#rivervale_lodge

"Ah I don't know, you're adorable too, terrifying when pissed, but adorbs." SHe ponders "Okay, CJ does have you beat in cuteness. Geez he's growing like a weed"

"Right?"

"I mean, if he IS a troll, he's gonna grow to be like your or mom's size. And if a kinian, still got a shot at the NBA if he works for it... or maybe the NFL, either way he looks to be a mighty yeeter in the making"

"Kid's got a grip."

"I know... latched onto Lucia's wing the other day... she was a bit worried she was going to lose some feathers" True!

Lucia strides in as if summoned by her name, "Boneheaded arrogant intruding..."

Brow.

"Uh..." Siv looks over at the boggan

"distrustful pushy..." Lucia walks past them to get a drink from the fridge, raven wings BRISTLING

Siv looks over at Dagmar, and this time gives the grunt head tilt and gets it right (You want to ask, or shall I?)

"Yo, Lucia. What's up?"

From the kitchen's fridge door "It's Goldfinch, the nobles of Caer Falken know about it, they're not sure about this mews thing, when I pointed out it was perfectly within the Chief's RIGHTS as a baroness to assign commoners a hold, they shifted tactics. They want to appoint a SUPERVISOR to 'guide' the untitled and 'advise' the Freeholder."

"Hemlock ain't saying that shit, right?"

"Because the rest of them can suck it. Chief IS the 'supervisor' because she's the damn Baroness."

"No, he's not... looks like he's investigating some weird appearance of toys appearing among mortal kids. He runs a toy company and he wants to make sure they're safe. Weird huh?" Lucia sighs "But the council has pull... and sometimes the Count let's it run things when he's busy. That's where I come in, representing Rivervale's needs . But I swear, some folks think we non sidhe couldn't wipe our ASS without shining host help it's so frustrating" The boggan comes out with her drink

"Oh, I think that was Connor and company..."

"They climbed the beanstalk.:

"The beanstalk?" Lucia blinks "Thought that was sealed?"

"I guess they figured out Olgar's password" Siv explains "ANyway, Lily got some scary ass clown doll... and they all had an adventure"

"I do not like the doll."

"i'm Fiona and it still makes me nervous"

"Can't be THAT bad" Lucia says

"Obviously, you haven't seen it yet."

"Okay, so. This stuck up court of nobles..."

"Yeah" Lucia nods "Oh they put on a really good act... concern for those 'untrained'" a snort "As if SYlvi didn't know leadership"

"Right. Sounds like a challenge to Chief's leadership and ability to me."

"It wouldn't be the first time" Siv's eyes narrow

She cracks her knuckles. "You think they'd say it to my face?"

"I think they're more challenging the idea of a commoner mews they don't have a say in" Lucia ponders then says "Though, I bet they'd be reluctant to try it to your face now that I think of it. You have a solid and dangerous rep, Dame Dagmar. And you are her vassal, that means you do get to take offense when you feel your liege is insulted"

Siv looks tempted to say something, but then shakes her head and stops herself

"What, Siv?"

"I was going to say that as her daughter I might have a right to be offended as well, but.. most Arcadians don't always understand family bonds like that, so no, as Mom's knight you're the better choice. DOES get my dander up though, them trying this end run around her wishes and Sylvi's worth"

"Chief decided on creating a haven for commoners. Chief got Demesne. Who the fuck are these elves to think they have a say in Rivervale's business? They don't live here, they ain't HER Liege, they ain't nuthin but a shiny hat."

"I wonder if that's not part of the play though" Lucia answers " See, if the baroness goes to bat for the mews' that just drives home that it IS noble controlled. It's possible that this fuss is partially to force the Chief's hand, and then make those in the mews discouraged that they're only here because of the Chief's whim. It's not, she put serious thought in that, but you see what I'm saying? A kind of 'even if they lose they win' thing?"

Grunt.

"Well, I also find the problem children spoiled and resentful little brats who decided not to like the Lodge without giving it a damn chance."

Siv shrugs "No ruler gets a land full of all nice and wise folks but yeah" Siv sighs

"Oh, how do we bend over backwards again and again to make it clear that everyone is welcome here? Nope, no matter what, it's "too troll" and it seems like the only solution is to pretend to be something we aren't."

"Fuck it, I am not gonna smile over being resented for being what I am."

Lucia blinks "Uhm.. I hope you don't think I'm one of those who..."

"Because it sure as shit ain't resentment over actions. Name one time Chief has favored a troll because of kith, or a noble because of title?"

"mm she's always stood out for the commoners i thought too" Siv nods "Very Fiona of her, but don't say I said so"

"Chief is fair. There's a lot in this world that ain't. But again, this attitude has nothing to do with the reality of who she is and what Rivervale is. "

Lucia says "But I'm not one of the spoiled sorts?" A bit insecure sounding

"What? No!"

"Oh hell no, youv'e been totally supportive of us all" SIv says

"Good. " Lucia sits down "Can I tell you guys a non troll 's non noble opinion of this place? I am in the gossip chain after all"

"Sure..." Wary.

"I think it's mroe complicated than what you're saying. Sure, some folks are just dinguses assholes who don't appreciate the place like they should, I Like this place. It's an escape from mama and papa trying to micromanage my life and you guys let me learn sword play and speak up for you and such... Sylvi's always been there for me when I needed her and you guys have to when I asked. I'm proud to be a part of this. ..."

"I sense a but coming on..." Siv observes