#rivervale_lodge

"Well, maybe not the adoption oath - but, like, a family oath."

"I don't need an oath." He says, leaning over to give Gerd a hug as well.

Snort. "I learned super late about families, I think."

Gerd hugs Connor warm and tight

"And that's okay, too. Because you are part of the Lodge, and part of all of us."

"You know the cool thing, Connor?" Gerd says

Ears up, questioning.

"One day, probably many many years from now, I might get married and have kids of my own. And then You will be Uncle Connor. Even if they grow up faster than you, the'll give you uncle honors and buy you ugly ties and things"

His eyes get BIG. "Buddy wears a bowtie sometimes... I could wear a tie. Wait, don't you have to check to make such Wudlig is okay with that?"

And he ducks behind Dagmar's legs, giggling as he watches her response.

BLUSH PURPLE "We're uh.. wudlig and I are just friends.. friends who give each other nice gifts"

"Uh-huh."

"Did you think about the toolbox idea?"

"Yes.. I did.. and " She shoots Dagmar a look that is indeed this close to sticking a tongue out , then continues "It's under way being made. Thank you for asking Connor."

"I think boys like food, too."

He giggles. "I bet he'll like it. And you can write him letters that make your face go all silly like when Sylvi looks at her phone. And he can put them in the secret toolbox compartment."

Snerk.

"It's a good thing you're cute" She tells her brother with a bit of brow, then hugs him

"Ah ugh. Yeah, Sylvi does get that look doesn't she?" Gerd immitates the look of her heart being in her eyes REAL big

"Most of you trolls do." But he wisely doesn't poke fun at TOO many of the giants in the room, even if they are tired or sleeping.

"Well... I mean, it's a fair cop."

"But I hear if it's the right person then it's worth looking a little goofy" Gerd says then she glances at Dagmar "Can't believe that note Nadeen left"

a bit amused

A soft thump thump thump from Connor's tail.

"I -Like- Nadeen."

Blush!

"Oh, I bet she and Olgar are causing trouble."

"More likely preventing trouble... but.." A grin of wolf teeth "Can you imagine being a bad guy.. thinking you've escaped on a trod, and then suddenly you're facing Ice Angel and the Rover?"

"Ice Angel!" He grins at that. "Sounds like a figure skater. But that's pretty much an ice dancer, which is like a snow dancer. Do you think she could get one of those sparkly suits they wear?"

"Bet she could..." Sigh.

"She does love ice skating" Gerd says "She's good at it'

"See, there's the face!" He grins!

Gerd leans over "yes... but I'm older than you so have to pretend I don't see it as much. Odd rule. I know"

"hey!" She doesn't sound too upset.

"You're taller." He corrects her. Then giggles. "But everyone is, except Jack." A glance around for him. "If Jack gets taller than me, then at least we have CJ. And Snow! Snow is smaller than me."

"She is."

"CJ is gonna be tall though."

"Maybe I'll grow more by then, though." He stretches his ears up high with his fingertips.

"Maybe! He'll be little for a good while."

"Maybe" Gerd says and hugs her brother "But I am going to be miss being able to throw you up in the air... like this" A UP.. and catch