#rivervale_lodge

*******

Gerd enters in, and flumps onto the oversized couch of the Lodge

She screams silently into the pillow there

Oddly, Kerri seems to be able to hear the silent screams of teen angst, and she looks out from the kitchen. "Oh dear. Is this a fancy-tea problem or a full-on ice cream intervention?"

"How does it rate when a new wilder decides she wants to try on a few of your clothes, but you're a troll, she's a nocker, so she adjusts them?"

"Oh...oh dear. Adjusts how?"

"She 'maximized' a dryer" a groan "I'm not allowed to dunk her in the lake. And if I lose my cool there I SO will. So I'm yelling into this pillow over here"

Kerri frowns. "Did you let Vali or Tiffany know, though? I mean...annoyance is one thing, but property damage is something else again."

"I did.. they're 'talking' to her. And I believe them. I justt know she's going to rebel and you know that means she's going to the same darn thing to show them"

"I love Uncle Vali, and Tiffany has grown on me... but sometimes that house, and it's plenty bigg, feels too small"

"That sounds like you're hoping to come back here." It's a statement, but has all the markers of a question.

"Not ... sure. Connonr doesn't need me like he used to before he was a squire "A bit of proud meloncholy

Kerri nods. "That's true. And...I'm not sure, Gerd, that running away from this problem would be the right way to respond to it. Getting away briefly like this is fine, but I think you're going to have to resolve this with her."

"Maybe One week out of every month I crash here for a Margelita break?"

"Hmm...maybe we could call it Special Hearth Support Duty?"

At that, Gerd props up "Have I been neglecting Hearth duties here?" She does not say it sarcastically but with concern "I mean, That ember stuff wasn't a one time thing but if I've neglected it then I am so sorry. I don't know where my head is at"

"No no no no no no..." Kerri grins and waves off the flurry of concerns. "You've been just fine."

"Well, sometimes it's hard to jugggle for time" She smiles "Brogan knocks himself out, and Sally Mae is still going at it... and just when I think you might need me, Dagmar somehow found time to chip in. I'm glad you got help to pick from us all. I just don' wannt to slack my share"

"Okay..." Kerri considers. "Maybe I can ask you to take over a specific task on a regular basis? What's your preference?"

"You know, I'm not sure? I mean.. I know it's not taking out the trash" A nose wrinkle "I will if you need me to though. I enjoy learning to cook but Brogan and Sally Mae are way ahead there so it's kind of ameturer hour. I don't mind the dishes if I've got my tunez"

"Well, there are other parts of the Lodge," Kerri suggests.

"Well, one thing I know from you is Hearth isn't just kitchen and cleaning, but even if hte old man starts blasting away I'm not up to giving life advice like you"

"Ohh, I don't know about that. Sometimes you've got a clever thing or two to say to the younger set."

"Yeah? Like 'leave it alone or Lake town, population you'?" Wry, then she shrugs "Well, babysitting CHILDLINGS I can do." A snicker "Though it was funny to see Siv fall into a coma after that trip with them. Fiona can party all night, but a 3 hour tour with the tots wipes her out"

Kerri smiles. "That was pretty satisfactory, wasn't it? I think the Chieftain appreciated her exhaustion, too. Something along the lines of 'someday have kids just like you'...."

Snerk.

Gerd says "Well, uhm tell you what, if there's some task you DO think I do well and wannt me to focus on it, let me know and I'll hunker down on it"

"Let me think on it. Right now, though, I think we need to figure out what clothing pieces you need to replace, and how you can approach Vali and Tiffany to negotiate that."

"I have a list already half formed" She pulls out her phone "Naturally, the leather skirt? Ruined.. and it's the big item"

Kerri looks over the list. "I don't suppose there's anything that might respond to a bit of heatherbalm? Mind you, I might expect Margalita to make up the glamour-use with dross."

"Oh she's a kid she's not gona" A blink "Wait, she's NOT a kid anymore. She can pay for cantrips she made necessary" As if suddenly this 'margilita is a wilder' thing is going to work!

"Here, let me show you what got ripped. that should heatherbalm easiest" She chatters and shows the list and how things were damaged or shrunk so they can talk it over what might be salvaged

Kerri nods and suggests and also points out that she might be able to get Tiffany to do a shopping trip for some of the other items.

"Now, nothing's settled yet. We still have to sort this out with Margalita, and that will probably involve Vali and Tiffany, too. But I think this is a fair approach to the problem...and it will help Margalita learn to be responsible about her experiments."

"You're the best!"

(And Fade to Kerri working her magic)