#bergen_county

"Okay. Sy, you need food, sleep & a shower, in whatever order. Pretty sure I do, too." A deep breath and she turns to go face the rest of the world. But right now, she's feeling pretty good about that prospect, where she hadn't been before. That's a win.

He sniffs at himself. "If you say so." But he accompanies her without complaint.

As they step out of the building, Symon flips off the lights and locks the door behind them. Hopefully by the time the kiosk reopens in the winter, any mess might be attributed to... something else. Not his problem!

Kerri and Sylvi await them in at the dock. Cairrean... is not in sight.

Both Kerri and Sylvi have been looking expectantly at the kiosk ever since the sudden burst of oath-flavored glamour. Upon catching sight of Dagmar and Symon, they both move forward, Sylvi with wide eyes and Kerri with a slowly-growing grin.

Sylvi says, "What did...what...are you, um...okay?" The ending is a bit of a bail out.

Dag rubs the back of her neck and nods. "We're okay, yeah."

Symon withdraws a bit inwardly as the small group grows, but he retains a loose hold on one of Dagmar's hands.

There is a skeletal bird perched on one of Dag's horns.

Kerri is giving them both the once-over. "You're staying at the Lodge tonight. Both of you."

"It feels like all the extra cantrip glamour is gone. I think we're both clear from the treasure."

"I'd rather go home." He whispers. "I need food, sleep, and a shower, in whatever order. And... I should talk to my mother."

A note of worry. "That wasn't an order, just..."

"Yes, but..." Kerri stops herself, looking over them once more. They're both weary, but...well, I suppose I can't insist if they're not more damaged or drained. "Well...as you see fit." Another grin and a nod.

He squeezes her hand, giving her a half smile to show that the parroting was a small jest.

She bites her lip and nods.

Sylvi finds her voice again. "You've got company," she indicates the skeletal bird.

"So. Um." Her cheeks flush purple and a little shrug. "Um. We talked?"

Kerri nods slowly. Sylvi urges, "And...?"

She squeezes Symon's hand. "Just... like, how you and I talked, before. About.. about being honest about how I feel. To myself, first, and to everyone."

Symon looks uncomfortable with the conversation.

Kerri puts a hand on Sylvi's shoulder, and Sylvi takes the hint not to badger. "That's good," Sylvi understates.

Dagmar moves a bit more forward, providing a shadow for Symon to lurk in. "We oathed. Our own oath, our own way."

Symon looks grateful, and supplies, still holding Dagmar's hand. "We have an understanding of our relationship." He whispers. "As partners. And oathmates."

A wary glance around, looking for the other person that was expected to be there.

A snerk as they talk on top of each other.

A soft huff, amused. He leans against Dagmar, just a touch.

Definitely an affectionate gesture, if subtle.

Kerri's eyes sparkle at that couple interaction. "That's exactly as it should be," she says quietly. "Congratulations."

Lovecraft is the one who breaks the ice and hisses, "Where she?"

Sylvi's smile is brighter than her mother's grin. "It looks good on both of you."

Another blush and a shy smile.

"Ah," Kerri hears Lovecraft's question. "She was here. Her hands were flayed. I healed her up a bit, and she's got...scars. Brands, maybe. I don't think they're going anywhere. Still..." a pause "...I hope you'll both forgive me, but she's gone. And she's not coming back."

A grunt. ("Good riddance.")

Lovecraft gives a sigh. "Wish she still here. Bring back?" Hopeful.

"No. She's banished from Rivervale. I'll confirm it with the Chieftain tomorrow."

Kerri's voice has just a hint of a grim undertone.

The shadowcat moves to wind around Dagmar's legs, purring. A disappointed mewl.

"Too bad. Should find. Let 'ours' punch." Clearly now taking some ownership of Dagmar as well!

A wry eyebrow at 'ours,' amused.

Symon dangles his fingers to stroke the cats back. "Better this way."

"I agree," says Kerri. "She has already paid a price. Those wounds won't heal, and they mark her as untrustworthy. To do more to her might elicit a punishment from the Dreaming."

"Yeah. I've had enough of her. Sylvi, you still got my keys?"

"Oh, yeah!" She reaches in her pocket and hands them over.

She gives an awkward grin to both of them, then says, "Okay...I guess...time to go?"

"Yeah. I think we're good."

"Time to go," Kerri agrees.

"We'll talk tomorrow," Sylvi mouths silently to Dagmar, but it's surely not lost on Symon.

"I'll get Symon home, but I'm gonna hit the Lodge. Should tell the Chief. I mean, soon-to-be-Chief knows..." A nod at Kerri.

A half-grin from Kerri, and a nod. "You need to tell her, but wait until after you sleep."

"Mom, can I get a lift back to Goldfinch?"

"Point. Sleep is good."

Kerri nods to Sylvi. "I don't have a spare helmet, so we'll go slow."

Kerri looks to the other two again. "I'm very glad for both of you." It's an understatement. Then she turns and heads toward her motorcycle.