#fenixtj

"Alaska," Brekke says quietly, looking to Frank. "It is a promise we made each other long ago."

Siv nods slowly at that, "Good waters up there, not that Kestrel needs waters , you'll fly when you need to. That's good. "

Frank nods to Brekke, agreeing.

"Alaska." Jess repeats.

"We will be sure to make home near water, Siv, so you will be able to reach us easily."

Then a nod to Jessica. "Alaska."

Jess sits with that for a minute.

"I..." A smile "Thank ye, for that. A hike won't kill me but I... it will be easier, when the grandkids come with me to visit. Assuming..."A bit cautious and hoping she doesn't sound as vulnerable as she feels "Assuming that's okay?"

A gentle grin to Siv. "We will insist on it."

She looks to Jessica. "We will not be far from Starbear Lodge, either, I think. Not far from a balefire."

"That's good." Jess says, distantly.

A slight brow at Jessica. "What are your thoughts?"

Siv looks relieved at her mom's gentle grin

"Um. I don't know." Jess says honestly "I mean... ok. Thanks for telling us?"

"Oh hell, I'd be furious if they delayed telling us too long" Siv says honestly "HEll and high water pissed. This explains a lot about a conversation or two around Bergen. Folks being awful odd, at least some"

Brekke looks a bit amused. "You are welcome. I will tell you more."

"First, few others know, only those who needed to know for the sake of the Lodge itself. And the Count. I spoke with him first to make some arrangements before telling any others."

Jess takes a deep breath, bracing.

"Count Hemlock has agreed to support Hearth Kerri's elevation to baroness, if she agrees to do so. She will then become Chieftain and continue the leadership of Rivervale."

"Kerri??!?!?!" Jess seems to be amazed not at Kerri's leadership, but the elevation part.

A slight grin and a nod. "Yes. If she agrees. She has asked to be given time to consider it. If she does not...this becomes more complicated."

"Ya think?" Jess retorts, then softens "Sorry... so... Um. Alaska? Really?"

"Really. You are truly so surprised?"

"No." Jess says.

"Just so."

A sip of coffee.

Jessica shifts in her seat but then nods. "Ok then."

"Please, Jessica, if you have more questions or concerns, express them. You as well, Siv."

"No, I mean... you've decided to do this, you've spoken to you're Liege... it's a done deal. Right?" says Jess.

"Aye... this explains why Sylvi was asking about 'ethics'"

"It is. But if there are concerns, perhaps I can address them."

A blink at Siv. "Ethics?"

Siv ponders. Sylvi didn't forbid her to share this so "Goldfinch is affected by this. It's very status and purpose could be altered if steps are not taken"

Brekke nods. "Part of why I insisted on Hemlock accepting Kerri as my successor. She certainly has an interest in protecting Goldfinch's security." Then her brow furrows. "Does Sylvi have doubts that her mother would do this?"

"In a nutshell, mother, I think I just advised that Hemlock swear HIS part of any oath exchange first if an oath is demanded. Hypothetical my ass" A hurumph "I think Sylvi wants to protect her mother, and Goldfinch both. You know she's not a fan of the feudal system"

"Hmm." Brekke nods thoughtfully. "Perhaps I should speak further with the Freeholder. She did not say much at the meeting."

Jess and Frank, with minimum oaths, listen.

"She's going to be right peeved at me if you do," Siv says "Mother, I... you and da deserve all happiness. As a Fiona, I am supposed to promote the power of love and you and dad are , however much it embarrass you to hear it, a love story. This is a promise you made to each other, trueheart to trueheart. It.. needs must be kept however adrift it make some of us feel. How much time do we have again?"