Aithne cannot know that in Raven's head the girl is panicking. Her silence stretches for a indeterminate amount of time as she ponders this query that the girl has given her yet she can find no true fault in Raven. Has not the girl proven herself many times over? Andras adored her and Aithne appreciated her. She had done much to help mend the broken bonds of Iromar and for that the Empress would be ever thankful of her, even if she was not forthright in such emotional mannerisms. Her lips twitch up in a sardonic smile when the sigh of relief is heard from Raven for she fancies she can see the girl visibly relax before her. Had she been poised to run? It is strange... that a wolf should fear her contempt so. Wasn't that what Aithne wanted though? Both great respect and a great concern for those who might disobey her? She feels no satisfaction in having worried Raven but it was her duty to think such things through. "There is always a first time for everything," Aithne answers smoothly, not chiding but just a gentle acknowledgement. "We all make mistakes when we least expect it. Me included." And that is all she will say on that subject, instead turning the attentions back to the upcoming thing with the packs.

"Choose who you wish and who you think will serve you and Iromar best. My concern is that our children arrive and leave in one piece and that the outcome is more favorable for Iromar than in the past. We have come so far." Her eyes trail off across the moors, each niche and each mound a prize within her eyes. Things HAD grown better. They had a prince of Diveen living in the moorland now, a thing thought impossible before, and it seemed that most of the 'demon' blood had wandered off. Astaroth was still around and he had proven his worth, their combined attack enough to finish of Kaius. He was worthy of Cerberus.

Her head jerks around towards Raven in surprise at the next request for she has simply assumed Raven would not wish to see her mother. In fact Aithne felt quite a dislike towards this female who Raven had referred to in her sick times, thinking herself unworthy when she had been the one abandoned. The one left to learn on her own. It had made her strong but it still rankled that in a lush place as Molodian she had been left to her own devices. "That--- is up to you, Raven. I have no qualms if you wish to do that, I just hope that you will not be disappointed in whatever you find. You will always have your place here in Iromar and you have done much to foster peace for us." Now it was apparently time for Raven to make peace with her own past.