#anywhere

"Well, we have spoken. I do not trust words as well as I trust actions, but..." A pause. "It is not my decision. However, I do not see any need to oppose his claim, as as the regent actively encourages it, I am content to voice my support for Baron Hewitt as Chieftain."

"Thank you, Brekke. I... well. I tried to think of someone who could work for all of the involved parties. We don't need a war over a new fire, do we?"

"We do not," Brekke agrees. "Now...as to your former squire...." she looks at Colton measuringly. "You have released him. I appreciate that. I did not mean to steal him from your service, and I apologize for a decision that needed to be made in an urgent moment. You have also titled him, and again I am gratified to see that."

"He was well overdue for his spurs." Her mouth pulls to the side, a note of... guilt?

Colton looks like he wants to say something

"I did not receive title until I was much older than he. Sir Colton has earned his spurs through is actions. He learned how to act properly largely through his service to you. You have been a fine liege to him. I hope you will consider taking another into your service now."

"Oh, he earned it ten times over. Yes."

Brekke nods. "That said, I know you cannot direct his actions now, but you have been a source of guidance for him. How would you guide him now? He has several options to consider."

"I could use your advice" Colton is blushing

"I... Well, you know that the house is still open to you. If you wish to leave, we'll need to handle mortal affairs."

"I like the house," He admits "But I can move if it will make things easier for you?"

"I cannot offer you anything close to what could be available here. I'm landless, no matter how Coradel may dress it up with titles."

"Well, there's friendship. I get plenty of that. " Sir Colton reminds

"I... if you choose to go, I may seek somewhere smaller. Too much space for just me."

"Your home is close to Firnost, if I recall?"

"Yes. I attend school in KC, then go to Earth Runes as I may."

"Well...as I said before, you have done well in guiding Sir Colton. Perhaps you might do so again, with another who seeks a liege? Having a home that is slightly too big would make sense in such a situation."

She frowns, feathers slicking down.

"This does not appeal."

An observation.

Colton gets Sparrow her favorite drink

"I don't... I don't wish to be a liege for it's own sake.'

"I do not understand."

"I managed before."

"You managed very well. Lady Sparrow...." Brekke pauses, then looks to Colton. "Forgive me, Sir Colton, if in my honesty I offend." Then she looks back to Sparrow. "When Squire Colton came to Rivervale, he had much to unlearn. He had been taught to accept cruelty as his due, and when he began to unlearn that, he filled in the gaps with an abundance of pride at first. Then he became your squire, and you guided him to develop into a young man who has learned balance, compassion, and generosity. You did better than manage."

"I was kind of full of myself" He concedes "Unberably smug, I think is how Sylvi worded it"

Brekke cocks an eyebrow at him. "Mm. Words to that effect, yes."

"What I mean to say is that you are more than tolerable as a mentor and liege, Baroness, and I believe you could be so again. However, I certainly do not intend to attempt to chain you to a role you do not feel called to perform."

"Sylvi has her own credit due in that regard, I think."

"Much as I love Sylvi, don't cheat yourself of your due, please, Baroness" He says to Sparrow "I learned so much. I even have an artistic side I didn't know I had. Baron Hewitt says I might make a decent Dougal"

"Well, you have the arm..." Wry.

Brekke nods slowly. "I can see that as a possibility."

Hewitt laughs "Well, can't blame me for recruting, but we'll see"

"He'll find the right house. Can't say I haven't spoken up mine."

"It's... very likely I will go Liam" he admits

She looks up, surprised - and pleased. "What? Really?"

"But probably not the House Truthbranch, I'm sorry" He admits

"I want to muse in other areas... love is great but I'd like to inspire.. " A blush "it's silly"

"What? It's not for everyone, I wouldn't expect that..."

"Honestly, you know I tend to focus more on beauty than love..."

"Courage and... I know it's silly, but I see mortals, and they see this kid with the proesthetic arm? And they look with me with pity, or sometimes kind of creeped out right? And some also have their own missing limbs or disabilities... and they look at me... and it's like they're searching to see how I handle it." A sigh "I've been musing by gaining acceptance and understanding, and by... this is going to sound vain, but by being an role model? Show courage.. and they can find their own? I encourage them that they can still do so much. I mean, I do Shop. I play sports. I ... my life is full you know?"

She smiles. "I know. You're pretty awesome."

"And that's an important thing - inspiring hope, making people believe in a better tomorrow. That's... yes. That's so important."

"See, now i'm gonna backslide" he says "SO.. you think it's.. a good use? I mean, a lot of differently abled are...well, they're angry or lost... I don't want to tell them what they hAVE to do, but I do want to help them find their way out. Liam would approve of that? As a house?"

Sparrow nods. "Of course."

"Now.. there's downsides, and you need to seriously consider those. Have you spoken to Frank? As a troll, he might have better insights than I..."

"I haven't, but i can. I know that there's a powerful stigma. I've seen it hold you back some. " he nods

"Do know that Frank is as strong as an oak." She smiles. "And the House would be better to have you in it."

"Well," A blush

"I wish..." She sighs. "I wish I could give you more, Colton."