#baronyofthesilverwolf

Kerri nods. "Well, time will tell, and we'll adjust to whatever it ends up giving us."

"Indeed. I do have some contacts in my House and the Parliment of Dreams. If I learn more, I will keep Rivervale abreast" She offers "But is that why you came to visit?"

A grin. "It's not. I actually am doing some snooping on a smaller scale, and I think you might be able to help."

A sip "Do go on.." Intrigued

"Well, it's about Gerd...you'll keep this between us, yes?"

The Baroness ponders "It depends on if Aiden inquires for details. I'm not in habit of keeping too many secrets from him, much like I imagine you share with your own husband if he presses?"

"Oh, of course. I mean, this isn't for idle gossip. Unlike what we're doing now, which is purposeful gossip," she clarifies with a wink.

"I see" A chuckle "Go on. "

"Well, it's about Gerd, but there's a bit of backstory that you might find amusing first..." She gives a brief recounting of the events at the market. "...but one of the replacement cashiers was Gerd. She mentioned that she needs to save up money for something, but she avoided saying for what. Now, at the same time, Anne Marie is telling me that Gerd's been troubled when she's returned from visiting up in the area. So I was wondering if you could help me put the pieces together."

"I can tell you she has visited Connor while he was visiting us. She takes those 'big sister ' duties seriously. And yes, she's seen Wudlig. To be fair, their relationship... Wudlig and hers, are often up and down but up more often than down. " She ponders "She seemed to be in a good mood there. And Marigold seems to have realized as Emmisary, Gerd has other duties... of course, that's kept her busy here too. "

A puzzled look, "Gerd's emissary work is in conflict with something Marigold wants her to do?"

"Ah.. mmm Marigold once tried to encourage Gerd to move here as her apprentice, not sure if the Chief told you? Chief Brekke made Gerd Emmisary instead. "

"Anyway... that's old news. We've actually had Gerd set up in our diplomatic home for business once or tice where she could meet nobles or other emmisaryies but it was clear she did NOT speak for us.." A thought "Come to think of it, she was upset about one meeting but I wasn't present"

"Did she tell you what the problem was?"

"She merely said 'I may have made a mistake in a bargain' I offered to help or hear her out, but she declined saying 'she'd fix it herself'. " A beat "I DO have records of who visits that house and when"

"A bargain. And now a debt." She considers. "Perhaps we could investigate those records?"

"That I can offer. A moment. I'll be right back" She rises "Call on flo if coffee needs refilling, please"

"Thank you for this, Nadeen," Kerri says.

While the baroness is out, Kerri sips her coffee thoughtfully. Stubborn, proud Gerd.

Nadeen returns with a book "Here we are. What day was it? " She flips through "Ah ha. Found it" She offers it, poin ting for Kerri to see

Kerri leans in to take a look.

Little else

"Argent Star? Where's that?"

"Willows, I believe. I could look up specifically where later... Oh yes. A lodge near Huntsville Alabama. Formerly a common one. "

"Formerly. So...it was claimed by a noble, or abandoned and revived?"

"It swore to an Ailil lord, of course. Quite the coup. I..oh dear"

Kerri looks up at that comment. "Yes?"

Realization "I bet that happened so close to this date Gerd hadn't even gotten news the Lodge was no longer common. Meaning she made a pact or bargain under aa mistaken assumption "

"Oh, good grief. And this Dragon Hammer person didn't bother to inform her."

"He might have been orders not to do so unless directly asked. Clever! Preserves the troll vassal's honor in technicality, and gets the Ailil an in or advantage"

Kerri sighs. "So now it's a matter of finding out what the deal was."

"That I do not know" Nadeen shakes her head "And I think it's best I don't involve further. I am NOT Ailil, but I am bound to one . You see how this could be a conflict of interest for me?"

"Oh, sorry, of course. I don't mean to complicate things for you, and I really do appreciate the assistance you've been able to give. Okay, then...time for me to talk to Gerd, I think."

"Yes" A frown "Odd that whatever debt she's in is so crass as money. Oh well, Congratulations on the other thing"

"It might not be the money directly. The money might be needed to provide something else." Then a blink. "The...other thing?"

"Edelwies upcoming puppies. This time the litter will be at Rivervale. Tag. You're it" Wry

"That honestly had gone right out of my head. Of course, you're right, and we'll need to discuss that further...but I hope you'll forgive me, Nadeen, if I head back now. I'm feeling I should speak to Gerd sooner than later."

"Of course. " She rises "I'll have someone DRIVE you to the trod if you like?"

"Thank you," she says with a wry and grateful grin.

"Heck, I'll do it myself. And you're welcome," A look left, then right, and a hug is shared

Soon, Kerri is driven to the trod in a very nice car, and after that on her way home... to track down a Gerd!

(End Scene)