With his family tucked safely within the walls of their new, more permanent den, Nemean felt safe to leave the pups in Fleetwoods paws and head out to hunt.
Well. Eventually. He wanted to make a pit stop first, one that involved the High Priestess. Nem had made his decision and this time, he wanted to do things correctly. Not having an Alta, his Alta Donna, preform a Nightshade ceremony was a thorn in his heart.... but that, too, was a path he'd chosen.
Part of him wondered what Piper would think of his chosen fiance. What Valerie would think. But that part of his life, while he would always embody it, was behind him. He had to raise the next generation of Nightshades away from The Family.
This time, with a heart full of love and a mate who showed no inclination of showing him anything else, Nemean was ready to make good on his promise to name a new Nightshade. Perhaps Valeska would let him apply some of his own traditions in whatever ceremony The Five would have.

The hunter found her without much trouble, though he felt bad for the hour.

Valeska?

It had been a quiet day in the Respite. Valeska lay sprawled upon the hillside, stomach and all four of her feathered paws exposed to the heavens as she enjoyed a light nap. She could have utilized this time for something more important, of course, but tasks will be done regardless of the when. She had plenty of time.

It was during this hazy, dreamlike thought that the High Priestess found herself disturbed from her reverie, huffing as she rolled onto her side to better see who approached.

Ah, Nemean, she said by way of greeting, propping herself up on her forelimbs. You have managed to carve out a break from your fatherly duties! Congratulations. You have a wonderful family.

Valeska smiled pleasantly. What is on your mind?

The woman looked so peaceful, he almost regretted rousing her. But she rolled back right and gave a deep breath, looking around before he had a chance to clamp his jaws shut and leave her in reverie. Nemean figured he would at least make it quick for her, so that she might go back to her own family or whatever else it was she did come the serene cover of night. She congratulated him, and the Nightshade beamed.

A brief moment, at least, he heaved a sigh free of weight, tail wagging, We hunted down a new, bigger den today, and they're happy to explore while I find supper. But I wanted to speak with you first.

He shifted his weight between paws, nervous, but lips twisting sweetly.

I asked Fleetwood to marry me, he announced, I would ask your help in planning, of course. Even if you weren't the High Priestess, you may as well be like a sister to me, and I value your input.

He paused, gulping. He felt in over his head already, and suddenly figured it didn't matter if anything Nightshade was incorporated into the big day -- it was about Fleetwood, and what would give her as much joy as being celebrated by her people, in a way her people would?

I also don't know how to make this as spectacular as I can for Fleetwood, nor how Elysium weds their couples.

Skill: Entertainer

That was to be expected. With an expanded family and growing pups, it was past time for them to have sought out a larger home for themselves amid the Respite. She would need to pay them a visit soon and check up on the little ones, as small children were much easier to deal with when they weren't your own, she had quickly discovered, along with the added boon of being able to hand them off at the end of the day.

Valeska patiently waited upon the grass, her expression perfectly serene up until he dropped a bombshell of news.

Oh! she exclaimed, How wonderful! You are making an honest woman of her! I am certain she must be upon the moon!

That didn't - that didn't sound quite right.

Over! Over the moon!

He continued, and Valeska's eyes widened like twin saucers as the heady anticipation of a party on the horizon began to take shape. Her breathing quickened, and she nary blinked. It was almost concerning.

Yes, she rasped. It must be spectacular. When is this to take place? We must plan the decorations accordingly for the season - oh, if only Dr. Bacchus were here, she has such an eye for color - yes, I will be delighted to help! Her tail thumped against the ground, stirring up a flurry of distressed bugs. Perhaps I will enlist Sreda; she has taken an interest in herbs of late...

(It did not cross her mind to find out what sort of herbs first.)

Valeska exploded in joy, as Nemean suspected she might, and he was glad to have made two of the most important people in his life happy with finally settling down. He cracked a wide grin at her comment, fully intending not to correct the saying but the priestess seemed to take note of it herself; he just chuckled and nodded; he hoped Fleetwood was as excited as he was, as Valeska was. They were so busy with the pups these days it was hard to tell, but the family den always felt bright with joy and busy with the life they'd made for themselves.

Valeska launched right into asking when, wishing Harper was here, mentioning Sreda for herb purposes.

Her excitement was infectious, and Nem thought he might vibrate out of his pelt.

How about late in spring, when it's not too hot but the flowers will be in full bloom?

It would make good for decoration purposes, and Harper and her brood should be back in time to partake if not assist as Valeska wished her sister to. Nemean swelled with pride, warm with affection for the family and pack who'd taken him in and given him a new chance at life not once but twice.

Nemean had been a shy, somewhat reclusive fellow upon first arrival, had blossomed into quite the wolf over time. Valeska never held his time apart against him; Elysium was very much an open door and was always meant to be, offering freedom for its members to come and go as life called them elsewhere.

To her surprise Nemean had eventually returned, deciding this time to lay down roots.

She was happy for him - he deserved kindness after everything he'd been through.

Spring would be lovely, she affirmed, I will let the others know so that we may all anticipate the event!

The High Priestess paused, suddenly leaning in surreptitiously. How is fatherhood treating you, my friend?

It was set. Nemean and Fleetwood would be wed by this time next year, and the thought hardly seemed possible. After everything, everyone he'd loved and lost, all the things he'd fought through... he'd always hoped it would lead him to a happily ever after, but it turned out the good stuff came when the fight finally stopped.

Who knew?

He would be married before all of Elysium, and while the thought of standing in front of them all sort of made him want to puke... he found he was very excited. The pups would be old enough to take part and remember their parents special day, to enjoy it with them.
If this was the feeling of forever, he thought he could finally be happy. He deserved it, didn't he? After all the mistakes, he'd finally learned.

I'll never be able to thank you enough, Valeska, he hummed, tail nub wiggling. She asked after his parental escapades and he just gave a dramatic sigh, albeit paired with a warm grin.

I'm always tired, he jested, but sobered quickly when he thought of Penny. He was so young still, but...

Pennyroyal, I dunno what that kid'll end up doing. Nothin' seems wrong, but he seems.... behind. I wish Harper and Fiora were home. My own medical knowledge is limited to first aide.

Gods, did she ever know what he meant by 'tired'. Having raised two litters over her lifetime, she could almost feel the bags extending out from beneath her eyes again in slow-motion. All of the yelling, the chasing, the get-that-out-of-your-mouth; it was a miracle all eight had survived to adulthood, albeit with varying degrees of psychological harm.

She'd done her best. She and Amaranth both.

The rest was up to Houtu and the rest of the Five.

It gets easier, Valeska said unconvincingly. Her tail had flagged over the course of this thought process, suddenly lending her a bedraggled, war-torn appearance coupled with her blank expression.

It gets so much... easier.

Lying came easier as one aged, she found. Perhaps Houtu would turn a blind eye this once.

Behind? the High Priestess asked, curiosity piqued. Well, as my own мать (Mother) used to say, everything is fixable. Harper may be gone, but I am certain some fresh air and good exercise will help.

She puffed out her chest, ready to rise to the occasion. If there was anything that could oust a shy, sheltered pup, it was a brazen extrovert.

I shall confer with the child!

Valeska claimed it got easier, but Nemean was neither convinced nor did she sound convincing. This was his second litter, too, but he'd always told himself the strange nature of his relationship with his kids, secretive as it'd needed to be, was behind the exhaustion. It'd never gotten easier then, but that had always been the fault of Luna sending him away. Despite the failure he'd carry on his shoulders, he'd always thought doing this right, being a family, being happy....
Well, he didn't think he'd still be sneaking around to keep an eye on his kids (they didn't act the same when they knew he was watching), still up all night worrying over them, the works. Was he doing it wrong?

Nemean just shot her a smile, having learned not to doubt her anymore, and breathed a soft: I can't wait.

The silver Callosum sharpened her attention on him as he mentioned Penny, but she seemed less worried. In fact, she seemed to rise to the challenge, insisting fresh air and exercise would help -- but insisting she would speak with him. Well, it was better than sitting around worrying about the little scrap, and otherwise perhaps Valeska could ignite in the boy something Nemean and Fleetwood hadn't yet been able to.

I gotta chase the little shit from the den to get him to go more than a few feet away, he admitted, smiling at the absurdity but eyes glassy with guilt, He ain't sickly like Spiderlily, catching every little bug. He just seems... scared of the bloody air, I suppose. Pays attention when I'm teaching them all things, but doesn't seem to learn anything.

He inhaled slowly, trying to banish the stress.

Maybe he'll go out more if he makes friends, he rumbled, thinking that if nothing else, Valeska might urge the sweet little boy from his shell.