#anywhere

Ah, the kitchen, Kerri feels more in control here than she ever did in the main room, well, not that she can't handle it, but this is her haven within the haven. Mr. Greely says "thanks for seeing me"

"Not at all. Can I get you something? I have some slightly moldy pastries, if you like? And a bit of sour milk?"

"... you're too kind. the milk sounds good. how to say this? the news i have? it's not worth nothing... and my kith lives and breathes by such bargains. so i'll understand if you feel a bit reluctant to show me full hospitality as arguably i'm not here as a guest"

Rather than answering, Kerri pours the milk into an older glass and sets it in front of him on the kitchen worktable. "Please, what is this news?"

"... someone is going to try to steal the kestrel" a drink

Sudden, alert tension. "Who, when, and how?"

"well..." a sip "first, if I might advise, when she gets back you or someone else might want to have a word with a certain miss siv about talking about the wonderful flying ship when at firnost?"

A wince. "Of course. Yes."

"the who is a small motley who call themselves the Scavenger Six." he shudders "Alliteration is nice in moderation but it's not good writing long term. The how? not as sure, but as they have some sneaky types, I imagine they're thinking by stealth. I sure wouldn't want to risk combat with you guys if I were you. I did hear mention of dog pepper "

She nods, thinking. "What kiths are they? And do you know when they're planning it?"

"when word gets out you're at half power? when do you think they'd try?"

A sigh. "Carnivale."

"... and we see the reason you're in charge in tthe regular chief's absence" He commends "now, i shan't be tacky, but trusting to trollish honor and assuming future favors that do not cross moral lines will be repaid?"

She nods. "Of course. You're not at risk, are you? The Motley wouldn't know you've spoken to us, correct?"

"hardly no," He says "I have quite the lead on them" a smile

a flash of black gums

then "to answer your earlier question? an eshu, a pooka, a piskie, and ..one of my own. normally sluagh do not tattle on other sluagh, it's gauche, you know? but i am hoping to wean her away from her compatriots. One of the favors would be a touch of mercy for her"

"Fair enough."

"You think she is wean-able?"

"more than one might be but i'm only stretching my neck out for a kith sister. i can try to dig up more personal details if you like?"

"Hmm...if you can do so without risking yourself or exposing that their plan has been detected, that would be a good idea."

"..very kind, risk is half the fun. gathering knowledge is like fishing. ones that don't fight get you by, but it's the ones that come out fighting that give an intersting story later if you pull it off"

"Ha! I think I like that particular point of view. Okay...well, Mr. Greely, you have been very helpful and I do appreciate it."

"most welcome... I'll return with more 'news' later." He tips his hat

She bows her head as he leaves, then sets about washing the glass and prepping bread to bake, working as she ponders what to do about potential pirates.

Kerri knows that there is a tie between the kings and that ship, stealing it might not go as easily as these punks think. But still, no reason to get cocky

The glimmerings of a plan come to mind, but she's got a few days before she needs to enact it. And it'll take planning...and prep...and secrecy....

(end scene)