Valeska had entered her seventh year not so long ago, and by Houtu, was she feeling it. Where she normally relished the cold, this bitter blizzard was so fearsome even she faltered against its might. Stiff joints and aching bones were gradually turning into long-term companions, and it's not like the sun ever came out to provide some relief.

A call sounded at the edge of the Respite. Unusual they should have a visitor during these dangerous times - perhaps a stranger seeking shelter?

Rising to her paws, Valeska made her way out to go investigate.

A silhouette stood out against the snow-covered fields, tall and grey and covered in stripes. If she squinted, she could just begin to make out the wolfdog's features; they looked almost familiar... a gust of wind buffeted her fur, bringing their scent - ah! Her scent downwind.

Oh, hello! the High Priestess called as she approached. She was terrible with names, but she never forgot a face. Welcome to the Respite, even if it does not look like much of one right now. Ah, I know we have met, but remind me - what was your name again?

Her gaze traveled naturally down toward the woman's gently swelling sides, then over at the stranger standing next to her.

Are congratulations in order, hmm? Oh, how exciting for you! she said, Tell Valeska all of the news. It has been so long!

Valeska tipped her head back to look up. And up. She hadn't quite realized how tall the woman was earlier, and in closer proximity the difference was impressive.

Of course, it made sense that Northfall would acquire such athletic specimens. They were a warrior-pack, known for their hot-blooded Viking nature and particularly strong ranks of wolves itching for a chance to throw their weight around - Raisa, polite as she was, seemed the perfect candidate.

That is wonderful! she exclaimed. Ah, we love our friends in Northfall. Even better that we shall have more!

Something sparked in the back of her mind when Raisa offhandedly mentioned how pleasant it was in her new position - not that of leadership, but forsaking it for the simplicity of being one among the many. Valeska thought it might be nice. To take trips and not worry every waking moment that something could happen back home, to have confidence knowing that if she or Amaranth should suffer injury (or worse) that those in Elysium would be taken care of...

An idea began to form. She would revisit it later.

Oh, parenthood is delightful and I know you shall love it, she said, waving a paw. Do not worry. Children are sturdy, and they learn quickly; the hardest part, I shall say, is watching them follow their own path... especially when it takes them elsewhere.

She felt her heart squeeze. Even if she knew where they were - most of them, she thought sorrowfully - their absence hurt no less. Nearly all of their first litter had dispersed; Dimitri to Avon, Alder and Sreda to Northfall, Narcissa... wherever she ended up, and Violet was, well, Violet. In her case, dispersal would be a net benefit.

Amaranth? Let me call for her!

Valeska threw her head back and released a summoning cry for her mate. Surely she must be close!

Also, it is nice to meet you, Bogart. You have chosen a fine woman!

Skill

—

The golden shadow was never far, lurking lovingly in the undergrowth of Valeska's life. It was more endearing than it was obsessive — at least that's what she'd told herself for the countless years and lives that the two had lived together. They were not one without the other, merely two pieces of the same whole that deteriorated when given too much distance.

So when Valeska's call sounded, Amaranth's ears would perk, her aching body rising from its prone position. The older woman would stretch her legs, one at a time, feeling the ache in her cursed ankles as she bounced a bit up and down on them to warm them up.

Ugh.

The wraith would swing through the undergrowth, guided by instinct and the gentle scents of the snowy North. Amaranth would know the scent of Northfall — but she had not known they were expecting guests.

From the shadows, she would appear, ears pressed forward as her emotionless purple gaze trailed over the forms of the Northfall wolves. Narrow features would not shift, but her head merely tilted a bit in curiosity before she dipped her slender muzzle in greeting. Greetings, Northern friends. I am Amaranth. She'd gotten so good at small talk.

Valeska had trained her well.

But a hungry curiosity still lingered behind her glittering amethyst eyes. To what do we owe the surprise visit?

---

Amaranth arrived as further pleasantries were exchanged. Things seemed to be going well, although she couldn't help but wonder at the real reason behind this surprise visit. Valeska wasn't particularly thrilled that her precious children had flown the nest to Northfall, and the holes left behind by Sreda and Alder were deeply felt - but as it was the nature of the world, children would grow up and move on. One could try to resist the winds of change, but she could never force them to stay.

Raisa seemed to be positively glowing, and Valeska wanted to ask how far along the woman was when the conversation shifted.

Queen Wardruna, Valeska smiled. She had always struck her as the most level-headed of Ragnar's daughters; it felt right, somehow.

Except -

At the behest of Queen Wardruna and Sreda.

Their kids?

THEIR KIDS

WHAT? Valeska shouted, sending a flock of panicked birds out of the nearby trees. WHAT?

She looked to Amaranth, then to Bogart, then back to Raisa. Her mouth opened and closed several times.

It is important to note that, for whatever various reasons, Sreda had not quite found the time to inform her mothers of their impending children. The Stormborn... Callosum... children. Her grandchildren.

WARDRUNA AND SREDA HAVE PUPS?

Valeska's expression was terrifying. If Houtu herself ever chose to come down and manifest in the body of a mere mortal, it probably would have looked something like the current scene.

AND THEY HAVE NAMES?

Her jaw tensed.

I am... so happy... butshecouldhavetoldme!

Skill

—

There were many things Amaranth could predict. There were many things she could know. Her endless years and countless lives had given her immeasurable wisdom; her intuition guided her alongside the breath of the spirits. She knew much — at least that's what she told herself.

At her ripe age, not much would surprise her.

"I've come at the behest of Queens Wardruna and Sreda."

Queens?

Amaranth's brain began to grow warm, thoughts causing the cogs to swirl about as her mind activated. But she was even further unprepared for what would follow.

"They wanted for me to tell you both of the arrival of their children!"

Sreda? A mother? A girl born of shadow, without a care in the world for anyone but herself? (Wait, why was this sounding familiar?) The thought sounded improbable. Was Raisa talking about the same Sreda that Amaranth remembered? It had been some time since their strange middle daughter had left, but had Northfall's brutal cold managed to thaw out Sreda's impossibly locked heart?

Valeska shouted before Amaranth could even process everything fully. Those yellow eyes landed on Amaranth, and the wraith could see her wife's confusion mirroring her own. But beneath Valeska's surprise was something bigger — hurt.

Amaranth frowned, her own jaw tensing.

"I am... so happy... butshecouldhavetoldme!"

Perhaps Sreda had suffered from a concussion.

There is surely a reason she did not come herself, Amaranth assured her wife, tilting her head and using her nose to nudge at Valeska's cheek. You know she's always had a strange way of doing things. Strange, yes. Almost as strange as the realization that Amaranth and Valeska were now grandmothers three times over.

Her gaze would lift to Raisa and Bogart, her expression still sharp around the edges.

Kvitrafn, Roskva, Mazikeen, Rhaegal.

And as much as Amaranth could not stand the idea of going North again, she could not help but allow a smile. A crack in her armored exterior. I should like to meet them ... soon.

---