-What a Valkhound was-? Truly, did they know nothing-... Ah, but the other question rather tied into this one, did it not?

"The Creator, creates. I do not think that he Created Aethereal directly, but perhaps. His will and power is not mine to question. As for Valkhounds," and this word was spoke almost hushed, as if Vargas were afraid of what it might summon forth, "we are the designed creations intended to further the goals of this nest. I do not think you are one; you are a spawn of random magic, of random stone. Mine is the Creator's reservoir," he added, with a gesture first to his back (not very easily done) and then to the Black Spire.

The Oilstone on each gleamed and glistened with that slick, disturbing light.

"Does this answer your question?" he asked, and his tone was patient enough.

Vargas grunted--the phrasing was not lost on him, but without more information he didn't care enough to pry. "You are dismissed," he said, without really thinking about it--Tahi-shei was not directly one of his, but the wording was near-automatic.

He eyed the deer over once more before turning back away.

With luck, James would not allow Aethereal back to Mother. With luck, Tahi-shei would now aid him in this, at least. And without luck-? Well, she'd get reinfected, he'd have to follow through on his promise, and then Tahi-shei would undoubtedly no longer be as... pliable as he was now.

Vargas had vague other ideas to deal with that situation, but out of habit, he did not think about that now. Not when the target of such thoughts was so close. One never knew who could read minds, after all.