Closeness is an uncomfortable thing for Aithne. It is exacerbated only by the closeness of a male presence for her muscles itch beneath her skin as it warding off a flea. So as he begins to move across the border towards her Aithne watches with an impassive face until he begins to draw ever closer and closer. Once he has passed that invisible boundary of what she deems as her space the muscles beneath her fur begin to tense in active response, ready for any sudden movements on his part and her eyes crease at the edges in concentration as she measures him with her eyes, with her instincts. There in his eyes is a sort of challenging gleam that apprises her. Did he think it wise to assault the Empress? For even if doing such would bring him enjoyment Aithne was not so keen on the idea; she did not fight for the pleasure, nay, she fell into a sort of blood lust when doing so. A frenzy that is primordial and furious in it's own power with her own calculated mind taking risks and earning rewards.

Maverick seems pleased by her words and well he should be, for she had spent a better part of her time watching him and seeking out one who might befit the marshes. Strength, power, intelligence, and a need for direction, those things all would suit her well. Foolish, he says, and she waits for the next part before smiling in a sort of coy manner at him with an approving gleam in her eyes. If he had called her foolish then it would have played out still in an amicable way, only he would earn her constant babysitting during his stay for she would not trust him, and in this he has earned a little trust.

"You are a warrior and not a murderer then, just as I thought. Iromar has had many killers; the history of this place is riddled in them. What I need is a warrior and what you need is a leader. Perhaps, in this, we can both benefit." She raises one brow at this. His laugh is loud, just as his speech, and it fits him in a way. Large and unafraid. What did she need of him? Well, that was certainly a question. "Iromar has grown weak and there are few here that call it home. Many have come and gone and it is my intention to see that you find your home here. I need a Minos, one who can direct those who enter my pack into their respective categories. I am but one wolf and my Commandant and Consul, they both are loaded with the work I send to them. I think a warrior would be well placed in such a position, for a warrior can see weakness and can understand his opponent. I was once the Minos and see where I am today? What do you think, Maverick?" Her words are skilled to wrap around his mind, to both offer him the compliments that he might like and that are also true, as well as recruit one who might well become an integral part of her pack.