The light in her eyes is all that matters to me. To see the happiness upon her face as I come to lay with her, and the gentle sigh as we embrace serve to wash away all my worries. Softly I place a doting kiss upon her face, the sign of a son who loves his mother to the ends of the earth. Despite the premonitory signs that were present in the dulling of her coat and the loss of weight, I knew she was not going to just wither away and drift off in the breeze before me. We had this, at least, and I would do all I could to come to visit her again once I had completed my duties to Isola. I only hoped that I could bring her good news, one last act that should could be proud of me for. Her words only cause my tail to thrum more rapidly, so pleased with her reaction to my news. Despite how much I had always strived to live up to my father's name, at heart I was just as much of a mama's boy - even at nearly thirteen years of age.

She reached forward to nuzzle me, an offer of comfort that quelled any doubt that might have festered in the back of my mind. Of course she was well taken care of - even if her body was beginning to fail her, she was a strong wolf of mind and spirit and I knew she would not have made Taviora her home if she did not trust Coszcotl to take care of her. I nod at each statement, accepting what she told me about how Coza looked after her. She went on to inform me that the Chief of the forest had faced a challenger and came out victorious. Naturally she was tending to his wounds. I knew that I was here for a reason, to gather information so as to form sound advice to deliver back to my Queen and King. I wanted to simply while away the hours talking about nothing and everything with my mother. Perhaps that could come after our discussion about pack matters, for I intended to stay in Taviora for longer than just the afternoon.

Her words about being old and brittle nearly caused me to dip my head in concern, to lick at her chin like I'd once done as a pup. But I was no longer a pup; I was a man grown. So I refrained, choosing to remain strong for her. I would not let her see any more worry etched on my face. Instead I was determined to feel only happiness this day, for the days to come that I would spend in Moth's company. I extended a forepaw towards her in an almost playful manner, almost jesting at her comment with a roll of my eyes and a 'pff' sound. If I could make her feel better about her age in any way, I would do it. "And how does the pack fair? Are there pups expected in spring?" A few ideas stirred in the back of my mind, potential plans for the future should all work out in my favor in regard to the rank I sought. "Do you know much of Isola's children that reside here? I am sure she and Kane would enjoy hearing how they fair." I grinned at her, knowing she would understand such a desire, for each time I visited she was keen to find out how I was doing.