He tried to correct her speech in vain; Valeska scoffed. Of course they said that! She said that. Thus, everybody said that.

I know what I said, she barked back defiantly. LOOSE.

Amaris further deteriorated, and she would have none of it. He was worrying far too much about what if's and imaginary consequences; if they hadn't been welcome, they would have known the moment they stepped over the threshold. As it was, the wolves of Tianlong seemed to tolerate their presence just fine with little more than a few confused glances (particularly whenever she raised her voice, which was often).

It is extremely normal, Valeska reassured him, bumping his shoulder heavily with her own. He might have been a good head and a half taller, but there was no denying her stout frame (padded, perhaps, with a few extra calories over the years), and it was a 50-50 chance whether he'd fold like a lawn chair from the motion. The boy - ah, gods, he wasn't a boy anymore - it was so hard to think of them all grown with children of their own... anyway, he needed toughening up.

Love should be celebrated passionately, wantonly, by strangers and kin alike! We are adding to their blessings.

(She was very good at convincing herself of a thing.)

And then a shadow loomed over the both of them. At first Valeska thought there might be rain, but she looked up at the sky and it was clear; confusion written across her face, she turned, and quickly realized the heavy presence was not, in fact, the weather, but a very large and regal-looking man with a stern countenance.

A berry fell out of her open mouth.

His head moved ever so slightly to indicate a polite bow, and Valeska, caught completely unprepared, lowered her own and accidentally clipped against Amaris' side in doing so and botched the motion.

Ah, yes, she said, rallying quickly, You did not! We heard of your great celebration through our allies in Dawnbreak, and thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to introduce ourselves.

Valeska cleared her throat.

I am Valeska, High Priestess of Elysium, which did not land as importantly as Emperor Shenlei of Tianlong, but she wasn't finished. Ours was one of the first packs to settle this continent, residing in a place called Fate's Respite to the northwest. It is very nice, and has a great large lake, although my wife Amaranth and I are recently seeking to reti-

Did she just imagine a sharp look from Amaris?

Huh.

Anyway, we are a peaceful pack, one of great faith and - oh! Valeska prattled, We also invited Northfall, our other allies in the north. If you hear shouting that is louder than mine, it is them! They are Viking warriors. Very boisterous.

She took a moment to pause and lean in toward her son's silver ear.

Давай, скажи что-нибудь, (Come on, say something) she hissed. Cкоро это станет твоей работой! (This is about to be your job!)

While smiling at Shenlei.