#rivervale_lodge

"Before you seek out prodigals again, please make sure I or the Hearth or Mountain are aware. BEFORE you go."

"Oh... well, uh, won't that slow me down?"

A blink. "I am told wilders have the strange magic called 'texting' now....?"

"well, yeah but you hate texting" A scratch

"I do. But I understand the need, sometimes."

"Where did you see this woman-bear?"

"near where the black wallnut used to be"

A blink. "That...is interesting." A nod. "Thank you." She looks over at the wood again, speculatively.

She stands and moves to the wood, picking up some pieces to examine for carving potential.

It's excellent. Black Walnut is ffavored for a lot of thins, including excellent furniture. So prized is it that there are tree poachers for it. Other trees rare and useful there are too, but this is a FINE sample of some quality wood

"Hmm." A smaller piece, about the size of her palm, she sets aside. Then she looks at the rest, arms akimbo.

"I must choose the right project for this."

"Gallows Deck for hanging?" He perks

She turns and gives him a steady look. "Do you believe we will need one?"

"Well, might keep some whiners in line. Don't have to use it, just as an intimidation factor"

"Hm. I do not think it is exactly the image I wish to develop. But thank you for the suggestion."

"Huh... okay" He ponders "Maybe use it for the wooden hilt of a weapon? Or .. nah, I guess we got goblets"

"There is enough for both, and more. Many projects...." she trails off into a murmur.

"Look, I got my style, but you got yours. Carve something.. that symbolizes what you value... honor, family, that kid of shit"

An amused look. "Thank you. Very good advice"

"But first...a token to leave where it was." She takes up the palm-sized piece she set aside, takes a small (for her) blade from her belt pouch, and settles into her chair by the balefire,

"Does that... why do you need a token? Who would care?" Confused

"Not everything is done of need," she says, beginning to shape the piece, small shavings gathering at her feet.

"Guess not. " An admission "Like street grafiti"

"Mm." A nod. "This...I feel like leaving something in return for this bounty is fitting. Perhaps only the woods will receive it. That would be enough."

"Kay" He rises "I'll go spread your messae, well, my message you want me to tell" A pause "Uhm.. thanks again. You're weird, but all right" And taking the brochures he leaves her to her craft

(End scene)