Bearclaw Valley so apropos,

Rala's first impression of the Valley made Ameline grin proudly. She had hoped that their reputation might be so esteemed, though she would not build such an important thing upon a bed of lies. I'm glad it theemth that way, She said. It meanth we're findin' the right company. Wolves that settled in quickly, wolves that bonded fast- wolves who made the place seem as though it had been a home for them, for years. 

She reflected momentarily on the valley's history. Wolves had indeed lived here before, though she doubted very much that Rala would have knowledge of the pack, given that she seemed to have travelled some distance to get here. Anthuhlin'th family uthed to claim thith valley, but that wath long ago. Thtill- it feelth thometimeth like they're thtill here. She eyed Rala for a moment, wondering if she might be sensitive enough to have felt it as well. 

Ghosts, some might call them. They hovered about the valley, lingered in bones and remains. 

Rala seemed to come from an established culture of wolves as well- ox hunters, seal hunters...Ameline's brow lifted at the mention of animals she had only ever heard of. You come from a big family, then, She said, a note of longing in her voice. 

Ameline thought of the one sister she had recovered, after being orphaned- though they had become estranged yet again, following Ameline's departure from the Rise. 

She wished that she could answer yes to Rala's question. It would have solidified her claim to the valley- though she supposed Ancelin's heritage was enough. Not here. Don't know where, ekthactly, I wath orphaned...Got taken in by a pack, patht that mountain range, She said, though her tone darkened at the mention of her former home. Anthuhlin' an' I grew up there together, but...It wathn't run well. It wath ruled by wolveth who put blood before bond, and eventually...Well, we were forthed to leave. 

She paused, to see what Rala might make of her queen now- an orphan, and an exile.