Mahogany eyes tracked back and forth, watching Despoina as she paced. Ears remained pricked forward, attention apparently given in full to her even though there was a portion paid to my surroundings at all times. If a deeper trouble was brewing in the moors than usurpation, I could not let down my guard even in the sanctity of my own home - not so close to the borders, at least. Wars had been waged over less, and tyrants chased from Moladion's soil for good. It was as I spoke of the Iromarian King's attempt to kidnap my daughter that Despoina's paws were finally stilled. But her malcontent could not be contained. Without the movement of pacing to expend her energy, she turned to clawing at the impenetrable stone.

Through all of this my gaze remained steadfast upon her, still upon my own feet. When she began her explanation of the events that had brought her here, I nodded my head in understanding. I recalled when the young wolf, Pine, had come calling at Spirane's borders in search of a fugitive named Aranck. It seemed, that the need for vengeance had been thwarted and turned against Aithne. Though it had been years since Aithne and I had last met, and our packs' relationship fractured by the usurpation of my own throne, I had never lost respect for the woman. A bold and fierce ruler, she had brought those to justice who had done wrong against her pack. Such had surely been the intent with Aranck, only to have the tables turned against her. It was a shame to lose such a worthy leader, one who had successfully rebranded Iromar from what it had once been known as - the Demon Kingdom - to one that housed a fiercely loyal pack that was not to be trifled with. But where were those wolves now, when their Empress' death needed avenging? Perhaps Aranck had set a precedent early on, in fighting off the advances of Pine and Despoina.

Depoina's explanation of the events that had transpired seemed to feed the fire within her, nearly to a boiling point. My own stature remained composed even as she practically seethed before me; she had come to me for help, but she did not know what it was that she needed from me. It made the task more difficult, but not impossible. Perhaps what she really needed was some kind of guidance. My hindquarters lowered to the cold stone of the hollow as Despoina came up empty in regards to direct requests. "One cannot lead without followers - if you seek to stage a revolution, you must have your own leader, one that others will follow. Is that you? Pine? Another?" I paused, watching what reaction she may have to this. Surely the thought had already occurred to her, but had it been spoken aloud? "And what of his own following? Legitimacy - or lack thereof - often amounts to nothing. But if untruths about him can be uncovered, whatever hold he has upon Iromar could be shattered." Even as I spoke the words, I could sense that they were likely not what Despoina was looking for. I had walked the path of taking what was mine with blood and fire, but I knew if I counseled her the same that she would take it so much further. "If you have attacked him once already, then he will likely expect as much from you again. Words, and truth, may be a greater weapon in this fight than your fangs."