It was with a healthy curiosity and cheerful patience Valeska observed her daughter gathering up and flinging out a cluster of bones before her. An aura of excitement buzzed about the girl as they clattered noisily against the stone, something the High Priestess mistook for vibrant enthusiasm toward facing the test that lay ahead.

The lake glimmered faintly in the darkness, illuminated by whatever mysterious light source lent its power.

It smelled positively delightful.

Alright, my dear; put your toys away, she said cheerfully, moving to Amaya's side with frightening speed. Her paws hardly seemed to lift off the ground, but suddenly she was there, lips positioned close to the girl's ear as her warm breath rustled the delicate hair within. It is time.

Although the pair were of a similar height - neither was particularly gifted with the long, graceful limbs Amaranth sported - Valeska was a great deal more squat, thick with muscle and a particular plumpness that spoke of many late-night snacks wolfed in secret.

By contrast, Amaya was a leaf in the wind.

Valeska lifted a paw and gave her a merry whallop across the rump.

Amaranth fears the water, she said, But you are of my blood, and Harper is an excellent swimmer. Now: straight across, or would you prefer to circle the edge?