#rivervale_lodge

"Hemlock gonnna roll with this?" Olgar asks

A brow at Olgar. "I am not consulting the Count in this matter."

Kerri blinks at that.

"While I dislike the philosophy most times," Brekke continues, "this is a situation in which I am choosing to beg forgiveness if necessary, rather than ask permission."

"I'm loving this more and more" the Rover grins

Vali consders "Who ever you set up, that system they need has to include transition .. and, it's not unreasonable to lett them know that if they get out of hand they will face consequences"

"Yes, I thought you might," Brekke says wryly to Olgar, and sips.

Brekke nods to Vali, accepting these points as valid.

Then she, again, looks to Frank for his input.

He sips his cider.

"You have my support." he says quietly.

"I have never doubted that. But now I also wish your thoughts."

"That the freeholder will be elected by popular vote is my chief concern." not without a glint of humor.

Kerri gives him a confused look. "You mean, that they should be? Or that you're worried they might be?"

Olgar raises a brow

Brekke gives Frank a chance to elaborate.

"Elected Freeholders." His beard moves. "Ancient history, forgive me."

"Have you chosen who you will assign the ember, and establish the freehold?"

"Ah, firnost joke" Vali gets it and looks..amused

Olgar looks to Kerri

A good-natured brow at the joke, and she clears her throat. "I have. And my choice is the reason why you are here, Olgar, along with the Hearth. I wish Sylvi to be the first freeholder. This is part of why I support requesting Chieftain Hewitt to return her to us early."

Kerri lets out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Well..." she looks to Olgar. "Wow."

Frank lifts a brow at that, but nods.

Olgar however , lifts his chin proudly "She's the best person nfor the job ,if she wants it"

"no biases there" Vali smirks

"Of all the wilders, she has the widest combination of modernist leanings with broad exposure to various holds and their methods."

That from Brekke.

Kerri grins, "And she was sneaking off to Firnost as soon as should could navigate a trod. So that imprinted on her early."

Brekke clears her throat at that. "I cannot say I actually wish another Firnost nearby...but I also know that what I wish does not suit all."

"She's a good choice" Vali says "But.. I think how I feel about it might have to do with tthe set up ideas she has. And, will Chief Hewitt agree to let her go early?"

"He has already agreed to let her return for school, expecting her to continue her Bridge duties on the weekends while she trains a replacement. She may need a deputy here while she is away...but I believe she has a good selection of friends who may support her."

"We're not sending ALL the wilders off to that place I hope? I mean.. new Mountain to be here... who am I going to have tto draw on from the Wilder set?" Vali inquires

"Hmm...I have not seen it as an either-or choice. Merely another option. Do you think that is a concern? I cannot see Dagmar abandoning the Lodge, for example, but also enjoying another local freehold."

Kerri looks at Vali. "I'm not sure if you're joking, Vali," she says with a grin.

"Oddly not, annd sorry if it was selfish to ask," Vali says a bit chagrinned "I just was set up to pull on talent from the younger generation. I guess it's true, I still could. I know I appear the soul of cofidence, but I want to be able to do this job well, but it sounds like the honeymoon period maybe over fastt"

"Would it help, Vali," Brekke says, "if I point out that the new hold need not be off-limits to any of us? I think you might have a better opportunity to provide guidance for some if it is in a place where they feel they belong. If they wish it, that is."

"Fair" He nods

Frank nods agreement with these statements.

"Well, like my husband, I'm a bit biased," Kerri says with a grin. "I mean...it's a great vote of confidence in our daughter, and thank you for that, Chieftain. I'm sure she can do it...if she wants to."

"She wants to be closer to home, but I'm nno so vain to think she won't want some space.. this might be good for her on all levels" Olgar says "And yeah I realize it's not all about her either"

Brekke nods. "She is my first choice. I would like you all to consider other options if she declines. It is possible that she may. For this to work, it would need to be one who is well-disposed towards the Lodge, but without house affiliation, and who has leadership qualities."

"However, for now...it sounds as though there are no objections."

"None" Vali says "But, I'd suggest to Sylvi she get others thoughts from wilders about possible locations ... we don't want to solve the problem of exclusion by encouraging exclusion. Also, it might help the Wilders and non regulars feel more attached"

"Location is the other issue, yes. I will speak with her tomorrow on the matter in general. If she agrees, yes, I will urge her to seek assistance from others as quickly as possible in finding a suitable site. The ember is still stable for now...but it will fade."

Kerri looks concerned. "What happens if they can't find a place before it fades?"

"Then," says Brekke, "I will add the ember to our balefire here. It is an option I have had...but I wished to do this, instead."

"Heh .. " Olgar grins "Cannonball run, kids"

Vali looks at the older grumps "is that like a ..black and white movie or somehing?"

Frank sighs.

Brekke looks at him blankly. But Kerri smirks.