"I was created to serve as guardian," Aether answered simply, as if this explained everything.

At Wilder's worries, it tilted its head. "I will not be harmed." Again--confidence, or ignorance? Yet, she seemed unsure, herself, about the tormentors' fates.

"I will ensure they do not torment further," it reassured her. It seemed an amendment to its prior plan of action, at least.

@Wilder

Wilder hesitated, still not quite sure, but then she nodded slowly. "Okay. Thank you, Aether. They live on the Throne. Pride is the white stag and Envy is the green weasel that wears a crown. Please don't...don't be too terrible." They deserved some punishment for what they had done, but Wilder shivered at the thought that they would scream too. A cycle of hatred would be built and it would never stop. Thats not what she wanted.

@Game Master Dark

Aether lingered only a moment longer before turning away. "Remain safe, little one," it said, before turning and sweeping into the sky with a rustle of sky-borne wings.

Aether exits.

@Wilder

As Aether swept himself away, Wilder nervously watching him go. For a second she considered reaching out to him, connecting herself to its thoughts, to know what it would do, but then she thought it might do more harm then good. Better to stay out of it now. She had told Aether most of the truth - Blackberry was dead, in a way, but recovering.

She just hoped that it wasn't too harsh on Pride and Envy.

She staggered forward, determined to make it back to Canis before she settled down for a well deserved nap.

*exit