#rivervale_lodge

"You too?" Wince

"Oh, well...I've known the Chieftain since she took residence here, Clem. Count Hemlock recruited me out of Count Jared's court and sent me here as part of the first staff. So...yes, I've had the privilege to hear a story or two. But if she told you that...well, it's a good sign of how much she trusts you."

"Hm...maybe 'respect' is the more accurate word. Not that she doesn't trust you, too."

"When you put it that way, yes I suppose it's... it's flattering. I respect her too. Sometimes I'm still intimidated by her sometime- not that she's trying to threatening anyone, but she's a real.." thumps her chest with a fist 'troll's troll, you know? Course, questing with her helped. I learned she put her breaches on one leg at a time just like I did. Also, vague memories of her chasing a nude little girl on an island yelling 'Siv get back here young lady' with her own hair still a tangle humanized her a bit"

A laugh. "Oh, we had plenty of mornings like that when Sylvi was little. Of course...she wasn't so happy then...but helping me keep track of the baby kept her mind off her sorrow, I think."

"Why wasn't she happy then?" Curious "Oh, right. Frank was missing, wasn' he?"

A nod and frown. "Those were some rough years, Clem."

"See? Heartache from craving a man's comfort..."

A bemused look. "The voice of regret, Clem?"

"Okay, I miss Acton sometimes, he was.. wonderful in a lot of ways, ahlf tarzan half prince charming, buckled my swash, but... I don't know, he wasn't willing to wait for me and who could blame him? But i resented it a touch."

Kerri takes a seat at one of the long tables. "You've spoken with him about it? Left it clear how you felt?"

"I did, and, it was an amicable break up. More or less. I had been tempted by other men on top of it. Thee was this storm warrior in Thyle.. clearly i was't faithful in my heart anyway"

A look. "Well...'being faithful' doesn't mean you don't notice or aren't tempted even a bit. At least, not in my book. It's what you do about that temptation...that's what matters."

"Well, it.. I asked for hints on who could buckle my swash...and I found a fellow for it, but.. I think I grew beyond that. Does that make sense? Acton was perfect for romance, but that was all"

"Romance, not relationship." Kerri nods. "I understand. Been there. I think you'll find that, by the time most people get to be a little older than you are now, they've had that revelation at least once."

((hits ENTER!!!!))

A smile, "So I'm not a shallow blue Bi... uhm woman of strong will and closely held opinion?"

"No more than I am, Clem. So, good company at least, I hope."

A smile, "Thank you. Mmm yes, all in good time but I won't be closed off. now, can I get you a drink to celebrate your daughter? I hear the Hearth here is generous with the root beer."

It's insidious!

A laugh. "Oh, she's a reckless one, this Hearth. Sure, let's go raid the soda supply." And they go off to the kitchen.

((End Scene))