#rivervale_lodge

Vali and Frank spar, the current Mountain working out some frustration with the help of the former "So my 'help' for Sally Mae has been leaving her disenchanted' and hoping Carowyn doesn't forget himself"

Frank grunts and parries. "I am at my House Brother's disposal to keep him aware of his nature. Of course."

"This Beaumayn appreciates the help of the senior Liam in keeping the younger Liam in check."

"Not what I offered."

Vali thrusts again "Ah, why does that suddenly not sound as comforting?"

Frank taps Vali's weapon away. "From my observations, Sir Carowyn does just fine keeping himself in check. You said he needed to keep from Forgetting. Big difference."

"mMM ..." A counte.r "I meant forget his restraint.. not his fae side but yes"

"Hm. He doesn't need me for that, but I'll help however I can." Frank blocks and attacks.

Vali's a good test of Frank's skills, some courtly flair mixed in with classic troll tactics

Frank spent precious little time at court; his tactics are more street-wise and he isn't afraid to use an advantage if he can find it.

One gets through "My fault for having a mashable instep"

"Watch your stance." Frank agrees. "Too broad, your foot's a target. Too short, you fall over."

"Noted. I need to go thallian stomping aggainn. getting rusy"

Frank nods, and goes on guard again, beckoning Vali "You can't afford to get rusty in that regard."

"I agree" Vali moves, shield up and a testing blow

Frank swats it out of the way and ... .does not repost. He just beats the blow away.

Frank likely hears the familiar step before Vali does...Brekke returning from patrol. She must have heard them sparring, and come around to the practice ring first.

And gets a sheild in his face, the testing blow with the weapon a fient

He was distracted, and the shield-blow is true. He staggers back.

realization "Oh, who is... ah, sorry, Frank. Didn'tt mean for a cheap shot via distraction." He calls out "Hello?"

Frank wipes his battered beard. "No, Vali; that was a good strike. Hello, Brekke."

"Hello, Frank. That was not your usual style, Mountain," she says to Vali...but it doesn't seem to be a criticism.

She moves to stand near Frank, but still on the outside of the ring.

Frank stays engaged in the practice, if sparring they still are.

"I'm trying to vary" he says "How goes, Chief?"

Acually, Vali steps back out of the ring

She notes the pause in the action. "I have just been past Sally Mae's house. All seems secure."

"I'm glad to hear that" He sighs "But the rest has to be unpleasat all aounnd. "

"Agreed. I did not disturb her. However, it is time to be sure some care happens around the property. Tonight, I think. Late."

Frank stands down and goes to greet Brekke.

She touches Frank's arm briefly in greeting.

He touches her arm back.

"Can you both join me there? Yard work, minor repairs."

"Sure," Vali nods "I'm feeling bad for not.. having an easy fix"

"Of course." But he's puzzled; was there work he did not see, or do?

Brekke frowns and nods. "Some time unenchanted will help her immediate symptoms. The larger matter..." She sighs and shakes her head. "I do not like some of the tone that others have brought into the Count's court recently."

"It makes sense, somewhat. Ugly as it is. Not to sound old, but Caer Falken was born in a time where motleys mixed and inspired... the younger sidhe seem to be more isolated to themselves. Rivervale has had it's successes, but I think Nadeen is as much a better person for our influence as we are for hers. "

"Mm." Frank nods, catching up.

"Now we have some sidhe wilders who hang only with sidhe wilders"

"That does not bode well," she says with a frown. "Are there many sidhe wilders who visit Goldfinch, do you know?"

"Goldfinch has a bit of a ... commonnor rah rah vibe to it. Not hosttile, but I know Dagmar prefers it here. Siv goes, mostly for Piper's sake"

"Then...I cannot speak too harshly against the sidhe wilders staying mostly to themselves, as the commoner wilders seem to be doing the same. But I do not think it is a good sign."

"Not what was intended, no." Frank rumbles softly. "How to mend it?"

"And how to mend the prejudice against kinain?"

"Well, let's not beat ourselves up too harshly. Remember, there's a difference betweenn a whole county and our barony. I think the 'tone' you spoke of is worse county wise, not barony wise"

Frank looks sober, thoughtful.

"Maybe we should ask Sylvi to extend a few invitations?"

"If she's amiable"

"Perhaps." A cautious tone. "To sidhe who are already a known quantity."

Then a blink. "Ah. I think I know another option." A slight grin.