#fenixtj

Vali gives her some space "let me know if you want more news while you eat."

The meal is some of her favorites, the ladies kept it warm for her and had Gerd do the same for when she woke up

Jess -is- hungry, and she eats. Vali is welcome to stay if he wants. "You ate, right?"

He nods "I'm good" he says

"Things must be ok at Rivervale, too."

"Busy... lots of quiet drama that I'm not subject too fully. I will say the puppies are coming along nicely. Seven weeks old. Dame Gladiola is tending to them, and Gerd too. THey've got names picked out I hear. Tiffany continues to fight fires. Our son is... well, Love the little guy"

"We have a nanny" Wryly "Who helps. Penguin pooka. I kid you not"

"Wow." she blinks, pausing her fork "A nanny?"

"A gift from the Count so to speak. Tove and Jaymes got one as well. Not full time, but it sure takes the edge off for date nights" He says

"Generous." she observes.

"It is..." Vali admits "I feel a little guilty about it. But it's going to be a god send for Piper Jonas and Siv when Piper has the twins"

"Are you going to send your nanny over to help?"

"No, they're getting one of their own. Count Hemlock again I believe"

"Wow. Isn't the apartment a little small for ... six people?"

"I don't think he or she will be lieve in.. but they got a larger apartment" He frowns "Actually surprised Siv isn't here to help. I asked her but she said she had something to do"

A shrug. "I'm sure she does."

"Whooo...." Jess has cleaned her plate; now she's warm, dry, full, and got a little nap.

"Mmnm"

He seems troubled by Siv bailing on his sister when she's in need

"Ok." Jess packs the tray back up "I'll take this back and then do a walk-around. Did you want to get back to Rivervale? I can make your excuses so you can escape." in a joking manner.

"Heh. I appreciate the offer but I think Gerd would be disappointed in me if I did"

"Oh, and Tiffany is helping with flood victims. We're kind of familying the hell out of this" A bit proud "Hope you don't mind the intrusion"

"No, I mean.... we're doing ok down here but Gerd was right; the extra food will help with the peace effort."

"You're running a good crew" Vali says "Diego and the ladies and Father V have made one of the most efficent food distibution programs I've ever seen." He says "Oh, Otem dropped by while you were gone. His people are working on weather magics to lessen the hit over ten square miles. "

"That's impressive but... I guess I'm not surprised they can do that. Hm."

"Lots we don't know about what arts they have" He nods

She hefts the tray and tips her head, gesturing for Vali to come along as she takes it back to the kitchen.

He follows

The Kitchen is less busy than before, as more folks are sleeping, but still active

Gerd is up to her ears in more cooking

"Hi." Jess delivers the tray and greets Gerd.

Gerd takes the tray and puts it in the sink "Uncle Vali, could you..."

"Sure" He starts to wash the dishes while his niece cooks

Gerd says "Hi yourself, Jessica. Good nap?"

"Just a little one, but yes. It was good."

"Right. " Gerd says "You tapped yourself out sounds like. Athasa or whatever her name is and her brother are cozy. I think the former is worried she offended you not believing in you at first" Amusement "Apparently she thought you'd be taller"

"Well, I think I'm still growing. And I'm not at all offended."

Vali says "So, your squire has arrived at last" solemnly

"Huh?"

"Athasa is a Squire by title. She now has found her liege to swear to. It was foretold" He nods

"Are you serious, Vali?"

"Well, not like in a vision sense, no" He says "But she is going to ask you if she can be your squire. Hence the foretelling as she 'told me' before. You know I'm not allowed to talk directly about what I see of the future."

"But he was hoping to milk it a bit" Gerd rolls her eyes at her uncle "Still, yeah. She mentioned that while you were napping. Asked if you arleady have a squire. You don't do you?"

"No. I don't need one." she blinks "I don't know the first thing being or having one."

"You've seen squires serve knights or lords before, haven't you?" Vali is surprised "They often handle message runs, keeping arms and armor sharp, and you teach them about knightly or up decorum and duties so they get on the job training."

"From a distance, yes, but not hands-on!"

"You also didn't know much about being a Countess, yet here you are" Vali reminds

"And don't think it was a smooth road."

"I don't" he says "And would not mock your trials. But you're good at it. And if that girl wants to serve a liege as a squire, I can't blame her taste. Don't humble yourself to the point where you discount your own worth"

Gerd mmmphs a troll grunt ("Takes after her dad there")