#rivervale_lodge

Vali's Beaumayn sense tingles

Yes...he has had a vision of a skeptically raised eyebrow.

If that vision leads him to the Lodge to meet with the Chieftain, so much the better.

It does... "Chief, I've been wanting to talk to you" Semi true

She looks up from the scroll she was reading by the balefire. "Mountain. Yes, I expected you would."

"It's about Carnivale... I've been looking at traditions, troll side as well."

A nod. "And?"

"I think , in a troll lodge, any of the three bigs can play the part of the fool. Rumor has it that the Count isn't doing Carnivale this year.. so I'm volunteering to do my duty as Mountain. After all, holidays are 'holy days' and that means the Shaman presides somewhat, or at least is a perfectly honorable candidate for the role."

Ah, yes, there's the skeptical brow. "It is not only a troll Lodge. It is a baronial seat, and I am the baroness. I have a duty to serve the people of the barony."

"And yet, you prefer the title Chief or Chieftain, and even asked me to use that term in the day to day and holidays alike" He reminds "Further more, the Count has never objected to my knowledge of you using the title Chieftain, this indicates a respect for, or at least tolerence for trollish ways. That implies approval from your liege for this, should you need it, no?"

"This is true." She regards him for a moment. "However, I am also the one who enforces and punishes, when necessary. This is why I should be at their mercy for this one day of the year."

"I would counter that the Hearth can and will punish when she feels lines are crossed, or at least give a terrible scolding" He says

"Hmph." A pause. "Why do you wish to do this, Mountain? If the goal is to pull a prank on those who torment you, then that would disrespect the intent of the holiday."

"Chieftain, have I ever needed the holiday to joke around?" He points out "I might enjoy it more than you. The intent is not necessarily to punish the fool, but merely make her or him an outlet for good natured ridicule, is it not? "

A hint of bemusement. "That is what it has been, here. Usually. It is not always so, and not in all places."

"No, it isn't, which I think just adds to my point the holiday is flexible by design" A smile

"Mountain, consider. You have a role of authority here in the Lodge. You are also a teacher, and have taught some of our wilders. Further, you have a...brand of humor. Your experience as Fool would likely be less kind than mine."

He ponders "I admit, that is a point I did not fully consider, I am not as respected as you and they may not hold back. That said, I can take my lumps. If I prove wrong and it go badly for me, then that's a lesson I might gain wisdom from yes? ALso... you're looking at the school fair #1 money raiser for the dunk booth. So I have had a little practice"

She considers for a long moment.

Then says, "No."

His mouth falls open, then he closes it, and says "May I know why that is your verdict?"

She sighs. "Serving as Fool is a demonstration of the strength of leadership. The ruler can allow the people to take control because the ruler knows the people will return control. It is a sign of certainty, of confidence. If I do not serve, I will look weak. Or weakening."

"mm.. I might try to counter that with the fact that out of all of the 'three' I am the most to prove and, as comes to a role of leadership, the least tested by the people. You might consider it selfish of me, or you might consider it shoring up your 'weakest link'"

That last part twinges true, not that Vali is ABSOLUTELY right... but he believes it is so

A narrow look. "But that was not your thought in making the suggestion. So why did you make the suggestion?" And she listens with the boon this time.

"It's not anyone reason, truth is a gem of many facets after all" He explains, "I do believe I might 'need it more' than you, if it comes to a display. I do believe it fits troll tradition just fine. I do believe as Mountain, it IS in my baliwick. And... at the risk of annoying you greatly with a kindness you will surely feel you do not need, you don't enjoy it. You're not just my liege, you're my friend, and while I'd never ask you to surrender a duty entirely, I don't think there's any shame in offering to lighten the load . You've proven yourself time and time again. Anyone who thinks you are 'weak' for honoring my request is the real fool, and I think most folks of Rivervale are actually smart enough not to fall into that trap"

All true, though words carefully spoken

She frowns. "And what of those not of Rivervale, or those who not among the most you describe? When they point and say, 'See? She no longer performs the duties she does not like.' Tell me, Mountain, how would you counter such mutterings? For if left unchecked, they breed."

"I would be surprised they came all this way to the lodge just for that" He says "We're not firnost. We get some out of barony traffic, but for Carnivale? No. Most will go to their own baronies...closer to home, if Caer Falken doesn't do it this year"

A frown. And a longer pause.

"And you think we have no local discontentment? None at all?" That skeptical brow again.

" I never said that, but that goes back to me being your weak link, doesn't it? For years they could not attack Mountain Frank's ability or honor, they still cannot do so with you, or all know them for a liar... and Hearth Kerri stands tall. If you're worried about others 'attacking us' then I think the bigger picture would indicate that this holiday isn't the only day they'd be of the opinion of a weak mountain of the trio... that being me."

She regards him. "It does not work, Mountain, if you truly think yourself weak, or if you truly think they see you that way. They will take no pleasure in seeing the weak even weaker."

"I disagree, I think this would help me, and give you a break from a task you have proven yourself on before even as you detest it," A sigh "But you're my liege, and my chieftain. I don't suppose I could say you with a light yet manly pout or big eyes?"

a smile though "Okay. It's your call and I respect that. Maybe next year, if you'd consider it then"

She looks at him a moment. "Tell me...what does Tiffany think of this plan of yours?"

"Tiffany thinks I might have fun, and I get the feeling she'd enjoy yanking my bells , so to speak in that she would be joining in on the teasing... but knowing her she'd also play watchdog, no pun intended, to ease up if it got too far. My wife loves me after all, but like Frank, wouldn't intefere directly so much as mitigate"

"Hm. I suspect her feelings on this would be different if it were my idea for you to do this."

A brow lift, "Hold up." Hands out "is Tiffany disrespecting you?"

A blink. "Not what I meant. I meant that if I directed you to take the role of Fool in my place, she might feel the need to protect and defend you."

"Whew. Because I thought she called off the attack when I got pillars" He looks somber "Spouses can be protective at times. I'd like to think she'd be confused but willing to listen to reason." A considderation "YOu know.... there's nothing in the rules saying you have to be the ONLY fool."

A brow. "Hm. A Fool...and an Apprentice Fool?"

"For that matter, if Kerri is game, the three of us can wear foolscrap... to be fair, by tradition, you WOULD be the lowest of the low among the fool trio... one could say there's the Fool" He gestures to her, "The Buffoon" He points a thumb to himself "And she might have the 'lofty' title of Clown... " He ponders this "I actually like this idea better... it diffuses the focus a bit to buy you a breather now and then, but you'd still do the bulk of the work and honor even baronal traditions... but show that the day is truly flipped "

"And, perhaps, a further way to distinguish the Lodge's traditions from Caer Falken's traditions on this holiday." She looks like she might be considering it.

"Could work" He nods "You think the Hearth would go along with it?"

"I think she might. Very likely, as a sign of unity if nothing else."

"Mountain...I think we can do this."

A nod "Unity in chaos is a good theme"

A hint of a grin. "I think that may be good."

They begin to discuss ideas, and drag Kerri into it when she shows up. Brainstorming commences!