#elsewhere

"You should ask the DeBukes about it if you're interested. They gave me a run down but I'm not sure I'm remembering it right. " Then, indulgently "Kill more pigs recently?"

"Yeah, there's always some fatty ready for the knife!"

"Remind me not to gain weight around you" She observes "You bring some chops home for my mom?"

"No, it got too mashed up and they had to turn most of it into sausage. Boss said I don't get to do the butchering cuts unless I learn more control. But it's HARD when there's all that MEAT there."

"Bleeding meat at that" She says sympathetically

"Right?!" Julius looks a little green, but suggests, "What about keeping something on hand at the same time? Some jerky to chew on, or even some gum so your mouth is busy?"

Briar chews on this idea.

"Just don't confuse the two and it might work"

"Huh. I'll try it." She salutes Julius with her favorite finger, and then gives a similar wave to Gwen, before heading off.

"Why do I like her again?" She asks julius, but smiles at him as she asks

He shakes his head. "Beats me. Don't let her hear anyone say it, but as redcaps go, she's actually rather tolerable."

A bit of a smile there.

"Definitely not telling her that" Fondly though then she shakes her head "I need to go tell someone it's been like a whole hour since I talked to anyone about dogs. They'll never believe me"

A laugh. "Go tell the dogs. I'll bet they're good listeners.

"I actually need to check on them" She sighs "They'll be leaving us soon"

Then she perks "But all are going to good homes"

"Do you need a hand escorting the pup that's heading to the DeBuke's? I could drop the little fellow off and then see if I can't chat up their Spring sorcerers."

"Oh" she says "Now might not be a good time for them. Their Hearth is... " A breath "Well, she's ..dying I think?"

"Ah. The wheel turns - always sad, but it comes to us all. Think of it this way, what is more able to cheer up someone than a puppy? Might be just the thing to help raise spirits, well, afterwards."

"I ..suppose you're right." She says "Might give them someone to pet on and share sorrow with. THey're not meant to be therapy dogs but all dogs have a ...well, they're good for that to some degree "

"Just having a dog can be a therapy. And putting the little one to work, helping them to fit in to their new role - at least for whoever is the dog's new master, it may be a kind distraction."

"I guess so" she nods "Sure, please, come with me when we drop her off"

She remember having a bump with Julius, took awhile to build back her trust, but she supposes she DOES trust him again

"Just let me know when." He nods, and returns to his notetaking as he samples the glasses of wine.

"Good wine by the way" She says as she departs

"Silverwolf's finest!" He calls after her with a grin!

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