Who: Aetós + Appointments What: A catch-all for threads with Aetós in April Where: Various When: April Notes: NPC Interactions can be requested via the this page!
[ Something that belongs to me. Discard her. Innovation. It sets his teeth on edge, hearing a kid being spoken about using those words. The manner of speech is one thing, but... it'd probably be worse if it was anything but clipped, actually. To the point is a fuck of a lot better than justifications.
Even so, he's not biting. ]
Great, she's not dead or restricted to a single body. Then you can let her go.
That implies that she is my captive. Adelfoúla is my creation, but she is the finest because she has free will. She is my assistant. She would seem my work done for her own reasons as well.
[ They’re getting the sense that this may be a lost cause and that Shard fragment may not make it back to their hands… A waste, truly, and there’s an impression of a sigh, though muted. ]
Though I am perplexed. Why does it matter to you? If I were to “let her go”, what then?
Cut the shit. She's a kid. You say she's got free will, but then you do shit like destroy her body or keep another one locked in a closet. Maybe you call it free will to justify it to yourself, but that's you taking advantage of someone who either doesn't know better or can't fight back, and that shit isn't free will.
[ That simmering anger of Amos' is slowly ramping up, because it isn't so much a nerve being touched on as openly poked and prodded. The sigh is met with enmity, with disdain, with murderous intent. But hey, at least he's direct about it. ]
You let her go. She lives on one of the islands. Goes to school, makes friends her age, has a life. None of this shit where you treat her like she's your puppet and act like it's okay.
[ Yeah, short of coming and taking it for themselves, they're probably not getting that shard fragment back. ]
[ Not Amos’s demands, but Amos himself and the misunderstanding, so far as Aetós sees it. ]
She’s not a child. Shaped like one, yes, but that was merely a matter of optimization. The minimum amount of material needed to make a humanoid shape but retain the structural integrity needed to perform her duties. A practical matter. Not an emotional one.
[ As it is for you is carried in the tone. ]
But thank you for the insight. It is a testament to my progress that you’ve humanized her.
[ There's a stutter-stop to Amos' emotions as Aetós elaborates, fury replaced by bafflement the more he talks. And normally, he can respect practical matters like this. Hadn't really cared about any of these goings-on until Vander, his friend, had gotten nabbed — and until he'd seen Adelfoúla's body get destroyed, upon which that had become his entire focus. As it is for him.
In the real world, where he's moved from his shop to the room where he keeps a small safe for items he's been entrusted with — Adelfoúla's shard fragment now among them, he's entrusting himself with it — Amos blinks, still confused, kinda blank as he tries to parse this info. Until the notion of humanizing her, as if that was something she'd needed — and after a blip of nothingness from his end, disgust floods in. ]
So that's how you justify it to yourself. Haven't heard that one before. [ His voice is dripping with revulsion, because yeah, there's no way to make this not personal now. And, in a mocking tone, ] It doesn't matter because she's my property. She's mine to do with whatever I want.
[ It's a straight line to the versions he has heard before. ]
Then why does she have a soul.
[ That's what all of this is about, isn't it? Aetós wants that piece of her soul back? If this was strictly practical then she wouldn't have one at all. He's operated drones before — and that's not what she is. ]
[ It’s a simple, factual response, but also cold. There’s no arrogance or pride in the admission, no conflict, just a simplicity as if they were describing the weather. ]
However. Calling it a soul is overstating what it is. Like the Shard you have, it is merely a fragment of a soul. It is not complete, nor will it ever be. It is still a great achievement, yet also a failure. But an interesting one. If it were more whole, it would not be possible to transfer her consciousness between the fragments such as the one you took.
[ It's odd, seeing parts of himself reflected back at him like this. Aetós is decidedly not Amos, nor is the reverse true, but in any other situation, he'd be responding just as simply, just as emotionally uninvolved. If Adelfoúla had been in an adult's body, they never would have reached this point at all.
But this is the one case in which he can't be cold. Can't divest himself from acknowledging personhood, can't treat this like it's nothing. Because... she's still a kid. ]
So you created a kid [ sometimes it's in one ear and out the other with him, huh ] to do what your bidding, and dispose of her when she's inconvenient. I get it, you got a way to bring her back, but that's still basically what you do.
[ He can't keep the disdain out of his voice, out of his feelings bleeding through communion, but a little something contemplative begins to slide in as well.
Because for as bullheaded as he is on this, Amos isn't stupid. He can tell they're about to go in circles with neither of them getting what they want; Aetós not getting the shard fragment back and Amos not strong-arming them into letting her go. So. Probably time to start changing things up a bit from his end. ]
What do you need the one I got for? You have others, don't you?
[ To use, but he stamps down that rising anger within seconds. However successful he is, he's attempting to slide back into who he usually is — someone who normally would be able to have a perfectly reasonable conversation with this guy. ]
[ Amos’s stubbornness about what to call Adelfoúla does at least draw out an emotion from Aetós, however slight. When Amos calls her a kid again, there’s a little prickle of irritation, however small. But, fine, whatever. Again, clearly they’re not coming to an agreement on this matter either. ]
Indeed. But the fragments are more valuable than the vessels. They are not simple to make. It is disappointing that we cannot come to an agreement to barter for it, clearly. But that is your choice, and therefore so be it.
[ Oh, he hit on something there, Amos is sure of it. That irritation, that dismissal. There's the sense of perking up, a dog about to zero in on the bone it wants—
And it all comes crashing down out of nowhere. He'd been prepared to keep going. Fight against his nature in hopes of finding out something about Aetós that he could use to help Adelfoúla. The change in topics was another sign that he was on the right path; the topic Aetós switches to— ]
What?
[ Now it just is honest confusion and nothing more. No ulterior motives, so sneaking around, just.
David Martinez and Hythlodaeus. I believe you recruited them, correct?
[ Both now gone from Kenos, which could be read into. It’s not what’s elaborated on, though. ]
They were the first of your generation of Bearers that I was able to work on. They both provided valuable insights about the unique nature of your group. So, thank you, as I said.
[ There's a pause as Amos processes that first revelation. A moment of blankness before a lightbulb goes off, followed by a simple oh. ]
That's what that was for, huh? [ That monster that had shown up at the Tree of Life before he'd gotten dragged away, all-consumed by what had happened to Vander. Its hair. ] Was wondering about that.
[ He wasn't really. He'd actually all but forgotten about it, non-Zenites out of sight and out of mind. Wasn't his business, except for the part where it was again now.
But he's dealt with something like this before. A lot of somethings, really, but one in particular comes to mind. And while his actual goal is to rescue Adelfoúla, that's not going to keep Aetós talking. Talking to them about something they're into? That will.
His interest isn't even a lie. He wants to know more what this is about, too. ]
Well, you're welcome. [ It's a little facetious, but also not, his tone taking on something like that of an informal chat between colleagues. That's borderline what they might be with that first revelation, isn't it? ] What's so unique about us? If you don't mind my asking.
[ As long as kids aren't involved, he can be perfectly civil, after all. ]
[ The tone of the small note is with curiosity, though it doesn’t carry through Communion fully. They seem to consider it, but… Amos seems to be correct. Aetós is willing to talk about their work, at least so far. ]
Each generation of Shard-Bearers is unique. Whether the Oracles are the ones that cause a new generation to start, or your arrival causes them to awaken, I don’t know. That part isn’t very interesting. But each of your Shards is marked in a unique way compared to your predecessors. I wished to see how. They are more… open, I think is how I would describe it. Your generation will be able to accept the energy of Meridian or Zenith more readily than those past. There is more space for it. So to speak. It is not a matter of volume so much as potential.
[ Amos' curiosity is more open, in part covering up that ever-present background thrum of his concern for Adelfoúla. The latter isn't going to go away, but at least he isn't being so obnoxiously single-minded about it anymore. ]
Potential how? I know the more we harmonize the more abilities we gain. You mean with us we might be able to do more than the previous generations could? Or is it something else?
The elaboration doesn't bother him, Amos' mind already turning over every implication that has for him, for those he cares about. There's a distinctly analytical mind at work there — even if he doesn't give voice to his thoughts, it's clear through communion that he's working through something.
Namely: he's got a far greater responsibility than he ever could have imagined. Than someone like him should ever have, and yet he does. And he's working with incomplete information here, so, ]
Couldn't help but find out you'd written my name down in a notebook. What's that about?
[ He needs to ask about Powder, too. For Vander. This is way better than talking to Silco about her.
But first things first, he needs to know what it is about him that's caught their eye. ]
[ There's a little spark of amusement, and even a laugh, though it's oddly stilted even though it's clearly genuine. ]
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Who wouldn't be interested in a group of names?
[ They're amused because Amos is the second person to ask at this point. But it's a statement that remains cryptic, since there's no reason to share that detail. ]
I keep notes. As any scientist would. That list are those that caught my attention. For various reasons. Yours was because you were the first of this generation to Harmonize further.
Seriously? That's it? [ Amos' laugh is clipped — more of a single bark, really — but genuine in its own right. ] Makes sense that'd catch your eye if we got more potential, but shit, you had people worried that you were going to kidnap and experiment on me or some shit.
[ Haha, which is totally crazy and funny, right? Because they wouldn't do that. That'd be a stupid thing to do.
His good humour fades into something more contemplative, because it's not like he's forgotten the reason behind why Aetós had pinged him in the first place. (How.) But now that he's learned a little more... and he still has something else to enquire about... ]
Got two more questions for you. Pretty sure you're gonna care about the second one more, but I'm gonna need answers for both.
First: What's it about Powder that caught your attention?
[ And, after a second's pause, ]
And second: What are you willing to give up to get Adelfoúla's shard back?
It’s not out of the question. But that’s true of any Shard-Bearer. Some of you hold more interest, true. But your use to me is largely equivalent.
[ At least they’re honest? Hm, ]
Powder was here as a Shard-Bearer. Her sister as well. When I observed Vander’s memories through the Timestream, I noticed their connection to Kenos. Powder was worth noting because her connection was stronger.
[ It’s all true, but also not the full answer. That had been given to Silco, but it’s enough. At least, by Aetós’s measure. They do pause before answering the second as they consider it, but the response doesn’t take long. ]
Information is the most valuable thing to offer. I created Kowloon. That should give you an idea of how long I have been in Kenos. What I know. But I will not answer any question you may ask. Some things are far more valuable to know than others.
[ Well, as long as they're all equal opportunity victims, then that settles that. The notion isn't great, but at least he probably doesn't need to take extra precautions because he's being specifically targeted or whatever.
(He's also confident that Yima would not let anything happen to him, but that's something else entirely.)
There's the sense of acknowledgment from Amos regarding Aetós' explanation of Powder — also not great, but probably harmless all things considered, so that'll be good to take back to Vander — but his mood noticeably darkens at the answer to his second question.
Of course it wasn't going to be that easy. Aetós is not a single-minded man focused on a single project held within his captivity; they're someone still out there with their own free will, fingers in an unknowable number of pies.
Still. ]
So how did you think this was going to go? You ask me to give you her shard back, I say yes, and we're all on our merry ways? You thought that'd work?
[ It's said matter-of-factly, but naturally, Aetós hadn’t expected anyone to get attached to Adelfoula. It makes things more complicated, but not uninteresting. ]
Unless there is something specific you want, and that is why you asked. I'm open to negotiations. I simply cannot offer a blank check, however. There is much in Kenos that is more valuable than her semblance of life, much less the fragment of it.
[ It really is funny how Amos can converse perfectly normally — or whatever passes for his normal — with Aetós as long as they're not talking about Adelfoúla, but every time she comes up... every time Aetós regards her as little more than a tool...
He inhales, deep, doing his best to suppress his frustration. The way he wants to reach across and through communion and grab Aetós by the neck, strangle them to death here and now. If only; not like he could reach through a hand terminal any time he talked to someone who sucked, either.
Okay. He's fine now. They're negotiating. He can work with negotiating. ]
Well, I want you to let her go. That's kind of a non-starter for me. Sounds like it is for you too, so I'm wondering if there's a way we can come to a compromise there. If there's a replacement you'd accept I can get for you or anything like that, or if we're done here.
Perhaps. It is not a replacement, precisely. But it is a way you could be useful to me. Eventually, if you find that acceptable.
[ With the way Aetós says it, “no” is clearly an answer they’ll accept. ]
I have an associate that may become troublesome to me one day. If that happens and you bring me their Shard, I’d find that to be acceptable payment. I don’t know when this might be. It might not come to pass. But that’s the price for Adelfoúla. If you’re willing to take it.
[ He doesn't even hesitate in his answer. Doesn't even matter that Amos can back out, that they can go their separate ways and leave it at that — the conditions are acceptable to him. He's used to being used as a tool; what's another usage when it could save a kid? ]
So how's this work? There a contract to sign or something?
[ Which is a real question; the way they're separated by distance, Amos still with her shard fragment and Aetós still with every other part of her, he is wondering what the next step is. ]
Since it’s not a service I’m completely certain that I’ll need to call upon, there’s no need. Unless you want one, I suppose. But you can keep the fragment until then. It only seems fair.
[ There’s a thoughtful pause again, and they add: ]
If she wishes to contact you, I’ll also allow her to do so.
[ There's a sense of demurring at first, because that's... not good enough. It doesn't guarantee her release. It doesn't guarantee anything; all it does is put Amos on Aetós' retainer, and there's something unpleasant about that. And he doesn't really care who it is he might have to take care of one day, he just wants Adelfoúla free.
So that second statement ends up carrying a lot of weight, easing a significant portion of Amos' doubts. ]
Alright. That'll work.
[ It won't, and Amos is going to have to keep an eye out for other opportunities to free her — something that he knows is going to be difficult, and take time, because Aetós is a slippery motherfucker. There's the vague memory of them holding their hand to his shard when frozen in time, the knowledge that he won't be able to just bust in somewhere and kill them. It gives Aetós almost all of the cards, save for the one Amos presently has in his hand.
He's not going to thank them for this scrap, this morsel, of basic decency towards Adelfoúla, her personhood — but there still is a faint sense of gratitude from his end of things. As long as she has some freedom, then there's that. It's more than she had before, and he can take that on its own for now. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Even so, he's not biting. ]
Great, she's not dead or restricted to a single body. Then you can let her go.
[ It's not a request. ]
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[ They’re getting the sense that this may be a lost cause and that Shard fragment may not make it back to their hands… A waste, truly, and there’s an impression of a sigh, though muted. ]
Though I am perplexed. Why does it matter to you? If I were to “let her go”, what then?
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[ That simmering anger of Amos' is slowly ramping up, because it isn't so much a nerve being touched on as openly poked and prodded. The sigh is met with enmity, with disdain, with murderous intent. But hey, at least he's direct about it. ]
You let her go. She lives on one of the islands. Goes to school, makes friends her age, has a life. None of this shit where you treat her like she's your puppet and act like it's okay.
[ Yeah, short of coming and taking it for themselves, they're probably not getting that shard fragment back. ]
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[ Not Amos’s demands, but Amos himself and the misunderstanding, so far as Aetós sees it. ]
She’s not a child. Shaped like one, yes, but that was merely a matter of optimization. The minimum amount of material needed to make a humanoid shape but retain the structural integrity needed to perform her duties. A practical matter. Not an emotional one.
[ As it is for you is carried in the tone. ]
But thank you for the insight. It is a testament to my progress that you’ve humanized her.
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In the real world, where he's moved from his shop to the room where he keeps a small safe for items he's been entrusted with — Adelfoúla's shard fragment now among them, he's entrusting himself with it — Amos blinks, still confused, kinda blank as he tries to parse this info. Until the notion of humanizing her, as if that was something she'd needed — and after a blip of nothingness from his end, disgust floods in. ]
So that's how you justify it to yourself. Haven't heard that one before. [ His voice is dripping with revulsion, because yeah, there's no way to make this not personal now. And, in a mocking tone, ] It doesn't matter because she's my property. She's mine to do with whatever I want.
[ It's a straight line to the versions he has heard before. ]
Then why does she have a soul.
[ That's what all of this is about, isn't it? Aetós wants that piece of her soul back? If this was strictly practical then she wouldn't have one at all. He's operated drones before — and that's not what she is. ]
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[ It’s a simple, factual response, but also cold. There’s no arrogance or pride in the admission, no conflict, just a simplicity as if they were describing the weather. ]
However. Calling it a soul is overstating what it is. Like the Shard you have, it is merely a fragment of a soul. It is not complete, nor will it ever be. It is still a great achievement, yet also a failure. But an interesting one. If it were more whole, it would not be possible to transfer her consciousness between the fragments such as the one you took.
[ Or at this point, own, but. ]
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But this is the one case in which he can't be cold. Can't divest himself from acknowledging personhood, can't treat this like it's nothing. Because... she's still a kid. ]
So you created a kid [ sometimes it's in one ear and out the other with him, huh ] to do what your bidding, and dispose of her when she's inconvenient. I get it, you got a way to bring her back, but that's still basically what you do.
[ He can't keep the disdain out of his voice, out of his feelings bleeding through communion, but a little something contemplative begins to slide in as well.
Because for as bullheaded as he is on this, Amos isn't stupid. He can tell they're about to go in circles with neither of them getting what they want; Aetós not getting the shard fragment back and Amos not strong-arming them into letting her go. So. Probably time to start changing things up a bit from his end. ]
What do you need the one I got for? You have others, don't you?
[ To use, but he stamps down that rising anger within seconds. However successful he is, he's attempting to slide back into who he usually is — someone who normally would be able to have a perfectly reasonable conversation with this guy. ]
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Indeed. But the fragments are more valuable than the vessels. They are not simple to make. It is disappointing that we cannot come to an agreement to barter for it, clearly. But that is your choice, and therefore so be it.
[ And, jarringly, Aetós changes topics abruptly. ]
Though since is the first time we have spoken, thank you. The Shard-Bearers you sent along to me were most valuable.
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And it all comes crashing down out of nowhere. He'd been prepared to keep going. Fight against his nature in hopes of finding out something about Aetós that he could use to help Adelfoúla. The change in topics was another sign that he was on the right path; the topic Aetós switches to— ]
What?
[ Now it just is honest confusion and nothing more. No ulterior motives, so sneaking around, just.
What are they talking about? ]
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[ Both now gone from Kenos, which could be read into. It’s not what’s elaborated on, though. ]
They were the first of your generation of Bearers that I was able to work on. They both provided valuable insights about the unique nature of your group. So, thank you, as I said.
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That's what that was for, huh? [ That monster that had shown up at the Tree of Life before he'd gotten dragged away, all-consumed by what had happened to Vander. Its hair. ] Was wondering about that.
[ He wasn't really. He'd actually all but forgotten about it, non-Zenites out of sight and out of mind. Wasn't his business, except for the part where it was again now.
But he's dealt with something like this before. A lot of somethings, really, but one in particular comes to mind. And while his actual goal is to rescue Adelfoúla, that's not going to keep Aetós talking. Talking to them about something they're into? That will.
His interest isn't even a lie. He wants to know more what this is about, too. ]
Well, you're welcome. [ It's a little facetious, but also not, his tone taking on something like that of an informal chat between colleagues. That's borderline what they might be with that first revelation, isn't it? ] What's so unique about us? If you don't mind my asking.
[ As long as kids aren't involved, he can be perfectly civil, after all. ]
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[ The tone of the small note is with curiosity, though it doesn’t carry through Communion fully. They seem to consider it, but… Amos seems to be correct. Aetós is willing to talk about their work, at least so far. ]
Each generation of Shard-Bearers is unique. Whether the Oracles are the ones that cause a new generation to start, or your arrival causes them to awaken, I don’t know. That part isn’t very interesting. But each of your Shards is marked in a unique way compared to your predecessors. I wished to see how. They are more… open, I think is how I would describe it. Your generation will be able to accept the energy of Meridian or Zenith more readily than those past. There is more space for it. So to speak. It is not a matter of volume so much as potential.
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[ Amos' curiosity is more open, in part covering up that ever-present background thrum of his concern for Adelfoúla. The latter isn't going to go away, but at least he isn't being so obnoxiously single-minded about it anymore. ]
Potential how? I know the more we harmonize the more abilities we gain. You mean with us we might be able to do more than the previous generations could? Or is it something else?
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[ That’s not mysterious or ominous at all without elaboration, right? Just kidding, the elaboration is probably worse. ]
Your generation will be the last. It’s why I’m very interested to see how all of you fare. I suspect it is why your Shards are also different.
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The elaboration doesn't bother him, Amos' mind already turning over every implication that has for him, for those he cares about. There's a distinctly analytical mind at work there — even if he doesn't give voice to his thoughts, it's clear through communion that he's working through something.
Namely: he's got a far greater responsibility than he ever could have imagined. Than someone like him should ever have, and yet he does. And he's working with incomplete information here, so, ]
Couldn't help but find out you'd written my name down in a notebook. What's that about?
[ He needs to ask about Powder, too. For Vander. This is way better than talking to Silco about her.
But first things first, he needs to know what it is about him that's caught their eye. ]
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[ There's a little spark of amusement, and even a laugh, though it's oddly stilted even though it's clearly genuine. ]
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. Who wouldn't be interested in a group of names?
[ They're amused because Amos is the second person to ask at this point. But it's a statement that remains cryptic, since there's no reason to share that detail. ]
I keep notes. As any scientist would. That list are those that caught my attention. For various reasons. Yours was because you were the first of this generation to Harmonize further.
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[ Haha, which is totally crazy and funny, right? Because they wouldn't do that. That'd be a stupid thing to do.
His good humour fades into something more contemplative, because it's not like he's forgotten the reason behind why Aetós had pinged him in the first place. (How.) But now that he's learned a little more... and he still has something else to enquire about... ]
Got two more questions for you. Pretty sure you're gonna care about the second one more, but I'm gonna need answers for both.
First: What's it about Powder that caught your attention?
[ And, after a second's pause, ]
And second: What are you willing to give up to get Adelfoúla's shard back?
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[ At least they’re honest? Hm, ]
Powder was here as a Shard-Bearer. Her sister as well. When I observed Vander’s memories through the Timestream, I noticed their connection to Kenos. Powder was worth noting because her connection was stronger.
[ It’s all true, but also not the full answer. That had been given to Silco, but it’s enough. At least, by Aetós’s measure. They do pause before answering the second as they consider it, but the response doesn’t take long. ]
Information is the most valuable thing to offer. I created Kowloon. That should give you an idea of how long I have been in Kenos. What I know. But I will not answer any question you may ask. Some things are far more valuable to know than others.
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(He's also confident that Yima would not let anything happen to him, but that's something else entirely.)
There's the sense of acknowledgment from Amos regarding Aetós' explanation of Powder — also not great, but probably harmless all things considered, so that'll be good to take back to Vander — but his mood noticeably darkens at the answer to his second question.
Of course it wasn't going to be that easy. Aetós is not a single-minded man focused on a single project held within his captivity; they're someone still out there with their own free will, fingers in an unknowable number of pies.
Still. ]
So how did you think this was going to go? You ask me to give you her shard back, I say yes, and we're all on our merry ways? You thought that'd work?
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[ It's said matter-of-factly, but naturally, Aetós hadn’t expected anyone to get attached to Adelfoula. It makes things more complicated, but not uninteresting. ]
Unless there is something specific you want, and that is why you asked. I'm open to negotiations. I simply cannot offer a blank check, however. There is much in Kenos that is more valuable than her semblance of life, much less the fragment of it.
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He inhales, deep, doing his best to suppress his frustration. The way he wants to reach across and through communion and grab Aetós by the neck, strangle them to death here and now. If only; not like he could reach through a hand terminal any time he talked to someone who sucked, either.
Okay. He's fine now. They're negotiating. He can work with negotiating. ]
Well, I want you to let her go. That's kind of a non-starter for me. Sounds like it is for you too, so I'm wondering if there's a way we can come to a compromise there. If there's a replacement you'd accept I can get for you or anything like that, or if we're done here.
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[ With the way Aetós says it, “no” is clearly an answer they’ll accept. ]
I have an associate that may become troublesome to me one day. If that happens and you bring me their Shard, I’d find that to be acceptable payment. I don’t know when this might be. It might not come to pass. But that’s the price for Adelfoúla. If you’re willing to take it.
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[ He doesn't even hesitate in his answer. Doesn't even matter that Amos can back out, that they can go their separate ways and leave it at that — the conditions are acceptable to him. He's used to being used as a tool; what's another usage when it could save a kid? ]
So how's this work? There a contract to sign or something?
[ Which is a real question; the way they're separated by distance, Amos still with her shard fragment and Aetós still with every other part of her, he is wondering what the next step is. ]
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[ There’s a thoughtful pause again, and they add: ]
If she wishes to contact you, I’ll also allow her to do so.
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So that second statement ends up carrying a lot of weight, easing a significant portion of Amos' doubts. ]
Alright. That'll work.
[ It won't, and Amos is going to have to keep an eye out for other opportunities to free her — something that he knows is going to be difficult, and take time, because Aetós is a slippery motherfucker. There's the vague memory of them holding their hand to his shard when frozen in time, the knowledge that he won't be able to just bust in somewhere and kill them. It gives Aetós almost all of the cards, save for the one Amos presently has in his hand.
He's not going to thank them for this scrap, this morsel, of basic decency towards Adelfoúla, her personhood — but there still is a faint sense of gratitude from his end of things. As long as she has some freedom, then there's that. It's more than she had before, and he can take that on its own for now. ]
whoops forgot to put a bow on this