The Lupa hadn't expected her mate to turn when she approached him, his sudden turn around causing her to step back slightly though she soon righted herself and stood before him, her jaw set in determination. She was not able to see the look he gave her though she was very familiar with his tones and the way he moved his feet to stand, tension clear in his voice and the air he gave off again as he exhaled heavily. Her soft eyes trailed over him, finding his face above her as she tilted her head back slightly to look at him where she was sure he was. [color=ec008c]“I have not been for a while.”[/color] She answered him after restating her question back at her; she could hear the confusion in his voice, his dismay at her even thinking of the possibility of her going to town with him and the two hunters. It was dangers she knew, though she wanted him to trust her enough not to get herself hurt, she’d already had a bad feeling about today and didn't want to let the man out of her sight if she could help it. He was always running off without her, into town, through the woods, perhaps she would join him soon into the forest the next time he went alone and wasn't expecting danger.

She was silent as he continued, a lock of pink hair falling in her face while he spoke again, of the rituals that must take place now that two more wolves had died and threats were encroaching upon their territory and dangers came from all sides toward their family. She had been able to hear the spirits of their dead ancestors since she had lost her eyesight, their voices had becomes clearer than when she was a child in the days when she had been able to touch death after the hunters attack. [color=ec008c]“Me?”[/color] She was stunned by his suggestion, her eyes wide and pale, but they looked blue with the surprise of being asked to do something so . . .  important. [color=ec008c]“A priestess?”[/color] Valerie almost couldn't believe he wanted her to do something like that, to open herself to the spirit world and the possibility of the danger that angry spirits possessed, a danger he would not be able to protect her from. Her heart swelled then, happiness and a new sense of excitement curling up the corners of her mouth as she smiled widely at him, lifting herself up to throw her arms around him in a quick hug. “Of course Markus.”

She withdrew, aware of people looking and a familiar heat spread across her cheeks while she blushed in embarrassment, looking down at her hands in front of her as her mate kissed her forehead lightly and turned away from her. [color=ec008c]“I’ll do my best Markus.”[/color] She said just as he stepped away from her. She brushed her hand over his arm, still smiling happily though she felt a gaze on her when he was gone, and her smile faded from her features. She couldn't tell who it was at first who had been staring at her though the malice in it was clear to belong to Acacia. The young wolf had always been jealous of her, and Markus, for the bond they shared and perhaps even for the simple fact that Markus had chosen a girl who hadn't been born in this pack as his Lupa. Valerie had been born a werewolf of another pack, able to see and always sweet though never really able to fight well either. She started toward the girl, though she was headed toward the dry pantry through a small door on the other side of the main kitchen, going to find what it was that she needed for the ritual later, as well as sheets to carry the bodies in. [color=ec008c]“I will see you at the ritual Acacia.”[/color] Her voice was clear and held no malice in it; in fact she smiled though she never looked at the girl as she passed her.

Valerie vanished inside of the pantry, following her nose as she looked for lavender, sage and several candles and a box of matches that she would need for the ritual later. With the bundles in hand she walked back out again, letting her feel fall slightly louder on the hard wood floor as she walked over to the table and set the things she’d gathered out on the surface. The Lupa cleared her throat, took a deep breath and let her voice be heard above the idle chatter of those around her. [color=ec008c]“Anyone helping set up the rituals meet here after the others have departed!” [/color]It was rare that she spoke so loud and when she did she was sure that she was heard, her voice reverberating in her sensitive ears. Leaving the command in the air the woman walked away, toward the stairs to find her and her mates bedroom to shower and dress before leaving in a few hours.