#ccsemberclub

Slyfoot visits often, and Iceni does as well, on and off over the next week. Clearly the farm has made good offers, and Iceni wants Emerson and CC's opinion

Emerson has kept a boggan's eye on Iceni and Murray's interactions, but never let on about it. And of course, Iceni is welcome to visit, share a drink, and chat.

Iceni , some part of her, is eager for a fight, and she finds the storm interesting. The interest, the boggan can tell, is returned . Oh they're not ready to hop into bed , trolls don't tend to do that... but there is an initial attraction. That said, she seeks Emerson and CC out by herself and says "I never much was interested in farm living, but the rent would be free."

"Well, I'd work, of course"

"That is a guarentee." Emerson then add "Not that is would be a burden for you. Nor need it be permanent."

"I understand there was a school there for a period of time during the pandemic's height."

"Still is one, not as populated but still" She nods "And not all the kids who go there are trolls or even DeBukes"

"I'm sure Slyfoot will be welcome, yes."

"But... I like the perks of the city. I mean, shows ilke the ones CC puts on aren't typical at a farm. Movies are a drve away, that kind of thing."

"They won't bar the gate to you at the city limits." he points out reasonably. "You may go and come back."

"But for a year and a day, the trod will be tricky" She ponders "I hate to lose my home only to find out this was a bad idea"

A sigh. "Well, no need to do that. I'll rent it from you."

"Pardon?" She says surprised

"I'll rent it from you. Unless you don't own it?"

"I'm still making payments but I'm close to paying it off"

"There we are then."

"Why would you rent a building you don't need. It's small and not as nice as what you have? I. I've already taken a lot of charity"

He waves the concern away "Because I can always find a use for it. Sublet it to a staff member. I'll find a use, and I'll expect consideration on the rental cost." he tips her a wink.

She actually gives a trollish smile at that, he knows the one "I suppose that's only fair."

"I'll make sure the place stays tended and clean. It will be here when you wish for it and in the meantime, you can choose to go to the Farm or not without concern for the house."

"THank you, that... does make some things easier. " She ponders

"Most welcome. May I pour you another?" he offers, picking up the bottle.

"Why not?" She says after considering "And thank you, Emerson. "

He pours. "You're welcome."

"CC told me that if I go there, she'd apprecite me keeping an eye on her grandkids , the ones who are there. "

A chuckle "She does dote on them all."

"So it seems, still, nice to know I can do her a favor if I go with this" Which was probably one reason CC asked for it.

"Our numbers are small; we tend to look out for each other."

She nods "I love being this... strong, sure. It's alarming how much I like it"

"Alarming?"

"I'm used to shrinking in life, in making sure I don't get in the way of those who are more powerful than me. I hated it, but it seemed smart to keep my head down. Now? I don't feel I should"

"Trust that feeling." with a thin smile.

A smile back, just as thin "Yes. Folks need to EARN my respect"

"Folks need to earn -your- respect." he changes the emphasis, and the meaning.

She thinks it over, then nods

"Very good." he approves.

"You've earned my respect, Emerson"

"An honor, I'm sure."

"For you to decide, but it is intended to be one, though... well, after hearing options I think Honor is a lie, or more accurately, external definitions of it are too often cages."

"Mmm... have you heard of our Courts? Not Law, or Justice, or even Nobility... but our Natures?"

"Seelie and Unseelie... yeah, CC mentioned them"

"I suspect you may be Unseelie."

"I suspect you're right. THe code makes sense"

"That puts you rather at odds with many trolls." he observes.

"Oh?"

"Not all." he points out "I suspect there are those in New Jersey at that Freehold I suggested that will see things as you do."

"Perhaps Mr. DeBuke as well. Pardon... there are so many DeBukes; I meant their Storm, Murray."

"Oh yes, he's... impressive"

"He's told you what a Storm is, of course."