To some, it might have been a beautiful summer day. To others, it was simply tolerable.

To Valeska, it was Hell.

With a stocky build and thick fur meant to withstand blizzards and whiteouts on high mountain peaks, any temperature above a chill was grounds for despair. The warm summer air felt oppressive; the humidity unbearable. Her fur was plastered wetly to her skin, and she considered forgoing her usual rounds about the border for a plunge in the lake and a very long nap.

Luckily Cyrus interrupted this train of thought before she could commit.

Normally she would have set off at a brisk trot, but between the heat and her aging joints (as the lofty age of eight began to rapidly approach on the horizon) she settled for a steady amble. He was a patient fellow, she thought; he could wait a few extra minutes.

Ah, but he had a guest!

Valeska approached the pair with a tired smile, appearing visibly deflated beneath the warm summer sun - even hidden behind clouds, the odd shaft of light still peeked through and somehow managed to find her every single time. She was clearly suffering. She was also probably the only wolf who almost enjoyed the 'freezing of the world' months prior, aside from the death and destruction and the end of life as they all knew it.

But the cold and the snow, that had been alright.

Extreme, but alright.

Hello, Cyrus, she greeted affectionately. Her gaze turned toward his companion. And who might this be? A new friend of yours?

Valeska tried to straighten up and appear more official, but the heat was relentless, and she only succeeded in a slightly more elevated slouch.

I am Valeska, High Priestess of Elysium.

But not for too much longer. Oh, sweet retirement...