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“Is your presence here truly necessary?”
“The Heavenly Principles leaves for Natlan on the morrow. As the Ruler of Life, it is only right I see him off on his journey. The Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame is an unmissable spectacle. I wonder…will Phainon realize your transgression when he witnesses the Ode of Resurrection?”
The Ruler of Death narrows golden eyes. “Rhinedottir.”
“Or will fortune favor you, and all Natlan’s champions will survive the Abyss without your ‘stolen’ blessing. The last time that happened was…thirty-four years ago wasn’t it?” Rhinedottir muses, crossing her arms. “Will the Heavenly Principles continue to cherish you so when he discovers your transgressions new and forgotten?”
Red wings flare behind Ronova threateningly, bleeding with the crimson-black Authority of Death. “Remember, Sinner, I am not alone in transgressing beyond Celestia’s boundaries.”
“Perhaps not, but neither Istaroth nor yourself will expose me to Lord Phainon, will you?” Rhinedottir’s smile is sinister as she dismisses Ronova’s threat. “If the Heavenly Principles knew the Ruler of Life was devoured…well, you two would prefer the Heavenly Principles not start asking after Asmoday.”
“There are other means of deterrence open to me.”
“If you were Istaroth,” Rhinedottir tilts her head, expression mocking. “However, the Authority of Death is as powerful as it is limited. Or do you intend to break your precious rules?”
“…I’m leaving,” Ronova says, voice flat and eyes cold. “My time is too valuable to be spent entertaining the likes of you.”
The Ruler of Death departs for elsewhere in Celestia, leaving Rhinedottir alone—or perhaps not nearly as alone as she appears. The golden helix halo behind the Ruler of Life’s head turns blue for several seconds before returning to its usual golden hue.
“She makes it too easy, Naberius.”
Blue, then gold once more.
“That is one thing you and I are in agreement on.”