Aquene was satisfied with her husband’s progress, and she was glad that he was feeling better. Her nose would run gently across his cheek as Eclypse slept at her belly, a soft smile on her features. “How are you feeling, Love?” She would ask of him, knowing that his strength had been returning to him. Even if he did not say it, she could see it, and she had been diligent in her watch. She wanted nothing more in that moment than to ensure that her family remained healthy. She would not lose another, not to illness or injury or childbirth. Of that much, at the very least, she was determined.

She would pause, awaiting his response as Eclypse stirred at her belly, though the girl did not rouse. A family, as it should be… she was simply glad to have them both there.

A soft smile would grace her features as he confirmed what she had suspected: he was continuing to get better each day. She had to admit she was relieved that he was, and even more so when he stated that he was ready to step up again. She would admit, she was not ready to step down… but to have him by her side? Absolutely, it was something she was ready for.

“I will be here… I see no problem with you stepping up.” She stated as she gently ran her nose along his cheek. “So long as you remember to take it easy… I will be here, to be by your side both as your mate and a leader… I think there is much we can do, and I want to try and repair things with the Backwater after all that has happened.” She felt uneasy with their current terms, especially knowing (or at least thinking she knew) that Kateri was there with them.

He found himself in agreeance with her and she hummed, nodding as she weighed it over. “I would still like one of us to go, sooner rather than later… not necessarily to amend, but to clarify and take responsibility where Chan tried to deflect it. Set the record straight so as they settle things, they are settling them with the correct information.” She liked to think at least Clover would see things and be willing to meet with them, even if it took some time for Viorel to grieve.

He did not begrudge her wanting to remain leader, and she was relieved in that. Because there would have been pushback had he thought otherwise.

Aquene had been a part of this from the beginning. She had stood there as they claimed this pack, and she had seen it go through all of its triumphs and failures all the same. She felt as if she had a responsibility to help see it through. Should Oksana ever approach her to return to leadership, she felt she would step aside… but only in the moment could she truly make that call.

In many ways, Aquene was coming into her own, growing into a role she had never seen herself in, and while terrifying, it simply felt right. “We should also talk about Paradise Falls… we should be reaching out to them as well.” She stated, clearing her throat. “I was thinking perhaps we can send one of our children… given them the experience of talking with another pack and establishing a relationship, especially since our relationship with them is not as tenuous at the moment as our relationship with the Backwater.”

At the mention of going together she hummed, pondering it for a moment before she shook her head. “I’d prefer one of us remain here just in case.” She worried both leaders showing up might look a little aggressive or that something important might happen while they both made the trek. It wasn’t too terribly far but it was longer than a day round trip and they were still rebuilding things. “I’m hoping to get Clover’s attention first… she has a level head, and her and I have worked together in the past on herb trade.” Even if Vi was mad, perhaps Clover could soothe it.

However, when he suggested Leo and Magg go together, she smiled and considered it. “I think between her energy and his experience within the adult ranks, it would be a good pair to send.” They could give them a lay of the land and instructions on what they did and did not have the power to negotiate on behalf of the pack. She doubted Flair would ask anything of them that was unreasonable, same with Jethro. They knew the Cove and had once called it home.

“I’d like to go to the Backwater… once Eclypse is old enough that I can afford to take the trip.”

She had the same hope that her husband had. If she could get Clover’s attention, then she could talk to her and hopefully the woman would be more receptive to repairing things that Viorel might be. She did not know the loss of losing a child in the manner he had, but she was a mother and she could be saddened and sympathetic to the loss as well as guilty for her part in it. She should have kept a more careful eye.

“I think we can assure them that they will have their turn. We need some of the younger ones to stay here… it’s best to send two for now.” She paused for a second, pondering it for a moment. “My hope is that we can establish herbal trade with the Backwater again… and if we can, we can send Matos and one of Sana’s kids to make the delivery? Break it up so they all get an experience but the majority of the pack is still at the Cove at all times?”