#rivervale_lodge

She puffs up a little. "Really? I've been practicing!"

"No, I didn't. Some other time perhaps, if we meet again" A bit of a challenge in his normally straight face, and he does withdraw

Siv's jaw sets, but she looks amused too, "Gauntlet cast, mister thane."

"Witnessed" Tove says to Siv, who thought she was alone when she said that.

Kerri nods. "I believe it, plus doing work on the house. Pennons is in October, so you've got the summer to get ready...and, hmm, joining a sport would not be a bad idea for that, either." Reminding her of the earlier conversation.

Siv blushes all over again, "Tove I ..forgot you were../ you know when isaid that I... "Blush

Tove smiles, "I noticed you forgot I was here. why do you think you did so easy?"

Siv groans, then looks down "I'm dressed like a slob. Why didn't anyone warn me?"

Tove ponders "Conspiracy?"

"Like softball?"

"I wouldnae be surprised" Siv rushes up the steps "I have to go change"

Kerri nods again. "If that one appeals. Any of them would be good training."

Tove watches her go and says to herself 'And you just can't shoot em, men"

A look to the door. "Check if he left."

"Yeah?"

She checks. "I don't see him."

Kerri brushes her hands together as if she were wiping flour from them, but they're already clean. "Zucchini bread, and a good day's work. I am satisfied."

A nod. "You can go back to your book, if you like."

"...Do you think Siv could play softball?"

"Or is she too old?"

Tove peeks in the kitchen, "Save to come in? "

Safe*

"Hmm...I don't know. She might, but that's up to the Chieftain and the Mountain."

"And, for that matter, you participating is up to Jaymes, so make sure to behave before you ask him."

"Yes, Tove, safe. All went well in there?"

"Seems to. " Amused, "Siv wants to know why didn't anyone warn her she dressed like a slob"

"I helped her straighten her hair," Kerri says reasonably. "Telling her to clean up would have been awkward and obvious."

Dag listens, watching the older trolls talk.

"Agreed, but I don't think logic is in play" Tove chuckles

"On the contrary," Kerri grins, but doesn't elaborate.

"Does this mean she's back to being regular Siv?"

"is there a regular Siv?" Tove asks

"Sure?"

"I think...she's going to feel a bit more comfortable in her skin, again, yes."

"She was pretty down last night."

"And Down is good?" Tove says "I am behind on this"

"Down is bad."

"Yes, she was. But...well, I think we owe Thane Bancroft a debt of gratitude for the visit."

"Down is either, based on context, from what I've heard."

"But in this case, bad."

"Well, yes, he's an odd one," Tove says "Almost trollish"

"He didn't seem much like a troll, don't know any that look like that..."

"Not the looks, but the demeanor. I agree, Tove. A very serious young man, for a sidhe. Odd for him to be a Thane."

"He definitely was eyecatching" Tove says to Dagmar

"Why is it odd?"

"We have thanes."

Kerri looks from one girl to the other, her expression turning serious. "Neither of you has spent much time around sidhe. I want to warn you...many of the Shining Host are reasonable and fair people...some are even kind. But many are cruel, often without even meaning to be. And many are so glorious that if one told you to slit your own throat, you'd do it, and gladly. Do not be fearful...but be aware, and always show them respect, whether or not they've earned it."

Tove stiffens then "Well, yes. I have some biases against them. Thyle, remember? But... I guess that nixes it as just propganda "

"So... they're like... so... so like they're in charge?"

"Right. Thyle. I've heard about it...so you do know."