#rivervale_lodge

Sparrow seeks the Chieftain at the Lodge.

She is there, or rather is returning to the Lodge from the stable as Sparrow arrives. A respectful nod. "Baroness. Please come in," she holds the door open and allows the sidhe to go first.

"Baroness." A bow of respect before she enters.

"Lady Sparrow," Kerri welcomes her as they enter. "Welcome. Can I get you anything?"

Brekke meanwhile helps herself to some coffee.

"Iced tea or water? Something cold, please. I would appreciate that, thank you."

"Of course, just a moment." Kerri vanishes into the kitchen.

"Please, sit," Brekke invites, and waits for Sparrow to get comfortable before taking her own seat.

Sparrow settles, finding a good place to fit her wings.

And soon Kerri returns with a tall glass of iced herbal tea and a small plate of cookies. "Let me know if you need anything," she says to both and then returns to work, leaving them alone to speak.

Brekke sips her coffee. "Is all well?"

A sunshine smile for Kerri. "Oh, nice! Snickerdoodles, you remembered!" Fluffy feathers of happiness.

"Well, Brekke - I met with Adam."

The smile fades into a more somber expression. "I am concerned."

A deep breath and a sigh. "I suspected that might be the case. Tell me."

"The boy is... well... elfstruck?"

"Is that the word?"

"I do not believe he has a fully developed sense of self - of what he wants, of what he values."

Brekke shakes her head. "He seems to be certain that he wants to be respected, but beyond that...." A pause. "Do you believe you can work with him?"

She frowns.

"I think you have bigger problems beyond that - he feels as if he is an outsider, but all evidence points at him being included to an unusual extent for a kinain."

"He did hesitate at the notion of abandoning his family to serve a sidhe. That is promising."

"But he would spill every detail of the lodge for a pretty face."

Brekke closes her eyes. "That...yes. That is a problem." Then a frown as she looks at Sparrow again. "That is not merely theory? You..tested him?"

She frowns, and nods. "Forgive, but yes."

"He knows nothing about me, but..." A gesture.

"But he spoke freely." Brow furrowed. "One one hand, you are sympathetic to this Lodge, and I believe that you would not misuse that influence over him...and might be able to train him to resist it with others? But if he is elf-struck, as you say, then he may not succeed in learning much in your presence."

"It's..." She frowns. "I am Autumn, mortals can be... difficult... "

"He needs help."

"For his own sake, even, regardless of the threat to the lodge. He is vulnerable to exploitation."

"Perhaps a male mentor? That might.. soften... the effect."

A nod. "Understood. Do you agree that his mentor should be of House Fiona? That is what we believe Adam will become, over time."

"I don't think that is necessary - he needs..." A frown. "He needs to respect others, for one. And to have real goals - I suppose, for some, wishing to worship and serve IS a purpose, but that... that doesn't seem healthy..."

"To serve is a purpose. To worship...well, it is a dream for some mortals, and so some of us fae will be the shape of that Dream."

She rubs the back of her neck. "And you have seen my winter side... "

A brow. "Ah." She nods. "As you say."

"I am willing to help with him, as I may - he needs help, whether he is to persist as a mortal or hope to be sidhe."

"But... but there are problems there."

"And some, I think, beyond my ability to aid."

"Yes. Adam has had challenges from the start, and as his life has grown more complicated, his challenges have multiplied. I have tried to assist as well, but...he does not seem to think he needs help. He desires attention and praise, but not correction or assistance. I seem to be unable to anything other than step wrong with him." A brooding sip of coffee. "I will turn to some others, but if you have any recommendations for mentors, beyond those within the Lodge....?"

"Perhaps a turn in a sidhe hold?"

"Earth Runes would not harm him - but they also will not, well... privilege him, as he has been here."

"I had considered this, but hesitate to give him the sense he is being sent away as punishment."

"I also do not know if his family will consent. Though...that is a matter I can work around."

"You could phrase it as a reward. Hm. A challenge, to prove himself?"

"I shall be there, as will many Fiona..."

A slight grin. "That would draw him, certainly. Then to frame it as field training, as Sylvi's parents did with her, I believe. That may work."

"You say you will be there. When do you plan to return to EarthRunes?"

"As soon as the mural is done... I know, I have overstayed my welcome." Feathers slick.

A blink. "Who has given you that impression?"