She felt agitation as she stands at the borders. It was not directed at the monster Queen herself but rather at the general unease that rested on her shoulders for the missing Raven. Where had the girl gone? Would Aithne find her rotting corpse somewhere? Had she abandoned Iromar? No, that was not possible for Raven had been overjoyed to receive her rank of Consul. She had put in many days and nights to achieve such a position so quick in her life and there was no way she would give it up. Starfall had agreed to help search for her but Aithne wasn't too impressed by him (after all, he seemed a bit whimsical to her eye) so she had set out on her own mission. She could have easily sent Avery to search for Raven but there was nothing as assuaging to ones own guilt than doing the legwork themselves. She resolved that if Raven was not here in this wasteland of wheat then she would make her way back inland and begin to seek out the loners of Molodian for information. It was bound to lead her to an answer, whether for good or ill.

While her mind churns with these thoughts the world presses forward, the roll of thunder making her ears flick back and her dark eyes flick up to the sky with a measuring gaze. It was likely she would be drenched here soon. It really didn't bother her overmuch, though, but it would wash away any scent trail and Aithne was already irritated at having been kept from her search for so long. Her tail flicks to the side as a low growl bubbles in her throat, one born of frustration, but it ceases the moment she spies a lean black figure heading her way.

Aithne is struck, suddenly, because from a distance this female resembles Raven and her lips part in surprise, head rising in a sudden flare of hope. It is quickly dashed, however, as she spies the grey mark on the forehead of the female and the lack of red that Raven had. Still, the resemblance is uncanny and a sudden suspicion lights in her eyes as they track Tick Tock with an almost rude concentration. When the alpha comes closer - because she is quite noticeably the alpha - Aithne's nostrils flare and she scents the air, noting the underlying familiar tang of Tick Tock's scent with Raven's.

"You are the mother of Raven," she half accuses, as if the very idea that Raven had a mother still surprises her. It is almost as if Raven has sprung up from the earth. Then she blinks at Tick Tock's words. "Andras is dead. Besides, he has not been King for many moons. That is a task he gave to me." Aithne says the words bluntly, although she feels a twinge of sadness at the passing of her former King, and she braces herself in a calm pose to see what reaction might the sparked from this wild creature. "I am Aithne, Empress of Iromar. I have come in search of Raven, but I think you already know who I am talking of."

Six - Empress of Iromar - fated for Praetor

aithne