#rivervale_lodge

"Many factors. The Mountain will have input, likely." Sip.

Siv says "Mountain Vali will probably want the Firebrand to wear a funny hat"

"He usually does." Frank agrees "Doesn't mean they will."

"REALLY?" Kassidy's eyes are wide witth trust and shock

Frank nods. "Vali's fond of funny hats. Funnies, in general."

Siv looks tempted to egg tthe kid on, but finds her better angel "While our New Mountain is a joker...he takes his duties seriously. He might pretend otherwise"

"Oh" A look of relief

"Mmm."

"What's mmm mean?" Kassidy asks "Brogan says trolls are grumbleopathic?"

Siv snorts

Brogan sips his drink

"Apologies, Kassidy." Frank offers "Bit of a verbal crutch. And yes, trolls can be, not always but can be, laconic."

"that means.. quiet?" She asks

"Kind of, 'not talkative' " Siv says "i'm an exception"

Frank nods, agreeing with these definitions.

"Is it just the girls? Because Sylvi can gab too" Kassidy states

"Oh no, me mum and Dagmar are both chatty..." Siv says, then she gets a text and looks at it "Pardon. I need to go. Bit of a situation. Kassidy, stay here, feed the horses"

Frank lifts an eyebrow.

"Well, unless Dagmar already has" Siv says

"Yes, Lady Captain " the squire says "And I'll read those books"

"Good lass" Siv says, grabbing her back pack

And just like that, Siv is off

(Percepttion plus Empathy roll for Frank)

/roll 7

Frank is almost SURE his daughter looked at the direction of the Fenix trod door before she lef

t*

Frank frowns slightly, then looks away and sips his cider.

the childlings don't notice and talk aboutt, well, pupies "I hear Oak gets to pick, but I bet they're so cute" Kassidy says

"Who cares if they're cute?" Brogan respods "Will they be good guardians of the homefire?"

"I am sure they will be." Frank says.

"Probably both" Kassiday says with certainty

"Hopefully Oak will pick a boy" Brogan says

Kassidy's jaw drops open and she MMMPHS at Brogan

"Does gender matter so much, Brogan?"

"Girls are a handful, Sir" he says simply

"I'm given to understand boys can be too."

A firm nod from Kassidy

"yes, but girls get away with it" Brogan says "Sylvi could set fire to someone and Rover olgar would compliment the even nature of the burn. and lane makes BIG eyes and gets a cookie"

"Do you think they would face -no- consequences?" he asks equitably.

"Well, probably not, but I do suspect they get fewer" He says

"Grass is always greener, hm?"

"Our grass is just as green as the boys' grass" Kassidy insists "We just like to add flowers"

"Ookaay " But Brogan doesn't look convienced

"An interesting philosophical point, Squire." Frank compliments "Do you think boys could add flowers, Brogan, as it were? Make their own grass, their own situation, better?"

"Well, Jack does some already but he says it's for his mom. I cry Sus!" Kassidy declares

"Flowers have their uses, some flowering plants are very useful poisons" the Dairean nods

"Oh sure, girls the handful" the little Liam mutters at talk of poison

"Not for poisoning. Metaphorically."

"Well, MY knight says a girl should only be in a boy's hands, or another girl's hands, if she WANTS to be" Squire Kassidy says firmly