#rivervale_lodge

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Rivervale's fire has taken on distrustful almost sulky bent. Oh it's still lovely, but the shadows stretch as if someone were pulling up the sheets in bed and wanting to nap for another hour rather than face the world

Oh, it's moody all right. It's a reflection of the Chieftain, and knowing that causes her guilt. I cannot protect the balefire from my failings.

That is only one of the thoughts that drives her to rise and depart early, spend much of the day on patrol, and return late.

And she might find intervention coming from areas she might not have expected

Someone has burned sage and other things to help remove negative enerigies

NOt that unseelie is negative, but the symbolism is clearly meant kindly

Burnt it where, is the question. At the balefire, throughout the Lodge, or out in the woods?

Near the balefire and a bit through out the lodge. The scent is not too cloying

Probably Gerd, she thinks as she looks at the balefire in the late evening. Then she thinks more towards the 'fire, I hope that is helping you.

It seems to give a gentleel shrug. The thought of whoever is appreciated

Furthermore, she finds someone is having coffee ready whenever she comes in. A hot cup right there.

Brekke nods, then notes the mug. A furrowed brow. They should not trouble themselves. I can do this myself.

But she takes the mug and takes a sip.

And then, the smell of food and.. Brogan, Squire to Kerri comes out with a tray "Chieftain, you were late for dinner" An unspoken again "But here are your left overs. They heated well"

She stiffens, uncomfortable. Then a brief nod. "It...you did not need to do this."

"I thank you." She accepts the plate.

"You 're welcome, Chieftain. Though Hearth Kerri had a part in preserving your share"

"Ah." She nods. And...stands there, awkwardly, plate in hand.

He pulls out a seat for her

"Ah...Squire...that is not necessary. Thank you." She sets the plate down and takes the seat.

"You're welcome , Chieftain" He looks at her "May I ..speak perhaps above my station?"

She pauses half way through picking up her fork.

"Yes...?"

"Some of the others want to cheer you up, but that's not possible is it? Not truly? So. I thought I would ask how can we best help you endure?"

She frowns and he may detect a shamed blush. Then she looks down at the plate. "I...think it would be best if you could...not ask. I will be fine."

"I suppose you must, but Samhain is taken more seriously we Daireann than some Houses. It'sspiritual side. I think... while you may feel vulnerable, maybe you could, if you don' t already, focus on the spiritual side. You are not a mountain, but this might be the one time of the year the Dreaming might grant you wisdom normally far off your reach"

And he backs up, so she can eat.

Her jaw is tight as he speaks, not from anger from from self-consciousness.

The Daireann wants to say more, but he knows nothing he says will help her feel better. He does hope though it proves to be useful

"Please eat, Chieftain. "

"Yes. Thank you."

She waits until he vanishes into the kitchen, then stands and goes to take her plate upstairs.

And he does

And up the stairs and into the bedroom she vanishes.

Lily takes notes from the shadows. She will report to connor, lord howlington's spy is on the job

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"She's gone?"

"Yep."

"Well, we did the sage, what next?"

"Symbols of protection... harmony, that sort of thing"

"Nordic ones I guess"

"You know them right? the runes?"

"Yup. How come no one ever wants to do the greek?"

"Because the greek gods were creeps"

"Oh sure, tell it to loki ..." A hurumph

and gentle runes and such are laid here and there at the threshhold

"What are you doing?"

"A few celtic ones too"

"Why?"