THE MOSS GROTTO

The lush caves welcome you.

[the-moss-grotto]

WELCOME TO OUR CAVES.

We are the Moss Grotto, home to many friendly bugs. We hope you enjoy your stay.

hey chat its my 8th blog

rules are basic. like for all my other blogs:

no nsfw

no explicit gore or anything

stay silly

shippin mayhaps be happenin

the embodiment of moss controlling this blog is myophyta, and here's her design below

[the-moss-grotto]

[the-moss-grotto]

@phantom-and-lace-both

[A letter is delivered to you by a silkfly.]

Greetings, Myophyta

As you have come to me and my Sibling à few times, I felt the need to write this to you. I have come to make a certain réalisation about myself which will change the way you must think and speak of me in the future.

I have come to realise that I am not a woman, but rather I am closer to being a man. My name is now Thorn and I wish to be refered to as such.

{Myophyta reads the letter carefully, before writing ine back.}

Dear Thorn,

It is wonderful that you have learned this about yourself, I hope your discovery brings you great joy! I am here always if you ever need anything.

From, Myophyta

[weaver-evelli]

(A voice echoes through the caves, yet it's voice is a hushed whisper.)

Ah, hello there Evelli. How are you? We've seen you speaking to us for many years now, though we didn't have a voice before.

@the-moss-grotto

*evelli is sat amongst their collection of bee plushies, gently stroking the one she had mended with that ugly plaid fabric, chittering nonsense to it as if it can hear him. something else seems to hear it though, and their eyes snap open, an absent hand scratching at the moss that spills from their cracked mask*

Wait. The moss can... speak? The moss has heard me all these long long years? Oh. That is rather embarassing, is it not? You have seen—does the moss see? perhaps not—and heard me go through the best and worst years of my life. You have heard me sing! I am... sorry you have suffered that moss, my voice is considered sinful for it struggles to carry a tune and is unpleasent to any bug not deaf...

[the-moss-grotto]

Do not worry, we do not judge you at all. You have gone through many trials, and your voice is not a sin. It was quite comforting having someone talk to us, even though nobody thought we could hear them.

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

(Myophyta crawls through the organ entrance, struggling but eventually walking in.)

Hello there, we heard Lamina was missing? We are glad to hear you two are doing better.

@the-moss-grotto

[Myophyta finds the siblings in bed, laying next to each-other. They seem exhausted, but mostly fine. One of Lace's eyes seems to have been ripped.]

[They both sit up when they see Myophyta arrive, Phantom leaning onto Lace to stay upright. They are holding what seems to be a plushie made in Lamina's likeness.]

Yes, they..... Lamina seems to have gone away some time during my Sibling's illness..... Perhaps they could not enduré seeing their state deteriorate, and, well.......

I do not remember when I have seen them last.

[Phantom does not say a word. They simply stare in silence.]

[the-moss-grotto]

We see.. Do you have any idea of where they might've gone? Any friends they might've gone to besides the grotto?

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

Well..... there were two vessels apparently, Tec and Nugget they are called. But oerhaps you would have more luck seeking the void creature, Elora.

Ooc

@voidgivenformofficial Lace gave the moss your phone number.

[voidgivenformofficial]

It heard you.

A puddle of void appears near the entrance. Elora rises out from it, holding Lamina.

We are late. Our apologies. We got caught up trying to find Lamina.

@moss-grub-official

[moss-grub-official]

“…Phantom?”

Lamina somehow looked smaller, more afraid.

“…is it you?”

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Upon hearing the voice, Phantom shoots upwards and rushes to Elora with energy they did not know they had. Actually, they most definitely do not have the energy for this right now, they réalise, as they fall to their knees directly in front of Elora.]

[Phantom practically snatches Lamina out of the void being's hands.]

[moss-grub-official]

Is it real?

It can’t be

It saw them die.

But how can it feel so real.

How can it be real

It can’t be real.

Lamina has frozen, their spines spiked, their breathing fast, it can’t be Phantom.

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Phantom holds Lamina as tightely as they can without hurting it.]

I thought I had hurt you...... where were you.........

[Phantom's voice has changed. It is still recognisable, but it sounds sick, or hurt.]

[moss-grub-official]

“I-I w-went t-to go get you silk… b-but I stayed by s-sister f-for too long a-and didn’t get it to y-you in time”

Their voice was quieter, more hesitant and afraid.

“B-but when I g-got back y-you weren’t you- a-and I ran and f-fell out of the mists”

“Jigeen found us…”

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Phantom does not speak, but they hug the mossgrub tightely, hoping they will understand how much it cares about them.]

[Running out of bed this soon was absolutely a bad idea, they are increasingly struggling to stay upright. They should really get back to bed, but they doubt they will ahle to stand, much less walk.]

[Phantom stares eyelessly at Elora, hoping it will understand they urgently need assistance, and do something without worrying Lamina and Sable too much.]

[If there even is something that can be done without worrying Lamina and Sable too much.]

@voidgivenformofficial

[voidgivenformofficial]

Their eyes widen after a moment.

Ah- Right. Everything is ok, dear. Worry not.

They lift Phantom up as if they weigh nothing and place them back in bed.

Do you require anything? Anything that you could ask for.

We could. attempt to read your mind if you are not able to speak yet.

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Phantom relaxes as soon as they are laying down.]

I am fine..... Haha... I could use some tea.... If you are fine making some...

[Lace, who has been looking at the whole interaction with a wide eyed surprised look on her face, sighs, and pulls the blankets over Phantom (and Lamina) before laying down next to the.]

That was very stupid of you, Sibling. You could have waited one second more, you know? You could have collapsed.

.........

[Phantom angrily glares at Lace, but only Lace herself can read their faceless, eyeless expressions "angrily glaring".]

@moss-grub-official

[moss-grub-official]

Lamina hugs tight onto Phantom, feeling them breathe. Maybe they were real. Maybe it’d be ok.

Still a voice in their head still kept speaking

(“Maybe it won’t be ok maybe it’ll never be ok”)

Their spines flattened.

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Phantom, noticing the spines flattening, starts petting Lamina with both hands.]

[As they do, they notice something off. They already were losing sensation and mobility in their fraying hands, but.... has it gotten worse suddenly?]

[Some fingers cannot feel Lamina's furr.....]

[They cannot lose fingers they need those for......]

[No. Now is no time to think of such things. Not with Lamina right there.]

[Phantom tries its best to calm itself. Or at least, to conceal its panick from Lamina. But they cannot quite shut down the heavy dread that has set into their chest.]

[They need their fingers. How will they play music if.........]

@voidgivenformofficial tagging in case Elora is still their

Also @the-moss-grotto is Myophyta still there??

[the-moss-grotto]

Is there something wrong, Phantom? You look worried.

(Myophyta looks concerned as she crouched down to look at them.)

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

I am alright, I..... It's nothing......

[Are their émotions so obvious? Perhaps they should try to relax more. Deep breaths or something...... but way, won't Lamina realise then that something is wrong? It will feel the différence.....]

[Normal breaths. Normal breaths and normal hearbeat. Normal. Normal everything.]

[No matter how much they try, Phantom cannot appear normal right now.]

.

.

.

[Meanwhile, Lace has fallen asleep.]

@voidgivenformofficial

Also @moss-grub-official letting you know the interaction has progressed.

[voidgivenformofficial]

Elora has been staring at Phantom for some time. It’s like they have been trying to read its mind.

We will… make some tea. We know of a blend that is helpful to those recovering from void sickness.

Allow us a moment, if you would.

And it walks off.

[moss-grub-official]

Lamina starts kneading in Phantom, slowly, gently, careful not to tear any fibers.

“I m-missed you- s-s-so much”

(“What if they aren’t safe”)

A new voice, somewhat hazy but still there.

(“I trust them…”)

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Phantom runs their fingers into the mossgrub's furr.]

[A strange noise escapes Phantom's throat.... is it purring?]

@the-moss-grotto

@voidgivenformofficial (letting you know things have progressed)

[the-moss-grotto]

(Myophyta watches quietly, not interfering with their reunion.)

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

(Myophyta crawls through the organ entrance, struggling but eventually walking in.)

Hello there, we heard Lamina was missing? We are glad to hear you two are doing better.

@the-moss-grotto

[Myophyta finds the siblings in bed, laying next to each-other. They seem exhausted, but mostly fine. One of Lace's eyes seems to have been ripped.]

[They both sit up when they see Myophyta arrive, Phantom leaning onto Lace to stay upright. They are holding what seems to be a plushie made in Lamina's likeness.]

Yes, they..... Lamina seems to have gone away some time during my Sibling's illness..... Perhaps they could not enduré seeing their state deteriorate, and, well.......

I do not remember when I have seen them last.

[Phantom does not say a word. They simply stare in silence.]

[the-moss-grotto]

We see.. Do you have any idea of where they might've gone? Any friends they might've gone to besides the grotto?

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

Well..... there were two vessels apparently, Tec and Nugget they are called. But oerhaps you would have more luck seeking the void creature, Elora.

Ooc

@voidgivenformofficial Lace gave the moss your phone number.

[voidgivenformofficial]

It heard you.

A puddle of void appears near the entrance. Elora rises out from it, holding Lamina.

We are late. Our apologies. We got caught up trying to find Lamina.

@moss-grub-official

[moss-grub-official]

“…Phantom?”

Lamina somehow looked smaller, more afraid.

“…is it you?”

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Upon hearing the voice, Phantom shoots upwards and rushes to Elora with energy they did not know they had. Actually, they most definitely do not have the energy for this right now, they réalise, as they fall to their knees directly in front of Elora.]

[Phantom practically snatches Lamina out of the void being's hands.]

[moss-grub-official]

Is it real?

It can’t be

It saw them die.

But how can it feel so real.

How can it be real

It can’t be real.

Lamina has frozen, their spines spiked, their breathing fast, it can’t be Phantom.

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Phantom holds Lamina as tightely as they can without hurting it.]

I thought I had hurt you...... where were you.........

[Phantom's voice has changed. It is still recognisable, but it sounds sick, or hurt.]

[moss-grub-official]

“I-I w-went t-to go get you silk… b-but I stayed by s-sister f-for too long a-and didn’t get it to y-you in time”

Their voice was quieter, more hesitant and afraid.

“B-but when I g-got back y-you weren’t you- a-and I ran and f-fell out of the mists”

“Jigeen found us…”

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Phantom does not speak, but they hug the mossgrub tightely, hoping they will understand how much it cares about them.]

[Running out of bed this soon was absolutely a bad idea, they are increasingly struggling to stay upright. They should really get back to bed, but they doubt they will ahle to stand, much less walk.]

[Phantom stares eyelessly at Elora, hoping it will understand they urgently need assistance, and do something without worrying Lamina and Sable too much.]

[If there even is something that can be done without worrying Lamina and Sable too much.]

@voidgivenformofficial

[voidgivenformofficial]

Their eyes widen after a moment.

Ah- Right. Everything is ok, dear. Worry not.

They lift Phantom up as if they weigh nothing and place them back in bed.

Do you require anything? Anything that you could ask for.

We could. attempt to read your mind if you are not able to speak yet.

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Phantom relaxes as soon as they are laying down.]

I am fine..... Haha... I could use some tea.... If you are fine making some...

[Lace, who has been looking at the whole interaction with a wide eyed surprised look on her face, sighs, and pulls the blankets over Phantom (and Lamina) before laying down next to the.]

That was very stupid of you, Sibling. You could have waited one second more, you know? You could have collapsed.

.........

[Phantom angrily glares at Lace, but only Lace herself can read their faceless, eyeless expressions "angrily glaring".]

@moss-grub-official

[moss-grub-official]

Lamina hugs tight onto Phantom, feeling them breathe. Maybe they were real. Maybe it’d be ok.

Still a voice in their head still kept speaking

(“Maybe it won’t be ok maybe it’ll never be ok”)

Their spines flattened.

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

[Phantom, noticing the spines flattening, starts petting Lamina with both hands.]

[As they do, they notice something off. They already were losing sensation and mobility in their fraying hands, but.... has it gotten worse suddenly?]

[Some fingers cannot feel Lamina's furr.....]

[They cannot lose fingers they need those for......]

[No. Now is no time to think of such things. Not with Lamina right there.]

[Phantom tries its best to calm itself. Or at least, to conceal its panick from Lamina. But they cannot quite shut down the heavy dread that has set into their chest.]

[They need their fingers. How will they play music if.........]

@voidgivenformofficial tagging in case Elora is still their

Also @the-moss-grotto is Myophyta still there??

[the-moss-grotto]

Is there something wrong, Phantom? You look worried.

(Myophyta looks concerned as she crouched down to look at them.)

[phantom-and-thorn-both]

(Myophyta crawls through the organ entrance, struggling but eventually walking in.)

Hello there, we heard Lamina was missing? We are glad to hear you two are doing better.

@the-moss-grotto

[Myophyta finds the siblings in bed, laying next to each-other. They seem exhausted, but mostly fine. One of Lace's eyes seems to have been ripped.]

[They both sit up when they see Myophyta arrive, Phantom leaning onto Lace to stay upright. They are holding what seems to be a plushie made in Lamina's likeness.]

Yes, they..... Lamina seems to have gone away some time during my Sibling's illness..... Perhaps they could not enduré seeing their state deteriorate, and, well.......

I do not remember when I have seen them last.

[Phantom does not say a word. They simply stare in silence.]

[the-moss-grotto]

We see.. Do you have any idea of where they might've gone? Any friends they might've gone to besides the grotto?

[the-moss-grotto]

[A silkfly carrying a letter comes to you.]

[The letter reads as follows : ]

You who have come to the Exhaust Organ and have witnessed my Sibling's illness, I believe it may be right to allow you to know that their illness is cured, and that they will be safely recovering.

On a more pressing matter, the mossgrub Lamina has gone missing. If you could help find them, we would be grateful.

Lace

@phantom-and-lace-both

Ooc note : if @/moss-grub-official has been reunited with Phantom by the time you answer this, feel free to ignore the Lamina part :>

(Myophyta reads the letter carefully. They crush a bit of moss gently, turning it into ink. She dips a small stick in and writes on the back.)

I am very grateful to hear of Phantom's improving condition, though your words about Lamina concern me. I will arrive as soon as possible to assist.

[the-moss-grotto]

*a small green bug arrives at the entrance of the grotto. He carries with him two balls of moss.*

*He kneels down and places the balls onto the ground, offering them in apology*

*He speaks, filled with sorrow and regret*

"Pa-... no. I am sorry."

*He leaves, unshed tears burning his eyes.*

@partialpablo

(Myophyta watches Pablo leave, her face still calm.)

The grotto will be here when you return.

[the-moss-grotto]

Hey, did you know Pablo is comatose?

That is to say, he's out cold. Conked out. A snoozefest, if you will.

Maybe go check on him.

Truly? Is he still the same as when we left him, or have his memories returned?

[perform-through-the-lows]

(An extremely tall plant-like woman ducks into the room, seeming nervous. She is fidgeting with the edge of her skirt and her eyes are darting around the room. She notices Ethara, giving a little wave.)

Oh- uh- Greetings! We are coming here with a friend, but we are a little early, just ignore us for now.

@the-moss-grotto

“Oh no, no… You may ssssit! Do you need any drinkssss? A hosssst musssst provide, after all~” Ethara beckoned her to a table.

“Now, thisssss sssspecial friend, are they ssssomething more?” Ethara teased. “Come on, thissss is the Pleassssure Houssse, you may sssspeak your mind! I may also leave you be, if you are too sssscared to~”

[the-moss-grotto]

Ah-Uhm, they are a friend, we only met recently.

(A faint darker green rises up her face, she coughs trying to compose herself.)

We looked for places to visit in Hallownest, and this was a popular one. We may take a drink, if that is alright. Preferably a non-alcoholic one.

[perform-through-the-lows]

“Only a ffffriend? Ssssshame. Oh well, I’ll get you that drrrink!” Ethara waved farewell for now, disappearing behind the bar counter to go and mix up a random concoction. “Ssssit anywhere you’d like!” She called.

[ @hallownest-resting-grounds ]

[the-moss-grotto]

Ah, alright then..

(She slowly walks over to the hot springs, taking a peek inside. She dips her foot in, slowly easing in without troubles.)

Hm, we don't have many of these back in Pharloom, what a shame.

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

Asphodel entered the Pleasure House, looking around as her fur shifted to cover her. She identified Myophyta, smiling as she approached.

“Were you waiting for Us? We apologize if We took too long, the souls were pressing Us about where we were going.”

[the-moss-grotto]

Oh- it's no worries! We just came a little early.

(Myophyta gives a small smile, as she turns towards Asphodel.)

Would you like to sit next to us?

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

“Of course.” Asphodel slipped into the water, fur immediately getting damp. She laughed.

“Suppose there are many problems with having a physical form, are there?”

[the-moss-grotto]

(Myophyta giggles slightly, relaxing in the water as Asphodel steps in.)

It seems so!

@perform-through-the-lows can deliver the drink :]

[perform-through-the-lows]

Ethara approaches the two of them. She holds a pink, bubbling drink, and places it on the stone ledge near Myophyta.

“And herrrre is yourr drink! Oh, issss that the ‘friend’ you’rrre attending with?~ How interessssting! Ssssso pale they look like a ghosssst!” Ethara teases. “Tell me, ghosssstly companion, do you need a drink too?”

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

Asphodel blinked. Once, then twice. She seemed confused.

“I think We are fine. No drinks for Us, We cannot taste them.” She explained. “Though they look delightful.”

[perform-through-the-lows]

“Ssssshame, ssssshame. Wissssh you a wonderoussss time either way!~” Ethara sang, prancing off to deal with some other customer who was demanding a re-fund.

Did they even do refunds here? Ethara thought not.

( @the-loss-grotto )

[the-moss-grotto]

(Myophyta turns back towards Asphodel, taking a small sip of her drink.)

So, what else can we do here?

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

“We guess just talk. Is there anything odd that has happened to you recently? We would love to know.”

Asphodel shifted in the water, and winced. For a split second, her fur moved off her torso reveling something hollow. It was promptly covered, and so was here pained facial expression, in favor of a more pleasant one.

[the-moss-grotto]

(She seemed worried for a second, looking over at Asphodel, before speaking slowly.)

Not much, it has been mostly quiet since we got rid of the muckroaches.

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

“Hm. Muckroaches… That name just screams awful.”

Asphodel went quiet, before she spoke again.

“…We’ll sit just outside the water. Our… wet fur is bothering Us.” She climbed out of the water and sat on the edge of the hot spring, wincing once more, then covering her unpleasant expression.

[the-moss-grotto]

(Myophyta's concerned face deepened, looking at Asphodel with worry clear.)

Are you.. alright? You look.. in pain.

[the-moss-grotto]

We are matching.

[the-moss-grotto]

Leaving the Blasted Steps, Dryya eventually stops struggling and the tendrils sprouting from her scars recede back into her shell. She's not black anymore, but neither did she return to her paleness. She stayed somewhere in between, a dull grey.

"You're losing their trail. How incompetent!"

Dryya bleeds and cries as she snuggles against the goddess for comfort. She was soft, and her moss absorbed the blood leaking from Dryya's open scars. She didn't have the strength to focus them shut.

"I know. Please, stop saying that." Dryya begs her mind's voice.

"I hate you."

Dryya snuggles harder against the moss, crying and shaking with grief.

@dryya-the-resurrected

(The goddess carries Dryya carefully, descending the Blasted steps towards the lush Moss Grotto.)

(Myophyta doesn't say anything to Dryya, but once they are in the green caves, she offers Dryya a piece of glowing moss, containing a small amount of soul.)

[dryya-the-fierce]

Dryya takes the glowing moss and sniffs it. It smelled wet and of...well, moss.

"Why are you so kind? I WILL KILL YOU! NO! No I won't." Dryya hides her face. Behind is left a trail of blood.

"I'm dangerous. I will hurt you." Dryya warns the goddess as she squeezes herself into the softness. The warmth was comforting and motherly, which drew Dryya in.

[the-moss-grotto]

(Myophyta holds Dryya gently, not responding to her threatening words. She approaches a small stream, kneeling down by it and slowly setting down Dryya.)

Drink some water.

[dryya-the-fierce]

Dryya drinks some water as instructed. The Void kept receding, leaving her naked and embarrassed. She tries to hide her scars with her arms, but there were too many of them. She started feeling sleepy.

[the-moss-grotto]

(The goddess quietly rests Dryyabagainst a pile of soft plants, putting a layer of moss on top of her to act as a blanket.)

[perform-through-the-lows]

(An extremely tall plant-like woman ducks into the room, seeming nervous. She is fidgeting with the edge of her skirt and her eyes are darting around the room. She notices Ethara, giving a little wave.)

Oh- uh- Greetings! We are coming here with a friend, but we are a little early, just ignore us for now.

@the-moss-grotto

“Oh no, no… You may ssssit! Do you need any drinkssss? A hosssst musssst provide, after all~” Ethara beckoned her to a table.

“Now, thisssss sssspecial friend, are they ssssomething more?” Ethara teased. “Come on, thissss is the Pleassssure Houssse, you may sssspeak your mind! I may also leave you be, if you are too sssscared to~”

[the-moss-grotto]

Ah-Uhm, they are a friend, we only met recently.

(A faint darker green rises up her face, she coughs trying to compose herself.)

We looked for places to visit in Hallownest, and this was a popular one. We may take a drink, if that is alright. Preferably a non-alcoholic one.

[perform-through-the-lows]

“Only a ffffriend? Ssssshame. Oh well, I’ll get you that drrrink!” Ethara waved farewell for now, disappearing behind the bar counter to go and mix up a random concoction. “Ssssit anywhere you’d like!” She called.

[ @hallownest-resting-grounds ]

[the-moss-grotto]

Ah, alright then..

(She slowly walks over to the hot springs, taking a peek inside. She dips her foot in, slowly easing in without troubles.)

Hm, we don't have many of these back in Pharloom, what a shame.

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

Asphodel entered the Pleasure House, looking around as her fur shifted to cover her. She identified Myophyta, smiling as she approached.

“Were you waiting for Us? We apologize if We took too long, the souls were pressing Us about where we were going.”

[the-moss-grotto]

Oh- it's no worries! We just came a little early.

(Myophyta gives a small smile, as she turns towards Asphodel.)

Would you like to sit next to us?

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

“Of course.” Asphodel slipped into the water, fur immediately getting damp. She laughed.

“Suppose there are many problems with having a physical form, are there?”

[the-moss-grotto]

(Myophyta giggles slightly, relaxing in the water as Asphodel steps in.)

It seems so!

@perform-through-the-lows can deliver the drink :]

[perform-through-the-lows]

Ethara approaches the two of them. She holds a pink, bubbling drink, and places it on the stone ledge near Myophyta.

“And herrrre is yourr drink! Oh, issss that the ‘friend’ you’rrre attending with?~ How interessssting! Ssssso pale they look like a ghosssst!” Ethara teases. “Tell me, ghosssstly companion, do you need a drink too?”

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

Asphodel blinked. Once, then twice. She seemed confused.

“I think We are fine. No drinks for Us, We cannot taste them.” She explained. “Though they look delightful.”

[perform-through-the-lows]

“Ssssshame, ssssshame. Wissssh you a wonderoussss time either way!~” Ethara sang, prancing off to deal with some other customer who was demanding a re-fund.

Did they even do refunds here? Ethara thought not.

( @the-loss-grotto )

[the-moss-grotto]

(Myophyta turns back towards Asphodel, taking a small sip of her drink.)

So, what else can we do here?

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

“We guess just talk. Is there anything odd that has happened to you recently? We would love to know.”

Asphodel shifted in the water, and winced. For a split second, her fur moved off her torso reveling something hollow. It was promptly covered, and so was here pained facial expression, in favor of a more pleasant one.

[the-moss-grotto]

(She seemed worried for a second, looking over at Asphodel, before speaking slowly.)

Not much, it has been mostly quiet since we got rid of the muckroaches.

[the-moss-grotto]

Leaving the Blasted Steps, Dryya eventually stops struggling and the tendrils sprouting from her scars recede back into her shell. She's not black anymore, but neither did she return to her paleness. She stayed somewhere in between, a dull grey.

"You're losing their trail. How incompetent!"

Dryya bleeds and cries as she snuggles against the goddess for comfort. She was soft, and her moss absorbed the blood leaking from Dryya's open scars. She didn't have the strength to focus them shut.

"I know. Please, stop saying that." Dryya begs her mind's voice.

"I hate you."

Dryya snuggles harder against the moss, crying and shaking with grief.

@dryya-the-resurrected

(The goddess carries Dryya carefully, descending the Blasted steps towards the lush Moss Grotto.)

(Myophyta doesn't say anything to Dryya, but once they are in the green caves, she offers Dryya a piece of glowing moss, containing a small amount of soul.)

[dryya-the-fierce]

Dryya takes the glowing moss and sniffs it. It smelled wet and of...well, moss.

"Why are you so kind? I WILL KILL YOU! NO! No I won't." Dryya hides her face. Behind is left a trail of blood.

"I'm dangerous. I will hurt you." Dryya warns the goddess as she squeezes herself into the softness. The warmth was comforting and motherly, which drew Dryya in.

[the-moss-grotto]

(Myophyta holds Dryya gently, not responding to her threatening words. She approaches a small stream, kneeling down by it and slowly setting down Dryya.)

Drink some water.

[perform-through-the-lows]

(An extremely tall plant-like woman ducks into the room, seeming nervous. She is fidgeting with the edge of her skirt and her eyes are darting around the room. She notices Ethara, giving a little wave.)

Oh- uh- Greetings! We are coming here with a friend, but we are a little early, just ignore us for now.

@the-moss-grotto

“Oh no, no… You may ssssit! Do you need any drinkssss? A hosssst musssst provide, after all~” Ethara beckoned her to a table.

“Now, thisssss sssspecial friend, are they ssssomething more?” Ethara teased. “Come on, thissss is the Pleassssure Houssse, you may sssspeak your mind! I may also leave you be, if you are too sssscared to~”

[the-moss-grotto]

Ah-Uhm, they are a friend, we only met recently.

(A faint darker green rises up her face, she coughs trying to compose herself.)

We looked for places to visit in Hallownest, and this was a popular one. We may take a drink, if that is alright. Preferably a non-alcoholic one.

[perform-through-the-lows]

“Only a ffffriend? Ssssshame. Oh well, I’ll get you that drrrink!” Ethara waved farewell for now, disappearing behind the bar counter to go and mix up a random concoction. “Ssssit anywhere you’d like!” She called.

[ @hallownest-resting-grounds ]

[the-moss-grotto]

Ah, alright then..

(She slowly walks over to the hot springs, taking a peek inside. She dips her foot in, slowly easing in without troubles.)

Hm, we don't have many of these back in Pharloom, what a shame.

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

Asphodel entered the Pleasure House, looking around as her fur shifted to cover her. She identified Myophyta, smiling as she approached.

“Were you waiting for Us? We apologize if We took too long, the souls were pressing Us about where we were going.”

[the-moss-grotto]

Oh- it's no worries! We just came a little early.

(Myophyta gives a small smile, as she turns towards Asphodel.)

Would you like to sit next to us?

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

“Of course.” Asphodel slipped into the water, fur immediately getting damp. She laughed.

“Suppose there are many problems with having a physical form, are there?”

[the-moss-grotto]

(Myophyta giggles slightly, relaxing in the water as Asphodel steps in.)

It seems so!

@perform-through-the-lows can deliver the drink :]

[perform-through-the-lows]

Ethara approaches the two of them. She holds a pink, bubbling drink, and places it on the stone ledge near Myophyta.

“And herrrre is yourr drink! Oh, issss that the ‘friend’ you’rrre attending with?~ How interessssting! Ssssso pale they look like a ghosssst!” Ethara teases. “Tell me, ghosssstly companion, do you need a drink too?”

[hallownest-resting-grounds]

Asphodel blinked. Once, then twice. She seemed confused.

“I think We are fine. No drinks for Us, We cannot taste them.” She explained. “Though they look delightful.”

[perform-through-the-lows]

“Ssssshame, ssssshame. Wissssh you a wonderoussss time either way!~” Ethara sang, prancing off to deal with some other customer who was demanding a re-fund.

Did they even do refunds here? Ethara thought not.

( @the-loss-grotto )

[the-moss-grotto]

(Myophyta turns back towards Asphodel, taking a small sip of her drink.)

So, what else can we do here?

[the-moss-grotto]

Leaving the Blasted Steps, Dryya eventually stops struggling and the tendrils sprouting from her scars recede back into her shell. She's not black anymore, but neither did she return to her paleness. She stayed somewhere in between, a dull grey.

"You're losing their trail. How incompetent!"

Dryya bleeds and cries as she snuggles against the goddess for comfort. She was soft, and her moss absorbed the blood leaking from Dryya's open scars. She didn't have the strength to focus them shut.

"I know. Please, stop saying that." Dryya begs her mind's voice.

"I hate you."

Dryya snuggles harder against the moss, crying and shaking with grief.

@dryya-the-resurrected

(The goddess carries Dryya carefully, descending the Blasted steps towards the lush Moss Grotto.)

(Myophyta doesn't say anything to Dryya, but once they are in the green caves, she offers Dryya a piece of glowing moss, containing a small amount of soul.)