#rivervale_lodge

Otto looks up "Oh. " then smiles "I'm totally fooled, rreally" He heads off to the kitchen

Vali blinks "I didn't even gggive him the clever pretense yet. Kids these days.. always in a rush"

Brekke watches him go, then says, "He is a good young man."

"Adorable" a nod "I take it, part of my Mountainn job is to watch fledges for signs of who they might be before the saiingg so we can better prepare them?"

"I would appreciate it if you could do so, yes."

"I can't be sure of her House, though Gwydion is in the running. However, I ..think I have clues towards her title"

Brekke leans forward. "Yes?"

"I think" he says genttly and takes a sip "We're dealing with an unknowing Duchess.. at least."

Brekke's eyes go wide. "A... a Duchess?"

"Or maybe even a queen" He takes a swig as if the milk were much stronger

She blinks. "Mountain...are you joking with me?"

"Caer Falkenn, I took her for a visit. Left her for a second. Came back, to find her missing, called out. the door to the armory opened and she came out. She may ot know this, but you and I do, the door is warded by Soveriegn. She didn't even have to try. She's at least a countess, but the ease she opened it with " A shrug "Add to that omens of cards falling and her face card winninngg..."

All truth

She shakes her head slowly, processing this. "That...is very surprising." She frowns in thought. "Does Count Hemlock know of her access to the armory?"

"No. I do' hink she realized it was off limits . She didn't take anything from it, and frankly I think she'd be insulted if she founnd out I wondered"

A slow nod, and a long silence accompanied by a deeply furrowed brow.

"I know, rite?" A low breath "I donn't think this needs to get passed around too casually. Your call, Chief. "

"Agreed," she says in a low tone. Then a sigh, and she shakes her head. "Perhaps I have been spending too much time around Baron Aiden."

"Oh? How so?" he asks

"I find myself considering the advantages of having early influence over a sidhe of such high rank."

"Would you use the girl to her determent? " He asks without inflection or judgement

"That would never be my intent," she says simply.

"And your influence would be for the good of your people? "

"Perhaps for the good of more beyond that."

"THEN... without disrespect meant to Baron Aiden? I would say your not being typically Ailil." A sip "Besides, I THINK I've worked with formal courts more than you. You're worrying about an inevitabliity. New fledges , new nnoble fledges, of high rank will always be curried for favor and yes influence. If you know some place you feel suits her better and will teach her better, that's fine, but even then,folks will seek to shape her. Maybe you see the advantages of having early influence over a high ranked sidhe , but you also are the sort of woman to PROTECT her from being taken advantage of by others. You have... grown, politically, but you remain a guardian at your core"

She regards him a long moment, then says simply, "Thank you, Mountain. That means a great deal."

"You're welcome, but just calling how I see it" A sip

"I think it would be wise to keep this information from her until her saining. Until then...if you see me treating her in a way that you deem to be manipulative, please do not hesitate to tell me."

A nod "I think it unlikely, but I'll keep an eye out. And please, return the favor"

"I will," she promises. A glance towards the door outside. "I do find her likable."

"She's ..grateful. I'ts a trait too many sidhe have to be taught" He admits

"She has been asking for increased patrols, as well. She is eager to serve." Then a pause. "I hope having her connect with Nadeen was not a misstep."

"You mean putting her under possible Varich influence?" A wry smile

Before Brekke can Mull that over, Alisa returns

Brekke clears her throat. "Were you able to reach her?"

"I was. She had some excellent advice, thouggh I think some of her wording was a touch improper, and some I didn't understand" She admits

"Oh?" She indicates a nearby chair. "Perhaps the Mountain and I can help clarify."

"Well, she made some comment about how trolls don't show their emotions, but don't neglect their need to feel productive. Which I thought was a bit improper.... and.. the other advice was 'on your journey to learning who you are, remember, even the whispers of one you think you despise can be of use if not to you, then to one you care for'. which I don't understand? Why would I put up with someone I despise?"

Vali hides a smile

Brekke also has an almost-smile. "I will not share her story for her, Alisa, but Baroness Nadeen speaks from experience. She has, indeed, found value in the contributions of those she dislikes intensely." Then a slight tilt of her head. "Tell me why you thought her comments on trolls were 'improper'?"

"Well, it.. it made it sound like she thought you needed your bellys rubbed, or scratched under the chin with a 'good guardian soul' sort of ...tthing" sheepsish

That image does get a slight chuckle.

Vali smiles openly now "Danger of a hold known for it's amazing kennels"

"Perhaps, perhaps. But it is not bad advice across the board. Do not neglect to recognize the needs of others, even if those needs seem improper. That does not mean one must satisfy all needs...but recognize, acknowledge them."

"I shall " She says with a firm look "I won't fail those about me in battle or peace. Though, I suppose it is standing by them in batttle that gets one glory, standing by them in peace can be just as honorable"

Brekke looks at her, and there's a sadness in her expression. "It is a fine objective. But...there are likely to be times that you will fail others. You will not intend to, but it will happen. Sometimes, there is simply no good option...and other times, you may make a mistake. You cannot promise that you will never fail those about you...but you can promise that you will stand with them."

"But how does on live when one has lost honor?" She seems troubled

Vali looks at Brekke "Want me to field this one?"

A brief pause...and then a nod. "Please, Mountain."

Vali says "Failure is not dishonorable. It's a part of life. A big part. tthe dishonor is thinking you can't fail, or, havinng failed, laying down in a heap and staying there instead of getting up, help fix damage caused by the failure and moving on. There are many ways to lose honor, failing when you've tried your best? that's not one."