Content Warnin's:

AUGUSTA POV! Imprisonment. Calling someone a corpsefucker. Um... sass. mhm. Some smutty snuggles at the end witha gerl who has a mouth on her leg she shoves into fun places! :D

Well Sikkina, by the time you're experiencing these memories, everything will be long over and I'll likely be dead, imprisoned, or depowered. All according to Keikaku.

But genuinely, I have no idea what state I'll be in, though I'm certain you will get the opportunity to go through mine and others' memories. Doubt I could make the majority of your mothers hate me quite that much.

I've hurt Lynette quite badly. Indirectly perhaps, but I claim responsibility for one simple fact. I'd do it again, and will do it again and again until I've accomplished my goals. Without even beginning to count the lesser lives I'll burn on that pyre, I know my actions are unforgivable. Necessary? Probably not. There are other ways that could possibly avert the end of our Rift (I assume by this time everyone is using that more accurate term), but they are only possibilities, and I've damned myself and everyone else to be certain. I'm not willing to risk the future.

Call it arrogance. Hubris to be ironic. Doesn't matter in the end what our family or anyone else calls my actions as long as they're around to be capable of complaints. I've seen the broken lands of a dead dreamer, slowly being pieced back together by our family, knowing it was our families fault it broke.

And you, my heir, my most subtle knife, you're already preordained to do the same here. Well. Were. Future past, and such. My past and present exists because your future occurred, like ripples in a pond through time. So remember. It's not your fault. It's your responsibility. The difference is important.

I finish logging my thoughts with a crooked smile as I head through the labyrinth. Can't exactly use the regular tunnels when the Sheared Spire is not quite connected to the rest of Sekrhús's nascent network. Nevertheless, I find the Shadows of Primrose and Nettle down a passage just past our darling youngest sister who screams and threatens me with brutal violence while Gebetshure tries to get her to calm. I step through Nettle this time, holding myself to the Betwixt for a moment longer to hide my entry as I stumble over a tree branch. Well, this is certainly not where I expected them to be.

I find them in a clearing, by a long abandoned dock and home, downstream from a major city that I don't recognize. Gathering my bearings, I head around the corner of the house and drop from the Betwixt so I can make a proper entrance.

"The weeds won't be a problem. People stomp them down all the time. And the dock will hold. Or dump people into the river. Either works and fits and won't muck up things like... at all. This one thinks. Mistress will giggle when it happens. Probably. Not sure. What do you think Nett-"

Cuts off as she turns to look at Nettle who sits watching her lover from a long fallen and dead tree.

Eyes find mine and go wide, rushes over and hesitates. "You're... Um... Just. Drat. This one is so sorry. It's all not even a little close to being ready!" Caught between what I think are the urges to bow, take up my hands, or maybe hug me. One can never tell with a girl like Primrose.

Nettle, though, shows open relief. Rises to approach and stand beside her lover. "Madam Augusta. I... This one is so glad you're here. Wherever here... Is?"

I give them both a big hug, knowing that they need reassurance as I respond, "I'm not sure darlings, but I can bring you back to your Mistress right away and leave a waypoint if you'd like to return at some point. It's a rather quaint spot, isn't it?"

"What? No! No no no. This one has to finish." Primrose sputters into the embrace. Pulling back. "This... There is so much to do and Mistress needs to focus on her screams and we need to get this all perfect for you and her and everyone that'll be visiting soon! This one can't go anywhere but here. Not till Directive 90,000 Sub-circulation 674, is complete. AT LEAST!"

Nettle sighs and looks at me with tired confusion and exasperation, but doesn't interject.

"Alright. Can I help in any way? Xafra was quite worried about you both, so while we're not in a rush, I will have to return to her today, either with you both or to check in with her." I rebuke her as gently as I can.

"Um..." Primrose pauses, brow furrowing in confusion. Like she's trying to remember something. Frame seems to resonate so... oddly. "You're not supposed to. That would be wrong. Like... asking a Doll to make its own Happy Doll Day present. Actually. Unless... Keep Mistress away? Until your Temple finishes growing here. But you'll both get brought here then anyway sooo. Happy early First Anchoring Day! This one hopes its everything ever you both wanted and your Weaver wove for you all!"

I crinkle my own brow as I consider her words. Oh, she doesn't know what I've set in motion yet. And it seems like something is driving her. Is it kinder to leave her in ignorance? No. I've got to talk this through.

"Okay, Primrose, Nettle, we need to sit and have a bit of a chat before you do any more work." I insist as I fold my legs under me on the ground.

Primrose just seems... endlessly confused by that. Moves like she wants to take a step back. But her lover reaches out to take up her wrist. Gently holding her in place.

"Please? Prim?" Nettle asks. "Just for a bit? You've been just... going non-stop since we woke up here. And this one would like to understand how It can help. And Augusta might have instructions from Mistress Xafra."

Primrose huffs, looks back at the field. "But... Okay. Just a little bit, though. Then I have to get back to all this." Turns and carefully kneels into the grass with Nettle and myself.

"So... I've started the end of the world. Helped Sekrhús wake up and expand outwards throughout Dämmerung. Advised her to mind control Lynette into attacking Girra. Stole a bunch of Sunblessed from Girra. Kidnapped my youngest sister... Though technically I did the before the rest. Oh, and I located the closest thing this world has to a dog and kicked it to really make sure my villain era is unmistakable." I explain with only the slightest hint of sarcasm. I did kick Rufus, but in fairness, it was out of the way of a falling boulder.

Nettle just... blinks. Opens her mouth after a second. Then closes it. Too stunned to talk. Expression caught between shock and fear and even a bit of slowly warming anger.

"Oh! That's what Mistress' screaming was about." Primrose murmurs, actually relaxing in stark contrast to her lover's emotions. "AND that's why this had to be rushed. Directive 140,000 Sub-circulation 3,678. Okay! Especially with only two of you left to contest things and mostly wanting to be sweet to each other."

"Mmm. Don't know what that means but yeah. Xafra knows what I've done. Except for the last two things, and we have agreed to work it out. She's mostly mad that I started acting without explaining first or talking to her, which is reasonable. Elevar is disappointed in me which hurt more than I expected but is completely fair of course. Lynette is... probably never going to forgive me? I don't really think she should either. But yeah. I felt it was important to let you both know before you did anything to support me and potentially regretted it later. I really am trying to do what's best for the future, yet, I'm aware that it's... Nebulous and the people I'm hurting exist here in the present." I sigh. "Knowing all that, I'll stay right here for about an hour to give you both time to decide what you'd like me to do, then if nothing else, I'll return to Xafra and let her know your location and that you're safe."

"You..." Nettle tries to form a reply, looks between us. "I'd like to talk with Mistress. Make sure she's okay. Also get her understanding of all this. But... I don't think..."

Looks to a rising Primrose.

"This one is doing exactly what Mistress needs right here. Wouldn't know to do anything but like... hug her. But Adaline, Witch Elevar, and all the Pack Sisters do that so much better. So this one is gonna stay stuck here till the work is good and finished and as perfect as it could make it." Xafra's first Doll states, then bows to me with more formality than I've ever seen this girl do. That odd resonance flowing from her words as she offers. "Thank you, Death and Decay and all Their screams given form. It will ensure your Temple is everything She wished Her Jellyfish to find in this Waking World. Promise Promise."

I freeze in place "Oh. Oh my mothers' mother."

No. Can't get distracted. Doesn't matter how she did it.

"Certainly Nettle. I'll contact your Mistress to open a portal for you both to talk?" I offer, all I can do while still in shock.

Nettle rises to watch as Primrose heads back toward the field. Turns to me. "Do you know what's happening to her? Why she's like this?"

"No. But she spoke with words I first heard when I left this world to find out where we came from. She spoke like mine and Xafra's grandmother, and is somehow... Infused with her songs? I... I'm sorry. Truly. I don't know what's happening to her."

My sister's third Doll hugs herself. "I just... This one doesn't want to lose her. Has seen others broken into new thoughts and just... It can't stand the idea of... it won't..." Takes a deep breath she doesn't need, settles the bravest look she can muster. Words fragile and barely steady. "It's just... This just feels like when the Old Mistress would send the really sweet combat Dolls to punish someone for no reason."

my teeth grit with rage as I recall the suffering that bitch inflicted on my charges before I was able to help them directly. "What would you like me to do? I can remove her from here, or sever the connection but... I don't know what would happen."

"This one doesn't know either. It never even learned the little bit of magic Primrose tried before being sent here." Nettle winces at my anger, eyes drifting out to watch her lover. Whispering softly. "But you said you told the Estate to use mind magic on Mistress Lynette? Without her agreement? But... You always hated that. Were the first person ever to tell my Prim that what was done to her was wrong. Regardless if she is property or not. And I just... Was that a lie? Is she or me or the Dolls just going to be mind magicked into being what you or Mistress or the Estate want or need?"

"No. I do hate it. I don't think it was right, but in my opinion it was necessary. I need Sekrhús to trust me more. I am planning on getting Lynette, her daughter, and her other self free of my niece's grasp however, I cannot win in a fight. Literally died last time I tried. That being said, I will be fully honest with you. If I have to choose between making you or anyone else I care about suffering for an hour and being under the thrall of my niece for the rest of her existence, I will do it again. I can't justify that and shouldn't." I whisper back, knowing that it won't be enough but unwilling to try and convince her that my actions are right.

"Okay. That makes sense to it. Um..." Nettle looks back to me, hesitates then... steps up and pulls me into another hug. "And this one is sorry. Sorry for how messy and hard this is for you. It's glad you're trying to work things out with Mistress Xafra. Glad that Gebetshure is probably going to be really sweet on you next you let them. Hopes you take care of yourself, or lets others try to do that for you."

"Thank you, dear. It'll all work out in the end. I'm making sure of it. Sister Elevar made me promise to see things through myself, and that includes making sure y'all get the time to thrive."

"Good. This one... um... Actually?" Nettle pulls back and nods. "It'll stay here and try to keep Primrose from trouble for now. You let Mistress know we're safe but about what's happened. This spot really is nice and we'll be okay. You and her and the others have other things to worry about."

"Alright. I'll let her know. Might send some others your way to help and keep an eye on you. I'm not quite certain about that city." I compromise as I stand back up.

"Mhm. Same. But... Primrose insists they'll be sweet and bring gifts when they realize what's happening?" Nettle huffs and purses her lips. "But yeah, more help would be good. If the other Shelf members want to. That is."

"Only volunteers, I promise."

Before I leave, I offer Nettle a crate of supplies from the labyrinth, simple gardening and construction tools, a sewing kit, and four reams of waxed canvas. "I made a few of these crates before I left, in preparation for the war effort. This seems a much better purpose to me."

"Oh. Wow. Okay. Well if Primrose was even a little upset she'd love you forever now." Nettle chuckles. "Art supplies and a creative task are the way to talk that girl into anything. It's actually a problem."

"No assignments from me, just stay safe you two." I respond before pulling on the thread from Xafra and stepping through the Roil that appears.

As I step through, it's sister Elevar's voice that wafts through the entryway of her Spire. The Pack, save Krahe and Warden, gathered with their Mistress to speak with the kneeling Sun-Blessed.

"I was expecting you both to... Well, want to leave. Step away into safety. Return to speak with your Divine and allow us all a chance to take some much needed deep breaths before trying to work all this out. Mayhaps speak with the spirits Augusta snatched up to ensure their safety. Of course, but..."

A chirp from one of Verbess' quills, and its Mistress trails off as she is alerted to my presence. Tilts a head at me. "Ah, good. Did you locate our missing gerls?"

"I did. They're working on a project of some sort outside of a strange city. Primrose is seemingly being guided by our grandmother, which... Is surprising. Left them with some supplies and a promise to assist any volunteers who wish to join them with travel. Did you manage to collect Krelliva? I'd like to assist her into a new body if she'd accept my help." I explain as I look around, not seeing Lynette but knowing how little that really means.

"She... I'm not sure? She seems to be torn between wanting to use the pathways linked to Infection's family, and wanting Feryudra to carry her to be absorbed back into Girra's Blaze." Elevar looks to Xafra, "What's the gerl's thoughts and words on this, again?"

"It's a cultural thing. They're meant to share space, not occupy one alone." My sister explains with a surprising level of understanding.

"Oh. I would offer myself if there wasn't such a conflict of interest, but... Perhaps in the future, after everything settles. What about Feryudra? It has the capability to accept another now that Xafra has modified it, right?" I suggest, thinking about ways to clean up this mess of mine.

"No." Feryudra states, adjusting to settle those sapphire stakes across its knees. "This vessel was and is made with tools to carry a lost spark home in the event of death outside His regard. Even before Xafra changed it. To accept her Spark into itself would compromise that Function, as well sit wrong with Warmth of Lovers They've Yet to Embrace. She will seek a new host. It is the way of the Shells."

"Understood. My apologies for any insult. Is there a specific location or group I could transport you to?" I make the offer, even though I'm near certain it will refuse. No reason to trust me and every reason to hate.

"It only will need to carry her beyond the edge of the Horror's maw, then release Krelliva into the Blaze. If that is what she asks for." It explains, "Then this Frame will return. Both to see to the kin you stole and keep, and to consider the Sun-Scorched still held beneath and beyond His and Death's memory."

Elevar huffs. "And Krelliva is stuck between wanting to leave, but not wanting to do so without Feryudra. And all promises of safety mean very little right now, unfortunately. So... Compromises. As always. Mayhaps let this one see to its siblings you keep, and go from there? I still need to speak with Sekrhús myself and think that'll be a family group effort. Of course. But one step at a time and ensure at least one spirit wounded today flitters home?"

"Of course. Before the visit, I should mention I came across another of our wayward sisters. Had to apprehend her after following the trail of dead male witches. seems she has a rather problematic habit, but I'm willing to surrender her to yours and Xafra's custody if you're willing to come with and collect her from Gebetshure's care?" I suggest.

Xafra immediately interjects, "One of the Pack needs to go as well, Krelliva wants to see your hostages."

I smile and wait for her to catch up. In three, two, one...

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE HAVE A SERIAL KILLER FOR A SISTER?"

"Yeah, I was surprised and annoyed too. Fourteen deaths that I was able to confirm, but that was only based on where I picked up the trail."

"Cracked and riven moon. I'm sure she'll fit right in." Elevar sighs with a shake of her head. "And if nothing else she'll not be able to slip away and cause problems while we convince her to... to not. Just not do that. Especially now. We all have our bad habits but a Divine tilting into murder as a hobby could be a mess to work around." Then she looks to the Pack. "Do us all a favor and Assess and Measure her temperaments, abilities, and general volatility. Because if she decides to be a problem on purpose I've little choice but to shove her in a Chamber below till we can consider the best course of action." Looks to her mate. "And no, Xafra, I'll not have you spending yourself on trying to restrain this Divine. Not with the other bigger threats still looming."

"Not a Divine yet. Only has one Name and a usename from what I can glean. And if you're going to put her in a Chamber, please make sure that no one decides it would be more convenient if the Chamber was put to use." I clarify.

"I think I should stay with Xafra." Adaline recommends.

Xafra, my dear sister, still gobsmacked and bewildered, doing her best to avoid becoming whelmed by everything going on, simply shakes her head. "I'm going to trust you all to be on your best behavior. No more half-truths or any such nonsense. I told you before that it isn't necessary, and it came to this because you, Augusta, didn't believe me the first time."

"I agree with our Pack lead, and Xafra. You two remain here with Infection. Schatzi and I will go with Augusta, Feryudra, and Krelliva to visit this sibling and the Sun-Blessed." Elevar offers, looks to me. "Does that seem reasonable? This place is... well, not similar to Xafra's Driftdream. But close in your power over it. Your Grove, so to speak. Just by visiting a great degree of trust is being offered from both sides."

"That's reasonable but not quite accurate. The labyrinth isn't mine so much as I am its. I am a part of it, as a wretched dead thing, as it is a part of me. The power I have over it is more in the nature of one who understands the jungle than one who plants it." I politely disagree.

"Close enough, for me. Honestly." She shrugs, steps over to me. Lowers her voice to a pitch meant to convey a mild privacy to the words. "And let's keep this polite, if you please, dear sister. If we're to call you wretched, there are others here that need to consider worse terms for themselves."

I laugh at that, can't help it, and open my arms for a hug. "Agree to disagree. You're one of the best things to ever happen to our family."

"And I still struggle to even consider that, still think we'd all be better if Adaline was the gerl to free us and later find and bond to Xafra first." She embraces me and whispers soft enough into my ear that I doubt any of even the Pack catch her words. "But this is why we're going to keep pretending to be the things we'd like to be, rather than the terrible thoughts in our heads. Starting now, till we can't any more. Because otherwise our children are going to absorb nothing but whatever curses Krahe is no doubt teaching them and all our worst habits. Alright?"

"Certainly." I tilt my head to the side to listen through and catch myself laughing again. "Yeah, Sia just asked if Momma Elevar is bitch tits."

"Empty Skies." She cackles amidst a long suffering sigh. "If that's the most odd conversation we have to have today I will be a lucky woman."

"Unlikely. I have someone else to introduce you to when we arrive." The words come easy as I part the veil that hides the labyrinth. "Shall we?"

I lead the way into one of the many atria of the Labyrinth, the threshold having its typical disorienting effects on the others who take a moment before regaining the capacity to think, let alone use their senses in such a place disconnected from the familiar.

Across the space, Prevoriis looks up from where they're tending to what I've taken to calling the Seed Bank, and I offer them a wry smile. "You were right, my dear Revenant. They were wanting to see for themselves."

"The word you chose doesn't encompass it, spooks." They chortle with a rich laugh. "We need a term for a tree with a temper. One that hasn't spit us all out is because it likes the ways your toes feel on the bark and fur."

"It would be amiss to even try to encapsulate the Labyrinth with a single word. It's one of utility more than accuracy. Underworld doesn't match its location or nature, Betwixt is too vague, and every other term I pondered during my years failed in comparison to the one I use now. That being said, go ahead and try. I'll fish you out of whatever hole you find yourself in afterwards." I giggle back at them.

Once the others begin moving, I gesture to them. "Prevoriis, this is my sister in law, Elevar, their Polysoul Doll Schatzi and Verbess, Sunblessed Feryudra who is here in form, and Sunblessed Krelliva who is here in spirit. My guests, this is Prevoriis, my First Revenant, who will be assisting with recording some of the old history during their service before I release them to exist as they will for a lifespan."

Schatzi immediately starts her horns singing as she assesses my Revenant. "Miss Augusta, What... Are they? Does this not undermine your whole claimed motivation?"

I blink at her in confusion, trying to understand where her assumption is coming from.

"Which one would that be?" Prevoriis asks.

"To bring an end to the stagnation of eternity that threatens to destroy this world! She! She snatched wrigglers away from Girra! Betrayed Mistress Lynette! Made all the Dolls get scattered and lost! And worst of all, She WASN'T VERY NICE ABOUT IT!" Schatzi yells, her voice going from irate to bellowing as she stomps her foot upon finishing.

Feryudra still has that empty look about it, but grips those staves just a little tighter. And my sister... Well, she just has such a 'My gerl's not wrong and you know I'm probably going to be the nicest person about all this' look. Her silence a stark agreement with her Doll's furious declarations.

"Huh." Prevoriis speaks into the silence, then looks to me. "Yeah... I still don't see it, spooks. Not sure how you bartering for my corpse and service and planting some spark in my chest is too out of character. Seems tame, actually. The rest is pretty on point, though. Gebetshure did try to talk you into getting your feet steady before doing anything big."

"They probably assume that you'll be around for longer than a century, or that I was lying about giving every single soul that I reap a fresh start. And you're right, honestly I wasn't planning on any big moves yet, but took advantage of the opportunities as they appeared." I agree before nodding to Schatzi, "You're also correct. I should have been nicer, given some semblance of warning to make sure all the Dolls were safe, and tried to convince Lynette before she was controlled. I regret my methods, if not my actions. I'm sorry, Schatzi."

"You know I plan on trying to get up to trouble for longer than that. But sure." My revenant murmurs more to themselves while turning to get back to their work.

"Well yes, Prevoriis I assumed so, but that's the time I've alloted you. You need to earn more, I need to be fair about this system to make sure it can outlast me, and nepotism isn't the way to do it." I grumble at them. "Anyway, open up the communication window on the Seed Bank so our guests can chat with them."

Elevar steps up to gently take up Schatzi's hand in hers. Whispers, "Thank you, dear one. I knew you could voice that all better than me."

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Schatzi fizzles out, her anger and indignation mostly spent as she holds her Mistress' hand.

"Sure sure. But most of these ones are pretty quiet. A third barely even realize they're not with Girra." They shrug and do as I say, using the manual lever to open the metal sliding aperture on one of the three standing wood-capped marble cylinders, bound together with miasma coated Jade. This one is labeled 'Occupants', to go with the other two, labeled 'Control', and 'Resources'.

Prevoriis moves to the side after the window is open so that anyone can step up and see within.

Feryudra is first, as expected. And as it moves there is a spark of Physis from Schatzi that manifests as... Well, Krelliva.

All of her. Each separate memory of the shapes she can remember having. A slowly settling mass of faces and expressions and shapes that eventually solidifies into the last form she wore.

Obviously uncomfortable both here and in this manifested form. Openly glaring at me before tearing her eyes away and setting up with her fellow Sun-Blessed to see to her stolen kin.

"The window is open to sound, sight, and a vast variety of different magical energies, as I had to make them universal enough to function for four worlds. You should be able to communicate with them fully using your nomos. Schatzi, you should be able to access Infections to share control of it with Krelliva." I explain from where I am. letting them have their space.

And while they begin to do that, Elevar slides over to stand next to me. Watching as the twinned Nomos of Feryudra, alongside the eventual twist from Schatzi and Infection, reach into the mix. Begin to share a gentle thrumming of thoughts and memories and questions.

"So tell me, sister." She asks as she observes a sharing she can't understand. "What is all this? What are these spirit's fate in your care? You... mentioned a life after for them. Yes? I assume they are safe within your Care and Grace?"

I respond quietly, "This, and the many other Seed Banks were designed for if... I could not change my nature. If Death was to be inevitable, I'd at least make sure there was an after. They are a safe place for millions of souls each, and a means of reseeding life on a barren world if it comes to that. The current plan is for these sunblessed to be moved to the convergence target world and be given physical forms or found hosts that suit them, to start acclimating Earth to our world's magics. They are and will remain as safe as I can keep them."

"And... Hmmm... Many of these Sun-Blessed could be older than almost any other on our world. Might even see worth in your schemes. Like this Prevoriis has so quickly. Giving them the chance to influence the course you chart for them could benefit us all. Might even be the key to getting Girra and many others to help." My sister suggests with nothing but steady considerations. "And I assume their accommodations are comfortable?"

"Best as I can make. capable of privacy if desired, or communal mingling if not... I spent a lot of time without a body, but the worst was the years in the Labyrinth alone. I wouldn't ever deliberately subject another to such deprivation."

"I'm sorry that's the life you endured." Elevar winces, tugs her eyes from the Sun-Blessed communion to look at me. "Tell me of this sister you found, and why you think she'll be best in our care?"

"Don't know much about her, honestly. Just felt her presence when I returned, followed the bodies and snatched her up after confirming that it was a series of murders. I... don't want to be a bad influence on her, especially with my current plans and actions. would feel hypocritical to try and say stop killing random people when she could just point and go 'you're causing the death of more people than I could kill in a lifetime', you know?"

"So... Why snatch her up at all?"

"Because she's family. A disaster to be sure, but family. And... I don't... Have a better reason than that. No real logic."

"Come now. You could have done so many other things. Introduced yourself in softer ways. Offer to get her a good meal. Find a gift. Even helped her find and kill someone horrible to show how little that nasty hobby bothered you. Empty Skies you could have probably let her stab you a little to prove you're like her." Elevar huffs, but it's with a chuckle. "But why stuff her in your metaphorical pocket and stow her away like some cute baby snek you found wriggling along the wasteways? Did you even tell her you were her sibling? Talk to her much?"

"Well. I mean... I didn't stow her away. Gebetshure is looking after her. I was just... really in a rush and kinda stressed and... it's only been like... Nine hours since I snatched her anyway. That's barely even kidnapping if you think about it." I stammer with extreme embarrassment. Okay so I left her alone for the first like 5 hours but she'll be fine.

"Of course. Not even a little. Just... forcing her to take a mild detour in her day." She chuckles. "And if anything I worry she'd be more a poor influence on... Oh. Hmmm..." Then such a odd grin settles on her. One brimming with wicked focus. "I think I'm going to reject your offer. Dear sister. You're stuck with that odd gerl you've found. And don't try to shove her into Xafra's arms either. I won't have it. I want to meet this odd little birb, but only after you've spent a few days with her. Learned more about her than just a hobby she was indulging in when you caught her."

I barely keep my jaw from dropping as I scramble to maintain a veneer of calm. How in endless void am I supposed to retrain a feral thing into something resembling a person? I'm not a parent, I'm barely even a competent sister. "I... If you wish. Sure." I try to brush it off a bit by refocusing. "In the interest of honesty and only a smidge of spiteful self-loathing, I should note that you will not like how the Seed Banks are controlled."

Elevar steps around to place herself in front of me, tilts head to the side while gently and carefully straightening out my jacket. "Oh? Taken to weaving monstrous mind-altering things like I used to make? I'd be surprised if that's the case." She quotes my old words to her, then pulls back, waits for my reply without a hint of judgement.

"Something like that," I respond dryly "It's... loud, but feel free to look in through the window of the control cylinder."

"I'll take my peek when our guests decide to give you their thoughts." She agrees. "And you know I think you should release them. All of them. Right now. Make peace with Girra and find sparks among His Blaze that believe in your schemes. Yes, because I think this isn't very nice. As my wonderful Schatzi pointed out. But also because I think you're too clever by half to rely on such clumsy methods. And if you actually mean to change Sekrhús, you have to be better. Else she'll be the one making us all see things her way."

I sigh heavily. "You're right. Fine." I snap my fingers and overlay the far side of the atrium including the Seed Bank into the real grovespans away from any of Sekrhús's Spires. "Prevoriis, Full release of Occupants please." I state loud enough for them to hear over the exclamations of dismay and disorientation.

"You got it, Spooks." My first Revenant agrees without hesitation, pulling a second lever that causes the wooden cap to split open and allow the Sunblessed spirits to spill forth.

Elevar recovers from her own surprise, huffs with open relief. "Thank you. I was worried you'd keep them like a grackler refusing to let go of a tasty treat. And... that's quite the Rift there. We're all still in your domain though, yes?"

"Yes, we're still in the Labyrinth, but the others are outside enough to go free. I would never release them in the Labyrinth. That's an unenviable fate. All the souls that die unclaimed by Divinity will be collected in the Seed Bank, so they don't get lost in the Void during the Convergence... Which... Is going to be a bit more of a challenge now, but volunteers would be better than conscripts. Might be able to do some active good instead of just passive." I say without lowering my voice. "Besides, Girra acts like an inept child but he should be aware if he looks that I have gained enough power and inertia to slay him if he acts against me, and then he would have to rely only on my generosity to protect his blessed."

"Good. Perfect, actually. Well done. Cracked and Riven Moon. Will make the peace talks barely a fraction of the mess they'd have been." She agrees and steps back beside me to watch as the sparks are released into the open skies. "And thank you. For listening. And for not tugging us all out with the lot. Could have caused a bit of a problem. I... need to pick a Floret before I step off the grounds and this Labyrinth is just within Sekrhús' embrace that it doesn't muddle that. Else she'd get to pick and we'd get a nasty sort like the one that was hunting you."

"Oh. Oh me. I..." It hurts. Knowing that even my decisions to be kind and helpful nearly cost my loves more than they're able to pay. "Looks like the road to the Labyrinth is paved with my good intentions. I'm sorry. Only reason I didn't was to... Show off a bit. Demonstrate my level of control."

"Don't apologize for almost and what ifs. Would rather this than the opposite. Always. We'd have dealt with it together." She waves my worry away. "And this is impressive. Endlessly. I'm enjoying having a sister that enjoys expressing her hard won skills for me."

A pop, then a snap, and amidst the swirls of newly freed Sun-Blessed twisting out into the open winds... the manifested form of Krelliva cracks to stand before us. The Nomos Physis mixture seeming to fracture and break at the mess within. Silent but brimming.

But I hear all the screams she doesn't voice. Words of old dead self-refractions a howl in the quiet.

This can't happen again. Why would you do this? Why do you hate the sky? What is your favorite type of spirit to taste? How did this even happen? Is this world not worth trying to warm and cultivate first? What color blossoms best between the bricks of this home you've nuzzled into? Why are you so scared of the silence between the echoes more than the monster's howls? Did you find the dead moon's lost songs weeping when everything decides to scream together too? You... You should probably trade Envoys with the Sky to stop this from happening again. Like Wiffis is to Dämmerung. Hope you get someone prickly enough to stop you from tumbling into messes like this so easily. But wiggly enough to put up with your muppy nature. Give Him someone loud enough to scream through the Storms He's already brewing and will always do. Are... Are you... Is the sister whose name was devoured and forgotten going to be okay?

But she only speaks an annoyed, "Never steal from the Sky again. But... Thank you for letting them go."

"I promise nothing. Don't thank me, thank my sister who advises kindness. I still won't leave you all to your fate in the end, even if you hate me eternally for it." I snap at her.

She... they. This mess of Sun-Blessed refracted selves does what most of them think to be something like when an angry creature growls or hisses or spits at a rival. But...

But honestly it just manifests to look like when a child sticks their tongue out at someone. Has no venom. Just... wordless spite. Then turns away and is moving to ask Schatzi about releasing their spirit into the open sky.

Elevar has to cover her mouth and hide what I think would be a snicker of amusement. Loops an arm through mine. "Oh how I hope that lot takes after this child you claim keeps them. Will make it doubly easy to make it all work out and outsmart the bunch. Cracked and Wobbling Moon."

"You know, you're going to need to break that habit eventually. It's downright disrespectful considering that's mine and your mates mother you continually slag off."

"Very true." She chuckles. "And... Actually, since the scheme is to merge our world and others, and I know I'm going to obsess over learning all their languages, I'll have you teach me some new curses while I break myself of spitting these old phrases."

"Sure" I laugh as well, before calling over to the others. "Can't hold this forever, let me know when you're done please."

With a final fluttering of sparks and motion lead by Krelliva being released from Schatzi's Frame. It seems the bunch have dispersed out into the freedom of the open skies.

Leaving Feryudra to walk up to us and kneel alone. "This Sun-Blessed Frame will stay and speak and listen. The Blaze will heed your warning, but you should heed His. Storms beyond His control brew and billow towards those that shorn the Sky. Old and grumpy at their rousing. He cannot stop their ire from looking to strike those responsible. Or their kin and keep. And if the Scales Change... You best consider a harder shell to hide within."

"I'm fully aware. Besides, I'm looking forward to meeting my older sister." I respond. "My apologies to you for the... Short shrift. I will try to be more considerate to the feelings of others going forward."

"This Frame does not not require your apologies. But will store them as dreams that future vessels of its memories may consider." It replies with a nod. "Until such a time as others are chosen to take its place, it requests you utilize it as a way to convey words for the Sky to regard. And allow it to echo His to you as it has done for Strife and others."

Ah. So the cloud of Krelliva's thoughts weren't deliberately directed at me. That's a relief.

"Acceptable. You may accompany me and mine for as long as you'd like."

"Well. That went at least thrice as well as I'd expected." Elevar offers, then asks while unlooping her arm from mine. Moves to take up Schatzi's hand once more. "So. Back to the Spire then? I'd invite you to join us for a spot of tea or somesuch as we scheme our next moves, Augusta. But... You've a sister to consider and I'd hate to hold you from that situation. I expect by the time we next speak you and her will be fast friends. All sorts of mischief planned. Alright?"

After returning us fully to the Labyrinth once more I respond. "Well. As convenient as that would be for me, you really should check the control cylinder. I'll drop you and Schatzi off afterwards."

Elevar tilts her head in agreement with a smirk. "You're learning."

Then she steps over and takes her peek. As the aperture opens, the screaming begins and Prevoriis puts in earplugs from their pocket as Elevar gasps in horror.

She closes the window, and looks to me. "I... Was that you? Augusta... What is this? Was that a refraction of yourself I spotted howling everyone's ears off?"

"Yes. When the Seed Banks fulfill their purpose, the refractions will rejoin the rest of me once more, but until then... I serve."

"Fully sentient? I..." She sighs and turns back to it. "Yes. I'm impressed. Of course. But also more than a touch worried as you'll get all their memories when they merge again. Correct?"

"When they merge again? I'm experiencing it currently. Only when I am out of range will they begin to build up."

"That's... It really is a shame that you get the less brilliant twin, but we'll have to make do till that gets worked out." Elevar murmurs, then grins with a touch of odd excitement. "So. New scheme. I'm going to help you make this less horrible for you and your refractions, more stable, and above all else, efficient. Because I adore this design and want to see it as perfect as we can make it. Agreed?"

I shrug, feeling near completely out of control. "Sure, but... I'm... honestly astonishingly busy. Like. I have to find a place for Gebetshure, my sister, and Mecia to stay since I'm not sure if it's safe to keep my sister in my suite and it's definitely not safe to keep most of them here. I have to teach my sister how to behave like a person, which to be fair is entirely reasonable, and I shouldn't have tried to foist her off on you. I have to visit the other three worlds to find a spot for the Seed Banks there, and considering your recommendations, probably find more locals on each one to work with and volunteer to help set up Earth to accommodate them. Also have to head there to prepare it to begin receiving magic since it's currently sealed away there. And... Uhhh... Fuck. I also have to corral Sekrhús into freeing Lynette now that she trusts me more, then make sure they both can function properly."

"We, sister." Elevar presses, moving away from the Seed Banks to stand near myself and Schatzi again. "We are busy. But we are none of us alone amidst the mess. So. Let's assist each other. You proposed this as a decades-long scheme. Probably centuries? Then we have all the time we need to handle this one Root Way a day. Build up easy momentum as critical points approach. You are brilliant, but also can act as a twin to your eldest and think like a blade which needs to plunge at a problem with all haste instead of the patient gerl we all know you can be. Now, you said Gebetshure was tending to this newest sister? Let's go relieve them of that duty and discuss alternate accommodations."

"Okay. Thank you." I offer a crooked smile of genuine relief.

"You're doing your best now, and that's what matters. I'm glad you're gonna try and be nicer." Schatzi reassures me.

I hug her too, murmuring softly. "Keep me in line if you can. I know I need guidance."

Then, with a heavy sigh I wave Prevoriis over. "Looks like you'll get to return to your own room once we're done collecting Gebetshure and the others. Any idea where Mecia ran off to? I know ze said ze was going to be looking for my other sister but I haven't seen zir in a number of hours."

"Last I heard, that one was chirping something about... trying to lure the feral Divine out with snacks and a good book? Told me to keep away to avoid startling the 'poor scared thing' with my scent." They chuckle while gathering up the small bag they've acquired and filled with all manner of strange odds and ends.

"Heh. alright, I'll give zir a few more hours before I follow. Let's get to Gebetshure." I lead the way as proper, through a series of hallways that stretch on forever, traveling in spirals that would overlap in the real but here serve simply to go deeper. Eventually, we get to our destination where my sister is gently but securely restrained by all limbs, head, and torso to a bed and Gebetshure is reading a book in a chair beside her. To her, perhaps?

"So. Plans ended up changing more than I expected. Gebetshure, you'll be pleased as punch to know that you were also right."

"Oh?" They ask, setting the book down on their lap and looking to us. Rises as they see our guests. "Oh! Hello Miss Elevar, Schatzi. And which was this one correct about? It remembers you insisting it share more than a few ideas as to-"

"Is that spooky bitch back? Finally?" My sister cackles from the bed. Struggling a little but soon ends the thrashing with a huff. "Look, dear. I know some of you spats from the Six Temples like to claim odd nonsense but would you please just get your kicks in and gut me already? I don't care if you keep the skin, I just am bored to near tears and would like to move on with the day? Yeah? So take your knives or spells or any such bits as you please and stop wasting time."

"Yes I'm back, and I've had it pointed out that I'm not being very nice, or a good host in any way." I stride over and remove most of the straps while keeping her legs secure before stepping out of her swing radius. "Let me start by introducing myself properly. I'm Augusta Lovelace, your second oldest sister. What's your name?"

"She didn't even get her name, or tell her that they're sisters? I thought she got over that issue with sister Xafra." Schatzi stage whispers to Elevar.

"Not in the slightest, it seems. But these things take time." Elevar chuckles back.

Then my sister twists up, cracks her neck, flexes fingers like a grakler flexes claws, and looks about the room. Carefully starts to reach down and try to unbind the ankle restraints. "Huh. Last I checked this little bastard didn't have family worth an old dried bone. Much less well enriched ones. But I hate to break it to ya, Mrs. Lovelace, but I ate your lil brother. He's not here any more. And I'm not interested in pretending today anyway. As much fun as that can be sometimes. So..." Looks over to Elevar and Schatzi, lets out a growl of annoyance before grumbling. "Weeping Lad's burning shite. All already pretty or... or Dolls. Isn't even going to be worth my time."

"Oh... Oh, that is delightfully horrifying." Elevar whispers just as quietly back to Schatzi. "I think this one got around the Anchoring issues by killing and subsuming herself into corpses. No wonder she's a total mess."

"Brother? I only have one brother. I'm not talking about the ugly pre-mortem corpse you're wearing." I look over my shoulder at Elevar. "Only the brain is dead technically, body is still alive currently so you're half right."

Turn back to find her legs free now, and the girl slowly backing away to squat at the other end of the bed. Expression turning... careful. Even a little manic. "I... Oh. Stupid Rat. Stupid stupid Rat. It's one of the corpse fuckers. Shit god's shitter bugs. You've all gotten smarter. Giving Dolls magic and all the wrong spells."

Her flesh roils. Eyes turn pitch. Start to bleed hissing spitting venom that melts the bed a little. Skin on fingers curdles and sheds to leave just the now very sharp bones as claws that drip that same venom. Spirit within screaming as it starts to unlatch from the corpse she wears.

I simply open my mouth and allow the much louder Silent Screams to wash over her and daze her for a few moments.

"Prevoriis, Gonna make a substitute body for my sister to wear. I'd recommend coating yourself in your Miasma to keep her from trying to hitch a ride."

"She's welcome to try, spooks." My Revenant crosses their arms and leans against the doorframe with a serious look. "If this cute rabid thing tries I'll just hold her till you stuff her into the new one."

My sister, in her rising panic, tries to push through it all, fails and ends up tumbling off the bed. Hissing and spitting and flailing in spirit and flesh. More... vulnerable to that working than I expect.

I work quickly, stealing designs from Sekrhús, Lynette, Xafra, and Jezrial to make a mostly living body of flesh and Miasma that will accommodate her desire to make it pretty. Bit of a freak, she is. "Alright. Settle down. Climb in the new body and let's talk. I'm not going to kill you, I'm definitely not going to set you free, and if you call me a corpse fucker again, I will be very cross."

She glares from where she sits. Eye sight twisting more and more away from an understanding of light and such into the realm of the unreal.

I... expect her to flinch as she sees me more clearly in this second of decision. Or snarl. Maybe even worse.

But instead she goes very very still. Spirit bubbling in... such odd ways. Flesh eyes go wide in dwindling reflection to something that makes her hesitate from trying to pounce at Elevar or my first Revenant.

Then she lets that body fully die and dissolve. And it's like watching and sworl of bugs and rodents skitter to infest this new body. Taking roughly three of Prevoriis' slow heartbeats to settle without even a small hint to the strange girl within.

Then she jerks up and away. New body coughing and spitting as she stumbles into the corner. "Ugh. How... How did you do that? And why does it taste like... Huh." Lifts to stare at an arm and hand. Turn it over a few times in confusion.

"Right, forgot to mention the other part. I am Death, the Prince of Decay, and Silence that Won't Stop Screaming. You know? A Divine. Same with our elder sister and your older brother but he left the world a long time ago." I explain patiently.

"I don't have family. And the only Divine I know of is the grumpy one in the sky, the sleepy one beneath our feet, and the dead one wobbling above. So... I think you have the wrong tube grown living plague. Besides. I killed the bitch that made me. And it's obvious from how easily I did it that I was her first accident so... Yeah. No. Nope. Just a normal home grown well-funded warcrime. You can drop me off at the next dock and go find your real siblings now." She gives me a crooked grin. "Thanks for the new tits. Tastes great. Not normally my preferences but it'll do till I catch and kill me a new one. Ya know?"

"Another one with the warcrime thing? You're an idiot and I'm literally in the middle of preparing to end reality."

"Well you're the bitch who tied me to a bed and didn't even have the decency to gut or fuck me. Just left me bored and bothered for what this Doll says was over five hours!" She spits back. "And warcrime was literally written in my weaver's research journal at least... twelve times. Probably more. And is a great sales pitch when I want to sell my services. Which, if that's what you're wanting, you could have just asked! A dead world means tasty bones to suck the marrow from and I've watched this one go that way more than a few times."

She's not wrong. But… Fine, hard way it is.

"Sure. Your cooperation is preferable, and I do hope to eventually earn your trust, but in the end... Well, I started this morning by locking dozens of iterations of myself in solitary confinement, kidnapping one sister, reminding another she's a slave, stealing a few thousand souls from Girra and helping my actual warcrime of a niece break her shackles; So... I don't actually need you to be happy or comfortable, it's just a bonus. If there's things you want that I'm willing to provide, we can negotiate for them as I train you properly about your nature and the truth of your origin, since you, like our two older sisters didn't get to hatch properly. I simply refuse to have a muck-chewing bargain bin horror as a sister when your rightful position as Divinity is available." I explain calmly as I take one of the bags near Gebetshure's chair and toss it towards my sister. "That's your uniform. A more feminine version of my own. Now, once again. What is your Name?"

She narrows her eyes at me, but opens the bag. Pulls out and snorts at the top. "Absolutely not. I've done the slave thing, not in the mood. You want my cooperation for whatever odd 'Prince of screaming Death and Her bitch of a pet' this all is? You can pay me for it. Up front. Alongside not stopping me from leaving. And no, this body doesn't count. And you can just call me Melii, or Jespa, even Crux if you wanna get messy about it all. Learning my first Name costs extra."

"Thank you, Crux. I'm willing to pay, certainly depending on what you want, but leaving is non negotiable. You also don't have to do much of anything you don't want to, you aren't a slave, you're a prisoner. For example, the restrictions I consider reasonable are just: don't deliberately mentally, physically, or emotionally hurt the others under my aegis. The uniform isn't mandatory, I can ask one of the Dolls to make you something custom as desired." I offer in compromise.

"Wow, bitch picked the problematic one." She smiles sweetly and drops the top, reaches out to pat the wall as her voice shifts just a little. Gets lower and more raspy. "But me leaving has to be on the table sooner rather than later. Trust me. You don't want to see how I get after too long stuck in a box. This nice magical maze beneath and between reality will thank you for it. But till then... Hmmm... Surprise me for the first payment. Curious what you think I'm worth and want out of this."

I return her smile with one of my own, "Oh we're not staying here. I believe in free range prisoners. you'll have a lot of room to roam in the Real." I tug us all back to the top of Elevar's Spire seamlessly before continuing. "Adaline, would you be willing to spare Schatzi to have her take our dear sisterpet Crux for walkies, maybe have her teach proper hunting etiquette so she stops leaving bodies everywhere? I have to make a few items in exchange for her cooperation, and I'm not quite as skilled as Xafra at doing it so quickly."

Schatzi gasps in excitement and bounces on her heels as Adaline looks at me like I've dragged a dead prickle-badger into her bed... Which... realistically I kinda did.

"Augusta darling... I'm going to stab you now. I'm letting you know so you can choose to move out of the way." Adaline seeths as she marches towards me and does in fact plunge a hand through my stomach to grab my spine and shake me. "What in your own bloody name have you been doing‽ That's not a real body! Did you murder your sister already? And asking me for permission for Schatzi to go out HUNTING? She's been so well behaved and not had to worry about doing that for over a dozen years! Not to mention, YOUR SISTER IS NAKED!"

Oh. I guess as far as Adaline knows I've never been nude in front of Xafra and vise versa.

Xafra doesn't even turn to look from where she's crouched down in her Warlord form, those Quills vibrating madly as she mutters, "Adaline, it's fine. get the girl some clothes. I need to close down the Roil, I'm running out of energy. Augusta, you're able to return to our wayward Dolls and allies elsewhere, yes?"

"Not her sister. Only kinda a pet. Apparently. For now. If Death pays well." Crux mumbles and takes a step back from the group. Looking out over the open spaces around us. Very obviously considering launching herself into what I know would be a fruitless attempt to escape from these grounds.

"The gerl is as feral as grakler and less inclined to listen when offered clothing she finds not to her liking. So.. feel free to raid my wardrobe if needed." Elevar sighs, moving to sit next to Xafra. "And yes. You can rest, dear one. We have the tunnels for easy movements. Apologies for taking so long. But we've worked everything out. Even talked her into letting the Sun-Blessed go and letting me help with the particulars. Everyone is safe."

Xafra breathes a sigh of relief and the fleshy bleeding clouds of reality around us begin to close up. "You definitely sound like our sister. Augusta, please be patient with her. I can see that she got summoned similar to how I did, and that's a lot to grapple with. Also..." She stands and gives me a look that could sear my bones as she intones [If you confine her inside anywhere again, I will ruin you because that's what you'll be doing to her.] out loud she says instead "She's the youngest, that means she's allowed to be a brat."

"This again? I was made. big girl. Not summoned. Not born. Am probably older than everyone here save maybe Prince Spooky lady over there." Crux huffs and glances up at Xafra's tall form. Hesitates, then grins while taking another step back. "Like what you've done with that shape, by the way. Balance is really impressive, most would think the metal in the bones is a bit... much. But they'd be stupid. Bet there are maybe... three things that can outrun you when you go full tilt. Yeah? Less on open ground? Especially with the grumpy dirt's blessing letting you keep topped off?"

"I'm sixteen thousand years old. And I originally thought I was made as well when forty eight half-knit women just around adulthood were murdered to bind me into an item so that a coven of witches could more easily enslave humans. Up until a few months ago I lived with that belief until I met my mate Elevar and sister Augusta who helped free me from my shackles and learn that instead of being born like Augusta I was ripped from the body of our mother by a monster. like you." Xafra starts to explain, then shakes her head with a smile and shifts to her Endzeit form. "For us, bodies can merely be clothing if we wish." She shifts to her Doll form next. "Or an acknowledgment of loved ones." Continuing, she shifts to her spear form, quickly held in place by Elevar, before continuing into her Divine living body. "A reminder of purpose, or our hopes and dreams. I spent so many centuries wishing I could be a real girl, able to eat and drink and bleed and cry without having to manage all of it manually.

I know this is a lot. It is frankly way too much and in no way fair to you. Augusta is a meddler but she means well. Would you humor her for a bit? If she gets to be too much I'll make her give you some space."

Our youngest sister just... stares. Backing up a few more steps at every shift of our eldest's form till her feet find the edge of the Spire. Expression twisting to anger. "I mean... I'd kill to be able to do that, but I can't. Have tried. Spent forever and then some trying and failing. I'm not like you two. I just steal corpses. Honestly. And Augusta still hasn't explained why you're so sure I'm anything but what I'm telling you I am."

A mistake that just won't die. A problem to stubborn to go away. A Nightmare too real to wake up from. I hear a part of her wordlessly scream. Probably something from the spell that lured her into the Real all those years ago. A litany that sings like the hammer blows that forged Xafra into her first shapes.

"You can't... Yet. Each of these bodies I crafted by hand through resheathing rituals. I offer those freely. I am an ascended Divine and you're our little sister. I don't expect my daughters to be able to rip through reality yet either. The reason she knows is the same reason I know now that I'm aware of what to look for. You have a piece of our mothers song in your soul. It sings in such a way I could never mistake it for something else. But... I won't keep you here. If you wish to run, I won't chase you, I'll check on you from time to time to make sure you're safe and offer what help I can, otherwise, you're free to go." Xafra concludes as she turns to start heading down the stairs.

Bloody ashes. Damn woman is undoing all of my hard work today. What am I supposed to do now? As I plop onto the ground and pull Gebetshure into my lap to cuddle, I give Elevar the Look and gripe at her. "Well I'm not going to argue with her, so you decide what I'm supposed to do now, since my judgement is clearly compromised."

Schatzi looks mostly puzzled at the back and forth as she and Adaline have clearly been busy talking through their Quills about something as well.

Adaline in turn just shakes off her hand and mutters an apology to me before announcing to my sister, "Might as well get you some clothes to go. If you'd join me, Miss Crux?"

"Sure yeah but... Wait. Wait wait wait. Resheathing works on you two?" The girl sputters, then runs after Xafra, moves to hop beside as she moves down the steps. "Only magic that does anything to my corpses is Fleshcrafting. And even that falls to bits after about a decade of really careful work."

"Doesn't work on me" I grumble. "Didn't even have a bloody body for most of my existence. complaining about having to possess corpses when I didn't even have that option. spoiled I tell you. Simply spoiled."

Elevar cackles as that group leaves, then plops down beside me. "Honestly, sister. Hiccups aside I think that gerl is going to come to relate more to you than Xafra. And who isn't a little bit kidnapped by family at the start of things? I'm actually quite impressed at the restraint you showed. I'd have let the gerl dissolve that body and stuck her spirit in a jar till she stopped babbling long enough to listen to reason. Which is why I let you handle things. Of course."

"I mean. I was going to. but honestly, having you, Nettle, and Schatzi disappointed in me was pretty much my limit."

My sister sighs and reaches out to gently touch one of the hands I hold Gebetshure with. "I'm actually glad that's the case? Was... actually terrified the worse had come to pass. That Sekrhús had... well, done something horrid to you again. Am more relieved than anything that all it took was a stern heartfelt word to get you to stop. I'll be a mess later, but for now..." Then she stands, looks off to the stairs. "I'm going to take care of those that are a mess right now. My Xafra is frayed beyond all good sense and needs tending to, and I think you are too."

"She is." My love murmurs and twists to face me. "Madam Augusta is going to listen to this one, now. Going to let it pin her to at least a day or more of good rest before any big decisions are chased again."

"Mostly pinned" I compromise. "Still gotta grab Mecia in a while."

Elevar chuckles, takes up Schatzi's hand, and leaves us. And Feryudra heads back down the Spire's edge.

"Mecia will find home when ze is done. Is clever and quick and very good at not getting lost." Gebetshure promises, now fully twisted and cupping my cheeks between palms that bear those wonderful mouths and nibble and murmur into me. Legs fully straddling mine but also... holding me in place. Whatever mouths touch me firmly taking hold with gentle teeth. "No more today. No more trying to hold up the world that didn't hold you up. No more pretending to be alone again because that's sometimes easier than being kept. Take us to the home filled with the warmth gifted and found."

I obey, of course, plucking us into the Labyrinth and then back to the Real into our suite, still with them in our lap and Prevoriis patiently accepting my dithering.

"If you can keep Spooks from wandering off again, I can go check on Mecia if ze takes too long." My First Revenant offers after a pause.

"Thank you, Prevoriis." Gebetshure whispers. Then, after they've left. "This one thinks you chose a good first Revenant. They are sweet and strong and filled with the right kind of problems."

"I definitely got lucky with them. Wish I could claim it was by design but... Yeah. I'm starting to care for them a great deal." I whisper back, before flopping backwards onto the couch, letting Gebetshure pin me fully.

Feeling this Doll purr contentedly with multiple mouths is... always an experience. Especially when they're also using those lips and teeth to tug and buttons and zippers and clasps that hold clothes in place.

"So..." They murmur into my ear. "What proverbs has this Frame's Prince found today amidst her unraveling designs?"

I think about their question while allowing my mind to wander a bit under their attentions. "My Voice, I've come to realize that biting back toxicity means ingesting it yourself. Better to find a space to milk the venom out safely than find yourself poisoned."

"That's very true." Nearly a dozen lips hum against slowly undressing Dollflesh, then Gebetshure nibbles at my collarbone while offering. "Because it's like you've told this one and many others. Toxicity often just... the leftovers of good work or Function, yes? Or sometimes the dangerous bits softer sorts make to protect home and self from threats? Important. But more a reflection of the world lived within?" Fingers trace patterns down my sides to eventually let the teeth on palms help grip at my hips. "Is a food delicacy in some places? It's certain it remembers Calix insisting he get the chance to make something with birb or wabbit venom."

"Yeah. More — ah. Places than you'd think too." I reply as my voice hitches when they find sensitive spots

They let a chuckle rumble up through a few mouths at that. Most of my clothes expertly removed and dropped away to parts unknown by now. "Good. This one shouldn't be the only Doll to enjoy squeezing out tasty flavors." Gently moves a leg to slip between my mine. Letting that mouth located a little above their knee start to chew and bite at my thighs. Each nibble tugging it along to more and more tender spots. "But... is that all? Madam? It was a very busy day. You always told it those come with at least two Truths. Sometimes three."

"No, there's more. Just needed to ponder them a bit... Evil is what you do, not what you are, despite how much easier it would be otherwise. I think that one is going to be important for Sikkina as my heir and with what the little one is going to have to do." I murmur between moans.

That mouth atop their thigh finally presses firmly between my legs. Lips and tongue slow and gentle and teasing while Gebetshure leans back. Sitting up but still holding me in place by the hips. The weight of that amber gaze settling over my like a thick quilt as her lower mouth's workings intensify with every word. "It's... wonderful to see you this way. Not just listening. Not just the quiet commentary behind and beside. Tumbling over and showing off just how much you can change things now. And... Finding the acceptance you showed to the not so little monster you adopted returned without hesitation by the family that claimed you."

Hmmmm. I wonder. I focus on my words while letting my body respond to their actions. "Thank you. I've been... Trying a fair bit. I missed you terribly the whole time I was gone, you know? Kinda fell apart a bit without you despite the fact that for me we've been apart longer than we've been together. Even tried out different presentations and such to see if the emptiness I felt was some sort of gender thing."

They consider my words for what feels longer than the few heartbeats it actually is. Expression one that echoes an ache found in my words. Then fingers and mouths on the palms gently trace and tease caresses and kisses up my sides as they lean down fully press into me. Looming overtop while effortlessly adjusting touches up to entwine fingers with mine. "Should... This one hold on just a little tighter next you consider wandering from its reach, Madam? Because it loves you so very dearly. Plans to keep you long after you've laid down all these big responsibilities."

"Yes. I think you should insist on coming with me." I refuse to outlast you. Words I don't say, knowing how much weight they have. "Happiness in spite of adversity is invaluable. There's the third for the day, and all my travels."

"A well-balanced set, perfect even. As always." They chuckle, grip tightening with every limb and mouth they hold me with, but... without loosing even a bit of loving nibbles. "And it accepts. You are this Frame's kept now. And it won't let go except for scheduled affairs." Gebetshure presses lips to mine, but doesn't turn things into a kiss. Just whispers. "And we can be done with all but the messiest words it means to tug from you for now."

"Please. Dealing with family has me all pent up and I'd adore some lessons in vocalizations from you." I beg happily.

I'm not like my sister so you can rest assured you won't get the gritty details of how we make love. I'm at least able to filter that out, my Heir. Regardless, in this moment, I change. I demand more of myself and reject compromise. Everything and nothing less, just like Mom offered.

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