Northstar Vale Wanna entertain me?

Maman has left, and for the first time in his life Chaudry is truly in charge. Before he only had to lead Pala - but now the entire pack is his responsibility.

A part of him hopes that Viskani will be hasty in her decision, return home sooner rather than later. It feels wrong for him to be in this position; it should be Chesley, not him. But Chesley is ill, and so surely he would understand.

The borders need tending, and he itches to go with Pala to renew their markings. Instead, he remains in the den site. He looks through the individual dens, ensuring their quality. He wishes for things to be in perfect shape upon the return of maman.

The Vale wolves made good on Chaudry’s offer and gave Seal shelter and food despite her transgression of thievery. Day by day, her strength and senses returned. Now, it was time for Seal to pay back the favor.

She roamed to hunt, to make a kill and strip its hide for a pelt… but Seal was not the strongest hunter, evidence by how she had wound up in this pickle in the first place, and so she roamed back to the densite, empty handed.

Perhaps I will search for medicinal ingredients instead, she thought.

It was then she saw a familiar face at the den site.

“Ah, hello Chaudry,” Seal called. “I never thanked you… for before,” she said, sheepish. “I wouldnae’ve made it out in the wilds much longer.”

Ears twitched as the familiar voice of Seal called out to him. Yet another yearling he had brought to the vale - between her, Kraai, and his younger brother he was starting to feel like a magnet for the mischief of awkward teenagers.

His head turned to her after a moment, his silence accompanied with watchful eyes as he listened. I only follow the laws of my maman. You are young, it would be cruel to put you out. He insisted. Viskani was always soft on young wolves. Your gratitude is appreciated, but not necessary.

You are settling well, then? He asks, an eyebrow raised.

Seal’s ears rocked back politely when Chaudry deemed her gratitude unnecessary. He had a lawful, black-and-white mien, full of candor but lacking warmth. If Seal was a circle, then the Grande Glaïeul was definitely a square.

“Yes,” Seal assured him next. “And I work tae repay my debt tae you…” she promised. “What is it the Vale needs most?” she asked aloud, wondering where her strengths aligned with Montagne de Cigue's needs.

She asked what the Vale needed, and Chaudry was able to answer with little hesitation. Hunters, healers, and midwives. He responded. An Iris too, but such a role was not up to him. His maman would need to find someone she trusted.

You plan to stay, then? If that was the case, even just until the spring, her role would need to change to be considered an official member of the pack.

It wouldn't be an issue in the least, so long as she could be useful.

Seal’s face brightened.

“Healing… midwifery… I ken these things well,” she explained. The cadence of her voice was quick and exuded excitement. Perhaps the mountain spirit had known, all along, that her skills would be needed here… it felt like kismet.

But – ah – did she plan to stay?

Her demeanor wilted a bit, as if to show her uncertainty.

She had been running from her guilt. Shouldn’t she continue to run?

Seal chewed her lip as she thought about it.

“I’ll stay,” she promised with a stout nod of her head. Who was she to deny her ancestor’s guidance?

A satisfied smile rested upon his face. Yes, she would be of use.

Good. Lavande and Souci, that it what we call these roles. He spoke, some pride in his tone - something that seemed to emerge whenever he spoke of the pack. You will have many opportunities to prove your abilities come the breeding season. The Matriarche's litter will not be the only one.

His tail thumped, contemplating for a short moment. Then you will be able to take the role of your choice.

Chaudry’s appeared pleased by this and it gave Seal a small win. Ah – but only if it was not the dead of winter! So few ingredients for herbal remedies could be found this time of year… yet Seal knew that medicine was not restricted to just botanical therapeutics. Food and therapy of the mind and body could be employed, instead.

Seal tapped her chin with one paw as she listened to the Grande Glaïeul.

"Who else is planning to have children?" She asked, wishing to know, in an objective way, how many mothers would need her care.

Pala. He stated curtly. Maybe his fellow guard did not know it yet, but Chaudry was sure. You have experience with pregnant wolves? He asks now, raising an eyebrow. He wishes to know if she has practiced, or only learned. His maman will need the best care.

Puppies were precious, but Chaudry knew all too well how fragile they were too. A safeguard in the form of a medic was needed; preferably before they are born in the spring.

Pala. A woman she had yet to meet.

Seal made a mental note of this.

“Oh, yes,” she assured Chaudry. Would it be too boastful to say midwifery was her raison d'être? “I have trained beneath the wolves of Moonspear, Brecheliant, and Moonglow… and helped my family members through their pregnancies.” Well… not that they needed any help. Motherhood seemed to come naturally to Redhawk women. Would it be the same for Seal as well?

“Dinnae fash, I will do my verrae best tae support Viskani and Pala,” she promised.

“Ah– there is much work tae be done. Excuse me.” Seal took her leave as her mind began to fill with a laundry list of things needed to be done.