#anywhere

At the Ironhawk House, Dagmar is being called down.

"Coming!" trmp tromp tromp

She comes down to see Vali talking to her mom and dad. Jaymes gives her a nod to join her. She can tell by his expression wwhatever it is important.

A concerned look, a brow furrow, and she comes over

Tove is saying "No I haven't told anyone, and Jaymes is..well... he just got home"

Vali loosk to Dagmar, "Dame Dagmar. Have you told anyone else about what happened since you left the lodge?"

"No? I ain't been anywhere."

"Then... we're going to need you to help us.... we're going to change the story " Vali says, "As of now, the tale going out is that Siv is near death, in a coma from injuries and will not rise."

"Shit..."

"Like, to flush out the bad guys? I'm gonna get such a headache..."

"Price you pay for joining the Big House," Vali says "But sorry. Yeah... it's to flush out the bad guys. You don't have to lie too much, we'll spread word. If folks ask just...do that think you do when your face knits with sadness and you clam up maybe?"

"I can try."

Jaymes puts a hand on her shoulder and nods (I believe in you. and will help if you need it)

"Best is best" Vali says

"Where will Siv go?"

"Best we don't know" Vali says "Chief will though"

"Okay." A pause. "Other than keeping my mouth shut, is there something I should be doing? Watch for the nocker?"

"Definitely keep us posted if yo usee him again" Vali says "I suspect he'll be out of it ffor a bit but they may have access to healing magics too."

"I'm sure I could take him."

"In a fair fight..he doesn't fight fair. You might want to be wearing a little armor most orf the time when out of yoru house or lodge. And be ready to evoke the wyrd if shooting starts. Okay?" Vali says

"She knows that" Tove says

Vali shrugs "Sorry, just making sure"

"Oh... I mean, I have armor...."

"Okay. Any other questions?" Vali says

"how long?" Tove says "Do we need to keep this up?"

"I'm afraid I don't know that either" Vali admits

"This blows."

"Look, it is dangerous for Siv, but her MOM is backing this play, and trust me, no one hates putting Siv in danger more than the Chief. So.. one thing you can do? " Vali says "if the Chief seems to need a bit of support, lend it. Not too much trhough... sometimes she takes charity about as well as a Oz witch takes water."

Jaymes's lips twitch VERY slightly (Okay, that's a funny image but I won't admit it)

"Me? Support the Chief?"

"I know, you do it naturally anyway" He smiles

Then Vali's smile dims and he frowns "WIsh I'd read things right. I forgot I was a wilder and thus on the chopping block... and maybe if I had a stronger vision skill like some of my house members I'd have been able to help Siv more."

Jaymes snorts (Blaming himself doesn't help Siv OR him)

A snort. "Like you are supposed to be perfect?"

"Can't change the past."

"I'm trying to brace for the future"Vali says

"Yeah, but blaming yourself doesn't do any good."

"You have a point" Sir Vali says "I"ll work on focusing on what I can change then. Anything else you guys need around here?"

She looks at her parents.

"Nothing comes to mind," Tove says after looking at Jaymes then Dagmar "Am I missing something?"

"I think... well, I think we got it."

"Okay. " Vali says "And..I can't believe the Chief is doing this but it just might give us a lead"

"I hope it's soon"

"Let us know when" Jaymes says "She gets back."

"If the chief doesn't tell you before she tells me, I'l ltell you" The knight nods, then retreats.

Leaving the small family much to think over

(End scene)