#anywhere

"Yes," she agrees about Brogan's social graces. "And I agree, it is time to resolve his placement. Please...you first," she invites the Lady to begin.

"Well, I am fond of him. I would be honored to have him at my holding. In no small part thanks to the training you've given him. However, you were recently wronged in my name though I understand you handled it well. I suppose a lot depends on if you wish to retain him for Rivervale?"

Kerri takes a moment to choose her words. "Lady Gylnyss, I get the sense that if he were to stay here, he would be treated well...by you. But of course, I have see the behavior of another member of your court. I wonder, what are the chances of others who are similarly uncouth using him badly?"

She frowns "I might bristle like that but, well, given what happened, I can see why you'd ask. I would dismiss them, and I would catch them, as I found out about this. Though, to be fair, if he asked to take vengeance himself I'd have to honor it"

A nod, thoughtful. A glance to the door where Brogan departed. "I and others have invested a great deal of time in his training," she says in a musing tone. The she looks back to the sidhe. "I think I am decided, Lady. Though I am sure your welcome and assurances are sincere, I wish to keep him at Rivervale."

"I was afraid you would" She sighs "We train him here what it means to be Daireann.. and how to fight. The hospitality at yourr place struck as vaguely insulting .. at first. Not to dim your skill, which we did not know of, but because it felt like Count Hemlock was doubting ours. But not only did he learn hospitality well by you, he has improved his fighting there. His mortal family is in Bergen too. How many of us gget to enjoy them? Of course ... your claim is the greater. He is yours as long as he is willing to be or you are willing to have him. But he, and you, are always welcome here."

Kerri gives a respectful bow. "That is both a pleasure to hear, and a relief."

She inclines her head "The boy must come first... though I am trying to think of a way to keep my own pride in losing him to you while making sure he does not feel rejected" An admission "We of the Silver and green can be prickly"

"That is tricky," Kerri says with a nod. "I'm content to go along with a charade of conflict, if you think it would work, but I'd prefer something more honest. I am not certain that I could provide a compensation that would suit as a balance."

A smile "Seelie, right, I forget. No, no need to work about balance .. yes, well, then honesty, but.. brevity? Simply tell him WE Have decided he will fare better with his mortal life closer?"

A pause, and then a nod. "That seems the best, wisest course."

"Thank you" A nod

a knock at the door. Polite

"Come in, Squire" She says

Kerri turns to regard Brogan as he enters, looking very stoic indeed.

Annd he does, 'Your drinks. My apologies for my tardiness"

it's obvious he delayed to give them time. The drinks smell delicious

Kerri accepts hers with a nod. "Thank you, Squire Brogan."

"Yes, Squire, this is most satisfactory."

He bows again to both and waits.. patiently.

Kerri sips, then looks to the sidhe. "Do you wish to inform him, your Ladyship?"

"Allow me," She says, then declares "Squire, you should know both of us are very impressed with your progress. But , a childlilng who has mortal family to help their right to ignorance is blessed ,and they do live in Bergen. So The Hearth and I have decided it best you stay at Rivervale until you or the Hearth wish otherwise."

Again, that stoic expression, as if doing him this favor is a burden...but she gives him a wink at an angle that only he will see.

His lip twitches just a bit, and he bows somberly "My thanks, Lady, and Dame. I hope I.. may still visit now and then? Or perhaps the lady could visit us?"

"I have already told the Hearth both you and she are welcome here" A nod

"And I am remiss in inviting you in return, your Ladyship. Please excuse my poor manners. Of course you are welcome to come see him at Rivervale, and enjoy the hospitality of our Lodge."

Lady Gylnyss smiles "I am told a meal at Rivervale is not something to miss. Please, let's take this to the dining area. I do not claim to match your skill , nor even my Chefs, but I've found that somettimes not having to be the one who cooks can be so unique that it makes it better still"

"I would be delighted, thank you."

And it turns out, the meal is excellent, higher fare than she's used to eating , or at least fancier... but that's partly because many in RV prefer the simpler square meals. Still, a few things she could adapt.. and improve on

She definitely takes mental notes!

And yes, the lady can't help but praise the food's suppliers, the finest goods were used... but to be fair, it's a brag for her whole hold, suppliers, cooks and servants. She is eager to hear of Kerri's victtories at PEnnons.. she's heard a lot