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.)