#baronyofthesilverwolf

"They should be as wise as the Pyr, and as strong as the Ovcharka. Independent, yet with a strong loyal streak. Lighter of coat, but still dense enough to provide protection."

She looks to Aiden. "I was not certain what to expect, beyond healthy, strong pups. In that, I am certainly pleased."

"Mischka's line is fantastic, but best suited for colder climes, and given independence. Pyrenees are intelligent, but also family oriented, less aloof, and with finer fur structure."

"I have high hopes for the Fae Mountain Dog."

Clem looks at the Baron "You've done good, Holder Aiden, and I confess, I'm impressed you're going for substance over style. I doubt there's anything you have we want more than first pick, which probably is sad news for you because I can see value in each. BUT... I'll try to see to it we coordinate with you, through rivervale if the chief is willing, to help you make this line"

Brekke nods. "I think this is a worthwhile endeavor, done responsibly...and I trust that it will be done so."

He listens to Clem, and his eyes gleam a bit, approval. "I look forward to future collaboration. Now, please, help yourself to coffee. Dame Gladiola, please tell them of your observations on the pups as of yet."

And he will let his young, yet skilled kennel mistress take the lead!

And my, Dame Gladiola has a lot to say, for she has been watching and learning.

Brekke turns to listen to the kennel mistress and to appreciate the coffee.

Clem like wise.

And Oak. He plays a bit with the kids, annd gives the mother time to rest

"Oak is remarkably good with puppies," Gwen observes.

the ear chewer tries to get her dad's ear again, but currently is in a time out, dad has a gentle paw holding her down, while another two follow his tail

"Oak has had much experience with childlings, and he is patient in general. Even with we of the older set," she adds with a slight chuckle.

"Hm." The sound of an idea.

"Too soon to say, but that may pass on to one of the puppies" She says. By now she's shared all she's seen of them and their behavior

"Sounds like you have an idea?" Clem says to Brekke

A nod. "I think that when Rivervale makes its choice, Oak will be part of the decision."

"In that case, it might not be the ear chomper" Clem chuckles

"I think that depends. Sometimes the most challenging becomes the target of much fondness."

Nadeen glances over at Aiden at that phrase, a secret smile slippinngg out, then she takes her glass and covers that smile

Aiden turns just a touch red at the very tip of his ears, which Nadeen knows to look for...

A very pleased sip

Gwen misses that entirely "It's true, sometimes dogs with a touch of mischief steal our hearts"

"Indeed," she agrees with Gwen. Finishing her coffee, she asks, "When do you think we should plan to finalize our choices, Baron?"

"The earliest they will be fully weaned, and ready to leave Mischka, would be 10 weeks. They were born on Thanksgiving, so that would be the first week of February. Groundhog's Day, in fact."

"I often wait for 12-14 weeks, but that is the earliest I would consider."

"Perhaps that is when we should make our choices, and then the additional time for visiting before separating them."

"Around or a bit after Imbolc?" Clem says "That sounds of good fortune"

"For picking, I mean" She says

A grin. "It does, I agree."

Clem leans over "Too soon to pick," She whispers "But any intriguing you early?"

A quiet reply, "Too early, as you say...but if Oak forms a bond with one, it will be that one."

A nod , Clem silently makes up her mind, first pick or not, to omit whichever Oak likes best ffrom the Farmhold's first pick

Gwen/Glaidiola asks "Do you think, as we develop the breed, Edelweiss migght have a litter?"

"Well...I have not asked her, yet. She has not indicated a strong desire to breed, as Oak did."

A nod "Of course... and we have to respect the wishes of the fae hounds too" But the Daireann does look wistful

Brekke notes the look. "Something is wrong?"

"Ah, forgive me, Chieftain Brekke. The idea of a new bloodline of fae hounds isn't just the baron's dream. It's...an adventure for the dogs and myself too. To leave a legacy like this that out lives tthis life for me..." She shrugs "To bring something GOOD that helps, a guardian helping more guardians come about...it's a heady hope"

Aiden is watching and listening, his expression as he looks at Gwen is similar to the proud look at the puppies.

"Hm." Brekke nods. "I can understand this. It is a fine goal, and you seems as though you will be sure to pursue it responsibly."

"Yes, Chieftain, to do less would be to betray my self , my lord, and the dogs who are our charges and joy"

Another nod, and she looks to the Baron. "You have good people here, Baron."

Aiden clears his throat. "Speaking of charges, and good people. How fare Squire Connor, and Dame Dagmar?"

"Both are very well. Squire Connor was very happy to have spent the holiday here. He is, I believe, eager to visit again sometime soon."

Aiden smiles. "Is that so. We will look forward to it."

A nod. "May he bring Oak with him? I would like to give Oak chances to get to know his offspring."

Oak is 'swallowing'' the head of of the puppy, not really, but the little pup is playing lion tamer

"For now, however, I think I must be getting back to the Lodge."

Aiden reaches down to give Oak an ear ruffle. Ah, this man knows the right spot to scratch. No, not quite as good as Frank does, but still pretty good. "Certainly. Oak is welcome as well. He is now listed in Silverwolf's breed books, after all, as sire of this litter. That makes him practically family."