#elsewhere

"That said, he seems to recognize my expertise where I need his experience" Siv says

A nod to Siv. "That seems a good balance."

"No." he answers Brekke.

A sigh of frustration as she takes a seat, not by the balefire, but at one of the tables where they can all speak together. "Perhaps we read to much into the peacock design. It may be a false lead. But I do not think so."

Frank gets a glass of cider and joins her.

"Has anyone used the Art to try and learn more?"

"Not yet. Not here. Though I suspect Baron Kealan is using several arts upon the Eshu."

"Siv, did you take anything from the assassin? His weapon, or better yet, written orders?"

"Hair... Rikki has it" Sheepish "But i have his wallet"

A blink. "You have checked it?"

"Yes. I've got the name he uses on hsi credit card... a library card for New YOrk Public library... and other signs he travels"

"Eshu."

"Perhaps the most recent food receipt might be the place where he and his employer met to discuss the task."

"Yes... Mortal name on credit card: Jaques Greenmar. " A nod to her mom "Good idea. Card is already being run thorugh tyhe system by the baron's men "

"Hm." Brekke is glad to hear that, but frustrated that she cannot offer help that is not already being provided from Teaneck.

Siv arches a brow, she doesn't pick up troll speak as easy but.. she knows there's more "What is it, mom?"

She shakes her head. "I only wish I could be of more help in this."

Frank nods, agreeing; he wishes the same thing.

"And...I regret that we were not able to prevent this problem from coming to you."

At that she says "Oh now there.. that's... well, join the club. I feel much the same. Rikki got hurt because someone as arfter ME? A killer got into our old place? Piper is scared and what can I do about that? I wish I could have prevented it too. I suppose that's why I'm doing this. Repaying debts is very seelie... but I want to make sure this does not happen again. " She lowers her voice "I keep thinking, what if someone hurt piper while she was pregnant?"

An unpleasant rumble at the thought. "She and Jonas, they are not safe until this is done, I think."

"They should come here. Or to the Lakehouse."

Frank grunts agreement.

"Normally I'd put up a fight on that, but I think you're right. Just until this is over. I'll tell them about it. And... thank you" She says "Honestly , Fiona fearlness does not work where loved ones are involved so I am SHAKING inside, and not just from rage"

"Mm." She nods, then looks curious. "Siv, if you were to hire you to retaliate against this Lady Highfeather -- what would be your price?"

She pauses "Whew.. let's see... honestly I've never done this for money myself. Your average bodyguard makes roughly 30 dollars an hour, a detective costs 70. As I am a shapeshifting maestro, pardon the lioness pride, I'd probably estimate I was worth more. " She ponders "It's a high risk dangerous situation."

"Hm. Or the equivalent in dross. And no way to know how many hours such a task would take."

"You are right...it would be difficult to afford to hire somebody to do this work instead of you." An apologetic tone.

"Ffft... I'd rather live a life pursuing honor and finding the duty worth doing anyway. You two raised me right"

Brekke looks to Frank.

"Parenting is perlious," she says drily.

"It is." he says seriously.

"Siv, we will both help you as we can. Please make use of us. Do not be too proud to do so."

She tilts her head

"Mom, Da. Sometimes I fear I use you too MUCH. I swear to ye, there's not a day that goes by something you taught me comes into play. Honestly, when I was a younger wilder I wasn't sure you were too bright. But the older I get, the more I'm thinking 'gee, that's just what mom said so and so was like ' or 'hey, dad mentioned it would go that way'. " A sheepish look "Frustrating at times actually. "

An amused expression.

"I know that look, that's a mor troll laugh that is.." Siv says but without heat "Look, I mean what I say, boon would bear me out on that. Sides, I'm really hoping you two want to baby sit a lot"

"Happy to help out."

She nods agreement. "I look forward to meeting them."

"me too" She says "Now..let's gather around the table and talk Leanhaun. I need all the advice I can get"

(And soon they're talking and strategizing together. End Scene)