Planet Zar: Nexus

⦿ It was impossible for Oleander not to hear Malice's summoning through their mind link, but he wasn't particularly concerned about it. He had a garden to tend to. While he was positive his siblings in the Balefire Dimension would love to snatch up some nephews and nieces, they'd be in charge of sending off a suitable servant to bond. It was no matter to him.

⦿ Gehassigkeit's appearance in the garden was utterly unexpected, and Oleander wanted him to piss off before he trod on too many carefully crafted flowers.

⦿ Gehassigkeit: You're going to stand at Malice's brood.

⦿ Oleander: I am not. Send a servant.

⦿ Gehassigkeit ignores him, Oleander isn't surprised. Gehassigkeit's maw breaks into a wicked smirk.

⦿ Gehassigkeit: Do you know what Bracken found when he attended the Heimdall clutch of xenospawn? Murdon, and among them very specific utterances of our Prince.

⦿ Oleander: And the Refugium?

⦿ Gehassigkeit: Yessss. We may be blinded to it, but the Heimdall isn't. It has records of creatures called Myrmex taking refuge of the Refugium. Being bred there. (He laughs.) Being saved. The Last Myrmex Queen. Imagine if that ivory fool knew of Paroxysm? Of the brood she's clutched with Malice? We can draw him out or find a means to infiltrate him with one of these myrmex creatures.

⦿ Oleander: Why do I have to bond?

⦿ Gehassigkeit: You're the only one in my empire capable of shapeshifting.

⦿ Oleander: Sunde-

⦿ Gehassigkeit: I need someone with more subtly than her and you're well aware of this

⦿ Oleander sniffs.

⦿ Oleander: If you're hoping for subterfuge, I have no interest or skill-

⦿ Gehassigkeit: Do you not wish for rare and beautiful things to adorn your garden? Do you not yearn for the Refugium itself?

⦿ Oleander did, of course.

⦿ Gehassigkeit: Imagine Balechildren born to tend to your garden? Like bees or butterflies made in our image. This clutch is perfect for you, Oleander.

⦿ That struck a cord with him. Oleander didn't purposefully avoid bonding, but he had no driving desire to do so. The noulicorns (and xenocorns) Bracken had spoken of seemed absolutely delightful, but he doubted the creature's ability to hold up against balefire corruption. Bracken's wandering lifestyle was far more suitable. A balespawn with the ability to perfect Oleander's gardens would be invaluable.

⦿ And if these myrmex were indeed as rare as the Refugium messages claimed, any of their progeny would be a delightful addition to Oleander's collection of beautiful beings. Oleander wouldn't mind showing that off to the Nexus.

⦿ He knew Gehassigkeit had plans beyond this simple bonding and would be using Oleander as a means to achieve his goals. But they're desires were close enough and Oleander didn't mind aiding his sibling, even if he was being manipulated into doing so.

⦿ Oleander: Very well, I'll go

⦿ Gehassigkeit's grin widened, toothy and pleased.

⦿ Oleander would need to make his farewells to his sweet little Kazkir before he left. She'd be delighted to have new companions in the garden.