#rivervale_lodge

Olgar follows Kerri in to help while the kid is showering "He's getting better. Still gripes a lot, but did you notice he's griping AS he does it instead of before he finally gets around to it?"

Yes, a note of pride

"Definitely an improvement. The fact that he started getting around to it at all was a big first step."

"he may never be a warrior like Daria or Tiara, but I think he'll be capable with practice"

"Much better than being incompetent when forced to take up arms," she says with a nod. "You've been working with him a lot."

"He's a bitter little punk... so I think nostalgia is involved" A smirk

"Ha! Well...yes, I can see that."

"Well, you're the one who opened him up. He had legit baggage, once he found out we were willing to help him carry it, well, I think he decided even if he didn't waant to share it, we were NOT the enemy. So props to you, lover" A kiss on her cheek "What do you think of him?"

"I'll admit to being fond of him. I think that started because I like a good challenge -- not an impossible one, but a good one. And every once in a while he's shown the best side of himself, like when he stepped up to help the new arrivals get settled without even having to be told. He's a good kid, and getting better."

Of course, she enjoyed the kiss on the cheek, but she's busy at the stove, so could not do much to reciprocate at the moment.

Olgar's not offended, and instead goes to work at the sink and dishware prep "Yeah, glad I'm not the only one who think so. He's got a lot of potential you know? I met his grandmother, she's nice.. very low banality. Very blessed be sort, very open about being a pagan, I might have joked if she was the crystal wearing sort, or the yowling at the moon sort. Without missing a beat his grandmother said 'por que dos?''

That gets a pleased laugh. "One of us, one of us! ...well, almost, anyway. Well, good for her. And good for him. I'm glad they've reconnected."

"She wants to meet you, turns out. She's grateful to us all, but apparently Jordan won't shush about your cooking. " A chuckle

Jordan does not praise anyone to their face, but it seems he does behind their back

"Oh, that's sweet. He makes these subtle hints about being hungry a lot. I didn't know he was actually tasting anything as it went down."

"Teenage boys are a special kind of ravenous... even the non redcaps." A chuckle "Remember the look on SYlvi's face the first time she saw how much Colton could put away?"

"Well, let's not forget Symon, our exception to the rule. And Sylvi's never exactly been afraid of asking for seconds, either. But yes...that growth spurt seems to come complete with tapeworm for the men."

She finishes prepping the easy meal. "Having some, hon?" she offers. "Or is this all for the boy?"

"You know I don't turn down your food. Join us?"

"Oh, for a little bit." She sets up three plates for them. "Let him know it's ready."

"Will do" She may find the plates already in easy reach. He worked on prep while she worked on the cooking

And he goes off to let Jordan know

Mmm yes, it's not hard to see her husband has taken a shine to the Eeyore of the centaur set

She shakes her head with loving amusement, and loads up the plates.

Soon the three are eating. Jordan projects apathy and disinterest but only with effort... he actually is listening, and when pressed, answers questions

"I'm wondering...did you have a sport you were strong in, before you came to us?"

"Me? A Jock? No. I guess I was an okay swimmer"

"Hmmm...I wonder... Olgar, what about trying him with two swords?" she suggests.

"Floruintine? Mmm" Olgar nods "it's got an advantage if he can pull it off"

"Who, that's like Tiara level stuff isn't it?" He says

"You have the experience of a sport that involves symmetrical work. Most weapon forms are asymmetrical, if you think about it. Sword-and-shield, war hammer, battle axe...the action is happening on one side of your body or the other, right? But with two weapons, you can work both sides at once." A shrug. "Just a thought."

"YOu don't have to be a master swordsman to use two weapons. There's such a thing as a parrying dagger to go with a main blade" Olgar says "And it's worth exploring. " A nod to his wife "Main gauch and sabre maybe?"

"Sabre's a traditional calvary weapon," she says. "Might work, yes."

Olgar nods and looks the boy over

"Wait, I don't even want to use a simple weapon, why would I use something that sounds like it's going to take MORE practice and more work when I could just protect Lane with a club?"

Olgar answers "Because some women dig swashbucklers, and find a guy with precise hands appealing"

Jordan stops then says "Go on"

Kerri rolls her eyes a bit, but then shrugs. "I can't argue with this logic."

Olgar chuckles "Not saying the guy should count on it, but it might help."

"Yes, notice he said some. Some women prefer to be the swashbucklers. Or would rather not be bothered with conflict at all."

"Like Pirate Queen Siv ... on the first one?" He says "Yeah. I can see that. I don't think I'm going to be a hit with any girls anyway" he sighs "The fellow kithain don't want to be the butt of Empress Katherine jokes"

Olgar snorts "Let women decide what they want or don't want, Kid. But having talents and skills will give you mroe to draw interest from others, regardless."

And a fine dinner goes on as they talk two weapon fighting

(End scene)