This time, her tears served a purpose. They weren't effect of a hormone driven mother this time (okay, maybe the were, but that wasn't the only cause) but rather the products of complete, overwhelming gratitude. Eden was being hit with the truth of her situation all in one sitting and instead of sadness or anger, she was washed over in praise for the wolves who'd allowed her into their home.
As she sat in her den blubbering at the thought of what could've been, she reasoned it best to lift herself and alert the King and Queen of exactly how she felt. She made haste toward their den, though her legs moved awkwardly against her swollen midsection. Eden chuffed her presence as she came upon the den's entryway, before sniffling and blurting out her troubles.
Thank you
, she started, laughing and sobbing in shallow breaths, simultaneously working to hush herself in the presence of the pups, I-I just...I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't taken me in, and it's not even like you had to do it, you know? You just...you just did. Alder, you knew you had litters on the way and you knew that I was pregnant and still you let me in. And Aspen, you could've easily sent me away to make sure that your litter was cared for as best as possible but...but you let me stay!
When Alyssum left, you helped me find out where she went and even when you found out about what she did, still you let me stay! And now you've let in the last blood I have left, and I thank you. As a matter of fact, I don't think that I could ever thank you enough. I...you have my loyalty forever. I mean, not to say that you didn't before...
, Eden laughed, tickled by her choked speech, but you do. I'm going to do all that I can to earn my spot here in the court. You two don't deserve anything less than the best.
With a crooked smile and one last sniffle, Eden sat back and gazed in awe at two of the most important blessings ever bestowed upon her in her short life.
Aspen groomed the pups one by one making sure their fur was spotless and Alder was laying near by. Her ears twitched as the sound of pawsteps came down the tunnel and Aspen quickly reached her head out and nuzzled Alder just to make sure he was awake and to let him know that they had company.
Aspen smiled softly as Eden chuffed at the entrance of the den but looked momentarily concerned when she began a very shaky speech through tears. The queen listened carefully as the fae adressed the king and queen thanking them for all that they had done. One part caught Aspen's ears the most. "...And Aspen you cou could've easily sent me away to make sure that your litter was cared for as best as possible but...but you let me stay" she spoke. Then proceeded to mention the sister the queen had never met and was presumably no longer here.
Aspen nodded and smiled warmly standing to walk over and comfort the soon to be mother, nuzzling her head into the Barontess' shoulder. "You're very welcome Eden. It was not a hard decision for me to let you into this pack, I am not a wolf to turn away a wolf that needs help and a place to stay let alone a mother. Yes, my litter is important to me but i have no doubt that we are able to support your litter as well as mine and Heartha's. I'll make sure of it," the silver queen stated warmly.
"It is great to know that our efforts are well recieved and I appreciate the thanks Eden. When I first met you it wasn't under the easiest of circumstances but despite my bitching and complaining you still put up with me. You got a lot of guts and I like that in a wolf," Aspen mused with a soft chuckle. "I'd like to say I can now think of you as a sister of sorts, someone I can go to if I need something and I hope that you know the same goes from me," she spoke as she positioned herself to sit besides Eden while remaining still with a clear view of the potatoes. Making sure they weren't causing too much trouble.
Alder, in fact, had dozed off from where he lay behind his wife, head draped over her flank as he snored like a heathen, it was a miracle he didn't wake the kids. At Aspen's prodding, he snorted awake, yawning wide as slobber dripped from not just one but both sides of his muzzle onto his wife's leg and Rowan's back. The boy was asleep as well, not waking as his entire shoulders was soaked with his father's drool. Alder didn't notice, swiping a tongue around his jaws to slurp up what saliva was left, his one good eye blinking a couple groggy times before settling on Eden.
"Huh?"
The white woman launched into what he saw was some hormonal, emotional babble, but nonetheless listened the best he could in the haze of sleep. Her words about her sister were the most prevalant to the King -- after the Queen's words, this was what he commented on first, voice gruff with sleep but not unkind.
"Your sister's actions don't define you and neither did the fact that you had a belly of pups -- you brought me three hardworking and strong members that will now become a part of my family, and you're providing more that will grow up as Pages beside my own kids. It's you that deserves a thank you."
Her thank you brought up thoughts he didn't realize till now -- her mate would have to throw her a puppy shower soon. Whether Streiter knew that or not, Alder didn't know. After yawning widely -- this time without slobbering on anybody -- the ginger, cream and black patched male commented.
"You're due a puppy shower soon: make sure Sylvas knows, and if he needs help tell him to ask someone else. You shouldn't kow whats all going on.
It pleased Eden deeply to hear such kind words from her Queen. A sister? A joyous smile curled across her face.From so much loss I have gained a new family. For each door to close, another was opened.
Yes, of course. I have so much love for both of you and the little ones you've got there. They're growing wonderfully, by the way.
Eden was actually surprised to see how quickly they grew, specifically Rowan, though she'd never admit her initial doubts of his well-being to either parent.
Then came Alder's turn, though his words were based more on business than affection. Eden didn't mind, though it was definitely unexpected. He thanked her for her growing family's contributions, then brought up the topic of a puppy shower -- a foreign topic in Eden's mind. I'll let him know. Thank you for telling me, though I have to admit, I didn't even know that was a thing.
She laughed quietly and gave a respectful dip.
But guys, seriously, I...I think of you as my family now. I appreciate everything you have done and continue to do for us.
Aspen smiled as Eden spoke complimenting her children and their growth and dipped her head slightly in thanks. Then she shifted her gaze to Alder who began to speak words on the subject listening intently as he did so. Though his words were less of affection and more on the overall business side of things which honestly didn't surprise Aspen.
As Alder mentioned the puppy shower and Eden stated she didn't know it was a thing Aspen quickly shifted her gaze to Eden smiling and nodding abruptly. It was an exciting event though she prayed more wolves would appear at Edens than had done at her own.
Eden proceeded to thank them once more and Aspen had no doubt at some point she might hear the same from Eden's mate but it did not bother the silver female. "No worries," Aspen stated with a lighthearted chuckle as she could no longer find the words to speak. This female was proving to be one heck of a wolf and a great pack mate and soon to be a wonderful mother.
Assuming that their small family meeting was now ajourned, Eden gave a respectful dip of her head and a sly wink to the pups before slipping out of the alpha's den and back into the connecting walkway.