[Following Faramir's lead, Hythodaeus, too, walks with soft steps. He much prefers to resolve things without combat, so a stealthy approach is more than fine with him. As Faramir had said before, it's not like they had much choice, being unarmed. Tracking something without being able to follow its aether was an annoyance, and to think that this is how everyone else must see things gives him much more perspective than he had mere minutes ago.]

As far as our studies have concluded, aether is the material by which all things are woven. Especially so in beings gifted with life.

[He speaks in a hushed tone the closer they draw to the darkened figure. He tries to stand at Faramir's side, but sort of ends up inching behind him a bit. Honestly, he isn't the hero in anyone's tale. He is not one to leave a comrade behind, but he is equally not the type to jump into combat.]

As to the latter part of your question, I can't say I know of any alternative. "Creatures who walk in darkness" would be the obvious conclusion, but I cannot make sense of such a term.