#rivervale_lodge

(kitchen) A large cup of cider is set before him and the jug left for refills if desired. Then the work of the kitchen continues around him....the thump of kneading bread and the shick-shick-shick of chopping vegetables.

"Count Pom Trispeux ap Fiona, Ruler of the County of Spectral lights" Vali says "The guy's first name is Pom.. and he deserves it"

(Kitchen) "thank you, Hearth." A nod "I need to get back on patrol soon"

"Terrible. Hm. Well...of course, word of this must spread, and he must be shamed for his neglect of noblesse oblige."

(Kitchen) "You're sure you've had enough? And you should probably rest first."

"Siv wil be especially offended. Fiona are supposed to be the Commoner friendly house"

(Kitchen) A head tilt "That an order, Hearth?"

"I will speak with Siv about it. She may be the best person to make certain the word spreads."

(Kitchen) A slight grin, and a nod. "It is. Upstairs, the second door on the left, we've set up a sort of make-shift barracks for the time being. A bit cramped, but it should suit."

Upstairs, the bed IS spread with fresh sheets and a summer comforter, but it is also a bit mussed, from a Childling jumping on it. Alas, you can't have it all.

Mercifully, any DeBuke worth his share of the harvest will be able to distinguish the marks of childling exuberance from the signs of Hearth neglect.

"When Siv gets back, yes. Mmm" Vali looks over "Chief, the recruiting mission. Did you want me to try to get more Beaumayn trolls in here? I get the feeling you prefer non nobles?"

Plus, there are cookies on the bedside table. TWO! ...And a small pile of crumbs, bless.

(Kitchen) "Yes, Hearth" Ives is resigned and rises carrying his plate to the sink before saluting and departing. no eye rolling or put upon look

"Mountain, the goal is to recruit, not to hijack. By all means, bring in those who seem interested, but I do not wish to develop too much animosity from their current lieges."

"A point" he nods then says "And it might be a bit ego bruising to invite them only to have them not make the cut. According to gerd's report she is not trying to 'pinch' any trolls from Brightwind Barring some rovers, they're actually short of them there. BUT.." he looks over the letters "Apparently there is a girl named Ashblythe who might just visit. Has a simalar..mark to her face as Olgar. "

A blink, then a nod. "Understood. Yes, she should advise us of when Ashblythe intends to arrive. We will welcome her." ((hit enter))

Upstairs, Ives eyes the foot marks on the cover and sighs. He has younger siblings and cousins. Why should it be different here?

Lut comes down from HIS nap, and covers his mouth to prevent a yawn

Vali says 'I'll let her know, Chief. And that's a good sign the Baroness Sparrow wants to keep in contact with us." A smile "My Neice is mking a pretty good emmisary"

"She is, indeed, Mountain. I suspected she would." She looks over to Lut. "A good rest, Thane?"

"Feels almost like a cheat, Chieftain" he admits sheepishly "Alas my lady was at a summer school event"

"Mm." A nod. "You and she are doing well?"

"Verywell, I hope to propose formally'

Vali smiles "well, you've been living with her for awhile. Lovely daughter of eve" But he does stress the daughtr of eve a bit. A reminder it can be tricky betwen kith and mortals

Brekke raises a brow and notes Vali's emphasis as well. "Lut, that is a serious step, considering your differences."

"I am aware, but , " A beat "do I not deserve a chance at happiness?"

"You do. You deserve it many times over. I am sure that she does, as well. And when the pain comes, remember we are here with you."

"When, not if?" he looks troubled

That brow again. "There will be much you cannot tell her. And you almost certainly will outlive her."

A frown, but then Lut nods

then he looks at Vali "Did you.. SEE anything? Something bad for us?"

"Lut..." Brekke says with a cautioning tone.

Vali looks at him "As a rule , mortals factor very lightly or not at all in my vision, the banality can make it tricky"

"oh" Lut says realizing he overstepped "no news is good news, and, my apologies Mountain. The Chief is right. you've told us there's only so much you can do. I should resume patrols now that I've recharged"

"Lut, to be clear: I am not counseling you against this love. I am advising you to be prepared for all parts of it." Then a nod. "Thank you, Thane."

"thank you, Chieftain" he seems reassured, and salutes, and walks off

A brow at Vali.

Vali watches him go, then sighs "No, I didn't answer his question. But he hasn't figured that out yet"

"No, he has not. And I will not ask."

"Thank you" he nods , "Want to see a fun trick though?" A smile tow ipe away whatever he saw

"A trick?" She looks dubious.

"Ten, nine... eight...." he counts points to the door and on three... Tig peeks in clearly checking to see if any of the elders are in here