History was not always a defining factor. It was true that many still avoided the moorland due to the history with the angels and demons but in truth hadn't that story begun to die? Heyel had passed, Andras had passed, so many had passed into living legend. Diveen, while still mighty, as not as it once was but then neither was Iromar. It had fallen to ruin long ago with the defeat and demise of the demons and Andras, she was sure, had seen that. Perhaps that is why he handed it to her for he could see in the eye of the Empress a strong vindication - she would never let Iromar fail. She would fill it with the strong, with the loyal, and give them purpose. A banner to stand behind, a leader they could both respect and love. So far she had found many good wolves. Iromar might never be an expansive pack but that suited her just fine. Quality over quantity was a motto to live by.

Motherhood could not phase Aithne for her mind is pragmatic and as stalwart as her body. It gave her another purpose in life, another reason to stand firm and hold her ground. Now she had her own children to teach and to raise in this land. In truth, it was not really so different than running a pack. She considered each one a member of family - even if her idea of family is a bit different than others. None would touch her wolves lest they feel her wrath. It was a tenuous position, to hold so many lives in her paws because she was, after all, only one wolf. That had been visible by the disasters left by Kaius and more recently by Malignus.

Jade eyes fasten to him, the sun glinting off the red ring around her left pupil, and she finds herself smiling minutely at his words. Halcyon was, in a way, like a son to her. She had dragged him here - quite literally - by the scruff of his neck and showed him that the world was not safe alone. That she would teach him, without anything in return, and he had decided to stay on as her Elite Guard. "He is a true asset to Iromar and to me," she says in her coarse tones, a pride evident in her voice. While outward displays of emotion are more difficult with Aithne she would not hide the fact that she is pleased with the son of Iblis and Rhae. A prince, once, but she still thought he was perhaps the most distinguishable prince she had met thus far.

Her smile eases into something deeper, a more amused one as she glances at him. Long ears indeed, she did tend to keep her wolves busy collecting data. They enjoyed it, she thought, for it gave them purpose and drive was a thing she encouraged in all. "Ah, I had heard he had his own heirs on the way. Yes, the mountains have been unsettled," she says, her voice more musing as her ears flick to and fro. While she held Iromar firmly there is always a wariness to the Empress. Peace was a fragile thing and what if another came to seek her own land? Still, her curiosity is settled on Blackfoot for her offers an interesting insight to this new King who had emerged from the mists. "Perhaps some of my wolves will go as well if they wish. For now I will stay in Iromar to settle our affairs here. Such changing of rulers is a delicate thing and I must see where it will go." She held no ill will towards the new King, only she had known Daenery's and found the previous Queen's strength pleasing.

His compliment was met with a pleased look, enjoying the gawking he is doing for it is so rare that others enter Iromar so. Usually they are nervous or aggressive, never so excited. "I am glad you think so. It is not what others would believe, I think. Perhaps you will find it to your liking. We have need of healers here. I wonder if all the healers think that we will eat them for they seem to avoid us like the plague." Now she grins, evidently amused by this train of thought.

Nine - Empress of Iromar - fated for Praetor

aithne