#elsewhere

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Brekke makes a quick call to Jessica.

"I know I could come through the door, but I do not wish to disrupt your people. Jessica...I may need to call on your support tomorrow night to defend Rivervale."

A pause, long-distance. "Damn it, did she see this coming??"

"Of course, mom, just say when and where."

"See what, Jessica?"

A sigh. "I have at least two Beaumayn here. Three, including Vali visiting. I'll be there."

"And I do not know that there will be trouble. There will be defenders here, but I wish you to be on the alert should they need assistance."

"You want me at Rivervale then? Guarding your centaur?"

A brief sigh. "I suspect that our centaur may not wish to stay around, and may leave in the midst...and he is not to be treated as a captive."

"I think it best you remain in Renaissance unless the call comes for aid."

"He? I thought it was a young girl. I'll stay here if you wish but .... "

"Ah, yes...we have two here now."

"Jessica, I do not anticipate an attack here. I merely advise alertness and caution and readiness."

"Two?" then she mutters "if they saw -that- they didn't say....." then louder, to the phone "Ok. But you'll let me know, right? You want me to send someone I trust to just be there, send messages?"

"We'll be ready, and waiting."