#rivervale_lodge

A tap at the door in the hallway.

It was the night before thanksgiving, but still there was room, for the Kings' Eldest daughter... so to the door someone went zoom!

Jess cracks the door open and looks in "Hello?"

A cold nose touches her through the door crack

It's Oak

And he is not alone. Edelweiss his sister gives a woof of greeting

And from the kitchen comes Gerd "Jessica? HEY, come on in"

"Hey guys....." Jessica puts her things down and greets the dogs with affection (as it should be!) before entering fully

Both dogs suck in the pets and turn them into wags. Gerd says "Jessica, you want Coffee? or the more evolved tea?"

"Coffee's fine, thank you." when permitted, she'll take her things into the kitchen. "Hi, Gerd."

In the kitchen she sees Sally Mae and Brogan hard at work.

"What's this?" Squire Brogan says then sees jessica, and bows "Countess"

".... nad Sally Mae, and Brogan...."

"Not a Countess here, Brogan. These...." the plural as she puts them on the table ".... are from the people of Fenix."

"So" he frowns "They do not trust in our cooking here. A time for revenge shall be building, like a great flood..."

Sally Mae puts a hand on the boy's shoulder "it's a COURTESY, Brogan. Stop looking for excuses for revenge"

Sally Mae takes a look at the food offered, "oh my that's some nice pork. Hearths' not here right now but I know she'd want to say thank you for this. I certainly do. HOw's Ariel?"

"She is well. "Jessica confirms "She does your family proud. She's a pillar of the childling court at Renaissance."

"mm well, long as he has friends. You'll want to know how your folk are doing I imagine?"

"I'd like to see them, actually."

"Your dad will be here tonight, he's cutting it close but he'll be here in time for thanksgiving tomorrow. We'll set you up in Siv's room, she lives at the appartment anyway, and Kassedy is easy to find a place for. Your mama is on patrol." Seems Sally Mae has all things organized

"Your coffee," Gerd says handing it over

"Thank you." Jess accepts it, blows on it.

"What can I do to help?"

"not a thing, we got plenty of cooks in the kitchen as it is" Sally Mae winks at Gerd and Brogan

Gerd sighs

"Should I get out of your way?"

"C'mon, Jessica," Gerd says with a smile and guides the woman to the living room "I volunteer to let them do the hearthing related things and talk to you. Maybe YOU can give me advice."

She blinks, but takes just her bag (leaving the food) and her coffee and follows Gerd. "What's wrong?"

"Actually, it would probably make you uncomfortable if I asked your opinion." She frowns "It's .. siv like" She sighs "But I don't want her take because she'd just tell me love is worth ANYTHING"

Jess blushes a little and doesn't seem to notice. "Um. Well. I mean... I don't know that I have a lot to offer on the subject but... I can listen."

"If you want."

'Well, Wudlig.. my boyfriend? He's not a looker but he's brillilant and kind and a true chivalrous sort and I confess I like that a lot more than I thought I would. He's supportive. But, I'm still a teenager, and not even an OLDER Teen like Sylvi. Odds are I'll have other romances." She blushes "Not that we do much just.. hand holding kissing and.. ya know? Anyway. He got a job offer from.. Baron Aiden Ap Ailil in Silverwolf. And he's going to leave Dark Gate if he takes it. Well what Dark Gate does is important, and working FULL Time for an Ailil just seems.. unwise. Of course, Nadeen co Rules now and she's a Varich, but I dont' think he should go. Wudlig says that his Bannerhouse gets along great with Ailil and I'm being biased. Well that maybe true but it rankled me... and I don't know. I'm thinking maybe we're breaking up slow and maybe I should just do it quick.." A breath "Sorry. Babbling"

Jessica is quiet a long moment.

"Yeah, that's a tough one."

"yeah. You see why I didn't ask Siv, right? "

Jess nods. "She.... has her viewpoints."

"Very much on the 'love conquers all' angle, and I believe it too, If it's TRUE love and.. I'm not sure this is." She confides "I'm.. very trollish about this. Bailing on Darkgate for a job opportunity just feels rude. Sylvi at least had to take over a freehold."

"Freeholder is different than retinue or retainer." Jess points out.

"How long have you been together?"

"Been a year and a half " A sigh

"Was that a good sigh or a bad sigh?"

"Bit of both. I .. feel like we really set a record for young teenagers right? And now I'm thinking I... I don't know" A look at her "am I being unfair to him you think?"

"What do -you- think?"

"I think .." Gerd sighs "I think maybe I should talk to Kerri?"

"She is an amazing resource for this and other things." Jess agrees, not without sympathy.

"Now, how are things going at Fenix? I've visited , of course, but not in awhile. I heari t's thriving":

"We're doing well. A little issue with a dragon but.... so far, so good."

"Dragon? Siv's been holding out on news"

"Not really news, not yet. I've ordered no attacking or hunting, just observing. If she leaves us alone, we'll leave her alone and eventually she'll leave."