#rivervale_lodge

She enters. "Sir Frank!" Joy.

Frank's beard moves, and his eyes shine a little. He bows.

Sparrow heads over to greet him with a hug. "We have much to talk about, but can I beg a couch for tonight?"

Brekke nods approval to Frank. It's a given. It's Sparrow.

A voice calms down, “alarm?” From sleepy eyed boy on the stairs, in footed pajamas.

"Of course." warmly.

"No, Connor." He steps aside. "You remember Lady Sparrow?"

"All is well, Connor," Brekke replies, reassuring.

He steps down, looking at the lady shyly, but without recognition. “I’d never forget a pretty bird that color.”

"Hello Connor, it's been a while."

"You seem to have forgotten that you are a youngster who should be in bed at this hour."

“One door knocks is a snooze, Two door knocks is an alarum.”

"I'm sorry to have given you a spook. I'm an old friend of Frank's."

"Two different visitors, Connor, but good to be alert there. And the Chieftess is right; you should be in bed."

“It could be wizards.” He says solemnly, and gives Sparrow a bow. “I think I met you. But you’d never forget me. I’m the one with the fluffy tail.”

"Honestly? I'm ready to crash on the floor... bad guest, but it's been a long day on the road."

“And you’re not old. Not like Frank. He’s old as the mountain, that’s why they call him that.”

"Do you need the balefire, Lady Sparrow? Are you wounded?"

And he gives Frank a goofy smile.

"Let me get you settled then... and, Chieftess, can you help Connor? And I'll meet you?"

A bit of a grin at Connor.

Frank gives the pup a mock-stern look.

“She needs a snack before bed. It’s hospitality. Brogie says to offer.” A nod!

And a nod. "Connor, come now. Upstairs. The Mountain will show proper hospitality. And you may speak more with Lady Sparrow in the morning."

She ushers him back upstairs.

"No, no need for the Bale. Here on House business."

“She gets three days to visit, that’s the escheat. But in case you’re not here that long, you can ask for three snacks in advance.” He advises Sparrow even as he’s led away!

"Thank you for the advice!" Her feathers fluff with amusement.

"Back to bed." It's an order, but a gentle one.

And Brekke tucks him in...and yes, fine, she will recite some Norse poetry for him to fall asleep to.

And he’s back asleep almost before the second stanza.

"Food or drink, Sparrow?" He offers kindly.

"A glass of water would be appreciated."

Frank nods and gets a carafe of ice water and glass. He carries them with as he shows Sparrow to her room. "Keep this for now."

"Thank you. Serious talk can wait until breakfast..."

"Nothing urgent, is there?" It's a standard guest room; homey, maintained by wilder's chores supervised by Kerri and Sally Mae. The decor is a little 'Alaska cabin' but not unpleasant for a change of pace.

A frown. "Mortals imperiled, ones we need to liberate."

"Not here, exactly - but close. And I was hoping I might get some help from Rivervale."

"Human Trafficking?"

She nods, grimly.

"We have a found the root, and up here is the branch."

Frank nods. "I've heard a bit. We'll talk in the morning but I think you will have our support."

"Wonderful news. And wonderful, delicious, soft bed..."

"Settle in and sleep well, Sparrow. We'll talk in the morning. It's good to see you."

"Good to see you, too. I missed this place."

"We have missed you." He puts a careful hand on her shoulder. "See you tomorrow."

A sunny smile and she puts her hand over his. "Yes. Good night, Sir Frank."

Frank nods and leaves Sparrow to her rest.

And to bed she goes.