Amaranth arrived as further pleasantries were exchanged. Things seemed to be going well, although she couldn't help but wonder at the real reason behind this surprise visit. Valeska wasn't particularly thrilled that her precious children had flown the nest to Northfall, and the holes left behind by Sreda and Alder were deeply felt - but as it was the nature of the world, children would grow up and move on. One could try to resist the winds of change, but she could never force them to stay.

Raisa seemed to be positively glowing, and Valeska wanted to ask how far along the woman was when the conversation shifted.

Queen Wardruna, Valeska smiled. She had always struck her as the most level-headed of Ragnar's daughters; it felt right, somehow.

Except -

At the behest of Queen Wardruna and Sreda.

Their kids?

THEIR KIDS

WHAT? Valeska shouted, sending a flock of panicked birds out of the nearby trees. WHAT?

She looked to Amaranth, then to Bogart, then back to Raisa. Her mouth opened and closed several times.

It is important to note that, for whatever various reasons, Sreda had not quite found the time to inform her mothers of their impending children. The Stormborn... Callosum... children. Her grandchildren.

WARDRUNA AND SREDA HAVE PUPS?

Valeska's expression was terrifying. If Houtu herself ever chose to come down and manifest in the body of a mere mortal, it probably would have looked something like the current scene.

AND THEY HAVE NAMES?

Her jaw tensed.

I am... so happy... butshecouldhavetoldme!