#anywhere

"Thank you. I think I'll let her have two hours alone at the NEver place, then go after her if she's not back by then. Oh, feel free to use some of the chocolates for the lodge or whatever.. I brought plenty. Anything you need me to do in the mean time? " He blinks his slighlty baggy eyes

"Well, I want you to get a decent night's sleep, for one." She picks up the grocery bag. "I'll arrange these in her room. Get a nap, Vali, in those two hours."

Vali looks ready to protest, to point out that if he sleeps he might not get up... but instead says "I'll have to set an alarm. Okay. Thanks...the decent NIGHT sleep will come later ..maybe. Can't promise."

She nods. "Take it from a woman who's nursed a newborn... get your sleep when you can." And she leaves the kitchen to set out a tasteful arrangement of chocolates and bath oils...and a more subtle arrangement of the other items. She includes a note: _Your uncle did some shopping for you, so be sure to thank him. Come see me so we can work on arranging the tea items. --K _

"Nursed a newborn..well, at least no guy will ever give milk" He says relieved, and unaware of the plight of a certain bull. And he heads off... while the Hearth lays her web for a belligerent fly

(End Scene)