#rivervale_lodge

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"...and so, August, Earl, and Zara are going with my brother to Tijuana, while Coradel leads the Grass team. And I've come here - to recruit Carawyn, yes, but maybe others, to help free the poor humans who are enslaved."

Frank nods. They sit near the Balefire, sipping coffee or a beverage of choice. "Pending approval by Kerri and Brekke, of course, you will have my support."

"I would love to have you at my side - any of Rivervale, really."

"It isn't in the Barony, but it's close. Seems even the Balor aren't bold enough to do this right under the Shacklebreaker's nose."

Footsteps despite the late hour, and the door to the lodge opens

The sidhe coming in wears the Truthbranch Mantle. Sparrow has only met Sir Carowyn once

Sparrow sits up, wings perking up like a pup's ears. "Well, timing! Good morning!"

"Truth to tell I've lost track of time after that shift I.." The sidhe knight realizes it isn't one of the usual lodgemates talking to him, sees who it is, and immediately bows "Baroness. Apologies. I didn't know you were coming."

"Well, I didn't call ahead."

HE notices the Mountain here too and chuckles "pardon me, I see it wasn't me you came to see. "

"Oh, no - I was going to find you, too. House business."

Frank sips.

A nod at Frank. "I was just telling about this trafficking ring that has sprung up."

"Join us." He offers his Housebrother.

"Thank you, " and he does

"So..." Sparrow, again, and no, Catnik is not typing it all out, explains the situation - Balor, Tantalus, mortals, trafficking and abuse.

Frank adds to the notes she already provided.

Carowyn's eyes flicker bordering on that outrage

but then they smooth, "My sword is yours, Baroness, Sir Knight, or any other aspect of me that can aid."

Frank nods.

"There are complications, of course - I know we want to free them, but... mortal authority? How to handle that?"

"I have a few contacts with the law enforcement community here. Anne Marie is a boggan whose calling is social work. She has been invaluable. I have a network of helpers in the shelters and other support communities."

"That's a good start. I worry, because it is no mercy for them to go from a sweatshop to a detention camp..."

"Brenda Thomas has continued to help with Kongkea if I recall?" Carown says "Has she learned much more?"

A pause. "Could we get them to Canada, do you think?"

"I have not asked Mrs. Thomas." Frank admits "Although we can do so." He thinks. "It is possible, yes. We could get them to Canada."

"I..." She frowns. "I wish... but I do not believe they can find safe refuge, here."

"Why not?" He is not judgemental or defensive; he really wants to know.

"Because even those with legitimate claims for asylum are being tossed into cages? There is a risk in bypassing the system entirely, too..."

"If they are caught later, it would be worse."

"By 'here' you meant the United States." He says to confirm.

She nods, feathers slicked.

"A good point. Yes, they'd be exported, but it might not even be the right countries..and far from their famillies still"

"Some may wish to return home..."

"Hmm." A grunt.

"I mean, you understand my concern?"

Sir Carowyn nods "Even with the best of intentions, bueracrcy could make prisoners of them"

"I understand, My Lady, yes." kindly.

She shakes her head. "I hate it, but we must keep fighting."

"At least we can make a difference for these people, yes?"

"Yes." Firmly.

"It is outside the Chieftess's authority; some diplomacy will be required."

She nods. "Do we need to see the Count?"

"Perhaps we can speak with the noble of the area first."

She nods. "I... don't know who that is..."

"Do you know -where- it is?"

"Oh yes, the factory is in [town}..."

"Pearl River? That's close, but out of the county, actually out of the Duchy... but a short drive" Sir Carowyn says "it's like a tease."

Frank shakes his shaggy head closely. "I cannot put the Chieftess in an awkward position in this."