#rivervale_lodge

"Forgive me, Hearth, but am I wrong? Sidhe rule for many reasons. Some benevolent, a few malevolent ,most in between, but you trolls do not enjoy the challenge of rulership as we do. most trolls see it as a task, a burden sometimes, a means to the end of protection. You come closer to enjoying it than many, but you shy away because of terminology. There is joy in organizing, in watching those taking your lead thrive under the vision you have won them over to. It is the titles and pomp and cermony that alarms you because you have seen that side used cruelly. But YOU will not use it cruelly. Focus on what the better sidhe do, the pleasure and pride leadership brings in whatever style you pick. Be it Gwydion Noblse Oblige, Fiona Egalitarianism, or what have you. Find what will make the position a JOY to you. Even the most cold hearted Varich ruler is ALLOWED to be happy"

She accepts the drink he offers and listens, pausing a moment before replying. "I think it is an error of your kith to confuse leadership with politics. Where trolls often lack at the latter, we generally excel at the former, and we do it with a joy that sidhe cannot recognize; it does not look like what they think of as joy. Of course," she says after a sip, "I'm speaking in generalities, which don't hold true for all."

"Of course" He agrees about in general, "I don't quite agree. I mean, you'ree probably right about sidhe often missing when trolls have joy. Your kith are very good at stoicism. But Politics, at a certain scale, is essential to leadership. Isolated and small is cozy... and eventually, historically, ALWAYS overwhelmed. Politics can be a poison, true, but it is essential if you want to protect your land and its people."

It has been said that Brogan sometimes forgets he's a kid. And sometimes he does. But it should be pointed out that while he is giving this oh so mature talk, he has gotten a glass of chocolate milk for himself and is blowing bubbles in a straw when he thinks Kerri isn't looking

"I have seen evidence to the contrary, where isolated and small has resisted overwhelming force by reaching out for allies but not engaging in politics." She grins at him blowing bubbles, but wipes the grin away when he looks towards her.

"I would say the DeBuke farm is the exception that proves the rule" Failing to catch her hidden smile "But you are older and wiser and my liegge. But I guess the important part is, I want you to have FUN as Chief and Baroness? I think you should. It's not... we're not always at our best when there's no joy in our role"

The chocolate milk is now going in to his mouth properly.

"Well...as my squire, I suppose that's part of your job. Keep an eye on me and help me find joy if it goes missing."

With a seriousness so trollsih he might be embarrassed if it is brought up, he gives a hand over his heart, "On my honor, it will be so."

She nods her head in thanks, then tilts her head at him. "Are you happy, Squire Brogan?"

"I have missed Connor" he admits "I am glad he and his father are bonding as they should have the first time, but with him gone, and Lily traveling, I often feel odd man out more than usual? I mean, Jack Flap and I talk about plants for different reasons, and Layne is everyone's friend but I sometimes wish there were more childlings close to my own age. Squire Valter is a fellow squire but he is... very old? " The boy ponders "I think I got used to being dragged out for fun by external forces, and now, left to do it on my own? I am not as good at it? I DO have fun. Just not as much?"

She nods. "I would not be opposed to you visiting the childlings at Fenix, if you wish, and if Jessica bids you welcome. You may be able to more firmly establish a connection with their childling court that might be beneficial for both lands."

He shakes his head "Can't. You'll need me with prep for the twins. I know it's a few weeks off, but there are too many changes." A beat "Well, maybe if I go in the next week?"

"If it is so much work that it deprives you of time for recreation, then I am overworking you and need to find more staff for the Hearth." She says it seriously, quietly.

"Oh it's not too much work" he assures, a bit stubbornly "I can handle it. I just don't take the iniative for fun as I could.
""

"Of course you can handle it. You've proven yourself a more than capable squire. But I won't have you become a useless squire through burning yourself out."

He blushes

"Well, very well, but no matter how many times Layne says Sidhe seem al ot like elves to her, I shan't frolic. Frolicing is beneath me" A stuborn look

"It's not beneath me," she points out, "given the right circumstances. Perhaps frolicking is not your style, but it's not beneath you."

SLURRRP the last of the chocolate milk. A delaying tactic

"And that's fine. I just hope you don't look down on me for my style," she points out with equanimity.

He stops "Never. You're great!"

Then he coughs "I mean, you have been a good knight to me. Thank you"

The outburst takes her by surprise, and she grins for a moment. "And you have been a good squire. But I insist that you take care of yourself so that you may continue your service well. Now..." she looks about the kitchen. "This room could not possibly get cleaner, I think. And I suspect you've done all your other tasks already. So what will you do now?"

He ponders "I will.. see if I am welcome at Fenix? And if I need to wait, I'll ..." A pondering, "I'll make a snow man... oh, wait, better, Otto made one with carrots for ears. Calls it a 'snow sidhe'. Fine. I'll make a snow THRONE ant put his snowman on it."

"I'll tell you what...you make a snow throne, and I'll call Fenix to let them know you'd like to visit, see if it's a good time. If it isn't, we'll arrange for another day."

"Thank you, Hearth" he smiles, and goes to suit up in warmer garb!

She grins and sends him off, happy to tidy up their glasses herself.

((Scene?))

(End Scene)

The Lodge is swamped with the news. Vali comes in with a smile

The scent of cooking comes from the kitchen (unsurprisingly).

Vali peeks into the kitchen "Hey, Tiffany wants to know what we can unload on the parents now that Theon is outgrowing stuff"

Kerri looks over her shoulder as she is preparing casseroles. "Well, they might need everything, but not have enough space to store it. I guess...they're both early, and twins, so probably tiny. Maybe the smallest of small things would be helpful."

A thoughtful pause. "Hm. It would be wonderful if we could find a treasure that would be the size of a bookshelf on the outside, but a big walk-in storage area on the inside. Perfect for apartment dwelling."

"Noted. I hear Frank's already installing the carseats." He snaps his finger "Though you give me an idea. Our house has that tool shed. It's not too full. I could offer to put something of their extra stuff in. As for the treasure, I'll have to work on it"

"I bet they'd appreciate that a lot. The shed, I mean. Thanks, Vali."

"As long as one of the sluagh hasn't hidden bodies in it while wwe weren't looking. Before you laugh, I remind you Symon practices Taxidermy"

"Ugh. And Symon has access to cadavers. I suggest you proceed with caution."

"And a mask"

"Exactly." She's putting the casserole containers in a carry case. "I want to get these into their fridge while they're still at the hospital."

"I can do that if you want? or you need a break out of the lodge and want to put your personal touch on it?"

A grin. "You got me. I want to tidy up their place a bit so they don't have to be stressed when they get home."

"Ha. I'll man the fort here then. " He assures

"Thank you. I'll check in from there." She gathers up the things she's bringing along. "Be back soon!" And off goes the Hearth.

And Vali nods and sets up shop