#anywhere

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"So when do I learn to levitate an X-Wing?" Zane says as he scratches out the nordic rune on the ground with a hoof

"Might surprise you to know I caught that reference" Emmit smiles "one step at a time, padawan"

"Excuse me, Mountain Emmit. I am sorry to interrupt." Chieftain Brekke approaches the two of them.

"No problem, Chieftain, this is more a memorization test to see if he can get the right rune on command. He may , in the future, use different symbols, but I started him on on what I Know" A wink "What can I do for you?"

"I actually need to speak with both of you. I...seem to have stepped wrong, and may have brought you trouble."

Zane blinks, "That's a reversal. Normally I bring headaches to others."

"Go on, Chieftain, " The grump says, pulling out his pipe since the lesson is paused

She sighs. "Zane...after we spoke, I went to speak with your father about...." She pauses, then shakes her head. "I meant to be more subtle, but I wanted to encourage him to listen to you as you spoke of your new-found passion."

"Oh," Zane says "Oh no. "A bit alarmed, not angry "If you're here talking about it, it didn't go well, did it?"

"Not very well, no. To say I was clumsy about it would be kind. It ended with your father angry at my interference and...and angry with you, Mountain, for distracting from his search for an appropriate passion." She looks apologetic.

Zane kicks the rune, scattering the snow and dirt

"APPROPRIATE?" Zane fumes "He DID Hear me, he just tuned me out because..." THe wilder paces "WHat's he want? Him 2.0?"

A sigh. "I am sorry, Zane."

"Oh dear," Emmit says "Chieftain, did you explain to the man you had nothing to do with me taking his son on? "

"I did. At which point he put the 'blame' squarely on you, Mountain. Again...I am sorry."

"SO embarraasing," Zane says still mad, "I'm actually happy with a passion and he thinks it's a joke.. I can't even..."

"Easy easy," Mountain Emmit says "You're fine, Zane. Your father should have heard this from me since he wasn't listening to you, the Chief just got caught in the cross fire. But getting mad at your father won' t help anything"

'Might make me feel better" Pace stomp

"You might want to assure the Chieftain you accept her apology, that's what a young gent does, and I know you are one." The Mountain brows.

Zane winces, and turns "Sorry Chief , I'm very embarrassed is all and angry and hurt and it's not your fault but if it helps I accept your apology I just kind of want to find a circus to run to now"

"I appreciate that, Zane, but I likely should have stayed out of it...or counseled you to speak to him more directly."

Adam is there in the distance and heading towards the familiar figures.

"I tried i.. I guess could have yelled at at him, stubborn old goat." Huff from the wilder "But you didn't know. My dad respects you a lot as a ruler but ... well, you couldn't know the rest"

"As a ruler, yes. But one parent should not interfere with another's parenting."

"I'm not a kid, I've gone on quests. I've faced monsters! I've even saved the..well ,I HELPED save a day ..." He says annoyed

She notes Adam's approach and raises a hand in greeting. She looks somber.

Yup, Adam can hear this.

The mountain is now puffing a pipe, patiently as Zane paces.

"Hey....... " He slows his role. "Uh. Bad time? I could.... uh, go..."

"No, stay," she says to Adam. "Zane, I recognize your role to support the Barony and its people. Do not doubt that."

"Is there anything you would like me to do, Mountain?" she asks Emmit.

"I think I need to tlak to the man , let him get the scent of me as a teacher." Emmit says

A nod. "I have suggested he speak with you. He may be coming soon."

"Please don't let Murray Kill him. I'll feel bad and mom will cry" Zane says "No matter how tempting it is." the last a mutter

Emmit takes a drag and rings go out, like gandalf from the movies!

OK, that's kind of cool.....

"I'll put in a word if he does," Emmit says "And trust me, Zane. I don't know Satyrs that well, but I know what motivates students. Yours is passion. I've another who Needs to know"

"Needs?" Zane says "Strong word."

"Son, if knowledge were a well, she'd drink it like she was in a dessert then once she ran out start digging to find a new riverbed under that" The troll magicain says "And Adam, didn't mean to be rude. How are the boots working for you?"

"Mm..." Brekke seems preoccupied. "I should return to Rivervale. Oh...Adam, how was your first trod travel?"

"Uh. Oh, fine. Sir. And, uh, it was....." he frowns. "I think it was pretty wild, Chief. I think?"

"He didn't throw up after" Zane's got his back

Emmit says "That's a good first time" Approving

She nods. "Avoid travelling alone for now. Go with company." A heavy sigh...she still feels very badly about this situation. "Again, I am sorry for this, Adam, Emmit." She turns and heads back to the Bridge.

"Sorry.....?" He turns to follow the Chief, confused.

"No, you may stay, Adam, if you wish. I am returning. But do not travel alone." And she goes.

"Good advice" Emmit agrees and waves as the Chief goes

Zane says "how can she not see it's not her fault?" To the Mountain "I mean, what is it with trolls being so sure that they could have saved the day ever darn ti..."

"Go on, tell me more about trolls" Emmit says brow raised