#bergen_county

"You do seem somewhat discomforted," He observes, "I just finished a patrol."

"Good. Thank you. I'm.... I'm fine."

"nothing too serious to report on my end, unless you count a pooka marking his territory in two legged form" A sigh

Frank takes a moment.

"Not a bird pooka, then?"

"No, Connor. He was, ah," Ahem "Relieving himself on a tree. Not in view of the street or anything, in the woods. Still, I inquired if there was a flaw in our toiletries, and he said no, but he wanted to start a good relationship for future gardening and tree planting so he would water it now and hope it remembered" Jonas scratches his chin "I like to think I'm good with younger children but I admit, pooka can still baffle me"

"You're not the only one." Frank remarks.

"Did Connor seem... well?"

"Truth to tell he seemed a bit panicked, like he was in real trouble for relieving himself or something. I did warn him that mortal authorites frown on that sort of thing and we worry about him, but he kept at least a few feet between me and him at all times. Isn't he normally a hugger? Albeit when his pants are ON , thank the Dreaming?"

"Mountain..." Kerri says as she comes out of the kitchen, then pauses. "Oh, I'm sorry, Jonas, Mountain, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Not at all, Kerri.... have you noticed anything different about Connor?"

"That's...I was just going to ask you." She frowns. "Is he okay?"

"An interrogative we're all sharing lately" Jonas says "And, if I need to withdraw as Elder Matters are discussed let me know, but obivously I hope to help if needed"

"He asked me the..... a question that I am concerned about."

"You have concerns about him as well, Jonas? Please stay. Mountain, earlier Connor ate a full meal, left the kitchen for about five minutes, and then returned complaining of hunger."

Jonas nods, and listens, surprise registering on his face at the story of the fully fed yet starving pup.

"Kerri, he just asked me if he was, in his words, a little shit. And if I would still like him if he was."

She blinks. "That's...where on earth did that come from?"

"Exactly."

Jonas blinks "And I thought his relieving himself on the tree was odd"

"Does he usually do that?"

"I thought he'd grown secure here. He...wait, he peed on one of the trees?"

"Peeing on trees? Not that i know of, at least not in humanoid form, and yes, he did, " he answers both. "Hearth, I asked if our lavoritory was not working in the lodge and he said no, but he wanted to start a good relationship for future gardening and tree planting so he would water it now and hope it remembered"

A puzzled look. "That...that could be pooka-speak, but...I've never heard him say something like that before."

"Apparently he's really looking forward to trees and gardens. I suppose it's good he's delighted, but I would have thought the novelty lessened after this time" Jonas says, "But , to be honest, I find the refernce to himself as a little shit far more alarming." A nod to the Mountain

"Yes, but....."

"Yes, that is a problem. That, plus the peeing...he sounds like he's acting out over something, but I'm not aware of any serious problem he's had lately. Maybe Gerd leaving, but I thought that had been resolved."

"Gerd has been visiting him often from what I heard, she comes here to do work in the kitchen with Sally Mae, sees her brother, and then visits him at Jaymes' locale. " Jonas pauses "Perhaps working as at Jaymes store..maybe something happened there?"

"I don't know.... there have been many changes in his world."

"Oh...oh, that's a possibility."

"How can I assist?" Jonas asks plainly, "I welcome any distraction though I wish it weren't at the boy's possible cost"

Frank looks at Kerri to answer the question.

"Can you speak to Jaymes, Frank? Or I could. And Jonas...I think perhaps it's best if you just keep your eyes open for other odd behavior on his part."

"Yes, Hearth" He nods

"I will." Frank says.

She nods, concerned but satisfied. "I'll do a little housekeeping in his room." A slight grin. "It's not 'snooping' if I do it that way."

Jonas raises a brow "Suddenly I realize our patrols are merely a secondary line of defense" Staight faced

A bemused look. "Took you long enough." And the Hearth whistles quietly as she starts up the stairs to "tidy."

Jonas looks over at the Mountain, "Is it me, or is she the warmest source of trepidation about?"

(In Gerd's old room) WHile Gerd changed things to favor Connor's style, star wars blankets and the like... it's good to note that Connor must be actually SLEEPING On the bed now, recently it seemed he favored taking blankets to the closet. Looks like he's alternating

Kerri doesn't fuss at him too much about that, but she does make sure the blankets stay as clean as the bed...which, at the moment, means changing both.

" I would not discount her."

"Yes sir," me neither" Jonas says then coughs "if i might broach the subject, has Siv left any missives since her return from the quest?"

(Connor Room) Lots of food wrappers, more signs of snacking than normal. This might lead her to ponder that tape worm theory

She frowns at that. Yes, this much food for one boy...even a growing boy...is not normal. I hope he's not shoplifting from Jaymes as well. She shakes her head and tidies the mess.

"Yes." Frank passes him the Note.

He looks over it, and his eyes widen , his blue pales. And he looks at the Mountain "There must be some way to restore it?!"

Louder than he normally speaks

"I am told she is well. Sound. As she left us."

(COnnor's room) The toys are getting a work out, more have been used, including some that aren't his favorites.