#rivervale_lodge

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Meanwhile (not long before or after, but not at the same time.....)

Frank steps into the Lodge sets his travel duffle down, and toes off his boots.

Just recently, and without saying much about it, he avoids coffee late in the day. It's stopped agreeing with him. He gets some soft cider instead.

As he's in the kitchen, Brekke also comes in to join him. "Good evening, my Heart."

"Hello." A kiss. "Made good time, easy drop off and turn around. How're things here?"

"Well...complicated." She notes the cider. "You are well?"

He nods. "Sure. Just not looking for caffine right now." He gives her a slightly closer look. "You?"

"Mm...come join me by the 'Fire." Instead of answering, she goes back to the hall and fetches herself a mug of coffee.

Faintly concerned, he follows.

She settles in her chair and takes a sip before speaking further. "We have a new addition to the barony."

A pleased look. "Really? Who?"

"His name is Adam. A kinain, about Sylvi and Dagmar's age. He will be going to their school. And...he has the sight when not enchanted."

Frank blinks at her, and (slowly) lowers himself to sit, as usual, on the floor. "Kinain. Mortal? With the Sight?"

She nods. "He saw a chimera attacking one of the girls, and rushed to help, apparently. He could not touch it, they killed it, and...well, given the circumstances, they thought enchanting him and bringing him to me was the wisest option. I think they were right."

A deep breath. "And how is he?" Asking both after the boy's health, and about his character.

A deep breath. "So far, he seems..." A pause. "He is both stunned and arrogant. Out of his depth, but unwilling to admit it." A pause. "There is more."

"More?"

She nods. "He had obtained a book. I have put it in your writing desk." She nods in that direction. "It is deeply troubling. It reveals a great deal about the fae."

He puts down the cider, gets up (with a soft noise) and gets the book. He leafs through it, and then looks at Brekke. "Where.....?"

"A game store in town. Sylvi went to investigate, says there were no more copies. Some other bits of dross, but not much. And the owner's ring has glamour to it. But no other copies of that particular book. The name is clearly a joke, but this is...bad."

Frank nods and, taking the book, heads to his boots at the door. "I'll take this to the House, see what we can find out. I'll need to visit this shop, too."

"Frank, wait...something else."

"Mmmmm?" He's lacing up.

Brekke hesitates. "Adam is sidhe-kinain. He has lived in this region his entire life, though not in Rivervale. And...." She stops. "Hm. Perhaps I should have you meet him before I say more."

A frown of concern. "Brekke?"

She shakes her head. "You should meet him, then we will speak of my thoughts."

Frank looks at the tiny book in his hand. "I'll be a few hours." He looks back at her.

She rises and sets her coffee aside to go to him at the door. "Send word if there is need for me to join you."

He nods, takes her hand with his free hand. "Otherwise, all is well? With you, too?"

She nods, squeezing his hand lightly. "I am well. We all are. Vali will want to speak with you more about his Togail soon, but otherwise, all is well."

A certain relief washes over his face. "Good. Good, I'm glad he knows he's ready. Ok. Back soon as I can." A kiss.

She returns the kiss and gives him a confident nod as he goes.

And he's gone. A few minutes later, there's the rumbleroar of a large engine turning over, and then it gets distant and quiet.

Brekke watches him go, then listens to the engine fade off. She turns and goes back to the 'Fire, gathering up her empty coffee mug and his empty....cider glass. A frown as she looks at it thoughtfully.

Then she returns both to the kitchen and busies herself with late summer gardening. The tomatoes are full and ripe and ready to harvest.

((End))