#goldfinchfreehold

"My social calender is filled" He says boldly. After all, SHE isn't a Gwydion

A dubious look, but then she turns. "I'm heading back to Goldfinch. Rikki, listen, if somehow we can get Lovecraft to get the charm off and away from him, your promise is cleared."

She looks surprised, then nods "She .. might be even better than I am."

A blink. That sounded like truth.

Perhaps the word 'might' was meant to make it an understatement

Or maybe Rikki thinks she's that good

"If she's willing."

Rikki nods "There in lies the question" She says and waves "Later El Presidente." Clearly she's going elsewhere

"I'll text you when I hear something."

Sylvi continues back towards the freehold. "You want to tell me what that was really all about, Flopsy?"

"Well, most of it I did tell you" he admits" I did step down" he points out "Voluntarily"

"Yes. Now tell me the rest."

A sigh "you're going to be insulted" he warns

Her brow furrows. "Um...if it's an insult I've earned, let me have it."

"Not earned ,not in the slightest" his voice gentles "Just... when you went to college I thought you'd need help. That's one of the reasons I stepped down. And you had some hard times, and I was of use. Still am. I just don't want you to think it was a lack of faith on my part. More like i was in your corner to help here and there. i mean, things got compllcated and weird, right? Even now, which is why all the scheming. You needed and need help. everyone does. But sometimes, you get insulted if folks act like you do."

"I...I do?"

"Well, perhaps not as much as some, and mostly from your parents" he says "Is it just your parents then?" Willing to consider thatt

She thinks silently for a bit as they walk.

"I don't want to need help. I want to prove I can do things myself. And if I can do a thing, it seems wrong not to do the thing, and to make somebody else take the burden. And sometimes, like now, I'm not the best one for the job, and I need to turn to somebody else. And I don't mind that much. But if I should be able to do a thing...I guess I get annoyed when I can't. Maybe that looks like getting insulted?" She looks at the rabbit. "I know you've absolutely been a huge help, many times. And an all-around good friend all the time." ((Edits in bold.))

"Well, thank you, and I .. I suppose sometimes I remember when you were younger and less mature, still wonderful of course, and I forget you've matured to be wiser . Perhaps i owe you an apology for that" he bounds about her feet "When we get to Goldfinch, let's talk over some carrot juice and soda. Old times, new times, and current hopes? Eh?"

"I'd like that." A pause. "I wonder if there's carrot soda in the machine."

"If there is, we'll get it, we always find a way" He bounds along side her as they return to the tiny hold that has become dear to them both.

(End Scene)