#rivervale_lodge

A bit of a shrug. "My point is...we fae, for all that our kiths have common traits, are individuals. And some individuals may try to toy with you to get you in trouble. I simply ask you to be wary." She thinks. "Have you heard the story of Thomas the Rhymer?"

He shakes his head.

"Mm. Frank or Tove could tell it better than I. To put it shortly...Thomas was seduced by a fairy queen and taken away to fairy land. While it seemed to him he only stayed there for seven days, he returned to find that seven years had passed in his homeland. When they parted, the fairy queen granted him a gift -- he would forever be unable to lie." A grin. "He was not happy with this gift, as it would certainly make both courtship and politics more difficult. Her advice to him as she left: Be careful in your silence as you're careful what you say." A look. "It is good advice."

Adam nods.

"So enjoy the event, but be wary of being drawn into arguments or disputes. Matters of rank and courtesy can escalate quickly."

He nods again. His handling of the horse is far from perfect but he is not purposefully cruel.

"Here...let me show you there...." She does redirect him at one spot, then has him try again.

He seems to be a fast learner.

"Good," she nods approval and goes back to finishing up with Star. "Now, I warn you of this, but it may not be necessary. You will wear Rivervale's symbol. You will be under our protection."

Another nod as he works.

She watches him. "What thoughts or questions do you have?"

"I cant talk to anyone. There. I guess as long as you don't need me to...."

"If they speak with you first, you may. This is, again, part of the way to protect you from making a misstep with nobility. Also, it is good manners in general. Polite actions will likely draw thanks from those willing to be spoken to, at which point you may speak." A pause.

A shrug, still working.

An eyebrow. "If you are introduced, this also works." Then a bit of a grin. "I imagine you have been raised to speak your mind loudly and freely when you wish?"

"Yes ma'am." A bit of challenge there.

A slight chuckle, and a nod. "It is part of the mortal culture here. I was not raised so. And it may serve well in many motleys...but knowing how to travel both in commoner and noble circles will serve you well."

He nods, keeping his eyes on the horse, which may soon be hairless.

Brekke notes this, and says, "I think that is enough. We have brushed these two until they are lazy and sleepy. Likely they will promptly go and roll in the dirt." She gentle pats Star and sends her off.

Adam tries to do the same for Stormwake.

Both horses meander off, swishing their tales, and at least being polite enough not to roll immediately.

Brekke puts the grooming tools away. "I have little else to say about Pennons, other than that I am glad you will be there. But you seem quiet. Help me understand why."

The boy is unsure how to answer, thinking carefully about it. "Guess.... don't have anything to say."

"Mm." She nods. "How is your world, Adam? You are managing well?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"I see." She looks at him closely.

"Adam...if there are problems, I wish you to tell me. Even if they are problems with me."

He shakes his head. Not that there aren't problems, but that he does not have the words to frame them.

She notes this. "Try." And she waits.

"You already heard it all. Not going to pi... make you mad bringing it all up again."

"Hm. Nothing has changed?"

"No."

She frowns. "I am sorry to hear that. I thought that your training with Dagmar would improve matters."

"She's cool. Good teacher " he reiterates.

"But this has not made you feel any more...included?"

A shrug that reads Not really.

"It's nice."

She watches him a moment. "I may never be able to make it better than that for you, Adam. That does not mean I do not care to hear what you need."

"Uh... thank you, Chief."

"Mm." Another serious look, then a resigned nod. "Adam, I have patrol. You may join me if you wish, or stay and visit the Lodge, or go as you wish. It is up to you. I look forward to working with you and Dagmar in the days before Pennons."

"I wouldn't be much good on patrol or around here. I'll go home. Uh. Thank you for taking me to Pennons."

"Not much good? Why do you say that?"

"I can see stuff but I can't touch it and I can talk to anyone I don't know." With quiet if injured dignity.

Brekke regards him measuringly...then nods. "If I may." She rests a hand on the boy's shoulder and does not wait for confirmation before passing on a bit of glamour to him.

He takes a breath as the colors come back... "Thanks.... why?"

A blink. "Because you explained a need."

"You had to have it explained? Or was it a test? See if I would?" Wary again.

A gentleman's C.

Another blink. "Not a test. I am cautious with enchanting mortals to begin with, Adam. But also, because you can see us as we are, it is sometimes easy to forget that you are not enchanted."

"Oh."