Kairos continued to watch the dark female through eyes neither judging nor threatening, interested as to how she would take the news that there was more to life than just flesh and blood beings. Her calming, submissive manner seemed to put her in favour with the black female, and so she stayed slightly crouched, despite the complaints of her stiffening muscles, ears back and tail low but waving gently, accepting her friendly smile and short reply. The scent of the badger wafted up to her from the other side of the border, and her stomach growled loudly, reminding her of the breakfast she had missed to visit the marshland pack. A sheepish smile overtook her and she looked away, embarrassed, before resuming her patient stare.

When next the alphess spoke, it was to praise Kairos and she dipped her head, an appropriate amount of humility on her maw, her thanks muttered almost silently. Perhaps humility was the one thing she could not truly fathom, but she knew what it looked like and how to fake it. Being a goddess herself, compliments from her creations did not warm her youthful heart, but they did indicate a certain thawing of the giver, and so she relaxed into hope, wondering if Aithne truly considered her offer. While she waited for the dark woman to reply, she let her gaze wonder, removing the pressure of deciding and scanning the environment, taking in the foetid, belching waters and the muddy banks that separated them. She supposed it was pretty, in a rather dreary way, although she could not imagine squelching her way between the mangroves for more than a few hours at a time. Already, the dirt she had picked up in her travels clung between her pads, itching uncomfortably so that she stamped her foot in irritation, hoping to dislodge it.

As though her motion had torn the tense fissure of silence that had sprung up between them, Aithne began to speak. Her words were unexpectedly open and Kairos was both visibly relieved and grateful, although she waited respectfully for the other to finish before she replied in light, twinkling tones of encouragement, “Why, of course! The Gods would expect nothing less of a wise and dutiful leader. I must thank you for considering this change. I realise it is steeped in mystery and rather an uncomfortable step to take, but I do believe there are some among your rank who would like a place to pray, and respect you more for providing, or at least offering, one. I must mention, lest I forget, that there are many Gods. The deity to whom your members pray would not be restricted. This both pleases the Gods (for they can be a rather jealous lot) and lessens the chances of uprisings or disgruntled murmurings.” She paused to smile and take a breath, but her voice rang with sincerity when she continued, “Ah, it is not for myself that I seek such a change. If it would please you, I would stay on for a short while to teach the new priest or priestess, but I cannot linger forever. There are many other packs to whom the good news must be broached, and I would be ignoring my duty as herald if I did not forge onwards.”

Kairos' eyes softened with pity and understanding, recognising how difficult Aithne's decision must have been and respecting her for putting her pack before herself, “Here, take the God's Eye. I will meet you in Mecor beneath the next full moon with your answer. If your members refuse my offer, you will return the jewel. If not, it is yours to keep. Is this fair to you?”