#brightwindsbarony

"Those are both common stones... though. Semi-precious... " She shakes her head a bit to not get into a rabbithole of describing them. "People aren't stones, though. Catir said it. She's your special person from Arcadia. If I had a special stone that was with me from way back in other lives? It would be more important to me than any old rock just found lyin' on the ground. Even if I like the rock, too."

"But you aren't any old rock. You're Grete. You are brave, and stubborn, and clever, and fierce. You love this place, even when things here hurt you. You have given me, an outsider, a chance."

She rubs at her nose a little.

"I did not say YOU weren't specail" Catir throws her hands up "Grete, just because I knew her first doesn't eman I'm saying your not important to her I.. argh"

"You said some pretty mean things." Grete points out, then winces a bit. "I guess I did too."

"Yes, we did, and I.. well, I tried to apologize and it got weird and bad.. so I don't know what to say, but you didn't say what scares you, but I think I know.. you want ROckhammer safe, and you also are scared of being alone with just your horribly boring parents who don't really lovey ou for you. Well, Sparrow loves you and I can share her. Honest. She's got a big heart. She's full of love. Honest. If.. if you want I can leave you and her alone one day of the week ...then the rest of the tiime we share? I don't.. I don't mean to be in your way but I guess i am"

Dubh whispers to Sparrow "Did she just offer to share custody of you?"

Blink.

Grete kicks at the stone a little. It's clearly hard for this stubborn girl to say. "...mm ws jlss." She admits.

Catir blinks "I'm sorry .. I don't understand?"

"you... you want wednesdays?"

"I was JEALOUS." She repeats, embarrassed.

Catir bites down on the 'I KNEW It' comment in her head, and instead saays "I ...didn't mean to make you so."

The sidhe frowns. "Girls, I am so sorry..."

"And... I didn't like that you came in and just... tried to take charge. At least is how I saw it. I'm only her ward to mortals. I only got any claim to 'Aunt Julia'. You... Sparrow's really yours." She admits, though it hurts her to do it.

"I'm just a squire, but I guess I CAN be bossy. It.. just happens. I'll work on it" Catir sighs then says "I.. back at Earth runes I kind of lead the kids there. ANd I did some hero stuff, but you couldn't know bout that and i shouldn't haven't presumed. And.. you know YOU do a lot here for the hold, loads... wouldn't have it going right iwthout you so.. you have a right to Sparrow too"

"If they propose cutting you in half, I may intervene" Dubh says deadpan

"Well, I think this is progress..." an undertone back.

"I didn't MEAN for the sharks to bite you. HONEST. You can tell, right? You can tell I mean it?" Grete insists.

"I was trying to strangle you, the sharks might have saved your life... and I could tell, you were surprised" Catir move to Rockhammer "And.. you know? I'm not sure this one even ever bit me. It's a red blur but I think this one just tried to get in between me and you"

"Alright - Grete, you can keep Rockhammer, but you must train him. And you will be responsible for him. Understood?"

She nods firmly. "I will."

"For the fight - both of you will do dishes, all week. You will take turns washing and drying, and you will follow Hope's orders. Understood?"

"I think Rockhammer might be a girl" This is quite important "But yes, turns washing and drying" Uhm.. "I know it's weird, but.. have you thought about what I said earlier? Baroness? that idea?"

"I have, yes."

A nod

"Grete - you have been a good and constant help to me this past year. I am of the mind to make you a squire, if you so wish."

She looks taken aback. "But... but you're supposed to be punishing me. That's... that's a title. That's for nobles, and I'm common as dirt."

"Oh, you are not getting out of dishes, young lady."

"Lots of non sidhe earn titles. Sir Bachdion is a very good Knight who TEACHES sidhe.. and he's a satyr" Catir says

She chews on her lip. "Can I think about it?"

"Of course. Think about it, talk to people, come back with questions."

"I'm not sure I really know what being a squire means." And she nods. "I can do dishes. Even if Hope had to teach me how."

"Well then, that's a start. Maybe I can get Colton to come and visit - he was my Squire, before."

" I hope you take it, Grete. It would maen we were equal in title so that wouldn't bother you, also... you've earned it. You do a lot for folks"

"And as my Squire, he knows all the warts."

Then a low mutter from the little Gwydion "So, Wednesdays for you, Saturdays for me?"

"Alternating Saturdays." She argues back - "Because of school."

"Darn it" She had apparently hoped to get away with that. Sidhe always try to get the best of a deal it seems "That's fair. Deal. "

Ladybird sniffs at the tub-of-dirt.

Wag wag wag.

Rockhammer churnsi n the tub, rises and decides the dog does not fit her diet plans

Bark!

And the shark dives deeper into the tub , having been startled

Wag wag wag! Ladybird is so brave!

"Ladybird, don't torment the shark now" Catir pets the dog.

She licks Caitir's hand.

Grete still looks somewhat puzzled as to how this all played out. Then she remembers. "Please, don't punish Litte Joe."

"Alright. So... we're good?"

"He just wanted to help me."