#rivervale_lodge

"Mmm... " Frank rumbles quietly "Will these dogs do well in heat?"

"That is a concern" she admits "They may require trims in particularly hot climes. They are Fae hounds, not ordinary dogs and they are smart enough to get out of the heat or let you know. But all the breeds are on the fluffy side so that needs to be accounted for."

"Would they do well in Tiijuana?" Holger hopes

"Sea breezes and such might keep the dog cooler but I would reccomend shady areas or indoors during mid day. Is Fenix thinking of making a bid to the Chieftain Brekke for the other four dogs that won't be claimed by Silverwolf?"

"Do you have a record of any other holdings or persons requesting a bid?"

"No. " The boy says, "I am. I need a big perro, the best, to grow up with me so I maybe a proper warrior and guardian of the court. I have trained hard"

"I know interest has been expressed by..." Gladiola stops as the boy interupts, then blinks "You want one of these dogs for yourself?"

"Si? No.. for what I can do with one by my side. "

Frank's beard twitches.

"That's..very commendible" Gwen says "But they're rather expensive and a big responsilbity... "

"I am the responsible childling of the boys in my hold" The boy says , then admits "Mind you, Ahpuch sets the bar low"

"I'm just saying, you may want to get a dog from a shelter, make sure he or she gets the right training..." Gwen starts to explain to the little kid in a way she hopes is motherly enough

"I wish the best for the job... Is Lobo De Argento NOT the best for Dogs? Have I heard wrong?" Holger asks "are the legends false?"

Gladiola blinks

"Ahem" She says trying not to be offended, "Silverwolf Kennels are second to none in bloodlines, training, and nutrition. Our dogs are always top quality. Top."

Frank just waits. There might be amusement in his blue eyes.

"Beuno " He pulls out his money "Twenty one dollars and twenty six cents" he says "I am told this is not enough, but, if I can get you five dollars a month and pay the remainder over time. I am a hard worker"

Frank can see that while Gladiola has some training in courtly ways, this? This has flummoxed her. "Uhm.. ah... Holger is it? or it Holgar?"

"Si" he answers to both

"Riiight.. uhm.." Dame Gladiola crouchs a bit so she can deliver the news, the bad news, eye to eye, "Look, buying a dog from us, a top quality dog, isn't like buying a bike. It's more like ..buying a car. A fancy one"

Rather than be disheartened, Holger's eyes light up at this news "Wonderful! That I can do" He reaches into a pocket and pulls out a.. tiny car "Hot Wheels, 69' Mustang Boss 302! A gift from Salma? See the Yellow? I give this to you, you and the Chief give me a puppy. It's a good trade!"

"Dame, correct my misunderstanding...? If Holger wishes to purchase one of the puppies in the barn here, he would make a bargin with the Chief, would he not?"

"This is true, only two are ours, but it would also have to have Silver wolf approval on account on the breed being formed and the restrictions mutually agreed upon"

"But.. but I only have one FANCY hot wheel" Holger 's face falls as he realizes he might need to give two of them up

Gwen looks at those big earnest eyes and wonders where Briar is when she needs someone to break a cute little heart "Though I think, Fenix is on the list of trusted locales"

Frank clears his throat. "I would hope so."

"But.. ah... HOlger... pardon GUARDIAN Holger... I don't think a purchase of one of the line in exchange for a hot wheel would be approved on my baron's side" Dame Gladiola says "We have to make sure the purchaser has the resources, and the maturity to..."

"I will grow! I am the tallest in my age" The boy puffs up his chest to demonstrate

"I believe you" Gwen says, then looks to Frank somewhat helplessly "But you may not know how to handle one of our dogs. You see?"

Holger looks hurt, then looks to Frank "Did I do something wrong that she thinks I cannot love and care for a dog?"

"No, Holger. In fact, I will stand as bond for Holger's care of the dog, and his payment for it." Frank says quietly "If such a bargin would be accepted."

Gladiola tries to think like an Ailil. She's seen what the Baron can do, but she also remembers she's just not that darn smooth.

"Well, Sir. Obviously the largest part of that choice goes to the Chieftain, we will respect that within the standards of our contract." A breath "I however must insist that some training occur for Holger for full approval"

"Training.. for me?" The boy says "Not the dog?"

"The dog will get training, rest assured, but as Rover Olgar once took lessons to learn how to better handle his Dog echo, you should come to Silverwolf for some training with your dog so yo ucan be a better handler" Gladiola says looking sure of this "This is , of course, if the deal goes through at all"

Holger ponders this, then says "Bueno. Here. " he hands her the mustang "Hold onto this as.. what is the word? Col lateral? Until Sir Franklyn , the Chief and I work out the details for payment otherwise. Tell your baron the guardians of Fenix, even the little ones, are not afraid of hard work, and I am serious."

Having the mustang shoved back in her hand, Gwen stares at it, and sees the boy has crossed his arms

Frank nods approvingly.

"Very well" Gwen says respectfually "I shall keep it in good trust, Guardian Holger"

"Gracious" he says then says "Now, please list to me some of Silverwolf's accomplishments and creditials so I can be sure my hold will be getting the best?"

Gwen's jaw drops open

Frank smoothes his hand down the front of his beard.

"Fine.. pull up a seat" Gladiola says "This... may take a while

"

"Drinks?" Frank offers.

"If it's no trouble? Coffee?" Gladiola asks

"I do not say no to Chocolate milk?" Holger asks in his turn

And Gwen begins to list the fine tradition and record of the kennels of Silverwolf which date back before ither of them were born. You'd think the boy would soon be tired of hearing of the champions of various sorts from there, but in truth, he listens raptly and attentively as a proper troll should. Ever alert

After this long lore dump and talk of dogs, Holger finally nods "I am satisfied. Gracias, Dame"