#elsewhere

Gladiola peeks into the garden

Bluebell is there, sitting on the edge of the fountain, and talking softly - to herself?

She stops, tilts her head, and listens

"Oh, well, certainly I see your point of view."
(A pause)
"Is that so? But it is quite rude as well."

A sheepish look , she wonders if Bluebell is talking about her eavesdropping "In my defense, my mother's a boggan and I like to feed her gossip. It makes her happy"

Bluebell looks up, and has a look of surprise, she raises a hand to cover her mouth. Beside her, there is a splash as something drops into the fountain, and movement in the water as it swims out of sight.

She rises, and curtseys. "Dame Gladiola."

"Oh. I'm sorry, I interrupted" mortified. There really was someone there "Who.. who were you talking to? Do I need to apologize to him or her?"

"Oh, no worries. I was just speaking with a resident of the garden. He seems to have taken his leave." A smile, she is not offended. Bluebell stands from her curtsey, and straightens her skirt. Then she straightens it again, carefully adjusting it in a motion that seems tailored to draw the eye to her gesture.

A curious look and she glances about to make sure they ARE alone

And if she sees no one else, she continues "I.. kind of need some advice about.." A blush and a low mutter "Women and men stuff"

"Oh, oh my. No, I do not suppose that Jeremiah would be of much use there. Not unless you are interested in tadpoles." She says sagely, and brushes off a spot on the fountain bench for Gladiola.

She sits down "Chuck's going to Texas.. a university there. I want him to be my... first" A blush furiously "I want my first to be a good man, someone who cares for me. And I know he does. I want.. it's not just for him. Mom's got me on the pill... but there are somethings I'm shy about asking her"

One of her ears is up, one is down, and her nose twitches cutely, the very image of a perfect listener. "Winners don't do drugs, but I suppose if your mother approved it, then it's probably acceptable? The other option is skinning a poor, defenseless lamb, and that I cannot advise, poor things."

"Uhm.. oh.. a condom" A blush "Should I ask him to wear one anyway? Just to.. you know, reduce the chances"

"He isn't a tomcat, is he? Prowling around town visiting all the she-cats, yowling his song for everyone to hear?" She wrinkles her nose a bit, apparently not fond of cats.

"If he was I'd fix him" She says with a huff

"Then he should, one would hope, be clean as a whistle, soft on the bristle. However, are you sure you're okay with him shooting off a missle and then go for prompt dismissal? One can enjoy the sizzle but then snivel when it fizzles."

A blush "Ah.. you mean foreplay or..." BRIGHTER

"The first time is like a Chrysalis - a brilliant pop, and a lot of fumbling. But the second, and the third..." A sweet smile. "If you have but one summer, make the most of it." A touch of candor for a moment. "And remember that chocolate syrup SOUNDS sweet, but don't forget about ants."

"I think I understood some of that"

She reaches out and takes one of Gwen's hands in her own slender ones, and pats it reassuringly. "It sounds like you have your plan, and will have a lucky man. I'll answer any questions a bunny can?"

"I want him to like it" She admits "I want him to think I'm AMAZING. It's vain. I also worry I'm being a bit trampish. I mean, he's not likely to come back. I don't think we can make long range work. But ... I want this. Not just for his sake but for mine. When I KNOW he's leaving. Does that make me a slut?"

A soft slap on the hand she's holding, scolding.

"Hey" It didn't hurt, but it surprised

"Slut is a four letter word." Her nose twitches! "Wouldst though cast that stone at Thane Danica?"

"NO" She says A scoff "Nor Linnae. I.. oh" She realizes "You're saying I'm hardly the only troll who will have a sex life" A blush

"Just so. Consider - a certain Sergeant could lock down a man if she wished, cuff him tight to rights, but she seldom chooses to show the same bloke the backseat of her squad car twice. Does that make her a slut, mayhaps? Or perhaps one doesn't have to be a troll to be a strong, independent woman who chooses what she wants. Now, if one is lazy about it, loose and freeloading, undiscerning and careless with partners, then, THEN there are sometimes words to be bandied about. But I do not sense that air about you, no, and I have a very keen nose."

"Well, you've got Julius so smitten with you it's kind of inspiring" She smiles just a bit "But point made. I take too much on myself. EVERYONE says so. So maybe in this one aspect of my life I will stop worrying about doing things 'wrong' or letting anyone down and just try to .. you know" A cough "Muddle my way through and enjoy the lessons"

"If you need a touch of bravery, there is no harm in a bit of liquid giggles to smooth the road. Let me know if you'd like a little something fizzy to take along- where do you plan to go? Hotels can be sticky about IDs, but that's what fuddle is for, and the Motels that DON'T check often have unwanted guests in the sheets."

A shake of her head "I'm not a big drinker. Family history there"

"And.. uhm" A blush "Possibly camping. Under the stars"

It sounds terribly romantic to her, even if a more practical side is worried about grass getting places if they're not careful

Bluebell blinks slowly. "I hope that you have arranged a sitter for one small monster, before you plan on an evening at Camp Crystal Lake!"

"Uhm.. huh?" A pause then "Oh Briar wouldn't!"

A raised brow and a raised ear. "Would she not?"

"Pray, grant me one thing and I will promise to take her under my wing for the weekend." Bluebell offers.

"Body armor?" She guesses

She laughs, and shakes her head. "No, no..." A pause, considering, "Well, maybe. But will you just look down?"

Bluebell still holds Gwen's hand between her own, and her left hand is on top. There is the pretty engagement ring Julius got her, but beside it, another ring? Ah! A wedding ring!

She looks down "Oh my GAWD!" Gwen puts her hands around Bluebell's "Bluebell.. did you elope?"

Her nose twitches with a satisfied smile, one of hidden secrets, and while not the cat that caught the canary, certainly the look of the rabbit that raided the garden.

"Oh I am.. oh I'm so happy. " She hugs her " And wishing I was there. Did you get pictures at least?"

"SO many. Oh, I wish it too, but you know, I daren't be wed here, after all. And it was lovely!" She twists her hand to show off the ring. A slender band of rose gold, and with a thin inlay of... is that wood, or bone? Some sort of organic-looking strip.

"Your precious" She jokes "What is that made of?"

"Goat horn." She says, very smugly. "Just a wee strip, not even missed. But I will never have any trouble finding him if he wanders astray."

"That's the most romantic thing I've heard in years"

"Come on, tell me all about it, even if I'm sure to get it wrong. Every newlywed deserves a chance to gush"

And she lets Bluebell take over the talk even if she doesn't understand half of it

"Well, first, the hot air balloon arrived to whisk us away..." The story doesn't make a LOT of sense, but the pictures are lovely, and some even match!
---scene---