#rivervale_lodge

A look to Anne Marie, then back to the boy. A nod. "I understand. But you have not attended school with classmates?"

"Not in years." The boy says.

Brekke considers him. "There is a boy who lives at the Lodge whom I think you should meet. Connor. He also has done much of his education outside of regular school. You may like him."

"Cool." he beams.

Anne Marie says "I can take him from here if you like, Chieftain. The office is used to me having young folks at work giving the nature of it. "

Then a pause "May Sir Vali can help estimate where his educational level is? He is a teacher after all"

Brekke nods. "I will send him over." A pause. "One more thing before I go, Falko...the sidhe with the black snake...do you know where they were, what community?"

He looks at her, "Yes. I know exactly where they were... you're not sending me back are you? I..." A breath "I dont' want to go."

She frowns. "I would not do that," she says clearly and firmly.

Relief, "The Fief of Shaderise"

And she knows where that is.

A nod, and then she states, "Let me be clear; you have come to my barony, and you have treated it as honorably as you could given your circumstances. You are in need of aid. It is my duty to aid you. Besides..." she adds "...you like trees." A bit of a wink, then she looks to Anne Marie. "I will send Sir Vali. Thank you, as always, for your help." Then again to the boy, "I will see you soon." And she turns to go.

"Well, who doesn't like trees?" He says as if it's alien NOT to.

"But ..thank you, Chief" And he gives a cub scout salute

Another grin and nod, and she is gone, going back to the Lodge to find Vali and advise him of the situation.

(End scene)