#rivervale_lodge

Vali watches the metronome, he holds a hand over it, to fro, to , fro...

And he matches itt, then abruptly goes out of tempo

glamour flows, and for a moment, the device seems to wobble a bit eratically

before resuming

Vali smiles

"Vali?" Kerri's voice is gentle.

He looks up "Oh Hey, Kerri. How are you?"

She is setting out some items on the table, and she gives him a smile. "I'm fine. What are you up to?" She nods toward the microphone.

"Mountain stuff" He smiles, then says "oh, I did want to talk to you about something. The Countess of Charm is comin to the changging of the Mountian"

She quirks a brow at 'mountain stuff' ...and then a slight pause at the topic. She nods as she sets things out. "I have heard. Is there anything you think I should prepare specially for her?"

"Well, I can tell you her favorite type of tea, which I'm sure Gerd would be willing to donate, and her favorite dessert"

"Both would be welcome," she nods.

He informs her "Thanks, Hearth. I know she and tthe Chief clash, but... she's like an Aunt to me"

"Of course, Vali. I can't promise there will be no awkwardness, but we all understand how much you care for her, and she for you."

"Thank you"

"I was wondering if she and her party will be staying overnight? I can certainly make sure the lake house is ready for her, but it is not strong in Glamour. Would she prefer to be closer to the balefire?"

"A good question" He ponders "I better check"

"Proximity to the balefire can be done..." she sounds a bit hesitant. "I'm just not sure it would be the kind of accommodations she is used to."

"How about I arrange five star accomidations in the lake house for guests? "

A brow. "The glamour won't be an issue?"

"I'll ask to be sure but I think one night will be fine as long as she's treated well.. or I could ask Gerd to transport them back"

"Don't worry too much. Thea has rarely hexed an entire hold, and never on ceremonies"

"Oh, so comforting, Vali, thank you." Kerri's in range so she swats him with a dishrag.

A smile, "Oh come on, any hassle I give you is dwarfed by the fact you're probably in full proud mom mode over Sylvi"

"Oh, now, that's simply unfair, gambling on my beaming pride." But she is, in fact, beaming. "I haven't been back over, but Sally Mae says they're off to a good start."

"I think they'll forgive you, or any of us 'old guard' as we visit as long as we wear a bell around our necks so they cann track us"

"Unclean, unclean!" she laughs, "beware the Lodge-dwellers!"

A snerk "Just so. But really you should see it for yourself. Just assure them you won't try to fix anythin"

"Oh, I intend to, but I don't want to stick my nose in too quickly. I've never really been the type to hover much -- that's Olgar -- so I'll let her get her feet under her there before I peek in."

"Wait...you've been? Since we all left after delivering the fire?"

"I have not, but Gerd gave me a full report...which I didn't ask for"

Dagmar drifts in, tapping on her phone.

"Oh, hey. Did I... I can go?"

"mmm?" He looks up "Oh Hi, Dagmar"

"Dagmar! Come in," Kerri welcomes her. "Dr. Pepper?"

"Oh, sure. Please, thank you. So... um, my stuff can wait?"

"Just a second. Vali, can I get you anything while I'm in there?"

"No, I'm good. thannks though" A look at Dagmar "Have a seat , Dagmar. What stuff?"

"I was looking up recipes, and wanted to try a thing."

"They're breakfast bars, with craisins and almonds and peanut butter and oatmeal and honey..."

"Sounds tastey"

Kerri ducks into the kitchen and returns in short order with Dagmar's soda. "Breakfast bars are essentially crunchy brownies, as far as baking them goes," she says. "It's a fairly easy process, and I'd be happy to help you with them."

"These sound more like no-bake cookies, you gotta melt it all up and stir. But that sounds like the kinda thing you could leave at Goldfinch, right?"

"Oh, absolutely! Even easier -- they're basically the same as Rice Krispy treats."

"Making some contributions to the cause?" she asks with a smile.

"Yeah. There's no kitchen, just, like, a vending machine and this really sketch looking popcorn popper."

"That's a great idea" Vali says

"Weird thing? It won't pop NEW popcorn. But, like, if you eat the old stuff and come back later, there's new old popcorn."

"Oh, bring that popcorn popper here so I can give it a proper cleaning, or have somebody else bring it."

Then she laughs. "It's been touched by the freehold glamour, then. Interesting."