The morning dawned, cold and gray, with thick mist enveloping the giant sequoias. It was a slightly eerie sight, but the Vicera enjoyed it. She left her den, murmuring to @Avery Cruor, "I'm going on patrol, you're welcome to join me." She had always been a workaholic, and nothing was going to stop her, not even her pregnancy. She was halfway along by this point - she was clearly showing, with a distinct bump to her belly, and slightly swollen teats to match. Lorelai was even farther along - she wondered how the girl was doing in Sapphique. The Vicera sighed heavily, then took a deep breath. She made her way from the caverns, heading for their northern border. She called for @Azarov, letting him know of her route, should he wish to join her.

The sound of approaching footfalls reached her ear, and Violante glanced back to see Azarov falling into step beside her. She offered him a smile and a dip of her head, then replied, "Avery says I work too much." She snorted softly, but it was an amused sound, and she added, "He's probably right. I'd run from dawn till dusk if I could." Violante winced, then, as a round of cramps came. She paused in her patrol, taking in a sharp breath. They didn't dissipate as she had hoped, so she merely ground her teeth together and started walking once more. Trying to ignore the pain, she asked her Sentinel, "How have you been?"

The Vicera did not miss her Sentinel's hesitation, and she smiled wryly, telling him, "Don't worry about me if that's what you're doing. I'm pregnant, and in another month, it'll be over." Well, in some ways, the end was truly the beginning, and Violante paused to mark. When she moved on, she began losing herself to her thoughts - she'd never dreamed she'd be a mother. She had never thought she'd one day have her own pack. No, she thought that she'd be stuck with Vex for the rest of her days. Violante sighed softly, then shook her head. Amused, she told Azarov, "I never thought I'd have my own family."

Violante smiled slightly, then said, "I certainly hope I will. It was just my father growing up, and he was a... complicated man," she snorted, then sighed. She was trying to put it behind them, but it was easier said than done. "What about you? What do you want out of life?"

Azarov was easy to talk to - nothing was complicated. Privately, she could see the shadow man going far within the pack - already, she trusted him, saw him as family. It would take some time, of course, but with new life coming soon, she would need him. Violante smiled at his words, then she told him warmly, "I am glad you're with us, Azarov. But... if, eventually, you want more... just let me know." They had made it to their northern border, and she marked again, gazing off into the coastline in the distance.

Violante smiled softly, saying, "If you ever meet someone and you want to start your own family, or... if you want a different job. Just... if you find yourself wanting, let me know." He had taken care of them, so she would do the same. She gave him a sidelong glance, then offered a change of subject. "How goes your training?"