#fenixtj

The other guest the next day is a bit of a surprise. Clem DeBuke

"Clem!" Jessica greets her with a warrior's grip and half-hug.

A hug returned, "HEy there, you're looking strong. I bring news from the Mountain, and a few things to talk about otherwise"

"Of course, is everything ok at the Farm?" She leads Clem to the kitchens to get a drink or so.

"Oh, folks the unseelie ccoming on them, Middriff urges " She sighs "And I confess, I'm tempted to cut down the school program.. fewer students"

She nods as they walk to the kitchens. "With mortal schools open, fewer Fae attend?"

"They're still kids and they want to be where their mortal friends are. I can't blame them"

"Oh," She offers up a satchel "Inside this you'll find some of our Dragon lore"

"Wow, thank you Clem. I appreciate it." She takes the bag "Tito Woden is kind of coordinating all that."

"Good on him, " Amused "He actually met Uncle Emmit once. I think Tito almost wanted an autograph. You talk to Hearth Kerri recently?"

"Mmm... a couple weeks ago, I think. Why? Is something wrong?"

"Oh, she has something to show you sometime" A glance at the boggans, who are already serving food

Jess looks puzzled. "Something to show me?"

"Yeah. I thought she might have by now, but I reckon they're busy. What with the New Mountain also a proud papa"

"You got to see the baby yet?" A smile

A small smile. "Now that I -did- hear about. But no, not yet."

"Oh you should," She says but not as judgment but encouragement "Sweet little fella, Theon Brekk Gardener."

Jess nods; someone told her the chosen name. "I will."

"Vali's working at your old dad's desk area in the lodge, with the basinet right there"

"I think your papa found the set up amusing... ccourse he was pleased to be going with his lady" a drink "Good coffee here," A nod of respect to Rosa

"That's a great im... what?"

"There's good coffee here?"

"No, what was that about ... did you say mom went with dad over the road?"

"Well, yeah" She says "I didn't ask just where they were going to. A run, obviously. and your mom is going along. I wouldn't worry for them. Kerri's got most things in hand, father or no Vali's had prep time to be mountain, Rover Olgar and Dagmar are some physical forces"

"Huh. Yeah, no, Rivervale will be fine. I just didn't think mom would go." she sips her drink.

"now THAT I admit is a surprise. Dreaming knows she has years worth of earned vacation, but it is rare for her to take a break, ain't it?"

"It is."Jessica confirms without the slightest taste of irony.

CLem is a friend but the fruit is so low it's almost throwing itself at her, "Well, we see if she survives 'vacation' and then you'll know if it's safe for you to try one day" A light humor in her eyes on an anotherwise somber face

"I can't exactly wander off when there's a -dragon- seeking revenge here...." Jess points out reasonably.

"I know I know. " A bit of a smile cracks through "I wouldn't be able to leave the farm if it had a similar situation. I hope the notes Emmit collected are a help" THe food has been good "I really have to say, Mexican American food is a shadow of the real thing down here."

Jessica glances to see if the boggans heard.

THey ddid, and beam with pride at the compliment

Jess nods, relieved. "It certainly is; I don't think I could ever go back."

THAT really pleases them, Rosa gives a headbob close to a bow, Maria gives more of a smile as both work on

"Now, tell me about Ariel's doing?"

(And they fade to news of the hoofed DeBuke)