#rivervale_lodge

Nadeen is on the phone "Why yes, thank you, Marigold. I wouldn't miss Carnivale there"

The boggan bubbles with conversation, and may well talk her ear off if allowed. "We'd love to have your touch on the decor, of course only if you wish, I wouldn't dream of putting a guest to work. And there were a few things here that the Baron wanted to go over - nothing urgent, mind."

"I'll arrive early, of course. How soon do you need me there? I could visit now I suppose"

"You are always welcome." Her voice warm.

"Lovely, now what's the theme? Is there one? "

"Bluebell is the one who thought of it, IF I understand what she was intending - a playing card theme, or perhaps expanded into a full Wonderland suite? There is an opening for the Queen of Hearts..." Her voice innocent, yet a touch sly. "Bowing of course to the Carnival Queen, but with majesty of her own."

"An opening , you say?" A chuckle "There might be an irony in a member of my House applying but, Carnivale is a day to try the absurd" She takes a breath "Marigold, the baron, I know I shouldn' worry but...there are safety features in case some one forgets no HARM is to come to the jester that night?"

"Well, it's Queen of Hearts, not queen of oaths. And no one with any sense would infer that you had any lack of heart." Marigold says with firm conviction. "We'll have our thanes on hand, not to mention Dame Delo- pardon, Dame Lavender, and my sweet Gwen. None of them would harm a thread on the Lord's coat if you paid them. I think they should easily keep anyone in check. We did invite some of the local folks as well, but it's Tee-Bee-Dee on what the turnout may be."

"Well, I will be tthere" She nods "Queen of Hearts and all.." Red is not her color normally, but, Carnivale is just for that so. She notes the 'my sweet gwen' one doesn't have to be a boggan to notice a true fostering forming between a young teen and a mother figure. It makes her think of her own foster mother who.. a touch of pain there, how.. how weak of her. She presses it down "In fact, I'll be early either the night before or the morning of to help you with decor and more. Your choice"

"Come on up in the evening, I need to test out some of the tarts in advance and you can be my guinea pig. Briar volunteered, but she'll say they're all good, and oh, we know that sometimes there needs to be QUALITY and not just quantity." Fondness in her tone.

"Your food is always of quality, Marigold. It maybe flattery but it's also true, but I'd be happy to." an admission "I do worry I shall have to restrain myself if I want to FIT in an outfit after you've had me sample such delicacies. " A thought spoken outloud "I want to look good for Aiden"

"I think having you there will bolster his spirits. He's prepared to do his duty for Carnival, but oh, I don't think any nobles really enjoy the sport at their expense."

"Yes, not in our nature to" She admits and is pleased to note she might bolster him "Thank you. Anything I should bring? Besides myself and costume?"

"You are always more than enough." Marigold's smile is audible in her tone. "I'm so pleased you can come."

"Marigold, I have to at least offer. Hearth Kerri would give me that 'I had such high hopes for you' look trolls get when they're disappointed otherwise"

Now her tone has a touch of bargaining to it, that Hearth Kerri has come into the conversation. "I'd love to see what she might do along the lines of a Heart Tart like I heard she made for Pennons. Oh, only if she had time and inclination. I'd gladly trade her a pastry basket or conversation piece for her next feast or fancy event."

"You're our Liaison, after all!" Chuckling.

"Mmm I'm supposed to get a good deal for Rivervale first then Silverwolf" A fond smile "But I think she'll like the idea. I think with Sally Mae's help, she can get it done, and I know she was impressed with work on pennons too"

"Well, dear, if Hearth Kerri is getting one of my conversation pieces, she IS getting the better end of the deal." A sly chuckle.

"Oh and i thought the Ailil Gwydion rivalry would be the tricky part to manage" She chuckles

"A good steward knows how to smooth down any such wrinkles. For example, if a pastry showed up bearing a Falcon in wrought sugar and icing? Why, not an insult at all, but a chance to gobble it up in a show of superior force."

"Of course," She does laugh softly at that

"Now, you just let us know when you're on the way, and we'll send someone down to pick you up or meet you, whichever ways you come."

"Oh, and, no pressure, but if you wish, you can help with hosting as well. Dame Calanthe will not be here, so if you wish to wave a heart wand and help the party along, you'd be welcome." Tossing that in at the end.

A realization, hosting, Calanthe gone. Why didn't she... arggh, boggans "I shall let you know before I depart to go there and I... yes, if need be I would be honored to act as hostess."

The outfit has to be perfect. She needs to prep some lines, brush up on proper hostess manners.

"Lovely! I will see you soon."

"Yes much to do, Give my... give the baron my fondest regards"

"Always." She responds, ending the call.

I almost said give him my love. Ugh. then I am so behind "Hearth? Sally Mae?" She moves to the kitcchen "Squire brogan? Battle stations!"

(end Scene)

"A heart tart, hm?" Kerri says when Nadeen approaches her with the request.

"Yes, akin to the ones you made for Pennons is what I was told and she'd gladly trade you a pastry basket or conversation piece for your next feast or fancy event" She says "In truth, I had not realized how kitchens of hold had their own diplomatic needs"

Kerri grins at that. "Oh, the kitchens often supply the deciding factors of diplomacy. But...I'm surprised she's interested in...well, if you'll recall, my Pennons productions weren't all that successful."

"That was NOT your fault" She reminds

"No, but it was a lasting impression. But if she's willing to trade for a pastry basket, that sounds lovely. When will you be heading up there?"

"the night before" She says and takes a breath "I'm... to help host" Knowing that the Hearth will understand at least some of what tht means

Kerri glances away from the ingredients she's gathering for pastry dough and gives Nadeen a look of interest. "Oh, really?"

"Indeed. The theme is to be cards with alice in wonderland additions allowed. I will be Queen of... Hearts"

A bemused blink. "Your choice?"

"One of those choices that is offered so it may not be so much a choice as a sly boggan suggestion" A pleased look "I think.. I think Marigold is on my side.. or.. on Aiden's side and sees me as good for him. "

"Hm...." Kerri turns back to her work, so her expression may not be clear to Nadeen. "That sounds as if you have an ally."

"Were you expecting that?"

"I was working on that" She admits "But I know the trap of.. what is that Vega song? Tove likes her music.. there was a line from a song that... " She does not sing it, but rather recites "Watch while the queen, in one false move, Turns herself into a pawn" A breath and she says "I must not forget that even non nobles have their plans that I might just fit right. But in truth? I think part of my appeal is that I am NOT Calanthe"

"Well, I certainly can't imagine many who would prefer her company over yours. So...you're playing hostess...and Calanthe hides?"

"I think she'll be out, possibly seeing a gent"

"All I know is, if I do this right, I have a chance to prove something on a night where any error might be forgiven, but any success is remembered." There is more but she does not bring that up

Another glance. "A gent? Any idea who? You might find that useful information eventually," she adds.

"Sir Sergei.. ap Varich of Earth Runes" A not TOO innocent look "I might have introduced them"

Kerri turns away again and shakes her head...but after a moment it's clear that she's chuckling. "You are impossible, Nadeen." But she seems to mean it with admiration.