#odyssey

Janice is firmly insisting. “No, Aunti Moira, Aunti Sadie. I understand your concerns, but that’s not why I’m here. I’m just here for my family. That’s all.”

The shorter of the two, who wears her sealskin as a cape, shakes her head. “It’s your responsibility.”

Gwen can guess at what's being demanded They want her to stay and be the heir. To live here full time A frown, while the tribe are good folk, it seems unjust that Janice's forgiveness comes with provisos when Janice was the wronged party to a kidnapping challenged

"Janice, sorry to intrude" She's really not, "Do you have a moment? I wanted your advice on something" Offering a break, an escape, temporary perhaps but there

The taller Auntie, with a sealskin belt wrap, tsks.

Janice looks relieved and nods to the ladies. “Excuse me, Champion Gladiola, I’ll be happy to help.” Stepping away with her.

"Thank you for your understanding, ladies" Gwen says to both aunties and pulls Janice away and whispers "Sorry, thought you might want some breathing space. You've been on a non stop railroad and both you and Greg are probably feeling some pressure" A glance towards Thistle's dad, "He noticed you were looking frustrated, and he got worried, though he figured you'd tell him what you needed to tell him. Me? I just figured they were pressing you to become heir again and now guilt tripping you so you might want a moment to marshal your serves before round 4 started. Sorry if I've offended ,you. I'm a buttinski. Ask your step daughter."

Said step-daughter is clearly DEEP in nocker-mode, though someone did convince her to eat some more cake and work at the same time!

Cake on one hand, pen in the other!

“No, not offended. You’re right. My mom was ready to step down as Chieftess when I came of age… she had to take the mantle back up when I left. The funny thing? If ‘Mario wanted to rule so badly, he could have petitioned to champion for the role. I think he knew he wouldn’t win outright. But few WANT to rule. It has perks, but is not an easy or fun job most times.”

"Omario is not good for chief, but that does not mean you should be rushed into acceptance. A miserable chieftess would make for a miserable land and eventually tribe. It's your call, obvs. " She ponders "We were wondering when the flight was back. Greg mentioned that it was in flux but we could get tickets anytime. I'm not comfortable leaving before you do I admit, but I may have to "

“I don’t want to keep you from your family, or your Knightly duties. Leaving will not be as hard, knowing now that we have a home here to return to.”

She sighs, “Perhaps having a single leader isn’t the way to move forward. A council of elders might be a solution, but change is…difficult.”

"I can't pretend otherwise," She says sadly, "Particularly with elders. They know what they know and they know it well, to change is to actually feel as if their wisdom has lost worth. But of course, it's not so. We learn more from a mistake of the past than our victories. I hate that life lesson but it's true I think. I guess I want to know how I can help you and Greg? And to a lesser degree, the redfins. I know they're suspicious of noble holds, and I get why, but... maybe there are options for trade or the like in ways that serve both Silverwolf and this tribe IF they are willing. Not just the internet. I know Dogs aren't.. here much, but darn it, a good fae hound can be useful for guardianship, hunting and more. We have that. And your tribe have lore, stories of the sea. The have outlooks on arts that we might be ignorant compared to. " A beat "And you're right about the coffee here."

Janice laughs. “A trade partner for lore and knowledge is just as valuable as one for goods. If we had an easier way to send things home, the fresh fruit, fish and gifts of the ocean are some of the finest things we can offer. But there are also local crafts, shells and other ocean dross, and such.”

“And myself and Greg? I think we’ve never been stronger.” A fond look at the man.

Even if he does wear socks with sandals.

A smile at that last then a whisper "Your husband's kind of boss. I mean, he has every right to be freaked out, and panicked. Instead he's like this pun making rock. He's unflappable. He has no flap. He's so got your back."

"And yes, a lot to offer if you wish" She ponders "Actually" She shows pictures of some of the wild horses "I don't want to take anything from your heritage, but while not fae blooded, some of your horses are awesome"

She admires the pictures. “I admit, few of the Redfin take an interest there. Our lives are tied to the sea, but some
Kin find their dreams lead them interesting directions.”

"i'm not a horse lover, but it's a bit of a waste. Your kin might change that yes," A nod then she admits "I have no idea what to ask for a boon. A coffee tribute sounds both petty and selfish. Any suggestions? And, can i use my boon to help you or thistle?"

“Petty? Selfish? A boon is intended to give you some joy, some pleasure. I would be glad to curate a coffee order for you.”

"It wouldn't.. tax the folks here too much? I mean, I was thinking of asking for a LOT of it" Sheepish

She laughs. “We trade for it from Jamaica. At a deal that Dry landers cannot get. We can handle one troll, I think.”

"True, if it were lodge you'd be in trouble" A smile

“I don’t know much about lodges - those are Troll freeholds?”

“I bet we could make a pretty penny exporting to them.” She chuckles, “If they like coffee as much as you.”

"Yeah, they're system is different. Split by Hearth, Storm and Mountain" And she explains what she learned and mentions Rivervale "Be happy to take a sample to Rivervale if you like? " And as they walk and talk, she leads Janice to her husband... pure chance most likely (wink)

“New Jersey? Oh, the poor dears probably can’t get any decent coffee there. Please do.” She follows, and Greg takes her hand before his wife can be led away again, for a time at least.

A wink from Dad Smith to Gladiola.

"Thanks for all the help, Janice. I know what to ask for a boon now" and knowing look to Greg "I'll leave you two be" And she walks off to tell the Chieftess of her boon

And what do you know, she got the married couple some breathing room to talk to each other. Her lieges would be pleased she thinks at that move

Saoirse is leaning over, listening solemnly to Frankie chattering about this and that.

“Someday, you too may be able to go swimming with your aunties and uncles. If you so choose.” She says to the boy.

she pauses and waits. not wanting to intrude on the grandmother and grandson before they're ready

She listens to him, then smiles and pats him on the back, letting him run off to chase after a jewel-toned lizard.

"He's a great kid" Stating the obvious

Saoirse straightens up. “Very much so.”

"I wanted you to know that I had settled on my boon, and to apologize for the delay of it." She says

The Chieftess gives her a level glance- for all that she has to look UP to do it. “What have you decided to ask?” A polite reminder that not all boons must be granted.

"I feel very selfish. I should be asking for things for my lieges or friends... but instead, I find myself thinking of how amazing the coffee from the islands are. I blame Janice. She got me to try it. I do love coffee you see and while I know this is NOT Jamaca, she... says it's possible to get a lot of it for me, and my liege's hold maybe? If that's going to be trouble I apologize and will gladly ask for a lesser boon." Sheepish

An odd look on Saoirse’s face. Hee voice is a little clipped.

“You sail blindly across the seas, fight blood battles in unknown forms, best and expose our unfaithful champion, and lead to reunification of my estranged family and impetus to move our clan out of stagnation… and you inquire, is coffee too great an ask?”

Her eyes roll heavenward. “I was prepared for you to ask for the head of my son, for recompense for my daughter, for tithes paid for the years she had spent alone, for the bounty of the seas to be offered up… but you ask for coffee.”

A small laugh. “I do not know many Trolls, Dame Gladiola. But if most of them are a fraction as true as you, I feel I have done myself a disservice in this lack.”

More sheepish than before "In my defense, it's really good coffee," a light blush, "Trolls are like any other dream, quite varied for our theme, some quite decent, others far less so. The head of your son was tempting, but then, that's not mine to ask for even given my disgust for him. And you are a wise woman who made a mistake and now seek to make amends with the ones you wronged, I can't improve on that. And the bounty of the seas sounds nice, but the people of this island get enough wealth ripped from them by outlanders. I.. come from tribal peoples myself, I can relate to how infuriating THAT is. Coffee will do me fine, a supply at a discount rate even better, but if you feel slighted I have asked for too little? Then , Chieftesss to Baron and Baroness, please, write a letter of commendation for Arthur, Thistle, and myself giving your views on our actions , praise if you feel it deserved, that I may show them. No betrayal of secrets needed, merely as much or little as you like" A beat "That AND The Cofffee. I've been scolded , with fondness, for not taking my credit when it's due, and Thistle has underestimated herself again and again, she used to be worse. Art is as modest a sidhe you'll find. So.. if we're not taking proper bows, then please, write a bit to show my lords why we should be bowing, and that we did well. In as much or little detail as you like. We'll frame it. And when I am old, I will look on that letter ,and remember with pride." A pause "But mostly the coffee"

She smiles at Gladiola. “Consider it granted.”

"Thank you, Chieftess," A smile and bow " I must return soon for my duties at home, but I admit, I hope to visit again sometime. I will never be one with the sea, but your people make me feel... I like their pride and the warmth combined"

“All life came from the sea. Whether you feel it or not, the salt in your blood and the salt in the waves is one.”

"One can argue with your wisdom, " And she means that "Thank you for sharing it and your time. I should probably leave you to more important things, like watching your grand children" A glance to Frankie and the lizard

He is laughing as the lizard blows colorful soap bubbles that shimmer then pop, Citrine diving through them.

A smile "Almost makes me wish I had siblings. Almost"

“Do you not?”

"Only child, and truthfully that's for the best given my own family history before I found my new mother. Sides, I'm pushy enough without being a big sister."

She ponders "In a way I do have an Aunt" She thinks of Bluebell "The fun one I can turn to when I feel weird talking to mom"

And then as if a choice is made "I'm good"