#rivervale_lodge

A frown. "So...somebody with access to the footage has interfered with what information is available, and somebody -- either the same or different -- likely caused the accident."

She folds her arms. "Why, though? To eliminate their banality? That seems an extreme position. To remove Jordan's stable home? More likely -- he becomes an easier target then. When did the accident happen?"

"A little after yule" She says "Which means that boy was probably terrified his parents were going to spot him like that. But they were busy, we might tbe thinking latch key kid. Now he has one family member he was supposed to go to. But that wasnn't the parents prefeence. They'd disowned the father's mother.

"

"Have you found out anything about her, specifically?"

"Oh yes.. she's a wiccan... here.. take a THIS article" She shows one up.

Her smart phone too important to her job as social worker for her to not know how to use it

Kerri leans over to see.

The article shows her doing a pagan's rights march, the reporter makes light of it , but the woman answers gently and calmly the questions...

Her: Your newspaper has a horoscope, does it not?

Reporter: Well, you got me there But still, you believe in fairies? Have you seen one?

Her: If I had, I wouldn't tell about it . Bad manners that. Honestly I'm not embarrassed to believe in fairies, I do imagine sometimes the faieries struggle very hard to keep believing in US. Really sir, I believe there is a world of wonder, of ancient good forgotten. It doesn't hurt anyone that this is where I find the good . That I see the good in differentt symbols than most. isn't that better than ignoring the wonder and the good entirely? We just want the right TO believe, we don't insist others do

there's more to the article, but mostly about religious freedom, and support for local non traidtional families and busisinesses

Kerri nods. "So...either fae herself, or a loyal and determined Dreamer. And his parents have actively worked to keep him separate from that world. I bet he showed signs early."

"They're almost diametrically opposed" She agrees, "And yes. Thikn on it, Jordan has been told all hsi life there's real and there's illusion. Then he becomes the illusion, his parents die, and ... well, there you go"

"I wonder if I should get in contact with her personally? that's really more your or the Chief's call than mine though" She adds

"Well, she's down in Pennsylvania. Definitely outside of the Chieftain's demesne. I could do it, but...I think she'd far prefer to meet a faerie who looks like you than a troll, for first contact," she grins. "Careful, though. She's likely already a claimed Dreamer. Make sure you're not stepping on anybody's toes."

"Mm. And she just lost an estranged son. So...definitely a difficult time."

"Oh the poor dear, yes a bit of boggan love might do her some good. I'll take a trip. Jonas will help with my back log"

"I'm glad he's helping you out," she says of Jonas.

"Trolls are almost as compulsively hard workers as we boggans' She winks, then says 'Also I do pay him, a nd I think itt helps with hsi worry with Siv. She went without him. Makes him twitchy but he supports"

Kerri nods. "Duty and service are good for distraction from worry, at least for a time."

"How are YOU doing speaking of such? this has to be flying fast and furious for everyone but mostly I've watched the Chief"

"Oh, well...I was hoping Sylvi would have a chance at all the typical high school upperclassman activities, but Da'an seems to have conspired against that, so I understand why she's moving on in a way that makes sense to her."

"That's got to stingg though. Tell me she's at least gettinngg her GED? or is She actually high schooling up there near Rome?"

"Oh, she's still getting credit through the Debukes' school, doing remote studies and sort of a work-study credit for her role at DarkGate. They've been wonderfully flexible. I just hope she can juggle everything."

An undertone of disappointment, though.

"Sometimes it's hard to remember not only do they have a right to make their own mistakes, it's beyond where you can do much to stop it. Even if it's a mistake that's way too close to your own and you feel like they're ignoring some legit intell they could use" A sigh "Isnn't it?"

Kerri gives Anne Marie a somewhat narrow look. "You, my friend, know way too much." Then a rueful grin. "Yes, it's true. I mean, of course, she's doing great things, amazing things. It's just...different from what I thought it would be."

"I know enough" she smiles gently, "And some of it from my own trials and arghs. but yes, your daughter's doing wonderful things and you are proud I know. But if I might ask, what did you imagine her doing at this point..besides getting that diploma in a ceremony?"

Kerri sighs and leans against the counter, looking off. "Oh, silly things, I suppose. Cheerleading competitions. Prom. And I'm doubting she'll aim for college at this point."

A sympathetic look "She might surprise you. Some folks do hit college years later" A pause "Why even women OUR age"

"Yes, maybe," Kerri says with a bit of a shrug.

"Anyway...I know she's doing well. And it was good to see her at Beltane."

Idea planted, Annne Marie thinks "She does seem happy.." And they chater on the positive for a time

(End scene)

Jordan curses as he has to take steps slow 'Stupid hooves..."

He probably also had an issue with managing the upstairs bathroom...although, thank goodness, it's a troll house, so enough room to turn around in and so forth.

The main hall is empty when he gets there, the balefire glimmering green. There are kitcheny sounds coming from behind a door over there....

The balefire he avoids. It makes him feel.. weird. Feelinggs rise up he doesn't trust. Wonder, trust...shit like that. Yet.. if he does'nt think about it, he might drift close. A glance to the door out. He considers it, but for now, a peek in the kitchen.

He can hear somebody humming quietly and the sound of running water...and when he opens the door to peek, there's another one of those tall blue people, only this one's got an apron on and is washing some dishes. Damn, this is a tall kitchen!

"Oh.." Good, it's not that one that hates him . he moves to the fridge to root around "Any sodas?"

The woman turns and looks at him with mild not-quite-surprise. "Ah. You must be Jordan. Good morning. I'm Kerri, the Hearth here. And...yes, on the left side."

She finishes washing the plate in her hands and sets it in the drying rack. "Were you able to get some sleep?"

"Thanks" he roots for it "Not great.. bed was fine. I'm just belt like w eirdo now... and keept having.. ah nevermind"

"Strange dreams?" she guesses, nodding. "Not surprising. Here...." She sets out a plate with a few pastries on it. "I imagine you're hungry."

"Thanks. Kerri... err Hearth? " He is hungry and takes the food

"Hearth Kerri or just Hearth," she says. "Do you eat meat, or are you vegetarian?"

"I eat meat. The Burgers Gerd made were pretty good" A shrug to make sure the praise isn't too lavish "What? I'm not going to turn into a vegatarian and start chewing on grass am I?"