binding more than blood

Manea gave her permission to speak as freely as she desired. Venom did go on as she was asked to, posing the question in reverse. Sussing out what Manea was willing to offer her to begging with. There was much more than just herself or Manea’s life on the line here. Decisions now could potentially affect the coming generations for untold years. Venom’s heart clenched as she thought about Ikigai sitting behind her now, awaiting a decision to be made.

The Elysium Monarch entered negotiations with ease, keeping herself back as she started vaguely but with high tact. She spoke easily about adapting to Ashen’s needs. The usual agreement of alliance, a promise to aid in a war like situation. Potential valuable trade between their northern home and the island pack of Ashen. Those were both high points. Venom did value both of those assets.

She finally finished. Her mind slipping to places that Venom had already been, she spoke of the three children that she had now. It was a not so subtle way to admit she would have no problem in arranging the future mate of her own children. Venom could no longer avoid the prospect, or as Manea spoke, the eventuality before her. This would be Iki’s burden. "A fair answer.” Venom replied at the end of Manea’s spoken word. "Though I am torn on the morality of such practices I can not deny the potential value such a decision can bring.” Venom replied carefully, still feeling the clench in her heart. "Such as bringing two packs closer together. I don’t know that there is much else that can create such a strong bond faster.” She spoke softly as her tail almost reflexively uncurled from her paws and swung back to lay on Ikigai’s paws. A tiny revelation of mother seeking strength in the moments she gave away her child.

"Venom"