#fenixtj

Jess glances at Azul, smiles. "I heard about the breeding program between Rivervale and ... it's Silverwolf, right?"

"Yep. He's a sly one, but I suppose if wheeling and dealing were a sin half the older women in my family would be on the most wanted list"

"I'm kind of surprised you went in on the deal too." she says honestly.

"oh this could bite us in the ass, but you don't want close inbreeding among dogs, what's more Fae hounds are smart, they too make a 'yuck' face"

She chuckles again. "Of course."

"Mind you, this is Alpine and Aspen's GRAND pup so it maybe weird for them to greet her, but well, even fae hounds eventually age.."

She nods. "Dogs have a different timeline than we do. A single person can live and be a presence in generations of a dog's line."

"True , but fae hounds, like Kinain do stay young near freeholds if enchanted, why Aspen and Alpine are older than me, but barely look middle aged. That said, I can't ignore this chance. And we too have our dangers- we lost Starlight when some corporate stooge tried to poison our stream illegally. You didn't know her. Sweet girl"

A sad wistful look

"I'm sorry." Jess takes the loss seriously.

"One of the first wildhunts I was ever part of... we found that man and lashed him in a nightmare version of that same stream with reeds and brambles and pussy willows that burned. We held him under the water and told him we were sending him across the barrier to a place he'd never see light again. Course, we didn't kill him, but you can believe he quit his job"

Jess blinks. "Wow."

"Yeah I know, Liams wouldn't approve, but in defense, asshole killed our Dog. John Wick would understand"

"Mmm...." Jess waggles her hand "My father might understand."

"much as he loves Oak, he might" She smiles "Your dad's been good to that dog, and I swear Oak has picked up some his habits. Probably gonna growl whenever stray male dogs get near his daughter"

Jess chuckles. "He's mellowed, believe me."

"I'm glad. I respect the hell out of your dad. "

"I do too."

"Not sure which of us has seen him more recently, but I think the trucking free has done him some good. He's even stopped by Iowa on one trip. The childlings like him"

She nods. "I was last up there.... mmm... Thanksgiving? Or so? He seemed happy, everyone did."

"Happy Family just seems infectious at times. Heck I'm not even releated to Siv but when I see her grin I feel better 80% of the time." An admission "THe other 20% I wonder 'lord what's she gotten into now'"

"Mm." a slight grunt.

A brow at that, she does speak troll "Oh no, what HAS she gotten into now?"

"Who knows?"

"Well you look like you're about three tree straws short of finding the needle she left in the haystack you're setting on, but you're a private person. I won't press. My ear's yours though. I swear, I love big brother Murray but I could gladly bean him upside the head some days so I feel you"

"Thanks, Clem. I know I can count on you."

"Only thing as as annoying as family is uplifting is family again" She nods and changes the subject as the offer to listen was declined

"Ariel says there are merfolk out here. She's met some boy, Cire?"

Jessica nods. "I'd like to establish diplomatic relationships with the Mer. We know a little more about them than we do the Nunnehi, which isn't saying much."

"Well, as you know, we DeBukes are experts on the ocean" Wryly "But I do hear they're experts on weather, ice and love spells"

"Taking it one step at a time." Jess points out.

"I understand, you've got a full plate" Clem says

A deep breath "Yep. In fact, I've started putting things on other people's plate, but that's growth."

"That's smart" SHe counters and supports "No Chief.. pardon, leader, can do it all. You got good people under you"

"I do. The best." she agrees.

"Honestly, we're planning on stealing Constance eventually, you know that right? She's marrying a DeBuke, he's gonna come home eventual like.. so .." cheeky "Thanks for helping both of them gain experience on the job"

Blink. "They're getting -married-?"

"Mmm hmm, they got engaged last year, but they've put it off."

Jessica face-palms.

"Oh Jessica, you've been swamped. Don't beat yourself up"

Another deep breath. "Ok. I know now, and I can plan. Thanks, Clem."

"You know it's possible he'll have to stay here. Constance gets a vote in this" A reminder "I do tease, we'd love her, but she may decide she gets the fellow AND her job here"

"Constance has been invaluable. I feel comfortable predicting that if they -do- choose to leave, she will give me time to find someone to follow in her footsteps."

"She's sensible and p rofessional and proud. I bet you're right"

Jessica nods and takes a drink.

A knock on the door

"Excuse me. Come in?"

Phobos says "Got the list from tidemarch"

"Good!" Jess stands to accept it "Thank you, Phobos."

The list is handed over "Herald shit, boss. It's what I do" And he nods and withdraws