#anywhere

He watches after her, and then stares at the floor. He had started with Wudlig, the easiest one to talk to... but hadn't been ready to step up to Gerd. "You.. are mad at me," He tries a half question, half statement to begin.

Gerd ponders, then she says "I was dissapointed in you more than mad, but I think i was a bit angry yes. Angry at myself and you..and very angry with someone else but nothing productive talking about him" She says "I sometimes get mad when I am scared. And I feel bad that I did not protect you"

He frowns. "Maybe I.. didn't need protecting... but if I asked, I'm told not to go.. and if I go, you tell me not to go. " He holds out his hands as if weighing two things.

"Connor.. you're a childling. When I was a childling I had to trust Vali to protect me, to know best. It wasn't always easy, but he alwahys had a reason for what he decided. And he always did it out of love. Just like when the chief tells you no, she's doing it out of love for you" A brow "Do you not see that?"

"But I'll -always- be a childling, cuz I'm a Lost Boy. I... I think you might be my LITTLE sister." He says, tugging at an ear.

"I can see why that would frustrate you" She nods "but it doesn't change things. Maybe one day I'll be more like your grandaunt or something.. but you still shouldn't have done that. Connor, as a pooka, you lie because you can't help it. However, USING people, that you have power over.. and I KNOW that's not who you are. You're good, and true. " She wants to aid that he's too good for that man

He ducks his head at this. "I could have... used my words. Asked better. But now I broke the Chief's trust, and all the words won't help."

"I've done worse" She says "And they forgave me, but it took time" Gerd says "But they love you... I love you. And a few screw ups won't change that. Connor. Did you like that Chancelor lady?"

"I like Sparrow better than that Sparrowhawk... both birds are so pretty... but one is sweet, and one is too sharp to look at." He hesitates, not wanting to speak poorly of her, "Bluebell was very nice to her. It must be hard to have to so very much to do, watching over everyone and making sure they do everything right, and being the only person who knows how to do nothing."

"I don't like the sparrowhawk either.. and she clearly has a LOT of power.. and a lot of disdain for you." A look "You would not be safe at that court I dont' think, not even if the Baron wanted you there to live. I think ... I think she would work against you"

He remembers something and fidgets. "She did ask if I wanted air."

"The Silverwolf air."

"Not sure what that means but the WAY you say it makes me think it's not good" Gerd says

"When I said I had my own hair, lots of them, and didn't want to be in anyone else's hair, she was bored of me." He shrugs. "But why look at me when there were cakes? Did you try the one with the little swirls?"

After a few minutes, Kerri comes back into the kitchen. "May I interrupt?"

"No. I wasn't hungry" She says "And yes, you are a threat to her ambitions. You could be the one with a right to that hold , the one she wants.. and so she is cautious. Eventually she'd try to make you vanish, little brother, if you stayed there.. and not like I do.."

She turns "Come in, please"

Kerri catches this last comment and nods sadly. "That is a real threat. Connor, the photo seems untouched by cantrip that I can determine, but my abilities are limited. I'm going to get you a case to keep it in, one that closes. You make keep it, and look at it, but I would not recommend leaving it out on display for long periods."

His eyes go wide. And he hesitates. And offers, with a swallow. "You can.. keep her... If you need to. Because I was... a cruel shellfish. And didn't care about no one but myself. I don't want their air.. but I don't want to be like the Lady either, even if she was shiny like those... the birds, with the speckles on their wings, and when the sun hits them, they glimmer?" He gives his head a shake, tossing away the memory of the lovely sidhe.

"If you think that's fair. You keep her... and I promise I won't try to sneak, or steal or anything."

"I think... " Gerd says "That's it! "

An idea springs to mind

"I..." Kerri starts, then blinks at Gerd. "That's what?"

"if it's okay with both of you, I would like to take that photo just for a bit.. and have a painting made of it... I know TWO great artists, and one has been nearby. I've buried her in work, but I would prioritize this. Exacting detail.. maybe paint a whole wall. She'll be there in front of him"

"I was trying to suggest a copy of the photo should be available. A painting might be better. But...not a whole wall, please. I think that might be...overwhelming."

Connor looks unsure. "The Baron has lots of paintings." And ponders. "Maybe.. he would like that. His are big... " He gestures like a portrait that would adorn a wall. "But I'm just small. Maybe if she could live in something safe in my pocket... socket.. rocket."

"Connor, do you agree to let Gerd borrow the photo?"

"A locket, yes."

"Okay... small pocket sized sketch..ooh a locket portrait.. how lovely"

"I'll arrange it with your permissions" A nod "I got this."

"Can I...." Then he shakes his head. "And the other... buried in a box, in a hole, under a tree, in the forest, under the sky..."

And a nod to Gerd, certain. "You would take good care of her. I know you would. ...I think you'd like her... I think. I don't know.. but I LIKE to think..."

"I would. She can be in my room at Vali and Tiffs and anytime you visit I'll let you look at her as much as you want" A nod

"You would do this even though I'm supposed to be on punishment? This isn't punishment. This is... presents. Maybe you should not. The Chief said..."

"I would still recommend keeping the original closed away when not being viewed, Gerd. But I think that's a good idea.

"Yes Hearth Now.. let's go read you a story." A nod to Connor

And she is ready to lead him away so the Hearth can do her thang..

"Well, let us talk about the punishment, then, Connor. You misused people's trust, and to serve nobody other than yourself. To compensate, you will be on kitchen duty for dinner until the end of July. You will help me first, and eat last. Understood?"

Gerd winces "Been there" Not exactly but she has done her time in similiar fashion

"I would wash all the dishes for the whole farm and only eat a handful of kibble a day if it made the Chief not make that face..." Forlorn, but agreement.

"I said a mean thing. I meant every word and I said what I meant..."

"The Chieftain appreciates service. I'm sure it will help if she see's you doing right by others."

"It takes a lot of service to unsay."

"Gerd? I can show you her now? And then you can hide her away to be safe."

"Sure.. lead on... and we'll do the story thing" She guides him away

They may read a story about another boy who had a miserable no good very rotten day

He actually asks... "Tonight, can you tell me a different story? I'd like to hear about your ma and da... if you wanted to."

"You will start tomorrow. Now, go on with Gerd. And please remember...we have a serious task ahead of us. Stay ready for the call, but try to get some sleep." ((Which I typed several minutes ago and never hit send. --R))

"I.. yeah.. I know that story, time you heard it..." A nod "Good night, hearth"