Erani grinned as Cormalin and Obsidian arrived, giving Cormalin?s black fur a lick. ?A pawful, as always. I would be glad if Uncle Cormalin would take them off my paws for a moment so I can get some sleep.? She chuckles, nuzzling her brother while others arrived and Nova laughed. She loved his laugh. The deep rumble of it made her skin tingle with wonderful feelings. She gave the top of his crown a nibble and lick, then looked around. She spotted the ex-Blackmoon assassin, Sarak, padding in and taking a place nearby.
She was rather glad that she had given him the second chance. He had come far from the desperate, snarling vermin he?d been when he?d attacked her. She?d begun to like him long before now. He had a willing mind, and an amazingly gentle spirit. She knew he should have been large now, but he was small. It looked as though he would be staying in Valhalla. Soon after him, a grey, black and white male arrived, and he reminded her of Aislyn?s daughter, Liberty. Thinking back, she?d seen the Beta and the male casting each the looks. Erani smiled at the male. He was obviously Liberty?s sire.
Aislyn was short after him, carrying Liberty. Erani felt a little guilty. Perhaps she could have brought her own children after all. Erani nodded to Aislyn then looked up at Rayne?s soft greeting. The incident at the Border with Rayne had chilled some of the warmth Erani?d felt for the girl. Erani nodded, then turned to nip at an itch on her paw. Her eyes lifted to see Azalea arrive and sit close beside Sarak. Good. Sarak had made a friend at last. She smiled, then chuckled as a pup scampered in. One of Thane and Ookami?s sons. Thane himself came shortly after the pup.
Directly after they had settled, Chrysanthe began to speak, and Erani turned her full attention on the young female. Cairo?s condition wasn?t news to her, as she was the one caring for him despite the lack of rank. And as Chrysanthe spoke on, she was pleased with what was being said. Epiphron would be getting her dream after all. To be with her love. A part of Erani ached. Epiphron would be leaving Valhalla. But the ache was eased by the knowledge that Epiphron was happy, and would naturally visit often. And someday, perhaps even soon, there would be pups. Grandchildren. She hoped Cairo would be there to see them.
Chrysanthe went on to Ranks. Aislyn?s status as Beta was unchanged, which wasn?t surprising to Erani. The ranks continued, and Erani smiled slightly as her own Rank was returned to her. Her eyes swept the wolves there for any injuries, as they always did. She?d have to stop in on Thane and Ookami to see their son, Ryker. She?d heard that he had a cold, and wished that she could have come earlier, but Gabriel had caught a small cold as well. Thankfully, it had been light, and he was up and about again. Erani?s eyes flicked to Rayne as the healers were announced. Then nuzzled Nova when he was announced as a Gamma. ?You?re more a part of this pack than you think you are, my Love.?
Personally, she was all for Nova going higher, but she knew he wouldn?t go for it. He feared sparring. He feared losing control and harming his fellow Pack members. After the nightmares he had had, she didn?t blame him. Cormalin had offered once or twice, but Nova had quietly refused with an apology. She nibbled at a large black ear. Azalea was ranked as the Heir. Erani grinned at the dark headed yearling. ?Well done!? Ashtoreth seemed amazed at her new rank as well.
Chrysanthe continued, and Erani felt pride swelling her heart. Her daughter was doing so well already. In one meeting, she had proved herself to Erani, and Erani was sure others had been given hope in the future of Valhalla. Ookami, late, came in, apologizing. Nuzzling Nova as he gave his thanks to Chrysanthe, Erani rose and padded over to Ookami. ?I?ll be stopping by to see Ryker soon. Perhaps this evening. You made a Gamma position, by the way, congratulations.? Erani gave a bump of her nose to the female, before making her way through the wolves to Ashtoreth. ?Well done, Ash. How?s your leg? I see you aren?t favoring it anymore.? Pleased affection warmed her voice.
She heard Sarak?s shy voice above the gentle murmur of voices, and smiled. Yes. That would suit him far better than being a killer. With fighting skills like his, he?d have been dead if she hadn?t been merciful. A messenger would be wonderful for him. She saw Cormalin approach Chrysanthe and Aislyn and speak to them, they seemed to agree, and Cormalin padded away. She wondered what he wanted. She had heard him talking about being a Beta. She shrugged.
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