#rivervale_lodge

She nods and rests the folder on the table. "Sylvi has Goldfinch," she reminds him.

"Dagmar....."

She considers the folders again.

"You have promised Gerd."

"I will call her, ask her plans. The baby may have changed things.

She sips her coffee.

"Perhaps."

"I will let you know if Gerd will be with me."

And he sips his cider.

A nod. "And you said you will be back before Samhain."

He reaches out to touch her fingertips with his. "I will."

Another nod, letting the touch last a moment before asking, "Can I help you prepare?"

His beard shifts. "I can think of a few things."

A surprised blink, and she colors a bit before clearing her throat. "That is not what I meant."

A deep, rumbling chuckle.

She narrows her eyes, picks up the folder and hits his shoulder with it. "Bråkmaker."

His fingertip touch becomes a full-on hand-hold, and he takes the blow with a light in his blue eyes.

"Come. Bring your coffee." and indeed, he brings his cider as he leads Brekke up the stairs.

She is drawn along (not unwillingly), leaving the folder and bringing the coffee.

And the door upstairs clicks quietly shut behind them.

...end scene...