#rivervale_lodge

Sally Mae shrugs "Well, I appreciate your discretion. Speaking of family, your folks seem to be thriving fine. The count has called your mom in for a lot of councils as he values her opinion, but that does mean she's not here as much as she'd like. Your dad is trucking hard again and while it's hard ot tell under that beard I think it makes him happy"

She smiles a little. "Good."

"He also gets little things for your mom. I don't see what they are, but I see he's handing her something almost every return trip"

She nods. "Not surprised."

"I think it's sweet, but I don't pry. I may not be a troll but I do have that blood and have seen enough older couples at the farm to know how they celebrate each other is no one else's know how"

"Really. No matter anyone's age, it isn't anyone else's business."

"Now see, you're no fun at the gossip circle, I mean..quilting circle" She smiles though, in better spirits

"Sorry. I did ask if the Fenix boggans had anything to pass on, but...."

"Oh that's sweet of them. Probably meant foro ther boggans. I imagine it's not your cup of tea though. Take after your dad you do. He doesn't much care for airing out others laundry in public, or even his own"

"Well..... no." As if baffled anyone -would-.

"I admire your discipline" She looks at her own hand, now nearly completely healed. It looks a bit pale in spots but will be okay "Oh, read your books. You've been through a lot"

A sigh. "Not as much as others."

"True, but the fact you take on thier pains for their own means they got the right leader. You'll notice I don't say ruler- still a DeBuke. We don't admit nobles might have worth" Humor implied "Chiefs are different"

"I didn't-mean- to be a ruler."

"Probably why you're good at it, among other reasons. Your ambitions are benevolent. Not everyone is." A nod "If it helps, Jessica, I'm not going to make a fuss over it. I'm just glad it worked out well"

"I am too."

"Tell me something, do you think a Knight's heart driver would be safe in Tijuana? Be the first international aspect of the Franchise"

"Hm." she thinks.

"Initially, as safe as anyone else in Tijuana. But that's not saying much; it is still a dangerous place. That said, we'd do our best to take care of anyone, of Fae, in Renaissance. It's not -safe- there.... but if you know that and take care, it might be ok?"

"Mmm well, as I'm acting owner of the company I feel responsible putting a kithain in danger. THank you. I may need a warrior type over a common courtesy type and i need to make sure they understand the danger"

She looks troubled though

"It's not without risk, but I'll do what I can to care for anyone you send, Sally Mae."

"I may recruit locally. Can I get your opinion when I'm vetting?"

"Of course."

"Appreciated." She says "i's been a good service"

Jess nods. "I haven't used it, I don't think; after my time. But I've heard good things."

"I almost feel bad how much money and drross it's got good profits. I invested, and it's take root for me"

"That's.... a good problem to have." she points out.

"Yes... I'm actually..wondeinng how selfish I cann be before I lose respect for myself"

"Lose... respect for yourself? Because you invested in a strong business and you're benefiting from it?"

"DeBukes are an agro communist collective" She says deadpan

"You use the money to help when and where needed... right?"

"Well, sure. I try to be discrete though. I hate the idea of saying no when someone hopes I'll invest in someonne's dream"

She nods. "I understand. I have a hold full of nockers, although mostly Tweak deals with that end of things."

"Exactly. If Cousin Mara knew I had enough money to buy her solar panels, a ford mustang, and Rocket booster fuel she'd never leave me be"

"Why don't you do it?" without judgement.

"Because it's not a good investment ... in my view. "

"Ok, then." Jess nods.

"See, I wouldn't know either way, which is why I'm glad I have Tweak."

"I suppose ... " She ponders

"Suppose?"

"Well, maybe I should give Mara a chance after all"

"I don't know her so...."

"Oh.. what will be will be if i's meant too" She shrugs , then looks at her hand "Kerri did a really good job." Pale spots, but otherrrwise quite good

A grin "Yeah. She's the best."

"Honestly, I'd like to borrow a cup of amazing from her." Wistful "Me? I had to be saved by a childling."

"He... well, he is well suited to that kind of thing."

A sour look "I hate being the weak link"

"I'm sure you bring support and strength in other ways, Sally Mae."

"Well, I'm good with money and investing. But I hange with heroes. It looses some 'oomph'. "