#fenixtj

"Thank you, Rosa." she calls after the boggan.

Siv comes back, dressed nicer and having notes "I have been told I am expecte to stay for a meal? They didn't make it sound like a choice"

"Well, you always have a choice but it would be great if you could stay. The ladies made an effort."

"Oh sure, now I kind of have to" Siv says "I just don't want you feeling like it's your 'duty' to endure me? you know?" A smile

"You're welcome to stay, Siv."

"Sweet of you. I'll be here for the meal then. Need help with a patrol or anything? "

"No, I think we have it covered."

Siv nods "Fair, just hate being a mooch"

"You're a guest, not a mooch."

"Well ,as your guest and sister, let me ask a question. are you happy?"

Jess looks puzzled. "Yes. Happy enough."

"Well, that's something" Siv nods "though 'enough' is an interesting qualifer"

Food is being cooked , they can smell it now

She shrugs "Happiness isn't a primary concern for me; I've got a County to think about."

"The ruler is tied to the land, the hapier the ruler, the happier the land" Siv says "We Fiona know that joy is an infusive thing, happiness is a gift you give to more than yourself, especially when you're a ruler. Course, not all agree, but I've found truth to it"

"Well, good. I'm glad you found something that works for you."

"Might help you too, but I guess it is easy for ak night to talk to a Countess about leadership without feeling the weight of the big hat." A pause "Wait, do you HAVE a crown?"

"No, thankfully."

"You probably need one for formal matters" She says

"I try not to have formal matters. Mom doesn't have one."

"You're right" Siv nods suddenly getting thoughtful indeed

"Course Barons don't usually, thought countesses had a circlet"

"Still, yes, a cornonet WAS allowed"

mmm she says in troll ("Mom might get a yule gift")

"Siv, if she doesn't have one it means she doesn't want one." Jess points out.

"What if it was in proper troll and norweigan styling? "

Jess shrugs. "I just figure if she wanted one, with all this time past? She'd have one. Hemlock would have given her one, or Dad."

"Mm you're probably right" SHe sighs "She can be hard to shop for though. So darn modest."

"And, let's face it... she and dad both have what they like and need."

"True, they are not material and I respect that about em, but it sure does make it hard to gift them atimes" Siv ponders "Maybe another vacation, but dad would have to trick her into it again"

"Maybe a trip to Norway?"

"DOne that before, she did love it. Bet she'd love it again" She ponders "Hey, maybe she should take the Kestrel out there ... the old girl could use a flight" A pause "old girl in this case means the Ship, I'd not call mom that"

"Might be a good gift for her and da together, actually"

"Worth thinking about." Jess agrees.

"Unless you want to get that as a gift to them from you?" Siv says "Was your idea this time"

"We could go in on it together."

"Sure, " SHe smiles "Help plan out some suggested locations and the like? "

"Yeah. And funding; I mean... I can put some money into it too."

A grateful look "if you're sure?"

"Sure I'm sure."

"Well thank you," She says "I have some saved up, but as I'm out of a job for the winter I won't pretend it wouldn't help"

"Done, then."

Siv offers a hand to shake

They shake.

Good clasps, though Siv is 'daintier' than her sister by a bit

"Oh, are you two ready for dinner?" Marie asks them

"I am." she glances to check with Siv.

siv nods "Smells wonderufl, thank you, Maria. " A smile "How's your nephew if I may ask?"

Maria looks PLEASED

"He is quite well, gracious. He has his eye on a young lady but is so shy"