#elsewhere

Adam nods. "I understand where Stevi's coming from."

"Another reason yes. I'll get things started. Nab loved chocolate if I recall, do you remember what kind?"

"Body paint."

"Of.. course.. I can get some" She nods

"Thank you."

"It's..... it's supposed to be on the 5th."

"Of February."

"the FIFTH?" A blink "Oh goodness... "

"Yes. That's what the Seer said was the best day."

Delores nods then yells "BATTLESTATIONS!"

A DOZEN staff members, most boggans but not all, seem to materialize out of no where

"What the......"

"There's a very adult themes wake on the evening of the 5th for Nab.. we need pillows and other things for lounging, tasteful, go with the red and black to honor her usual colors. I need chocolate body paint, a least three gallons, I need 10 meters of 'flesh safe' nylon cord, tickling feathers, the usual toys and tools... we want a meal that's mostly finger foods.... tell Jack we need an abundance of drinks."

Blink.

folks begin to organize like a mlitia "I want inviations from the scribe or his squires written up, all fancy, a large warning sign regarding how that area is reserved. I'll inform the baroness and baron of the event..." She directs and commands

"Do you think-they- will come?!?!" Some alarm.

"The baron? Not likely. The baroness? She goes where she wants to go when she wants to go and if you think you have her figured out she jumps on you"

"Figuratively speaking.. usually" She says

Blink.

And the steward says "Okay, I also need.. "More supplies, more assignments then she looks at Adam "And I need a list from you who is invited, if you can limit it to 10 that would be great. "

"Ten??"

"Who.... who do you invite to a wake?"

"Wha you need more? Less is fine if you think it's too much"

"Wake-Orgy." he corrects "I mean.... it's not like figuring out a dinner seating chart."

"Her friends... and.. yes.. "A Asigh "Wake orgy. I was avoiding the label but there you have it. Invitte her friends, obviously. "

"Stewart that was.... pretty much everyone. I think."

"Okay.. fine, we make it open to wilders 16 and up, drinnking and memories start at 7, Orgy doesn't start till ten! Good?"

Adam takes a deep breath, somewhat trepidacious, but nods. "Yes. Thank you, Steward."

"Wonderful, Adam, I've done more with fewer days, in two nights you'll have that celebration. Let me know if you need anything else"

"Steward, it's me who should be offering my help. She was my...." he stops "It's my responsbility."

A pause "I think I see yes. Fine. " She takes something "Adam, spread word of the invitation, and I want you to pick out a playlist of songs. Ones that either nab liked, or reminded you of her. YOU know what she likes more than any of us, so yes, I'll take that help and let you mold this. Fair?"

"I.... yes, Steward."

"I don't want you feeling left out of this" She explains "And maybe I misundersood, but it sounds like you wanted a bigger part and felt i was your duty. Did I get that right?"

"You did, Steward. This is my responsibility. She was my.... she was mine."

A nod "In that case, Adam. I'll have someonne keep you posted of any and all changes as well"

"Thank you very much, Steward. I'll get to work on the playlist and.... do you want me to wait for the invitations or just spread the word, invitations to follow or...??"

"Which ever you think is best for her memory and your own style, Adam. As we're opening it up some it won't matter"

He nods. "Yes, Steward."

"And Adam, if you think I'm doing something wrong regarding this, let me know. I'm not above taking advice"

A sad smile. "Nab didn't find a lot of things to be wrong, Steward. Thank you for your help with this."

A sad smile back "You're most welcome." then she fusses at folks "THREE gallons, not three pints. We've got a lot of bodies to cover in chocolate."

Adam fades back and away. Well. For better or worse. That's underway.

A few aimless hallways later, Adam pauses. Then, with more focus, he heads for the kennels.

Once there, he adjust his clothing for work (keeps the armband) and starts his chores; it's been a while. The dogs know him still, but the birds need some reintroduction. He starts with Kansas, feeding her first and talking to her with nonsense praise and petting when she allows touch.

There's a peace to be found in the labor, the routine, and the company. It's... simple.

He finishes and puts away his tools.

He pauses by the perch without an occupant, which has a tiny.... swing. Let's call it a swing. After all, childlings sometimes come in here. He touches it, makes it rock back and forth.

Then he gathers it up, freeing the perch, and tucks it into a pocket. He calls Dumas to him, and heads for the stables.

Dumas wags and follows

Once there, he starts cleaning the stalls and tack and anything else that needs doing. Part of his equestrian studies includes care of the horses, of course. And, he wasn't completely unfamiliar with that thanks to Rivervale.