Emer had been trying to avoid straying too far from her den, although Valhalla certainly seemed like the right choice, fear still gripped her and she longed to remain isolated from the main bulk of the pack. She'd only really seen Alpine since joining, though it had become more and more obvious that she would need to see Erani once more and tell her the news. She hadn't been able to decide whether to feel good or bad about it, children were wonderful after all. Of course this wasn't the typical way to go about it and not something she would ever encourage but they would be her children surely she ought to feel some form of joy about it? Perhaps that was part of the reason she had delayed seeking out Erani, not just her fear of socialisation but he fear that she might hate her own children. She wasn't sure whether they would also be accepted here in Valhalla yet, but surely she should accept them herself? Nervously she made the journey away from her den, heading a little further into Vericona Plains. After a while she paused and let out a howl to call Erani to her. She had been this brave though wouldn't wander the entire pack lands searching for the alpha, too worried about running into anyone else. Her typically dainty form clearly showed off the growing stomach now and it probably wouldn't take Erani long to guess her reason to calling her. The worry still gripped her though, and if she hadn't already howled, a part of Emer was convinced she may have simply ran back to the shelter of her den.

Erani Adravendi

Erani stepped from her den into the gentle sunlight filtering down through the greenery that crisscrossed over the foot wide opening at the top of the ravine, eyes closing a moment as she took in the smells and sounds of her territory outside the ravine. It always gave her a sense of gently pride for her pack, when she thought of the vast land they controlled. Soon enough, Ashtoreth and Leon would bring children to Valhalla, and Isis and Erion would have playmates once again. She would need to think fast over new ranks, and a way to reward Erion?s bravery in the earthquake. Alpine and Surreal, as well. She?d just come out from a conversation with her daughter about the low attendance to the Pack hunt. It seemed that not many had heard the call, or come to it. It did please her that Quintus had come to the hunt, and that Ravine had his part in it. Sarak had put in his suggestion, and she would announce the changes at the next meeting. Her thoughts were interrupted by a call. Emer, she believed. The voice was familiar. She took off at a smooth trot, tail swaying jauntily behind her. She found the nervous female quickly. One look told all. The rape had conceived a litter. Snowy ears perked slightly as her eyes graced the swollen belly. It was one of those times where it was unknown if one should say congratulations, or I?m sorry. So she said neither, instead asking gently, ?Will you keep them?? Deep blue gaze, warm and gentle, rested on Emer?s face, as her haunches slowly lowered to the ground, tail curling about her haunches. Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Nervously the autumnal girl would stand and wait, still not sure what she would actually say. She didn't have long to ponder her words though for the queen was soon in her sights. Mind froze over no idea how to even begin to explain it all to Erani when she still did not know how to feel about all of this. She found herself longing for more time though he knew h had already taken more than she should have done. Fortunately it seemed that Erani was prepared to start though her words didn't help Emer feel much better. Honestly she had never thought that she had no option but to keep the children regardless of she felt about them. Even with Erani's question she found she still felt she had to keep them, with that realisation she at least had one thing to say now. "Yes. Will we be allowed to stay?"

Erani Adravendi

Erani?s question was answered with an affirmative, though she could see that Emer wasn?t entirely sure of her feelings on the unborn litter; a litter conceived by rape. She didn?t blame Emer at all. The children could easily become reminders of one horrific, emotionally tearing moment in Emer?s life. But she admired that the female was willing to give the unborn pups a chance at life. Emer?s question was answered with a gentle smile. ?Yes, of course. You, and any you birth are welcome to live in Valhalla.? And hopefully, someday, Emer would find a male who would gain her trust and heart, and be able to settle down happily, with no fear that she would ever be harmed again. Erani turned, indicating that Emer should follow, and meandered toward her own den. ?I have some things to run across with you. Herbs to facilitate a healthy pregnancy and strong litter. And your future here in Valhalla.? Her head canted to the side, one deep blue eye regarding the smaller female. ?I was wondering; what are you best at in life? Are you a healer, or perhaps a hunter? Your build says you could be a fine hunter with training, if you aren?t already.? Her tail waved fluidly through the air behind her, a gesture at all the land surrounding them as she walked. ?Valhalla had fewer wolves that have the main vocation of hunting than I care to admit.? Her velvet toned voice was ruefully amused. ?And I?m sure Ashtoreth would love as many helping paws as she can get.? She cast Emer a smile. ?This is one thing I would like you to consider; what you want to do in Valhalla, once you?ve regained your form after the birthing. When they are old enough, your pups will be mentored in whatever they wish, if you still wish to reside in Valhalla by that time.? Walk ---- "Speak" ---- "Hear" ---- Think

Truth be told Emer was a little fearful of the response that she might receive from Erani. What if she said no? She was relying so much upon the help of the wolves of Valhalla right now, her horrifying experience had also left her feeling so inadequate, impossible of caring for herself. It really was astounding that she was so adamant on keeping the pups with that thought in mind, but without Valhalla did they really stand a chance at survival. Did she? ?Yes, of course. You, and any you birth are welcome to live in Valhalla.? For Emer, it seemed to have taken quite some time for the words to finally leave Erani's lips though relief flooded through her at the answer. They could stay, they had a chance. "Thank you." The gracious words would softly leave her lips, clearly conveying her emotion in them. Emer certainly hadn't had any more to say beyond that, but as Erani motioned for her to follow and began speaking once more, it appeared that the alpha had wished to speak with her anyway. The herbs she supposed were logical, she had already begun to force herself to try be healthier for the sake of the unborn children, anything that would help them and herself was welcomed. That wasn't all however, and the talk of rank was one that Emer found a little harder to think about. Though she by no means tried to shy away from responsibility, right now, feeling so useless she couldn't imagine doing anything to benefit the pack. Additionally though they had shown her nothing but kindness quietly accepted she wanted her space, Emer still wasn't sure she felt ready to socialise. She had time, Erani had already made that clear but her mind had clouded over with negativity once more. "I don't know." She replied hesitantly. That feeling of relief had faded already now replaced with doubt, guilt and worry. "I guess I could hunt." She'd never trained to be a healer and certainly was capable of feeding herself and could surely do the same for others. She knew she had to give back to them, but the thought simply terrified her at the moment. She felt like a complete failure, to herself, her family and now Valhalla too.