#rivervale_lodge

Grunts. "I'm sorry I scared you."

Gerd says "you did." A look to her Uncle then back toh er "But I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. I talk a lot, and... it WAS mean of me even if Ididn't mean it to be."

"Okay then."

"uhm... do you forgive me?" A soft wince

"You didn't forgive me."

Jaymes looks at Dagmar, a brow rising

Gerd squirms. Then "no I guess you're right. but I was hoping we could forgive each other?"

Vali looks at Gerd. Coaxing her.

"Well... okay then."

Gerd looks relieved

"Ahem, Gerd, use words" Vali coaxes

Gerd says "i'm sorry for what I said, and I forgive you back and accept your apology and everything"

thel ittle girl looks a bit wet eyed "You're family..and I don't want you to not come around here. I don't have much family "

Mutters. "Didn't mean to scare you."

And suddenly Dagmar is being hugged

Gerd latching on with a squeezee

A surprised expression!

And she awkwardly pats the childling's head.

A sniffle but much relief

"Gerd, remember, not everyone likes hugs. That doesn't mean they don't like you, but ...remember what I said?"

That from Vali

"It's okay..."

"oh..yes. Uhm.. can I hug you?" A bit late after the fact then whens Dagmar says it's okay, she returns to hugging

Jaymes nods "Why don't we get get these kids some drinks. You girls want coolaid, coco, or soda?"

"Hot cocoa?" Phrased as a question, with a begging note.

"You got it," Vali says "LARGe marshemellows or several itty bitty ones?"

"can we have one big marshmellow AND some small ones?" Gerd asks

Jaymes shrugs "don't see why not. You, Dags?"

"Um. Whatever marshmallows are fine..."

Soon two hot cocos with marshmellows are set down. And Gerd sips hers happyily "oo it's hot" And sips again

Dag slouches on one of the couches, cradling her mug with both hands.

Jaymes sits near hr, and says softly "I'm glad you two patched things up. "

She shrugs.

"Well, we'll let it mend slow now" He adds.

"Yeah. It's fine."

NOW Oak comes up stares at her hopefully

"...Hey boy." She offers a hand for sniffing.

Sniff, lick! And headbutt... behind the ear please

Dag can-do. Scritches and cocoa, both at the same time!

Brown Dog comes up! YES!

"You're good with animals" Gerd says "Like the Chief"

Oak is in heaven, and not sure he wants to share

"I can't pet you both!" But she tries, taking turns. "I like animals."

Gerd nods, "Oh, I saw a raccoon!" And she tells the story eagerly

"Yeah?" Dagmar nods, and listens, and adds appropriate sounds of agreement.

And stories on forest critters are exchanged, while two older troll fellows hang back. A look of mutual relief.

The real winners? the dogs.

(End scene)