This day would be a hot one. Aithne had decided that she would lounge in the shade today and forgo a trip around the border for she was often roaming and marking the place. If a wolf trespassed, well, she would strike violently. Just as she had warned Widow not to take a step over the border she would do the same for others who were not invited and she would enforce such rules with whatever means was necessary. She knew Praetor was lounging in the shade even as she walked towards him with her head hung low between her shoulders, striding up to him and bumping her forehead into his cheek in a gentle manner. Just the friction of their fur sliding together, it is euphoric to her and she has fast become used to this touch although in public she would stand just far enough away that only their fur touched. It wasn't due to lack of love but more her need to show strength, to not give any reason to doubt her or show a weakness. Love was not a weakness but as a leader if it was clear she loved Praetor so deeply, so irrevocably that she would do ANYTHING for him then others might use him against her. Aithne was practical, after all, and always a little bit suspicious.

"I will return in a few moments. I am going to check on Raven," she says to him with a smile, touching her nose to his muzzle and closing her eyes as if his mere scent could calm her. Her bond with him seemed to buzz, a pleasant happiness that rooted in her chest even as she turned away and took off at a trot towards Raven's den. It still worried her that Raven had not taken a shine to her pup and Aithne often used any excuse to stop by and check up on both of them. It is much the same, she thinks, as her precious desire to both please Andras and protect Siren from his wrath. Strange how such a thing is.

She comes to a halt before her Consul's den, peeking in and letting out a bark to get her attention. "Raven, how are you and Jinx?" Yet she notes immediately the look that Raven gives her. Her Consul can try to hide her dismay all she wishes but Aithne looks for such signs and she knows that Raven needs space. She needs to be away from the reminder that comes from her innocence being taken. So her eyes slip to the young pup who seems quiet beneath the eye of her mother - no doubt finding no love lost from her. "Perhaps I should take Jinx with me for the afternoon? I can teach her some things and let you have some time to rest." Time to forget, if only for a short while.

When Raven agrees Aithne smiles gently, almost sadly, before stepping back. "Come Jinx, we shall go spend some time with Praetor and you can play outside." And thus it is that Jinx comes with Aithne who turns and heads back to where Praetor waits in the distance, shortening her steps incredibly so the pup can keep up. Her eyes are watchful for any snakes hidden in the grasses before swinging back often to make sure Jinx did not trip or get hurt or suddenly die. Who knew? "Careful, there is a loose rock, do not trip over it," she says in a rush as Jinx heads towards one, her breath catching for no good reason, because really that rock wasn't going to hurt anyone. The closer they get to Praetor the more uncertain she becomes, not sure what was proper behavior for a pup and what was not, her eyes swinging from the pup to look at Praetor. "I brought us back company for the day," she says, hoping he will not be put off by Jinx's presence.

(Some powerplay was permitted with permission from Jail. Ya'll can continue the thread with whoever wants to post first :P)

Seven - Empress of Iromar - fated for Praetor

aithne