#rivervale_lodge

"But you're gonna let this chew on you" Gerd sighs "I know a bit what it's like... different area... the food. With you it's... I don't claim to know but I know what it's like to get anxiety. It's.. like a knot in your gut, right?" she touches her own belly

Scuff, shrug, sort-of nod.

"But this is not your fault. Connor is your squire right?"

"He is."

"Right. Well, you do right by him. How do I know? because the Chief is NOT shy about taking to any of us to task. And Connor is doing what squires do, trying to help lighten his knight's load while learning. If you were taking advantage of him too much the Chief would tell you. Probably the Hearth too."

"Probably, yeah..."

"Definitely" Gerd says "And I'm sorry. I got so caught up in my boyfriend and stuff I DID slack on patrols and things. If I'm stepping too much in your turf let me know but it really is no trouble. "

"I.. I mean, you're allowed to have fun?"

"So are you" She smiles "And i DO have fun. My boyfriend is.. well, it's nice you know? "

"I guess?"

"And I visit New Agengard. And the farm now and then. And I practice witchery. I have lots of fun. But you haven't had time for almost ANY Fun. So, we share the load. All of us."

"And Connor's sneaky. He's gonna do nice behind your back"

She chews on her lip.

"But, I mean, they're my responsibility."

"Well, you and the chief may do the most riding, star being your horse, and Stormwake hers but the stable IS on lodge grounds so we all have a part in it I think. Besides, you've helped me with patrols or in the kitchen when I had a job. It's not so different."

Shrug-scuff.

"Do you feel like I TOOK something from you?" She asks curiously

"No."

"Well, good. Let me show my loyalty to a lodge mate by helping then" A smile

Snort.

A friendly one!

"Hey, you want to have tea?"

"...COuld I have coffee, or is that rude?"

"Nah." She says "I mean, it would be if you were at a sluagh's place but I'm more reformed witch than orthodox" Wry

"Oh, right then."

"Coffee's okay with those fancy creamers Sally Mae gets."

"Ha. One time the Chief had one with a creamer in and didn't know it. She made this look on her face like the world was a cruel place"

"Yeah, she likes it black."

"But, like, it's really good when it's sweet."

"Sure." they go in and she gets them each two cups..well, a mug for Dagmar " I wonder what coffee is like with a touch of honey?"

"Hm. Dunno..."

"Honey's got a pretty strong flavor."

"Maybe too strong" She ponders "I like a touch of it now and then, but small doses , in my tea" She prepares the coffee but offers the creamer and sugar over to Dagmar to flavor to taste. Then gets her tea set

"Thanks."

"Welcome" A sip "Did you see how big Spark is getting? Of course you did"

"Yeah! I wonder how long it'll be until he fledges. Like, birds usually fledge fast, but nobody knows with a pegasus."

"How are you going to keep him from flying off?" Concern

"Well... I mean, his mom is here?"

"Good point. She'll bite his tail if he tries to fly off" A smirk

Snerk.

"Be like she was flying a little winged kite"

And the two talk about Spark, tea, and coffee

(End Scene)