Bearskins

She nodded at his acceptance of her offer, glad to see as she looked into his eyes that it seemed he accepted not just out of obligation, but a pleasurable glint. Perhaps he’d stay for the long term instead of whenever he felt his debt had been fulfilled. She hoped he would. They needed more blood in the pack that wasn’t Adravendi, or Ancora. “Then I, as Spirit of Valhalla, accept you into Valhalla. For now, you will be an Outlander. Once we’re home, I can test you further to see which Circles you best suit, but the choice is ultimately your own.”

As Drachen spoke with Ardyn, she held one of the paws in her teeth for her son, listening as she pondered. Would Justice’s three children remain in Valhalla once they were yearlings, or go their own ways? She could see Kaija doing so. The exuberant, feisty girl was an adventurous creature, and she’d already caught several trails of the youngster leaving pack boundaries. Normally, she would be inclined to tamp down on that behavior, but she first wanted to speak with Justice about it. She hadn’t followed the pup’s trail to its end, so she could have been visiting her father.

Kai. She’d have to seek him out, and make it clear that she wanted the man to spend time with his kids, even if it meant they eventually left the pack. She would never stop a parent from reaching their children, and she intended to extend an invitation for him to cross the borders to see them when he pleased, without forcing him to join.

Drachen’s response brought her eyes up, and she grinned at the hawk’s words. “Our newly promoted Sentinel Cairo met an owl on one of his travels. She was injured and he took her in. She’s been loyal to him since. Ardyn’s raven friend Lyr has been with him since they were both very young.”

She listened as Drachen recounted his experiences, making a note to visit the ruins he mentioned. She had little doubt they were human made, and she liked every chance she had to see how they built things.

At his inquiry, she nodded, smiling at her son as he finished with the front end of the bear. “I have. It’s a busy life being an alphess, testing new members, training the young ones. But I enjoy it."

Her features were genuine, tail swaying briefly in a glowing light trail, long hair floating on the breeze.

Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think