#fenixtj

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It maybe of cheer to Ellie and Salma AND Jessica, that Holger returns after a 3 day stay at Rivervale!

His wyvern armor at a high shine, he looks quietly and humbly pleased and thoughtful

Salma fusses that he looks thin. Did they feed him properly??

"Oh the food was VERY bueno" he assures "The Hearth there, she cooks magnificent pies made of apple and many other things as well. I am good, Salma. I just excercised a lot. There was MUCH training"

Suspiciously neutral, Salma asks, "Oh? More bueno than Rosa and Maria's conchas and churros?"

A tiny warning light goes danger! danger!

He starts to nod then the light sinks in and in mid nod it shifts to a side to side no no shake "No no.. her churros were not so grand" For their were no Churros made so.. it's probably true

A moment, and Salma smiles. "I am certain that this is so."

Whew

"I did get you a gift, " he says reaching for his backpack

Eyes widen and her ears perk. "¿para mí? ¿por qué?" For me? But why? She looks interested.

"Because" he says a light blush, but also surprise as if it is obvious "You are mi amiga" He takes a book out of the backpack and hands it to her. It has a bow tied about it.

"A book! But, Holgar, I already have a book."

She only lets him stew for a moment before she grins and looks at the title interestedly.

"Senorita Frisby and the Rats of... Neem? Holger, I do not HAVE this book yet. " her eyes sparkle. "And now who will do my chores so that I can read it right away? Tsk! You should have thought this through!"

He ponders this, and nnods sagely "I will think it through"

Then an idea "I could do your chores...for I have been away"

"Greedy Holger! Your time is not yours to give away. No, you must go see our other amigas, even though they did not miss you in the slightest. Go, I will suffer through. You have had to do so many things to train. I too will train. I will do a chore, then I will read a chapter." A voice of ultimate sacrifice.

He puts a hand on her shoulder "You are very courageous. "

A sigh, and solemn nod. "And next time, bring some of this cake you speak of. If it is as magical as you say, then the Condesa must miss it very terribly."

"You are right!" he says "I should have thought of this"

A grin. "I am always right. Now you will know for next time. And can bring extra. If you wish to."

He nods and says "Very well. :Pardon. I must find the other girls"

....

Of course, Jessica is not a 'girl' but Holger does report to her, startin with "I am sorry, I did not bring the apple pie. I shall do so next time"

"I did like Rivervale very much. They are kind and the Mountain's beard holds MUCH wisdom. When I am older, I shall grow such a beard and gain wisdom"

"I hope you will visit them as often as you like Holger. Do you feel more comfortable now that you know more about trollish culture?"

"I do, I.." A light blush "The old baron, summerstrike? He said only the seelie court can be proud. And only the nobles and those who serve the nobles .... I like many nobles, Ellie is wonderful, and you are kind, but .. sometimes you want to know about your own people and what is proud and good in their ways?"

Jessica nods. "While you were there, did you meet Rover Olgar?"

"I did... I did not at first quite trust him, but I talked to him and then I realized he was a little like Senoir Duff. I like Senior Duff, so I gave him a chance. He spoke much of the rovers.. the knnights of the way. They are heroes"

"They are. Did you find it easy to trust the Mountain?"

"Oh I felt the Liamness? We alked of that, but yes. I did grow to trust him too. As I said, his beard was MOST impressive"

"Yes, it is."