It was not the intention of Aithne to hurt Pine as she pushed her way out but it served as a rather robust reminder to the pup that her presence should always be announced and verified before she committed such an act again. As Empress she had to teach the children the way of the world and manners were one of them, it seemed. When Pine yips, Aithne's russet backed ears dip down and to the sides, her dark emerald eyes flicking down in a wary manner to make sure she had done no injury to the fast growing child but Pine bounces back, twisting on herself and moving in a circle. There is a brazenness in the youth that is pleasing to Aithne but she tucks that away to give Pine a stern look, her own lips barely peeling back to reveal the tips of her fangs. Pine might be a brave pup but she needed to learn she was still small; one day, she might be big. Then she could have all the might in the world. For now she needed to know where she stood in the food chain and Aithne's impervious look would teach her that.

"Milk teeth won't make much of a dent in the fur of adults, youngwolf," Aithne says dismissively, although the very corners of her lips twitch in amusement as Pine amends her statement. It is satisfying to know that she is considered fearsome, a trait that Aithne managed fine before she became a ruler and simply added to when she was granted her power. She notes the sudden intense curiosity of Pine who was staring with pricked ears at the den. It made her nervous, suddenly, for she was unsure the proper time to let her children grow up to be, well, children. Big Wolf, Pine calls Maverick, and Aithne does not withhold her rough chuckle at his nickname for Pine. "Flea might be a fitting name, jumping around dens," she says with twinkling eyes, watching as Pine scratches herself and frowning. What if she really DID have fleas?

"Interesting," Aithne muses, more to herself than the girl. She starts when Pine drops down the ground, glancing down to see Aster staring wide-eyed at the girl. Her daughter was still young, much smaller than Pine, and it made her nervous. "I do not know, she has yet to play in it. Aster, you may play with Pine if you wish but you will not go beyond this area of dirt." Her voice is stern, eyes narrowed and Aster nods suddenly, stepping out from beneath her mother and lifting her tail. She stares at Pine for a moment before her own body drops in an awkward imitation, jerking her head back at the boop that is given before growling, her puppy growl much less fearsome than her mothers. Then Aster darts at Pine, reaching up to try and bite at Pine's neck while lifting her small body up, attempting to climb her.

Aithne grunts at the sight, moving to the side of her den and laying down, paws folded and head on them to watch the scene with a smirk.

Nine - Empress of Iromar - fated for Praetor

aithne