#debukefarmhold

"Always a pleasure," Clem smiles as Brekke arrives

"Chieftain Clem," she says with a nod. Rivervale's Chieftain looks to be in a good mood. "I was hoping you might have some time to speak."

"Currently do" She admits "YOu want some coffee?"

"If it is not a problem," Brekke nods.

Coffee is made and handed, as they both linger near the balefire, "Slow day " she admitts

"I imagine those are rare." A sip. "I bring good news. You recall that Oak was studded to Silverwolf?"

"I do recall. Thank you for letting us know, was manerly"

She sips her own

"Well, I intended it as more than mannerly. You do, after all, get the pick of the new litter. The dam whelped recently, a litter of ten."

"Ten? " A surprised look "that's a grand haul. Oh my, probably just fuzzy socks at this time"

"Very likely. Great Pyrenees and Ovcharka, and both parents fae. So, glamourous fuzzy socks." A sip.

A chuckle "Hannakah joke here. Well, if they can chase off cabbage eating varmints or protect the farm animals they'll be welcome. Course, Dagmar got us Xena... so this feels like a twofer" Curious "What about your pick? You got room for a third dog likely to ggrow as big as his or her father?"

She takes a moment, considering the surface of the coffee. "Hm. I do seem to find it difficult to say no to additional animals. Perhaps I am not so unlike Dagmar."

"Don't tell Dagmar that... the part about not being able to say no to animals. That girl is good with crafts and will build you a second stable before Imbolc"

A chuckle. "I suppose there are worse endeavors."

"I was wondering, do you wish to go to Silverwolf to claim your pick?"

"Too soon I imagine" She ponders "When were you thinking of going?"

"I do not mean now. I have not arranged my visit yet. We could visit together...though I wonder about what an Ailil and a Varich may begin to think if two Lodges are missing their Chieftains." A wry grin...she's joking. Mostly.

A grin back "Reckon they might think about the huge lodgemates still behind and sharpening axes. ... but I figure you raised Nadeen to be smart," A consideration "Be happy to ggo with you."

A nod. "Nadeen has deep loyalty to her connections in Rivervale. And yes, she is very smart. No fool could have achieved what she has. I will inform Silverwolf that we will visit together when the time is right."

Then a frown. "Hm."

"Problem?" she asks

"Mm. I wonder if Lord Aiden might use the pups as an opportunity to see the Farm? If he suggests bringing them to you rather than you coming to him...answer very carefully."

"Well, frankly he can just as Nadeen. We've had her on school programs" She shakes her head "Honest, I don't bring this up, but some of the Farm thinks we've gone open border to Sidhe and don't care for it. We're more open to some houses than others. Times have changed, but I worry I'm over correcting"

She nods. "This is why I urge caution. You have a powerful bale to defend."

"I'm not too proud to take your advice." She admits

"Of course, I think Nadeen is wise enough to discourage any who might try to raid you. She knows Rivervale will arrive when called to aid."

"Mmm ally with Nadeen for innsurance? Interesting"

A brow. "How formal an alliance are you imagining there?"

"Can't be too formal, and I won't agree to a mutual defense without makinng sure our otherr allies are okay with it. Aiden's he wild card"

A pause. "One might say you are the wild card, Chieftain. If your people are already cautious of too-open borders, they may not wish to have any sort of formal agreement with sidhe nobility."

"I've dragged them this far," Clem paces, coffee in hand.

Belatedly, Brekke checks for a midriff.

"Don't do that" A huff "i'm perfectly seelie. I'm just... frustrated. "

True

"By...your people?"

"A bit... the older crowd thinks wer're changing too fast. The younger thinks we're going too slow. And... the Hearth is hiding somethinng. I don't know what"

"Hiding something? Hm. Have you asked?"

"I have asked her whatt's wrong, is anything troubling her? And she got ...well, I felt like she patted me on the head and sent me off."

Brows up. "It sounds as though I need to speak with your Hearth."

"I got mixed feelings about that," Clem admits

"I think some part of her will always see me as that knobby kneed bossy childlinng she knew. She respects me as Chief, but she maybe trying to protect me from grim news. It feels wrong to 'sic' a Gwydion on her... boon and all, but a the same time, I'd be lying myself to say I didn't worry I'm missing something important with my hearth and rrelation I dearly love"

"I will not share anything with you she does not give me permission to share. But what you have said gives me cause for worry as well, even though she never knew me when my knees were knobby." A brow.

"Be glad of that. That woman does not forget," A bit of a smile, weak and wobbly with concern but there "yes, she might see you as someone she can't dismiss out of familial hierarchy." A sip "Thank you." A look "How are your girls?"

Quiet pride lifts her features. "They are doing well, each in her way. Two very different girls, but both strong-minded and strong-willed."

"And each big hearted. Westward would give you the shirt off her back" Memories there

"I think her people would tell you the same." A pause. "I do not know if I have ever thanked you for being her friend in the days where she was searching for herself."

"Have to be a friend to have one. I'm very lucky your daughter was a friend to me," She assures "We were both sorting ourselves out. Maybe tthat's one reason I hit it off"

A slight grin. "Like finds like, even in Firnost."

"Does that mean you sit near that little statue when you have your coffee there?" a smile "I shouldn't tease, I know"