#rivervale_lodge

Squire Valter returns from patrol. The experienced grump doesn't complain, doesn't grumble, and it is easy to forget he's there.

Kerri's certainly preoccupied with other things, but she offers him some refreshment and asks about his patrol. "Hang on, let me get something to take notes...." Getting paper and pen.

He takes the drink and responds "So far, fairly routine. The local Chimera are restless as it gets colder. When we get closer to samhain they may get more reckless or wild. "

HE relates an otherwise steady patrol.

"Mm." She nods and scratches down some quick notes. "I'm not sure I'm doing this precisely the way the Mountain would like, but it's better than nothing, I suppose. He may ask you to fill in some gaps later."

"If you wish, I can take my own notes as part of my patrol and leave them on his desk" The Squire offers

She considers for a moment, then nods. "That might be wise. Better than trying to 'play telephone' with parchment and pen."

"I would appreciate that, Squire."

"I'm used to making reports in more than one medium" He says "Ah, also... apparently, Dame Anne Marie has asked me to tell you she can clear her schedule somewhat should you need her. Also something about..." His brow knits " She has new gossip about 'The thing about the that little to do with you know who?" To anyone else that last might be gibberish but Kerri knows exactly what juicy subject has had a new change

A hint of a grin. "Well, I'll definitely have to follow up on that, thank you!"

"You're welcome, though I honestly have no idea what I just said" He confesses

"Not to worry, you delivered it just right." She puts a plate of food and a drink in front of him.

He nods "My thanks" He partakes "Is all well here? "

"Well...mostly. You have heard about young Holger?"

"Oh yes. " A nod "A fine young childling, now missing I hear, hence the increased searchings about the local trods and further. The Mountain scries for him, among other things"

"Yes. And...hopefully he'll have some answers soon. Olgar has gone searching on the Silver," she adds matter-of-factly.

"This does not surprise me. THe Rovers know the Silver better than anyone. I understand he has aid from Eulalie DeBuke, or so Ives tells me"

"Eulalie as well? I know Gwen of Silverwolf journeyed out with him. The more help he can get on this, the more likely the boy will be found quickly."

"Eulalie hopes to be a Rover. " He nods "So in a way, this is quite the test for her. Dame Gladiola is mostly focused on the dogs so it is surprising she assists but welcome. " He eats between converse, enjoying the meal, "Your daughter apparently has also released word about Goldfinch asking folks to keep an eye out for Holger"

Kerri nods, unsurprised by the last. "Sylvi's very good at managing the social network. Not boggan-level, of course, but...she knows when it's best to recruit many eyes in a search."

"You are proud of her" Not a question "I can see why. She's quite capable."

"She is. She's had to take a number of lumps on the way, and there are likely more to come, but she's learned from them."

A thought "She once dated the Storm of Darkgate?"

Kerri's been wiping down counters, but something about the question catches her attention. She looks over at Valter. "Yes. Why?"

"Have you contacted them about the missing boy? They're basically a military fortress and lodge. They mkight at least make sure he's not gone into their areas of the Dreaming"

Kerri pauses for a moment. "I haven't. I'm not sure whether the Mountain has. That's a good idea." Possibly embarrassed for not having thought of this.

"Pardon me," she adds as she goes out of the kitchen and to the phone closet.

And he enjoys his meal

Soon she's waiting for somebody to pick up the phone at Darkgate.

And someone does "Marsellies DeBuke. Make it fast. I have a meal to prepare" Clearly unaware it is here

her*

"Hello, Marsellies. It's Kerri, down at Rivervale."

"Oh" More respectfully "Hearth. A pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the call?"

"Well, I wish I could say it were for pleasantry's sake. We've got a problem, and I'm going to ask for Darkgate's assistance. I'm thinking I should talk to your Chieftain, if he's available."

"One moment" And soon...

The Chief's voice is heard saying "Ye've need of us then?"

"Hello, Chieftain, and yes. " She relates the situation with Holger as briefly as possible. "It's been pointed out to me that it would be wise to ask Darkgate to check the trods near you to see if he's ended up in that direction."

He sounds a bit amused? "Lively lad! But may have bit off more than he can chew. I'll see to it. Don't worry, Hearth, we'll cover this part o things"

"Thank you, Chieftain. We appreciate it. And I'll make sure we let you know if he turns up so you can call off the search."

"You're most welcome, Hearth. Right of Rescue and all that. Oh, fair warning, Marselleis is gunning for you this Pennons"

"Oh. Well...I mean, of course I'll be presenting an entry." The tone suggests she hasn't been thinking about Pennons much. "So I hope he brings his best work!"

"No matter which of you wins, we who eat will win, I'm sure. " A smile "Good fortune to you and yours, Hearth"

"Many thanks, Chieftain, and my best to all there." And she hangs up.

By the time she does, Squire Valter is in the kitchen cleaning the plates he just used.

At least there is another hold on the look

"Thank you, Squire," she says as she starts making notes about possible Pennons entries.

"You're welcome" He looks over the notes and secretly hopes she does something with lemon meringue pie

(End scene)