#rivervale_lodge

"I.. hey, I wonder if the cookie would work ..." A nod to Adam "Hi, Adam"

She moves over to him, offering her arms...

He's scrubbed his face dry in the dark; any other marks, and red eyes.... well, time will fix that.

Just a fraction of hesitation and he goes to Piper's arms.

"OH shoot.. I need to go get connor something. Sorry to be rude, guys" She waves

"I have to go home. Can I give you a ride?"

"Nah, I'm good, thanks for the offer, Adam. It's nice of you"

And she heads out into the main lodge

He looks up at Gerd, puzzled, then at Piper.

She gives him a hug, embracing him, and reaches up to wipe at his tear-marked face. "That looked rough. I'm sorry."

He shakes his head. "I gotta go, Piper. Want a ride?"

"Or... come with?"

"Of course. I'm with you." She says as though there was no question.

Frank enters.

Adam turns and looks at Frank. "I have to take Piper. I'm her ride."

Frank looks back, a measured expression.

She nods to the mountain. "Thank you, Sir Franklyn." Polite, but also genuine.

"Welcome, Piper. I can give you a lift, if you want." The Mountain offers.

"Adam, did... you want to be alone?" Giving him the option.

Though, still with an arm around him.

"I don't know." he whispers honestly.

"I'll go with Adam, Mountain. But I appreciate the offer."

She gives him a soft squeeze. Quietly, "Let's head out, okay?"

Adam nods. "Thanks, Mountain. And... please tell the Chief thanks for me?"

Frank nods, watching them.

Adam swallows and, arm around Piper, they head out and down to the parking lot below the Lodge.

"Do you want to walk?" She asks, the night being cool and mild.

"Need my car." softly. "If you don't mind?"

She shakes her head, and walks with him to the car. "Do you want to talk about it?" Softly, not pressing.

"It was awful. No. I'm all confused inside."

"How can I help you?"

"Do you want me to come with you? I could... play something. Make some tea. Keep you company, or not. You might want distraction, or company, or your own thoughts, or not to be with your own thoughts. But whatever it is, let me know."

"Even if it's just to shut up." A small smile.

"Just.... let me get inside? My room. And.... " Holding her hand ".... don't let go? For now?"

A nod, and she accompanies him. Silent companionship, though her hand stays on his arm, his thigh, not a distraction but just a touch as they drive.

Her touch.... it might not help, in the grand scheme, but it comforts him. He opens the house door quietly and slips with her upstairs.

*************************************

Meanwhile, Frank pours two glasses of mead, and settles on the floor in front of the Balefire with them.

Later that night...indeed, very much past midnight...Brekke sits by the balefire, the green flicker reflected in her eyes as she broods.

She turns to look at him after a moment, notes the glasses, and accepts one with a bit of a rueful grin and a nod.

A soft grunt as he settles.

A sigh.

A sip.

"Mm." Agreement, and a sip. Then the sigh.

She looks back to the flames again. "Do you think they will speak tomorrow, as I have instructed?" A pause. "Or, I suppose, later today."

"Mmm."

"If I were a betting man I would say yes. Adam is obeying you, and Dagmar has been ordered."

"Mm."

A moment, and she looks to him again, her brow furrowed.