( Alchemy)<br/><br/>Ylva's eyes went wide when she found herself surrounded by Segred, Jendorah and Fulcrum. The boys had been like brothers to her so long ago, and she was sure that some of her grit was due to their endless teasing, but she had always loved them for it. She pulled back to look at each of them, using her hands to touch their faces and shoulders, casually remarking on how much they had grown. They had been little more than pups when she last saw them, but now they were all full grown men. They felt familiar, like home. It was a feeling she was almost certain she would never feel again, but now that they stood before her, she felt a wealth of gratitude swell within her chest. She was not sure if it was Marrok who had taken them in, but if it was, she owed him a great amount of thanks.<br/><br/>"Come, now. You ruffians can reminisce later, Ylva has quite a lot to see tonight and I wouldn't have you stepping on her dress. Shoo! Shoo!" Portia said, and though the three men laughed at her, they did as she bid, assuring Ylva they would see her very soon. Portia took Ylva by the hand and led her around the room, introducing her to many members of the five houses, and to some of their leaders as well. It was only when they came to meet Basia NightHowl that they truly stopped. Basia peered at Ylva curiously.<br/><br/>"Ylva of the Evergreen. With eyes like her namesake and skin pale like fine elven porcelain." Basia said as she took Ylva's hand. "I am sorry for the loss you have suffered. Your parents were fine wolves and strong leaders. They have left you with a strong legacy and your destiny...." Basia's words drifted, and she looked past Ylva. Ylva followed her gaze and found that Basia had looked across the room, to where Marrok stood. When Basia began to speak again, it pulled Ylva's attention back to her. "Your road is not yet over, and it will not be an easy one my dear. But I believe you will have capable company as you travel down it. Take comfort in that."<br/><br/>Basia released her hand and drifted back into the crowd, leaving Ylva to look to Portia, confusion overtaking her delicate features.<br/><br/>"Oh, don't worry. Like most of her kind, Basia has a tendency to be vague. I'm sure you'll figure out her meaning soon enough. Now, come, child." Portia said, again guiding Ylva through the crowds in the banquet hall. Though Ylva had gotten a little turned around, she soon realized that Portia had led her toward Marrok. She could not be sure why, but seeing him again caused her to feel a little cold, the work of overly tense nerves, no doubt. Perhaps it was also the added pressure of the challenge from Malia. If Pharrus knew of the little incident, she wondered if Marrok did as well. It was difficult not to worry what he might think of her if he did know. She could tell that Marrok's pack loved him, and they wanted to find a way for him to be happy once again, but she feared they might push too hard.<br/><br/>Ylva had no means of escape, so she found herself presented to him, Portia grinning widely as she displayed her handy work.<br/><br/>"She looks lovely, doesn't she, Marrok? Remove a few layers of dirt and squeeze her into a nice gown, and she certianly looks like the child of two very capable Alphas." Portia began, but then she cringed, as she realized she had brought up Ylva's dead parents. Not exactly a good topic for parties.<br/><br/>A slight shade of pink filled Ylva's cheeks, the color was accented and enhanced by the red dress she wore. Ylva reached out a hand and squeezed Portia's shoulder, reassuring the older mid-wife that her misstep had not been a bad one.<br/><br/>"You are much too kind, Portia," she said. Ylva's gaze then shifted to Marrok, as she watched for his reaction. There was a tension in the air between them, and she could not help but wonder if he felt it as well. Many of those that stood around them seemed to sense its presence, as they turned to watch Marrok with the newest member of their valley. Ylva had been told that many mates shared some kind of instinctual connection, but she was not operating under the assumption that she and Marrok shared that sort of connection. The energy between them felt different to her, perhaps heavier, than a potential mate bond. This was something else, though Ylva was not sure what.<br/><br/>Basia appeared again then, this time behind Marrok. She leaned into him, pressing her lips near his ear. Only he could hear the words she spoke next.<br/><br/>"Be mindful of your actions, Marrok. Your path is entwined with hers, but it could be a dangerous journey, if you commit to it." Basia whispered. Then she leaned back and again, allowed herself to be taken into the crowds.