#rivervale_lodge

"Well, pastries are here to start, and please help yourself to coffee. For the sandwich, how does a grilled ham-and-cheese sound?"

Footsteps on the gravel path leading towards the door. Frank knows those footsteps very well.

Bill E bobs his head "I would not say neigh, partly because I'm not a horse pooka"

A grin and a nod, and Kerri goes back into the kitchen. She puts together the sandwich while Gerd continues the inventory.

If Bill E was paying attention, he might have noticed that Kerri didn't ask to know his name or his reason for being here. Food first. Norse hospitality.

He did notice, and says "Names Bill with a capital E, as was my father and father before him. Gruff fellow. I would thank you for this if I could"

Frank is getting Brekke a cup of coffee before she opens the door.

Kerri nods. "Glad to have you here, Bill E, and you're welcome. If you're injured, please let me know, and settle in by the 'Fire, but not in the big chair. Otherwise, take whatever seat suits you best."

Brekke does enter, cleaning off her boots. No cloak to hang up...it's too warm. A pleased expression as she sees Frank coming to meet her with a mug of coffee, and then a curious look at the newcomer.

"The big chair in a troll lodge.... well, I've always wanted to lose myself for a time but pass" The wilder goat pooka seems amiable. He's older than some wilders, maybe heading towards grump hood. "If you need some help around here, folks often want me to mow grass because I'm good at it, let me know? Earn my keep"

"Chieftess, let me introduce Bill E. We met at a truckstop in West Virginia...." and he relates the tale, allowing for Bill to add info as appropriate.

Brekke listens and nods thoughtfully. "I believe you were wise to bring him here," she says to Frank as she moves to take a seat in her chair by the fire.

Bill E nods "I thought getting out of town was prudent on account of my Progoatsive leanings"

A grateful look to Frank "Frank introduced me to Robin Hobb and her merry men"

A hint of a grin at the author's name. She knows that's one of Frank's favorites.

"I have alerted the House to Lonegarden's situtation. My schedule didn't allow for much else."

"Sounding the horn is important" Bill E tells frank "I should know, I got two of em." He enjoys his coffee and meal when it is served wth a thanks

"I didn't feel leaving Bill E. there, after he assisted, was the right thing to do."

"No, he would have been endangered. Well. Your scheduled delivery has been completed. How do you wish to proceed?"

"I'll call the House again, see if there's been any change. And, if they wish me to take any action."

A nod. "What does this Countess look like?" she asks Bill E.

Bill E winces a bit "Ah, you understand we satyrs have trouble with our 1st Amendment? I mean, sometimes people read things badly?"

Almost a chuckle from Brekke. "I will manage."

Bill E relaxes a bit "Well, her hair is the most delicious straw you could find, after all, she is a kebler, good genes there. Oh sure, it's gotten a bit of gray blight but all dignfiied...Her eyes are as Bleu as cheese... like little astronaut marbles they are. I'd place her North of the 58th parallel" He ponders how to continue "Really, she should play the role of Lynda Carter in a movie if they gave her a dark wig. "

Brekke concentrates seriously, and nods. "And she has been missing for how long?"

"One buttshot ago" He says then sighs "Ah, my lady luna hasn't seen me in awhile?"

A frown...she got lost on that one. "Try again."

Bill E focuses, visibly looking like he's pushing something inside

"A month."

"A milion years minus...." And the pooka touches his head as if a migrane just came on

"Mm, thank you."

"Yay hangovers" He still looks pained

Then a gesture for the pooka to relax. "My apologies."

She looks to Frank. "How long do you think it will be before you hear back from somebody in your House?"

"Ah... I think I meditate better on my back with my eyes closed" rubbing at his head

"Would you like a quiet place to rest?" Kerri asks the pooka.

A nod to KErri, cautious

"We have space upstairs. Come on, I'll show you."

"I will go call now." Frank rumbles, and takes himself into the phone closet.

And Bill e heads up after Kerri

Brekke nods as Frank goes, and she watches the fire as she sips her coffee.

Frank will be asked by the House if he wishes to handle this or wants others to handlle it. They're good with either

Kerri leads the pooka to a room that is currently vacant. Neat and comfortable and homey.

Despite his headache, Bill E. manages a grateful smile "This is better than Peanut butter "

Soon, Frank has assurance there are other house brothers who can aid in that area, closer to it. They wil keep him posted. They hang up, and he can return to his wife.

Kerri comes back downstairs after Bill E is settled in, makes sure they have what they need, and then returns to the kitchen inventory.

Frank does just that. "The House will send others to help Lonegarden."

Brekke nods. Now that they are alone, she asks, "What do you think of the matter?"

He lowers himself to sit at the foot of her chair, with a soft grunt. "I think Lonegarden was set up. But I cannot prove it."

"Mm," she nods agreement, resting a hand atop one of his horns. "Liam. Easy scapegoat."