#rivervale_lodge

Ganbold , the childling comes in

"Hi! Future Khan of the Centaur horde here" He waves

Brekke gives him a slightly bemused look, and a nod. "Welcome. That is an ambitious title."

The little mongolian American trots up "Thank you, CHieftainn. We will ally with the lodge, of course, how else to have access to the mighty Hearth's cupcakes?"

"I am glad to see you are motivated to make such an alliance. I think it would be wise to do so. But developing such a horde may take some time. You must be patient, Future Khan." Then she adds, "Ganbold, when you chrysalized, do you recall having any item with you, something that may have been taken by your captors?"

He ponders then answers "I think I came with a bow, but I'm not sure it was particularly special... it is the warrior's hands that make a weapon deadly" He makes kung fu like gestures

She nods. "Understood, but still...it was yours. It is right that it be returned to you, if possible." She makes a note.

"Thanks" He beams

"I am also trying to determine where the new arrivals would be best housed. If you could have your preference, at what sort of place would you wish to live?"

"Well, I wouldn' want to be the only childling somewhere, wilders are all 'ooo I'm a hero' and 'kissing' and stuff... or angsty. Annd you grumps are so busy... so I need a place with a few other kids"

She gives him a measuring look. "I would agree with this. And...city? country? mountains? ocean?"

"While we Mongals are masters of the great grass lands, I'm versitile"

A nod. "I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Ganbold. Do you have any questions for me?"

"Yes. How HARD can you hit things with your weapon?"

"Do you speak tree? I heard you patting one and making noises"

"Why do you not have any sons? Do you not like boys?"

"And what's your favorite dessert?"

Brekke blinks as the questions come pouring out. Then she says, "I will answer the first three. I will answer others at another time."

She considers a moment. "I can hit things Very Hard with my weapon. Very Hard Indeed," she clarifies.

"I have spoken to trees using a cantrip, but I also sometimes simply speak to trees, whether they and I can understand each other."

He nods

"The Mountain and I do not have any sons because the Dreaming decided that Jessica and Siv needed to be with us, and they happen to be girls. I do not dislike boys."

A nod at this news "Perhaps I too will talk to trees. They like to spread their branches as I would spread my empire. I too will learn to hit hard with time, but not be as obssessed as Daria. And yes, Siv is nice, and Jessica quiet but kind. You seem to have done well despite a dearth of sons. " A beat "I like chocolate cake"

She nods seriously at this volunteered information. "I will make sure that the Hearth is advised."

"Thank you. " A nnod "I have other questions, but perhaps you need a nap. Grumps someimes do you know?"

A brow, and a nod. "Perhaps. You are wise, Future Khan. I will consider it."

"A khan must be wise as well as bad ass" he nods solemly, "Badass for war, Wise for Peace."

"I am glad that you know there is a place for both."

"Oh sure!" He beams "Sir Vali said to watch you if I wanted to learnn to be a leader. So that's where I got that"

A blink. "Well, I am pleased to hear that. Thank you."

"You're welcome." He pumps his chest in a salute, then eyes the cup of coffee "Is that the source of your leadership skills?"

She considers this. "Perhaps it is related, but its power works differently on childlings than it does on wilders and greybeards. For childlings, it is not helpful."

"Oh.." he nods "I suppose that's fair. There are things childlings get that grumps don't. Balance is very pushy." He nods then "Do you need anything else from me, O Chieftainn of the Trolls? "

"Not just now, Future Khan Ganbold. I thank you for your time." She gives him a respectful nod.

It is returned, "Then I must go off and help Lane run from Jordan."

"This is important work. Make sure Jordan gets his exercise."

"I will" And off he goes! A happy gallop.. indoors ..still has trouble nnot running in the lodge but by the time she can bring this up, he's out the door

She shakes her head with quiet amusement, and makes another note.

****************