#rivervale_lodge

Dirk's not bad...and he isn't judging.

Dirk asks "So.. I hear you got redcaps innn Fenix? Tough guys?"

Jessica nods. "They do ok, I think. I'm glad to have them on our side."

"You ever think of hirin more muscle?" he asks

"Um.... no. Imean, right now we're not in a situation where we need more. In fact, I'd like to avoid it looking like we're building up for a war, or want a fight."

"Oh" A nod "Kay" he says"Thanks"

"Are you looking for a change?"

"I.. just considering stuff" Dirk says "Don't tell the Chief I said nothing"

"I..... um, I think I can do that."

"Thanks" He says as the song ends "And thanks for the dance."

"Thank you." she responds, and heads back to the sidelines, bemused.

Vali hands Jessica a drink, one of her favorites, "What was that about?"

"Um. Just a dance. Why?"

"Sorry, Dirk's been acting out of character, but you wouldn't know so.." A nod

"How so?"

"Well, he's always been kind of surly and pushy, but oddly protective and even nice. he's gotten a lot of support there to encourage the latter, but the past few days he's beenn a lot more broody thoughtful. the kid's not stupid, but he's nnot a thinker"

"Hm. Do you know if anything is going on with him personally or, Iguess, professionally?He's got regular work, right?"

"Hell, he's on his summer break mortal wise but his mom... pardon, Annne Marie adopted him in case you didn't know, usually has lots for him to do. he patrols as hard as any of us. Hell, harder. he's the official 'peacekeeper' and he takes it seriously. Personnally? Well, he loves his family, he's been dating this new redcap girl, he hassles his adopted brother but then Symon hassles back"

"Sounds.... normal."

"Right, but last few days pensive, brooding.. out of sorts"

"Idon't know the guy well enough to help much, I'm afraid."

"I'll talk o Mom, though."

"No worries, we'll sort it out here eventually" He nods "How is the Nunnehi situation?"

Jess tells him, her pleasure obvious.

He listens , growing more and more impressed

"Jessica, I'm a bit in awe. You've been working so hard at this"

"And finally it pays off .. you must be fit to burst with delight" A pause "Not that you will, stiff upper troll lip and all that, but still- congratulations to you and your advisors"

"And to the Nunnehi. I might not be able to exactly share power with them but maybe I can create space for them."

"Careful about sharing power, but..." A pause "Ever hought of looking for glens? Not holds, but glens? Maybe there's one the nunnehi don't know about and you can officially declare it theirs to use, or protectted or something?"

She nods. "Yes. I have to be careful not to appear to threaten their own spaces and places, though."

A nod.

"I dont think it would help to try and 'gift' them a space that is already theirs."

"Fair point. What if you found one that wasn't claimed?"

"It'd be a miracle." dryly.

"I keep thinking Miracles aren't so rare in Renaniscence"

"I'll keep an eye out for unclaimed places but I'm also not holding my breath."

"Peace for a County, happiness and harmony for all- No pressure" A smile "You're doing great"

"Thanks. How's life been for you?"

"Oh, busy, full of worries, and... I'm going to be a father"

Her eyes light up. "Vali! Congratulations." a beat "Does Tiffany know?"

He starts to say thanks, then brreaks out in a laugh "You know, that's a totally legitimate question. yeah.. we actually planned this. "

"Long story, magic acorn that wasn't being used... helped the ah, fertility"

"Um. Good to know you had help, I guess?"

"Well nnot like i needed HELP.. " Hem "More to make sure the baby will be healthy... and an increased chance for kithain birth" A distant look "I'm...trying not to peep my kid before said kid arrives. You know? "

"Oh. Yes, I can see that." She touches his arm "But Vali, if the baby reveals themself to you ... that's different."

A smile "You're right. I know it's weird. I should feel.. old, or older. Have been since I became a grump and a teacher. Now ... with this? I feel.. just more. It's an adventure , not a chore"

"I think that's a great way to look at it, Vali."

"Thanks... course, with a ward I guess you have a taste of it already. Is Ellie doing well?"

"She is." Jess shares a couple of stories.

A grin and nod, then "mmm " At one of the stories "Yes. As foretold in the prophecy"