At times, it became difficult to recall the lessons her mother had given her, and even more difficult to remember those that her father had provided. As she watched Skyfire, she tried to conjure up their words, their voices, as some kind of guidance for how she ought to approach the situation. Ruby had, after all, never truly intended to lead Iromar, and yet Avery had given her the responsibility until Apollyon was adequetely prepared. Siren had never been a leader, in any way, and Zerachiel had been too caught up in his own world to see reason in leadership...Ruby had no guidance to call upon. It frustrated her. Where Skyfire had a cool, easy kind of confidence, Ruby felt as if hers was constantly at risk of being challenged too greatly, and if it were, that it might simply crumble.

Still, she channeled what parts of her heritage she knew. Ruby's eyes did not leave Skyfire, just as Skyfire's did not leave her. While Ruby's eyes were alight with a hint of chalenge, she could not perceive that same intent in Skyfire's. Ruby's eyes narrowed as she spoke, but she quickly allowed herself to put her suspicions aside.

"Wise." It was all that Ruby could say, really. It had been wise to make her intentions clear. Ruby had always valued being direct, and her own bluntness had caught Avery off guard several times. It had simply been unusual to receive the same treatment by another, particularly when it challenged what Ruby thought she understood about those from other packs. Living in Glorall had taught her that others placed an importance on speaking around the matter at hand, and Siren had always taught her that others tended to lie and twist words to better serve themselves. Skyfire challenged that, and Ruby did not know what to make of it. Was she to like the girl, or despise her for it?

In any case, the mention of Apollyon once again made Ruby stand on guard. Her ears flickered at the mention of his name, and she eyed Skyfire even more closely. "By his side? To what capacity, I wonder?" Ruby did not hesitate to ask, and she took a bold step forward to once again examine the Spirane-wolf. Her colouration was unusual. Russet, marred with white, yet not similiar enough to the Angels to make Ruby second-guess her intentions. But she was no Demon, no Iromar-kin by blood...and so what, Ruby wondered, made her believe herself suitable to be near Apollyon, let alone next to him? As a mate? A leader? The thought made Ruby's hackles bristle, and she did nothing to conceal it.

Then the girl spoke again, and Ruby took a cool step back to watch her face again. This time, Skyfire's words made her smile though, even if the smile had been small and self-serving. It was a pleasant grin though, and one that reminded Ruby to compose herself. It was important to think about things logically, and from a place of benefitting the pack. It was not her duty, after all, to keep herself and her own interests at heart but rather, to keep Iromar's future close at hand.

"I am she who wears the crown of Iromar, the Mistress of the these moors. I answer to our Matriarch, Avery, while she rests, but no other." Saying the words felt unusual, but she stood proud nonetheless. Yes, she had put herself forward for the role, but she had never expected to need to introduce herself as such. "I stand to protect these borders while our heir, Apollyon, prepares himself for leadership." Perhaps she had said too much...Had she? It did not seem so important to hide Apollyon's future, or their current situation...

"If you are to stay here, it is not only his side you will stand beside but rather, you must stand beside every wolf of Iromar." Be firm, she reminded herself. Demons were kin, and if Skyfire wanted to be part of Iromar, then she had to become kin. No, she could not simply expect to dedicate herself to a single wolf, even if such a wolf was Apollyon. Ruby nodded to herself, an affirmation of sorts to fortify herself against whatever doubts nagged at the back of her mind. "A single wolf can only lead you so far. If you are not prepared to learn, and to adapt, then you will surely sink." She motioned to the swampy waters, but her eyes did not leave Skyfire still. If this woman...If she wanted to be near Apollyon, to be part of Iromar, then Ruby had to be sure she came with more than just lofty dreams. It was no good - for anybody! - to allow a wolf who could only follow, who could only be beside just Apollyon...It was for the better of the pack to test Skyfire just a bit. Ruby could ignore the whispers of jealousy that told her otherwise, couldn't she?