#rivervale_lodge

"I think most of my duties were focused on Nadeen, honestly."

"Yes?" Brekke asks.

Frank leans over and kisses her cheek, beard rough for just a moment. "Okay. Let's go in."

That surprises a grin from her, and she reaches up to touch that rough beard. "My Heart," she says quietly, then lowers her hand and nods for him to open the door.

"Yeah, well, I don't think it was just over Nadeen but it would explain why you were sent first to guar.." Then the door opens

And he does, and they step back inside.

"Well, she's what I remember best."

"Dagmar," the Chieftain says as they re-enter, "can you bring Nadeen here?"

"Sure? Want me to ask her to come, or go get her?"

"I think she may need an escort. If her father's influence is so strong now, he may not wish her to speak with us, perhaps." A frown.

"Better safe than sorry"

Brekke nods.

A nod. "I'll go then."

"Advise us if there is difficulty," Brekke nods.

Frank goes to get coffee.

He glances around to see who's taking it?

Siv isn't, but she has it ready and brewed

She did know her mom was coming after all

Brekke is settling into her chair, and yes, Frank can detect that coffee is welcome.

He pours, and brings.

And settles (with a small grunt).

Brekke rests her free hand atop one of his horns as she sips her coffee.

When Dagmar goes, she will find that Nadeen is not only there, she's happy to go. Seemingly clueless to the problem

"Sorry, mom. I handled it as best I could" Siv says with an apolegetic tone 'Told him we'd see if we had wards of the like for his house"

Dag walks with her friend, Flyswatter comfortably on her shoulder.

"No need to apologize, Siv. You did very well."

"Thanks," Relief, "Because this is.. well, I thought I knew weird..but this is weird"

"I agree, it is disturbing." Brekke frowns. "I am impressed that Adam was able to resist the bribes he was offered."

Dag enters with the sidhe.

"He has lines he won't cross."

Nadeen and Dagmar return, Post haste!

Nadeen bows, "Baroness? You wished to see me?" A bit cool, but not rude

"Lady Nadeen, thank you for joining us. Please have a seat. Would you have refreshment?"

Frank hmphs to himself and gets up... he offers a short bow to the younger Baroness, and goes to his desk to sort through some materials, a thoughtful look on his face.

She takes a seat, "Water would be fine. Is there something you need me to bring to Count Hemlock's attention on behalf of this lodge?"

Siv shoots Dagmar a look

"No, Baroness. Not at this time. This concerns you...and your father."

Dag is chewing on her thumb.

"Siv, would you please bring Lady Nadeen some water?"

"Right away," Siv says and goes to the kitchen

"My father?" She says "Has he arrived? Did he find a form? Is he okay?" The cool reserve is gone

Brekke just watches her and waits for the water and for Nadeen to regain her composure.

Frank makes a few notes in a margin and moves the papers aside.

The water does come in, and is set down.

Nadeen takes it, and says calmer "Please, what is this of my father?"

Brekke takes a deep breath, sets her coffee aside, and leans her elbows on her knees. "There is news, but I find it disturbing." And she tells Nadeen what she has heard of her father's visitation to Adam, of the gifts of power, and of the price demanded. She tells of Adam's rejections of the deal, and of the lingering, tempting reminders of the great power at play. And through it all, she watches Nadeen's expression closely.

Brekke is not the only one watching.

Nadeen is good at hiding her expression, very good at holding her cards, but her father is... a point to her, then she says "It was the pain that was to be used as a conduit..not the death. I know that is no comfort but Lily would have lived"

She believes that

Siv's eyes are wide.