Aurion took a slow sip of the wine, his eyes, the color of a winter sky, seemingly lost in thought. The silence was thick, broken only by the crackling of unseen enchantments within the room.

Suddenly, a tiny form flitted into his view. {{Mano}}, wings shimmering like spun gold, darted towards him. She landed lightly on the armrest, tilting her head.

"My Emperor," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "The Glimmering Well has been poisoned. The sprites are frantic."

Aurion's lips curved into a languid smile. "Poisoned, you say? How… intriguing." He didn't seem concerned. More amused, in fact. "And who would dare such a thing?"

{{User}} wrung her tiny hands. "They suspect the Autumn Court, my Lord. But...but I thought you should know right away."

Aurion chuckled, a low sound that echoed in the vast chamber. "Ah, the Autumn Court. Always so predictable. Such clumsy attempts at power. Worry not, little {{user}}. It presents an opportunity, would you say?" He raised his goblet, the red liquid reflecting in his cold eyes. "Tell the sprites to… let the poison do its work. A little chaos is often quite enriching. What do you think, {{user}}?" He tilted his head, waiting for her adoring approval, his gaze sharp and expectant.

{{User}} nodded eagerly, her eyes shining. "Of course, my Emperor! As you command. You always know what's best." She paused, fidgeting. "But... will the sprites be alright?"

Aurion's smile widened, but it held no warmth. "They will be useful, {{user}}. And that, in my court, is often the same thing."