#rivervale_lodge

A measuring look. "I would not do what you fear, but I respect your wisdom in this. I will not try to insist....it would not work if I tried, at any rate. But Duff...there is no injury to the pride to try to help the one you care about."

"I will try to use the information you have given respectfully. I hope you do the same with what you have learned."

"Fear" A twist o smile, "There's a blow to the masculine ego to be sure right there. " then a nod "I think we are very different in many ways , Chieftain, but we both want Jessica to be happy. That will have to do. "

"Agreed. Duff...if she will not speak with me, or if she...gets worse...contact me again."

"Is quid quo pro part of your belief system? " A raised brow

"Caring for my daughter's well-being is part of my belief system."

"But...I honor debts, and remember them."

"Then that will have to do and I will make a note of it." A glance back "Respect to you and your lodge. I'm off. " A look back at her, "mm. Hard to believe you and she are not related by blood. There's more than a bit of you in her."

A deep breath, and a slight grin. "You honor me. Thank you."

A look, "Yes. In saying so, I do. I just wish she saw it that way too." A frustrated sigh and off he goes.

Oak and Edelweiss move to the Cheiftain's sides. As i not sure they should put him on the 'welcome' list or not yet

Brekke watches him go, making brief soothing noises to the dogs. When he is well out of sight, she brings them inside...and heads for the phone closet.

(End Scene)