#bergen_county

"Yeah. We making anything here to bring over, or are we all in at the Lodge kitchen?"

"I actually want your opinion on that. YOu two came later then your father and I were...well" A look at Odin "You see why we weren't in the mood to celebrate as there would be more than one family member missing. NOw that you're back though, what would you prefer?"

"What I'm saying is, you've had a heck of a quest and I want you to get all the credit and praise you're due, but if you prefer to have a quiet thankgiving for just a few here, I understand"

"Lodge'll need the help."

"All right, then we go, and we make the Refugees feel warm and welcome"

"But, if you need a break, or if Symon needs a way to step out, we provide it. " A pause "Will you be up to a boast tomorrow? They may ask for one"

"I dunno. I don't like boasting much."

"Maybe I could ask the Eshu."

"Maybe, or your grandfather or I, if we learn what you remember and what others do. I've already heard some good things about you and Symon saving those folks. It's a horrid blur to them but a few remember your heroism"

"I remember enough of that. I'm glad we did it."

"I am too" A pause "is.. the stone as quick to pick up songs as they say? We have to teach it the Rivervale one"

"It's real quick. And I don't even know what all it knows, 'cept it was singing about Bonnie Blue, and I remember her. Being her."

A pause, and she gives a thoughtful look at the Kitten.

Odin looks back, with intense wise eyes. Two of them, though that slash patch over one still gives a one eyed vibe

"Bonnie Blue? A past life? What was she like, what did she do?"

A wry grin. "She was an outlaw. Robbed the robber barons."

A little head-scritch for not-quite-Odin. Once-Odin.

"Oh that's a song I need to hear from the stone" She grins "And I think she must have been a bad ass if she was anything like you"

Odin, once Odin, Odin again, Odin under a new name when she finds what fits? Purrs... rusty despite his youth

Odin died. He did. But... hadn't she? A dozen times, at least? Hadn't she known and loved the same souls, more than once?

"We are so shaped by the times we're born in on the wheel, " Her mother goes on "How we hold our values changes, but it is surprising how many times the values aren't as changed as we think they'd be. Some ..core in each life seeks out certain things, treasures certain causes, and sometimes even people" her mother muses

Odin enjoys the skritch, but assumes a position and a mew. Some of that kitten food would be welcome, if you please? Preferably no rocks

"I don't remember meeting you or Dad before, sorry. Nadeen, obviously. And Symon." A blush.

"No insult had, honey, maybe that's the reason we have such lives, so we can finally find each other afterr so many chances "

A smile "And Symon? Does he know you and he met before?"

"I... I don't know."

"I... It's fuzzy. And old."

"Fair. I don't remember much of my past lives either" she says

"He might remember more, if he does. I don't think we were friends."

"Well, then it is good you found each other as friends .. no more than that, in this life" She says

Odin mews again, more insistent. Food, please

"I'll get him a bowl" Her mom says

"More, yeah. And with the Oath, maybe we'll find each other again." She stands, cradling the kitten against her sternum.

And she does, not too much.

Mother and daughter watch the kitten as it eats. Both probably agreeing this is super weird, even if it is also wonderful

(End Scene)