#rivervale_lodge

Jaw-jut. "In your rights doesn't make that right."

"Of course not, Dame...but it is true, nonetheless. And we are not discussing right...we are discussing fair."

"I don't see how other people doing bad things makes it okay. And it's not fair. It's not fair that everybody is treating him like some kind of unwanted intruder who needs to be cut down to size."

An eyebrow, and she listens.

"Hey" siv frowns then coughs

"Like - like, it ain't already different for him? Like he doesn't already see that he doesn't get to be strong, doesn't get magic like we do..."

"He might get magic, maybe, but not the same."

A bit of color creeps up on Adam's cheeks.

"...Sorry..."

Siv looks like she wants to say something but it's not her turn if turn she gets.

"But it's true. But... shaming him because he's excited? Shaming him because, what - he thinks he's charming?" A flush of purple.

"He's nice! He's trying to do everything we ask, even when he keeps getting sneered at!"

"Then, if he is anything less than perfect, it's like treatin' him with a closed hand was justified..."

"And.. and well, I mean, hell, if you expect nothing from somebody, that's what you're gonna get, and I thought.. I thought things were different, with us..."

"I mean, I.. when I came here, you were different with me.. and..."

Brekke continues to listen quietly.

"And you let me in, and you're saying it really is just because I was a troll?"

Her breath catches up and her eyes are bright. "I thought... I thought... I thought it was different, I dunno. I guess I was wrong about it."

"Dame..." Brekke says quietly after a pause. "You were welcomed into the Lodge first because you are kith, and because you were in need. You were welcomed into the family because you are you."

Siv nods at her mother's words.

Dag listens, hands clenched.

"Adam...you have a secure home with parents you love and who love you -- or at least, so I am led to believe. You are not being hunted. You are not in imminent danger. We will welcome you into this world, but it will be gradual, as you are not in need of swiftness in this. I expect patience. It has been...a week and a bit, since you first woke? Perhaps two weeks? Surely you do not feel yourself so badly used in the space of weeks."

"There's just a lot more I want to do. That I -can- do!"

"For example..." she invites.

"Like.... like.... like patrol! And...." he looks at Sam for help.

Brekke listens, sips her coffee.

"Patrol, sure. And... and I bet he'd be able to go places we can't, to check on stuff. He can see, right? Like in a hospital, or that whole strip downtown that gives me the heebie jeebies..."

A slow nod. "These ideas make sense. You feel he is ready for patrol duties, Dame?"

"Probably in pairs, at least. With me - or Zane?"

Another nod, then a look to Adam. "Your thoughts?"

"Yeah, sure!"

Eyebrow. "I see. You do not resent the notion of patrolling in pairs? I was expecting perhaps a scowl and a comment about 'babysitting'...."

Wait, did she just tease him?

Siv does not smirk. Nope. She's good.

"Siv too, for sure."

"No....." untrusting of teasing.

"Mm." A nod. "Siv, you looked as though you wished to add something?"

"Well, I'd like to say that as far as I know... and perhaps I'm just being defensive but I take offense to some of what Dame Dagmar said... I can't speak for others, but I don't think I have treated Adam badly and certainly not in the way she's accused. I wasn't here recently, but I thought I had been honest with Adam and yes, even tried to be kind. I have enough of my own stumbles and moments without being saddled with what others have or haven't done." A brow "I think there's..some broad brush strokes here, no ill intent meant, but if we're talking of 'fairness' I feel I have a right to bring it up. " A look to Adam "Have I been cruel to you, sir?"

"No."

"Or I?" Brekke adds with a curious look.

Adam shifts. "No." not entirely truthful

"Well, thank you for letting me know then, Adam."

An eyebrow. "No?" Encouraging further comment.

"Well. Just..... you know, I want to.... do stuff. And you said to stay away and not talk to people, which made it hard."

Both eyebrows. "And this you deem cruelty?"

"....Mean, maybe."

She gives him a long look. Then she looks to Dagmar. "Dame, he may accompany you or others on patrols. Adam, you may come to the Lodge with escort, such as Dame Dagmar or another fae you already know. Do not come alone, yet, and do not bring mortals or unfamiliar fae here without familiar escort." She rises from her chair.

"Yes, ma'am." Looking down.

"Oh, great! Thank you, Chief!"

"Mm." A brief nod to Dagmar. "Excuse me. I have patrol now." She heads for the door.