She'd had another sip from the cursed lake and it seared her throat like fire. While Valeska wasn't a full-fledged idiot, one couldn't accuse her of being particularly intelligent, either. Stubborn pride and an inability to let go was slowly killing her and her packmates, but now - only on the verge of collapse and a scarred esophagus - did she finally gather the resolve to leave.

Today she would make the announcement.

Her stomach churned at the thought, but when she turned her gaze to look out at the crystalline lake she so dearly loved, what greeted her was harsh reality instead. The once-clear waters were now a thick, slimy purple sludge, and the air of the Respite seemed heavy and full of sick. Valeska took in a sharp breath and quickly gave in to another bout of coughing.

It was easy to speak of the Five and their plans - to wax poetic on destiny and fate - when things were going well, she mused bitterly to herself, but not so much during a plague.

This was their home. It had almost always been their home; she had spent the greater part of her life in some iteration of Fate's Respite, so why now should it be cruelly ripped from her grasp after all this time?

Houtu... she rasped, head bowed in prayer. A single tear fell and splashed against the hard-packed earth below. Я доверил тебе свою жизнь так же, как и своим друзьям, своей семье - (I have trusted you with my life as much as my friends, my family -)

Есть ли во всем этом более высокая цель? (Is there a greater purpose to all of this?) Valeska continued, eyes shut tight as if retreating to some inner world. Почему Немеан и Флитвуд должны были быть взяты? Их дети оплакивают их, и я знаю, что это моя вина, но... (Why did Nemean and Fleetwood have to be taken? Their children mourn them, and I know it is my fault, but...)

A ragged sigh escaped her lips, ending in a cough. She lifted her head, unsure of what else she could say to the Sacred Wolf Mother; the Five had been relatively silent for some time, now, especially since the plague worsened. It worried her - had her connection to the gods been severed? Did she truly bear the souls of Nemean and Fleetwood on her shoulders, forced to live apart from the Pentacle forever?

A figure approached, and she straightened.

Oh - hello - Valeska faltered, struggling to collect herself. I was - praying to the Five.

And feeling very sorry for myself.

... What is that in your mouth?