#odyssey

There is still no wifi or Cellular, but a call can be made. Annoying! Haven't they heard of satellite? How do they even get the news?

Still, the message is passed on, and Marigold sends back her love - and a juicy bit of gossip that the Baroness's father is rumored to be planning a visit.

After the exchange of messages, Gwen thinks THAT Over. The Baroness has a dad here in this world? I mean, didn't her parents die horribly according to stories?

Maybe her mom misheard! Gotta wonder what the old dude might be like.

Must be. She Feels the pulse in the ground. She tries to remember if cantrips are forbidden here?

It wasn't mentioned, but... didn't Nadeen get awfully upset just recently when a visitor worked magic without permission?

She's not quite alone - the freehold building is open and airy, letting in the fragrant island breeze - there are voices outside, and some further in. She'd have privacy in the bedchamber, though.

Oh. Right And she is a Dairean. A guest shouldn't pry. She walks thorugh tempted to snoop but resisting. If folks are talking too loud to NOT hear that's their fault

She overhears a male voice, laughing.

Okay, NOW she gets curious and moves just a bit closer, not against a wall or anything

(Perception plus Alertness roll is...)

/roll 6

He's not trying to be especially quiet. So yes, as she gets closer, she recognizes Omario's deep voice. It's not a bad voice, rather pleasant, if it had been someone else's. Sounds like he is trying to chat up a lady.

Okay, this might be good. She does pause to listen just a bit

Suddenly, female laughter! "She bested Aoife, I wouldn't say your odds are so certain. Maybe you should be out practicing, and not asking for my favor."

He responds, smoothly confident. "You'll see tomorrow, then, won't you?"

She walks away quietly as she can, not sneaking, but just making sue she doesn't stomp.

Getaway accomplished!

A younger, pre-teen boy notices her, and pauses to gawk a little.

She's not used to being thought of as attractive, so she figures it's because she's Native American and tall "Got something in my hair?" She runs fingers about the side of it

"You're big." He says, "Never seen any lady like you. Strong, too." Admiringly.

(is the kid kith or enchanted, assuming he's in here)

Actually, neither, but his attitude is one of belonging.

He does have a hint of selkie look to him - deep eyes, a certain build or way of walking - kinain, possibly, but it seems that almost everyone they've seen gathered here has that look about them.

"Oh would you believe I've got two mentors who are taller than me?" Though now that she thinks of it, she has been gaining on the Thanes. That's kind of cool. "I'm Native American or American Indian ... two different tribes actually, Iraquois and Cherokee. I imagine you don't get many of those?"

His head shakes! "You want to arm wrestle?" He asks, hopefully!

"Well, your'e not one of those guys who's gonna get all sulky if a woman outdoes you are you? "

"Nope!" He straightens up, trying to look as tall as he can. "I'm a man, and a man doesn't sulk."

"Well, now, a man has feelings too. Let's not get toxic about the masculine stuff where you're too bottled up mm?" SHe looks for a place to arm wrestle him

He offers a hand to her. "Guillaume, but they call me Gui." Sounding like 'Gee'. "And you are the Troll gerye - The Warrior Knight, Gladiola."

There is a coffee table that will do nicely! She is not the language buff Artie is, but she picks up hints of what sound like French now and again in the mixed accents. The local creole spoken by the islanders has blended with English, with the Irish of the selkie folk, and other loanwords to form a patois unique to Montserrat.

"I am" She says "Nice to meet you, Gui" She takes a spot to sit down and offers a chance for him to do the same

He sits across from her and grins, there is a gap in his teeth where a new tooth needs to fill in.

"Do you fight monsters?" Settling down and setting his elbow on the table.

"Sometimes" SHe assumes the proper position, wondering if this kid is insane or has a trick up his sleeve

"To be fair, I'd like to think all the monsters I've fought had it coming"

He has to adjust a few times and Gwen needs to change her angle to even ensure that their hands meet! No tricks or glamour from this lad, just a brave heart and a willingness to try!

And she lets him, she doesn't humilate him

"I've never seen a monster, except for sharks, and orcas." He grunts and the 'battle' starts, and throws his entire (not very heavy) weight into his arm.

Sweat pops on his forehead as he strains, conversation failing.

She might as well be a marble statue.

She is surprised at his speed of attack, and dips for only a second, then she presses back, SLowly, holding back just a bit so she doesn't make it look too easy

And then smoothly she brings his hand to the table

He gasps and presses at that slight bit of give, of course, the troll triumphs.

"Gui, how old are you?" She asks

He takes his hand back and surreptitiously rubs the muscle. He might be sore later, but - his eyes gleam. "You are amazing!"

"I'm Twelve. Nearly a man grown." Proud chested.

"Get some linaments for that" She nods "twelve? Oh heck you''re way ahead of some of the 12 year olds on the mainland, Gui. I bet by the time you're sixteen you'll have arms of steel if you keep training, just remember to follow some of the rules of caring for yourself while you excercise."

He nods, "Someday I'll be a regular duppy conqueror like you!"

"Well, if you win." He allows. "No fightin' fate, but you sure are strong."

"Strength is good for fighting, but it's not all there is. And.. respect the healers, the peacemakers, they're the ones that give us a world worth fighting for"

He nods. "I'll come see you tomorrow." A pause, and he leans in, "I hope you win."

"me too, and thanks, Gui. May you grow big and strong, but also kind and wise" A nod