#rivervale_lodge

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With Word sent to Siv that she ought to learn Torsk... it's a new morning, and Brekke is..well, sort of socializing.

As she and Anne Marie share coffee. The boggan could, frankly, use a moment to unwind and socialize

Anne Marie does put a touch of sugar and cream in her own, but less than Vali

Brekke takes hers as usual, black. "I do appreciate the information you provided on the apartment dwellers. In another time, I may have had guilty feelings about gathering such information...but I cannot learn it all myself."

"You're welcome, and I'm glad you're not feeling guilty. It's no different from asking for my opinion verbally, and I take having my takes listened to as a sign of respect. I like being useful," She sips , "Though I admit, the social working angle has it's own challenges in these times. Lots of stressed out individuals and families struggling."

"Yes, this has been a concern. It is hard to know how to help. Kerri, of course, has been making masks, and we help resources get where they need to be...but it feels like not-enough."

"One has to manage it, start with small circles, 'this person,' then expand 'this person's family' 'this street' and see how far you can go, and don't be ashamed if you have to back the circle down again. Forgive me, I've likened it to juggling... if you decide to juggle only 5 balls in the air, that's not a betrayal to the five other balls someone else needs to juggle... it's a sign of concern for all ten because better to help 5 than utterly fail 10 when the balls are so precious. Do what you can for who you can and that includes yourself, or you will surely fail everyone, again including yourself" A sip "Now ask me if I always manage to remember that?"

A low chuckle. "The delegation of juggling. It is an image." She sips her coffee. "Do you have sufficient assistance? Jonas is doing well?"

"Jonas has been invaluable," she admits , "I love his work ethic, but I have actually had to ORDER him to take breaks. I get so caught up I don't realize I've worked him for 10 hours. SIv hinted that the man might like a lunch break now and then" a guilty look at that, but tempered with amusement

"Mm. That sounds as though you could use more assistants."

"Perhaps the Dyer boy?"

"mm perhaps, but he already does work with his father at keeping the apartment complex safe," she ponders "Still, yes, he'd be adequete. Chieftain, have you thought about increasing patrols into the apartment? I haven't yet heard you thoughts on the notes in detail, like if any of them concern you?"

"Hm." A pause. "I have been hesitant to..." Another pause, and the regards AnneMarie for a moment. "What do you know of Caesar?" It may seem like a non sequitur.

"Of him, yes, wrestler now investing in real estate to help kithain across concordia by offering properties at reasonable rates. It seems very noble of him, if perhaps a bit short sighted."

"Mm." She considers a moment before continuing. "He is also now connected with the Farmhold, being the father to the new babies there." Anne Marie may get that there's something more beyond this.

"Oh yes, " she smiles, "I had heard, gossip being what it is, its a mild scandal but babies in Spring is often a good omen they say"

"Yes." Another pause. "I appreciate the work Caesar has done in creating housing for fae-blooded. However...." She pauses and chooses words carefully. "I find myself wondering if his good intentions are sometimes directed by another's bad intent."

"Go on," Anne Marie says curious and non judgmental

She sips her coffee. "I am familiar with some of his associates. I do not trust some of them." A pause. "One of them."

"And you think this associate is using him to plant spies into the apartment complex? Or worse than spies?" Not mocking

"I think it is possible. I also realize that I may be becoming paranoid in my advanced years," she adds with a bit of a wry grin.

"Justifiable, your lodge has gained a bit more spot light and fame than I think you're comfortable with at times," She smiles back, "price of success. Well, uhm, you saw my notes. And you know this associate who might be trouble. Who do you think he'd be most likely to use?"

Brekke furrows her brow and thinks about this question seriously for several moments.

"That is difficult to say. Perhaps...." A frown. "I think he seeks out those in stress, in pain. I do not know them well enough yet, but who among the group seems to fit this best?"

"Well, a lot dependso n this associate's goals and biases, depending on how much you can share. I am pretty sure Rikki is going to be trouble but I'm not sure there is malice behind it. Now those satyr wilder girls, they're definitely the sort that could be a bad influence. They're the ones who gave the tequila to Adam and Zane. I'm not saying they're masterminds, but they might end up in a mastermind's use? Of course, anyone can be manipulated not to sound paranoid. Again, depends on the goals fo this associate if you can share?"

A nod. "I will say that Rikki and the satyr girls were my first thoughts. As to his goals..." She shakes her head. "I have never been certain of this. I have more often seen the results than understood the intent. And...he claims to be retired, now. Nothing more than a part-owner of a club."

A pause "Emerson Stodgepole is the associate?" Suddenly a name

A blink. "I...you know of him." Then, "Of course you do."

"I know Casar's mother runs a club and I know who runs the kitchens. The gossip chain says the man's a retired and minor philanthropist with just enough skeletons in his closet to make him well rounded. He's said to be a good cook, and fine manager but other than that just a local face around the Firnost area?" Her tone indicates she realizes that that may not be the case, not the way the Chief is acting

"Mm." A stony quality sets in Brekke's features, and she finishes her coffee.

"Brekke," Anne Marie says "If there's more to this man that I should watch out for, I need to know in order TO watch out for. Symon and Dirk, my boys, the could be manipulated too. Symon SO wants to prove how clever he is, as if there is any doubt, and Dirk? Well, you've seen how much Dirk really craves someone's approval behind it all"

Her brow knits further. Finally, "Anne Marie, there are reasons I cannot go into detail. But...I would caution you to be wary of his influence on both boys, yes...although I think Dirk has embodied his role of Peacekeeper so completely that he feels purpose and not just activity, and purpose will guide him. And Symon...he has a good heart, and seeks what is best for his friends. You have guided both of them well, and they love you for this."

A blush "Well, yes, I am proud of them, you know? And they do so much... Of course, Symon doesn't always like the ear muffs I make him, and Dirk makes homophobic comments about the mittens I knitted him when he thinks I"m not looking, but I've seen both wear them in winter and..well, I love them too. but I think your lodge has done so much to help both of them find their own ways. Young men need that, to find their own social networks and friendships without a mother figure being too controling. God knows there are times Kerri and I have bent elbows over teenagers in general, but... thank you that does reassure. I will keep an open eye out ." a pause "if I might? Caesar didn't exactly come to you with this did he? I mean, it started rolling and you have had to react than act ?"

"Mm, you remind me, I must speak with Symon. He saved the Mountain's life, and I do not know if I acknowledged that sufficiently. And...no...Caesar purchased the property, and fae began moving in. I am glad the housing resources are available...our people need less-banal spaces...but I am still cautious."

A pleased look at mention of Symon. Then "Call him a friend of the lodge and a hero... he'll protest, but he'll enjoy protesting I think. " Then as to the property "If I might? Take charge a bit. Inform Caesar that since the apartment complex is now a major area for kithain, RV will patrol it as well as is duty. He'll know not to mess with a trolls' duty. This also establishes both a bit of courtesy, and control. Frankly? I might suggest finding someone willing to move in there that you trust. For example, Lut or Tig? Maybe one of them would like a cheaper rent than they maybe paying now?"

A blink. "That...yes, that makes sense." And then a bit bemused. "It feels a bit like...like counter-intelligence? Devious. But still appropriate."

"It's completely appropriate," she says "You are not one to abuse your power over us, but neither have you ever ceded your duties to protect us all. Professor Wayburton is an odd duck, but he's right about somethings." A smile and sip "Marsha would probably ask you not repeat that too loudly where he can hear"

A stifled groan. "The professor has tried my patience more than once, but I am pleased that he sees good in what I do, or try to do."

"You have my sympathies. I'm just glad that the world of boggans is mostly under his radar," She raises her mug

An eyebrow, but she toasts with her own mug. "You have my envy, in that regard. Well...I will speak to Lut and Tig about the apartment, and send word to Caesar about the patrols." A nod. "Thank you, Anne Marie."

"You're welcome," She rises "And I need to bully Jonas to take the the day off. We should do this more often. I meant to ask you how your daughters were doing. I heard rumors Siv is learning Norwegian to study your mutual heritage and talk to you. Must make you proud.. but we'll save that for another coffee meet " oh devious boggan, trying to arrange another coffee together even as this one ends.

A chuckle. "Yes, her efforts have led to some confusion, but she is progressing. We will speak more on that another time. Thank you for your time and your words, Anne Marie." She sees the boggan to the door.

And Anne Marie says again"You're most welcome," A chuckle and out she goes "Love the gardens..." And she is gone

Brekke nods with some quiet pride, finishes her coffee, and then goes out to tend those very gardens.

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A long table in the main hall has been covered with something washable...and by now it has also been covered by the mess resulting from childlings dyeing hard boiled eggs.

....not just childlings...

Gerd helped because, well, Connor...yeah, that's the ticket, she did it for Connor and not because it was fun for HER

She's "helping" - by dying stripes with a look of concentration...