#rivervale_lodge

"What is it?"

The tone of a terminal patient hoping for a miracle cure.

"we've kept half an eye on it when they thought we weren't. I suppose that IS spying, but an ear out...things get too playful, we use some weathr magic mimic wolf howls... it's.. well, I didn't evne know they did this. But the Chief and Mountain tells me it's so. Sally Mae? to this day she doesn't know why the cold rain came down ... now, this is if it goes too far. Not entirely. Otherwise they get evne moree suspicious. It would seem 'raining on wilder parades' is not just a metaphor. I should in restrospect, guessed"

Frank takes a deep breath, holds it, exhales.

Brekke listens, then nods slowly, thinking. Then a wry chuckle. "When I consider how many wilders your hold has had to manage over the years..." A sigh.

"It would seem I was one they didn't worry about when it came to boys for the longest time. "

A look to Frank. "I do not like it, but...she already feels a prisoner. If we allow her to go, knowing these safety measures are in place...?"

"Which, if I think about it, mgiht kind of offend me." A sigh

Frank looks up, finally. "How the Farmhold manages their wilders, and their energies, is the Farmhold's business." He gives Brekke a steady look. "We're not going to stop her, are we? So, we trust her and let her go to the Farmhold and...." His jaw clenches and he sips his coffee, tightly.

A look to Clem. "It was never a concern for my family with me, either."

"Or mine." He chimes in.

"Well, thank you Chieftain. Though I'm pretty sure I won't be as fortunate as you. Not all of us can have it a... pardon ,getting off the subject" She nods "Then I'll see if I can keep an eye on them and if I have to take the form of a razor back and rumage through... well, that'll do it"

She returns Frank's look evenly. "First...we should ask if she intends to go. She may have no interest. Or...concerns."

Frank nods.

"She might" A nod

"Careful with that, Clem...she would likely try to hunt a razorback-you."

A sigh. "And...we have to wait until she brings it up. Otherwise, she will know somebody on the Farmhold told us."

"Sorry about that," Clem says

"We appreciate it, Clem. Thank you."

Brekke shakes her head. "It is important. We need to know if she will trust us with this sort of information. I am guessing...she may not. I hope she will."

"She might surprise you, but she eoesn't seem like a planner' Clem nods, "Kind of a fly by the seat of her pants kind of girl"

"She'll decide when she's there, when it's happening." Frank sighs. "And, she'll decide to go."

"oh, uh, Chieftain? While I'm here?"

"Yes, Clem?"

"you mentioned after the trip wanting lessons in the last cantrips of Primal? Old school and all? You still interested?"

A blink, and a weary chuckle. ''I am, indeed, Clem....but you will forgive me for being preoccupied with the prior topic." A deep breath. "Yes, I am still interested. What can I do for you in return?"

Frank takes a sip of coffee.

"I'm not sure. Training for training I guess. But I'm not sure in what" She says "Not that you all don't have a lot to teach, but I'm not sure on what's on the menu so to speak?"

"Well...combat. I have a bit of chicanery and legerdemain along with my primal, but I am not a master in any of them. Woodcraft, tracking, survival skills..." Her brow furrows. "I am not sure what I know that you do not already know."

She bites her bottom lip, "I'll have to think on it. They've put me under Mountain, and frankly, I think maybe it's because we made the mistake of not seeing Earl's talent in that area. Well, most of us. So arts and lore and the like are expected. But I've noticed that while I can throw a punch with the best of them, a little more training in melee might serve the folks I Look after well. Truthful like? I'm not sure. What.. what helps a chief most you think?"

"Hmm...well, I could teach you a bit of crafting...carving...but I do not know if that would be the help you need it to be." A long pause as she considers the last question. "I think...you are right about melee, about battle strategy. That requires seeing the strengths available in all your forces, not only the best fighters, and how best to utilize what you have. I have found it applies well off the field, as well. Recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and delegating accordingly. So perhaps that is the route to go."

"If there is anything I could contribute, I would be happy to. Not for myself."

"Well then a few lessons to buff up my skill at arms, and a few in tactics?" A smile at Frank, "Thank you, Mountain."

Frank nods.

Brekke nods and extends a hand to shake on it.

They do, and the deal is made,"We'll have to compare schedules"

"Yes. Fortunately, access is convenient." A bit of a grin. "Perhaps my lessons might coincide with Siv's visits."

"that does solve a few problems in some ways doesn't it?" A smile

"And gives her more opportunity to mention the party." A look to Frank. "I still think she might, without us having to do so."

"We'll see." Calmly.

"Well, I am glad to end things on a high note then. Please tell the Hearth I'm sorry if I was quick with her in my hurry to get to you folks." She rises

"I will make sure she knows." Brekke stands as well. "I will be up to see you soon. Send the others my regards, please."

Frank straightens and offers Clem his hand. "Good to see you again. Thank you."

"Will do" Clem says rising "My pleasure, Mountain. Nice to see you both as well." And out she heads

Leaving the two to discuss matters if they wish

Brekke remains tall and stoic as Clem leaves...but as soon as the door closes, her shoulders slump.

Frank sets down his mug and crosses to her.

She rests her hands on the table in front of her, head bowed.

He puts his hands on her shoulders.

She shakes her head, and makes a sound that's half way between a sign and a bitter chuckle. "She is too young for this, and I am too old."