Northstar Vale feel your mother at your side

Seal tip-toed into Viskani’s lair politely. The light was dim, but there was enough to spy her brilliant yellow eyes and the curve of her belly. It would not be long now!

She set down her goods and unfurled the plush marmot pelt. “I’ve trained in the ways of healing. Midwifery,” Seal explained, hoping her skills would be some use to Viskani - to pay her debts to Chaudry depended on it. “It’s what I’ve always wanted tae do… since I was a wee girl.” She gestured a paw towards the items.

“Lakeweed,” she pointed, first, to a small of wet, vibrant green plant. “It’s full of minerals. Good for your bones and heart.” Next, a sampling of wolf charcuterie: gelatinous bone marrow, minced deer organs, and quail haunches. “Fat for energy, organ meat for strength, and bird meat and bone for digestion,” Seal explained.

She only wished she had stores of dried herbs: chamomile, basil, or raspberry. The memory of Alaric’s vast garden was vivid in her mind.

“And this pelt – a gift for your soon-to-be newborns,” she added with a smile and passed the marmot baby blanket towards Viskani.