The first half of Cvetka's sentence gave her a sparkle of pride ('she did not realize I was a mother! I still have the trim figure of my youth!' was her fervent thought), but the feeling quickly gave way to harsh reality as she finished her assessment.

'It makes sense', Cvetka said as her eyes roved the older wolf's form. Valeska cast a crestfallen glance toward her own midsection, stout and made to appear even thicker with her long fur coat.

Well, it was nice to dream for a moment.

Not from here, every stranger always said. It had been many moons since she had given up on the idea of native wolves in this land, but the question still sprang to her lips as easily as it ever had, an old habit she couldn't shake. Perhaps some small part of her still hoped that one day, a wolf would appear with the answers to this place and its origins...

If it makes you feel better, Valeska began with a sheepish grin, I am always this way.

Although it changed absolutely nothing in the way she behaved, she was very aware of how others viewed her. Loud, boisterous, nosy, borderline obnoxious - but it came from a place of good intent.

Surely that counted for something.

Well, you may stay as long as you like, she said genially. Or you may also come and go as you please. It is no matter to Elysium, although if you do intend to remain for some time, it is hoped you might contribute to the wellfare of our pack and its resources.

Which, admittedly, were a little more sparse than usual.