#rivervale_lodge

"So," Mountain Vali says "Dagmar is going to the Duchy of Salmon, more specifically the Starbear barony. Problem? Brekke and Frank aren't there. Off on some mission"

Kerri frowns slightly. "Well...that will make things a little more awkward for Dagmar. Still...she has gotten much better at social situations than she started, don't you think?"

"She has" Vali nods "The good news is I checked with Rutgers, we can do a lot of online credits for her if she wwishes. And the Baron is happy to have her. However, my other concern is that the Baron's hold may not be.. populated enough for her, not with Gwydions. It's clear she wants to understand her House more"

"Well, how long do we plan to have her stationed there? Perhaps it would suit as an...introductory experience?"

"Perhaps, but Baron Snowmantle has another suggestion . If she's willing, he'd like to take her for a visit to a larger Gwydion hold than his in the Duchy."

"Oh? Where did you have in mind?"

"Well, his idea was to take her to Glitterdwell, a large Gwydion hold in the heart of a gold rush town now deserted. May not be her cuppa in some ways, but the house is well represented. He thought she might like to visit"

"Hm. I'm not familiar with them at all. Do you know anything about their reputation."

"Not so much" he admits "Good in general. Lots of warrior training I know, she'll be fine there"

"And if I'm not mistaken, a deserted gold rush town would be a suitable place for her to bring Star along."

"It should be" He nods "But this is just a visit, a few days, not her actual assignment. "

"Good point. And you said this was Baron Idris's idea...but why did he suggest it? Is he also interested in having Brekke there for Dagmar to lean on, if necessary?"

"I spoke to him how she was eager to learn more of Gwydion, so I think he's trying to help. He's an easy going sort compared to some Gwydions, nt a lot of pomp, but he remembers Sylvi fondly"

She grins. "And Sylvi definitely wasn't looking for the Full Gwydion Experience when she started acting as emissary."

"Right." A chuckle "WHere as Dagmar is. I don't know enough to say she'll love it, but Dagmar watns to learn even if she doesn't love it. So... I think it's a good idea"

"Then I'm in," Kerri says with a decisive nod. "Do you want to inform her, or me?"

"I think she might like it more coming from a Chief" he says

"And I'm happy to do that. But that's not undermining your role as Mountain, is it?"

He inclines his head "I don't think so . My area is spiritualism, ritual, magic and lore. This doesn't feel like I have any rroom to be offended"

She smiles. "Fine, then. I'll let her know."

"I'll try to find out more about Glitterdwell's details if you wish? Or maybe you could call the Baron for it?"

"I'll do that. I'd like to get a sense of him. Thank you, Mountain."

"You're welcome, Chief. Anything YOU want me working on in the mean time? Imbolc is almost here so we should get our firebrand soon"

"Ah. I don't recall if I told you about Serenity."

"No, do YOU know why she's so sour?"

"Afraid so. She came to me the other day and asked...no, practically demanded...that I cut her fosterage short and sain her right away so she could be a firebrand for this Imbolc."

"Now that WOULD be my niche" He says "As Firebrand is a very sacred role and all. I had a list for you to look over. She wasn't on it as she didn't qualify. Did she say WHY she wanted to be a firebrand so badly?"

"She hinted at it...but honestly, Mountain, I think I'm not going to share the reason. I've told her no, and she's furious at me, but I told her she's not ready."

"Understood" he nods "If she tries to do an end run around you by coming to me, and she might, I'll let her know someone else has that this year. Honestly I don't think she'll be a bad one next year unless this disqualified her. She's been remarkably little trouble otherwise"

"Oh, I completely agree, she'd do a great job! When she's ready."

"Oh, as for the list" he reaches forit

"Oh, yes..." she accepts it from him and looks it over.

One might surprise her, not a Kithain but a Kinain "Lydia Wayburton"

At the top of the list

A blink. "Lydia? Really?"

"She's able to hold it, while enchanted. She won't be passing a trod. As she'll pick it up here. She's also on the outskirts, and frankly? She's felt depressed for a while now. I've been...giving her odd jobs, helping her feel part of our world. Zane clued me in." he says.

"Oh, that's a shame. I wish you'd clued me in about that. Do you think she's capable of handling the possible danger?"

"I think with an escort yes. Basil would help"

"Hm. Okay. Let me check the rest of this list." She scans the other names.

Another one is Magedelaine, but she had the honor before. The nocker is like a daughter to Tiffany and Earl in manyways. And lastly is Eden, who is a bit old for it now but never had the honor. The snake pooka girl is reliable though in her way

Kerri sighs. Three good suggestions.

"Is Lydia older or younger than Eden? I've forgotten."

"A bit younger"

"Well , at least 3 years younger"

"Okay, so...agewise, it's Eden, then Lydia. Magedelaine has served already."

"Yep. My vote is still Lydia" He says

"But all three are fine"

"If they're both qualified in your opinion, I'd rather have it be Eden, before she completely ages out."

"A good point" he nods "All right. Eden it is." he ponders "Maybe Lydia can be an attendent to my part of preperation. She and Siv"

"That would be a good idea. Sort of an understudy preparing to fill the role next year."