#odyssey

"Idjit, you know better!" She makes sure Citrine is alright, even as she gently scolds.

She's fine! The panel slams shut and he closes up. "Alright, Elevator is working. Don't try for Floor 13. I warned you. Go to 12 or 14 and take the stairs."

Gwen looks to see if they have rooms on floor 13?

Floor 7!

The nocker looks around, and spots Thistle and Citrine, and steps over, slinging his heavy bag over a shoulder once more. "You. You're new, aincha?"

A little shoulder-square as she stands taller. "I'm sained." (Now.)

"And that" Vali fnishes "is but a summary of the history, and tragedy, and glory of the house you have entered. So you see, compared to THAT mess, your old concerns don't seem AS bad, I hope?"

He gives a small laugh. "I suppose not."

A knobby-knuckled hand shoved towards Thistle. "Fletch. I can tell from your friend. No one who isn't green as spring grass would waltzx around NYC with a target on his back." Observational, a glance at Art. "This little flying fit yours?"

"There you go" A grin from the knight

"Should I seek a Beaumayn mentor? I wanted... I hoped to stay in Carthage." Art asks his house mentor.

"Art's my friend. And so Citrine, even if neither has the sense god gave a rabbit."

"Get him an I Heart New York shirt from one of the street vendors." Fletch advises. "He'll be a target for muggers then, but better that than a chimeric dagger in his back. Or front."

"Then stay" Vali says "We're different from most houses. Remember I mentioned the Early days of the return? THere were FEW true mentors available then, so when Beaumayn were allowed to stay in one place they often did. I know where you are now, and you know where I am. And there's a trod you can now take and vice versa. It's a matter of where we agree to visit"

She narrows her eyes a moment, then nods. "Thanks. Thistle." She takes his hand.

A shake. "You got the schema for her? I'd trade for it."

Citrine, now seeming to sense she is being admired, peeks out again. Closer, her tick-tick-tick is audible.

A worried look at Thistle is asked for her designs

"Oh... her stuff? The nincompoop got injured, and I had to wing it. It's kind of a macguyver job, that."

"I could probably get the gist of it down on paper."

"might want to hold off on that right now, Thistle. " Gwen suggests "Others might want to make an offer for a trade too. No shame in shopping around"

"Well, you put her up for trade, I'll put in a bid. Ain't going TOO high, " He admits, "Not my normal style, but it's unique, and that's got value."

"...Trade?"

Blink.

A nod. "Yeah. You know, exchange product for goods and services, or cold hard cash, hot dross..."

Gwen moves towards Thistle "I think he's trying to buy Citrine. I Don't think you should sell her or her design.. yet. "

A grumph ("maybe ever")

"Yeah, if you don't have the specs written up, I could reverse engineer it..."

"I can spec my work! I know what I did!"

"...Mostly."

A laugh! "Ain't it how it goes?"

"Well, listen, you get it trademarked with the Bee Dee, I'll look it up under your name."

"Right! They're... if I wanna get a Maker's mark, I gotta go to them, yeah?"

"Yep." He displays his, proudly, on a laminated card. NEUC Local 1 - Fletcher Hoistratchet. A symbol of a crane hook and crossed wrench.

"And they're... close." She takes the card, admires it, and offers it back. "Do... like, do you need an appointment?"

"If you can find your way in, that's appointment enough." He grins.

Vali looks over at the talking nockers and whispers something, only Art might hear it

"Hm?" He listens

Squint.

"Got it."

His eyes widen, and he looks up at Vali. He straightens his back, and nods! "Then so we shall! ...Will you come with us, Sir Vali?"

"mm?" Vali asks "Not sure what you mean, Art." A smile "Anyway, you want me to visit you at SW or you want to visit me at the old RV?"

"So, Fletch, look out for Thistlethwaite Saltpetre Fulcanelli."

"I hope that doesn't go on your business card, you'll need a billboard" Gwen says under her breath

"I am not certain I have the right to invite guests... So I will promise to visit you, until I know otherwise." And then he reddens a bit, remembering. "It is not common knowledge - but the mortal flu is raging at Silverwolf- It is being treated, but it is very contagious. I would refrain from visiting the area until at least a few days have passed. Please do not spread the word, I would not want anyone to fear visiting later, not after all the work Lady Nadeen has put in for pennons."

"Nadeen's all right. I hope she gets better soon. And noted. I'll avoid talking to the gossip chain" Vali says

"She will. She is far too strong to fall to anything so simple as a mortal illness." Confident. "Thank you for your guidance."

"you're welcome" Vali says. "If you feel overwhelmed sometime, or in need" he gives his number and contact info "But you have good friends it seems. Treasure them"

"I do, and I shall."

Gwen gets a sharp elbow jab.