#rivervale_lodge

"If you don't mind some advice? I think mixing in a bit of crafts and arts for them might also be good. IF we can swing it. Not forced, of course" A pause "maybe music lessons "

"An arts education is crucial for education. Yes, absolutely. Base of the pyramid first, of course."

"Of course" She says "But with the magic cauldron and all the cooks here? Food wonn't be a problem"

"You're right, but it takes a while to unlearn old habits learned the hard way."

"Oh yes"She ponders 'yes you're right how foolish of me. Dagmar would snitch food and squirel it away. Dirk did simliar"

Frank nods.

"Mmm " She podners "Sleeping spacees that at least FEEL private too then" She makes a note

"But that allow for safety. On more than one level. And there maybe those that come in as siblings or with histories together that would prefer to stay close. Flexible." He makes a note.

"A good point" Mmm "This could be sizable "

"Conundrum; work small, focused.... or go big?"

"I don't think we can manage too many, forgive me for saying. What we can do is build a template for others to copy. Hope it inspires?" A breath "How many kids do you think of as big?"

A soft chuff. "I think it would be wise to ask experts. How many does the state limit foster parents to?"

She names it "And there are requirements so much squrae foot for each child. "

"Of course." he thinks "If the Count is funding, could the available state funds be put in trust for the kids themselves?"

"An excellent notion!" She writes down some things

"What do you think of having mortals to run the place but some of us Fae as visiting educators or ..... what do they call them now, enhancement specialists?"

"I think you need to have a Liam as the manager to fit the Count's insistance but they certainly could have carefully screened mortal aide"

Frank nods. "I agree."

"In fact, mmm I wonder if a few dreamers might not be among the staff"

"Could be." He agrees.

"Oh Sir Frank, not sure you even need me" She smiles

A chuckle "We sure do need you, but if you have people, mortal or Fae, who you trust and want to work with me on this, I'm glad to have them."

"I'll get you my list of suggestions. Wise Oak... oh I have hopes"

His beard moves enough to see a smile. "As do I."

She smiles back and then shows him some of hte paper work she'd be going with

Frank looks it over, but it might be giving him a headache. "I'm no stranger to paperwork but...."

"I undersstand, this is where I come in, But my idea is if we use this law... the Count sponsors it, his company gets a tax write off AND he is encouraged to support it even more"

Frank nods. "It couldn't hurt."

"Definitely not. Now, also the Count has a toy company. If we use the foster kids as 'product testers' then they can get a salary that goes to those savings you wanted for them when they turn older"

"I think the -Count- is a product tester....."

"Great, then he should have the paper work done for him. I love when nobles make themselves useful" She hums over her papers

Perhaps forgetting the sword of knighthood dangles over her too.

Frank chuckles, a low rumble.

"Oh, forgive, " She says "You always make yourself useful, Sir Franklyn. Apologies"

"Mmm. Thank you."

"And, no apology necessary."

"Do you think we have enough to go on at this point?"

"I think we do" She says "Wise Oak .. mmm I do like the sound of it"

Frank chuckles. "We'll see."

And the two go back to work

Brekke returns from a patrol...the first real patrol she's done since coming back from the duel. She's much revived, and the cold outside has frosted the end of her braid.

Anne Marie has been on the phone , doing paperwork and more

Frank's desk has a fresh dusting of papers, and he has a mug of coffee after 3 p.m. at his hand. As Brekke enters, he rises to get her one as well.

A pleased and grateful nod to Frank. Her hand lingers on his as he passes her the mug. Then a glance at AnneMarie as she finishes a call.

Frank's glasses are almost lost, perched up in a tangle of hair and horn.

He lifts both eyebrows at her glance.

"Oh, Chieftain! " She turns "Just working with the Mountain for the Wise Oak ideas. But we've done about as much as we can today"

"Coffee, Anne Marie?" He offers.

Brekke gives a slight shrug at Frank's reaction, then turns to AnneMarie. "I am glad you are working with him to start this. The Count has made a wise choice. In several ways." She sips her coffee and glances at the papers on the table before saying, "Now. About your knighthood."

"Oh no coffee for me I... "EEEP.. her eyes get wide at the term knighthood "Ah.. on second thought, a cup of coffee would be fine"