A long dormant face found itself near the wishing stone. Or, better yet, sword. Mirac could hardly watch those around wish, without spitting out his own. MIRAC shoved himself into the fray, unbothered by the crowd around the stone. As he approached, his eyes glimmered with childlike glee as they took in the shimmering stone. But his bright eyes full of genuine excitement belied what he would unleash with his words. He cleared whatever constituted his throat, before he began to speak, or rather, scream at the humming crystal.

"I am MIRAC, the BLADE of CHAOS AND WAR! TEACHER OF PAIN AND CHAOS AND WAR!" It was a recent title he'd been working on. He wasn't sure if he liked it better or not. So excited was he,at the mere prospect of using a new title, that the blade ripped his jaws apart to speak them. He continued to speak, his jaw moving up and down animatedly, rather reminiscent of a muppet piloted by a violent toddler.

"MIRAC is a POWERFUL being stronger than ANY OTHER SWORD. YET HE WISHES FOR MORE! He wishes for POWER! The power to cause ENDLESS PAIN AND BATTLE, engage in ENDLESS WAR, and most of all the power to DESTROY any other SWORD that DARE show itself in MIRAC'S presence."
"speak" think

At first, Azrael had ignored the Wishing Stone's call, assuming that he had everything that he needed and anything he needed further, he would get himself. But one thing had nagged at him in the days that followed, pushing him to finally pay the stone a visit, rather begrudgingly, but it would be worth it if the stone granted him a gift that would be as worthwhile as he hoped.

He stopped in front of the crystal and eyed it for a moment, suspicious that anything so small would have so much power, but then pushed the thought away, clearing his throat, and loudly proclaiming, "My magic is STRONG. I have trained for many cycles to make it POWERFUL. But as strong as my magic is my body is WEAK in battle. I want BOTH! I want to be able to FIGHT with magic AND claws. I want to be STRONGER. UNBEATABLE."

what might this be..?

Max was given a farewell: a humming goodbye, a gratitude given for gratitude offered. Yet there was some sense that the stone did not truly understand. There was no real sentience there; a friend was not required, though somehow, the thought was nice.

---

Zookeeper's arrival, and request, was met with the manifestation of a bookshelf beside the Wishing Stone. Yet the shelf itself was not the gift: instead, two books popped out, one after the other, tumbling to land at Zookeeper's feet. The first was an old book, but well-kept and thick, a tome full of useful schematics, diagrams and charts. It was a book about building zoos! Various Earth animals were featured here, with information on suggested types, heights and depths of fences; width and depth of moats; enclosure sizes; plant recommendations; and options for enrichment. A second book landed atop the first. This one was a wilderness DIY book, again replete with blueprints and pictures. It detailed how to build things like pools, walls, foundations and fires from natural materials; how to make wooden fences, and how to choose the right wood for the job; and even how to make and properly mix concrete! A humming thought from the Wishing Stone suggested that it could do more--that there were magics that could help Zookeeper simply summon, given enough time and magic, walls of quartz-glass. Perhaps the Stone could help, if Zookeeper returned the next day? Or perhaps he could find and learn this magic on his own!

Zookeeper receives: 'Zoo-Building for Dummies,' and 'Wilderness DIY' books

OOC reward:
Lizz has won their choice of a Tier Five reward, and may claim a Winner's Choice in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel!

---

Ampelio's arrival put the bookshelf to good use, again. A new book simply manifested on its shelves, the Wishing Stone chiming contentedly as the book tumbled to fall at Ampelio's feet. This one, too, was full of helpful pictures. But a knowledge came with it: dreams had no real meaning. Still-... This book was called "The Secret Mysterious Language of Dreams," and it was written by someone with a very impressive title ("Rain Dreamwalker"), so it must be legitimate, right? Of course, some of the passages--like the one that explained how nightmares about teeth falling out meant fears of "losing money"--might not make sense to Ampelio. But on the whole, the pictures, at least, were very pretty.

Ampelio receives: 'The Secret Mysterious Language of Dreams,' a book by Rain Dreamwalker

OOC Reward:
YspobDon has won their choice of a Tier Three reward, and may claim any one of the following for ANY of their characters in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel: High Spell Borrow, 1000 Magicka, Uncommon Character Slot (UCS), Lost Stone (Alien/Valkhound, GM-Designed, Guaranteed Revive), High Intensity Non-Elemental Spell (Sensorial Link, Familiar Forge, Affix Dye, Enchant), or Mutation Slot

---

Yellow-... ahh, poor Yellow. The Wishing Stone at first was cheerful--or seemed to be, as much as a rock could manage. But its song, as its magic swept the cave in a hopeful search, was soon dashed to sad tinkling. A vision entered Yellow's mind in a sweep of shifting green leaves. A great, broken tree, reclaimed by the jungle; a glint of ruby against the forest's emerald, nearly lost to the shadows beneath the vines. Notes of sorrow joined the Wishing Stone's song.

Yellow receives: A vision of Sebastian's gemstone.

OOC Reward:
Cicada has won their choice of a Tier Five reward, and may claim a Winner's Choice in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel!

---

Lass's enthusiasm was contagious, though the Wishing Stone almost had trouble keeping up, the shifts of its chiming notes struggling to harmonize with Lass's words. It didn't take long for it to come to a conclusion, though: a quartz-and-metal handled box, tiny, filled with tiny tools. It seemed to be a bizarre combination of toolbox and jeweler's kit, with everything from screwdrivers to a little monocle, a teensy hammer to a tiny clamp, and so on. The Wishing Stone chimed hopefully; would this be to her liking?

Lass receives: a combination tiny toolbox and jeweler's kit

---

Madhukar's attentions were met with quiet interest. And then, a blooming gratitude. The Wishing Stone had no eyes--and yet, it seemed to watch, fascinated, as Madhukar filled its space with natural beauty. Though she had not really made a real request, it granted her wish anyway, in a flash of inspiration: a new book tumbled from the shelf. Like the others, it was filled with pictures and with charts: a field guide to plants and their pollinators. While the vast majority of these plants and bugs were totally foreign to the caves, Madhukar might learn something by comparing them to their cave equivalents. And looking at the alien butterflies might be fun! That wasn't all, though; a tiny, ancient seed packet was stapled to the inside of the book's front cover. The wildflowers within were wholly alien to the caves, yet beyond all likelihood they would flourish here once planted--the Wishing Stone had seen to that.

Madhukar receives: 'A Field Guide to Plants and Their Pollinators' and a packet of wildflower seeds.

---

Kaimana was met with curiosity. Somehow, again despite lacking eyes, the stone was curious about the gemstone at her chin--though its 'attention' quickly turned to her request. The stone chimed with a tone that sounded suspiciously like 'Hmmm,' and then a vision flashed through the jaguar's mind. The bright blue bay of Leo, its islands ringed with seabirds. A tangle of vine-choked mangroves. An old wooden boat, barely bigger than a rowboat, battered and worn and lodged within the roots. There was a magic to it, and Kaimana would instinctively know two things: first, that the boat was enchanted and would help her to pilot it and second, that it had a name. It had been named after the smaller, broad-mouthed seabirds that flocked through Leo: The Frogbeak. Should she wish to move it through the caves, a large enough Gembound should be able to drag or even carry it; it weighed a scant few hundred pounds.

Kaimana receives: The Frogbeak. (See below for details.)

---

Khavur's visit was met with pleased greeting--the Wishing Stone had seen them before, in visions!--and with surprised reassurance. The birds, Khavur would immediately know, are not going anywhere. Not unless Khavur wished them to. If some had left Draco, perhaps it was to find food--but they were Khavur's companions, now... possibly for life. The Wishing Stone was happy Khavur liked them. If it could, it would have smiled.

Khavur receives: The birds are already yours.

---

The Wishing Stone chimed a cheerful greeting at Genevive's return. The hybrid's wish was granted with a gentle clatter: a silver collar necklace, big enough to slide down her neck and lay at her shoulders, landed out of thin air beside her hooves. It was broad, studded all over with flashing diamonds of all sizes, with tiny chain tassels hanging along it with more diamonds at their ends. It caught the light with every shift and turn, dazzling with rainbows and glints of white.

Genevive receives: Diamond Necklace-Collar

---

Bebby was met with deep thoughtful hums of the violet-and-golden stone. It felt for all the world, for one brief moment, like the Wishing Stone were somehow seeking out and taking measurements from Nico. But that wasn't possible--was it? Or maybe it was; for a moment later, a little thwap accompanied the fall of a tiny suit. It was fitted, against all odds, for bat wings. A tiny black jacket was accompanied by a white shirt that featured long, ruffled sleeves and a ruffled chest collar; a black silk cloak, with a tall collar around the neck, had a blood red interior lining. It was fancy. It was cliche. It was maybe a little awkward to wear while flying; but it sure would look good.

Bebby receives: A Vampire costume for Nico.

---

Horses? Cows? Hats-... Hats the Wishing Stone could do. Bayo's enthusiasm was infectious, and for a moment it felt as though the stone were whipping through a closet of options in some alternate reality, or perhaps just in its own thoughts. If the Wishing Stone had thoughts. A moment later a fine, pressed-felt cowboy hat of expensive make--straw-colored, and with a dark red ribbon around its brim--tumbled straight into Bayo's head. Despite the hybrid's unlikely size, the hat fit perfectly--even better when rakishly cocked just to one side.

Bayo receives: A Cowboy Hat.

OOC Reward:
Charlie has won their choice of a Tier Two reward, and may claim any one of the following for ANY of their characters in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel: Medium Spell Borrow, 500 Magicka, or Lost Stone (Guaranteed Revive, Hybrid Animal, GM-Rolled)

---

Catalpa's wish was considered for a long moment, and at first, it did seem like she might be right--that the stone had no such power. Yet a moment later there was a quiet grunting and squeaking from just underfoot--the sort that, at first, might have prompted the cat to think, 'dinner.' After all, mice and cats didn't exactly mix as best friends, did they..? Yet in an instant her mind was linked: the Mole-Mouse was greeting her! And the Wishing Stone proudly filled her mind with knowledge. THIS mouse was brave. THIS one wanted to travel, but it was blind; it needed someone to carry it on their backs, or the like, and show them the world through their own eyes! And it had a powerful nose, and it knew the underground places; the Mole-Mouse was hopeful that it could partner up with Catalpa, and that theirs could be a fruitful, awesome friendship.

Catalpa receives: A Mole-Mouse familiar, and Familiar Forge.

OOC Reward:
Fracture has won their choice of a Tier One reward, and may claim any of the following for ANY of their characters in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel: Low Spell Borrow, 300 Magicka, Lost Stone (Guaranteed Revive, Earth Animal, GM-Rolled)

---

Calamity was, ironically and thanks to Madhukar, in exactly the right place for such wishes to be granted. Hardly had they wished for a garden than the Wishing Stone's magic began to spread the plants so gently, generously given by the powerful feline. More plants, too, seemed to sprout from nowhere, and dirt seemed to simply cling to the tiny planet's outer shell. Flowers, moss, ivy and vines, tiny little ferns and even a mushroom or two, spread in a verdant carpet across the creature's surface. Will this do? the stone almost seemed to ask, hopeful.

Calamity receives: a shell garden.

OOC Reward:
Snail has won their choice of a Tier Two reward, and may claim any one of the following for ANY of their characters in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel: Medium Spell Borrow, 500 Magicka, or Lost Stone (Guaranteed Revive, Hybrid Animal, GM-Rolled)

---

Joy and hope came to a faltering stop, and sadness entered the Wishing Stone's chiming. The colors streaking its surface dulled, then shifted toward blue, as Assistant made their deepest desires known. The Stone responded, a gentle unknown magic settling like a cloak around the feline's shoulders like a blessing, or a promise. Assistant would know, then, that they could gain a fresh start, united with what remained of Researcher--but that they would both be lost. And then... will anyone remember them? There was grief in this thought, in the idea of one story wholly ending so that another would begin. But the knowledge came with it: that if Assistant so chose, all they had to do now was to carry the skull-and-stone and the Wishing Stone's magic to--and into--the Spire; and this life would be ended. A new--having lost all memories of the past--would then begin.

Assistant receives: A promise. They may, at any point in the next cycle, enter the Spire while carrying Researcher's gemstone. This will kill them, but reform a new creature out of the two of them, combined. This should be GM-tagged for.

---

Scratcher-of-the-mind? The Wishing Stone almost seemed to think about this, to wonder at the meaning. But then it had other things to consider--like Menkheperre's wish. It seemed--and this was almost sad!--that the little bookshelf would for now go unused. But maybe there was something it could offer..? A tool, an interface, for the librarian to learn more about the world directly around them? After a moment, a little box--covered in bright pictures--fell to the ground at Menkheperre's feet. Its corners were a little battered, the white cardboard gone yellow and gray in places with age. And Menkheperre could probably read the text in bold red across the top: SCIENCE FOR KIDS! Inside was a child's science kit, but parts were likely helpful to his desires: a simple microscope and glass slides, an eyedropper, vials and a flask, pH sticks, a pair of tweezers, a magnifying glass, a thermometer, a barometer and a compass, and a black-and-red horseshoe magnet. All of it fit into a neat carrying case found inside the packaging, with a handle. A little guidebook would offer at least the basics on every item's use.

Menkheperre receives: STEM starter kit Kid's Science Kit

OOC Reward:
Navy has won their choice of a Tier Two reward, and may claim any one of the following for ANY of their characters in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel: Medium Spell Borrow, 500 Magicka, or Lost Stone (Guaranteed Revive, Hybrid Animal, GM-Rolled)

---

Another trouble-maker, huh? The Wishing Stone pondered this. For a moment, it might even have considered the moral implications. But could it? Did a rock understand right and wrong, or even suffering? This question went unanswered, but Deli's wish did not: a rather sinister-looking black hat, its broad brim-ribbon studded with alternating black-and-white stones, fell slowly to the ground before them--unless caught, first. It was clearly enchanted; it shrouded the area around them, within a yard or two, in faint darkness. But Deli would gain the following knowledge: that if they focused on The Black Hat (for that was its name), it could make the darkness even deeper, for a time.

Deli receives: The Black Hat. (see below for details)

OOC Reward:
Jaymie has won their choice of a Tier Three reward, and may claim any one of the following for ANY of their characters in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel: High Spell Borrow, 1000 Magicka, Uncommon Character Slot (UCS), Lost Stone (Alien/Valkhound, GM-Designed, Guaranteed Revive), High Intensity Non-Elemental Spell (Sensorial Link, Familiar Forge, Affix Dye, Enchant), or Mutation Slot

---

Hera's request was again met with thoughtful chimes. The Wishing Stone, it seemed, was become half fashion designer, half librarian; and maybe this was a fun thing! A stylish black beanie tumbled down before Hera--and a pair of matching sunglasses, too. They were fancy, and they would, amazingly, fit the eagle's face, with a bit of a wraparound side to the glasses. If the Wishing Stone could've sat back to admire the effect, it surely would have--but hopefully Hera would like it, too?

Hera receives: A black beanie and sunglasses.

---

The flowers and gifts now ringing the Wishing Stone were joined by Whale's gift, and the Stone chimed happily. It seemed, despite being just a magic rock, pleased that Whale was happy. Its song lifted, and sounded distinctly, surprisingly whale-like for a moment, before falling quieter with her departure.

---

Forgraves approached with a request regarding star charts. And to this, the Wishing Stone considered. Knowing the real stars on those charts would be near impossible; finding a book or map written from the same perspective as the charts depicted quite hard. Yet the concept could easiliy be imparted, could it not?

Forgraves would find his mind seeming to tumble away into a wondrous darkness--a vast emptiness that, despite its cold, would feel awe-inspiring rather than really dreadful. This feeling faded to allow him his own impressions as he seemed to spin through space--and as he went, he flashed past immense carpets of glittering stars burning in the dark. These are stars, the Wishing Stone seemed to say. This is a night sky, above your cave, in other worlds. Forgraves saw visions of people, vague in the moonlight, sailing by starlight--comparing their charts to the skies above; visions of bats and birds passing overhead, eclipsing the glow for only seconds. Forgraves might have known, logically, what stars were--but seeing them would be another matter. And as the vision went on, lines began to ignite, superimposed across a galaxy's skies, linking one star to another to the next--until the star chart was glowing brightly in his mind.

When it faded--the pinprick lights fading back to nothing, the whirl of reality replaced by the Wishing Stone's pleasant hum--he would understand: that stars were scattered through the universe, that each world saw them differently, and that--in some place, at some time--his star charts had been a map.

Forgraves receives: a vision of stars.

OOC Reward:
Josie has won their choice of a Tier Two reward, and may claim any one of the following for ANY of their characters in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel: Medium Spell Borrow, 500 Magicka, or Lost Stone (Guaranteed Revive, Hybrid Animal, GM-Rolled)

---

Ember's wish was granted with a happy chime, as was his thanks for the enchanted gift the day before. Now came a bright tinkle, and a flash of lights across the Wishing Stone's surface, as if asking Ember to bring the moonstone closer to it. When he did, a glimmer of magic flashed from the Stone to the lost little gem: a sliver of its power, enough strength to ensure that Ember's magic would take, when he gave it. The Wishing Stone then hummed contentedly. It was, it seemed to say, lovely that so many who came to it wished things for others--things that granted happiness, even life, to someone else.

Ember receives: A Guaranteed Revive on the existing Pupil-level Moonstone.

OOC Reward:
Dark has won their choice of a Tier Five reward, and may claim a Winner's Choice in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel!

---

Mirac's request was... morally questionable, at best, like several others had been. But was the Wishing Stone in any position to judge? Well--it was a stone, so no, it was not. So Mirac's wish was granted with the same thoughtful chiming as many others had been. (And his greeting--complete with titles--was met with a brief, happy chime, as if to say 'Hello!') A clink accompanied the fall of a large ring, big enough to fit around Mirac's hilt if he so wished. The ring was made of dark metal, inscribed with sharp, violent-looking runes, and positively oozed Chaos. 'Put it on,' the Wishing Stone almost seemed to urge, excitedly.

Mirac receives: Visions of Chaos. (Details on this enchanted item below!)

OOC Reward:
Gortys has won their choice of a Tier Three reward, and may claim any one of the following for ANY of their characters in Update Me or Discord's Requests channel: High Spell Borrow, 1000 Magicka, Uncommon Character Slot (UCS), Lost Stone (Alien/Valkhound, GM-Designed, Guaranteed Revive), High Intensity Non-Elemental Spell (Sensorial Link, Familiar Forge, Affix Dye, Enchant), or Mutation Slot

---

Azrael's wish was so similar to Mirac's that, for a moment, the Wishing Stone very nearly called Mirac back so the two could do battle. But it wasn't quite the same; Azrael wanted physical strength, not just violence and combat. So after a moment's quiet chiming, the Wishing Stone flashed a bright gold, and a hum that almost seemed to say 'eureka!' chimed.

A large set of armor, fitted to Azrael, clunked to the ground beside him. It was huge, thick, and looked in places like dark bone had been used as plating: almost organic, with an intimidating look to its severe curves and angles. It was, Azrael would know, enchanted: it would make him a bit less flexible when worn, a little less agile--but provide more protection than a similar set of non-magical armor might. The stone hummed hopefully--would the demon-beast like it?

Azrael receives: A set of armor enchanted with Bonecase

---

Spells and enchanted items will be added shortly!

Identified Item!

Mirac has received an identified item from The Wishing Stone!

2★ Visions of Chaos A rune-scratched, dark metal ring oozing Corrupted energy.

☆☆☆☆★★ Visions of Chaos A rune-scratched, dark metal ring oozing Corrupted energy. Tapping into this ring's magic causes the scratched runes to sprout metal teeth, digging into the user and inflicting them with fully realistic visions of violence; the ring does not let go until the battles have reached their end. ELEMENT: MAGIC LEVEL: 80 DURABILITY: 10 SPECIAL: The user can tap into this ring to enter visions of ancient battlefields, bloody duels, and vast wars. They can take part in this violence, though it isn't clear if these are visions of past events, or simply dreams--or nightmares. It is possible to learn from these fights, as though one has partaken in true combat. MATERIAL: oily dark metal ATTACK: N/A ADDED: Use by non-Corrupted-element characters will add two points of Corruption per use. DEFENSE: 0 WEIGHT: 1 EQUIP: Ring Currently owned by: Mirac

Identified Item!

Kaimana has received an item from The Wishing Stone!

1★ The Frogbeak A battered but seaworthy little wooden sailboat intended for one or two sailors and passengers.

☆★★★★★ The Frogbeak A battered little wooden sailboat. This boat, intended for one or two sailors and passengers, is quite small but still seaworthy. It is also enchanted, so that the sail raises and turns according to its captain's wishes; this takes practice to perfect. The rudder must still be manually managed by a wooden lever at the back. ELEMENT: MAGIC LEVEL: 80 DURABILITY: 100 SPECIAL: The boat is linked to the captain's mind, allowing the sail to be controlled by intentions alone. MATERIAL: Wood, sailcloth, rope ATTACK: N/A ADDED: N/A DEFENSE: N/A WEIGHT: 100 EQUIP: Boat Currently owned by: Kaimana

Identified Item!

Deli has received an identified item from The Wishing Stone!

3★ The Black Hat A black hat with a ribbon around its brim, studded with alternating black and white stones. Shrouds the wearer in darkness.

☆☆☆★★★ The Black Hat A black hat that, when worn, shrouds the user in a pool of shadow. A wide ribbon at its brim holds alternating black and white stones; the white stones dim and the darkness around the user intensifies when the user successfully focuses on the hat's magic. ELEMENT: MAGIC LEVEL: 80 DURABILITY: 5 SPECIAL: The hat darkens an area a couple yards around the user, steeping them in shadows. MATERIAL: Cloth, Stones ATTACK: N/A ADDED: The user may roll (Other, Barely Successful+) to deepen the shadows around them to pitch darkness for one round. This also turns the white stones on the brim black for the duration. DEFENSE: 0 WEIGHT: 1 EQUIP: Hat Currently owned by: Deli

@Maximus (Bayo) @Zookeeper @Ampelio (Madhukar, Kaimana, Khavur) @Yellow @Lass (Genevive, Bebby, Forgraves) @Catalpa @Calamity @Assistant @Menkeperre @Deli (Azrael) @Hera (Whale) @Ember @Mirac

Bayo barked happily as the hat landed on his head, laughing as it fell to cover his eyes. With a bit of pawing he managed to get it set on his head properly, delighted that it fit perfectly.

”This is mighty kind o' you, Wishin' Stone!” he said, tilting his head down in a nod. ”Thank you! I'm off t' go an' have myself an adventure now!”

And off he went, his tail spinning behind him like a propeller, off to go rescue some kidnapped damsels, ride a horse into the sunset, or slam the doors of a saloon open all dramatic-like. Like a real cowboy!

---

And then he was back the next day, suspiciously covered head-to-tail in mud, though his hat and bandana were spotless. He blinked up at the stone, his eyes sticking out among the dark brown he'd become, his tail slowly wagging.

”Hiya, Wishin' Stone!” he said enthusiastically. ”Sorry 'bout th' mud, but I've got m'self an idea for today!”

He stood and trotted around the stone, ever so careful of the flowers left at the stone's base. ”Y'see, my mama's the best boneseer in th' caves! Her name's Giggle, by th' way. Yeah, I love my mama. But anyways! I wanna be a real good boneseer too, but I don' have that many bones and a lot o' the ones I do find jus' ain't workin'! They don't resonate with me. So...”

He turned to face the stone, standing up on his hind legs to put his paws on the sides.

”I want bones! So I can tell people's futures like my mama does! But uh, bones that'll fit in 'ere, preferably.” He backed up to lift up his bandana, showing the green bag attached to his chest via a strap. There were a few bones in it already as he opened the drawstring. A mandible and a wish bone from some kind of bird, as well as a shed talon of someone's that he'd found.

Forgraves would only be mildly disturbed by the sudden crumbling of his consciousness into void, because only moments later would any trace of fear be replaced by pure and complete awe.

stars whizzing past, he listened to the stones "words", observing best he could everything it showed him, every star and pinprick of light, every nebula and galaxy he saw amongst them, before the stars before him seemed to connect and shift, and as the chart seemed to form in front of him, he would be thrust back into reality, of polaris.

things beyond the caves, a sky and stars, his pendant a reminder of a point so far away that he couldn't even begin to fathom it, and as the seconds passed by, staring at the pendant, and then the rock, the awestruck dropping of his jaw turned into an ecstatic and joyous, open grin. all he could muster before speaking was the type of scoff you hear when someone has just seen something they can hardly believe, something so amazing and so wonderful they are at a loss for words.

"That... that was incredible. i-i. i dont have the words." he said, still smiling, his head reeling to process what he'd witnessed, the extent of the very universe he had just become so strikingly aware of. of things outside of his home, these caves, and he wishes so hard to see them again. he will settle for reliving it in his memories though.

he sniffled, clearly brought to tears, leaning down to the rock to whisper. "thank you. thank you so much. that's all i could have hoped for and far beyond. i will cherish this knowledge.. forever, i think. once again.. thank you."

he seemed to linger just thinking and replaying it in his head, before he eventually would take his leave, looking back at the stone, giving his best approximation of a wave.



"Speech." Thoughts.

Madhukar marveled as a book found its way to her — a book, like the ones at the English lesson. She flipped it open and marveled some more, feeling giddy as a kitten at the words she could not yet understand, accompanied by pictures she felt were almost familiar. Bugs. Bugs! And plants! What beautiful sketches — diagrams, charts. Madhukar had never wanted to badly to know how to read in her whole life. In fact, this was probably the first time she had felt a sensation of desire so dire that it burned her. With nothing but care and a warmth that starkly contrasted her glum demeanor from before, she closed the book and investigated the pouch attached to the outside. A memory rang in her mind, mostly just the words at this point: little speck, get big. Something to that effect. And that tumbled into another memory, which suddenly gave Madhukar an idea. She stared long and hard at the stone, with her gaze softened and that scratchy rumbling noise coming out of her throat again. Thank you. And then she was off to the races.

~*~

She tumbled back on excited feet, a rather awe-inspiringly large feather (linked) wavering in her hand like a banner announcing her wordless arrival. She placed it down next to the rock and and held out her paw, already having come prepared. I've had this for a long time. Don't really know what to do with it. Could you think of something? Madhukar immediately felt a pang of guilt at realizing she had not brought another gift, and now she was asking for more. Her prior gift, it seemed, had already disappeared completely. How that had happened she wasn't really sure, although she wasn't really surprised. Regardless, this should be a sign to amend the absence as soon as possible.

Kaimana felt or somehow intuited an attention on her lovely coral beard. It made her chuckle aloud, and seemingly without any explanation. She wondered to herself what was most intriguing about it — the shape? the color? Before her musings could get far, the vision was bestowed upon her and Kaimana's mind eased into it with a deft prowess. She knew this place, she knew it well — although not as well as Fornax. She'd seen birds like those, and trees like those, but this... oh, this was new. Magnificent, phenomenal, absolute stellar. Kaimana was already over the moon and she had yet to meet this specimen! Magic, and charmingly named: the Frogbeak. Kaimana was more than willing to be the captain.

She foresaw just one problem, however, and that was logistical. She would go and find it now and, upon returning, may need to request a helping hand with actually getting it to the water. And carrying it across caves. To be fair, she may need a move to Leo, the waters were far less tempestuous there. It was, again, the logistical element of moving that bugged her. Kaimana was no small cat, but at this juncture she came to find herself rather... unaccompanied in most things. Not too big of an issue, not enough to tamp down her elation by any means (which was spreading at an alarming rate across her entire being in waves), simply one to be noted and not overlooked. "Oh, this is wonderful," Kaimana managed to remember to say. "You are an artist among boat makers." Without much more hope for self-containment, Kaimana sped off to make preparations.

~*~

She came back within the span of a day, although in her excitement he likely hadn't noticed the time pass at all. Days blended to together when you were having fun! Kaimana reached out to the stone, having planned this next step: 'We meet again, fair stone. Well — I've sought you out again because I have another request. I hope you don't mind. This boat is lovely, it's comfortable and quite well-suited to my needs. I am worried, however, that I may need a companion to assist with the moving and maintenance of it, for I find myself rather short-staffed these days. I'd be very grateful for an introduction to any such companion; a first mate, if you will.' Kaimana cut herself a bit short there, to keep from getting too long-winded and cheeky. He figured that would do it for him. Goodness, he was already fantasizing about the title, the adventures! He might need a cooldown nap after this, if she could manage one.

Being out here made Skein's feathers and fur stand on end. Every new being set off alarm bells in Skein's brain. Skein lurked in the the shadows, nestled underneath two boulders, only their bright orange eyes visible. Their eyes flicked about the creatures that talked at the stone, glaring with a silent mistrust. They clapped their beak in a combination of annoyance and nervousness.

Muttering to themselves as they watched the strangers. It was a good thing none of Skein's siblings were here, else all their time would be spent protecting them from all these weird gembound. Skein didn't care what Dragon said, these outsiders were weird and Skein didn't trust them. The worst part of all was that nothing smelled like a swamp. No comforting scent of earthy mud or swamp water stench. Just the light scent of dirt and mosses.

Skein was sure to tell their siblings how much the world outside Cetus sucked. As the visitors for the day started to die down, Skein's eyes flashed in excitement. As the last of them left, Skein left the pit they'd been sitting in. Head bolt upright, ears flicking for any sign of movement. At last, comfortable, Skein slinked forward from their hiding spot. Not stealthy in the slightest. Despite even posessing feathers built for silent flight, Skein was like a bull in a china shop in this unfamiliar environment. Every step snapped a twig, rustled leaves, or set lessers fleeing and calling. Skein grumbled, placing a clawed hand on the stone. In a barely audible whisper, Skein began to talk to it.

"I dunno if any of that wish stuff you've been spouting is real, and I don't trust none of this weird new cave stuff, but I got a wish. I want something that'll keep my siblings 'n my dad safe. Make sure they don't talk to any weird people from outside, get hurt or anything. I don't trust Brandle one bit, hes too nice to those outsiders and Revenant is just as bad! But Dragon says I gotta be nice to strangers n use nice words. Blech! They're all too trusting for their own good. What if they trust someone like the Aquarian, but bigger and he eats gembound? And what if he kidnaps them after he eats them!" Skein shuffled their wings at the thought, staring off into the distance with narrowing eyes. "Urgh. You gonna do my wish?"

((Edit: MAN))

Mirac brightened at the clink. He looked down at the ring curiously. Doubtfully. "STONE! You have given Mirac METAL not power, but Mirac is sword which IS metal. It is easy mistake, Mirac thinks. And metal is tasty." Mirac hummed, as if deep in thought. "Mirac will TAKE it. Your gift is ACCEPTED! Mirac will eat it tastily."

His tattered ribbon snatched the ring from the ground. And dropped almost immediately, with a startled cry. It had magic. Strong magic, like the zap of static he felt when unleashing a bolt of black lightning. But without the joyous pain. It was something that intrigued Mirac nonetheless. He picked it up once more, feeling its power, 'oohing' and 'aahing' at it. And after admiring the power, Mirac tapped into.

His mind was flooded with visions of a razed battlefield, the horizon stained red and orange, bloodshed surrounding him. Gembound bleeding, roaring, screaming, all stuck in a fierce and desperate battle. Blood spilled, oil, red, and many other multitudes of shades. It was the closest a creature like Mirac could come to paradise. And Mirac whooped and cheered.

"YES! YES YES YES! This is ALL Mirac has ever DREAMED of! FIGHT!" He cackled like a madman, and maybe, just maybe, Mirac was one. A creature neared him. One wielding a sword no less, yet not one as majestic as him, no. It was a dull lifeless weapon of simple iron and wood. "AH! You APPROACH Mirac? With this false weapon no less? FOOL!"

His stone thrummed with violent energy, quickly becoming a whine, and a bolt of lightning rocked through Mirac, the magic stronger than it had any right to be, locking his muscles in static, and doing even worse to the enemy. He cackled, near silent beneath the boom of his lightning strike, watching as the lightning evaporated his would be assaulter, along with any other creature and the earth around him. "Mirac is LORD of combat! FEAR his PROWESS! Mirac's presence ALONE has SHIFTED the battle!"

Mirac spent a long amount of time in this false combat, an almost worrying amount. But when he returned, he hastily slid his newly prized possession onto his hilt, and locked eye to rock with the wishing stone. "YOU! Mirac THANKS you for your gift! It is MORE than simple food. It is Mirac's DREAM! Should you find yourself in need of an ally, Mirac will come to your AID to KILL and MAIM!" A cheery Mirac left Polaris, humming a horrible tune with no rhythm.

"speak" think

((DUALITY OF MAN))

Sergei's approach was quiet, tentative--and he made sure to make it when no one else was anywhere near. Despite his size, he was very clearly shy in his movements, and almost ran to the Wishing Stone as if hoping he'd not be seen, as if afraid someone would just swoop down and kidnap him.

He knelt before the stone, studying it--wondering if it could really do what it seemed to promise to. And he hesitated before asking. I fear the thing called Mother, he admitted, at least in his thoughts. I want to... not have to fear that. I want some way to keep it away. I do not want to get infected again!

He was near to tears even at the thought. Ever since he'd been purged of that horrid fungus, he'd been afraid to go near anyone. And as social a creature as he was, that'd left him terribly, achingly lonely. He wanted a friend; he wanted lots of friends. He didn't want to keep having to live alone like this, suspicious of every stranger, paranoid of each potential friend, afraid of falling again into Mother's terrible clutches.

"Please," the bear whispered.