Winter had seen me become somewhat of a recluse, and even with Spring’s arrival this had not changed much. It was not so much that I was ashamed of my pregnancy, in fact I had long since dismissed such feelings and waddled along with as much pride as a heavily pregnant alphess could. Rather it was that I kept to myself simply to reflect on what was to come, or perhaps a more accurate description was to worry about what was to come. I had felt so lonely in the first few weeks of spring, and sometimes that hurt sprouted into anger. Anger at Leonidas for leaving me, disgust at how Natu had abandoned the pack she had sworn her fealty to, and a range of emotion targeted at different members of my family for not being there for me. Not that I’d made it particularly easy for them to be. It was only when my four tiny dragons had been born that I had realized the errors in my thoughts, and all my love had been bestowed upon them. All my hopes for the future were these four tiny beings wriggling at my abdomen. That was when Jericho had returned to me, and Taliesin and Swallowbane had been there for me as well.

In the days that followed I was weary, exhausted from the effort of delivering my first litter of pups. Fatigue has a way of making you crazy, wanting to get out of the den but not having the energy to go further than five steps. Often times I would leave the still blind pups sleeping in the den and barely emerge from the den, just far enough to allow the sun to soak into my pelt. Sometimes I would fall asleep, and only when my ears pulled back and the mewling from within the den would I rouse myself and return to my children.

And so when I woke one morning with a renewed vigor beating in my chest, energy trickling through my limbs, I left the pups in Jericho’s care and took a walk. I promised him I would not go far, would not overdo it, and with a worried gaze trailing me until I was out of sight, I made my first excursion from the den since the birth of Drogon, Rhaegal, Viserion, and Kalseru.

Knowing the paths of my home better than anyone else could ever hope to come close to, I choose a path that sloped gently up towards a clearing not far away. Part of me hoped it would be vacant, that I could enjoy the simple splendor of talking a walk alone; but the other part hoped that I would encounter some member of my pack. That they might see my face and be reassured that I was still close at hand, that I would never discount them. I was just so damn tired.

As I neared the clearing my ears twitched forward and my nostrils flared; I could hear some conversation being had not far in front of me. But I was upwind of them, so I could not detect their scents. Even so, the lilt of my sister’s voice was distinguishable even from the simple phrase of ‘I’m sorry,’ and my curiosity was peaked. I knew that I would not remain hidden to them for long, for my scent would reach them at the slightest of breezes. But I silently moved forward, peaking through the foliage to see who kept my sister’s company. It was a wolf I did not recognize, but I had my suspicions about who he was. An unfamiliar scent had begun to find itself mingled with Haven’s a couple seasons back, and though I’d not met the wolf who Natu had accepted into our – well no longer ours, she had left after all – pack, I gathered that this was him.

I eavesdropped for only a moment longer, wishing to confirm my suspicions. But it was not their speech that I listened to so much as it was their body language I watched. The way they mirrored one another’s movements, and so comfortably touched one another, I recognized it immediately for what it was, and my brows rose in surprise. It was then that I emerged from the surrounding foliage and approached them. My banner rose to reflect my stature among the pack, as did my crown, though it tired me to do so. I would not reveal such to he who kept my sister’s company though, and a placated smile took my features.

They stood close together, Haven having only just touched her nose to his cheek before I had revealed myself to them. “Hello there,” I said by way of greeting. It made me uncomfortable, knowing that my younger sister had a suitor, but to know that he called the mountain home worked in his favor from the start. I moved towards them, hard mahogany eyes staring pointedly at the large black and white male, bidding him to perhaps take a step back from the Queen’s sister, as I came to stand beside her. I pressed my shoulder against hers, eyes softening as I turned my gaze upon her for a moment to offer her some reassurance, before I looked back to him. “I am Daenerys Mountainborn, of the blood of old Solevion, Queen of Spirane and Protector of the Realm. As well as Haven’s sister. To whom do I owe the pleasure of making his acquaintance this day?” I did not directly intend to intimidate him, but all the same, some part of me smiled inwardly at the opportunity to test the limits of this male who’s soul was reflected in my sibling’s.