#elsewhere

She thinks. Then shakes her head. "No...I don't think so."

"Understood" She says

She looks around. "You know...this is about the longest I've spent away from a hold in a while. Like...I've spent lots of time in the mortal world with school and friends and stuff...but not a lot of overnights."

"Mm this might be good for you " Nadeen considers "Keeps bedlam at bay."

She nods. "So...when do you want me to come see Marigold?"

"As soon as suits you. How are things going in Darkgate and Rome?"

"Well, it's different, y'know? Like...understaffed and overworked, and with a serious threat. I'm hoping I can do some things locally to boost the potential for Dreamers, and maybe that'll draw more fae here." She grins. "There's a cool theater in town, but it's currently shut down. Community theater on the rocks. I'm seeing what I can do to help get it back up and running when things get better among the mortals."

"Oh the Theatre? " SHe ponders "That's really you, Sylvi. Make up, eyes on the stage"

She grins. "I really do like it. I had the chance to work backstage once, and it was a blast."

"When I was still thinking about college, I was thinking about studying stagecraft."

"Why don't you take college?" She says "Rome has them you know, community and such. Annd as Bridge you can use it to interact"

A wry grin, "I'm still finishing high school, same as you. How's that going?"

"Oh I graduate this year" She says "DeBuke lessons have been.. interesting so I'm caught on on legal work"

"I've got another year. And distance learning and alternative credit for 'work study' have been helpful. But...if I'm going to be busy with lodge work, then there's not really a lot of time for college, is there."

"For you, working remote.. or at college, would work" She guesses

"Well...yes...but is it really necessary?"

"Are you scared of collegge?" A curious look

"Not...really?" She sighs. "I just don't really see the point. Dagmar has real hopes about college and college sports. She's psyched for it. I'm...not."

"Wow. You peaked early" the varich obsserves deadpan

"Look, seriously, I've already got an ongoing income from my YouTube channel, and if the theater thing takes off....well...it's a career path rather than a college path."

"Fair. But think of the debt your parents will feel towards me if I talk you into college?"

A smile spreads across her face

A wry look. "Think of the debt they won't have to help me pay if I don't go."

"Oh tish" she says

She shrugs. "Just saying."

"Fine. Maybe you don't need it. But I do" SHe sighs

"Well, I guess? You have something lined up?"

"Something I can use to muse in a professional environment" She says "And is respectable for the upper crust. I'm middle class but I have a foot in the door for advancement. That requires effort for true social acceptence. And when I gain mortal influence and wealth, I can better serve my people"

"Well...I mean, if you're going to be with Baron Aiden, maybe it could be something that dovetails with his interests? That might give you a lead in to social connections. But then again, you might be happier to make those connections independent of him."

"I know" She says "it's tricky. I don' want to give up my own self, but I do like what sharing things with him. " A sigh "I miss ice skating"

Sylvi looks at her. "It's too late to get back into it for competition, huh?"

"A woman can have it all.. but never at the same time I think. I have to give some things up to get others" a bite of her lip "But I suppose I can enjoy it for my own sake . I will make time for that"

"Sure. And maybe you can coach others? Or...no, I guess that's not the kind of advancement you're looking for."

"Maybe when I'm a grump. An OLDER grump at that" She says "Come on, let's have a meal and talk over dreams. Grub hub or cook ourselves?"

"Probably GrubHub. We need to do some shopping soon."

"My turn to shop isn't it ? I dictum a shorter line if I have to..." might NOT be joking

and the two talk of what to order in the next hour

(end scene)