Spring was a tentative season, temperamental. Even as leaves and flowers began to bud, flurries of snow continued to blow over the lands every few days, a last reminder from winter that it would only be beat for so long. Having grown up much higher north, Aideen was used to late year snowstorms, taking them with a shrug and the solemn knowledge that they would soon enough be over. She did miss the sun though, having otherwise enjoyed spending her mornings lounging in its warm rays. Today she would have to go without, shivering slightly as she made her way through the thickets, steps heavy. She headed for her infirmary to treat the morning queasiness that had become more and more prevalent over the last week; I should just give in and bring a stock of ginger back to the den…

As it was she could expect to feel this way for a good time yet, before her stomach finally settled, getting used to the new lives growing below it. Until then she'd have to start her mornings with a bunch of self-ordained herbs, some to calm her upset body, and others to help herself and the pups grow strong. She didn't exactly long for the bitter taste, but she was disciplined enough to force herself to take them each day, knowing that they would help. Just as she knew she couldn't afford to skip breakfast, as little appetite as she had; Perhaps a bit of @Duckweed's fish will do the trick… Medicine first though, which meant a brisk walk through the snow. At least the biting morning air helped a bit.

Her focus was solely on the task at hand, plenty of energy needed to keep her rolling stomach in check. She hadn't noticed her russet shadow, and nearly jumped three feet in the air when the perky voice suddenly called from behind her. The alphess struggled to keep her dignity as she slowly turned to face the girl, her smile a little strained while her belly continued to churn. Carefully, the mother-to-be lowered her hunches to the snowy floor, tilting her head lightly as she looked over the almost-yearling. As her stomach began to relax, her smile turned more sincere, after all, it was impossible not to be happy in the face of the bubbly Hervok, who reminded her so much of herself. Ash's youngest daughter was quite different from her more reserved relatives, her energetic manner and sociable nature drawing as much attention as her fiery pelt. They might never have spoken at length, but Aideen had noticed the child, and even in her less than vigorous condition, she was pleased to finally have a chance to get to know her better.

"Hello Rose, and good morning to you." The leader nodded at her young subordinate, wagging the tip of her tail over the snow behind her. "I suppose I'm as well as can be expected under the circumstances, a bit of breakfast and I'll be fine I'm sure." She answered the question honestly, with a crooked smile on her lips. There was no glamour in pregnancy, that much seemed evident enough, yet she didn't miss the bright blue eyes focusing on her abdomen. She wasn't far enough along to physically show, but that mattered little, wolves relied more on their nose than eyes, and the scent was clear enough. Lightly brushing a paw along her pale belly, Aideen sought to meet that azure gaze, smiling knowingly; "And how about you dear? Are you enjoying your time here?" The question might be a bit belated, but the leader was keen to know all the same, as any queen might like to know that her subjects were thriving. And with her swiftly approaching birthday, Rose would soon be old enough to truly choose for herself; It would be nice if that choice remained the Woodlands.