( Alchemy)<br/><br/>As Avonevah began to tug at her dress, Ylva gathered the young girl up in her arms. She was probably nearing the age where she could no longer be held comfortably, perhaps in a year or two. Ylva smiled at the girl, and then looked to her father. With a nod of her head toward Marrok, she answered his words, hoping to calm any worries he might have about her feelings toward his child. Ylva had always liked them, and they tended to be equally fond of her.<br/><br/>"I would quite enjoy a dinner companion, we will have fun together, I am certain." She looked back to Avonevah, who had already started to point toward the food that had caught her eye. Ylva offered Marrok one last smile and then turned to get the little one something to nibble on. There were other women who might seem manipulative or conniving, latching onto the leader of the Fjornlanders' daughter, but Ylva did not have that air. It appeared obvious to everyone that the child wished to be around the newcomer, and that something about Ylva's presence was enough to set the child at ease around her. She fixed them both small plates to eat and settled in a chair next to Portia and Marissa, who both seemed equally amused that Avonevah did not seem to want to part with her new found friend. They ate and talked until the bell sounded.<br/><br/>Ylva stood when she was asked to do so, though she did coo to Avonevah and try to convince the little one that she would be fine. It was only when the child was able to hold her quivering lip still, that Ylva fully turned her attention back to the leaders of the different factions that made up the population that lived in the valley. She remained quiet until each of the first four leaders spoke their peace, and she kept Gavin Dorchester's questions in her mind, waiting for her moment to speak.<br/><br/>"As Marrok mentioned, he and the others with him rescued me. My family and pack..." Ylva paused, trying to think best how to relate her story to the group that surrounded her now. "A few months ago I had left the village my pack lived in, to seek out herbs in a nearby part of the forest. When I returned to my home, it was on fire. My parents, the Alphas, and leaders of the pack, were slaughtered before my eyes. Kathar, the pursuer you have asked about, was once a member of the Evergreen clan. Segred, Jendorah and Fulcrum can speak to his character if you wish to know more since they were exiled after he was. In anger, he nearly murdered another wolf. He believed himself entitled to lead the Evergreen pack and to become my mate. Even before his exile, my father that him irrational and too quick anger, and denied him any chance at my hand."<br/><br/>Ylva shook her head, sadly. It was strange to reveal so much of her vulnerable past to virtual strangers, but if she did not share the truth, Kathar might also come for this group of wolves. They needed to be prepared, and aware of what had happened.<br/><br/>"I thought perhaps this was revenge for his exile, but he could have killed my father and left the rest of the pack alone. I cannot tell you why they pursue me, truly. Kathar did not seem to want me dead, only incapacitated. Since the murder of my packmates and parents, I put my skills to work in a town not far outside of your lands, though I did not realize you were here, or I might have sought you out sooner. Their healer had grown old, unable to grind herbs, and I worked as her apprentice, until Kathar discovered me."<br/><br/>She opened her mouth to speak again, but Basia Nighthowler leaned forward in her seat and the entire roomed seemed to hold a sudden and eerie calm as she did.<br/><br/>"Gavin, the girl does not know why she is pursued, because she is not yet meant to know. Do not fault her for the wisdom she is not yet meant to possess."<br/><br/>Basia shifted in her seat, and her eyes were on Ylva, but they almost seemed to see through her.<br/><br/>"We should protect the girl. If we do not...Suffice to say it will not be something we wish to deal with."<br/><br/>Her gaze flickered to Gavin, and though he did not speak, he nodded his approval. Basia then looked from him back to Marrok.<br/><br/>"She is met with the leaders of the five. She is one of us, until the afterlife claims her, or until she decides she no longer wishes to be." Basia concluded.<br/><br/>Many of the wolves in the room cheered, both in ways that sounded very human and ways that sounded decidedly more like a howl. Avonevah clawed at Gadreial's arms until the older woman released her, and the little girl ran and launched herself hard enough against Ylva that it knocked the young woman's balance off or a moment. Ylva simply laughed and gathered the girl back up into her arms. When the cheers quieted, she again addressed the council of leaders with a wide smile.<br/><br/>"I thank you for your gracious approval, you do not know what it means to me. I will do my best to ensure I earn both your respect and your loyalty."<br/><br/>Within moments, most of the people in the hall turned their attention back to their meal. Rumors swirled, as they were expected to, most remarking on how Avonevah had not warmed up to any of the other women in the village, but somehow Ylva had caught her favor. Others went far enough to say that surely the newest member of their group had also seemed to catch the eye of Marrok. If Ylva herself had heard that rumor, she would have spoken against it quickly. Malia had mistaken her, she did not wish to entice Marrok or lead him along as some she-wolves might. It was clear he had suffered a great loss, and she was not the sort of woman to interrupt a man's life when he was, perhaps, still grieving.<br/><br/>She continued to enjoy conversation with Portia and Marissa, as well as the three hoodlums from her old pack. Her heart was so full each time she looked at them, the smallest bit of her home here with her. Avonevah seemed content to remain in Ylva's lap, even as many of the people in the hall began to drift out and seek their homes to rest. Once the festivities had nearly been called to a close, Marissa and Portia walked out arm in arm, visibly drunk and the three men Ylva had grown up with wandered out to seek further harmless mischief.<br/><br/>Ylva stood, holding Avonevah on her hip, since the child seemed rather intent on staying with her. She walked over to where Marrok sat, a few of the wolves still holding his attention with matters that they might have to deal with in the future.<br/><br/>Avonevah let out a wide yawn, one of many she had let escape her mouth in the last few minutes.<br/><br/>"I think your daughter does not wish the night to be over, but..." Before she could finish the sentence, Avonevah leaned her head on Ylva's shoulder and closed her eyes. "I think she might need to find her bed, fairly soon. If you wish, I could happily take her there, and set her down for the night?"