The world outside her den could have burned down, the stars could've fallen from the sky and Lenae wouldn't have cared. Little Jenny grew bigger,stronger with each passing day. It warmed Lena'e heart to know she was doing right by her, that in keeping her close she was helping her get the best possible start in life. It was true she had been...reluctant before, unwilling to admit the mess she'd landed herself in. But now? It would be a gross exaggeration to say her daughter had made her whole, but she was doing better. It was more than she could ever ask for, really.

Yet, good things-peace- was never meant to last. Storm clouds always lingered on the horizon and on that day they inched ever closer.

Lenae's ears perked to attention at the sound of cries outside of her den. For a moment she sat there, alert and confused with her eyes wide and tail stiff. It wasn't her small, Jenny was right here, sleeping as her tiny paws twitched in contentment. She'd be old enough to leave the den in a few days time, but not yet. Lenae was enjoying this whilst she could.

Inching away, slowly as to not wake her cub, Lenae crawled to the den's entrance and poked her head out. Even with scattered clouds, the sun pierced her eyes and she winched before they adapted to the abrupt change in lighting. Not that it mattered, her sense of smell told her who was visiting. It had been some time since she'd seen her alpha and friend, Piety, and as always her presence was welcomed with a smile and a swish or two of her tail. The brown little blob of a pup though, Lenae couldn't look away from it, so small and tiny. She half wanted to tuck it against her chest, to keep it safe like she had with Jenny. Yet, it wasn't hers. She couldn't nor wouldn't do that, so she restrained those maternal instincts with some effort as her smile tightened around the corners.

"Hey, it's good to see you...And the little one, is he okay to be out?

Lenae didn't know quite what to make of this. She wasn't the best reader of expressions, but it was clear enough to hear that Piety was troubled. Lenae had- perhaps foolishly- imagined that all would be well when both litters were in the world, that they would all be one big happy family. But it wasn't to be, even from the confines of her den Lenae had noticed Lorcan's absence. He had once been so attentive, dropped by every once and a while to offer herbs and medicines that would help settle her upset stomach. But...he hadn't dropped by in weeks-did he even know about little Jenny? And more importantly, was this what was bothering Piety?

She had already lost her mate in such an awful fashion, the thought that the same might have happened to Lorcan must have been torture. Lenae would have done anything to ease her burden.

"It's okay, I want to help. However I can."

It was then that Piety dropped a proverbial bombshell. Lenae could barely believe her ears, they tipped back then forward as she processed the pale leader's words. Look after him...she could certainly do that, was more than willing to really but...why? Her mind went to Lorcan once more, would she look for him? Scale the mountain to see if he had gotten lost? She licked her lips, as she shuffled forward a little more so that half of her body poked out of the den.

He was so tiny, soft and wriggly. She had to protect him.

"I can do that. There's more than enough room in the den for him, I think Jenny would like a friend. But...can I ask why? If that's not...too much."

"Oh, it's actually Jenessa but...it is pretty cute isn't it? Lenae's smile was just as sweet, but then it faltered. "Named her after my Mother."

She didn't have long to dwell on her sadness, Piety was quick to cut to the chase and it was as Lenae had feared. Lorcan really was missing, wasn't he? A lump formed in her throat, not him. Not again. A shaky sigh passed over Leane's lips as she took a steadying breath, there was no use in getting worked up, it would upset the children. If this was what Piety needed, a chance to seek out closure then Lenae would do her best to help her through it. Even if she could only watch from the sidelines and provide moral support.

Lenae had really tried her best with Cyril, so the fact that her efforts were noted, appreciated-she would be a liar to claim that it didn't make her tear up. She sniffed and wiped at her face with her paw but nodded along. She was endlessly glad she could be trusted, that Piety would allow her to take care of such a precious little one.

"I will, Piety. I promise."She paused then, before she twisted a little to glance back into her den. "Before you go...it only seems fair that you meet Jenny."

Lenae wriggled back into the den and as carefully as she could manage, plucked her from the ground. As always, the not so little bean wriggled and squeaked in complaint- how dare she rouse her from such a wonderful nap!? Or at least that's what Lenae imagined those squeaks meant.

Bringing her out into the light, Lenae gently placed the pup before the matriarch. Her coat was dark, black like her Father's,  in comparison to Valentin's tawny colours, but Lenae imagined they would look awfully sweet nuzzled up, side by side.