#bergen_county

"I think I'll stick to Racer here " he smiles at Racer, though it's a sad smile. Racer is sleeping more and more. Greyhounds can be big couch potatoes, but Racer is running less. Age is catching up with the hound.

"Racer's a good boy." She reaches to pat his head.

The old dog's leg moves... as he dreams of a world where the trees are slick and squirrels cannot climb

"Well, he's happy now."

"Yes, he's a fine old dog," A pet from the other hand. The dog enjoys

"I'm glad you aren't alone in that house."

"Me too? But it's a fine sized house" He smiles "And you four don't need me living here and taking up space. Not enough rooms for that. " He considers "Though you know if you ever want a small place to crash at 2 am, I can make room"

A smile.

"Thanks."

"I'm trying not to.. like... wimp out?"

"My parents are kind of zombies lately, they're doing most of it."

"I noticed" he nods "The zombie part I mean... " he lowers his voice "I DO love both of my grand kids, but if I can get Tove and your dad a bit more sleep, even better."

"Agreed."

"Look at him, playin' innocent."

A chuckle, "Babies have amazing poker faces huh?" He looks down

"All that stoic troll blood."

"Oh, I am sure . And I think he IS going to be a troll...that's not just me rooting for it... too many signs indicating it's more likely than usual"

"The dragon took much, it's back in the world again... spring energies were strong this year... it all seems to be good signs for more kith. "

"Yeah?"

"It... it'd be cool if he was one..."

Is that a note of worry?

"I think it's more likely than usual that he is, but that doesn't mean it's a lock" A look at her "But we'll love him no matter. I mean, look at Sally mae. She's a fine young person"

"I think it would be tough to be the only kinain in a family of changelings, though. Look at Adam."

"mmm yes. He is an unusual situation but yes." a nod "Dagmar... CJ has something Adam doesn't"

"Yeah?"

"Yes, experienced changelings rather than not yet sained family, and atl east one big sister who has a love of justice. " A nod

A little huff.

"You think I'm teasing you" His eyes are merry "But I'm just saying it how it is. You, my dear girl, are a fair handed one. Or try to be. And you like others to be too. "

"Well... I mean, too much ain't fair. And I'm a knight."

"You are that" A nod

"And so.. y'know. Code."

"You've caught a code? Well drink plenty of Orange juice" Sage nod

SNort-grin.

"See, Grand-dad jokes are almost as bad " A competitive tone

"Yeah, they're pretty awful." But her eyes are still crinkled in a smile.

"Do they hand out purple hearts to troll knights?" He asks straight faced but his own eyes sparkle with good humor

"What?"

"Purple hearts, they're a medal soldiers get for being in wounded in combat. Saw it on MASH.. by the gods that show is good saga."

"Oh, with the helicopter song?" She 'sings' a snippet of Suicide is Painless. No words, just the 'dum-da's"

"Yes, the one with that very short troll colonel i nthe later seasons. I Know he's too short. I like him I'm claiming him"

"I don't think I've met him yet. Is he on streaming, you think?"

"Oh sure.. heck, we can watch Hulu...I have an account... how far in the seasons have you seen?"

She tells him. "Bet we could get in an episode before Dad gets home..."

"Sure.. Popcorn?"

"I'll get it!"

"Thanks" he says "I'll set up the show"

And soon, two generations are set up to watch and snack and wait.

It's MASH, funny, hilarious. .. and.. sad so sad at times. Her grandfather seems to think it is an amazing saga, an epic, told from the heart view of healers.

And Dag seems happy to share in it with him.

(End scene)