#rivervale_lodge

"She is correct."

Kassidy gives Squire a Brogan a so there look!

Brogan shrugs "I knew that"

"About that, anyway." Frank finishes his cider and clears his throat, straightening off the counter. "Now. Wash up those cups if you're done, and let's see what's next."

"Yes, Sir Franklyn" they say in near unison

And they hop to it

Frank washes out his own mug and moves on to his desk. The weather being what it is, maybe a week off is not a bad idea.

Maybe not. Oak ttakes a spot by his seat and settles

Frank reaches down to scritch ears.

thump thump thump goes the tail.

It's a good life

(end scene)

The phone rings at the lodge! Not one of the annoying and disliked cell phones of the younger crowd, but the old-timer's phone.

And it is a old timer who answers. "Hello?" says Brekke's voice in all the awkwardness she always has when dealing with the phone.

There is a slight hesitation, before he speaks. "This is Alan Lowell, calling from Carthage for Mrs. Brekke King."

A pause of her own, then. "Yes, Mr. Lowell, this is Brekke King. Is all well?"

"Yes. All is well. There is no trouble." He reassures, before continuing. "I would like to speak with you, in person, if possible. I judged it would be appropriate to call before traveling into your.. personal space." The slight hesitations of one who perhaps is disused to speaking in mortal-appropriate terminology.

"It is possible," she says, and he can practically hear the nod. "Would now be a good time?"

"Yes. I can travel swiftly to meet you. Should I come to your main lodging? Or is there somewhere more appropriate?"

"The Lodge is fine, but meet me by the stables, please. I am about to tend the horses."

"Indeed. I will be there, fate allowing, shortly."

"Good." And the phone disconnects.

Brekke pauses a moment, looking at the phone...and then goes outside as she said she would.

Aiden is soon on his way to the Gwydion barony. The trods are sometimes variable and fickle, but this time he travels smoothly and is stepping onto the lands ruled by Chieftain Brekke within an hour. He is not alone, Mischka accompanies him (sans pups), and is pulling behind her a small sledge, as they enter her territory.

Dagmar is loading up hay for the night - it's going to be cold, even with blankets.

Brekke approaches the stables with Oak. "We will have a visitor," she says to Dagmar.

Oak wags curious

"Hey Chief. Yeah?"

She goes to Stormwake and strokes his nose. "Yes," to Dagmar. "Baron Aiden. He says he has something to discuss."

"Oh." Brow furrow, then. "Probably the dogs?"

"Most likely," she says with a nod. Then, "Good work here," she indicates the cold weather prep for the horses.

Oak may be the first to know they approach, keen hearing, clever nose, and oh, he knows this lady dog's scent.

A happy bark

"Mm. They are here." She moves to meet them as they approach. "Baron," she greets him.

He gives Brekke a bow to equals, even as he kneels to detach the sledge from Mischka, giving her freedom.

She is stiff-legged at first, but it only takes a moment for her to warm back up to Oak, and soon is sniffing him in a friendly, familiar fashion.

"Thank you for seeing me, Chieftain. And Dame Dagmar." A nod to the knight as well.

The small sled is piled with branches.

Oak wags easily, happy to exchange sniffs, but he is ready if needed by his persons

"Of course." She watches the dogs for a moment, and then gives the sled a curious look. "What is this?"

Dagmar nods, but is mostly hanging back.

"A small token of thanks for entertaining my visit. A gift that you may find of use that has little practical use to me, and with no strings attached." A pause, and he adds a touch dryly, "Whether believable or not."

Some of the larger branches are a full handspan wide at the base. The largest of which shows a blackened, burnt streak. Northern white cedar, white pine - woods common to northern New York.

"I understand you enjoy woodworking."

"Yes...." she crouches down to look, then looks at him. "Lightning-struck?"

Dagmar's eyes widen with interest.

The large, burnt piece Brekke can see is of black cherry. Very nice, except for the marred streak. Or perhaps it can be worked around.

"That largest, yes. We had a freak storm event - nearly a hurricane, but that it was quickly tamed. The woods have been left out for three nights under the new snow to help cleanse any magical taint that may have clung to them."

She grins. "Very considerate." She stands again. "This will give me a great deal to work with. Thank you, Baron."

Oak sniffs at the wood. Smelling for taint

The faintest sour odor, perhaps just a trace, clinging from a wind that came from a rotten source.. Soon it will fade.

"Mischka also desired some time free of her demanding litter, and though she could not speak as much, I felt she might enjoy the company of their Sire for a time." Nodding towards the massive dog.

It seems he may still have something on his mind.

Oak gives a canine nod, not enough to harm, the he returnns to Mischka

"I believe Oak is pleased by this idea. Come, let us visit the steeds." She brings the sled along as she leads him closer to the stable.

The heavy-laden sled that Aiden would not have been able to pull on his own without trouble slides easily under Brekke's grip.

He follows, a smile on his face as he sees the horses. "How is young Spark faring? I trust the harness is working as intended?"

"Really well. Keeps him mostly out of trouble."