Divine Diligence

Chapter 5

Martius 8th, 2206.

Thus far Comoedia Divina has been relatively accurate, with the only incorrect detail being the circumstances surrounding how Propinquis Mei Et I met our guide, Ahmed, and our subsequent journey through Tartarus.

It's also correctly identified the Trium subrings within Anulus Acetiae the first ring of Tartarus proper however, it's here where the accuracies begin to fade, and the inaccuracies begin. The first thing to note is that the book placed the Mountain of Asphodel on a beach very similar to the banks of Flumen, Styx which made up Anulus Iriae.

Two days after Libertali, the ten of us were resting on the highest tier of the Asphodel Mountain, as Ahmed applied first aid to Princeps Azuro. "Do you think he'll be alright," Imperator Azurus asked. "Don't fret you one," Domina Aurora said calmly. "The powder should nullify his aches until we reach Aviam Tuam's castle however, he'll remain unconscious for the time being."

After the young imperial Princeps collapsed, Domina Aurora appeared before us and opened a portal to the twilight realm. Though the other side had already placed us on the highest point of the Asphodel Mountain, the view was nothing like the one described in fiction. As I stood atop the Mountain of Asphodel upon our arrival, I saw a sad forest of grey trees, though these ones had leaves. surrounding the area, with many mythical creatures guarding it from invaders.

"Thanks for not making us travel through that," Prince Henri said. "You're very welcome young one," Domina Aurora replied. "You've already proven your Diligentia Et Constantia by braving Anulus Acetiae so there's no need for you to prove yourselves further." She then turned to Ahmed and smiled. "As for you Ahmed," she said playfully. "I do believe it's time."

The ground underneath us began to shake and once it'd subsided, Ahmed began dancing but quickly stopped when he realized how disrespectful he appeared. "It's quite alright Ahmed," Domina Aurora reassured. "It's normal to express joy when one completes one's repentance, however disrespectful it may appear."

While the rest of Propinqui Mei were preoccupied caring for Princeps Azuro, I was preoccupied with other matters. "WHAT THE TARTARUS IS WRONG WITH YOU!" Fratres Meus yelled. "Wrong with me! You were the one acting irrational!" "ACTING IRRATIONAL. I'M NOT THE ONE WHO ABUSED FILLIAE SUAE FOR TWENTY YEARS FOR NO REASON!"

"SO THAT GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO ADD TO HIS SUFFERING!" I snapped. "AT LEAST I CARE!" he yelled once more. My eyes widened in shock; it was clear from the start that he'd inherited Notre Oncle's anger issues and stubbornness however, that was the first time I'd ever heard him say something so hurtful.

"JUST BECAUSE I CONTROLLED MY ANGER DOESN'T MEAN I DIDN'T CARE!" I exclaimed, my building frustration evident in my tone. "PADRE'S TALES SAY OTHERWISE!" I was about to say a retort then I realized he was right.

When I was little Il Mio Padre would always tell us tales where, whenever a fem wolf was harmed, be it by a complete stranger or a close friend then it was the responsibility of her butch wolf mate to avenge her honor and punish the culprit.

If she didn't have a mate than her paterfamilias duty to seek out said culprit and punish him themselves unless he's unable to decide on a fitting punishment and decided to ask for the assistance of the fire wolf alpha.

This law also applied to fire aethers though not in the same manner. Whenever a female fire aether was harmed, the normal practice was to report it to the aether alpha who'd then task his messenger to relay the news to the fire wolf alpha, pleading their innocence and asking for permission to act on his behalf. If said permission was granted, the aether alpha would then decide on a fitting punishment, taking the belief system of the culprit's territory and past history into account.

While the decision of the victim's family taken into consideration during the process, that was usually only done once the alpha had already reached his verdict and the family in question disapproved of the punishment that was decided upon.

"THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT!" Fratres Meus snarled. "PERHAPS YOU BELONG IN ANULUS INDIFFERENS WITH HIM!" Imperator Grimus glared down and waited for me to respond but I said nothing. Despite being an earth aether pup, it appeared that he'd inherited Nostro Padre's debate skills.

He stomped away into the dense brush, leaving me in my dumbfounded state. Though Fratres Meus and I have had quarrels when we were younger none of them had ever ended like that, it's as if he was a completely different wolf. Feeling defeated, I returned to Propinqui Mei alone.

"Avunculus, Ubi Peter?" Nepos Meus asked, raising an eyebrow. With a heavy heart, I explained the entire argument to them. as well as my intent to find him later. This was the detail I'm grateful that both the book and play omitted as I've always hated fighting with Fratres Meus, and that fight was the worst one we ever had.

Ahmed applied more of the healing gems to Princeps Azuro's stomach attempting to null the pain. He lowered his head once more as Imperator Azurus adjusted his position. "I'm sure Avunculus'll be alright," Principe Paulo said reassuringly. "Yeah, from what I've heard he's a strong wolf." Principe Pedro added.

"You two're right," I said, giving a weak smile. "I'm sure he just needs to cool down." "Who even was that male?" Prince Henri questioned. "In the beginning, he was Sororis Meae's Futurum Socerum but recently he's become Fratres Meus Et I's Avi Maternus, though in all honesty, he was always rather indifferent and neglectful towards Filliae Suae."

"Wait!" Principe Pedro exclaimed, shocked. "Does that mean Avunclus Grimus married Suum Et Tuum Matertera!?" "Not necessarily!" Imperator Grecundo said. "Quid Vis, Nepos," I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"I don't know if it's true, but as a pup I heard a rumor that Mater was actually a child of Antonius and Olivia's business rival that they kidnapped and raised as their own as a way to weaken them." "I see!" Principe Pedro said. "So, if these rumors are true than their marriage isn't incestuous after all."

"Correct young one," Imperator Grecundo responded. "But let's discuss this another time. For now, let's focus on our quest as now we have two additional issues we must deal with." Once we were confident that Princeps Azuro's pain had somewhat subsided, the nine of us made our way to the entrance to Ad Paridisum Imperiale.

When we finally arrived at our destination, Domina Aurora instructed us to halt while she blew a massive, golden horn. After several seconds a light appeared from above and contrary to the Daimonibus Meis Parentes' entrances, this one was accompanied by a lavender glow as well as a heavenly voice. "Don't be afraid Posteris Meis," the voice said.

As the light dissipated, a lavender haired figure in a long white robe with hazel brown eyes and large, white, feathery angelos wings appeared before us. Her body was somewhat more masculine than Il Mio Madre's, with less defined curves and slightly larger calf muscles. "Kurin, Ubi Est Fratres Tuus?" Soror Mea asked, concerned. As she stared at me with her old death glare, I braced myself for the oddest conversation of my entire life.