my blood approves, and kisses are a better fate

for @Tallulah, dated back to Elysium’s visit

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Olive hadn’t been overly prepared for Valeska’s visit, as they were all somewhat caught unawares, but the Vale was plentiful and she had no doubt that the small family could easily make themselves at home, here.

Afterall, in just a single turn of the moon, the tundra would not be such a welcoming place. The amount of daylight would wane, and the thick snows would take hold, claiming all the lands around the Vale. Frostfale Vale itself showed all signs that it retained some semblance of heat, permitting a more favorable climate — but still the land was dominated by birch and evergreen, the same arbors that could survive through an entire season blanketed in snow.

It felt auspicious, that the small tribe of Elysium had come calling. Not only was it vitally important that Olive convey a message to Valeska about the impending court date (though she didn't want to leave, and it was not ideal to send her messenger owl yet again), but it was like the world's most powerful antidepressant to see her daughters so engaged and so engrossed with others like them. Their mother knew the five girls to be pliable and quiet mature, engaging easily with the adults of Duskguard — but there was something profound about watching her offspring with Valeska's offspring that was ultimately magical.

It felt as if it (proverbially) fattened her soul right up, so that the memory of these moments might nurture her through the loveless famine that was to come (also known as: the court).

It was easy to be distracted, with Kuhn now living within Duskguard, and their visiting troupe of neighbors. Things with Tiberius were settled, and going well. The Priestess couldn't help but feel happy and fully present. Her mind was clear. In the dusk of the evening, she attempted to fish trout out of one of the glacial lake's waning tributaries, which were growing smaller and weaker as the mountainous water that fed it froze and frosted over.

It didn't appear she cared about whether or not her attempts were successful; right then, it was more about the action.

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She had every intention while being in the Vale to pull her weight. This would not change by being a guest of Duskguard, nor would it change any other place. Tallulah was not one to rest on her laurels, content to watch the world go by. She wanted to go back to Elysium though. She wanted to see Nick soon, not later. But as she stepped, her thoughts were interrupted by seeing one of the co-leaders of the pack.

"Evenin', ma'am" she said as she approached. Her eyes glanced over the trout-rich stream "do ya mind if I join ya?" She would not sit down unless given a verbal answer, or even a nod or acknowledgment. Tallulah stood to the side, behind Olive. Aware her shadow could scare prey away "I thought to hunt for your cache while... here" She admitted after a brief silence "it ain't right to take any prey from ya and give nothin' in return."

Duskguard and Elysium were allied, true, but it didn't feel neighborly. Her gaze drifted from the ivory woman's face to the stream again, remarking on the patterns the fish took. They seemed to be well-fed, healthy and plump, even close to winter.

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