#rivervale_lodge

She clips in, glancing up from where she had been wiping her hooves at the mat. "Oh, foo. Bren- Mrs. Thomas said he was coming by and I wanted to surprise-" And she cuts off, seeing the sidhe. The color drains slightly from her face, and she flicks her gaze back to Brekke.

"Piper, this is Sir Carawyn of Bannerhouse Truthbranch. Sir Carawyn, Piper is a Rivervale resident and good friend of the Lodge."

And the Liam gets his coffee, then nods "Nice to meet you, PIper."

"You succeed." He assures her at the paddock.

"Finished up here? Need help?"

"Need to convince these two idiots to go inside, but yeah. Got this."

"You coming in after?"

She is trying not to stare - or avoiding his gaze? Maybe both? Hands clasped behind her back, she bobs a quick bow towards him. "Sir. Didn't mean to interrupt." A step back towards the door. "Sorry - just remembered, something I had to take care of..." (lie)

An eyebrow from the Chieftain. "Are you sure, Piper?"

"Yeah, think so."

Frank nods and continues on into the Lodge, carefully cleaning and removing his boots before he gets too far.

And she backs right into Frank, not watching where she is going. "Eep!" Yep, she actually squeaked there.

Brekke clears her throat...that might actually cover a chuckle.

Happily, Frank is not likely to be knocked over by the wisp of a girl.

The Sidhe looks concerned and glances to the Chieftain

Even balanced on one leg.

The grump looks around the room.... nods to Brekke and Carawyn. Looks down at Piper.

She looks up at him, with a nervous smile. "Mountain. I was just heading out, if I can just scooch on by..."

Brekke nods to Frank. "Mountain." Welcoming him back.

Then, "Sir Carawyn, will you take a seat?" She indicates a seat near the fire, though not either hers nor Frank's.

"Of course." He rumbles, and moves out of her way. "Is everything alright?"

"I didn't realize you had company - don't want to interrupt."

"Please, PIper, don't leave on my account" He says and he does take a seat

"You may stay, Piper, if you wish."

Brekke pours Frank a coffee and hands it to him before taking her own seat.

Frank makes it clear he's not stopping her as he accepts the coffee from Brekke; his beard moves as he nods his thanks.

"Most parts of this Lodge are.... common-use, Piper. Many nights there are wilders in a study group here. Feel free to stay if you wish."

She clears her throat nervously. "Are you from Ardent Harbor?" Towards Sir Carawyn, though not meeting his gaze - his shoes seem much safer.

A curious glance at the satyr's odd question, and then she looks to Sir Carawyn.

And then quickly rushes to add, "I've not done anything, I swear it. The Chieftain can vouch that I don't lie!"

Frank frowns, listening.

That gets a frown. "Piper...nobody has accused you of...." she pauses. "What is it you think Sir Carawyn is here for?"

A glance around her, to see where the butterfly chimera that generally lazily flaps in her wake may be at the moment.

"I am not from Ardent Harbor though I have been there before" he says

Truth

"Count Jude is a powerful man in our House. Many of us know him, or have visited."

Her lips are tight as she says hotly, "You can't make me go back. They said that I wouldn't have to go back if I didn't do anything - and I haven't! I've scarcely BREATHED near anyone here!"

"Indeed. He has been a good friend...." But then Piper speaks and she stops.

Dag slips in, but stops near the door - no need to draw attention to herself.

Carawyn looks confused

"Piper...." Concerned, he sets his mug down and kneels to be a mountain close to eye level with her. ".... no one has said you need go anywhere." Gently.

"No, Piper. You are not being sent anywhere." Brekke's voice is low and even.

"I'm not sure I understand." Carawayn says "Piper, I'm not here for you. Whatever it is you are concerned about"

Frank nods. "So says the Chieftess." Sealing that deal.

"Piper, sit, please. I wish to speak with you in a few minutes."

She takes a deep breath, visibly trying to calm herself. "I can - just go, if that's okay. I'm sorry. Misunderstanding.

"Sir Carawyn..." She turns her attention back to the sidhe, and gives the satyr a break from being the center of attention.

"Chieftain. " A nod of respect and also turning his eyes from the girl, perhaps picking up on the cue. "you have questions for me?"

"...I understand you have work at the shop owned by Jaymes." A glance beyond to Dagmar, whose arrival did not completely escape notice.

Meanwhile, Piper slips into the kitchen, seeing as how a wall of troll blocks the door.