#rivervale_lodge

"Snow could get wild" Vali says "And Olgar's building a trod."

Symon whispers, "Is the snow getting wild because Olgar is messing with the trods?"

"I ..don't thinnk so" Vali says "But then... it's possible we'rre funneling exra weather in"

“Could the Firchlis inspire real world storms?”

"usually it's the oher way around."

"but it can be the case. Sometimes an asttrromical event is enough"

“Either way, I should get home soon or Anne Marie will worry.” A sigh

“Has Dagmar mentioned college to you at all?”

"Nope, heard she got spottted by a scout... but I figgure if I nosed in she might 'nope' out"

He shrugs. "I'm not in any rush, but the sooner she decides, the sooner we can all make plans, y'know?"

"Dad's been getting on my case again." He mutters, in a rare moment of volunteering intel without a price.

"Your father's a good man" Sympathetic "But even when the motivation is love and concern, it can be a pain to feel your choice ..narrowed. Believe me, I ... understand a bit to know how few options you really have"

"Did you always know you wanted to be a teacher, or at some point did you decide you hated yourself enough to be subjected to it?"

He laughs, but tries to keep the volume down, "No no.. I wanted to be ... well, when I was younger I had some dreams, when I got older they changed. I want to be a writer .I'm a teacher because ... there was a demand, youth among the fae to help evenn if hey didn't want it. the chief pushed a bit... and then, there were visio of wha would happen if I didn't"

"Some of my visions, I managed to change, others failed"

A shrug "But this is your path. I take it you're hoping to go to the same college as Dagmar?"

A nod. "Not hoping, really. Going to. Not to sound like I'm bragging, but my test scores are good enough to get into any school, pretty much. She's the reason why I'd go at all. Motley sticks together."

"I'd tell you how honorable tthat sounds, but that might make you ill, so instead I'll just say you two are a powerful duo. If she needs a teacher's reccomendation I'll do what I can to pitch it"

"She needs to realize that her home and family won't vanish if she takes her eyes off them to chase something else for a moment." He mutters.

"Not that her upbringing gave her faith in that. I'm not... you know I'm not saying she's unreasonable, or something like that. I'm not complaining. I just... someday, she's gotta."

"It's standing in her way, and you wish she could see that. Until she does, you'll be there for the fight," he nods "Symon, I don't know what will be , but I believe she will make it, and I think you'll help. I think she'll help you too. after all, you've both done it beffore"

"I thought you were supposed to see the future." He says, rolling his eyes, but his mockery is without any real vitriol.

"Oh, your final fate I've seen. Stuff of nightmares. Folks will tell the tale for decades after, whole generations will be scarred by the legend" deadpan

"I'd ask if I was causing nightmares or having them, but either way, I guess I'll find out sooner or later." Agreeably.

A smile, then he looks out the window "weather's gonna get weirder and worse. You need a room here tonight?"

He starts to decline, then... "Think you can tell Anne Marie you thought it wasn't safe for me to travel back?"

"I'll text her myself" he offers

A gummy grin and a thumbs up. "Dirk's been moping about lately since he and Prissy split. Somehow it's worse than when he's in a good mood, even if it's quieter. Maybe he needs more patrols. Think you can pass the word up?"

"I can find shit for him to do" He nods "Dumped. Ouch. Yeah. I'll find him an outlet out of your earshot"

"You heard from Siv lately? She's been scarcer than usual. I get that the new Squire is probably taking up time, but I haven't seen here in a few weeks. Maybe just schedules not overlapping..."

"Huh? I've seen her a few times this week, but she has beenn spottty. Always makes patrols. I figured she was with Piper and Jonas"

"Yeah, she's around, but never for long." He shrugs. "Can't help it, have to wonder if she's up to something, and if so, if it's interesting enough that I should be interested."

"text her and ask her where she is and if she has time. "

A thin smile. "Where's the challenge in that?"

"Then next time you DO see her, follow her. " A smile

"Just don't blame me if you get turned into a guinnea pig"

"If I do, I'll take the opportunity to bite her."

"I'm going to see what Kerri has in the spoilage cupboard."

"Oh... enjoy. I think there is a slice of anchovie and mushroom pizza that's rotting even now... enjoy.. preferably at least 6 feett away from me. I'lm ggonnna text your mom" and he moves to do just that

"Thanks, Vali." And he goes to do... just that!

(end scene)