#anywhere

It's a good thing they were high end tickets on the plane. Olgar and Kerri are tall folk, and airlines are notoriously stingy on seat space

But Olgar wasn't sure how to get to Crete by trod!

It's a novelty, traveling this way! Kerri's almost giddy. "Sorry, honey, but I really want the window seat." She claims it while he's putting the carry-ons away.

"Sure thing" He says with a smile as he puts things in the overhead.

She settles in, adjusts the seat, checks the various buttons and lights.

She's actually done some reading on the hotel. It's a 5 star hotel, but not just a five star hotel, it is a CULLINARY hotel. FOlks come from all over the world to sample their food selections, famous chef sometimes visit, there are lessons that can be taken (not that she needs them but still), and yes, access to great kitchens if they want to cook as well.

Olgar has mixed feeling about that "Seems weird to go to a hotel where you're allowed to cook if you want" Wryly

the reading light goes on. The reading light goes off. On. Off. On. Off.

"What if they have a BBQ competition? Would you try to defend your reputation?"

Yes, the details she found during research are exactly what pushed her from being reluctant about this trip and into actual enthusiasm.

"totally different" He says whether it is or not and he joins her in the seat next to her "I just thought you'd prefer to be walking barefoot on the beach." An admission "Preferably in the flattering swimsuit of you choice."

"Are we sure you're talking about my preference?" she says with a suspicious grin.

"Not a hundred percent sure" He grins back

Olgar did have a little trouble with security on the way here. He just has that kind of face.

But it passed quickly and now? Luxury seats

Kerri has had to learn to be patient about people's prejudices about her husband's appearance. But she really wanted to toss that TSA agent through a window.

It was a close call

Rather than the usual economy class rush, it seems the folks up here are attended to more personally and promptly. Not the fault of the attendents, they're just following priorities laid out for them. Drinks are offered for the flight!

Drinks are accepted! Kerri enjoys a white wine.

She takes a sip, and leans against Olgar's shoulder. "I'm so glad you're here."

A grunt of a smile as his cheek brushes against her head in response "It's where I should be. It's where I haven't been enough sometimes. Thanks for understanding" mortals nearby won't know he's talking about long paths as a rover.

Olgar asked for a beer and is having a fancy craft thing

"Of course. We both have important commitments that keep us busy. Being together when we can feels even sweeter that way." Sip. "How's your trainee doing?"

"She's too eager , thinks she's ready for anything thrown at her, and gets frustrated when I tap the brakes," A smug look "But she also is growing to see how important the work is. She's learning to love the shine of it" Meaning the silver "And she does learn. We'll get her on the path and then some yet"

"A hothead doing your job? You don't say!"

Teasing gently. "I'm glad, though. It takes some spirit to do what you do."

A deep chuckle at that "Gotta have heat for the tempering of the steel to work properly. Yeah, I am too. Gotta be careful not to dole out the praise too casually. My management methods of benevolent neglect and surly but firm support usually work"

"Yes, you're definitely in the let-her-burn-herself-she'll-only-do-it-once school."

"Worked for Sylvi. " The plane starts to take off

"I hope it's still working for her, at college. I'm trying not to pester, but she really doesn't share much. Oh! We're moving!" She looks out the window.

Not much to see except tarmac and service vehicles and other planes, but still....

But it's flight, and grump or no, few changelings surpress their sense of wonder at flight

"I hear you," he says "I think she's still at that stage where turning to us feels a bit like losing, and our girl, like you, has a competitive streak" Ignoring his own BBQ rivalry with Frank, or his desire to outdo other top rovers.

She's traveled on the Kestrel, briefly, but this is different. This feels odder -- the mere combination of air pressure and wings and velocity -- no cantrips to keep things in the air. Daring!

The tarmac dwindles out of sight, and they behold the sky unfolding

And the city they left looking more like a childlings lego display

"She comes by it naturally. Well, it's so hard to tell how she's doing near Samhain, anyway. Too much sass and attitude. I'll get a better read on her around Thanksgiving."

She watches the scene below, pointing out features that she can see. She looks to see if somehow she can see the Lodge....

Not likely, though she can spot Lake Tappan.

She shouldn't be able too, but then, changelings see the world differently, and she can make out the fire, the feel of it, giving a kind of wave of well wishing... yes, she cant see the lodge, but she feels it

"Yeah, thankgiving's gonna be extra big this year with all the wi... all the kids returning from college"

She waves back through the window. A brief pang of anxiety...her duty, her kitchen, her work...

...but...it's only for a little while.

"I'm looking forward to see what everybody brings for the Thanksgiving feast."

"And maybe I'll learn something new on this trip to offer for the meal!"

"I'm more worried they'll find out how amazing you are and try to get you to stay" A wink

"Stay? In Crete? Oh, I can't imagine that," she brushes off the idea easily, sipping her wine. "But this visit will be lovely," she says with certainty.

Her attention keeps getting caught by the view out the window. Soon they're above cloud level.

"When I was little, I was on a plane flight once. I thought the clouds were icebergs" He admits

"I can see that!"