#rivervale_lodge

Post Pennons... and everyone has gotten at least one real sleep and hot shower

And a meal that isn't either competition-entry or food-stand-roulette.

Eventually, Kerri makes it a point to speak with Vali, to update him on the details of Pennons that he might not be privy to.

"...and Count Hemlock agreed. But Dagmar still has a right to her own retribution from the Balor. As does the Count."

Vali listens and nods "I didn't do so well in the events myself but I was in the stands when the Balor got disqualified. Now I know the details I see why. Sounds to me like you got a new horse and helped a childling at the same time. Good thinking that. Though redcaps can be a handful"

"Nothing we haven't dealt with before, though I know they won't all be Dirks. In fact, considering the Cauldron, we might be in a unique position to foster a redcap childling. Now, as to the horse...I've been getting advice that one of the better ways to position ourselves might include prioritizing breeding the horses. Of course, I won't presume for Dagmar's steeds, but this one that we've got might be hired out as stud."

"Problem there is finances, now, fortunately we have a rich girl in the form of your right hand aka Sally Mae DeBuke, but she's a savvy business woman and will she not let us take advantage of her, but we'd be mortified at that thought. SHe's one of us... but she's also a DeBuke. Maybe this is one area the alliance would work out all around? They have grain and can enlarge the stables in a day. We can handle, with Sally Mae's help, the paperwork and mingling? They still don't much like working with sidhe nobles directly"

"Good point." ((Hang on, BRB))

"I'm pretty sure we'd be the ones getting the finances if we bred the stallion. The owners of the mare would be getting a foal out of the deal. And yes, having another two horses is going to be a little complicated. The horse-related costs for us have always been made easier with the Count's help, but even without that, we have Heatherbalm and Sylvi's Spring arts for most health issues, so that cuts vet bills way down. And the DeBukes have always given us good deals on hay and grain. I think you're right that Sally Mae would have some more good ideas about how to go about this."

"Oh right, the Count's got that 'hey we need horse trained folks 'program going. " A thought hits him "I wonder if.. no that might be too political if we asked if he wanted to be a patron to Joust Club. " He ponders this. "I like the idea. Of course with two mares now we might eventually have a new foal as well so best we expand the stables regardless. it's just a matter of how much. My REAL concern is Dagmar has too much on her plate for us to expect her to do her school, quests, storm in training AND horse wrangler... maybe have her teach a few more folks the stable and riding side of things?"

There is also Ylva who is learning but he may have forgotten her

"We do have young folk looking for tasks to do. Ylva comes to mind. And Swilla already knows something about horse care. And I'm sure you don't mind mucking out a stall if it comes right down to it, right, Mountain?" A grin and a wink.

"Oddly reminiscent of explaining to the administration my course plans for the semester... but the stables have a better smell" Wryly

"I hesitate to add teaching-horsecare to Dagmar's list of burdens, but if it's going to be done the way she wants it done, then that'll be necessary. Still, maybe we could offer to bring down a couple of younger but experienced DeBukes for a week or two of training horse helpers in exchange for...oh, I don't know, a tour of the city or something."

A smirk. "I marvel that you are able to stand so fast against all that banality at work, Vali."

"That's not a bad idea, " Vali says regarding the DeBukes "The wilders we've handled in the past have gained from our teaching. Heck, one of them is a rover now thanks to our Storm. " At the mention of banality he smiles "All in a day's work."

(Perception plus Empathy)

/roll 8 explode

((Dice pool was a guess, let me know if you think it's other))

Vali can lie when he needs to, or hide things. He was a spy of sorts. Now he's a Beaumayn. But he doesn't quite fool Kerri this time. If she kens him, she can see he is still heavier than banality than one after a PENNONS event should be.

She regards him for a moment. "How is work going?"

"Mmm well, administration claims they're facing budget cuts... probably are, but they're squeezing from the bottom up.. poorer students getting less support but of course, it better not affect their performance or the teachers will get hell for it. The teachers find their health insurance being threatened, not as big a deal for me but they want to switch us to something 'less extravagant' ie doesn't cover as much" He says "While it's not as bad as some states... we actuallyh have ONE set of parents wanting teachers to sign a written promise that we will not try to aid their kids in any gender change efforts ... like we've got a lab behind the science classes where it all goes on" A sigh "And, yes there will be no raise this year and we'll be lucky if we get our Christmas bonus... and textbook publishers swear that with new tarrifs coming up they will hAVE to raise prices... and I apologize, that's a chilly conversation so close to the balefire" A frown

Kerri finds herself frowning more and more deeply. "I appreciate you being on the front lines, Vali. The mortal kids need you, the fae kids need you, and the chrysalids we haven't discovered yet need you. Maybe we need to put some more effort into...well...using our skills to nudge administration in a more constructive direction." A thoughtful look, then she continues. "Either way...I want you to stay here tonight and sleep by the bale. Invite Tiffany and the babe as well, but I want the balefire benefits to go to you. I think you need it."

"You sure? Pennons DID help some" Clearly he was worse before it

"I'm sure. You push yourself too far before admitting you need support, Vali," she says in a light scold.

"I already have Tiffany growling at me about it" he says "Litterally, she growled at me. She supports me, but she growls about it. Says not growling wasn't in the vows. I've been going over them to see if I can close that loophole. No dice"

"Ha! Good for her." Firm approval. Vali will find no sympathy on that score here.

A sigh, put upon and woebegone, but he nods "I"ll take you uip on the offer, and while doing it make some calls to the DeBukes if you allow? And yes, I'll talk to Gerd. I think she'll be sympathetic to Swilla...and Gerd can defend herself is Swilla gets bitey anyway"

"You may do as much non-school-related work as you want tonight," Kerri allows. "Don't overdo it. Now, I'm going to go make sure we have your favorite dessert, Mountain." She rises, pats his shoulder, and heads to the kitchen.

"Thanks, Chief" a smile "And I'll tell my wife when she comes over you agree with her growling. It'll make her day" He chuckles.

(End Scene)