Just like Nina, her former student was busying herself gathering herbs. Now that the temperature was slowly beginning to climb, more and more sprouts were poking through the snow all around the thickets, reaching for the bits of sunlight that made its way through the thickening canopy. Aideen was as eager as the plants, rushing to refill her depleted stores as quickly as possible. It would take some time yet, before most of the medicines were ready for harvest, but she could at least note the locations of the new sprouts, committing them to her mental map of the Thicket. So far her pregnancy hadn't interfered much with her work, the perfume of fresh herbs was as familiar to her as her own scent, so while she'd noticed an oversensitivity towards other smells, the plants that made up such a big part of her life could continue to do so, unhindered. At least that was what she thought until she entered her infirmary to deposit her small loot from the morning round. The stark odor of medicines accumulated over more than a year, some still stored, carefully dried, was immediately overpowering. The petite woman dropped her herbs, gagging as she backed out of the small cave, head bowed to try and combat the urge to vomit. A series of slow, deep breaths in the fresh air helped steady her stomach, head shaking lightly as she raised it back to a horizontal position; Well, this is no good! She had no intention of spending her gestation idly, spring was way too important to let pass by like that. She would have to ask Nina for ideas to a remedy that might help her overcome the sensitivity; Maybe she can help clean out this place as well…

Just as her thoughts fell on the golden woman, an unfamiliar voice rose on the distance, calling for the former queen's presence. Aideen's ears perked, her head tilting as she wondered who it might be to use Nina's name specifically when howling at the border. A lighter voice answered from much closer by, turning the leader's rusty ears, a faint smile curving her lips; Perhaps her mentor had been out in the same errand as herself. Now however, they would both be preoccupied by other matters, since Aideen had no intention of leaving the matriarch alone with whatever stranger had sought her out. With her new position, not only was it the fox-like girls right to stop by, it was her duty, to ensure that all was as it should be. Whoever had come might simply be a friend looking to catch up with the former queen, or it could be something more sinister, whatever the case may be, Aideen wouldn't feel safe before she'd seen for herself.

So she set off on swift feet, reaching the visitors only moments after the matriarch, confidently stepping up to the elder woman's side, holding herself high; Not in a threatening manner, but enough to show off her authority. Nina was already greeting the strangers though, and it seemed clear enough that they were both known and welcome. Copper eyes swept over the two wolves before her, nostrils quivering as she took in their scent, a pack-smell she was not familiar with. The smaller was female, and noticeably pregnant to the medic's trained nose – after all it was a smell she was quite familiar with; About as far along as me probably… Aideen smiled at the thought, her gaze shifting to the large male across from Nina. He bore a striking resemblance to her mate, though lighter in a way, while his black fur was as unmarred as her husband's, it held a peculiar, bluish glow in the noon sunlight, different from @Miccah's, which was more of a deep brown in bright light. This stranger's eyes were lighter too, a striking, pale ice-blue, looking almost white against his dark fur.

While she had never personally met him before, the description as well as Nina's tone made it quite easy to guess who their unexpected visitor was. "You must be Gent." Aideen addressed the dark man, a friendly smile now on her face; "A pleasure to finally meet you, and you mate I presume?" Her attention shifted to the agouti woman, expression warm; "I hope your journey here wasn't too long." She motioned lightly with her muzzle towards the woman's belly, even in the early stages, too much strain wasn't good for a pregnant wolf. She saw only joyful glow on the stranger's face and couldn't help but smile back, feeling her own heart swell with that same bliss. "I'm Aideen Athesila."

The call that rang at the borders was not unfamiliar to the dark man. He had heard that same voice call for Nina's presence time and time again. Miccah could only assume who it was, and wondered if his guess was the right one. Making his way to the borders, for this was a good a time as any to match a face to the name, the king weaved through his lands with ease. His muzzle twitching, he could see he wasn't the only one who had gotten curious by the voice that had called for the Woodlands matriarch. His black banner rose as he silently broke through the thickets and made his way to the pair of women before him. Taking a moment to brush against Nina's side to announce his arrival, he moved from the golden woman to the petite healer at her side.

His blue gaze ran over her form attentively, seeking any sign of fatigue or distress. This was his wife, after all, the mother of his children. But seeing that all was well, his gaze connected with hers as he briefly pressed his muzzle against hers in a quick, affectionate greeting. Finally, the dark beast turned his attention to the pack wolves before him. His gaze ran over the female, but his assessment was quick. She was clearly Gent's mate - his scent was the strongest in her fur. Over the man who's size almost rivaled his own, Miccah's blue gaze lingered. So this was the man Nina had befriended. He trusted her judgement, but Miccah was not an easy man to win over. Even with Nina's stamp of approval, the man would still tread carefully. He had his pack to think about. Nodding at the pair, Miccah finally spoke. "Miccah Athesila. It is nice to finally match a face to the name, Gent." He didn't know if Gent yet knew of the shift in power, but Miccah wasted no time in making the new information known.

Copper eyes swept to the guests so quickly that Aideen didn't even register Nina's slight annoyance. The golden woman was used to being in charge, having fielded calls from friends and foes for many years on her own, and no doubt she could handle herself. But in the end she had relinquished her position to the younger dame, meaning not only that she had the right to be here, but that it was her duty; The pack and all its inhabitants had become her responsibility, even Nina, and she would not take it lightly. Of course the matriarch as well as her successor had to get sued to this new way of things, hopefully it would happen without worse clashes than this.

Regardless, Aideen was here to stay, at least until she knew there was no threat to her pack, and, she couldn't deny, she was curious about Gent and his mate. The visitors too seemed surprised by her appearance, as one would expect, and she caught a shift on the dark man's face right when she made her introduction. She didn't hold it against him, they were strangers to one another; For now. She much hoped to change that. He answered her questions though, and she smiled widely, shifting her gaze to the agouti woman as he did too, seeing her agreeing nod. Then a soft rustle from the thicket behind her announced the approach of yet another, and the vixen lass flicked back her ears, easily recognizing the particular sound of her large mate's skillful maneuvering of their home. Politely keeping her eyes on their guests, she smiled to herself as she heard him come closer, passing Nina first before coming to her own side. for a moment their eyes locked, muzzles touching in a private greeting, and Aideen felt that familiar tickle running through her body. Then they both looked back to Gent, Miccah giving his own introduction.

The elder woman took the opportunity to inform their allies of the changes within the Woodlands, Aideen bowing her head lightly in recognition. Then it was Gent's turn to speak again, and he did a remarkable job at hiding any shock the news might have brought him. There was some hesitance though and the new queen waited politely, still smiling at both their visitors. She would have no problem backing off, now that she knew there was no danger, leaving them to chat in private, though the other leader did hint that there was news to be shared about his own pack as well, news that would be important to all of them. So she remained put, waiting.

Surprisingly it was the female who took over the mantle, drawing Aideen's attention as she spoke through a smile. What she said made rusty brows lift slightly, mouth forming a small 'oh'. So the Downs had moved again, and was now White Fir Notch. She nodded her understanding, though there wasn't much explanation as to reasoning, she supposed what was most important was the new location; The Springs..? She wasn't entirely sure where they meant, but surely Nina or Miccah would know; Sounds like it's not too far though. The mateship was no surprise, at least to Aideen, and she smiled brightly in silent congratulations, before the attention was turned on herself, making the grin even wider. "You're right," She confirmed, glancing briefly up at her husband, before looking back to the other dame; "Our first, same as you..?" There was a slight note of question to the words, though she was pretty sure in her case. She felt a strong connection with the other expectant mother, their situations similar in at least a few ways.

Before the conversation came to a complete stand still, Aideen quickly took on a more professional role, nodding her head at both Gent and his mate; "Thank you for letting us know, congratulations. I hope you've settled well..?" Though it might seem like a simple formality, she meant it genuinely, and left room for their answer, then moved on: "We didn't mean to impose, if you have no more important information for us, we'd be happy to leave you and Nina in private..?" Her gaze shifted, first up to Miccah, then over to Gent who had seemed the most hesitant about speaking in their company. She was satisfied now that there was no danger, sure that they would have plenty of chances to get to know both the dark man and his mate better, if he'd rather speak alone with Nina, she wanted to make it clear that there was no problem with that, they were old friends after all. As a final addition she nodded towards them both with a smile; "And of course, you are both welcome to stay and rest before traveling back home." The last thing she wanted was for the other woman to over exert herself.