#goldfinchfreehold

Hammering and work goes on

Wires fixed, that need it, walls pactched

Piper is on top of things. Welcoming help, and yet making sure that everything is done right. Even if it risks offending someone to ask if they are a certified electrician - she's been reading up, and the fines when they get inspected prior to reopening if things are caught not being by the book, are far more fearsome that any volunteer's offense.

The boggan family of constructtion workers is a bit huffy if questioned, but their beaver pooka daughter shows their permits

Others, not certified, offer muscle , fetch and carry

As the work gets moving all on it’s own, She wonders how they are going to pay for all this. Even fae need to be paid, and discounts for a new free hold only go so far. Especially when it's a tiny flame that can't really expect to pay back so many, even over time. Nor does she expect or desire charity.. everyone always wants something in return.

Sallie Mae went above and beyond in fronting the purchase price, even if she did get a substantial discount with her cash offer. The last thing Piper wants to do is ask her for more cash for renovations.

Piper checks the job ads online in between Studio chores.

Etsie comes in "How's it going youngster?"

She sets the paper and highlighter down, grateful for the interruption. “Ets! I wanted to pick your brain about some good tunes to play on electric Viola. You’re the electric master on guitar…”

"I am" She beams "Viola huh? Not my usual jam but the gods of rock take in everyone. I think I got a few ideas. Is this my first student?"

“You looking to start up teaching?” Surprised, but pleased. “I already have Lori coming for tutoring on both electric and classical, but to be honest, I was worried about finding the time just now. If you could take on the electric end…”

"Well, didn't Jonas tell you?" A surprised look "That's my donation. He says you're worried about paying for this, and don' wannnt charity so ...well, this is my part. I pay in lessons"

She gives the grump an impulsive hug. "That's great. Keep your skills sharp too, don't want you getting dusty." A wink.

A humph "Yes well.. I was tempted to throw myself into the fire do my last dance and steal the show. Your boyfriend gave me what for annd told me I was still useful"

She does hug back though "he's a good man, just trolly"

"But I will have to talk to Jonas. Telling people I'm worried about money is... well... it's kinda a backwards way of asking for help." A sigh. "Not that I don't need it, but I really don't want to be beholden to so many people. It's not pride... not entirely, but... I want to do what I can on my own two hooves."

A laugh. "He's one of the best. And I like his trolliness! You never see a goat blush as cute as he does."

A snerk, then "Did you tell him NOT to ask for help on your behalf?"

"I.. well... no, but-" She shakes her head. "That MAN."

"I think he owes you a blush or two then. Torment him lightly then thank him." A shrug "As for me, sweetheart, I got this. Like you said, it keeps me in the game"

"I have one room mostly set up, that's where I was planning to start with Lorelei. Here, I'll show you, it's on the first floor but over to the east wing, so you don't need to worry about those stairs that needed repair. Oh, shoot. There are new ADA compliance rules I was reading about, I hope they brought the right hand rails... and we should look at getting a ramp entry...." Starting to look overwhelmed again.

Estie puts a hand on the young woman's shoulder "First rule of life, Chick. Don't sweat the small shit. Second rule? In the end, it's all small shit" A smile "You''re doing fine"

She takes a deeeeep breath. "You're right."

"I am. Now hopefully my being right will help you," A look "That boggann family, they build houses for a living. They'll know the ADA rules. And purchases can be returned and replaced"

"I know, I mean, I know in my sensible brain, but I keep having all these gut worries. Like. I have to do this RIGHT."

"The world does not move to the beat of just one drum," she pontificates, "What might be right for you, may not be right for some. There are different strokes"

"And that's fine" She says this ancient wisdom passed "You can't please everyone ."

"You'll do what's right because you're a right broad" A wink

She laughs, showing Etsie to the room where she's been focusing efforts. "I figure I can bring some of my instruments I don't use every day here. Jonas almost tripped over my guitar stand the other day. I can put hooks on this wall... bring in some folding chairs to start."

The room has a large window that will let in light to bathe most of the area - at least once the broken pane is repaired and the boards removed.

"Mmm yeah, you know what I find works.... oh I gott some extra hooks if you want, heavy duty. Use them for my strait"

"I want to go scout out the resale and second hand shops too. Might be some good finds - if I can get furniture cheap, we can refinish it. Oh, that reminds me. I need to go check in with some folk. Need anything from the lodge?"

"Nope. I'm good. Just keep me posted on Lori"

"Right o!" She shares the contact information with Etsy. "Her next session is floating right now, but if we can get the electric through this wing, we can set it for next week."

"Sounds great kid. I'm gonna check out the accoustics here again"

"You'll love it. Be sure to check out Studio 4." Right now it's just chalk on the doors (and on the hallway for that one room without a door - who steals a DOOR? But she will find numbers to hang up soon.

"Will do!"

A wave, and Piper heads off to trot over to the Freehold. In the cold months it might be a bit of a slog, but for now, it's a rather pleasant jog.

(End Scene)