Matriarch sounded very impressive, and while she supposed it true that one appendage could not make up for a life lost, she still wished she could have kept her tail. There was also a very small, suspicious part of her that hadn't missed the covetous looks from Amaranth - the way her lips always moistened in close proximity - the way her eyes would narrow with extra focus when it would sway enticingly in front of her, how she would nestle into its plush softness when they would lay themselves down to rest.

If Valeska did not trust her mate implicitly, she would have suspected her of desiring this outcome.

Actually, she had noticed how quickly Amaranth moved to relocate her tail from the scene...

... The High Priestess made a note to check the Augur's den.

Grateful for the change in subject, Valeska sat very gingerly upon the cold ground (a relief to her still-healing buttocks) and prepared herself to offer whatever sagely words of wisdom she could impart. The wolves of Northfall were proud and kept much of their affairs to themselves, so this was quite unusual and - daresay - exciting.

Wardruna started off cautiously enough, almost hesitantly, and immediately Valeska's mind leapt to an image of Alder. He was already a member of their pack, strong and steady - albeit tortured - and perhaps, maybe, she had caught the Stormborn-daughter stealing a few furtive glances toward him during various celebratory events (which could also be reasonably attributed to his absurd coloring against the stark grey and white of the mountains there, but one could not be certain).

Imagine her profound surprise when Sreda's name fell from Wardruna's lips as naturally as one might speak of the weather.

Sreda?

Sreda. Going to the tree. With Wardruna?

It wasn't that she thought her daughter incapable of love - but trying to imagine her as a parent...?

Did she even know what children were?

Oh, Valeska said intelligently, blinking in the dawn's golden light. Ah - sorry - it is so bright, you see -

She had to excuse herself in the moment. She didn't want Wardruna to get the wrong impression; Valeska was delighted, but understandably confused.

I am overjoyed for the two of you, she said with great emphasis, and as she came to terms with a vision of Sreda teaching the pups how to craft neurotoxins, she found she meant it. Valeska was, in fact, over the moon, and the prospect of more grandchildren no doubt added great fuel to the fire. I cannot say I am an expert on the Tree, having only visited once, but it accepted our offering - not even blood, but meaningful trinkets from our wedding-day - and delivered three healthy pups not long after. You will feel a - a kind of pull back to its roots when it is time; they will be resting in the hollow.

Valeska decided to leave out the parts regarding emotional trauma and miscarriage that had led up to their journey toward Lake's Halo. She quietly assumed that such things were not a necessary part of the process.

Oh, to think, longstanding allies now bound together by familial bonds - it is so romantic! she crooned, swaying with emotion. I hope their tails are as magnificent as mine was...

With razor-sharp focus, Valeska snapped back to attention.

When is the wedding?