Viravain's eyes like crows over snow.

You have emoted: Tacita's face lights up with a warm, slightly overwhelmed smile.

Athree bows respectfully to Viravain.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Viravain's lips.

With some fondness, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "The rushing of the waters, the battle song of the branches - the movement of the sap and the Wyrd's voice..."

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

A cold wind stirs the branches, and you become aware of the strength of the roots, the chill purpose of the Wyrd, the scent of roses, the places where the shadows wait. There is ever a faint thrum, the whisper of the woods themselves.

Viravain closes Her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of Her surroundings.

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns whispers, "So you see, singer. I am glad."

You have emoted: Tacita's smile broadens, and she opens her eyes slowly, as if in a daze.

You say, "I...yes. I see - I feel. I do not yet understand, but that will come in time."

Stepping back with a slight, approving nod, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "It will."

Viravain tilts Her head back and looks up at the sky.

Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "The Wyrd has chosen well. You are more than Tacita An'Ryshe now, singer. You are the forest incarnate."

Turning, Viravain, Lady of the Thorns says, "Do not forget it as others have - do not forsake that voice."

Viravain inclines Her head politely to those around Her.

Coiling sinuously about Her petite frame, stygian shadows cloak Viravain in an unnatural darkness and evanesce into the aether, leaving behind only the faintest scent of roses.

Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh, Thorned Threnody sits on a leaf.

You have emoted: Tacita nods her head, eyes slightly unfocused. After a moment, she seems to realise that the Goddess is gone, and lets out a soft laugh.

Quietly laughing, Lady Aleyah Shee-Slaugh, Thorned Threnody says, "Oh my goodness."