#bergen_county

Etsie says "You should cheat" Her own hooves also soaked into the pool.

Then she looks at Piper and adds , "I mean, of course, you should spend time at the freehold, it'll heal you faster but not disrupt the tattoo"

She kicks her hooves lightly, creating a small splash. "I'm glad that the pool got finished. It's nice even without swimming." And to her suggestion, "That's a good idea. I was worried about rushing things. But I also don't want to crowd them. I'm sure the Chieftain is getting mighty sick of her living room turning into grand central station for Mexico traffic already, without me popping by just to take a siesta by the firelight. Her daughter is home, and they probably want some family time."

"Siv's back eh? Oh all the more reason to drop by, Chief and Mountain will be in a good mood" the old goat chuckles "They might be wearing almost kind of smiles. "

"It's kinda a relief." Piper admits. "The last week or so has been so crazy - trod-hopping, secret missions, crazy plans and rescues... not that I would change a thing with the outcome, but... just sitting here, for a bit, may be what I need. That, and I still have a 'dear jane' letter I need to read over a few more times." A soft sigh.

"Oh, I thought you were the one who did the Dear John, did he flip the script on you?" The old satyress says curious but also sympathtic

"I had thought so... but that's before I got a novel. Not that I'm saying he's not right. In a lot of the points he made." Splish, splash. "Even if they sting. And I get writing a letter. When the heat turns on, rare is the goat to sit by and listen calmly to an entire speech about thy wrongs. I'd not have been able to sit through without interrupting on every point..." Drawing her hooves up out of the water to wrap her arms around her knees. "I guess if it was supposed to be sweet and easy, it'd not be a ''breakup" so much as a banana split." Chin on her knees, not quite smiling at her own 'joke'.

Etsie does give a chuckle, "You're a brave girl to read it, but no matter how much he might try to turn it, either to make himself feel better, or to open up to you, or both, you and I both know satyrs are sometimes at their best when we follow our gut. You followed yours. Don't let life's regrets own you. That kind of drag doesnt' do anyone else good and it makes your hooves chip early in life." A gentle pat on the shoulder "I think you're doing the right thing here... enjoying the new skin work, getting your feet wet. And getting company. Even if the company is an old goat rocker like me and a mean girl meets Jo from Facts of Life Ringtail"

"Facts of ..." Rikki says "is this a paleontology thing?"

"I'm trying not to dwell on it. But it's hard when I miss him. I think I did the right thing, but when he looked at me with that expression like the puppy-dog I'd just kicked with a stiletto heel.... I just..." She shakes her head. "And normally I bet the thing to do would be run off to a rockin' party or summer fest and let the heat and the beat rock it away for a bit, but this damn quarantine!"

And a smile over to Rikki. "Not that present company isn't quite good too. And... uh. Yeah, I think that's a fossil, Etsy."

"You girls might like the theme song, just saying" Etsie shrugs then says "Look, rumor is you wilders throw parties that grumps aren't invited to. Why not ask Mr. Dyers to make a 'no grump zone' here at the pool one night and invite some other wilders to have a bash?"

She perks up, then frowns a bit. "It wouldn't seem like a slap to Adam? I mean, if we're inviting wilders, he should come too, but then he's here watching me try to free my head, and he's so down deep. Is that a Fiona thing? Brooding? Or a sidhe thing? I mean, I can do a good mope, up with the best of them, but... " Chewing on her lip as she ponders. "I wish I could just set him up with a date or something without it seeming like a... consolation prize. Why can't everyone be as sensible as satyrs? I swear, we'd have world peace... but maybe not a lot would get done..."

Etsie laughs "Well, there's ANOTHER solution, not as much fun in my take?"

"No, I think you have something there. A party might help... especially since I'm not looking for a hookup. I meant it when I said I needed time, and that's body and brain. Speaking of which... would one of you two mind rubbing some lotion and sunscreen on my back? I'll do the same, it's just awkward to reach... and if you ask a guy to rub some lotion on, their brains tend to drop into their briefs. Not that I usually mind..."

"Well, hold on, let me tell you the other solution, as it still involves a party" Etise says "Why not a girl's party only? You don't worry about delicate masculine egos, get a group of wilder women howlilng at the moon and having a blast?"

Rikki raises a brow "Instead of offfending ONE guy we offend EVERYONE with a penis?" She thinks about it "I'm in!"

"A gathering of nymphs and Maenads... though the Super might complain if we change the pool into a river of wine, or even of milk and honey. A punch bowl might have to suffice..."

"Ah, I've done worse and dad rolled with it" Rikki assures

"Just seems to me, when I was your age...." Etsie says

"We knew not to move or the T Rex would notice..." Rikki whispers

Etsie kicks some water at Rikki, then continues "When I was your age, some great memories were born of the girls getting together for our own jam sessions, bitch fests and Parties"

"That sounds -amazing-. Etsy, you're brillian. Do you think anyone would mind our Sororital takeover? I suppose if it's just for a night..."

"Some parents will worry, boys will fume and consider taking a peek, so no..." A smile

"Oh, I wonder if Sparrow would want to come. I saw a glimpse of her work..." A pause. "Do you think it's really okay to call her just 'Sparrow'? Isn't she a baroness?"

"This isnt' a hold honey. ANd not her land. I think she'll roll with it, and if she doesn't, then maybe it's a wake up call. I mean, this party sounds pretty informal by its nature and she knows it." Etise says "Damn her work has been looking promsing though. Still no heavy metal cover art on that hallway spot across from my door. "

"I'm sure she could put in something if you asked." A grin.

Thoughtfully. "I've never tried to play music to inspire artwork..."

"But then again, I've not met an artist like Sparrow - baroness or not. I guess I lean towards the mental image of painters as tormented geniuses cooped up in their studios and missing an ear."

Rikki nods "Oh yeah, she's totally that type"

"Ask her if she would like a little music to play while she works then" A nod from Etsie "If you waznt to help her out"

A sly smile to Etsie. "And If I happened to play some hard rock while she was by YOUR wall, that might not be terrible?"

"I'd love it" Etsie admits

"I'll see what I can do!" Already mentally thinking about good songs... "Hair metal, black metal, doom metal, crust punk, Nu metal, metal funk, Viking Metal - gotta remember that one for Dagmar... Death Metal... partial to Folk metal myself... though you get to choose between celtic, pagan, and pirate with a lot of crossover... goth metal, too depressing... how about some good old hair metal?

"I'm good with that. I like long hair on men" She admits

And plans are discussed

for party and painting

(End Scene)

******************************************
Frank continues his rounds to check up on the community after the Raid.

Anne Marie greets him "Frank Frank... how are you?"

"Very well, Anne Marie, thank you. How are you and yours?"

"Oh it's been a madhouse, but I have to say much easier than I ever expected to help those rescued"

"Oh?"

"Well, Frank, 50000 dollars is the sort of budget I don't normally get to work with"

An eyebrow. "Where did that come from?"

"I thought you knew?" She says surprised "House LIam said it was the rescuers that brought it in. "

A grunt. "If I knew, I'd forgotten. Hm."

Frank is completely sure he hasn't forgotten.

"Sir Magnus would know.. he handled the mortal authority part if you want to call him. I have his number"

"Yes, I have his number too." Gravely "But thank you. It is good news."

"You're welcome" A pause "Symon and Dirk... I'm keeping an eye on them "