#bergen_county

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Brekke takes in the sights and bustle and noise of Pennons, a far larger celebration this year than she has ever seen it here. She's watchful -- things can certainly go wrong -- but also feels...content?

She turns back to working on Stormwake's hooves.

Stormwake is eager. he can smell the scents of other horses, he knows the sounds of a tourney. She's content... he's raring to go, but he gives no fuss as the hooves are tended.

She grins. They will make a good showing. She is certain of it.

She pats his flank as she finishes and moves on to Star, making sure the mare is ready for Dagmar. She also will do well. She has been working hard.

Stormwake nickers in agreement

And as she works on Star, a guard approaches. He's a troll, so knows to refer to her as "Chieftain Shacklebreaker. Have you a moment?"

She straightens and cleans off her hands. "Yes?" A quick visual check -- the horses, including Spark, their gear, the immediate surroundings, then the guard gets her full attention. "What is it?"

"I'm afraid one of your Lodge has been placed in custody" he seems reluctant to mention this but plows through "Your redcap?"

Brekke's expression goes neutral, but not before betraying a brief Of course expression. "What is the accusation?"

"He assaulted a Vendor" the guard says

Her brows go up, but all she says is, "Details, please."

"Apparently he attacked a food seller by name of.." The guard checks his notes "Kerri. While the vendor's injuries are minor, the stall was wrecked, the food scattered"

A deep breath, and a long exhale. "Where is he being held? And where is the vendor?"

"He's at the tent with the stripe patterns..." A pause 'Humor unintentional "

"Mmph." She looks over to where Frank is tending gear, then says to the guard, "Give me a minute, and then I will go with you to see them."

Approaching Frank, she says, "It did not take long for trouble to join us, but I believe it can be settled." And she fills him in on the news from the guard.

"Let me know what you need." he rumbles.

The guard waits

"I think this will not take long. Keep watch over the horses and our gear." A brief touch of his arm.

And then goes with the guard.

The guard leads the Chieftain along and into the tent. There will always be trouble makers on Pennons. Pickpockets, Drunks who get too aggressive...

And there is Dirk sitting on a bench.

Brekke goes over to where he is sitting and takes a minute to look the boy over.

He's been in a fight. Bruised knuckles. A busted lip now sealed up. And a glare for everyone coming near him.. then he sees her and looks away "Hey Chief"

"Hm." She folds her arms. "Tell me what happened." And he might even be able to feel the looming Gwydion boon.

He takes a breath... a deep one

"Some Jerkwad calling himself Kerri was selling KERRI'S THIGHS... like EMU Legs fried grilled and stuff... like she did years ago but he was promoting it with her name and being kind of dirty about it, you know, about 'Kerri's thighs being thicc and juicy, and who wouldn't want a bite..." he looks angry VERY angry "I found out about it from another Cap and came on the scene and told him STOP It ... he got scared, said he'd call the guards. I said well, let's give you a reason to.. and I wrecked his biz"

She listens, and one eyebrow creeps higher until it almost touches the base of her horn. Otherwise, her expression remains tightly controlled. When he is done, she waits a moment before saying, "Anything else?"

"I didn't eat any of them because I didn't want to give him the satisfaction and now I'm starving!" He adds "And they won't feed me"

"Hm." A moment of silent calculation, and then a nod before she turns to the guards. "Where is the vendor?"

"Other side of the tent complaining about lost revenue but also demanding protection. "

Brekke nods, then looks back to Dirk. "Wait here." Then she goes over to where the pooka sits and gives him a long, measuring look.

"I do not know you. I do not think you know my Hearth, Kerri. If you did, I think you would not do what you have done."

The Pooka is a Jackal, Brekke can tell by the ears. Probably passes himself as a dog pooka for added trust

His eyes widen "So you're good ole Brekke.. wow. Oh Kerri and I go waay back on account of our simliar names. I'm Kerri" He offers a hand "Kerri Grant!"

And puts on a BIG Smile

She does not extend her hand. And she does not employ her boon; even without focusing on it, she is already getting a twinge of a headache from him. "Yes...so I have heard. And you have invited customers to take a bite of 'Kerri's thighs'...I think you should consider yourself lucky that my peacekeeper did not take that offer literally and dine on your legs."

"HEY, Your peacekeeper? You're the one who owes me for my damaged stall, my damaged goods, and my damaged face!" He points to his mug which doesn't look that dinged

The guard nearby says "We healed him "

A blink. "Indeed. And you owe for breach of promise...you offered him that he should eat Kerri's thighs. Offer your legs to him to make good on the offer, and I will consider compensating you for damaged goods."

She looks quite serious.

And more than a little angry.

The pooka's jaw drops to the floor "Ah... Look, I say this with affection, there are DECAFF brands that are as tasty as the real thing... maybe someone could HELP you with that cup?" A look to the guard "Want to HELP???!!"

The troll guard's lip twitches

She glances at the guard, brow raised.

"This sort of legal expertise is above my knowledge, to be honest, Chieftain. I somehow I don't think he sees it that way ..." A look at the Pooka "Perhaps you should just give up on the idea of getting recompense?"

"I was assaulted by that corby, you saw the damage to my beautiful beautiful face!" He gestures to his nwo healed and not that good looking face "AND my property.. what of Seventh Haven?"

A blink. "Interesting idea. We could go to the Count. This is, after all, his demesne. You should, of course, know that he knows Hearth Kerri well. He knighted her, in fact. He may take even more offense at your mockery of her name than I do."