#rivervale_lodge

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Brekke has requested a meeting of the current leaders of the Lodge, and has asked Vali and Olgar to be there as well. Kerri has specifically requested that others give the group a chance to meet in private for a time...and she has promised cookies later for childlings who help make sure that nobody interrupts by entering the Lodge. ("Two birds, one cookie-shaped stone," she confides later.)

And so it is that the five of them meet in the main room of the Lodge. Some food and drink have been set out, and Brekke is already sitting at one of the long tables.

Jack sold out cheap!

And Vali comes in

After wipin out his feet

There's not a childling around who doesn't like being given the responsibility sometimes of telling other people where they're NOT allowed to go.

Kerri gives Vali a nod of approval, then indicates a seat at the table as she settles in herself.

Frank comes downstairs, having cleaned up from his most recent patrol and/or work. Stocking feet inside, as always.

He gets a glass of cider, waves an empty mug at Vali in a question/offer.

Brekke looks serious, but not grim. A hint of a grin as Frank comes downstairs.

Kerri taps her fingers on the table. "I told that man...." She cranes to look out a window to see if she can catch sight of Olgar.

Olgar can be seen sending Jordan off. Dear lord, is that a baseball mitt on the centaur?

A bemused look, and she shakes her head. "He's on his way," she tells Brekke, who nods.

Frank pours Vali a cup if he wants, and takes his own cider to sit with Brekke (unless she objects?)

"Thanks, Frank" Vali says

And yes, he did take it

Brekke nods for Frank to take the seat next to her at the long table.

She already has her own coffee. "We only await Olgar," she explains to Vali, and takes a sip.

Frank settles in.

Olgar comes in "Hey, am I late?"

Kerri gives him a LOOK, but Brekke says, "Not too late. Please join us."

Olgar kisses his wife on the cheek, dogs show their belly, guys cheek kiss to placate, then the Rover sits down "What's up?"

Kerri accepts the cheek-kiss in a way that says he's off the hook...for now...then looks to Brekke.

Brekke looks around the group. "I would prefer for this meeting to remain confidential for the time being," she says pointedly. "Please."

Kerri nods easily, curious.

Frank nods.

Brekke looks to Vali and Olgar, brows raised.

"Mums the word" Olgar grunnts

"Of course" Vali says

Both speaking tthe truth

Brekke nods satisfaction. "Then...I wish to tell you of a plan I have. First, I have been reminded that some of the people of Rivervale have been avoiding turning to the Lodge when they are in need. Either they see it as too seelie, too House-bound, or too trollish. It is not a majority, but enough that it concerns me."

Kerri sighs. "I don't see a lot of it, but...that rings true."

"Mmm." Frank nods.

"Oh come on," Vali says "Rikki has a chip on her shoulder"

Olgar takes a drinnknk

"Yes, but it is not only Rikki," she points out. "Even young Zane used to feel that way." A look to Olgar. "You have seen this, too?"

"It's better than it was, I'm proof of that, but yeah... unseelie assume when they come here they're in a hole the seelie kids arent"

Brekke nods. "And I cannot pretend they are not somewhat correct. Unseelie are under closer scrutiny at first. That is my nature. I am not inclined to change my nature in that regard, nor the nature of the Lodge. Perhaps that makes me old-fashioned and stubborn, but that is how it is. However, it is still my duty to serve the fae of Rivervale. And I have an opportunity to do so." She takes a sip. "I have come into possession of a small balefire ember. It may have been liberated from a firebrand at some point before it came into my hands, I am not certain. But I have it, and I wish to tell you how I intend to use it before it dims."

Frank listens.

Vali's expression is not surprised, but rather a Eureaka kind of look "Go ahead"

Kerri takes a deep breath and looks at their own balefire, but keeps her thoughts to herself for the moment.

Brekke raises a brow at Vali's reaction, but then continues. "I intend to assign an individual to be in charge of this ember, to establish a new freehold in Rivervale. I wish to see it started as a commoner mews, supported by the Lodge but not controlled by it. Hopefully the first freeholder will be able to establish a system that will keep it safe and strong and healthy."

She looks to the group. "This is my intent. I wish to hear your thoughts."

Kerri's eyes have gone a bit wide, but she looks to Frank to speak first.

Frank looks thoughtful, but not, apparently, ready to speak.

So the Hearth takes her turn. "I think...in theory it's a good idea. I think it could do a lot to support those who won't come here, and maybe increase good will overall. But it's also a risk, isn't it? I mean, if it can't be held by the freeholder you choose, it might be taken by somebody who is a rival to the Lodge."

Brekke nods slowly, acknowledging the point, then looks to Vali for his reaction.

Vali considers "It needs to be the right folks.. I know that sounds ssnobby but..."

Kerri points out, "And whoever comes after them might not be what we consider 'right'...." But she sounds like she's making that point reluctantly.