#rivervale_lodge

"Ooo, is this Kerri strawberry?"

"Oh yeah! Hand crafted by the arch hearth herself"

"And you're right, many don't. But Dreamers can be found anywhere, even in the darkest places - if we foster them."

Siiiiigh. "Divine."

"Sooo good" An agreement

"mmm" A swallow "You know, maybe that's what makes you happy? The Dreamer side of things? "

"It does, often. Mortals are... complicated. I like working with kids."

"Hard to do wit hthe Covid stuff, but you totally should as much as you can then. Maybe you could do stuff like.. youtube painting lessons for little kids until you can do more in person?"

"I mean, Tove makes a LIVING at it, and Sylvi's make up channel is scary good"

"Maybe..." Without enthusiasm.

"I was doing well for a while painting murals. I liked that."

"Ooo wish I needed one." She ponders "I know who might need one though, two someone's actually"

"Oh?"

"Yeah.. King's Convenience! It's got this boring white wall on one side... and the sign is kind of.. uhm boring?"

"If you put some murals up with horses on that big wall, Dagmar would swear to her dad how it's a must"

A laugh. "Dagmar responsible for those ponies out back?"

"In a big way , yeah, but the Chieftain certainly brought Stormwake on herself... " and she regales her with the tale of the liam hold with the ranch for kids... and the Daireann who sought to destroy it... and how her horse was taken by the Chief.. AFTER, of course, Dagmar pointed out.

"Well, I'm glad she's found something to be passionate about."

'Yeah, well, she's passionate about horses.. see with Star..well" And she relates that as well

"Well!"

"You know, I could probably paint those specific horses..."

"If you do, can I claim I'm the one who put you up to it? I'd be her favorite lodge mate for a week, or until Kerri made those cheesy dog things..which ever came first"

"Unless YOU made cheese-dogs first..."

"Oh I can make some cheesy dogs, but not kerri cheesy dogs. Seriously, they're SO good it's a crime" she follows up "When we're done eating I'll introduce you to them... but Star is feeling sensitive about her baby weight so I should show you pictures of them too.. and Stormwake? He's a snob.. you have to earn the 'right' to ride him." A smile "Dagmar loves em though. "

"I could see her being the animal type. She was kind of quiet when I met her."

"Yeah well, animals have hurt her less than people" A nod "oh, the other place you could do a mural is the Apartment I mentioned. I Mean, Caesar owns it. and he's hired you before I think? "

"He has! He knows my work."

"Well, if you get them interested, there are hallways of space not even counting areas outside"

"What do you think?"

"Well... I'd certainly love the work. And big canvases make me happier than anything..."

"Then let me hone my Hearth training skills and guilt trip..err persuade folks for you" A smile

A quick hug. "Sweet of you, Gerd."

Geez. I think my sexual orientation changed for a second there a blush but hug back "Hey, you're welcome. Sides, it's not just to your advantage. Piper has moved in the apartment and she'll love a shift. And good art work will help Jayme's business even if he doesn't see it. You and I both know visual treats like that discourage grafitti and interest customers subconciously. People need wonder and beauty"

"They do!"

"And you seem to want me along on the rescue mission and.. I like feeling needed too" She confesses

"Well, I think you would be an asset, absolutely."

"I know you're brave, and I know you have useful skills."

"Plus, I will look utterly awesome in a gothic style trench coat fluttering behind me"

"Hey, it matters! Gotta look good!"

With breakfast over, they go out and to the back to see the horses

And thanks to Coradel's own love of steeds, Sparrow can judge horseflesh.. these two horses are worthy of anyone's stable

But not every stable would be worthy of them

"Oh, they ARE fine... hello." Fluffy feathers are a good indicator of a happy Sparrow.

Stormwake prances a bit, but also seem to evaluate Sparrow. Did he look at her sword? Not with fear, but interest? or was it her imagination?

"You are a strong-looking war steed. Are you brave? Will you defend your rider?" She offers out a hand for sniffing.

Star is trotting around the field, getting some exercise and blowing off energy in the sun.

A hand out? She canters over, snuffling. Apple? Carrot? A SNORT. Empty! Ears back.

A firm nod and stance

and sniff... yes. Interest

The smaller mare practically shouldered the warsteed aside to check the hand, but now looks annoyed.