#odyssey

Dawww and a smile "I hear you. I confess, Silverwolf doesn't want to lose Trina either, but I think maybe winter visits are possible for her even here? If that helps you and Janice? "

“She could stay with us over the winter.” He says, looking over at where Thistle is busily scrawling on the table. “She wouldn’t even need to change schools, we could do remote learning - if they get the internet figured out. They have the infrastructure in place from COVID.”

"I was thinking more Christmas break, but in our culture she IS now grown more or less and can make her own choices. But don't be hard on her if she doesn't want tos pend 3 months here, please? She's a good friend but I've learned she blames herself for a lot of stuff that is NOT her fault. " An admission "Terrible habit, don't know where she got it. Drives me nuts. Like really, she can't fix everything and just because things went wrong and she was in a mile of it doesn't mean she shares blame"

A sigh, “I know. I will understand, though I’d miss her. We all would.”

"And we would too, but wahtever she decides, we all know she's got a heart as big as the sea" a consideration "So you're hoping she stays for the winter with you guys. WHich means you'll be here just for the winter too I guess?"

“That was Trina’s suggestion, and I think we can make it work. Of course we’ll need to speak with the office, but being a partner helps - no one there is my boss. I might not be able to keep Janice on as secretary in a remote capacity, but if we’re here, she’ll be busy enough without working, and she was considering resigning to be a full time mom in either case. Still, many I’s to dot and T’s to cross.”

"I know," She ponders "I can't speak for my lieges in full, but if there's anything they can do ,I am sure they'd consider it. I can ask on your behalf"

“Nothing I can think of. It’s appreciated, but I’m a self-made man, and…no offense, but aren’t there all sorts of warning stories about why not to accept gifts from the Fair Folk?”

A grin "You're not wrong on either account. But you are kin to one of ours. This gives you some level of protection the average son of Adam wouldn't have"

“Son of Patrice.” He says, with a grin.

"See, that we might have to take fairie vengeance for." She says "Besides, you've been through hell. Lavender says when she showed you the picture you looked so....well, like your heart was torn out and she couldn't make anyone see. Yet, here you are, you held on, came here, and now are relishing the joys you were robbed of, but ready to sacrifice. You're a pretty cool dude, sir"

“We considered that name, it’s a family name… but I’m glad Trina solved that for us. I’m not sure we could handle Two Patrice’s, if she took after my mother, who is.. I love her, but not the easiest lady to get on with.”

His expression goes a little strained for a moment. “Janice made me promise not to track down this Omar fellow, or I’d had done so. I might not have WON, but I’d gladly have shown him a fist or two.”

"Atta guy" A nod "Would it help you to know I bit HARD when I got him?"

“You know, I think it does.”

"Damn near tore and spit out chunks" Then to assure him, "Blood in the water and it wasn't mine. Later, Omario's mouth got him in trouble with one of his own champions and he got crushed under an ice sculpture.. he lived but he felt it. "

a beat "I guess you could call me Laura Croft, because I broke the not so sacred Seal" a smirk

“That’s a video game thing, right? I had an Atari…”

An amused look shows that he might be putting her on a little about that.

After all, he’s Dad aged, not ANCIENT.

A sigh "You win this round, sir."

He chuckles. Then asks, “say, you didn’t happen to overhear what those old biddies were talking to Jan about, did you? She’s been waylaid for the better part of an hour, but I didn’t feel like I should interrupt. You know, it’s her business, all this, and I respect that.”

"She's your wife. " She takes his hand "Come here sir." She pulls him along towards the circle

Clearly THIS is not a violation of hospitality as far as she sees it. Splitting a couple when important stuff maybe decided? That is

“Gwen, I appreciate it, but she respects my business and I hers. If it's important for me to know, she’ll share it. I just wondered since she looked frustrated.”

"All right." She says "Stay here, sir. Now I'm curious. And she may need an exit" A breath and into the circle she goes, or at least closes