#rivervale_lodge

The last toned as a question to the boy.

"I don't mind sharing" Jack says "When I came here, I had nothing, and folks share with me... so then I had something.. only I don't have, we do.. so sharing is what made my life better" He says scratching his head "I think."

Brekke considers this and nods. "I think that is well said."

"These are bright boys" Myrtle Anne says to Brekke, "Thank you, Jack. I'll be happy to teach you some of what I know to repay you sort of. Her'es the first lesson. The gift of pan can influence all living things that hear it... that includes plants. You may not see the difference, but it lowers banality ven for them... just make sure you're alone with the plant, and sing your little heart out to it very softly.. satyr gifts work wonderful."

"It's too bad that Satyrs don't help with growing plants. I know I get tired all day in and day out only doing the things pookas are supposed to do." He pats Jack on the back in consolation.

"Oh, Mrs. Myrtle, if you find a bit of land they say you can use, let me know so I can talk to the dogs. You gotta make sure they know not to plot on it." He nods seriously.

A slight arch of a brow, but she also nods. "This sounds like good advice, Jack."

"Well, I have to tell folks.. my gift is.. it's not.. sometimes bad comes.." Jack Flap says

"Plants like to take in what we put out. They breath our out-air and they like dirt-a-lizer that's made from plops. And Lilly says that when we die they will sneak their roots in and wind all around and around and the worms and plants turn you into dirt. But not me, because she might keep me." A smile, he seems pleased. It's nice to be wanted.

Jack perks up a bit as others help

Brekke looks a bit dismayed at Connor's last comment. "Ah...we shall speak about that."

"Oh, not any time soon. Just when I die." His tail wags.

"I see," Brekke says to Connor, not seeming reassured. But then she turns to the boggan. "It is agreed, then? We shall help get you started with a garden?"

"Sounds like a bargain, Chieftain" She offers her hand

Brekke does not shake but clasps her wrist, careful not to hurt her.

"Oh.. wer'e doing the troll thing. Works for me" The woman smiles. She seems sturdy. A life time of hauling and digging has given her healthy arms and hands

"Good then. Let us decide on a garden space. Jack, Connor, your advice is welcome."

"Sound good" She says rising

And Brekke gives her the tour of the areas around the Lodge, discussing light levels and soil aeration and acidity....

The herbalist pays CLOSE attention to that... new terrain changes..oh a lot.

Jack Flap follows along... curious.. and motions Connor to follow if he wants

(End scene)

Something is up, Symon knows it. Anne Marie has been giving both he and Dirk looks. Appriasing, worried.. but also resolute

----------------

Brenda Thomas knocks on the kitchen door.

Kerri was puzzling over a recipe and didn't notice at first, but then startles a bit and goes to open the door. "Brenda! I'm so sorry, come on in. Were you there long?"

"Not long.. I'm... sorry if this is a bad time"

"No, not at all. Are you looking for the Chieftain?"

"Actually, I'm looking for you. You felt bad about how things went and I want to take advantage of that," She says honestly

The Hearth gets a wry look. "Okay...so pull up a stool and tell me just exactly how I'm going to get bent over a barrel to make things right."

"Mostly by putting up with a hysterical satyr mother. Adam.. Adam wants to go off..away from home, for an an ENTIRE Summer... just him, his car, and probably Piper. " She shakes her head "He's sure he'll just do 'odd jobs' and be fine and... hey, other wilders do it.. and I'm like.. what? An entire summer... with no specific HOLD or haven to go to? I sure haven't seen it. Nevermind he's not protected like a kithain is by the Escheat. Am I nuts or is this the hallmark of a terrible idea"

Kerri frowns. "Well...I know when we first sent Sylvi off for a summer, it was to a place we considered safe. The summer after that was less safe...MUCH less safe...but it was a specific destination, with a specific job. The idea of just free-wheeling the summer away...." A dubious look. "It's a very fae lifestyle, but that doesn't mean it's an easy one, and you're right that he doesn't have the same protections. And I'm a bit surprised. I thought he was becoming more interested in making his name in the local courts."

"I thought so too... he came back from trip with Zane all wide eyed... and then he came back from a trip to Caer Falken just as wide eyed and exccited.. and then BAM.. the bottom fell out? I don't even know what happened. If I thought he wanted to visit some other holds with friends I'd feel better I guess.. but an entire Summer 'just whever' with out any planning? I'm not able to upshift that fast"

"Hm. When does he expect this 'summer' to start? He'll finish out the school year, first?"

"I mean, such as it is."

"I swear if he could he'd pack up and go tomorrow." She says "We're supposed to talk to him later about it.. and he says we can say what he want but he MADE his decision. And... I'm not going to lie, I was ready to out and remove the battery to his car right then and there. I might still"

"Hm." She frowns. "Doesn't sound like he's in a space where he'd listen to me or the Chieftain or Mountain, either, does it?"

"No. I called Marsha and Cornelius... I don't know if that's going to help but I am at my wits end. One week I'm neglecting ... and I was, I get that, the next I'm getting his sneaker print on my forhead and he's okay with treating his family like that. And I don't know the rules, not the Escheat. I knwo that... but I need a guidebook telling me it's NOT insane to have fae slaver bait wandering the country side"

"Well, there's also the fact that Adam hasn't had much more experience than you have at interacting with our world. And we've tried to impress on him that...well, the treatment he gets here is not the standard for kinain, but he doesn't seem to care much. No, Brenda, I don't think you're overreacting one bit."

A relieved look, "Thank you. I needed to hear it. I love Kyle but he's.. he's as new as I am... and..also, terrible to say, he's my husband so sometimes will back me even when I'm wrong..within reason."

Kerri smirks a bit. "Olgar will do that in public...and then tell me just how wrong I am behind closed doors. Mind you, so far he only does it when I really am in the wrong, I'll admit that. Well...I'll admit it after the fact."

She laughs "Best way to do it... Kyle has given me the Bed room One Eighty as well." A blink "I apologize, that probably sounds dirtier than I mean it"

A chuckle. "Well, however it's meant, we've both benefited from it at one point or another. Now...if he leaves without warning, we can track him down and keep tabs on him, at least. Of that I'm sure. But short of that...well, I'm hoping he and Piper will come to Beltane. I'll drop a word in Sylvi's ear. I know she and Adam don't really get along but...well, maybe she'll somehow find a right thing to say."

"He doesn't like her much no. Now, understand, I am Proud of Adam's successes. A bit scared there, but he's done some amazing heroic things."

"But if Sylvi can help.. well, I wish her luck and I'll be in her debt"

"Well, she might be able to offer him some perspective...? About how she got sort of gradually released into the world, even though she's kithain?"

"She might. I have noticed the other teens look to her leadership"

A bit of pride. "Hopefully she doesn't lord that over them."

A creak outside the kitchen door. One of those boards that should be tightened. And a soft rap on the door.

"I think they actually miss her advice I heard.. oh.." SHe turns "You're in demand"