#elsewhere

"That's because that one is twice as important as the others" The childling says earnestly with what must seem to her to be perfect logic

"Well, I guess I can't argue with that. Yes you will probably see my appartment, but I 'll have to make sure my boyfriend and girlfriennd know when you visit for it is their place too. I was given my honorific by Baroness Coradel Truthbranch who knew being a ship captain was important to me. I actually have a tabard with an aquatic lion symbol somewhere,. We'll sail to lots of places vetually. There maybe pirates. I'll protect you from any scary ones. Lots of things can happen in the Dreaming. I'll compete in Pennons. I'll show you my arms annd armor later though I'm carrying my rapier Quill now"

The squire nods, but notices the CAT question is not answered 'uhmm...'

Brekke clears her throat. "Perhaps it is a bit early for a squire to be trying to make bargains?"

Siv says "As for the cat... it is a bit soon to be making bargains... as the Chieftain says. Also, IF we ever do..which will be awhile.., as any pet we got for you would be at the lodge, you must make sure it's okay with those who live here, particularly the Hearth ...Dame Kerri... she likes mouser breeds and may have opinions. ANNND... if you do get a pet, YOU will be feeding it, caring for it, and exercise as needed."

"Thank you" The squire hugs the Knnight, then says "may I go to the bathroom? I thnink I had too much soda"

"Then by all means, to he bathroom you go?" Siv seems surprised to have her leg hugged

"Thank you" bow insttead and.. "Where IS the bathroom?"

Brekke points the way to the bathroom. After the young squire is out of hearing range, she says, "That seems like a good start."

Frank nods agreement.

"I think I need to sit down" Siv admits "She's like a question asking MACHINE"

"Little girls often are."

"You are only getting started."

A grin to Frank. "Reminds me of a certain daughter at that age."

"Oh come on, I know you're not talking about Jessica but really?"

Frank nods confirmation.

"You cannot possibly be that surprised."

"Besides...I imagine Jessica went through a similar period, herself."

"mmm" Siv says "Well, she's not dim. I'll give her that. I'm pretty sure my vocabulary wasn't that good at that age. Unless it was nautical talk"

"You had a very interesting vocabulary at that age, from what I recall."

"Mmph." Frank agrees.

Siv looks speculative "I need to find out what happened to her family, could be some land mines there, poor thing"

"Hm. Step carefully in that territory," Brekke nods.

A nod "You kidding? I kind of want to lob a kiten at her out of sympathy. ..but that's NOT the right first step. I'm going to show her the dirty side of horses"

"Well, I just cleaned the stables, so it will not be the dirtiest side."

"Probably a mercy" She admits

Kassidey comes out

"Did you wash your hands?" Siv inquires

"Yes, Lady Captain" she shows her hands

"Come wih me, we might get tthem dirty again" Siv motions

"Oh.. yes, I mean, YES lady captain" The Liam prepares to follow

Brekke watches the two of them head out. Then looks at Frank.

Oh yes, they're gone

He watches them go with some quiet suspicion.

"What is it?" she asks, noting the expression.

"Not sure why Siv decided she wanted a squire suddenly."

She raises a hand to fend of the implied accusation. "Entirely her idea."

"Yes, but -why-?"

Lowering the hand again, she says, "She mentioned feeling a need to mature. That she is a knight, and that it is right for her to fulfill a knight's role." A slight grin. "She has developed a fine moral compass."

"Mm."

She looks at him. "Be proud, my heart."

"I'm proud of her, I just don't necessarily -believe- that's why she's doing this." he shrugs.

"Either she'll tell me when she's ready, or she won't."

A blink. "When she told it to me, she told it true."

"Alright. Alright." he surrenders.

A grin, and a satisfied nod at the surrender.

(Fade to Brekke's triumph)