#rivervale_lodge

(Later)

Ring! goes the phone

On the second ring, it is answered. "Dierks and Davidson residence," Brekke's accented voice says.

"It's Nadeen, is this a bad time?"

"Ah! Hello." A pleased tone. "It is not a bad time. All is well?"

"For the most part, very much so. Though I will miss Sylvi. She told me all about that"

"Mm. I was wondering if she had. And...it occurs to me now..." A pause. "You are not upset." A statement with an undertone of surprise.

"Well, I was a little, yes, but it's the best thing for her, isn't it?"

"I think it is the best for many of us," she agrees.

"I actually called about something else... it's about Oak"

"Oh?" Surprise in her tone.

"Yes, I'd like to put him out to stud"

A pause.

"With a SilverWolf dam?"

"An Ovcharka, a mixed breed may seem counterproductive but I tthink it would make a most beautiful and potent litter of fae hounds. Now, I am told in traditional contracts the owners of the sire reserve the right to the first pick of the litter. And you must confess, Oak and Eddie might welcome a third canine guardian?"

"Hm." Another pause. "I have seen the Ovcharka. Very fine animals. And the timing is good. Oak has...expressed an interest." She sounds like she's considering it.

"In general," she clarifies.

"However, I have another obligation to consider. The DeBukes have first pick of any issue from Oak or Edelweiss. I could offer my option to them, to satisfy this, I suppose."

"Oh, poor fellow. " She nods "Well, I'd hate to see you cheated, but they have been impressed by Pyschka, so I think they might agree. New blood is needed on their side too yes? " A beat "Chieftain, would you like me to see if I can get them first pick and you third? I can't promise it, but AIden is reasonable, and I do want Rivervale to thrive."

"I do not wish to put you in a difficult position, Baroness...but I cannot deny that that would be appreciated. If Oak finds a willing partner within the SilverWolf kennels," she adds. "I will not have a forced breeding."

"Honestly if he rejects a Russian girl I may feel a great deal of sympathy for the dame" wry "But yes, of course. I'll pass it onto the baron. "

"Mm." She can almost hear the nod. "You wish us to bring Oak up there?" Checking her understanding.

"We could take the prospective mother down there if you prefer? "

A pause. "Let me speak with Oak and see what he would wish. If he desires to go there...I am sure he will be well cared for." A statement that, on the surface, sounds like a compliment, but in tone clearly reminds Nadeen that there are some of the SilverWolf household that Brekke does not trust.

"Little incurs the ire of ANY here more than one who abuses animals, but of course"

Another almost audible nod, this time of approval. "That is good. I will contact you later in the day, if that is good?"

"Please. And send my regards to Sylvi. I'm sure she's eager to serve Rivervale again"

And with that, the call ends

(EndScene)