#rivervale_lodge

"I learned from some very talented individuals" She says "Hemlocks' court can teach surprisingly cut throat politics, but there are avenues I never would have considered had I not seen Rivervale's intrigues.. though I fear the Chieftain would shudder to hear that word"

"What the Chieftain doesn't know is largely that which she doesn't need to know. She and I have different spheres of influence."

The pastry dough is taking shape as they talk. Roll out, butter, fold, butter, fold, butter, fold, roll.....

Nadeen may start to help without thinking about it. Her mind is focused on her upcoming carnival "I confess, I want Aiden to be safe as possible. He doesn't play the fool often. Carnival and all. I don't think any harm will come to him but he will be more vulnerable than usual. I want to see how he handles it, how others handle it. "

Something in her tone indicates she's more worried than the risk of a mere tomato in the face

Kerri looks at her. "Do you think his people are loyal? Or do you expect harm from within the ranks?"

"I think.. "She lowers her voice "I think Aiden is being manipulated by Calanthe... more directly than most realize .I think it's obrn of an excuse to 'help him' but I think it's holding him back.. perhaps even harming him. I don't know but I will find out, and if the truth I uncover proves the goal was puppetry for it's own sake - I will bring the light of the Winter Sun upon her and lay bare her treachery " For a moment the eyes flash, passions riled

Perhaps it's involuntary that Kerri moves away a step at that spark of ire...or perhaps she's just moving to wrap the pastry and put it in the fridge. A sigh and she looks at Nadeen from across the kitchen. "If that's true, and if it's holding him back in some way...you must be prepared that you might like him less when he is released from whatever it is."

"If the man I love does not truly exist, it's better to learn isn't it?" but her magnifience dims a bit and she seems less an elven princess of legend and more a nervous young woman trying to put on a brave face

Kerri nods slowly. "I would agree. I think that you want to save him for his own well-being, and I think that is a very honorable goal."

"Yes, well" Embarrassment "Alas, some lessons here may have scarred me for life. Empathy is a useful enough skill in moderation, but I fear I've been over saturaited"

"Ah, yes. Spoiled and infected and ruined. Whatever shall you do?" Kerri grins.

"Somehow I sense a lack of sincere sympathy for my condition," teenage sniff but her lip twitches "I guess I'll just have to adapt. "

"You've learned to adapt well," Kerri nods. "Now...besides the tart, is there anything I can do to help?"

"I'd like to throw in something fun for any childlings"

"I'm sure they've thought of it, but.well, it's that extra bit that counts?"

"Hmm. Well..." Kerri chuckles at some thought. "How good a sport is Baron Aiden?"

She ponders "I'm not sure, he seems more humble than most of his house but he IS still ailil. "

"I'm just thinking...if you get together a collection of toys and so forth for the childlings, load Aiden down with them, and tell the childlings they have to hunt him to get the toys...?"

"That.. might be a good idea. though 'hunt' well, techinically nno harm is allowed" She nods "yes ,I suppsoe that beats the idea of having a Falcon shaped pinata with candy"

She rolls her eyes at that. "I won't tell the Chieftain about that suggestion. And yes, if the weapons they're given for the hunt are feather-filled pillowcases, I think that might help?"

"mmm knowing the thanes, they'll want to make sure it's safe but... yes I think that might work. He is a wolf, after all and sometimes wolves are hunted. I think he might enjoy the role if he put it in the right perspective. Thank you, Hearth"

"It may satisfy his Carnivale duty in relative safety, too. You're welcome."

A relieved look "Yes" A a breath "This is riduclous. I've outsmarted Balor Countesses , helped a bannerhouse, bargained with Eiluned Sorcereeses... why am I nervous about a holiday?"

A grin. "You do realize the words 'the man I love' escaped your lips earlier? That's why."

"They.. they did?" Alarmed "I didn't even.." She seems mortified

A mutter "I must keep better control of such statements. It could endanger things." A breath "Cold as ice , can't let the other see the cracks"

"EVERYBODY can see cracks in ice, Nadeen," Kerri points out.

"If it's cold enough, tight enough.. you know what? If I have to hunt for a better metaphor I shall but the point is I can't go blurting out something like that. Too many might use it against him"

"And I'm saying that if you try to keep yourself too cold, too hard, people are going to see your cracks sooner. I think maybe softening up a bit might actually help."

"You've heard the phrase 'me'thinks the lady doth protest too much'?"

"Your attempt at being chilly risks being a dead giveaway."

"I believe it was Katherine the Great who once said 'well shit'" A sigh "Shows does it? to YOUR level or would less alert others notice it?"

"Well, I'm guessing a certain boggan at SilverWolf is reading it loud and clear, Yer Majesty of Hearts," Kerri says with a little mock bow.

"I'm starting to see where Sylvi gets it" Mmmph

"Yes, I've taught her well, I think."

"You have a right to be smug there" She admits "She's going to be an amazing Bridge."

"Mm." Noncommital, a nod, and she turns to wipe down a counter.

"Oh" A realization of her own "I didn't mean to be insensitive"

"Hm? No...no, it's fine." A glance over and a grin, though brief. "She has an excellent opportunity."

"Yes, but you're going to miss her and she's going to miss you both, and more. Trust me. SHe's... being very brave now. I know... I'm having to pull up courage myself." A breath "Sylvi does it better. She's more willing to admit it.. she can go.. soft to hide her cracks as you might put it." A thought "You know, if I .. move closer to Silverwolf... she and I might end up neighbors for a time"

"I'd thought of that," Kerri nods. "In fact...how much of a bargain would I have to strike with you, Nadeen, for you to keep the occasional eye out for her? I know she can take care of herself, and she's among plenty of supporters, but..." she shrugs "...a mother's concern, you know."

"No need to bargain, she's a friend, and not so long ago, my squad captain for cheerleading." A reminder then a nod "It's to my advantage to stay in touch with her . I may want someone to bitch to.. pardon my language but you know what i mean? And she likewise. She has insights I miss. I know the term 'commoner touch' is over used, but I DO sometimes perch over a situation rather than see myself as part of it and Sylvi has called me on it in the past, to my advantage"

That gets a grin. "Well, as long as you see a mutual benefit, that works."

A pause "That said- no need to close all avenues to a reward now and then. Perhaps I might, once in a blue moon, ask for a Rivervale style meal for your daughter and myself? Obviously I do NOT expect delivery but... to go?"

"Oh, I'm quite certain she's going to be requesting that enough on her own. Though Marsellus certainly provides quite a spread."

"Marsellus is an amazing cook, and I'm sorry to say, at least as good if not better than Sally mae, but he lacks your, and for that matter, Sally mae's social aplomb, and I suspect crunchs the numbers with far less accuracy than either of you. " An admision "I do like those little zucchini puffs"

"Oh, I don't think I've had those. Hmm. I may have to suggest a hostage exchange."

"Hostage exchange?"

"Well, just a trade of dishes, really." Kerri shrugs.