"But-..." Pride's protest was cut short as the sprite vanished.

He sighed. She hadn't even addressed his points about them, you know, not being murderers. For a moment, he stared off at nothing, into the darker star-glittered distance of Orion, lost in thought. He didn't like this. Why would a Master involve them, rather than doing it themselves? -The answer immediately became obvious: because it would bring their anger, a backlash. And rather than incur Astraea's wrath herself, Nemean wanted to use them as her... sacrificial murderers, or whatever. Pride turned to look to the others.

And realized, for the first time, the responsibility of leadership. He'd only been stewarding; he'd never expected to have to lead them like this, though logically it was a possibility. Nassir, Amazon, the cheetah--wait, that isn't Reign. Who the hell is that?

Pride blinked. Ahh--he'd met her but once... and it had been a long time ago. He couldn't remember her name, and he didn't stop to ask, not now.

Pride shook his head, blinking, and looked to Amazon and Nassir. And I'm to make a decision that might involve all our fates-? Well, it wasn't up to him alone. They were a group. They'd make a decision as such--as few as they were. He, Amazon, Nassir, and-... and whatever-her-name-had-been.

"I am but a steward," he began, feeling deeply as though they'd have to all be very, very careful now. "But I will tell you what I think, and ask you what you think and we will make a decision together, though there are not many of us."

"I think that if a Master wants to kill someone loyal to another Master, and if that Master wants to avoid the other's wrath, they will go and find patsies to do it for them. If we kill this person, and Astraea finds out, I'd imagine we will have an enemy. And if we do not, Nemean will be our enemy. It is not an easy decision," he mused. He thought, for a moment, in silence. "The best thing to do might be to put it back between the Masters themselves. If we can find and speak to Astraea, and explain the situation, perhaps it will put pressure back where it belongs--between them. But it may also be worthwhile to find out who this 'Rezik' truly is, first," he added, musing. "Just in case he is as bad as she claims him to be. Whatever happens," Pride went on, staring solemnly at the rest, "I will try to take responsibility for our actions. As for the rest: what do you each think we ought to do?"

@Nassir

The relief was immediate - all tension slipped from Nassir's body, as if he were simply shedding water from his coat. That didn't mean he didn't flinch as the sprite became a living rocket, shooting off across Orion.

Pale eyes fixed on Pride - a little too lost and still too nervous to give a proper piece other than 'I guess if he's a snitch, then it'd be okay to kill him.' Not that Nassir would be able to go through with that plan, at all. The pale stag was, at least, far more well-versed in decision-making and thinking, since he seemed to have a plan of action already: to manipulate the situation, place the Masters at their own odds. It was far more feasible than making murders out of a group of guardians and protectors. Although, seeing his fellow members of the Seven, he wasn't sure about the guardian part. The lizard might be magically inclined, but she was scarcely the size of his own paw. At least the cheetah had some hunting capabilities.

The dark beast plodded a few steps forward, turning as he did so that he was a bit more properly part of the circle, and not cowering behind Pride's legs. His tail flicked, humming in anxious thought, and Nassir finally spoke, "I-I can guh-go talk to Ast-Astraea." He was disposable and could slink back into the shadows if necessary - perhaps, even utilize his shadowy magics to hide his identity. "I'll uh-use my magic and - and mask m-myself. So it do-doesn't fall on-to the Suh-Seven if he... has orchestrated this, s-somehow."

@Zothra

Pride considered.

"Do so. Hmm. Amazon, do you think you could seek a place for us to lay low, should it be necessary?" He looked to Zothra. "And you; you are swift. You and I must seek information on this, 'Rezik.' I will ask the Kingdom of Eridanus if they know anything. You, can you find the Bonebound in Canis, and the Children of Rot in Cetus? I leave it to you how much to explain, but I send you only to seek information, for now. Do not kill anyone. Be swift, and we can perhaps avoid whatever it is Nemean wants to bring down on us."

exit Pride (LET'S DO THIS)

@Zothra @Nassir @Amazon

Zothra listened closely to what Pride had to say. She was a bit flattered on Pride calling her swift. But it was true though, for she was very swift. Not to mention fast. Her face turned into that of determination, and she gave Pride a firm nod. The cheetah then spoke with extreme confidence. "Leave it to me Pride! I will do my best, and I will not fail you! I promise. I will start with Children of Rot first." With that the cheetah sped off in the direction of Cetus. After the Children of Rot, she would go see The Bonebound in Canis. This was going to be fun.

-Exit

Nassir only nodded, ears flickering back as he focused briefly on the magics that seemed to suit him so well. Not even a flicker came to being, and it set his teeth on edge. The leopard stiffened. Splitting the entirety of the Seven didn't bode well. If they didn't go as one, or stay as one - ah, no, Pride knew what he was doing. What they would do.

Pale eyes scanned the throne's girth with an air of finality, before the leopard turned tail and started at a brisk pace towards the Core.

;exit nassir