#rivervale_lodge

"I don't think it's arrogant, if it's sincere."

"I hear the family is sour because of Sally Mae dating Carowyn"

"Are they?"

"A sidhe noble? " A brow "She points out he's Autumn, means he didn't run, but they're still rumbling. We'e a mostly seelie lodge of anti monarchists. Change makes us itchy. Change involving one of our own kissy kissy with a sidhe noble? Doublely so. I get why they worry. They're afraid even the good nobles get manipulated, used, and then they have a trojan horse. but frankly I think Clem's got the right of it. Better to have us out there infiltrating others, getting holds we know to be decent in alliance or even indebted to us"

"Sounds very... political."

"It is I suppose, but it's also earnest. We don't go to a hold to undermine it, we go there to help. Make ourselves useful, we put in the work and the effort. Because it's not in use to do less than our best anyway. this also gives us a chance to see who is worthwhile, and who doesn't appreciate. Heck of a lot better than swearing or yelling for rebellion"

"That, I'd agree with."

He starts to nod then pauses "Sounds like you heard parts you DON'T agree with. What are we doing wrong, Mountain?" it's not defensive.

"I'm not sure you're doing anything wrong, per se."

"Oh I figure we must be," he says "We're only human, well, part human, but thanks. Point is, Sally Mae may find herself shunnned by half the farm. It's stupid, but if.. if it happens. I take it Rivervale will look after her? I think she sees Kerri as a friend as well as a mentor"

"Sally Mae is a part of the family, here. We'll take care of her."

"Hopefully she'll have both families showing sense, not just one" He says "Thank you."

"It's what you do for family. At a minimum."

"I should probably go. Need to pass on warning. Want me to take that letter ?"

"That would be very helpful, thank you." Frank passes the letter over after signing and sealing.

He takes it "good to see you again ,Mountain. I'll try not to be a stranger"

"Please don't be. A stranger, that is. Thank you for coming, Bix."

"You're welcome. Thanks for having me " And he moves out

Frank ponders how many folks he has, officially, or otherwise, mentor. He's not one given to boasts, but giving how they are doing ? He's got a right to be proud.

(End Scene before Frank can protest and act humble)