#rivervale_lodge

"Myrtle Anne.. M.A. would love to have another child... now I am not volunteering her per se, but I am saying she's not going to shy away from Torin because of Jack."

Brekke nods. "That is good. Now...Torin's age...it is a valid point, and I do not know if he has any interest. He certainly would not be asked to take on the burden alone."

"Oh tish, he's as healthy as a horse. Invite him more often to the lodge to snooze and he'll slow his aging even"

A blink. "He knows he is always welcome to the bale when he has need...."

"How do I say this?" A sigh "Trolls don't like relying on others, Brekke. As a generalization, they seem to be stubborn about self reliance despite trying to defend others. Now I won't name names, but I think if you thought about it, you might think of a few examples beyond Torin himself"

"Hmph." She completely gets the not-so-subtle points, but seems reluctant to admit it as she folds her arms.

"And I doubt he NEEDS it that often, but he will forgo some of the advantages rather than 'be a burden'"

"I will make sure we find ways to have him at the Lodge more often. I am sure Kerri will do so more cleverly than I."

"Kerri's good. I should take notes"

"I used to try to emulate her, but it is not my skill."

"You have other gifts we rely on, more heavily than you know I think" She says "But if it helps, Kerri intimidates a lot of us. I USED to think I could cook"

Brekke considers that a moment. "I do not know if she would be upset to hear that. I do not think she intends it to be mean...but she has a proud streak."

"Oh she's not mean, she's amazing and sets a high bar, not the same thing"

"Good. I am glad that is how you see her. I agree, but I would not like for others to be resentful of her. The Lodge needs her to be a source they can turn to."

"I think she and Brenda have actually started a friendship.. at least Brenda wants to. nothing like mutual embarrasement to form a bond" Amused "oh, speaking of which.. is Adam a Thane or anything else official? I hear dconflicting reports " Quite the subject switch

"Mm. He is appreciated for his service, but I have been lax in providing recognition. I have been planning to do so at Beltane, for several."

"Well, gossip is, he escorted Nadeen at a gathering at Caer Falken... and was refered to by some as a Thane, by others as ... ah.. well... 'Rivervale's mortalboy'... not to his face thank goodness"

A blink. "Ah. Well. Yes...Beltane it is, then."

"I apologize for butting in there but.. well, clearly that sort of thing doesn't reflect just on him"

"No apology needed. It is important that I know this. Are there any others similarly overlooked."

"Harder to say... Dirk is getting restless... but that's my problem." She ponders

"Restless?"

"He's a redcap with out folks to bully... and can't make trouble when folks aren't around to notice it... I had to stop him from eating mailboxes again"

"Hm. He needs a quest."

"You think so? " Troubled look "he could get hurt and..." A sigh "yes I suppose I have to check that. So.. tell me what you'd suggest for a quest?"

And the two begin to dicuss just that.

(Fade to PBEM)