#rivervale_lodge

She takes the seat

Brekke regards her for a moment. "What I am about to tell you is to be held in confidence. You may speak with Sylvi of it, and if she says you may speak with others, that is fine as well. I request this for the benefit of Rivervale and her people."

"Is there a time limit on this.. seal of silence? And does it threaten Silver Wolf to your knoweldge?"

"I think you will be free of this request within a week, perhaps less. And no, it does not bear a threat to SilverWolf."

"Then I shall honor your request. I don't break confidences" True "At least not without cause and I want Rivervale to prosper" True

"I trust that you do, and I know you speak truly." A nod, then she takes a deep breath and begins, "Sylvi has, truly, requested to return to Rivervale primarily to attend school and be where she feels her home is. However, I have asked her to take on a new task, as well. She is to be the first freeholder of a very, very small commoner mews within Rivervale."

"There is... a new hold in Rivervale barony?"

"There is...about to be."

The teenager's eye twitches

"Have.. how long have you .. had extra fire to do this?"

"Since shortly after we liberated the centaurs."

"Mmm yes. Of course." A breath... "Naturally. So. ... I was this close to a balefire? Or ... was it at the other location?"

"It was the other location. And I did not find it myself. It was delivered to me, days later."

"May.. I ask who delivered it to you?" She is now rubbing the bridge of her nose

She shakes her head. "That is confidential."

"Of course" And she says "I ... thank you for telling me this. I .. notice you did not consider summong me back to rule a fief for you. Sylvi IS more than qualified, of course"

"Nadeen...Baroness...it is a very small ember. And I thought you had set your sites firmly on SilverWolf." Apologetic.

"I had hoped for Silverwolf yes, and I have now found myself drawn to claim it in a rather..." A a siggh "I have fallen in love, so clearly overthrow is out of the way" True "But I confess, this does feel like da'an is mocking me. " She rises "I should go" she looks to be containingg some emotion "But... do you think I will rule Silverwolf, or ANY hold , well?"

And in a softer voice "assuming the universe stops throwing my desire in my face"

"Truthfully? If you were the same Nadeen I knew shortly after your chrysalis, I would fear for those under your leadership. But you are not that person, Nadeen. You have become a wise, resourceful, and responsible woman, and I believe you will, yes, rule very well indeed."

A pause. "And perhaps...Nadeen, perhaps this is Da'an's way of sharpening your desire enough to embolden you for what must be done." She speaks seriously and quietly.

"Thank you. I..." A sigh "Yes. I have everything under control " Lie "Or at least, I... thank you Chieftain. Your words are kind"

"I Should go home now"

Her brow furrows. "What has gone wrong?"

"Beyond your frustration at this news, I mean."

"May I have..acceess to the Mountain's notes on magical arts? Cantrips regarding.. memories?"

She blinks. Then a nod. "It is not entirely up to me, but we will speak to the Mountain together. Can you stay a bit longer?"

"I..." She thinks of auction plans, prepping for the namer, the falcons, and more "No. I'm afraid I can't. I have promises to keep. " A sigh , resigned, "And miles to go before I sleep. I will return later, when I can. I can't go into details why I make this request, and I ask for discretion. Your secrets are not the only ones I keep"

"I am sure of this. I will let the Mountain know of your request, and we will keep it to ourselves." Her brow is still furrowed with concern. "I do not know what other help I can give...but I wish for Da'an to keep you safe, Nadeen."

"It's not about my safety, but... it is important, and I thank you, Chieftain. Congratulations on the new mews. Sylvi is a natural leader and she will gather good people and it will thrive." She nods and steps out. Any rage a missing another hold chance is gone. Something of greater concern has snuffed it like wet fingers on a smouldering canndle wick

"Nadeen, before you go, I must ask....the cantrips you wish...the Mountain will want to know if you mean harm by twisting or removing memories...." concern, and that Gwydion-boon tone.

She turns "Tell the Mountain I mean no harm. And.. It is not removing memories that is my goal"

Quite true

Brekke nods gravely. "I will tell him," she says as she rises, and they both exit the private room.

((End Scene?))

(End Scene)