#odyssey

DarkGate has , as ever, an ominous feeling to it.

It is the prison of the dark, the bars that hold it back. And yet, that is not ALL it is, just most of what it is. So there are nooks and crannies where one can find the joy of craft, or the warmth of comradery .

Marseilles, Hearth of Dark Gate is confident in his talent, and damn, he's good at cooking. Sally Mae has referred to him as full of himself, but he has a right to be. While any true Rivervaler will stand by Kerri as his better, he's not far behind and seems to have traveled far afield just to learn how to cook foods from all over

In her heart of hearts, Dagmar knows tove is still better .

Brekke is solemn and preoccupied, but is a good guest. "Our thanks for your welcome and hospitality, Hearth," she says formally to Marseilles.

"My pleasure, Chieftain. We don't get many guests here so my talents are wasted half the time. Some of the soldiers here treat my fine banquet settings like a messhall and wolf things down so fast they barely have time to SAVOR" a shake of his head, Marseilles says "So it's nice to have folks who can enjoy instead of guzzle gulp gone"

Colton looks up "We DO have to make sure we're on patrols and posts on time, Hearth"

"That sounds like a STORM problem to me, Sir Colton" Marseilles says

"Are you two starting again?" Sylvi says with a smile as she approaches. Then a respectful nod to Brekke. "Chieftain." And a wry grin to both Dagmar and Nadeen. "Hey. Crazy times, huh?"

Nadeen looks up "Mmm? Oh yes. Excellent food, thank you, Hearth"

"I like the grey stuff."

Colton smiles at Sylvi "yes, Marseilles is bein mean to me again. Protect me?"

Marseilles snorts

However, Dagmar's praise makes the Hearth puff up "A woman of quality knows quality"

Sylvi rolls her eyes at her boyfriend.

"It is very good," Brekke agrees. "Sylvi your parents are still at Rivervale. The Lodge needs them while this continues."

"Cool." A little smile. And more "grey stuff" smeared on a cracker. (Just don't tell her what it's made of)

"Of course, I get that." Sylvi nods. "Hopefully it'll be settled soon, right?"

"That is the goal," Brekke agrees.

Colton says "Sylvi has been amazing here. She's been pulling tripple duty around here , not just patrols of her own, but acting as Reeve for the locals who aren't sure how to approach the Chief, as an advisor and more."

Sylvi blushes and shrugs. "Just...you know...trying to help."

Brekke nods approval. "Good. All is secure here, Storm? The Gate?"

"The Gate had a surge of sorts last Yule but was held in check." He answers "And sometimes it draws dark things to it. In truth, the last thallian that tries to 'sneak into' the place? I decided to use as practice on tracking and elimination. My bigger concern, as a Liam, is cultivating our dreamers and protecting them from any Thallian that decide we're too big to bite off, but some son of adam or daughtre of eve dreamer is easy pickings. " A light flush over something. Sylvi knows that he and the Chief do not argue often, but Colton went head to head with him on making sure patrols included looking after mortals

Sylvi makes a half gesture, as if she's going to rest a hand on his arm, but then stops. "It takes some balancing, but it's working," she confirms.

Brekke frowns and nods at this. "Yes. You have heard about the harm Lord Gildas has brought to mortals over this conflict?"

Nadeen wipes her lips "thank you for an excellent meal, Hearth" And she rises

She appears to be done early

Colton answers "I have. the man is... well, scum. "

Brekke watches her rise.

Sylvi looks surprised. "Um...want me to show you to your room, Nadeen? To get settled and everything?"

Dagmar follows, frowning.

"No, I think I can find a spot. I can 'rough it'" She says "You should all finish"

"Okay." Sylvi smiles easily, but when Nadeen is looking away, she gives Dagmar a more serious nod.

And Nadeen looks at Dagmar "I'll be fine. You were enjoying your food... and you may need your strength if seconds are called on"

Shrug.

"Can nap for a bit. C'mon, there's gotta be a place to crash."

the Hearth says "the room down the hall to your second left has three beds reserved for female guests if that will do?"

"It will do fine" Nadeen says and inclines her head "thank you, Hearth" Nadeen then bows to the Chief and moves off...Dagmar can follow if she insists but Nadeen makes good speed

A nod in response to Nadeen's bow. She waits until Nadeen is gone to mention, "She was witness to the murder. She has not said much about it."

"Oh, wow...." Sylvi looks to where Nadeen and Dagmar have gone. "Yikes."

Dag DOES insist.

Colton frowns "I think I owe Nadeen an apology. I always thought her ..cold. guess there are limits"

"Well...y'know...people change," Sylvi says, giving Colton a pointed look.

Colton nods "Hence my thinking I owe her an apology." He ponders "But perhaps not now"

(Inside the three bunk room) Nadeen finds the most reclusive of the bunks, and lays down on her side, back to anyone.

Sylvi says, "Yeah, I think now would be not-so-much."

Brekke returns to her meal. "I was surprised that SilverWolf offered its lands. Well...at first I was surprised. Dame D'Lorian pointed out the Baron's opinions about the harming of animals, and it became more clear."

Dag claims the next one. She folds her hands over her stomach and watches the ceiling - quiet, but present.

Colton ponders "I will confess, the Baron has proven reliable as an Ally to us. We have respected his boundaries, and in return he has worked with us to secure ours. It is as if he has channeled his house ambition into his animals and , I think, it is for the better in many ways. His Thane Linnae has been a regular visitor and go between"

(Bunk Room) "I'll be fine. Dagmar. I just need .. I'll be fine" Nadeen says to a wall "Go on back."