Dead Empress Backwater but i am a good girl

for @Viorel only to ask for breeding permission.

Magg didn't take long to process the options and decide on a course of action. Still, her gut was aflutter with nerves as she once more sought after the Valle patriarch. She had no idea what things would look like if his answer to her request was a resounding 'no.' In many ways, all her eggs were in one very delicate basket. Not trying at all wasn't really an available choice though, certainly not in her mind.

If bringing to life the Backwater's next generation was a position up for grabs, it should be her. The idea of it being anyone else while she faded further and further into obscurity sickened Magg.

"Viorel?" she remembered to call him by, even though it still felt a little weird; deep down, he'd always be her childhood friends' dad.

"I... need to ask you something important. Do you have a moment... ?"

(This post was last modified: Feb 03, 2025, 12:53 AM by Dacian.)

The father had made a point of announcing just this morning what pack law would be for the coming moon: no breeding unless you had his permission, but anyone who wanted to breed was encouraged to speak with him privately and he would consider their request and grant rights to those he thought suited. All others would be swiftly removed from the pack and there would be no exceptions to the rule, for anyone. He was not sure if he was expecting to hear from anyone, and yet he was also not surprised when he heard Magg call his name for something important.

The she wolf worked quickly.

A particularly bad coughing fit had sent him on his way to the infirmary, not for treatment himself but as a reminder that he should visit Eros. His son would not have been happy about Viorel’s decision, but it was no longer up to him. And, Viorel had decided mere hours after Asmund had discovered his other son in the snow, it would never be up to Eros again, not while the grandfather was still alive anyways. He no longer believed that the tawny Valle was cut from the cloth that was needed to make the tough decisions that came along with leadership. He was too soft, and there was nothing wrong with that, but leading had broken him and Viorel wouldn’t let it happen again.

He was almost thankful for the distraction and that he could delay the conversation. Coming to a halt Viorel turned, his expression friendly as he waited for the tripod to catch up to him. Raising his eyebrows he countered, ”Go ahead Magg, what can I help you with?” As if he didn’t already know.

Magg didn't want to be hesitant, despite the discomfort actually forming the words caused her. She recognized sharply that she hated having to ask at all for permission for this, but that was just more kindling to the fire fueling her to push through. If she put in the work, this would be the last time it would be up to anyone else what she could and could not do with her body.

"I want your permission to have children."

She didn't expect it to be unanticipated, but felt immediate clarity was important. An earnest declaration, reflecting an earnest desire, for all the right reasons. At least, that's how she hoped to present herself.

"There's... quite a bit to why."

That was the stickier part, what did Viorel care about? What specifically would help her case and what would hurt it? She didn't know him as well as she would have liked to for such important matters, but she had to work with what she had regardless. Hopefully, his initial response would give her even more.

"I hope it's not too brazen of me considering my position here, but... it means... a lot to me."

It meant everything, actually.

Viorel’s eyebrows raised slightly at the request, not that it was unexpected that someone would be requesting but a little surprised it had come from Magg - and so quickly. Obviously she was already a mother, and a proven one at that. It was a plus in her corner, that she had done everything possible to keep her twins healthy and safe. Even though it had meant that she had shown up here where she had no idea if she would be welcome or chased away.

But, there was one major hesitation that stopped him from immediately granting his permission. Her reasoning did not truly matter to him, it was a personal decision that he didn’t think she needed to explain that. One corner of his lip curled for just a moment, ”You don’t have a position here that is any different than any other member. But, I do appreciate that you have come to me directly to have this conversation.” It showed a lot of respect and honesty and that was all the Viorel was asking for.

Then there was moving onto the question he had, ”You have obviously done a very good job with Aven and Neva, and I think you’re a very capable mother - though it takes two for a litter. Are you planning on having a partner involved to help provide for you, or are you going for this alone?’ He almost said again but held his tongue, he had never inquired after the girl’s father, for all he knew the man had died and couldn’t be here.