#bergen_county

"Two and a half" he clarifies

"Mm. Jordan...I want you to consider two things, please. One...other people have baggage, too. Some of it very uncomfortable baggage. Sometimes that's going to come out, and it's not always fair. Then, Two...there's a good chance people have been trying to shock you into a change of mind, or a change of heart. Kind of like reverse psychology? It works on some people...but it doesn't work on others."

"I hate that shit" he blurts, then sighs "The reverse stuff. I guess maybe i find it condescending and deceitful . As for the issues... yeah I. . Iguess that makes sense"

She nods. "I don't think there's a fae out there who hasn't had some issues to deal with after they first woke. Some moreso than others." Perhaps a sense that the Hearth has had some issues of her own along the way.

And yeah, he bites "Even you?"

A deep breath and a wry grin. "Ohhhh, yes." Then she says, "Come on...let's get back. I'll help you get those burrs out of your tail. I have a suspicion that a heavy dose of conditioner might help."

"Wellph, THAT Should help destroy that toxic masculinity Olgar warned me about .. or any other form of masculinity for that matter" Dryly but then he adds "But thanks. I appreciate it"

A bit of an eyeroll at the comments about masculinity. "You're very welcome, but I might ask a favor of you in return."

A pause, then a nod "Fair"

She nods back. "Don't worry, I'm not asking for anything impossible. But I'd appreciate any insight you can give me as we're getting the new folks settled. You had good ideas about how to help them feel settled and comfortable. If there's anything else you think I ought to know about what-makes-Centaurs-comfortable, please tell me. That's the favor I ask."

"Sure.. though Tiara is possibly who you wantt to talk to. She's got this past life reggresison"

"Oh, she remembers? Interesting. That's helpful information, thank you." On the way back, she pauses. "Hang on..." and she picks a few handfuls of the mushrooms that are growing near the base of a tree. "Lovely," she murmurs to herself. Then she hands him some. "Here. You've been helping me forage." Ah, a cover story.

A smile "Good thing you helped me. I'd probably poison us all by missinng spots' A look "thanks Hearth," And he adds "You're all right I guess"

"I will accept that as high praise," she grins. "I have my moments. And Jordan...I know you're struggling right now, but I have a pretty good sense that you're pretty all right, yourself."

"Yeah well good luck getting folks to agree on that one"

"You mean that overwhelming majority of two-and-a-half?"

"I mean period. The others just TOLERATE me, that's a lonng way from thinking I'm worth anything"

She looks at him. "That might be partially because you've been going a little bit out of your way to try people's patience, sometimes. But I get it. I do. And if you think the Chieftain is merely tolerating you, you're mistaken. It doesn't seem as though the other centaurs are simply tolerating you, does it? And if Olgar has chosen to teach you anything, that's a damn sight more than just tolerating, believe me."

"Actually, I think Daria wants to boot me in the ass, but to be fair, I think that's a go to thing for her"

A curious look. "How do you mean?"

"She's feral" he translates "I mean, she's not stupid, but she seems to have little patience for civliized behavior?"

She considers. "You know, you're welcome to use the sparring ring if you like."

"Not sure I'm a fighter, but if you mean the group? Tiara already has. She was whirling a sword around like it was born at her side. She wishes she got her weapon back from Leech"

"She came with some, or so she says. "

A blink. "Wait...she arrived with...oh, of course. I'll need to talk to the Chieftain about that."

"Wait, you're saying I just helped? Acually helped?"

A grin. "Yes. You just provided me with some important information and gave me an idea about how to help people. Thank you."

"Well, don't spread it around. It'll wreck the only rep I have" but his tail swishes happily

She chuckles. "Secret's safe with me."

Yeah, he's in a better place. And waiting for them is Olgar

"Hey, you two have a good .... hike or whatever?"

"Foraging," Kerri grins, indicating the mushrooms she and Jordan are carrying.

"Useful skill to know" Olgar nods offering a hand to carry some if she likes "You find any of those ones that turn all savory when you cook em right?"

"Yeah I'm learning the ropes" Jordan says ,preserving dignity

"Mm-hm." She nods. "Should make a nice side with dinner tonight."

"Oh yeah, Jordan, you are in for a treat. My wife is the best cook in the county and that ain't even a tenth of her talents. But she can make mushrooms taste better than some folks make their steaks. "

"Yeah?" He looks.. dubious

Olgar nods "Yup . When we get back you annd I will clean some plates if the others haven't handled it"

She rolls her eyes a bit, but looks pleased. "I have some talents in this regard, but you get to decide for yourself."

"Now, let's get these to the kitchen. And Olgar, you may need to start on dish duty yourself. Jordan has one more super-secret chore before he can join you."

"On it, babe" He kisses her cheek "See you around, Jordan"

And Jordan may remember that he is scheduled to have his tail conditioned and de-burred.

Olgar gets a cheek-kiss back and a warm smile.

Olgar departs.

Jordan blushes "Uhm thanks for that. Didn't wannt mr. o to think I was I.. okay he problably wouldn't care but I would so thanks"

"Oh, he might have ribbed you about it, but it wouldn't change his opinion of your potential."

A skeptical brow at the potenntial word, but he doesn't SAY anything negative "So.. uh. conditioner ?"

"Yes. Come on...we'll leave these in the kitchen, and then come back to the laundry room...we'll get you sorted out there."

And soon an impromptu centaur salon is in session.

"ow. Ow. Ow" Okay now he's hamming it up