#rivervale_lodge

Heavy but not bulky, is it any wonder the stone skinned Troll approves of the breed?

"We were hoping for three days to make sure things took.. err.. "Gwen blushes then plows on through "To make sure the impregnation happens. Pardon, but it's a natural process and metaphors feel false. I'll use them if you prefer"

"It is fine. Use what terms suit best. I am not squeamish in that regard."

"I may clutch pearls" Lavender whispers to Dagmar. Still on duty, but clearly more relaxed is the satyr school of knighting

"And three days is easily accommodated. I will make sure Oak is not called to duty during that time."

Mischka sniffs Oak thoroughly, perfunctorily, and yet also looks him over with a critical eye. All seeming well on first glance, she gives a single wag of her tail. Then, a bound towards the treeline, and she pauses, looking to Gwen for approval.

"Mischka is a very eye-catching lady," Brekke says. "I can see why the Baron suggested this crossing."

A grin. "The Lodge is in that direction, and Oak knows the way well. He will guide her, and defend her if needed," she assures Gwen.

Mischka sneezes in disdain at the idea she may need defense.

Brekke grins. "Understood, Lady," she says to Mischka. "But Gwen bears responsibility, and I seek to reassure her. You are, no doubt, capable, but you are in a strange land."

Gwen says "Mischka, we're guests, they're being polite" And she nods "And yes, Oak's quite a handsome lad. "

"I think being really technical with terms makes it kinda easier to talk about? Dunno." A touch of purple.

Lavender looks at Dagmar, then smiles and behaves herself. She's a good friend.

"With your permission, Kennelmaster, I will let Oak run on ahead with her."

Gwen seems reserved, partly nervous, partly she's a troll, but the subject IS dogs, and she goes on "As for Breeding Dogs, one has to balance things. The AKC has guidelines, but frnakly some are just not healthy for the breed. Hopefully, this hybrid will be the possible origin of a new breed line years down the road, one bread for health over beauty though I bet they'll be gorgeous " A nod at the mention of running ahead "All right. I know our dogs will come when called and obey, and Oak seems well trained"

"Oak, please escort the lady," Brekke says and gestures him onwards.

And Oak brushes lightly against Mischka as if to say follow me

Then a nod to Gwen. "I have seen what is produced of some breeding. It is sad." Trollish understatement. "I am glad to know that health is the principle here."

She needs no further enticement, and leaps ahead into the woods - a clear opportunity to chase.

As they walk along, the Lodge eventually comes in sight.

And Oak does, alert and bright eyed!

"The little hussy, going after a younger man like that" Lavender gasps, "The barons' dog is a cougar, Gwen"

Gwen blushes "stop that." then adds "Please, Dame"

Brekke chuckles. "I am glad they are pleased with each other so far, at least."

As they arrive, she says, "Welcome to Rivervale Lodge."

"Nature should take it's course, or would if they were ordinary dogs, but of course, they're not ordinary, they're dreaming touched" Gwen doesn't realize Brekke may already know this, "And they reflect not just their blood, but the glamour of the areas they grow in. For example, Oak is of a troll lodge and hsi blood like has served so. So he's no doubt a great guardian by magic as well as..." her eyes widen as she look about "This is... lovely"

"Nice to have a place you fit, right?"

Brekke nods at the talk of Oak's breeding qualities. And then a grin at the compliment. "I know it is not quite so grand as some baronial homes, but it suits us."

"Please, come inside."

Inside, a shadowy figure pulls himself quickly up into the rafters as strangers approach.

"It's nice not to have to bob my head," the Girl admits "And I think it looks quite grand. The wood work is amazing" As she goes inside to look about

Brekke looks very pleased at the compliment on the woodwork. "The Hearth knows of your arrival, and is preparing refreshment."

"Oh, the paper work" Gwen looks embarrassed, and shows it to the Chief "This is what the Baroness and you agreed upon, with a rare bonus. Most don't get a pick at first and third of a litter.. but notice that last is only if the litter goes past five"

"Understood," she nods, looking at the papers. "You understand that the first is chosen on behalf of those who bred Oak in the first place. Part of my agreement in having him is that his first goes to them."

Frank, having heard the voices, enters from the kitchen as he dries his hands on a dish towel.

"I do, and while I think it's most generous of you," Gwen stands at attention "WHile my baron is too well mannered to say so, troll to troll? He's being generous with that third. And I don't say that to rub it anyone's face, but because he's my baron and worthy of it being noted." For a moment the young woman radiates the kind of loyalty that Brekke has felt, and still feels, for Hemlock

Brekke nods understanding...though it may be tempered by her other thoughts about the man. Then she turns and sees Frank. "Ah...Dame D'Lorian, Kennelmaster Gwen, this is Rivervale's Mountain, Sir Franklyn."

"Dame." the massive, and.... oddly unsettling troll rumbles.

"An honor, Mountain" Gwen says, blanking completely on what a mountain DOES but knowing it's important!

Dame D'Lorean inclines her head "Ser, and honor"

And a nod to Gwen in greeting as well. "A pleasure."

"The Dame and the Kennelmaster have escorted the dog Mischka here. They all will remain for three days. Oak is showing her the woods now."

Kerri steps out from the kitchen, bearing a platter of pastries. "Ah, you're here." She sets down the platter.

Frank looks to the window.....

Gwen looks over "I should probably keep an eye near the window myself" A bit nervous, this is her first task of great impoirt in a while

"Welcome, Dame," Kerri nods to D'Lorian. "And...?"

Brekke does the honors. "Hearth Kerri, this is Gwen, Kennelmaster to SilverWolf."

Frank doesn't join Gwen at the window; he only looked.. He goes to get coffee.

Brekke nods to Gwen. "Understood. You have a duty."