#fenixtj

Gerd actually chats to the fire "Hey, blame one of my past lives. No fooling him there. He used to comment to Chief Brekke about Rivervale's fire all the time. "

"I certainly appreciate the thoughtfulness." she murmurs quietly.

"Well, a lot of it IS you, Jessica. You're bound so that's where the fire gets the inspiration from. In a a way, you are the fire's muse"

The flame seems to agree, trailing along finger tips

"It's both an honor and a privilege."

"Your mom does the same thing sometimes, the balefire I mean"

She nods. "I guess that's where I learned it from."

"Ever salute it with your mug of coffee?"

"Um. No."

A smile "I caught your mom doing that with her fire once. It was like they were taking easy after a hard day at the office, but with a job well done. Vaguely adorable"

A small smile. "I bet you don't describe it like that to her, though."

"Oh sweet Da'an, no" She smiles a bit back "I am not that brave."

"I don't think anyone is."

"Your dad MIGHT get away with it, but he's not the sort to say it with words anyway"

"True."

Gerd ponders

Then "Maybe tomorrow, after I recharge over the night, you would like to go hiking before I head home?"

"Together? Sure." she seems pleased by the thought.

"Good. I sometimes get too used to just 'popping' places. I don't want to get soft, you know? Sides, I'd love to see some of the local beauty. Siv says it's really nice"

"It is, outside the city. Cerro Colorado has some great hikes and you can see the city from the top. And the beaches are great too."

"Oh I think I prefer that top view you mentioned " Intrigued

"We'll hike up, then. I'll make sure you have the gear."

"Appreciate it" She nods

"Of course."

"For now I think I'll nose around, then rest by the fire "

"Sure thing. Enjoy yourself." And Jess will leave Gerd to do that, and turns to her own business.

(End Scene)