#rivervale_lodge

"You're really nice. I like all the pack. Even Winston."

She smiles "Poor Winston, I think he's afraid if he's too nice his tribe will think he's gone soft, but he is nnice in his way. And he has to face dark truths that some of us don't. He tries to protect us from the side and cracks"

"He reminds me a little bit of my friend Symon."

"Some people judge him, because he's different. But he's my best friend."

Dr. Peppers are brought out "Symon around?" Lupe asks

"I haven't seen him. Probably too bright right now and too loud, later."

"Probs" She openns her own drink "And yeah, Lulu, he's like Winston"

Jessica re-emerges from her time with Brekke, pauses a moment with Frank, then squares her shoulders and makes the rounds.

"How goes, Jessica?" Gerd waves

"Hi Gerd!" a smile "Well. You?"

"But he's smart, too."

"going on a haul with the Mountain later this month" Gerd says "Learning new places"

"With....Dad?"

"Yeah. " Gerd nods "Not sure where, but the more places I know the more useful I am for flicker flash"

She nods. "Logical. Good."

"He is" Lupe agrees

Gerd moves towards Jessica "Got some food already?"

"Not yet. Soon."

"Well, as you know it's really good."

"It is." She smiles. "Yes, I know."

"How's everything at Fenix? "

"Good. Room to grow."

"Oh? Trying to pinch some of us away?" A grinn

"No."

Jess blinks. "No, Fenix does well on its own. Um. Did you want to visit?"

"Actually, I would ... Siv goes on about the spa, but honestly? I love some of the art I've seen "

"Gerd, you're welcome there anytime." Jess says directly.

"Thanks." She nods

"Of course."

"Look, I shouldn't pester you but uhm.. do you need anny secret compartments or passagges made or.. the like?" She says "My Boyfriend, Wudlig? He's a master craftsman at that sort of thing, big or small"

"Um... no? Thank you."

"Oh well, worth a shot" She sighs "Thanks. He lost a commision, he's bummed about it"

"Ok, um... sorry about that. He'll find something."

"I know" A nod "Anyway, I hope to see some of the fanntastic art of the city sometime"

"Did... sorry, did your guy lose a commission in Tijuana? Have him come see me."

"No, Apples but with a trod so close" She shruggs

"Don't worry, Jessica, like you said, he'll find something"

Kerri circulates, encouraging people to have more food and drink, don't be shy!

Dagmar brags on Kerri's food, making sure Lulu and Dolly and the rest take some!

Sally Mae helps as well, one might have thought she would have chosen to wander with her fellow

"Oh, thank you, hon," Kerri says to Dagmar, then to the others says, "Dagmar's helped me a lot with getting things ready."

"Kerri taught me, though."

"Well your food is fantastic" Dolly beams

Lulu says "Dagmar helped cook?" Impressed

"I taught you some. Tove taught you more."

She nods. "Both of you, yeah."

She flicks a sideways glance at Lulu, and blushes again. "Kerri made those sausage rolls I brought?"

"Oh, I hope you all enjoyed those."

"They wolfed it up, pun intended" Lupe assures

"Yeah, they were a hit."