#rivervale_lodge

And, within 12 hours ,another. She has become death, stalker of rodents

Kerri is gratified that Mackerel is so successful...but dismayed by the continued presence of the enemy.

Siv has kept her secret, at least. Both Mouse and Art

Also worth gratitude.

Others might note that Kerri is making an EXTRA effort at sanitizing the kitchen. Perhaps obsessively so.

Then .. one night... she sees the cat frustrated at a small hole, but it's not her hunting .. she seems irked

"Mackerel?" she whispers, checking to make sure that nobody else is witnessing this before she bends low to see what the cat is staring at.

Definitely staring in the hole

She frowns and gets down on the floor to get as good a look as she can at the hole (which she now knows is there and can soon seal up).

A squeeky voice says "mother fucker" from inside the hole

A scowl. "You get two choices: Step out here where I can see you and have a conversation...or you're getting sealed up in there with foam sealant and enchantment."

"Aunt Kerri.. wait! I'm a bit... OW busy" the voice squeeks

"Who...? SIV?!"

Then.. "I think thatt's it" Siv calls out, then slouching out of the hole, covered in wounds, is a mouse sized Siv. Still a troll, just in minature

She makes a concerted effort not to laugh at mini-Siv. She clears her throat. "I take it you took the fight to the enemy?"

Then she really registers the wounds. "Wait, hold still...." She reaches a finger out and taps Siv right between the horns (once, twice, thrice) to serve out a Heatherbalm.

"I did I... ow.. my noggin" But the healing takes "Thank you. " She starts to grow...

Mackerel huffs. She was so torn about this whole thing

"Oh...ah..." A hesitation. "Before you get too big again...we're going to need to get the dead out, or they'll smell awful as they decompose."

"Shit.. second.. recasting"
And again she shrinks "I want a HOT shower after this"

"You've more than earned it."

It takes about ten minutes, but a total of 12 mice are dragged out , some of them babies "Do NOT tell Dagmarr about the young ones. She'd glare for weeks"

"Agreed." She gathers up the bodies in a paper bag.

And Siv says "Can I grow now? I think that's the last one"

"I'm belatedly wondering whether I should have invited Eden...but I'm not sure her tastes run in that direction. Siv, thank you."

"Yes, yes, of course!" She moves back to give Siv room.

Siv grows "Oh Eden? Darn, should have thought of her"

Kerri gets up off the floor, the paper bag of death held closed.

"Excuse me while I go get these buried, unless you'd like to join me?"

Mackerel glarres at siv.

"Yes, I'm a scab. " Siv tells her cat , then a look to Kerri "Oh sure, might speed it up"

Kerri notes the look. "You don't appreciate the help?" she asks Mackerel as she heads out.

"She almost tried to chase me. I ggave a yelling at her" She follows

"Oh! That could have ended much worse."

The ground is hard, one would need the strength of a troll to bury them... oh wait

The soil is hard, but not yet completely frozen, so it doesn't take too long for the burial to be completed.

She turns to Siv once it's done. "So I take it you're eager to have your cat back."

"Actually how do you feel about having her live here at least a few days of the week? Just to scare off any more warmth seeking rodents?"

"I absolutely love that notion. Mackerel? You're fine with that?"

"Mrow.." Rubbing between Kerri's legs . She's been cheated of a meal

"ooo you traitor" but Siv smiles

A laugh. "No, she's right, she was told there would be snacks. Come...some sardines for her, and some for you as well unless you'd like a different treat?"

And she leads the way back into the kitchen for some handwashing and then some celebratory snack-time.

And Siv? Siv would hug Kerri, but first? Hot shower!

(Fade to fed feline)