#anywhere

After a few moments' consideration, she turns to him. "I have a notion. But it is somewhat selfish. I would appreciate your thoughts, ideas."

"Please, tell me your notion. I'll honestly evaluate it as fairly as I can"

"You have heard, I think, that Frank and I are soon to be grandparents, yes?"

A smile "I had. "

A nod. "What I wish is that whether the child be kith or kin, that it might be supported in ways that the parents might not always be able to afford. With the parents' approval, of course. Skilled kithain midwife, tutors, tuition, so on. Not spoiled," she clarifies, "but well cared for. Where the parents might struggle to provide, they must have assistance to do so."

"Speaking as a father, I think it's perfect. Speaking as a sometimes employer of Siv, I think it helps me make sure she's available for a few missions and I thank you. And, speaking impartially ... I think the Count himself would welcome this chance to help you. Honestly, I don't see it as selfish save in the right of a grandmother to assist her future grand child. "

A nod. "The parents might resist if they feel it requires some direct fealty from them. They may need to be convinced."

"No fealty required" He says "I will be sure that's clear. My records show they're considering Chief Clem DeBuke as midwife already"

That gets an actual smile. "That is good."

"I might suggest a nanny, but it occurs to me you will want a grandparent's right to babysitting priority. "

"Mm. I think that is an option that falls under 'support' but only if the parents wish it."

A nod "Part time nanny/baby sitter but strangely has nights off when you might have free time and a desire to spoilage." Not quite what she asked but clearly he insists she get a little something out of this

Then he says "Don't worry, I won't forget. Provide, but don't spoil"

A slow nod. "Now...this does not serve as a boon for Dame Dagmar or Peacekeeper Dirk, nor any of the others who worked under the falsehood of this census."

"A fair point. Do you have any ideas for them?"

She sighs. "So many did so much...I do not know what would serve to reward them all."

"Mmm I wonder if Dagmar would like for CJ something akin to what you're doing for your future grandchild?"

"Perhaps, yes. That seems good."

"Ah, perhaps some support to Goldfinch would serve to reward most of the others who contributed."

"I'll alert our contact in Goldfinch to access how it could best be assisted"

A brow. "You speak of Sylvi? Or another?"

"Chieftain, one thing I've learned about Gwydions declining to answer isn't a lie." True and.. a smile

"Hmph." She looks disgruntled by that answer, but not genuinely upset.

"Then...I think we have it."

"I think we do." A nod "Mind if I ask you a question that has nothing to do with the unpleasantness"

"That likely depends on the question. Let us find out."

A chuckle "After my last answer I suppose I had that coming" A nod then "Aren't you full up on dogs? Where are they all going to go? The puppies I mean"

"I believe that is largely the decision of Silverwolf, though we do have rights to a share of the litter. Is this a way to request a puppy, Baron?"

"A consideration, yes" He admits "One of my daughters is taking a lot of chances of late. I thought maybe a big dog , trained to defend would be a gift she woulnd't refuse"

A slow nod. "I believe that might be arranged. But such puppies, as you say, are well bred and well trained. I cannot simply give one away." A bemused look.

"All I ask is a chance to be in first bidding" he looks a bit sheepish

"That I can do."

"Thank you," He says "Honestly, I love my kids but they did more to bump me to grump thanany number of enemies and near death encounters"

"It is the nature of parenthood. Obligation, care, responsibility. Even for non-trolls," she adds with a hint of amusement.

"Oh yes, I may stumble as a father, but thanks to being a sidhe I look AMAZING while fall on my face" A shake of his head and a chuckle "Thank you for hearing me out, my friend. I'll get to work on those projects"

"I do appreciate that, my friend," she replies in kind. Apparently the lingering resentment has been successfully smoothed over.

He clasps her arn in a warrior grip, almost silly in size comparison but firm and well meant

She is careful not to hurt him in the grip. And soon she is returning to patrol as Kealan heads back to his lands.

A chief and park ranger walks one way, a spy master and raven flies the other.

(End Scene)