#rivervale_lodge

(swap those please 🙂 )

(Yup!)

and she picks up Pyshka "Good girl. Good little shieldmaiden"

And she wriggles, so does her tail wag, at being returned. Perhaps dignity comes later?

pets and snuggles

"I think she gave us good advise. Calanthe doesn ot think enough of dogs to use them. "

Brekke watches a moment. "Be cautious. Calanthe will recognize this weakness quickly, even if she thinks the dog is foolish."

"It is not a weakness at all, but a strength...yet I think she will work to exploit it."

Curious, "Did you understand about the 'stinging'?"

"If she hurts my dog, I will do more than keep her from power," Nadeen says "I'll bring her so low the worms themselves will pity her state"

Truth

An approving nod.

"And the Dogs of her pack were being trained to hunt Dark Kin, some thallian, the like.. fuddling to add to the realism. It seems my dog is too clever and strong willed to fall for it" A nother snuggle "I do seem fond of will ful creatures" A sigh

"But there was no harm to the dogs. he does not torture his animals. I would see no HOPE of any alliance with him if that was the case. Dagmar would break their doors down"

"Hm." Agreement.

A thought "Chieftain, if you feel I am , vulnerable, well, my pride is pricked, but you must harden your heart against even the ego of those under you when it comes to the protection of your barony. If you wish? I will have Dagmar come along, or perhaps Sylvi? "

A sigh "Alas i do not suggest Connor come. "

"No, Connor must stay clear while Calanthe still abides there. It may be wise for you to bring another, but choose carefully. Dagmar will defend you without question, but I do not know if she can allow you to walk into danger for the sake of finding what you seek. Speak with her about it. Discuss between you what you think best."

A sigh "You're right, of course, Chieftain. " A look at her "Should Dagmar be ..agreeable with some arrangemtn with he and I and her... would you perhaps speak to Dame Kerri? The Heart is impossibly sentimental , which I could handle, but she's also quite devious and far more adept at moving people than a troll is supposed to be." A pause "Begging your pardon if that offends"

A deep breath. "I do not like the notion of arranged, loveless marriage, either. But this is not a notion. I am coming to believe that the Baron may be a good man at heart, if cold to those he should love. I also know there is no barony here for your claim. I see the advantage to the arrangement, as I think you might bring a dying barony new life. If it is something which Dagmar can also accept...I will speak to the Hearth, yes."

"Thank you. " She says "For understanding. I must not get too far ahead. This could take sometime. Even if it goes perfectly." a pet of Pyshka "Chieftain, one more thing. Aiden did not have a contract for Pyshka like he did for star at first. I think this shows a fondness for me and a trust. IF She ever has a littler, I would like him to have at least a pick even if it not the first"

Brekke nods. "The Farm will have an option on pups from any litter from Oak, or Edelweiss for that matter, but I agree that the Baron should have a pick as well."

"Thank you" A pause "Do .. you think I would be a good baroness? You mentioned bringing a dying one new life"

Brekke tilts her head. "I think you are closer to being a good baroness than you once were. I think you will start fair and become better over time, if you choose courtiers you can trust and respect."

"Yes," A nod "I've started to realize the import of that.You have a gift, Chieftain, for not giving up on your people. In return, they do not give up on you. I do not know if I'll ever be as honorable as you hope, but I have taken that lesson to heart." A bow, then her ear gets licked ruining the effect, . She siighs "Good day, this one needs a walk"

and she slips out, leaving Brekke to contemplate how puppies respect no title besides 'my person'

(End Scene)