There is an innate weakness in others that look out for their loved ones more than themselves. It is why Blackthorne pushes those around him with such fervor. He at once chastises them for it, but demands total obeisance as well. Manipulates and changes. That a queen would come to delegate for the pups reveals her own desire to protect others; what did Thorne care? If his wolves could not take care of themselves then it is a weakness that must be curried out of them. Eve had fought and lost to that Asteraia female but she was left with marks of her own battle to prove that she learned. That even if she had not won, she had left a mark of her own. The forest wolf who had come for Vitaliya had been granted rights to see her because Iromar was not a shelter or safe haven for those who wished to hide.

Here, they would boast. Here they would gloat. Here they were free to revel in their misdeeds.

The forest Queen stares at Aspis with a soft smile and the Darkbringer's eyes harden at the look. Did she think her softness could affect the work he has wrought upon the boy? He turns his gaze for a moment to Aspis, noting the way that the boy keeps his face expressionless, blinking robotically a bit before turning his gaze to Blackthorne. Yes, turn towards your sun, towards your guide, Thorne thinks, a slight curve of approval in his eyes before they slide back to Zelda in a challenging manner.

In all this, he ignores the male in the background. It is clear to him that he was brought along as a guard for Zelda. Smart. Use the ones who offered their services. If others were so easily malleable then it was only considerate to mold them into what they needed to be. Now, to hear her rebuttal, his face stern once more and almost haughty.

The words are considerate and kind. They invoke a grimace onto his silver lips. "There is unpredictable, Queen, and there is foolish. Desperate, I suppose, but if they had done a better job warning their children of dangers then it might not be an issue, yes? I only seek to teach. To impart.. knowledge." The grimace changes into a feline-esque grin that is slow in coming but full of deviant meanings. "You are so quick to look for reasons behind everyone. What drives us. I am too. I suppose maturity is a word for it, if that is what you like." His head twists to the side a bit, thoughtful almost, except for that cat-like grin. "Interesting," he says smoothly, but he doesn't elaborate. Inside he considers: he uses what he learns to his advantage. She uses it to calm, to heal. He is destruction, she is healing. A counter balance of sorts. How fascinating.

Finally, acquiescence.

A look of supreme delight coils across his face, his body settling back a bit onto his hind legs. Still, annoyance flashes at her words for Aspis, who startled at the mention of himself. "Fine. You have a few minutes to try to impart whatever wisdom you seem so eager to hand out. I shall roust the girls from their den." The last words are said in a poignant manner as he turns, a sly look to his face. He knows that Aspis will not leave. That he worry's for the safety of the girls. Not that Thorne had hurt them, but there was always the potential for violence in Iromar.

"Don't try to abscond with the boy while I am gone. I won't be giving any away if you decide to ignore the terms we have set." With that, he trots towards the den in which he keeps them in the mid-south of Iromar, knowing eyes will be watching them while he is away. Aspis blinks in surprise as Blackthorne simply... leaves. Leaves him there with these two outsiders, his aunt and another wolf. "Whisper and Archana," he blurts out, stepping forward with a ferocious look. "You will take them, please. Is... is my mother and father there?" The words come out stilted, ears falling back then forward, obviously knowing they were likely being watched.