It is only there, the barest of hints at her discomfort at his proximity in the way her coat moves from the ripple of her muscles. Aithne is not a dainty beast, she is built like a tank. A missile that would forever leave a permanent mark on those who might wish to become her target. If Maverick suddenly went rogue on her there would be no doubt, in the end, that both would leave behind some serious wounds if they survived. Still, her ears press down on her skull for a moment as her eyes narrow upon him and that slight, infinitesimal smile that seems to peek across his black lips. It is a way to let him know that she sees what he is doing and that it is not quite as amusing as he thinks, to her anyways. Aithne was rather practically and a bit too austere at times, but such is the nature of some. In the presence of such a braw male she is more alert and more cautious for even with Praetor now huddled within the confines of Iromar and helping to relax her mood she is still.. unsure near other males.

There is a sort of gleam to his eyes that makes her think he is perking up at her carefully worded decree. It is her hope that she has judged him correctly and that he aims for a task to do. A soldier, after all, does not look to lead but to follow when he feels the cause is right and it was up to her to give him both a task and a reason for trusting in her. It is with bated breath that she awaits what he may decide, for if he simply chose to remain here under the duration of her prisoners time then she would leave him be, although with some reluctance.

A conspiratorial grin begins on her maw as he answers her, matching to his own. She nods curtly at him, her tail waving once, twice, in her pleasure that he had chosen to stay. After all, he would make a worthy member of her pack if he saw fit and it was up to her to make sure he did. "Well, to test your skills then here is what I wish for you to do. There is a male here named Arkane. Seek him out.. I'm sure your skills will help you find him without help from me," she smirks with a challenge. "Once you find him you should assess him and his skills for he wishes to be my Stygian, my assassin and warrior. Tell me if you think he is or will be worthy of the role in time. I will see you when that is completed." With that she grins at him, winks, and then turns and moves off into the bogs without a backward glance. He could figure his way around, if he was worthy.

(I hope it is fine that we finish this thread, so sorry for it dragging out so long. Mer is okay with him starting a thread with Arkane as well for his 'task')