#elsewhere

"It's more... I've gotten better about it, thinking that what I have ain't worth..."

"It's hard, is all."

"Oh, " A nod "Well, You got reasons and old wounds for that, but... remember , I believed in you before you did. " She sticks HER tongue out "And you AND the stuff you make are both awesome!"

"You did."

She puts a hand on the shorter nocker's shoulder, the tongue gone, "And I know you don't need me, not anymore if you ever did, but if you ever WANT me to remind you how cool I think you are? I'm here. Art's here. And the crew at home is there for you too." A beat "Maybe not blossom, she's still a self centered little twerp, but everyone one else"

Snerk! "SHe is a hoot, ain't she?"

"Oh my god, I just HOPE she gets zits when she becomes a wilder. I know its petty but damn it would serve her right" A chuckle

A peal of laughter. "Oh, you know Briar'll give her what for, then."

"I love Briar, don't tell her I said that but she's like the beastly little sister I never knew I wanted." Fond look "Even if the lil bitch DID gut punch me when I became a boggan to make sure it was me. I mean, it made perfect sense but hell."

Thistle's spirals glow coral, another thought brought to mind by Gwen's anecdote.

Gwen notices, but doesn't comment figuring she might embarrass her friend. It does make her think how Art said the RIGHT things to Thistle, how he cared for THISTLE not Lady Thistle, and how he ...well, DID everything right.

"Lot of good people at the hold come to think of it"

"Yeah. I like it there."

"We should find some nice things here to bring them to show it." She says "Man, maybe I'll get a story teller's CD"

"I got a ton of gifts."

"I've been so focused on the mission" She admits "missing the forest for the tree. I DID hear those story tellers for an hour or two. Man they were good."

"So - CDs sound like a good idea."

"You're right. Not all of them have that option but mom will love playing some in the kitchen... give her a break from Nora Roberts"