#rivervale_lodge

And he sips the drink he was given

Brekke nods, frowning. "Have you spoken with them directly?"

"Anne Marie, err Mrs Lee is on it" he says

A blink. "That is not a yes or no."

He blushes "I screwed up. I had to let them know I was alive. I just had to. I didnn't mention I was a centaur or anything about fae , honest"

"Oh, I believe you. And I do not blame you for needing to contact them. You told them you were safe...and they said...?"

"They were ready to fly down here and get me now.. that's when I handed things over to Mrs Lee" A cough "I wimped out. I did tell them I was safe and secure now"

She nods. "I have great faith in Anne Marie to manage such conversations. I will speak with her more about finding a way to ensure you can stay."

"Thanks. I love my folks but I ... I think this i the place to follow my dreams' A pause "And yeah, it IS closer to New York city. Thank you"

Brekke gives him a serious look. "Linwood, it can be very difficult to maintain connections with mortal family. It may be wise to begin to prepare them for your separation from them."

"oh" he lower his eyes "that's.. okay. I just... thtat's part of how we stay ourselves, isn't it?"

"In part." Frank rumbles.

A look to Frank.

"There is much to be said for maintaining such ties as we can. My opinion."

Brekke nods. "It can be done. Some have. But it is difficult. You must protect yourself from their banality, and protect them from too much exposure to our world."

Frank nods.

"I'll take your lead, and i'm sorry" Linwood admits "I'm not brave. I should be. I'm bigger and stronger now, but.. I never wanted to hurt anyone. I just want to play my music, maybe share it with a few folks if they like? is that.. is that wrong?"

A blink. "I do not see any wrong in this. I think this is a goal that can bring much good to the world."

"You have met Tove, I hope?"

"Yes, Mrs King? She's amazing" He nods

"The other Mrs King" he adds

A nod. "And Etsie? You have met her?"

"No but Piper says she can really rip"

"And of course you know Piper. I think, then, you can see that we have several in Rivervale who wish to share themselves through their music. And sometimes that does require a bravery of its own."

A smile "Thankns, Chieftain. I.. I appreciate you two hearinng me out. Should I send the next person in?"

"Yes, please do."

Linwood trots out, looking a lot more happy

And as Linwood goes out, Frank also departs, taking over a patrol as Brekke continues the interviews.

Buck is a big wilder (Looks to be twenty something) , pure muscle, big even by Centaur standards! He trots in "Sorry for the delay, Chieftain. "

She shakes her head slightly. "No need to apologize." He may note that she gives him a measuring look, a warrior assessing another apparent warrior. "You are well?"

"Quite well, Chieftain, thanks to you folk. I have to admit, beinng half horse was a bit weird, but I'm enjoying this new world now that i'm free to do so. Word is you want to ask us if we're missing anything?"

Straight and to the point, AFTER genuine thanks

A nod. "Yes, I want to make sure that we know of anything that may have been confiscated from you by your captors. Fae often chrysalize with treasures. Do you recall anything like this?"

"A small blue gemstone medallion" he admits

"Like Turquoise"

"Hm." She makes a note. "And it was taken from you?"

"Yanked off my neck, mind you, that was after I threw another hunter a couple of yards. I don't know what it did, I just know it came with me. I'd like it back if you find it, but if you can'tt, I'll live without"

She nods. "I cannot promise its return, but I will try. Now, I also wish to know where you would prefer to reside. What kind of location would you prefer?"

"Well, obviously a place with other changelings. thee's a lot I need to know, but assuming that part is a given? I'd like a place where I'd be allowed to have a drink with good folks , have honest work, and a right to defend myself, my friends and whatever family I form. I'm a pretty simple fellow. I like honest discourse, I speak my minnd meaning no malice while I do it. But.. I have thought about it. And gathering us all in one place does seem tobe, well, a bad idea. Not just for you, but for Centaurs. We.. ah" A blush "Changelings tend to be in the blood lines? Skips generations sometimes but my poinnt is, us appering all over like that big star was a one time thing right? From here on, it springs from the source of the magic in the blood with a fae spirit born in it?"

"I have no way of knowing for certain. I agree that that seems likely."

"Then you cann' keep us all here. We need to be... seeded, to thrive? Spread about a bit. Don't get me wrong. I like it here fine. Why the kids are tops. Connor's a gem. LIttle rascal has a heart bigger than my whole body, but I see a need for you to disperse us some and since I see that it's needed, then I need to live by it. you see the problem but take no part in fixing it? It makes you a hypocrite. So you put me any where you think I can earn my keep and I'll shake your hand and nod"

She nods slowly. "If some or all of you were already sained, I might consider a different approach, but as you say, dispersing the group is best under these circumstances. I do have some thoughts about where you might go...." A pause. "Tell me, what were your mortal skills before you chrysalized?"

"Let's see, I worked as a bouncer /doorman at a club once. You don't have to be that ggood a fighter. if you're tall and intimidating, but can still smile at folks just enouggh, that's half the job. Nice gig until Covid killed it. Before that? I did some construction work. Didn't like the smell but the hours weren' bad. Got to work out doors"

A nod. "There are many holds that would appreciate your help. Let me think on it."

"Sounds good Chief," A nod "now, your pardon, I'm going to snitch some grub from the kitchen. I promised Snow I'd get her an apple. Did you know Chimerical monkeys FADE if they don't get enough food? Poor thing looked starving"

"Ah...I will not prevent you from fulfilling your promise to Snow, but be aware that she is well-known to exaggerate."

"Oh, well, she's cute enough to get away with i I suppose and a deal's a deal" He nods and heads into the kitchen, and comes out with two apples "one for her, one for me... " He bites he one in his left hand and heads out

Brekke grins and nods and makes another note.

"fruiiiit" can be heard outside. As the Chief makes her notes with a grin on her face