#elsewhere

Soft laughter at the misunderstanding. "You are certain you do not mind? We can certainly explain to her if you wish to retain your Thursday afternoon autonomy."

"Eventually, even with a bit of magical help, the ice will thaw, I don't mind," A smile "I AM tempted to introdcue you to her sometime with all the trappings of mortal wealth. She's a fine woman but might swallow her face." Then conspirtorially "Also her repurposed designs are really good. Look at this" She shows a picture "I'm getting this for Bluebell."

"That.. certainly is inventive." He takes the phone and clicks to view a close up, nodding approvingly as he sees the quality, despite how... very very PINK it is. "It looks well made. I've never seen something quite like it. She can be a dreamer, you say? A marvelous find."

"Oh yes, well worth a little misunderstanding about my economic situation, which she was not rude about"

"Then I suppose I can spare you for one afternoon a week." He says, with mock reluctance.

"Mmmph, says the man who is in his own world as he gazes with pride at the new litter, or plots the design of a new breed" but she teases lightly at it "Oh, speaking of which, how are the pups developing? Nearly 12 weeks, personalities are forming if I am not decieved?"

"Marvelously. I will be reluctant to see them leave. Even the least of them is as impressive as I could have possibly imagined. I have been sending information to other reputable breeders, and there will be a few, I believe, designated to working status and not to stud." He tells her of the freeholds that have expressed interest in a Silverwolf Fae Hound... apparently there is quite the waiting list.

"Good lord, they're clamouring for them" She seems surprised, and then blushes lest she seem to diminish the hard work and fine lines "Forgive me love, but I think I severely underesesimated the draw they would have. Poor Msychka maybe glad they have homes, but feel quite a bit lonely for a time, well, barrring the few we keep for ourselves"

"You may attribute too much human emotion to her." He smiles at Nadeen. "With ten pups running her ragged, even with the Glens playing 'nursemaid... She is fond of them, yes, but perhaps ready for a break."

"And of the Glens, I have found takers for several of the remaining terriers. Would that we kept them all - but that would be greedy, as well as a disservice to fine dogs that deserve to live up their purpose. We will retain four of them, and I have some breeding plans in place once this litter has been situated."

"Delighted, and perhaps I do take too much o it. Dame Gladiola has been..eyeing Pyschka, checking her hip ratio. I confess, my dear baby IS older, but I hadnn' a first considered her being part of the Fae Mounttain Dog program"

A laugh. "Pyshcka is your dog, my love. Even over my mountain hounds, do I value your happiness."

She delights in his laughter, "I suppose eventually she must. I will be open to it just not sure when"

"Let her decide." He suggests, then clarifies, "That is, let her decide when she is ready. Not just any old mongrel will do, of course, but we will see, when the time comes, that she has her pick of sires."

"True, she's a fae hound, not a mere ordinary beast" Proud look "I know it's recipe for heartbreak as we pick second, not first...but have any of the pups struck your fancy more than their siblings?"

"The dusky-shaded pup appeals to me aesthetics, I have to admit. One of the lighter hued ones seems to be inordinately thoughtful - cautious, which may end up a streak of fearfulness, or of intelligence. It is hard to tell yet. The one with the forehead blaze is rather dashing in appearance and seems the most outgoing, but that may be bias based on him getting more attention."

He nods. "There is a tendency towards the brown and white coats that I wonder if will continue into a breed standard, though with other lines mixed in, it may continue to change. Indeed, with as much Variation as Ovcharkas exhibit, they may never have a strict conformation such as the Pyrenees in coloration, though I was very happy to see that they have good form, well muscled but with a lighter Pyrenees style coat."

He threatens to go on and on if not interrupted.

Actually, she listens, delighting in his joy, and also, it IS part of Silverwolf , this breeding, so she needs must know.

"...with the blaze trait being dominant, she may show the aggressive nature as well - that is, not inappropriate aggression, merely meaning being more bold and brave..."

Marigold peeps in at them, and soon they have a light lunch provided as well, not that Aiden notices with his going on.

Around bites of a sandwich, "But that is to say, I think any of them would be a good addition to a breeding program, though clearly I have my initial favorites. With three accounted for to Rivervale, the DeBukes, and potentially to Sergei, I am tentatively earmarking three, possibly four to remain that will be trained and used to further the breed, and the others to be passed on to new homes."

SHe gives a quiet thank you to Marigold. And nods "Yes. Hard to tell which Rivervale will go for. the choice being Oak's "

A sigh. "Even knowing that without Oak we would have NO litter, I am still slightly annoyed that the DeBuke's get first pick." He smiles though, sipping his black tea. "I will admit to you, though, that the representatives I've met from their 'Farmhold' have left a rather favorable impression. Julius was quite insistent that I oversee some of the work on the new guest house. If that Buck fellow is any example of their work ethic, they are to be admired."

"Yes, Buck ... Marigold says he has a healthy appetite but offered to clean dishes. She wouldn' t let him, of course, but I think she found it sweet"

"Danica seemed a bit taken aback by him." He says, rather cluelessly. "I suppose she's not used to a fellow taller than her."

Her eyes sparkle "Do tell?"

"Or perhaps she was worried that he didn't know his business around carpentry. Kept a good eye on him." Sipping his tea. "Not that it was needed, he did a better job that expected. Or so the foreman told me. Centaur knows his craft well."

"Well, did you offfer him a place here?" Curious

"Julius tested the waters, but he sounded intent on completing his quest and returning to the Farmhold. A bit of a shame, that. Marigold was happy to have another healthy appetite to cook for, even if Blossom seemed a bit put out by having him around."

A chuckle "Oh dear. Blossom is such a show pony of a girl, forgive me for saying. Though at least she no longer sees me in quite so wicked a light"

"She should be proud. She's the finest centaur filly in Concordia. Her balance is flawless, structure perfect, not overly muscled, and with sound hooves and conformation. Add that to a fine and clever girl, and she's a childling that any hold would be honored to have as their ward."

"She has taken to falconry with dedication. I give her books on the subject and she devours them. She knows the scienttific names for many. " A concession "Her pride IS earned, as you say. "

"I am glad she has learned to be accepting of you. You are, after all, her Baroness." Fondly.

"She ..tolerates," An admission "Annd I think I have Marigold to thank for that. I swear, without Marigold's support I'd never had made it so far. I.. oh" realization "Oh no." Alarm

"What is it?" Straightening up in concern.

"Carnivale, I forgot to tell her I was going to use a ducal visit as an excuse not tto have it here, but I donn't think I told her. Things got so busy, with the thallia ad all it seemed prudent to defer it higher up. But I didn't tell her.. and for all I know by now she's ordered a truck load of supplies"

"Of course, we have a month..." She says "I haven't sent out letters yet"

Aiden looks... thoughtful. "Carnival, yes. I wonder." He has that Ailil look for a moment.

"Wonder? I thought you might not want to play the fool so eiher I would, or we'd pass onto the higher ups? Local Lords are expeced but it might pass as reason"

He nods. "Yes, that is a good idea. If nothing else comes up before then, we can plan on it. It has been many years since I've visited the Ducal Seat, and we may be expected to present you as a new local Baroness freeholder as well."

"I look forward to it" She almost preens herself, "Shall I dazzle them, my lord ?"

"You'd have to work hard not to."

Impressed and pleased "That was well said, my dragon. Mmm now, about Imbolc? Should we put extra security along tthe paths the firebrand's take this year?"

"Yes. Perhaps some year we will have the honor of one of our folk chosen as firebrand. But even without such honor, it is our duty to ensure that no thallain or other interruption stays them from their course."

"Mmm... a pity Blossom was passed over for the task. "

"There is always next year. She is still young yet - are they not more usually a wilder?"

"fair point" A nod, then amusement "Who knows? One day, Briar might carry it"

A slightly alarmed look. "Perhaps not, she may be tempted to know what a balefire tastes like."

A soft chuckle "of all the tthings to pump a redcap's belly for"

"Rather, let us not find out." He sets down his empty tea cup, then regards it curiously. "When did we have lunch?"

"While you were talking about the puppies and what each breed contributed"

He chuckles. "I'll be sure to tell Marigold it was delicious."

"It was. Almost as delightful as the company. Now , is there some matter for us we've forgotten?"