#elsewhere

"No, Pyshckha, don't eat them" From the Door Nadeen comes out

"Look what followed me home," Sylvi announces, leading Zane to the door.

"Zane," Nadeen moves to him and takes his hands "How is everyone at Rivervale?"

"I haven't been there in a few days. Which means itt's probabbly better off" he replies dryly

"Let's get inside," Sylvi suggests. "Zane, want something to drink? We've got mostly soft, and a little not-so-soft."

"Soft drink is fine" he says

And Nadeen leads them in "Flo's not here right now so we'll have to serve ourselves. Sylvi is probably relieved. She seems to think having a servant is offensive" A chuckle

But she also shoots the troll girl a worried look as if to ask what Zane's comment was about

Sylvi sighs. "Can't deny it freaks me out a little when she gets all...servant-y."

Sylvi catches the look and makes a tiny gesture: in a minute.

Sylvi goes to set up some drinks...soft drinks for her and Zane, and whatever Nadeen usually likes for her.

"THAT is not my fault, she was not always treated well by others." Nadeen had started to get drinks then chuckles as she and Sylvi BOTH move to fetch ddrinks for a guest "Of course, one could point out Flo helps us escape your mother's conditioning"

Zane actually smiles at this "Yeah, good manners... the fiend"

"Heyyyyy...Mom just has...yes, exactly, Zane, good manners. Nadeen, why don't you give him the tour while I set stuff up? I know I'll get some death cantrip in my face if I try to show him your room while you're not there."

"Working as intended" She smiles

"come on, Zane" She motionsn him to follow

"Sure.." He looks about "This is really nice" And follows

Sylvi rolls her eyes, then sets up not only drinks, but also a bit of a snack. Some local treats, and maybe something a little fancier from Marseilles.

She also takes the opportunity to text Colton to let him know Zane's here.

TXT: On my way

TXT: Actually, can you wait a bit? I want to see if Nadeen and I can get him to talk first. You can do the bro-talk thing later?

TXT: Sure. Want me to hold off for 15 minutes, or 30?

TXT; 30 I think. 😘

Txt: 💋

TXT: Perfect lipstick shade for you. 😉 TTYL

And hopefully Nadeen and Zane are returning from the upper realms as she brings the tray into the living room.

And they come downn "i'm happy for you, Nadeen. I mean, I thought he was a jerk but sounds like he's not bad"

Sylvi butts in on their conversation. "Whatever he is, the Baron has Nadeen getting all shmoopy about him." She winks and grins.

"I thought he was a jerk too" She admits then blushes "Yes, he's proven Shmoopy worthy"

"Make it three for thinking he was a jerk. I mean, he was a jerk...but I don't think that was entirely his fault."

"It's..complicated"

"I know, I know. Here..." she indicates the snacks and drinks and for them all to have a seat. "I texted Colton, he'll be over in a while. I figured we could all do dinner tonight. There's a great little diner called the Iron Cauldron. Yeah, the name sucks, but the food is great."

"You sure four isn't a crowd?" Zane asks "I Mean, he's your boyfriend and you two might want couple time"

She blinks. "I think we can spare the space of a dinner, at least, especially with good friends."

"I suggested dinner out specifically because you'd be here, Zane. You're not intruding."

"It's true" Nadeen assures "Zane, you're a friend, not some doom walking among us."

"Exactly."

"You know we actually look forward to seeing you, right?"

"i'm nnot sure why" A smile "But thanks" he says

Sylvi sighs. "Well, for me, it's partly because I've known you forever." Then a smile. "Remember that night when you came to the Lodge demanding justice from the nobles in charge of The System?"

"And you saved my sister's toy from Dirk?" A laugh "How could I forget?"

"How did I not knnow of this?"

"It was long before you joined us, Nadeen. We were both still childlings. Dirk stole Lydia's doll, Zane came to the Lodge to demand help, and I went to see what I could do. Managed to convince Dirk that the doll was cursed and if he ate it, it would eat it's way out of his stomach. He bought it."

Zane laughs "And that's when I realized I had met the sneakest troll in the world"

"Hey, I am my parents' daughter," she says with a smile and a shrug.

Nadeen eyes Sylvi

"What?"

"If you don't think my folks are sneaky, you haven't been paying attention."

"No, more trying to figure out how to hire you full time for my own machinations" Nadeen mmms

"I think you're doing fine with that on your own."