#rivervale_lodge

Incidentally, Connor certainly would have found the cookies that Kerri made, specially for this visit. They are excellent. Brekke does not hesitate to enjoy hers, as much by way of demonstration as anything else.

Aidenn shares the recent news with the Lodge, mostly things they have already heard of, perhaps one or two tidbits that are new. "I did hear that you have taken a fae steed into your lodge? If it is not an imposition, I would like to view the beast. I am, as you know, in the business of breeding both hound and horse." A polite bite of the cookie, and he does raise a brow just a touch, and... even takes a second one. "Compliments to your kitchen staff."

Kerri doesn't nod, as the comment wasn't directed at her. Instead, she shares a look with Brekke, then goes into the kitchen. Sylvi steps forward, sort of in a half-way position between the balefire and the kitchen door. She hasn't as yet spoken a word in all this, but she's watching everything like a hawk.

Brekke nods. "Stormwake is a magnificent animal, and he and I seem to have come to an understanding." A hint of wry humor there.

Connor comments, "I'm not allowed to bring my staff into the kitchen, I knocked over three mugs."

A slight chuckle from Brekke at Connor's comment.

"Hm." A noncommittal sound at that admission. Connor tilts his head to one side. "...and a glass." As if wondering if the Baron failed to get the joke.

"At any rate..." Brekke nods, "yes, I would be glad to have you see Stormwake when we have finished with our refreshment. I wonder if you would care to speak with one of Connor's teachers?"

Gerd is quiet, but is not slouching or anything.

He adds, "Hearth Kerri is probably the best cook in the kitchen, she'll even make me snacks at night though she's a knight and doesn't mind if I want to be like her as she calls me 'Carry' when I 'Carry and Fetch' to help out..." Though he trails off at the silence that comes from the Sidhe. "Indeed." Is all the man says. To Brekke, "I would, thank you. Though they seem to have done an admirable job, with the task at hand."

"I do not think it has been a great trial. Connor strikes me as an eager student. But I will send for him. Gerd...would you find Sir Vali, please?" A nod from Brekke.

Gerd bows, clicks her heels, and vanishes...

"Perhaps not, yet from the feedback I had from his prior wards, he was quite incorrigible before Mattis took him in hand. Mistress Mulligany reported him as running away no less than thrice in one week, to gallivant at Firnost amidst da'an knows what sort of crowds. I am pleased that he seems to have come to heel here."

litterally

and good thing too.. as that heel comment might have set her off.

A blink, and he nearly drops his cookie, before recovering his composure.

Brekke frowns. "Lord Aidenn...I will ask that you speak of Connor respectfully in my Lodge. He is a member of my home...not a beast to be trained." She doesn't mention that she even gives the beasts better respect than this man's giving Connor.

He gazes at the Baroness cooly, taking a moment before replying. "If my turn of phrase offends, it was not intentional. I spend more time in the kennels and stables than amongst my peers. Perhaps I am an anomaly myself, an Ailil who prefers the mews to a courtier's hall."

Vali appears in a shimmer of glamour. He is wearing a nice dark suit with a purple tie and while he has a sword along his back, it is peace tied. Gerd is with him.

When he sees the Ailil, he bows very smoothly, first to the Chieftain, then to the guest.

"As you say," Brekke nods, watching Aidenn closely for a moment. Then she turns and gestures for Frank to bend closer. She says something quietly, a rumbling murmur, then nods to him.

Then she turns her attention to Vali and gives him a grin. "Lord Aidenn ap Ailil, may I introduce Sir Vali ap Beaumayn, one of Connor's teachers. Sir Vali, this is Connor's father, Lord Aidenn."

Did she take a bit of pleasure using the word father there? Unclear...but she's watching Aidenn's reaction.

Frank nods, a slight bow even, before straightening. His expression is like granite.

He stands to greet the teacher, carefully brushing away any crumbs from his fingers before offering a hand to shake. Though his clothes are fine, he does have callouses there. He pauses, and adds his own introduction, apparently finding this part more applicable. "Aidenn Lowell ap Ailil, of Silverwolf Barony. Sir Vali, I understand you are to thank for teaching the boy. My thanks you have, as well as, please let us know if the stipend provided does not appropriately cover his board as well as learning appropriate to his station."

"Lord Aideen," Sir Vali says, "it's an honor to speak of such a fine young kithain as Connor. In my view, He has been a breathe of fresh air to this lodge , and in my experience, eager to learn and contribute as a member of Kithain society. I do not teach him alone, but I have enjoyed it when I did. Pooka have great insight"

A glance towards Brekke, and he adds mildly, "I DO understand that they have been forwarded here? My steward indicated that they have not been clearing. That is also why I wanted to check in, to ensure that nothing had gone awry."

"I have great insight, and great outsight. Insight is better at night though because it's too dark for outsight outside..." Softly, feeling somewhat forgotten, from Connor.

Gerd leans over to pat Connor's shoulder and she whispers something

Brekke nods appreciatively at Vali's words. Then to Aidenn, "There had been some delay in receiving them at first. Mattis has sent them along, now, but I wished to speak with you first at this visit before having them deposited, on the chance that you did not approve of his care or instruction here."

Connor giggles suddenly, but covers it and whispers back!

A smile from Gerd

Brekke notes the giggling whispers and gives a bit of an amused look.

Just a hint of wrinkling at the corners of her eyes.

Vali looks quite stoic, and professional.

A final sip of his water, and he nods to Brekke. "I am well pleased indeed. I was not overly familiar with your holding before his arrival here, but I have seen nothing that would I find inappropriate. A well run lodge indeed, and a fine institution for youngsters. Though, it IS built on a rather large scale." Shifting his weight, it seems that even at a moderate height, the trollish chair he chose left his heels not quite touching the floor. Was that a joke? Ah, a faint smile, it was.

There do seem to be step stools near the chairs for guests of shorter stature. Did one not get placed before his seat? How odd, that....

"If you want large scales, you should wait until the dragon shows up." Connor comments, then suddenly claps his hands to his mouth, and adds, "I mean, you ARE the dragon. And you're only medium. But big enough, I mean! Hey, want to see me jump to the rafters?"

The rattling train of thought seems to have succeeded in derailing Aidenn from following that comment, as he only looks slightly perplexed.

At that, Vali does put a hand to his mouth as if the Ailil's joke put him near to a chuckle that only the strongest will of a troll could restrain.

Brekke nods solemnly. "Then thank you for your continuing contributions to your son's education and enrichment."

Gerd gives Connor a squeeze, gentle though , more 'it'll be okay' than anything else

He wags his tail once, reassured. "Can we see Stormy now? The weather in here is chilly."

Brekke nods at Connor's suggestion. "Yes...let us go to the stables. Your squire may be ready for more company."

She rises and sets aside her mug, then gestures for the Baron to precede her out the door.

At the stables, Perchal has been doing his best to make small talk with Dagmar. How long has she been a knight, have they seen much combat, was she a squire first.... polite enough.

Dagmar is not verbose... but she does have stories of combat. More than a few.

Connor grabs a few cookies for the road and walks alongside Aidenn... he glances at the hand that falls to the Sidhe's side, his own hand raised slightly... the Sidhe takes another step forward, and as he follows the Chieftan, the hand now rests lightly on the pommel of his riding crop, no longer dangled where the boy might consider reaching for it. A coincidence, perhaps.

"I think perhaps your stables are far more elaborate than these," Brekke says as they approach the paddock.

Frank waits at the backdoor, near the kitchen, watching.

As they approach the stables, the Sidhe's pace does pick up a bit - not in a hurry, but in increased interest, and his expression shows curiosity as he looks over the setup. "More extensive, yes, but not elaborate, no. Simplicity is best, as ornate tack and embroidered leathers taught no one how to ride."