darling dear

Caelia's hesitant words brought a lump to Gwen's throat and tears to her eyes, and she had to stop and just breath for a moment to regain control of her emotions, and regain her ability to speak. That Caelia looked up to her so much, even though she'd not always been there for the girl or her siblings, made everything worthwhile. "I am glad you see fighting as a last resort," she was able to say when she could speak. She thought a moment before she spoke again. "Leadership is certainly its own path," she said slowly. "It is surprising how many things you must learn to constantly consider. Caring for your pack, making trade agreements and balancing relations with other packs, management and diplomacy and protecting them... I would be honored and so very proud of you if that was the path you chose to follow, but it will not always be easy for you." She studied her daughter sorrowfully. "It took me away from you so often." She sighed, but what was done was done. There was little she could do about it, except see to providing for the children and spend what time she had left with them. "I will see if I can arrange for one of our allied packs to take you in temporarily if you like, to train under several different alphas and get experience that way. An exchange program, if you will." She smiled at the girl. Celestial had at least two very close allies, though she was uncertain at the idea of letting her daughter go unaccompanied to Abaven with the Abraxas keeping their leash on them. She would speak with Aurielle, if she could, but even if she could not she would send a messenger to Lirim at least asking about the idea.