#rivervale_lodge

"Why not? You're pretty."

"I'm very Pretty," A smile "But he's got to consider the respectability and politics of it"

"Well, you're an adult, he's an adult..."

"I am, but... " A sigh "Well, let's deal with things as they are, and how they are is he's a guest who might be staying and too busy, and I'm a DeBuke"

"Ok.. but things change, too."

"And, I mean, Earl is dating that witch. Not an insult, I mean, I think she might actually fly a broom."

A laugh "I think you just gave a compliment. I know Zara a little...and she would see witch as a title of pride well earned. Frankly" COnspirtal "I wouldn't be surprised if she slept upside down hanging by her toes like a bat. Sluagh got their own way"

A little giggle at the image.

"And right now, I 'll just serve the fellow. Now, about the ice cream?"

"Pretty good. Sort of like a Dr, Pepper float."

"Mm does it need something? to get it closer?" Sally Mae says seeking input to improve

"Well, I think you'll have to keep the creamy bit, unless it's sherbert."

"So maybe more vanilla, so it's more like a float?"

"mmm" she nods "Okay. I'll work on that. I think you might be right. I'm not a big Dr. Pepper drinker so I'm glad for the input."

"Did you know it's prune flavored?"

"I had heard" she nods "And that it actually was once sold as medicine"

"Well, it's obviously good for you."

A laugh "Did you know that there's a soda fountain area, i nthe Dreaming? Like a 1950s soda jerk set up?"

"Really? No. I bet some of the couple-y folks would like that."

"Oh it's not just romantic, because of old dreams, the sodas can really cure a lot. More than heather balms."

"Hunh. Wonder if you can bottle it..."

"Who knows? I know the stories, not personal stories"

"You want to go that horse place right? "

"Yes! Siv and me are going."

"See, for me it would be that soda jerk, for you, the island of horses, and that's good. You deserve some adventure. You're younger than I am"

"So do you."

"I know the dreaming is dangerous for kinain, but there's other ways?"

"Oh, what adventure would you suggest for me?" A smile

"Hm. Something where you get to shine. You're smart, and brave, and good with people..."

"But, like, it's hard - Kerri is the Hearth, so just because you're her second, you don't get as much recognition. And the Hearth in general isn't as flashy as the Storm..."

"Nevermind how this place falls apart without good hearthing."

"Well," A smile "I'd have gotten even more chance to shine if you all girls hadn't done such a great job filling in for the Hearth while I was gone' A wink

"Oh, but see - I think folks wouldn't.. like.. you being awesome in the kitchen is business as usual, right? So, for an adventure, you'd need to do something to make everybody's jaws drop."

"Kidnap the Count? wait, that's the other side of things around here"

"Maybe, I dunno... find a treasure? Help someone?" Brow furrow.

"Maybe if you dream really hard, da'an will turn up something?"

"Maybe, but I'll be honest with you? " A sigh "IT's not this lodge that I need to impress it seems. Folks here, well, theyr'e grateful and they're impressed with me and they listen to me that I've seen."

"Well, sure."

"Like I said, you're the Hearth's second. Like Vali and Olgar are with the Mountain and Storm."

"Maybe there is something I can do" She ponders "Yes, when I get time"

"Well, when Kerri's back at 100%..."

"Definitely, she sounds better by the way. Coughing isn't as loud "

"That's good."

"Bet she's going to come at things with a fury later.. now, this is where it gets a bit odd. I'm going to leave something just a bit off. Just a bit. Don't worry. I'll take the blame for it"