[He's not entirely sure if he buys that response, but that's how it's going to be so he'll just have to accept that answer. Dropping the subject of Aether now, he once again trots up to walk at her side.]

Since it's clear we aren't going to be sparring today, how about you send me on my first mission. I have been working hard for several months now, and I really could use an opportunity to...stretch my legs, so to speak.

[Stretch his legs, exercise, whatever other word you want to call it. He's ready to test his new powers out on someone, somewhere.]

Maybe I'll impress you.