#rivervale_lodge

"Aye just so" Siv says at Zara's comment

Another very weary sigh from the Chieftain, and Kerri gets up to surreptitiously refill her coffee.

Then a slow nod. "I understand that, Zara. You are right. You did not know....and it sounds as if there was not time to summon help when you examined the paper clip statue. But...I would have come to help, Siv."

"There was electricty, not sure the cellphones would have worked"

"It... happened very quickly, aye." She frowns. "I didn't even realize Siv was hurt until she fell..."

After returning the mug to the Chieftain, Kerri smoothly moves into the preparing-the-cot routine.

A nod to Zara. "Battle can be like that."

"I would do it again if it happened the same way" Siv says

"But no, none of us could see THAT happening, it was crazy" A bit of asmile

A frown, and a look at Siv's bloodied shirt.

"Then you will need to carry more dross, Siv," Brekke says firmly.

"You will take the Fire tonight and regain some of what you have lost. Zara, will you stay as well? You are welcome."

Siv's mouth opens . She's ready to explain to her mom that this isn't the sort of unlikely think you carry daily dross for. Then, she simply closes it. She does not agree, but she's not going to disagree now.

"Fire is fine, yes. Thank you"

Siv looks at the balefire and smiles at something

Brekke catches the smile. "What is it?"

"I... thank you, Chieftain. I may... aye."

Zara may not have noticed until now that the cookies placed out with the tea look decidedly stale, and one or two might have little spots of mildew.

She shoots a grateful smile at Kerri.

Kerri catches the look and gives a bit of a nod and grin back.

"I know those were horrible people, those dark will workers. I know Zara feels bad I got hurt even though she more than held up her end. I know you worry about me, mum. But.. I keep thinking when I quest with Dagmar and dad and you I'm ... well, I'm hardly the greatest warrior of the lot." An admission "But this time? I was the warrior of the crew. I was the shield. And.. I really felt like a troll. Maybe more than any time since I ... I never felt more the heart of my kith than tonight"

A look to Zara "Thank you, Zara. I don't think you understand that, and I'm sorry it alarmed you, but I am grateful for that"

"I..." She frowns, and looks at her tea. "I do appreciate that, Siv. Had it been I alone... no, I would have been shot and lost."

"And without you three good wizards, one a bit of a dick, would have stayed trapped and maybe a whole day gone from Bergen" SHe points out

Brekke looks seriously at her daughter. "You have always seemed a fine warrior to me, Siv. Your art is swiftness more than brawn, but you are a fine warrior."

A blush of pleased purple "Thank you, mom. " Then she breaks out in laughter at something

Perplexed. "And now this is because...?"

"Sec, let me show you I'll be right back down..." She races upstairs... her mein maybe faded but she's certainly spry again

leaving Zara and Hearth and Storm to possibly stare at each other

Fidget.

Brekke watches her daughter go, concern heavy in her expression, then looks to Zara. After a moment, "You two did important work today. I wish it had not ended in your being wounded."

"Chieftain, I know you.. I know, I..." A frown. "Please, understand that Siv is my friend, I would never wish any harm to come to her."

An eyebrow. "I did not know you knew her well enough to call each other friends."

"I..." Flustered. Hurt? "I may have presumed."

Siv comes down the steps wearing a chain mail shirt, almost mithril like "Vali's gift. Stronger than it looks, he says, and certainly stronger htan my leathers but almost as light. Funny huh? If I knew I Had it, I would have used it. NOw I remember him handig it over"

"No, I do not mean that. I think it is more that a mother does not know all of what her teenage daughter does."

Brekke looks up at Siv's return, and nods. "I remember that now, too. Yes, that would have made a difference."

"I did not wish to impose my presence where it was unwelcome." Subdued, mostly spoken into her tea.

To Zara, "I do not think that is the case."

"Unwelcome? what's this?" Not sure she heard

Siv moves towards Zara and lookd at her mom, then the Hearth, clearly someone has broken something or someone. Can't leave folks alone for a moment

Brekke seems a bit confused by this.

She frowns, nervously looking at the grumps. "Your hospitality has been nothing but impeccable... "

"You're more than a guest, Zara. " Siv says "I would like to think...well...every time we've met you've offered kindness and knowledge. I'd call you a friend if you didn't think me presumptive for doing so?" Clearly has missed the conversation while she was up

"Well, that's because we welcome you, Zara." Kerri looks a bit confused herself.

"Is...there a reason we should not?" Brekke asks.

"I thought... because of who I carried messages for..." Fidget.

"I do not understand the whole situation, truth. And I had so wanted to see a troll Lodge..."

A deep breath and an exhale. "That...is a complicated matter. And I think I was overly harsh with you the first time we met. I was concerned for the safety of my liege."

"Zara. I don't know who you dropped letters off for in the past, but you're not sworn to anyone that I know of at all, and if you had a position it would be 'Librarian' . I think the greatest threat is if you find out one of my books is overdue."