A single ear flicked back at the sound of paw steps approaching from behind me, and a smile curved my features. For just as surely as I had been able to distinguish the pitter-patter of her paws from the less elegant trod of her brothers' in puphood, I could recognize the footfall of Kalseru as she neared the clearing. From her youngest days she had always had an elegant way about her, moving light upon her feet despite her impressive height. When my daughter barked a returned greeting to me I turned, my smile broadening at the site of her. It had been too long since my eldest daughter and I had spent quality time together.
Withdrawing from the embrace, I nodded at Kalseru's words. She moved to lower her hindquarters to the earth, her tail settling just so around her paws. My lips quirked just a little at this - for it was something she had done since puphood. She had always worn the helm of princess as though she was made for it - and truly she was. For many years I had thought that it would be her to step forward and claim her birthright as my heir, but much time had passed and I sometimes wondered if my loss against the usurper had destabilized her ambitions, whereas it had seemed to fuel the fire of her younger sister's. In any case, I saw the potential for greatness in each and every one of my children. My heart still ached for Sansa and her father every day, but I found solace in looking to the futures of the six children who remained still within Spirane. Perhaps not all of them would take up a position as a Pillar of the pack, or a distinguished individual in their trade, but they each served the pack in their own way.
Stepping back, I reclined onto my hindquarters as well. One ear remained fixated upon Kalseru and my eyes met hers evenly. The other ear flicked backwards, aware of our surroundings. There was an air of business to her words and posture alike, and so my own demeanor shifted to such matters as well.