#rivervale_lodge

Gwen sips and savors the smell, the taste, the feel of the mug in her hands

this mission is a success whatever else happens

"Can I take this mug outside? I want to ah.. check on the dogs" Gwen says

"Absolutely. I'd appreciate it if you bring it in with you again later," Kerri says easily.

"I will join you there a bit later," Brekke says to Gwen.

"Of course" She bobs her head to all, then smiles "Yes, Chieftain." And out she slips.. after refreshing the coffee

And Dagmar and Lavender head out to the barn "... latest cavalier quartlery is awesome..."

leaving the Mountain, and Hearth (And Chief for a bit) to talk among themselves about their guests

(End Scene)

Two dogs race through the forest trails around the lodge. An entirely new world of sights and smells for her, and a tantalizing new companion to show his territory off to for him.

Mischka shares with Oak the story of her breed. Warriors and guardians, with furred pads that race across the icy steppes, through forests of silver birch and frozen lakes, frost that forms on the edges of fur but can't freeze through their thick coats, and answering to lords of winter's sunlit snow.

Her forests now are not the same, but she still remembers them when she dreams.

Oak speaks (in that canine way) of the Mountains he has never seen but knows of, the land between two great kingdoms even if today they no longer have the same crowns. He'd love to show her the sky there, the secret passes between the mountains that he knows in his own blood and dreams

The chase is marvelous - diverting through a stream to splash and cool their paws, then around a rock that peers at them with curious eyes. Each time Oak approaches a little too close, Mischka turns and warns him off, with bared teeth.

Though, eventually, her warning snaps turn into playful nips, and her leaps and bounds to stay out of range allow the distance to be narrowed.

Did he catch her, or did she allow herself to be caught? Only the two know for sure.

(Fade, to Bella Notte.)

"I'm just saying, Edelwiess would be a great mother" Gwen scratches the dogs ears as she talks to Gerd, "And Silverwolf would be happy to come to an arrangement sometime"

Gerd eyes the troll girl "She's too young."

"Actually she's just right age for her first litter" Gwen counters

"She doesn't want puppies" Gerd tries a new tact

"Do you have the power to willow whisper?" Gwen asks

"nooo" Gerd admits

"Well then, how would you know? It's a part of nature and most fae hounds are are rather proud of their off spring" Gwen explains

"Are you part of house Ailil? I mean, this sales pitch..." Gerd eyes her

"Oh, that would be SO cool" Gwen replies imagining it "I mean, they are the Winter Kings for a reason and..." She looks round "Hello? WHere'd they go?"

Flicker flashing near the lake, Gerd and Edelwiess appear, Gerd looks at Eddie " Something's not right with that girl, and I don't mean the extra thick skin condition"

***************