#rivervale_lodge

Then a blink. "Um...but was that a prophecy?"

"Yes... but when you lost the friend, that wasn't under your call. You weren't the one wearing the big hat. Leadership, sometimes means not just accepting loss, but having loss happen because of your choices"

A chuckle "And no.. no it wasn't a prophecy"

A blink, then she looks down. "Oh."

"Yeah" more somber again "Sorry"

"I hadn't really thought of that."

"I wish you didn't have to" he says "But ... you kind of needed the warning. The brace."

A tight nod. Then a deep breath. "I can't not do it, though. I have to."

A nod "And again, not a prophecy, just me doing the grump pedantic thing"

"Yeah, I get that." Another pause, and then she goes to him and gives him a hug. "Thanks, Vali."

A hug back a smile after they part, "You're welcome, Sylvi. Have fun making your parents blood pressure shoot up"

A wry grin. "I really don't want to, not that part. But...you'll back me up? If I say that you know I have to do it?"

"Gee you don't ask for much do you?"

A pretty-please look.

Her very winsomest.

"Oh you are trouble.... yes. Or more accurately, in case they get Gwydion help, tell them this " A breath "The moment you suggested the idea, ...I saw Hope's light cast over old visions"

She blinks at him. "Wow. Yeah. Okay." Another hug, this one more hopeful itself. Then she steps back, smiling. "Okay. I'm going to go to bed. Might be able to sleep, now. Thanks."

"Bonne nuit. N'oubliez pas d'étudier votre français." A smile

"Um...Oui?" she replies hopefully, and collects her schoolwork to take with her upstairs.

"Uh huh" his smile widens

A groan as she realizes he's going to make a point of calling on her in class. Then she's up the stairs and gone.

Vali turns to enjoy his water, Wonder if she realizes how often she invites leadership?

He goes to get himself a shot of Kerri and Olgar's preferred liquor. Seems more fitting somehow.

(End Scene)