Yes.

Yes.

There she was.

The golden fairy-child Alder had arrived with, gleaming like warm honey against the sun's bright morning rays; from a distance, she might even have been mistaken for Amaranth, although no shade of gold could ever compare to her mate's incomparable beauty.

But she was quite cute nevertheless.

Valeska was also an early riser, having already wandered the western border of the Respite to refresh their markers and take in the beautiful day ahead. She smiled. Fate's Respite was, she thought with some degree of pride, one of the most scenic territories this far north of the Wakes - not that she'd ever ventured south save for their once-journey to the World Tree, which had borne them their triplets - and the sky was alight with a swath of soft pink and pale orange as the denizens of their home gradually yawned themselves awake.

Solvi approached and offered a pleasant greeting.

Is it not just? she said by way of response, pausing mid-stride to take a refreshing breath of cold air. It is much like our old Respite from the Land Before, but I have come to appreciate its differences.

The silver matron stood maybe an inch or two taller than the little golden female at most but a great deal stouter, her thick torso and muscle-dense limbs painting a stark contrast against the slender girl close by. Valeska was a mountain wolf, built stocky and thick for hard winter months, and her long seasonal coat made her appear almost spherical as a result.

A very sturdy cotton ball.

It appears you know my son, Alder, she began innocently.

Grandchildren.

The Priestess' gaze wandered toward Solvi's hips.

They were slim - but they could still bear children, she thought.

He is no longer the wolf who left this place a year ago, Valeska continued. He has changed.