#rivervale_lodge

"Thank you for the food Hearth Kerri," Nadeen says as she's trying to go but finds herself loaded up "But, I sometimes I feel like I'm in the middle of a bizzare arm's race between you and Marigold?" Nadeen rallies a humorfilled face hoping she can bring it to her eyes

"Well, if Marigold sent so much down with you, it would be rude not to send at least as much back up, wouldn't it?" It sounds reasonable. I might not even suspect that Kerri's trying to stall Nadeen's departure...possibly because her daughter may have sent a text to do so. "Oh, that doesn't look like it's going to travel well. Here, let me find a different basket to put that in...."

"Thank you but, I really should go., I'm sure Marigold will take even a small amount in the spirit it was intended" She holds there though, one doesn't escape years of conditioning and respect

"Oh, it won't take more than a minute or so." It's the or so that makes all the difference.

Were she a stranger, Kerri wouldn't notice the signs of upset. Many people slouch when upset, Nadeen's posture, always excellent, gets almost too straight. Dagmar chews at her nails. Nadeen flexes her fingers... and yes, the love of skating and dancing shows in the arch of her feet, as if she were about to begin a set... or retreat. SHe's improved control though. She's not facing the door or looking at it . Not yet

"Well, I see"

"You wilders did a spectacular job at resolving this whole situation," Kerri says as she rearranges the foodstuffs...carefully. "It was good to see you all working together again."

Tove doesn't handle CJ as gently as the Hearth is handling that foodstuff!

But she doens't let that thought break through her gaze if she can help it, "I'm very glad I could help. It was nice to see you all again."

"It's been wonderful having you back. Oh, I should have asked before now...how are things at SilverWolf?"

"Oh, lively. Two new childlings certainly livens things. Blossom terribly enjoys the fuss made over her, and Rochollor , well, he's a pooka so hard to read but he seems quiet yet sometimes sly. I was afraid Briar would be a terrible bully to him, yet I think she's oddly fond of the boy. Hard to be sure, we make sure there's no excess. Marigold is much better since a bit of spring magic got into her, though we are awayre that's may need doing again."

"I'm glad! And...you and the baron...?"

"He cares for me, I for him, but some things must be settled. We are more openly courting" A light blush there but also..the thumb of the left hand rubs lightly against the fingers just for a second

"Oh!" Kerri smiles. "I'm glad to hear that! Keeping such things a secret leads to more complicated emotions. And his court's reaction to your courtship?"

"Varied," Nadeen answers "But I have Marigold's blessing, and that means much to me."

"Speaking of Marigold, I think that's plenty, really"

"Marigold is wonderful, and yes, I agree that her blessing means a great deal. And I'm so glad that the Spring-work helped her. It's true that it may need to be refreshed now and then, but some time without pain must be such a relief for her." Is Kerri...rambling?

She finally hands the re-packed basket to Nadeen. 'And...Sylvi's doing all right up there?" Mother's concern hidden behind the 'casual' question.

At that, Nadeen's face softens sympathetically "Sylvi has her challenges, but she's doing more for Rome New York's fae than any five other changelings, she's about to crack the theatre situation she's been working on . "A flash of pleasure at somethinnng there, then she goes on "She adores Colton, and .. I think their relationship is ...maturing. they have had disagreements profesionally, then dates in the evening still quite happy. I think that's maturity anyway. And Kelby's return gives her a friend she knows she can lean on. She does miss it here, we both do truth to tell."

"Mm." Kerri nods at the assessment, lips pressed together to contain some response. "Well...you're both missed here, but I'm glad you're both doing good work."

"Oh, quite good" A smile

"Now if only I could get Sylvi to stop cringing everytime Flo curtseys"

"Olgar and I should try to come up and visit at some point."

"Flo?"

Sylvi being seen over the bridge... surely, Nadeen is gone too!

The front door of the lodge opens, which might be heard from the kitchen.

"My maid, a Kinian woman with a child. She's a fine woman who has faced some difficulty. I didn't hire her out of pity so much as sympathy, and because she was abused by one of my own kith. She spends sometime at the hold itself but mostly I keep her occupied at the house. And, Marigold needs the help now and then evenn if she's too stubborn to..."

Pyshka sits on the porch of the Lodge, waiting patiently. Perhaps a treat will come out with Nadeen.

Surely Nadeen wouldn't have left her pooch behind...

Finally, Kerri thinks. She nods at the information about Flo, but moves for the door, "Let me see who that is...." moving out into the main hall.

"Hey Kerri... Sylvi's off to the Farm. We probably should have stopped in to say something..."

"No, she texted me that she'd be going up there, so it's fine."

The temperature inside the Lodge is definitely cooler than it is outside. Pleasant relief.

"Wait I..." Nadeen hears the voice. I've been set up

"Do you want something to drink?"

...she asks Dagmar.

She tenses when she hears Nadeen.

"Uh."

"Come on, I'm sure I have a Dr. Pepper." She gestures to the kitchen...and waits for Dagmar to lead the way in.

Nadeen eyes the door out the kitchen. No, she'll stay

Frown.

Nadeen takes a breath, and comes out of the kitchen into the main lodge with a Dr. Pepper

"...Hi."

Kerri gives Dagmar a patient look, and in a slightly gentler voice she says, "Yes, Nadeen is in there. Come on..." but then Nadeen is coming out.

"Here you go, I was near the fridge" She says, as bravely as she can and hands it to Dagmar, if she'll take it "It's cold."

Kerri waits for just a moment before saying, "I'll be working on laundry if you need anything." I'm not far away, in other words.

And she passes through the door that Nadeen just came through.

"Um."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome" Nadeen nods, and looks at the departing Hearth , once Kerri is out of view, she mutters "You and I have been set up I think."