#rivervale_lodge

"Absolutely, I have no doubt a lodge this size can handle any endevour. In fact I'm quite pleased with the abundance of aid shown the childlings. That house is more than satisfactory, and Lut and Tig seem to have taken the twins under their mentorship, at least informally"

Siv says "So you're good with kids but don't like social expectations? That doesn't strike you as a bit of a paradox?"

"It's not a matter of where I'm most comfortable, it's a matter of necesssity" Jonas explains, "Childlings need good role models. One can never astern who that will be and one certainly can rely on it to just happen so it behooves one to try to be at one's best for them. Firm, fair, and with some degree of empathy"

"And to think, somewhere there's a Tedtalk on Youtube without a speaker" Siv mutters.

"Pardon?" He says

"I was saying maybe the Hearth is in the kitchen. I'm sure you'd want to meet her," Siv says glad he's not a Gwydion.

A knock on the kitchen door testing.

"Come on in, if you're willing to dry a dish!"

She glances over at Jonahs."you heard are you..."

He's already walking in "I'd be happy to help, Hearth. If you still want my aid. I'm Jonas"

"Of course he's willing" Siv says and follows

"Jonas? Ah, hello. I'm Kerri...and I'd shake your hand, but..." She indicates the sink of soapy water that she's up to her elbows in.

"Understood, here, allow me to assist. " He moves towards the dishtowels to dry. It would appear he's familiar with the work. The Bespectacled troll is a bit taller than your average troll but without the corresponding breadth at the shoulders to balance it out making him look skinnier than he is.

The pile of drying dishes is impressive. The pile of dirty dishes is not quite a massive, but close.

"What brings you to us, Jonas?" Kerri has been busy with Hearth matters, including childling resettling, so she's missed much of the latest info.

"Siv's ship in the literal sense." Jonas says "She came to assist me in the ocean of the near dreaming when she realized the childlings had been chaperoned by me for the first part of their journey . When she ah, found me, after a few mishaps, we returned here."

Siv sighs "He's... putting it nicely."

Kerri has given them both dishtowels and a tacit instruction to dry. Siv knows where to put things away. "Well...I understand about adventures and mishaps," she says with a bit of a wry tone.

"Thank you for getting the childlings the first part of the way, Jonas. How did you find them, anyway? They seem to be a rather jumbled bunch."

Siv shoots a grateful look at the Hearth for the 'understanding' comment

Kerri catches Siv's glance and nods: No worries.

"No need for statments of gratitude, Hearth. Right of Rescue, and besides, I took them as my charges. The Berumadas were hit pretty hard... some of the kids are native to the islands. Others were fostering there. I work with the Peace Corps so helping imporverished children is something we're encouraged to do. Unforatunately they veiled themselves into missing a rescue from mortal authorities..."

"Oh wee lambs" Siv says borrowing a phrase used by a friend.

"It's the sort of thing frightened children do." Kerri nods. "Can hardly blame them. Do any of them have any family that can be found?"

"Hm...Siv's sister, Jessica, was in the Peace Corps several years ago."

"Lamentably, it appears not, at least not ones safe to return them to even if the sojourn could be made"

"Oh?" Jonas says at that mention, "I did met a Jessica, but she wasn't fae. Perhaps before my time."

"Possibly. And I'm sure there are many locations. We weren't really in touch with her much at that point. I suppose it was sort of her version of a vision quest -- trying to make it on her own without leaning on family or home."

"She studies Amerindian culture? That's varied and rich" He sounds impressed.

"She's trying ot make peace with the Nunehi in Feathered Serpent" Siv says proudly. "Got help from Sylvi to do it"

"I hope that's going well." Kerri says, continuing with the dishes. "And I'm not so sure whether she really studies the Amerindian culture, but it seemed a good comparison."

"Well, from what I understand the Chieftain , Mountain, and Siv herself will be visiting her tomorrow," Jonas looks to Siv , but then goes on "If I become a burden let me know but I've offered to lend my assistance here and with the childlings. Am I correct in taht I shall be answering to you, Hearth? I'm ignorant of troll lodges save by third hand information"

Dagmar slips in, done with chores.

"Well, with the Chieftain and Frank away -- that's our Storm and Mountain, respectively -- I'll be in charge of the Lodge. And yes, your help with the childlings will be immensely appreciated! You've met Sally Mae and Tiffany?"

"I have had that honor yes, though Thane Tiffany seemed..disturbingly happy when I offered to help with the childlings?" He says

Siv snickers, then hearing Dagmar come in, "Hey Dagmar, We're doing dishes" She is drying.

"Dagmar, I didn't even hear you!" Kerri smiles. "Have you met Jonas? Jonas, this is Dame Dagmar ap Gwydion."

"Oh, okay." She heads to the stacks, to start putting them away. "Hi Miss Kerri. I'm very sneaky, like a ninja."

Jonas has no trouble drying efficently and at a good pace. He's not afraid of hard work and multi tasks well

"A pleasure, Dame" He bows with practiced use, but does not risk a dish.

"Oh. Um, just Dagmar's good. Hi."

"Disregarding your title without your approval didn't seem prudent, but now that you have," Jonas says "An honor to make your acquaintance, Dagmar" He looks a year or two older than Siv , his glasses make his eyes look larger than they are.

"Nice to meet you, too. So you're the one eaten by the whale?"

"In point of fact, I was the whale. I do regret the obfuscation it caused to the childlings retelling" He looks a bit sheepish.

"Oh! Magic, cool." An easygoing nod as she carries a stack of dry plates to the cupboard.

"He likes big words" Siv says with an eye roll

Dogs bark - stranger? MaybeStranger? New-but-still-Strange-ier!

Kerri looks up, her hands still covered with suds. "Could one of you check who that is?"

"I'll get it," Siv goes to see

Piper has halted on the path - she cleans up rather neat, given the chance, though her hair is still a wild tangle of curls, and doesn't seem to wear any makeup. Just her instrument case on her back, and she is offering a hand to one of the very large fae dogs circling around her.