#anywhere

Going on Patrol in the woods is second nature to the Chieftain by now. But it is rare that Sir Vali asks to join her in that his patrols tend to be the social ones.

Rarer still since he's been gone for a few days on private matters, or so he said.

Still, she agrees easily, and the two are moving out onto the wood paths with Oak. Brekke is silent for several minutes, giving him space to speak first if he wishes.

He actually seems somewhat refreshed, or at least.. more centered than he did before she went away and returned. Whever he's been, perhaps it has done him some good, but he is thoughtful, "So..." He finally says "I need a togail soon. "

She nods. "Agreed." She's pleased that he seems less tortured by the notion. "It will be an honor to welcome you into your grumphood. Do you have ideas about the ceremony?"

"Oh a few.. was thinking of having the ceremony here, and the celebration elsewhere if that's okay?"

Another nod. "I imagine 'elsewhere' would be in Charm?"

"It would. I'd like you and Frank to come. There's going to be a party, a bit of dancing, and more. The countess has said she wil lbe on good behavior if helps. And frankly? You and Frank could use a social situation where you get to dance and have fun. No one is required to go. I knwo some of the wilders are sour on the place, but I think it could be fun."

She blinks. After a moment, "Vali...does the Countess know that you are inviting me, specifically? Has she agreed to this?"

"She has. And not specifically 'you' . I'm inviting folks of Rivervale." He says "It's okay to say no thank you, but I would like to invite her for the ceremony here too. and Tiffany of course"

A slight grin. "Now, Vali...that is hardly fair. I was about to offer for you to invite her for the ceremony, but now you have taken away my chance to do so unprompted. And yes, Tiffany, of course." She looks at him. "How is Tiffany responding to the news that you will be having this Togail?"

"In truth ? She and I are in a ... I think she's a bit scared of how I'll change. I know I was. And..we're both wondering what it means for us. " He says "Here's the hard part. It's getting serious. Pooka jokes aside. I .. love her. And I want to live with her , or her to live with me. But that means either she has to come up here, or I have to go down to Charm. "

A thoughtful nod at the first part. "When I had my Togail, I did not yet know of Frank's feelings for me...and did not completely understand mine for him. Things became more clear afterwards. And...more complicated. But the Togail helped give us both clarity, I think." A pause. "She would be welcome here, Vali, if she wishes."

"Thank you. The Countess is willing to release her from her oath, but it's up to Tiffany. And, it coudl be argued that I'm not need at Rivervale anymore. Gerd is a wilder, her destiny will be what it will be. I've seen ..enough repeatedly t know that my chance of affecting things there has gone down to nearly nothing. She's capable of defending herself now, and has many fine people to do it. I'm honestly not sure what I bring to the hold that anyone else doesn't already do. I mean, besides tell soem amazing jokes" Wryly

"Hm." A few moments of thinking, continuing along the path. "I think you have done well to protect and support Gerd so far. I think you are right that now she needs to learn to do so herself. She needs to know the things that you have protected her from...you must tell her of the dangers that you may have hidden from her, Vali. As for your contribution to Rivervale...." She looks at him. "Do you know that I wondered the same thing about myself before my togail? I was confused and irritable much of the time. I was not making good decisions. I did not seem to be much good to my own Lodge, and I wondered if I would need to leave as I took on my age. But after...I re-learned who I am in the Lodge, and what the Lodge is with me. Vali...I would would ask that you not make this decision before your Togail. You do not yet know who you will be."

"mmm confused and irritable huh?" He ponders "That does sound..disturbingly familiar in a personal sense. I've been so thin skinned lately. I mean, I've always had buttons that could be pressed but I've been told by folks I trust they've been huge this summer"

"Mm. Your wilder-skin is too tight." A hint of a grin.

A chuckle, "You have a slyer sense of humor than you let on."

She blinks. "Me? I think you may be mistaken." Still a bit of amusement there, and she relents. "You did not know me as a young wilder, Vali. At any rate...do you think you and Tiffany can delay in making any permanent plans until after you learn a bit more about your post-Togail self?"

"I think that's wise and she'll appreciate a bit more time. I think she'd deny it, but I think she's spooked. Who will I be? Will we still love each other? She's a doer...what if she does move up here. Is she going to be welcome to serve with you in a lodge that's dedicated to troll heritage? If I move to Charm, will folks see her as a knight's pet? She's.. proud you know? I'm her Damsel and she loves me ... but I'll tell you it took me awhile to figure out. Did you know women are people with their own hopes and dreams that have nothing to do with guys? Mind blown... " straight faced himself

An eyebrow at that. "Imagine." A few steps further. "Vali, while I do not wish to discourage you from continuing your life in Rivervale, I must point out that Bergen and Charm are not your only options."

"Such as?" he asks

She blinks at him. "Concordia is a large place, Vali. And it is not the only realm in this world where fae live and thrive. Let me be clear: I want you to stay if you can. But if neither here nor Charm are workable for you and Tiffany as a couple, then you should consider the world beyond those two lands."

A smile "Point made. I actually..well, went to a differeent location, got a work out doing some good. A few less Thallian in the world" As they are on their return lap

"Indeed? I was not aware. You do not seem damaged."

"I had a little healing from a kindly boggan. I think Knight Errancy for the weekend was a good way to celebrate my lingering wilderhood. But when I become a grump I know I'll want to settle down a bit. It's..almost a given. But thank you. I do have a lot of choices on where TO settle. And Chief? There ARE lots of places, but only two of them have family" A smile at her, "Thanks."

And they come in sight of the lodge.. .the dogs charge forward demanding pets.

(End Scene)

Upstairs- Tove says "Hey?"

Muffled, from behind a closed door. "Go 'way."

"I wish you'd let me in" Gently "Is it that bad?"

"I'm fine. Go way."

"I need to talk to you."

"No you don't, leave me alone."

"I'm looking for something. I would like to talk to you about where it might be. "

"Can't it wait?"

"I'm worried I'll forget about it if I delay it." Calmly

"Why can't you just leave me alone?"

Tove says honestly "it's very hard to because I love you and I'm scared for you but... okay. I'll find it later."

"Mmmph."

"Adam and Sylvi like your company. Come down if you'd like to rejoin them."

Tove feels a bit scared. Thoughts in her head that she dare not express and NOT act on.

But she comes down the steps.

Poor Odin gets a bit squashed, but holds up well. He has dignity.

Well, one of his opinions is that Dagmar is HIS person.