#rivervale_lodge

********************************************
Frank patrols; he doesn't mind the cold, but to blend in he wears a mask and a coat. His tire-tapper is inconspicuous, but close to hand. The apartments are an area of some suspicions for him, but the Fae are so concentrated there they bear close watch. Better him than another.

As he is heading round a trail, he sees a familiar petite figure hoofing it up towards the lodge - bundled up in a puffy coat and scarf and hat, and with woolen legwarmers over her furry legs!

He nods to her. "Piper, isn't it?"

She skids to a stop and turns, looking up at the Mountain. "Sir Franklyn!" Clipping over to him. "I've heard a BUNCH of rumours, but I don't know what is actually going on and what is Rikki telling me a story. Siv's not answering her texts, and I couldn't reach Jonas when I tried to call... what IS going on?"

He clears his throat. "A series of linked attacks here and at Caer Falken." and he tells her MOST of the rest of the story. Brown dog, Mr. Lee, increased patrols in the area and security at the Lodge.

"But what about the explosions?" She blinks. "The air ship bombarding with flaming marsh...mall.... Oh." She shakes her head. "Forget that. Nevermind. Is Siv off patrolling then?"

"No, Piper. She went with Brekke to take word to Count Hemlock. Stayed there when Brekke returned. She was hunting with the Count and his party. They were attacked. We believe what's happened here and what happened there are linked. She is alive, and healing."

"She's alive? Of COURSE she's alive... wait, how badly was she hurt?! Shouldn't she be coming home for Kerri to see to?"

"She is receiving care at Caer Falken."

"Where is that?" Worry in her tone. "Can't Gerd flicker-flash her home? Or the Count there, or his people?"

"Caer Falken is the county seat. Count Hemlock is Brekke's boon companion and Oathmate. When Siv is feeling better, she'll come home but for now she has excellent care."

Piper may remember performing on the tourney grounds there once

But she never went into the hold itself

"Oh! Right! Well, if she can't come home, then I'll go to her. Thanks, Mountain!" Turning to start trotting back the way she came...

Frank clears his throat again; getting a cold? "Piper, might give her a few days. She could use the rest."

She turns, and gives him a confused look. "If your love was laying injured and unable to come home, would YOU sit at home and twiddle your thumbs waiting?"

"Yes, if that was what was best for her."

"And she would do the same for me."

She frowns. "Well, I might not be you... and I will go see her. If she sends me away, then I'll go. But I can't stay here... useless! And wondering about her!" Impassioned!

"I'm sure we can find a way for you to fine usefulness here." He says calmly. "Jonas has been patrolling."

She pauses, shifting weight from one hoof to the other fretfully.

"I'm sorry, Mountain. I can't! I'll come back after I see her... "

Frank exhales heavily. "How will you get there?"

Her small chin juts. "It's not that far. I can jog over, or take a Fae cab. It's so close, you understand, I can't NOT go... I have to see that she's okay with my own eyes." Said eyes tearing up now.

"I wish I could go with you." Frank agrees. "Would you consider waiting to speak with the Chieftess first? She is on her way back, I've spoken with her by telephone."

"If you will do that, I will ask Brekke if she can spare me for a few hours, so that I may see Siv as well."

"And I will drive you."

She hesitates still... she could BE there by then... but nods, reluctantly. If Siv wakes up, surely she'll see the texts and call her before then. "I... " A sigh. "Thank you, Mountain. That would be good. I'm sure she'd want to see you, too..."

"I'd appreciate it, Piper. Come to the Lodge to wait?"

She nods and falls in by his side, taking several quick steps for every pace of his own.

"Doesn't this Count have his own knights to fight his battles?" She says, and winces a bit, trying not to sound like she's whining.

A deep chuckle. "Yes, he does. And he is a mighty warrior, himself."

"Sometimes, in combat, this happens. Siv is a member of a warrior House; this is going to happen. Only occasionally, one hopes."

"Mind you, all Houses have warriors but some are better known for it."

A soft sigh. "I shouldn't worry about her, she's tough and brave and a Knight and battle-tested and all. But I DO."

"Means you care about her."

A nod. "I know I can't keep her tied up safe at home, it would be like caging a wild songbird. But I hate when she gets hurt! And I can't do anything to help her. I'm useless in any sort of physical contest outside of a tickle fight..."

"Considered training?" without judgement.

She blinks. "I'm tiny, and... weak." She admits, a little embarrassed. "I worry that if I hurt my hands fighting, I might not be able to play any more... ...I had an idea about maybe learning Archery once, but that fell by the wayside."

"Mmmm." Frank nods, flexing his own scarred hands. "That can be a danger, yes. Getting hurt. But, that's the point of training. Practice. Getting better."

"Like music."

"If I hurt my hands or arms and couldn't play an instrument any more? I might waste away." She says, completely honest and with worry in her tone.

"Maybe I could find something useful to do from the sidelines... I know hopscotch already... "

"I understand. Music was never as strong a passion for me, but it hurts to have lost what I have. And yes, I'm sure you could do something other than combat. Magic is one answer."

"A distance weapon might work too."

She hesitates, but then nods. "If it will help Siv... or the lodge?" The latter almost an after thought. "I will try to learn something that can help. ...any ideas?"

"I'm pretty darn nimble, but I'm not at all strong. I did some gymnastics in middle school... but they could never put me on the bottom of the pyramid when I tried for cheerleading."

"They were pretty stuck up anyways." Then she adds, "Not Sylvi, though. Sylvi is cool!"

"Hm." Frank considers carefully "Mind if I talk to the Chief and Kerri about the idea?"

She shakes her head. "I don't mind... and I'm sure Siv would prefer I stayed on the sidelines. If she was fighting, I wouldn't want to distract her..."