#rivervale_lodge

Kerri suspects something is going on but can't be sure what. Not a crisis, mind you

No, but there's something...suspenseful?...in the air.

Oh yes. She's no boggan, but she smells a plot

well, plotting

She's walked in on more than one conversation that seemed to undergo a swift change in topic.

Now, as she's tidying the main hall, she looks over at the balefire. "Don't suppose you're willing to share what's going on?" Not that she expects and answer. Brekke's the one the balefire talks to.

A sense of amusement comes through.

That's been more common since Vali joined. That boy's a bad influence... well ,not really but one can feel his touch

Hm. She hadn't considered that before, but now she notices it. Yes, the 'fire's personality is a little different. Interesting.

Frank's remnant of influence is not gone, and Kerri suspects it never will be completely. The Bale seems to hold onto territory gained with trollish tenacity.

Heck, she can feel Vegard in there still, a whisper of a Mountain moved on

Speaking of which "Everything okay, Aunt Kerri?" Gerd asks

A blink and she shakes her head. "Oh, yes!" she says with a grin. "Just sort listening to the Bale."

"What's that like?" Gerd asks, curious "I mean, the old man did, but that connection I don't ... recall. Like that part wasn't his to keep?"

"It's...well, my connection isn't what the Chieftain's is, of course, but...it's like having somebody put a reassuring hand on your shoulder, I guess."

"Have you ever used willow whisper on it? It's costly but it should work"

"Oh, no. I don't feel like I need to, Gerd. That almost feels a little invasive. I suppose I could if I needed information, but I don't want to impose a cantrip on our Balefire."

A surge of approval, like a smile, from the fire.

She looks at the fire and grins back. "And that seems to have been the right answer!" she says with amusement.

"Oh, mm I suppose that makes sense," Gerd nods then smiles at the comment about the fire "Well, I guess it makes sense. Our Balefire IS trollish. Probably very concerned with dignity"

"Well, it's no prude, but it's also not a tool."

"No," Gerd nods , then she sighs "Is it weird I miss the usual gang? "

"It was nice to have them back home for the holidays and winter break, wasn't it?"

"It was. The thing is, I could visit them ANY time. I could. But it feels like I'd be the tag along kid? a nuisance that they'd indulge?"