#rivervale_lodge

She sighs. "Worth a shot."

"Maybe I could patrol some. I gripe about nothing to do, well, here's a solution" Torin says "I'm no warrior, but I'm no weakling" A look at Shylvi "Once I recharge that is. Why don't you go meet that boy you like so much while I take one of your patrols tomorrow. My treat"

She colors slightly. "I have school...but...maybe after? If you don't mind?"

"I don't mind at all" Torin says

"You are..incredibly brave, Elder " Vali says to TOrin.

"Oh, Olgar might fuss, but Kerri will protect me" The old man grins

Sylvi bites her lip. "I should check to see if he's free. Could you excuse me? I don't want to be rude, but...." Clearly, she really wants to arrange this.

"Of course, of course" Torin says "Go, be young. Like Vali once was."

"So mean" Vali says into his cup.

Sylvi beams, does her very best not to laugh at Vali's expense, and gives each man a hug before hurrying upstairs to send a text.

"She's a good kid..." Vali says a fter the hug and she's gone.

"Great batch of wilders period, "Torin says " Full of potential"

A little while later, after the two grumps have been quietly enjoying the fire a bit, Sylvi comes back downstairs. "It's a yes. I mean, yes, I'll take you up on the offer, Torin." She may seem a bit flushed, and has a bit of a persistent smile.

"Good. " Torin says "Makes me feel more useful."

"you underestimate yourself, Torin," Vali says "But if it helps"

"You're plenty useful, Torin, don't talk like that. Besides, we enjoy you, which is even better than being useful, right?"

"mmph, you are a natural diplomat indeed, Sylvi," A chuckle

"But I thank you"

A shrug. "Well, I mean it. And you're welcome. Can I get you anything?" She seems restless.

"Well, if a refill of coffe isn't too much to pester you about?" He says

"Not at all!" She hastens to provide, and makes sure to doctor it as he prefers. "Oh, do you need me to go feed Racer?"

"Oh.. he's in the corner, Brought him with me..." Racer is passed out.

"Oh, good. " She smiles at the content dog. "I...I guess I should head to bed....school tomorrow, and....yeah...."

Vali says "Sylvi, if you're really bored. I can give you homework"

"No! Nope! No, totally good!" She turns and hurries up the stairs.

Vali says "They all say that. I try not to take it personally" he says

A deep chuckle from the older grump.

"You realize, if you do end up with that nocker girl like a daughter to you aned Tiffany, you have a full time hostage to dad jokes" Torrin says

"Oh now you're just trying to cheer me up" Vali smiles.

But the Beaumayn does smile at something, a side glance at Torin, "Maybe some of your surprises in life aren't done yet either."

"Oh.. at my age.. I don't know how many I can take" A grin.

Vali takes a sip of his own coffee. Life isn't really so bad.

.........................