#rivervale_lodge

Kassidy fights against Brogan, practice blades clashing, while Frank and Siv watch from a distance.

"Setting one childling against the others in a sparring matc for practice is kind of fun" Siv says to her dad "But I also feel worried one might get hurt, is that normal?"

"Yes." Frank says.

"As a Fiona troll you might have conflicted feelings." he observes.

"I do." She admits to her dad "I kind of want to place bets"

Broggan is the better warrior, no doubt, but Kassidy has been learning and learning well

"Mm." Frank's not surprised, but not encouraging gambling either.

"But I won't bet against my own squire. Smacks of disloyalty. Also, I think mom may have some law on the books about wagers on childling blood sports. She's fussy that way" Dryly

"Mom and I both." Frank points out.

"HA!" Kassidy grins as she gets a solid hit on her foe's side.

"Good hit, Kassidy, but you need to raise your shi-" Siv starts to say...

but it's too late, Brogan's counter attack nails the girl in the 'heart' making Kassidy Oooof

"Shield" Siv says and calls out "Victory to Squire Brogan, but, Squire o mine, you're getting much quicker on the swing than you were." A look to her father "Isn't she?"

He nods. "She is."

"thank you, Sir, Lady Captain" Kassidy bows, and then offers a handshake to the victor

Brogan returns the shake "you are getting quicker. Fewer will pick on you now I suspect"

Siv looks pleased at the sportsmanship, and whispers to her dad "She's a good lass"

"She is not alone." he murmurs back.

"Aye. Brogan is a fine young fellow too" Agreed

"I meant, that she's a good lass. She's not alone there; she has an excellent model."

Siv smiles "Thank you , da. I think you might be biased, but it does me good to hear it."

"Mmphm."

"Get these two inside for a warm drink?"

"Good idea" She rises "Okay, Squires, good match. Let's get you inside for some hotcoco, and before you make a bee line for the Kitchen, Squire Brogan, we will get the drinks for you both. Even the Hearth herself lets folks fetch for her after she's spent herself. In we all go."

Brogan does look ready to protest, but bows resigned "yes, Lady Captain"

"yes, my liege" the liam girl smiles and both kids head inside.

Siv looks to Frank "How about you? Coco witth marshmellows, or heated cider?"

"Cider." and he helps with the getting.

Frank knows where Kerri keeps her special mix of cocoa; no little packet here! No, this is like drinking a melted chocolate bar; that thick and creamy.

And the cider is mulled.

Siv is a good liege in another way, forr she knows her squire likes the BIG marshmellows! And applies them before bringing it to the litle Liam

"you remembered" Kassidy beams as she watches the big one disolve

Frank leans against a counter, sipping.

"Course" Siv says And gets Brogan's too

Brogan snnnifffs it cautiously "mmm not packet coco, very good"

Siv looks amused "So glad you approve"

"Kerri's."

"the best then" Brogan says loyally

Siv does not disagrree

Sip.

Kassidy says "What's Imbolc like here?"

"Oh, pretty typical" Siv says "the fire is renewed, songs of honor, good food always and.." She bliks "Oh, it must be different this year... Goldfinch"

Frank nods. "Mm. The brand will go from here to there."

"that's a first" Siv says a bit excitedly "Wonder who the firebrand will be?"

"I imagine the Chief and the Count will sort that out."

Sip.

"Likely" siv nods "Maybee some wilder maid will get the honor from Rivervale. Sylvi was it one year. Olgar and Kerri fit to bursting"

"Sounds fun" Kassidy says "I'm too young"

"Depends."

"On?" Kassidy asks