#rivervale_lodge

her mortal name

"Hello, Tanya, It is Brekke. I am calling about the proposal we discussed."

"Ah, Chieftain, yes, about Oak's services?"

"Yes. There is interest, but I wish to revise the arrangement. Originally we said that I would be able to have the third pick of the litter. Instead, I would wish to claim any of the pups that do not meet the Baron's standards. Is this acceptable?"

"You mean in case of deformity or tthe like? "

"That, odd-color eyes, whatever your Baron finds unacceptable. We are mindful of how Star came to us, and we wish to make sure that this does not happen to one of Oak's pups."

A long pause "He always makes sure such animals have a home, that is not the same as abuse... but I think I see your concern. Yes i am sure he'll agree to that. Do you want us to bring the female down there, or do you wish to visit us?"

"We will host her here. Perhaps for three days?"

"We may send one of our own to see to the Dam's needs but I'm sure that's fine"

"You would be very welcome to visit, Nadeen, if you wish," she encourages. "But I understand if you do not have the time. Another escort is acceptable, certainly."

Her voice grows less official "I do miss Rivervale, more than a little. But I have a charity auction or two, and very soon there will be a saining here. But I will see if I can. How is Sylvi?"

"She is well, but I believe she is up near you right now. She said there was much to do at the theater before she must focus more of her energies here. You said that you had spoken with her about that, correct?"

"I had. I'll miss her, of course, but the house is paid for so she leeaves me in no lurch"

"That is good. And perhaps you may find another to share the house with you?"

"I have some ambitions related to that area" She says, sounding a bit sly about it, "But propierty. Well, congratulations at getting Sylvi back, Zane will be a fine asset to Darkgate"

"I agree, it sounds as though he is fitting in well there. I am glad he has found a place and purpose that suits him."

"going to keep Sylvi busy?"

"Yes, I think her endeavors will keep her very busy." A pause. "Thank you for taking this change so well."

"Well, it's not so much a changge as a return isn't it? "

"A return, but quite different responsibilities, I think you will agree."

A pause then "Yes... I could see why she's excited"

Then ... "No. I'm not going to play games with a friend I respect. Chiefttain, What responsibilities are we talking about?"

A pause. "I thought...you said she discussed this with you...."

"She did. It was.. she had just decided she missed home... but it was over a week ago. Has..some new duty fallen to her? What I heard was she'd be rallying wilders at the lodge"

A lonnnng pause.

"It was initially that. And her desire to return to school here. Then...another opportunity arose, and it was timely."

"And appropriate...she is a good fit for the task."

"Chieftain? As a wilder formally of the lodge myself, could you please tell me just what task this is?"

Another pause. "Not over the phone. Perhaps you should visit us...or speak with Sylvi." She sounds grim.

A woried sound "Oh my god. Who's ill?"

"I mean, if she's replacing one of you... "

"No...no, it is not that, Nadeen. All are well. She is not replacing any of us."

"I see, or rather I don't. How busy are you tonight?"

"Not...very." A tone of honesty mixed with uncomfortable reluctance.

"I'll be over in about 20 minutes without the dog. I've been asked to wait for a lot of things, and I've been patient, and if nothin else I'd like an answer or two. See you soon, Chieftain"

And with that, she hangs up

"Nadeen..." she says, just a hair too late. She looks at the phone a minute...then sighs and hangs it up. She comes out to the balefire and looks at it for a moment. "Troubled weather is coming," she mutters to it.

And, twenty minutes later... Nadeenn arrives

A Knigght's heart vehicle pulls up, and Nadeen steps out and opens "Chieftain?"

Brekke is waiting for her at the top of the driveway. "Baroness." A nod.

"I think we should speak in private. Please..."

She gestures for Nadeen to walk with her.

And she walks to her, "Of course" Annd joins her side

She proceeds to the boathouse...and climbs the rope ladder up to the deck of the Kestrel. "Come aboard, please," she calls down.

She raises a brow "Should I worry that whatever you're telling me requires me out of the lodge and possibly up in the air?" She does come aboard

"The ship will not move from here. But here we are guaranteed privacy. Come..." She leads her back to a cabin in the back.

Annd she follows further

The cabin is tiny, and the two of them are an uncomfortable fit, but she knocks against the headboard against one wall...and leads Nadeen through a portal into a more comfortably sized room. "We will not be interrupted here."

"Impressive" She says eyes widening a second

"Mm." She nods and looks around a moment. "This was our home for...a long time. Siv was born here. Please...." She pulls out a seat for Nadeen. It may be a stool for trolls, but it's not uncomfortable for a sidhe. "Be comfortable." She takes a larger chair opposite.