Honestly, Tahi-shei wasn't surprised. It wasn't like it was a secret; he assumed that he was being spied on at all times these days. He paused. I mean... might as well, right? "I would rather like to know what exactly a Valkhound is," he said hesitantly. "And what Aethereal -- or Mother, more likely -- meant by saying 'I was made by my creator.' It sounds redundant to me, but I have a feeling that it has more meaning to you."

He hesitated. Vargas had been moderately patient in the past, but to be fair, he'd sort of opened the door himself. Tahi-shei and his endless questions. At least he was being brief this time, right? ... He also, quite suddenly, wanted to know if Vargas had ever had a partner. Someone for whom he cared. Alas, Tahi-shei decided that was a far more personal question, and not the sort that you just asked your boss who was well within his right to up and kill you for your insolence.

@vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

-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.

@Tahi-shei

Tahi-shei, of course, did not see him gesture to the Black Spire, or to his own stone. He was intimate with the slickness of Oil, and if he had been able to see them, he would have quickly made the connection, especially with the magic of Aethereal and Draconua in mind. Chaos.

He cleared his throat. It was a vague answer, of course, and it wasn't totally sufficient, but he desperately did not want to overstay his welcome -- not when he had work to do. "It's enough to satisfy me for now," he admitted, not wanting to outright lie to the Master. "Maybe I'll come bother you again when we're less busy. In the meantime, I should go find something to eat, if you don't mind, Master Vargas." He dipped his head slightly, and waited to be properly dismissed.

@vargas

- THE LEVIATHAN -

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.

exit Vargas
@Tahi-shei

Tahi-shei dipped his head, and turned to leave. He was... honestly only vaguely aware of which direction the tunnel was, but there was mold on the other side, so Tahi could probably get over there.

He was not one of Vargas's. However, if Vargas had mentioned that thought, Tahi might have reacted -- he had never given thought to being one of Vargas's, that is, a member of the Forge, but it was an opportunity he would have jumped at.

His mind was occupied similarly as he left Draco. He needed to destroy Mother -- there would be no chance for Aethereal to return if the Hive was destroyed in its entirety. Perhaps Tahi-shei was arrogant to think that he was capable of fighting and winning a war that had been fought for thousands and thousands of years, but children always were. One thing was for sure -- he was going to try and do what he thought was good.

He nearly ran into the doorway of the Aperture, but managed to get out of Draco without making a fool of himself. Now, it was back into Pegasus, where he could properly see.

/exit tahi-shei