Mmm. You're sharp as always. I like that about you.

[ Aether laughs a little quietly as Wriothesley's larger mitts close around his delicate fingers. He wiggles like a pleased kitten, apparently quite content indeed to be on the receiving end of Wriothesley's care and concern. ]

Yeah. On the face value of the facts alone, a lot of people would take the stance that Eberhart was a cold-blooded murderer out to claim his family's power and wealth. I'm sure that would be the motive, but I don't know if it's all of it.

[ Cutely, despite the subject matter they're discussing, Aether lowers his lips until they're close to Wriothesley's fingers, and then he breathes on them to keep them warm. ]

They kept slaves and enslaved others... as the bastard son, he was in a strange position where he lacked the legitimacy of his brothers, but stood above their servants...

[ Growing more at ease despite the cold, Aether tips his head back and settles into Wriothesley's body, tension seeping out of his shoulders as he well and truly relaxes. ]

It had to be worth it. I think about that a lot. A situation in which killing your brother had to be worth it...