#rivervale_lodge

"You look well," Brekke says quietly. "And Fenix...?"

"All is well. Apparently there was some Thallain action on Samhain but all I know of it is what I saw after. We won, apparently. Here?"

Brekke frowns. "The same. Aftermath, but no specific memories."

"And apparent victory," she adds.

"Well..... maybe the best we can hope for."

"Everyone looks good."

"Yes." Brekke nods. "I suspect we may see some of our wilders venture further out for longer times, soon. Though your sister does so already, but still returns here to 'home port.'"

"Ah. I should...probably speak with you about your sister." Her mother clears her throat and colors slightly.

"Is she ok?"

"She is fine. I...thought I saw you look confused during dinner. About her...relationships?"

"Um. I thought she was with Jonas? I've met Piper before. Wasn't she with the Kinain boy? I mean, it's none of my business anyway...."

"Perhaps not, but...well...I had to have it explained," she admits. "She is with both Jonas and Piper. Not with Adam. He has moved to EarthRunes."

A pause. "Oh."

"Um. Well. Good for them?"

"I suppose." A pause. "They seem to work well together."

"I will admit I didn't see that coming but somehow, I'm not surprised."

"Well..." a rueful shrug. "Fiona."

"Agreed, but what is Jonas's excuse? Other than.... Um. Nevermind." Jess flushes.

"I think...genuine affection. Or more."

"I'm... glad for her. Them. If it works for them, it works for them."

"Yes. It seems to be working. I hope it continues to do so." A pause. "What of you, Jessica?"

"I'm ok. Good. Took everyone on a Grand Tour to introduce Ellie to the other Freeholds and the folks at them. There are a lot of kids, I think she made friends. That's going to come in handy, I hope."

"Mm." A nod. "Early bonds are important. They can grow strong."

"I'd rather leave her a united County than separate Baronies, as they were when I got there."

"That is best for the people of the land, yes." A pause. "And for you, yourself?"

"Well yes, sure, it will be good for me too to have a united County."

Brekke grins. "It would be advantageous. But that is not what I am asking. You have helped your heir to make connections, to not be lonely. I am hoping you, also, are not lonely."

"Oh, no. Not lonely. Sometimes, it's hard to find a moment to recharge, you know? But no, I have people around me that I trust and who trust me and we've been through some stuff together and.... it's good."

A nod. "Then...that is all I need to know. I am glad."

"You and Dad ok?"

A grin and a nod. "We are well, yes. Very well."

That makes her smile. "Good."

"Jessica, you know you may stay, if you can. Whether you can or not, I hope you will sit and speak a bit with your father before you return home. It pleases him. As it does me."

She nods. "I can stay the night.I made arrangements."

Her mother is...actually surprised. Pleased, but surprised. "Ah! Good!" She thinks a moment. "You have seen Spark? The foal?"

"I don't think I've seen him, no. I heard something about him.... wings?"

"Yes. You must see him, also, before you go."

"Want to walk me out there?"

"A good idea. Come," she says as she stands, and Jessica might guess that her mother is eager to show off all the horses.

"I'm a stranger, he might like a familiar face too."

"Yes. I will make the introductions." And Brekke leads Jessica out to visit the horses in the late autumn evening of Thanksgiving.

"You've met our Fyremare Cinder, haven't you?"

Horsey noises of greeting when the herd scents Brekke approach.

Spark, of course, trots right up to the fence and sticks his head through the rails.

Brekke makes sure to introduce Jessica by name to each horse, coming to Spark last.

"Hey there little guy." Jess greets him but doesn't approach until invited.

"Hello Stormwake, Star."

She shakes her head at the foal. "You will get your head stuck."

Star hovers, just a bit, but Jessica is here with Brekke. Spark snuffles, searching for CUBES.