[RQ] Somehow it always comes back to spiders

Edmund let out a slow breath when Zefira didn't attempt to assassinate him via arachnid and instead secured the spider. Perhaps he was growing on her. She reached down and he second-guessed himself only to blink at her borderline affectionate action, "Thank you." Smiling softly, he stood up and meticulously dusted off his clothes while listening to Zefira. "Enjoy yourself, and safe travels." Clothes tended to, Edmund rolled his shoulders, the anxiety of what he was about to truly do hitting him. If he didn't follow the older Ancient, that'd be it. He'd be a Grounder, not a Torcher. This was his last opportunity. Edmund forced himself to turn on his heel with a wave, "I'll see you around." He began the walk out of the bar and onto the street, thoughts racing with each step. He'd become an Ancient to protect his family and Torchline. That had been his goal. To be a source of strength when Safrin inevitably failed again. And she had failed, and Torchline had been struck by tragedy soon after. He should go home. He should go help and fulfill his initial goal. The young Ancient snarled, his fangs bared at seemingly nothing. No. Mother wanted him to help his siblings adjust. Mother had given him the power to fulfill his goals and the permission to make those goals whatever he wished. The Ancients were his family now and the majority of them were in the Hollowed Grounds. Edmund could still go and help Torchline recover, he just didn't need to be a Torcher to do it. He could visit. Yes. Edmund could do this. He would do this. He'd be a Grounder and his priority would be the Ancients. He would visit Torchline and help them recover, ensuring that the rest of his family and birthplace were safe. He could do both. He already was doing both, just switching his priorities. It was that final perspective that settled it for him. Edmund grinned, tail flicking with excitement. Yes, he was a Grounder now. -{FIN} Edmund Reborn In Fire