#rivervale_lodge

The rest is getting processed a bit more slowly.

"yes, they have a library, but if i just said 'oh I went to the library' that would have been the very sort of problem that troubled you in the past and the sort of thing Vali fussed about to. I went to Firnost to see what their books said. I had a rootbeer. Zara came in later, she was the only other person in view. Though...." A grin "Imagine my surprise when I found out you were with me too, in a graven image kind of way"

A puzzled frown. "A graven...." Then a groan and she closes her eyes. "Yes. That has caused me more trouble...."

"Oh it's a great statue mom, it's got feeling and heart in every polish"

A slow nod, surrendering. "Stonehands did fine work on that. I have never completely understood why he made it, but he made it well."

"maybe he was sweet on you?"

A blink. "Stonehands? No...I do not think so. I was Freeholder at the time, so I have often thought it was merely his way of recognizing a leader. He was Nunnehi, you see."

"And Nunnehi can't be sweet on their freeholder?" Curious

A slight chuckle, and a shake of her head. "I do not think it was that, Siv."

"Well, whatever the reason I like the statue" A smile "So, may I invite Zara?"

"Oh. Yes, of course. Zara is welcome here when she cares to visit."

"i'll let her know, now, you seem upset about me going to Firnost, but I had my phone with the GPS on and everything. So...may I go back sometime and leave a message for her with the gloves or should I send her a message another way?"

A long look. "I do not have a good reason to tell you that you cannot go back there. But be cautious on the trods."

I will be better. That's what I said to others and myself. And I meant it She thinks

A nod and a compromise "I'll make sure to tell Uncle Olgar if I see him or wave to the rovers that patrol. That way the phone tracks me in the autumn world, and you have an eye witness near the trods and dreaming of where I was and when"

A deep breath and a nod. "I appreciate that, Siv. Thank you. And...you are carrying enough dross." An expectation.

"Yes , have a sliver in my boot, an old basketball card. And I'm getting to know the girls in gym class and seeing waht their dreams are to see if I can help AND muse"

That gets a grin and a nod. "Good. I want to hear more about that." She sets down her carving work. "But for now, Siv, I should do a patrol. Do you wish to come with me?"

"I would like that, " She rises and starts to grab her coat, "And ..thank you"

"Thank you, my daughter." She likewise goes to get her cloak, and then when Siv is ready, they both head out the door.

And it's a good day

(End scene)