#rivervale_lodge

"For all that Fiona are what they are, there is a discipline to them that could benefit her."

A slow nod. "Her personality fits what I know of the house. Fearless. Bold. Passionate. Often reckless."

"Yep." He sighs.

A deep breath. "I confess that Almond is the Fiona I have known best...and that was long ago."

"Would he be willing to see her?"

"Perhaps. But...I do not know. He became troubled in the later years at Firnost, and...well...we have not spoken much in some time."

"I can send a message and ask."

Frank nods.

"Have you spoken with her about it?"

"I have not; she hasn't asked."

"No." A sigh. "That is not surprising. Should we ask her?"

"If the opportunity presents itself."

A deep breath and a nod. "Tell me more of the discipline you see in the House?"

"Well, that might have been generous...."

"When I joined Liam, the House and my brothers-to-be were very careful to make suer I knew what I was getting into during my fostering. Surely Fiona have a similar process?"

A slight chuckle. "No, you have said it, now stand by your words, Mountain."

"Mm. I suppose...it matters who is fostering her. I suspect it is the Truthbranch Baroness."

"Siv has visited there more than once."

Frank nods. "It could be worse."

"This is true."

A pause. "There are risks as a Fiona. Dangers."

He sighs. "Well, I recall we had that talk with her. I trust she is being safe in her behaviors."

"She may be, now. But...Fiona...the House may inspire taking greater risks."

"Hard to imagine." Muttered.

"I have just enough memories of her near-misses on the ship that I can imagine it far too well," she says ruefully. "But...she is who she is."

Frank nods. "Which is what I told Jonas, more or less."

"Mm." Another glance back at the long-vanished Jonas. "He wishes a commitment with her?"

"He did not say."

"But you suspect..."

"I suspect so, yes."

A nod, her brow furrowing. "They would make a strange couple. I do not know if it would work."

"Agreed."

"He is a good young man," she qualifies.

"I agree. Anne Marie is satisfied with his work?"

She nods. "He seems to have alleviated some of her burden."

"Good."

Frank indicates a spot where the forest path needs shoring up and some reenforcement. "I'll come back for that."

"Mm. Bring Adam's father. Show him, see if he has a knack."

Frank nods. "If he will come."

A blink, then a nod. "True. You are right. I forgot. I am sorry for that, my Heart."

A shrug. "Not unusual."

Footsteps at that time

"Still..." But she stops and looks toward the sound of the footsteps.

"Did you hear...?"

Hiking boots and gear, they see Kyle, the very man they were speaking of.

The Thomas' are very 'voile poor' as their entry into the world was not heavy in glamour. No armor or flowing cape here to go with the mortal outfit

Brekke greets the man with a nod. "Mr. Thomas. Welcome."

"Chiefain, Sir" He says to both "I hope I'm not intruding?"

She shakes her head. "You are not. You have met us on patrol."

"Good. " A cough "Sir Franklyn. My wife is irked with me for being so rude to you the other day so I'm glad I have stumbled onto this. I would like to make some amends"