#rivervale_lodge

(Up to you, was leaving but could have her at the door)

((Yup, have her there. Do you want to amend your post, Frank?))

"Ah, then she did not try to poison us, either." Deadpan...almost. Siv would recognize the hint of a twinkle in her mother's eye as she goes to take a bite of food. "Mmm." She echoes Frank's sound of approval.

Siv beams

Frank nods, and saves Brekke some.

"Any poisoning would be completely accidental" assuring

Oh there are two plates.

Brekke nods. "That is a comfort." Then she gets a thoughtful look. "Hmm...We have not yet talked together about your father's idea, Siv."

"The visiting the Fiona hold?" She no longer moves to leave, interested where mom is going with " or something else?"

In that case, Frank polishes his own plate clean.

"The Fiona idea, yes." She gives Siv a speculative look. "What do you think of it?"

"It's... intriguing" She admits "I just... Not sure I'll ever be a knight or what not, or join a house, but from what I hear of House Fiona... I.. well, at the risk of making think 'where did we go wrong?' I think I lean towards their views more than any other Noble House. "

A slightly wry expression. "I had not thought of it before your father mentioned...or perhaps I had avoided thinking of it...but I cannot truthfully say that I am surprised. You have a wild streak." Said without criticism.

"Aye, I admire and honor House Gwydion for all the good it has done ... and I think House Liam is absolutely essentail to survive a long winter as well as good and moral... but I am not ...resolute enough for the former " trying to find the right words "and House Liam's ways would likely undo me for they must be among the mortals a lot"

Frank sighs and wipes his hands clean.

He nods agreement.

"Resolute," Brekke echoes, not without some amusement, but she also nods. "But Fiona intrigues because...?"

"They have passions , and express them openly without shame, they.. put love above honor, which I do, forgive me for saying mother... If Gwydion is the Shield of Summer, then Fiona is the banner of spring."

"Hmm. You have been studying."

"I have, the books you and father have, the words you've mentioned, and yes, nobles of Teaneck and others. I ah.. might have nearly killed a Fiona once, and vice versa, but we're kind of friends now" As if that's just a girl thing "She didn't try to recruit, but she did answer a few questions."

Frank blinks. "You what?"

"Well, she's a friend to Bancroft, and worried I was using him... which I understand now in retrospect, and I was worried she had eyes for him more than friendship so naturally we took each other's measure. Honestly, wish girls could do that in high school, so much more honest than bitchy comments"

Brekke also blinks. "Who??"

She crosses her arms "Before I answer, you're not going to get her in trouble now?"

Brekke is silent...perhaps stunned...before she realizes she's been asked a question. "I...ah...no. That is not my intent. And if you say it was a mutual issue, and since resolved, then...no. But, who?"

"Her name is Isleen, she's a knight, and pretty fearless. I wouldn't say she's one of my best friends, but she is a friend, yes. She is sworn to Baron K , and thinks Bancroft is a funny fellow for settling for just thane but figures that's Scathach for you. "

Brekke has seen the girl only a few times. Different circles.

"One of Kealan's." She nods slowly, recalling the face. "Yes. So...when you fought, she impressed you." Checking that she understands.

"more for WHY she fought, for a friend. For the purity of romance and love" Siv blushes lightly "I suppose I sound silly, but yes, that impressed."

Frank sighs, giving Brekke a look.

"Oh! you mustn't tell Bancroft... men get so foolish about women's matters when they learn the truth of them, poor wee lambs. Sometimes it's really best they don't know" Siv requests

"Believe me, Siv, I'm trying to erase my memory even now." Sincerely.

"Mum has taught you well" Siv says approvingly, a bit of twinkle in her left eye

"Hmm." A glance back to Frank. That married-brain moment. Then a nod. "Then I think you should go."

"I... well, of course she may not be too impressed with me, but I would like to see a Fiona hold, meet her and so on yes. "

Frank, still in bed, nods.

Brekke sighs and nods. "I do not know much about EarthRunes, beyond the battle when they were attacked. It seems a stable holding now. And...tame, in comparison to some Fiona holdings, I think."

"Mmm." A low rumble.

"Tame?" Perplexed look

"Well, to outward appearances, at least. I have not been within. But some Fiona can be outlandish and extravagant...a palace made of ice cream and candy comes to mind."

"ooo wow... that's.. that's a sweet tooth to say the least"

"Indulgent and excessive, yes."

"Willy Wonka is Liam, Brekke." He reminds her dryly.

"That's not what the Dougals say" Siv ssays

"Hmph." at the two of them.

Siv actually giggles abit "Sorry, mother. Think of it this way, while I'm not the diplomat Sylvi is, she visited a Gwydion hold, I visit a Fiona one... I can at least bring back more stories and knowledge and hopefully represent Rivervale honorably"

"I think more stories is a given."

A deep breath. "Just...be wise. Or you may also bring back heartache." An arched eyebrow.

"Well, it's just a visit so.. hardly much of one" A pause "or.. are you thinking of me being there longer?"

"Well, how long were you considering?"