Ylva's approach was unexpected, but Valko lifted his head to her to as if she were a beacon of light, summoning his appreciative gaze. Though not excessively tall as Valko was, Ylva somehow appeared as lovely, statuesque and proud as a mighty oak. He yielded to her easily, sharing his hand with hers as she reached for him, for a moment forgetting Gunter was even occupying the alpha's space with them. "Ylva," he whispered, biting at his lip, though no more words could find him now, and he merely sat, staring at her countenance.<br/><br/>Gunter's reluctant acceptance of Ylva's decision was enough to snap Valko from his intense focus, and for a brief moment he considered allowing the alpha to leave without further interaction, but something about this felt incomplete. He growled, though not intentionally, the rumble coming from low in his throat. He brought Ylva's hand up to his lips, kissing quickly at her fingertips. "One moment," he assured her, dropping her hand before following Gunter outside into the sunlight.<br/><br/>"Alpha Gunter," he called, approaching only close enough to acquire his attention. "Please know... I feel for the struggles of your pack." Words left him slowly, carefully. It was apparent from the heavy weight of his brow the gears inside Valko's head were turning swiftly, working hard to discover his intent and convey it properly to a man who was neither friend nor foe. "Kriki has been blessed by the gods for many generations, and the river provides for us through the harsh seasons. If it ever comes to pass that your pack needs a new home... Kriki would welcome you."<br/><br/>He cleared his throat, looking down at the ground for he understood the gravity of what he suggested. "You would no longer be alpha, and your people would no longer be Fjord, but they would live, and families could stay together." Attempting to predict whether Gunter would see Valko's open invitation as either kind or insulting was pointless. He did not know this alpha well enough to make any educated guesses. And Gunter, potentially stewing from Ylva's rejection, may not see the offer for what it was, but only as a means to further grind his inherited success into the older wolf's face.<br/><br/>Valko did not wait to see which reaction would prove victorious. Bowing low, he offered the other alpha final goodbyes. "I pray you easy travels and plentiful prey. You are always welcome here." A sigh escaped his lips as he turned and made his way back into his home, back to Ylva. Without a word, he reached for her, pulling her into his arms and pressing a kiss against her lips, hovering there. She tasted just as wonderful as the night before. "I am happy you're staying," he whispered, voice low and husky against her.