#rivervale_lodge

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The phone rings in its closet. After the first ring, Brekke pushes herself out of her chair and makes her way over...and the third ring finds her having wedged herself into the space before picking up the receiver. "Hello?"

"Jessica." She smiles. "It is good to hear your voice. How are you?"

"Good to hear you too." Warmly. "Good. We're all good here. Well. We just took some injured fighters in, but they're not from Renaissance. Clem's here helping."

"Fighters? What happened?" The smile is gone. "Do you need me to come down?"

A restless moment of indecision. "Welcome is one thing. I do not wish to get in the way if the situation is under control." A slight pause. "I am glad Clem is there."

"You wouldn't." Jessica assures her. "Yeah, it's good to see her but she can't really stay. She's about as busy as I am. Or you are."

"Say, um, is Siv going to visit this summer? Time's kind of... passing."

"She was eager to come down before we had the orienteering trip. Hm. She has not mentioned it since. I will ask her. Are the trods clear?"

"As far as I know."

"Then...I will remind her that time is running out, and will come down with her soon. Jessica...you are certain that you are well?"

"Yes. Why?"

A slight huff of a chuckle. "It is not exactly the safest neighborhood. Who were these injured people fighting?"

"Oh! No, they were flashed here by their commander, his final act." Respectfully. "They were exploring in a ruin and natives attacked." She sighs.

A sigh. "Nunnehi." A pause. "Who was their commander, do you know?"

"Draga. Commander Draga."

"Hm. I do not recall the name. He died honorably."

"I believe he did, yes. His people speak well of him."

"Good. I hope you record their stories."

"We have started, but we needed them to stop bleeding first." With some humor.

"Generally a good strategy." A bit of wry humor.

"Wait...Jessica...you said Draga?"

"Yes."

"Brekke, did you know him?" Concerned. "Or did the ST just whisper in your ear?"

(SNERK)

((Eyebrow))

"I did not. But I think Vegard spoke of him. If it is the same one...he was just a boy in the Accordance War, served as a messenger."

"That is a shame."

"I mean, that he's gone."

"Yes...but he died as a hero. That is good."

"I'm sure of it. I'll be sure to capture as much as I can, and send it on to you and Dad."

"And Vali."

"Good. Thank you, Jessica." A pause. "I would put your father on, but...."

"But? Is something wrong?"

"No! No, sorry, I did not mean to imply that. I just meant, he is out and about."

"Oh! Ok. Well, good. Is he on a run?"

"No, just local work. He will be back later. Do you want me to have him call you?"

"Sure." with a grin in her voice.

"Good. I will go now and talk with Siv. It is good to hear you, always, Jessica."

"Good to talk to you too, Mom. Bye."

"Goodbye." And she hangs up the phone.