Aquene had been grateful for his reminders to take care of herself. As a healer, she had always struggled most with separating herself from her work. Nash’s constant reminders felt much like her husband acting as her healer in many ways. It was what she needed, especially as she fretted over both her daughter and her mother-in-law at the same time. It was stressful, with the smoke in the air. She was grateful that it had lightened a bit, but still sought for it to be eradiated completely.

As he poked his head in the den, she would offer him a gentle smile, moving away from her tending to follow him out. She knew he would not stop her from her work completely lest it were important. She would gently nuzzle along his neck in a greeting as he said that he needed her opinion. “Of course, my Love. What is it?” Her voice was soft, if a little raspy from the effects that the smoke had on her.

It was hard to find these moments, but she was glad when they could. They operated in unison, and yet they operated almost separate of each other all the same. There was a gentle look in her eyes as he approached the topic of a visit. Her thoughts on Chan were mixed, a deep sense of guilt that had filled her as she thought of the way he had snapped at her during their last encounter… the way he accused her of projecting onto others. “I agree… it is important to visit them.” There was a gentle pause as she considered it fully.

“Matos and Diantha could use the experience… I still need to visit the Backwater but with the smoke I still haven’t had the time to leave the mountain. I believe it is something I should still do alone. Why don’t you go to Paradise Falls, and then when you return we can assess when I can head down the mountain to meet with our strained counterparts to the West?”

She had done her best to balance her worries as a mother with her knowledge as an educator. She knew the teens could use the experience to learn and grow, and yet she would always worry about her children, and all of the children in the pack, of which she saw the two yearlings as still to be. She would gentle offer a nuzzle to his shoulder. Taking them both would be fine. They were old enough that they could help defend in case of a fight, and help to hunt to ensure they all remained full-bellied. She had confidence that her husband could rein them in if they got too rowdy.

He was a good father, with plenty of experience of his own as well. “It would be best for it to happen sooner rather than later.” She would pause for a moment as he asked of Dead Empress Backwater. She sighed, a conflicted look on her features. “I worry bringing anyone with me will appear to be a sign of aggression. They know me, and they know I am not a fighter. I am a healer through and through, and they’ve been through so much. The relationship is strained… even smelling him on my fur as we travel might be enough to set them off. I do not know how consumed by their grief they may still be.” It wasn’t a no, but more of her airing her concerns.

Aquene felt the weight of Nash's concerns, and as he nuzzled her, she leaned into the comforting touch. The connection they shared was deep, and she understood the worry that came with the unpredictable nature of their world.

"I know, my love," Aquene whispered, "your concerns about the dangers we might encounter, and I appreciate your care for my safety. It means everything to me." She took a moment to collect her thoughts before continuing, "I'll do my best to navigate the delicate situation with Dead Empress Backwater. Perhaps if I approach alone, it will be less threatening. Clover might be more receptive to my presence without the added tension of a group. And if there's any sign of danger, I'll turn back immediately. Our family's safety is my priority."

Aquene lifted her head, meeting Nash's gaze with a determined yet affectionate look. "But please, know that I won't take unnecessary risks. We'll tread carefully, and with luck, we'll make it through unscathed. After all, we've faced challenges before, and together, we've overcome them." She gently nuzzled Nash in return, reaffirming their unity in the face of uncertainty.

Aquene felt the warmth of Nash's tired smile and the soft press of his nose against her cheek, his affectionate gesture echoing his concerns. She reciprocated the kiss, savoring the connection that went beyond words. The love they shared was a source of strength, a bond that held them together in the face of challenges.

"I promise, Nash," Aquene replied, her gaze unwavering as she met his earnest eyes. "I'll be cautious, and I'll call for Clover specifically. I understand the weight of her loss, and I'll approach the situation with the utmost sensitivity. Our family's safety is paramount, and I won't take any unnecessary risks."

She nuzzled Nash once more, the gesture filled with reassurance. "I love you too, with all my heart. We'll get through this, just like we always do. Trust in our strength, both as individuals and as mates. When I return, we'll share the triumphs and face whatever challenges may come our way together." Aquene pressed against Nash, savoring the comfort of their closeness before preparing to face the uncertainties that awaited her.