#anywhere

Another bemused look. So far, so good.

Colton fights a smile and goes to get it

She clears her throat. "Baron Hewitt, how have you come to this Lodge? Hah...I do not know if it has yet revealed its name." She looks to the balefire.

"I was told of it by Sir Colton hisself, and his liege. Who suggested me. He agreed I might be a good match, and she sought me out. "

The balefire is on a sconce, portable, watch ful

That's interesting. I wonder if it will stay that way. She nods to Hewitt. "What do you think they see in you to make you a good match. I mean no offense, but I would like to understand."

"I was given permission to set up a hold if I could make one, in Missouri, now this is nae missour, but I hope it shows I have been much in the mind for for trying to be a good ruler. As you have proven, one need not be a sidhe to rule and serve a people. But it turns out I am perhaps a good choice in other ways also. THe Count who has been pushing for sidhe gwydions to take over is of me own house, a dougal. Not only do I have a better chance of calming him, if I become chief formal, the laws of our shared house will have him back off. Ye see that smithy room is a work shop of sorts ,, by dougal standards. Dougals do not try to usurp other Dougal work areas. Tis nae done without severe loss of status i nthe house"

"Mm." Brekke nods. "That works out well, agreed. I may have some influence with the Gwydion contingent."

"I would say so, a certain lady knight was most impressed"

"Ah." A nod.

"A lot of credit should go to Sparrow," Sir Colton returns with a tray with mugs and coffee "She was right, the Baron was the right call to placate all sides. It's quite the right move if I may say.. troll lodge, noble influence, and not just any house but hte one that would give the most trouble"

"Politically agile, she is," The Baron says "Though I'd like to think Id' be a good lord regardless of me house"

A thoughtful nod. "What does that mean, in your mind? 'A good lord'?"

"Well, I would be lying to say Dougal's code wasn't a big part of it. Work not words. Honesty. Integrity. Improve the Dreaming and , of course, the Code of Dagda applies as well. I suppose in a nut shell, I consider good leadership to be encouraging the best in your people but moving to aid them in the worst of times. Tis a duty..." he takes a cup and sips it "Ah, so much better thank ye" Then continues "it's a duty to lead, not a laurel. As one president said 'the buck stops here'. We are all flawed, but we cannot use that as an excuse to shirk trying to do right , and for leaders that means one must treat fairly and not let his friendships overcome what is just."

Brekke finds the coffee just how she likes it. Of course, Colton would have told whoever is making it. Conscientious

As Hewitt speaks, she tastes her coffee, nods approval and thanks to Colton, and then takes a proper drink. "Those sound like worthy ideals," she says to Hewitt. "What of duty to the balefire?"

"I would not be neglectful. The balefire is not a tool, or a weapon; it is a partner in the making by ones side. The intimacy of full union is not known to me first hand as it is to you, but I know that much. I would be sworn to defend it from abuse and misuse, and to share it's warmth for those who need it," Hewitt replies

A slow nod. Then another look to Colton. "What do you think of the Baron as a Chieftain, Sir Colton?" A brow; she knows she's putting him on the spot.

"I think he'd be a good one. I KNOW he's more qualified than I am," he says "Some of his ideas are rather.. good."

"Mm. And what of you? What would you like to have happen?"

"After all, you are the current regent of the balefire."

The baron chooses this moment to take a long slow drink

Sir Colton says "I think, we should abide by the promises given. I like the barons ideas of letting the motely have the title warband or hurscals...or clansmen, though that last one might come across as a bit' racisty'?"

"As for me? I don't know. I'd make a .. a decent storm, and part of me wants to, but while I don't have a liege anymore, I wonder if Sparrow wants me to go back with her? She gave up a lot for me. And.. I'll miss her. And then there's YOUR Lodge so.. I'm kind of unsure on where to go for ME from here. But that doesn't matter, what matters is this lodge is in good hands now"

Brekke watches him quietly for a moment, then she turns back to Hewitt. "How say you, Baron? Is there space for Sir Colton here with you? And do you see him acting as Storm? I believe he would be welcome in many 'holds. He has never shirked his duty as far as I have known, and he has demonstrated great loyalty and willing to sacrifice." A glance at the younger troll's arm.

"I have already offered him the position if he wants to stay. " Hewitt says "I hope he takes it. He'd be a grand source of common sense and fresh eyes"

"I worry about my li.. my former liege" Colton says "Alone in that house, she already feels.. kind of trapped at times"

Brekke nods, then frowns at Colton's comment. "I see. I do not know many of the details. And...you still have school?"

"I'm going to a trade school. I could probably switch to one up here"

She nods, thinking. "What do you think of asking Lady Sparrow to join us for an honest conversation?" An eyebrow.

Colton looks troubled

"I think maybe she will be fine, but she might also feel like folks are going to judge her"

"Colton?"

"Which 'folks'?"

"Well, uhm. .possibly you" He says "Not that she'd disparage you, but she feels less than useful lately, and she may think folks are now judging her mentoring"

A blink. "Sir Colton, please ask Lady Sparrow to join us at her convenience."

"Sorry I mentioned it" he winces but bows "I will."

And he moves on.

Baron Hewitt frowns, "THe Baroness underestimates herself I think. "

SPARROW has won twenty dollars...

"Ha! Victory is mine!"

when Sir Colton comes up, "Baroness? Would you join us at your convenience? "

"Take her, she's not a bird, she's a shark with wings" The Eshu sighs

"I enjoyed the game! We'll have to do it again." She collects the pile of ones and rises. "Okay, what's up?"

"Well, we're talking about what I'm goign to do , and the baron maybe being chief, and we wanted your opinion on that I think."

Colton leads her to the table where the others are

"Lady Sparrow," Brekke greets her again, nodding respectfully. "How did the game turn out?"

"I am eating well tonight." A grin and she shows off the stack.

"Now - business. I know, sidhe, I don't have much say in how a Lodge lodges. But... Chief, do you have doubts about Hewitt? You shouldn't, he's a good man."

Baron Hewitt nods "Kind of ye to say"