#rivervale_lodge

(A flashback) "So, a Firbholg was spotted.. by Romana the boggan, she told me she saw something weird. I sent Siv and Frank to check it out. Turned out legit. A mortal boy had slipped througgh a ttear in that dreaming that the Firbholg made..."

Vali turns to Frank "Feel free to jump in"

Brekke's expression darkens, and she leans forward. "Where." She looks about ready to jump up and go hunting.

"The boy is safe." Frank rumbles.

"And I think you should meet him at some point soon."

A nod to Frank. "Good. Is he sound of mind, as well?"

"Seemed to be."

Another nod. "I will meet him. What happened then?"

"Turns out that Fir Bholg was being hunted by his former tribe" Vali says "Their NEW chief wanted to serve the fomorians, the Fir Bholg exile wantted to resist them. Frank and Siv, and later I... came in and took out the would be assassins. Morre or less.. and I let the exile go, but out of your lands as Frank had alreay told him. He was of use to us. I'd cast soothsays andn omens... he'll be a foil to the Elder Dark loving Chief who replaced him."

Her eyes narrow, clearly skeptical. "You let him go. Into whose lands?"

"Near the northern border, so Duchy of the Golden Sigil, the near Dreaming," He says, "As Mountain, I felt it was one of my first big calls, but my visions ad soothsay suggested he'd save lives in the long run as a foe to elder dark following rivals. I trust my magic and my vision. I didn't make a formal alliance or anything. That would be over my authority? But relase? I took a chance" he admits

Siv bites down on a frown but her parents would see it

A deep breath and slow exhale. A nod. "You are Mountain. You have the right." She doesn't look as though she'd have done the same, but she has the good grace not to armchair quarterback. "Siv?" she invites as she sees the expression.

"I just.. I support Mountain Vali, but this sounds like something an Eiluned would do. Keep your enemies closer kind of thing. Can' say I like it, but it's not my place to like it I suppose" The Fiona frowns

A brow. "Alliances of practicality are not unknown either to Gwydions or troll-kind."

"I am not going to lie about it if pressed, " Vali says , then smiles "And not just because a gwydion ruler is my boss. I do think some Eiluned views have merit, in moderation, and will be using them. " A look to the Chief "Anyway, that's the basics. If my choices bite us in the ass, I realize it is mine to fix unless you say otherwise. I would like to ah.. well, onne Eiluned like thing I DID do?" He pulls out a white kerchief with Chemerical blood "I have somme of the first Fir Bholg's blood from that battle. Scrying on him and more should be easy if we need it"

"Mm." She nods approval. "Good thinking." A sigh. "I do not like the idea of putting our trust in the word of one of them, but if your omens say he will be of value against a greater threat, I suppose it is for the good of the barony that we do so."

"Thank you for your trust" he says, "I was going to infom the Hearth, but if you prefer to?"

Brekke nods. "I will do so. Rover Olgar should know, as well."

"Ah, he's he one who sealed the Breach," Vali says "did you know he's not overly impressed with heirachy and speaks his mind at you even when you're mountain?"

A bemused look which she then turns on Frank. "This is very difficult to imagine," she says with not-so-subtle irony.

"Hmmphm."

"You do understand, Vali, that this is one of the reasons I value Olgar's presence?"

"I was afraid that was the answer" he sighs, "Perk of the job"

Siv smirks

"What is good for the barony is not always pleasant for its leaders," Brekke says wryly.

"Cuts both ways, got it. I think I'm going to push our Rover.. gently, to give more Dream craft and trod lessons. Too useful to just have one of us knowing it" He says

Siv says "oh, he's already teaching Jordan"

"Is he? That is interesting."

"And yes, I agree...it will take weight off of his shoulders if more know how to serve in that way."

"Well, good. Forggive me, I need to go check on my wife and son. Unless there's something else? "Vali asks

"No, of course, please go to them. They are well, Mountain?"

"Oh, we're making sure Theon gets his tummy time" A smile "And the wife and I have some kinnd offers for baby sitting frrom folk so we cann have couple time" He ponders "I think her ward, Marilita is feeling a bit left out"

"Hm. I wonder if there is some way we could help with that." She frowns with thought. "I do not know the girl very well."

"She's one of the few nockers in the Barony. I think sometimes she feels disconnected. Mind you, Tiffany shares her interest in things that go boom, but nnow that Tiffay is a mother, there is less time"

Frank stands and collects mugs to refill.

"Understood," she nods to Vali, and a small grin to Frank as he takes her mug. "And having things-that-go-boom near the baby is not a safe option. Well, I will think on it."

"Thank you, it's appreciated." He looks down at his phone, "And the wife is texting. Apparently I am not going home. I am picking up a grocery list. Ah well, Circle of life"

A slight chuckle. "Bid her well from us, Vali."

"I will. See you guys thanks giving" ANd he heads off

After he departs, Brekke sighs a bit. "Fir Bholg..." she mutters.

"Somehow I doubt this Qu-ar is going to be all warmth and sunshine just because he hates his tribe's former masters" She ponders

"Mm. I do not like that one has shown himself here. If he is being hunted, others will follow. I do not know if I would have done the same as the Mountain chose...but of course, I was not there."

"Mm." Frank agrees.

He brings her back a cup of coffee, and cider for him.

She accepts the coffee gratefully.

He touches her braid lightly with his finger tips before he takes his usual seat. With a soft grunt.

After a moment he says "Siv did well."

A blush at that

A slight blush at that touch, and she clears her throat before sipping the coffee.