#rivervale_lodge

"Where the Storm returns after the battle is spent," Kourtney says "Where the Mountain rests safely after plumbing the secrets of heritage and magic alike. The home is lost, it can all break down. Hearth shields home, home shields.. everyone"

"Hear hear." Frank rumbles.

A solemn nod to Kourtney. "Well said."

"Thanks" Kourtney blushes "I'll go shop now. enjoy the left overs folks"

"My cell number is in there behind the card, if you need help."

"Yes, Hearth" She gives a troll salute and departs

Gerd watches her go "She's a cool friend" and then adds "She's really been unsure she could ddo this"

Kerri watches her go, then says to Gerd, "Well, a little uncertainty is healthy, but she's well on her way to being a fine Hearth. Further along than I was when I started here."

"I'd like to hear about that sometime" Gerd smiles

"Ohhh...probably the Old Man could clue you in more accurately than I could. But sure, we can talk about it sometime."

"Now..." She starts tidying up the dishes. "Let me get this all cleaned up."

"Oh, you should have had your new assistant do it" Gerd helps

"Assistant, not slave. I'm still perfectly capable and obligated to do my own work, thanks." A wink to Gerd.

"I enjoyed the meal; let me do the clean up." Frank stands and goes to take the dishes.

"Also valid to accept volunteers," she says, stepping back from the dishes with her hands up.

"I'll dry?" She offers to Frank

"Done." Frank gets the water and soap going.

A chuckle. "Okay, you two. Thank you for that. Gives me a little more time to get the laundry folded." And she goes to get to work on that.

And Gerd grabs a towel "Welcome, hearth. Thanks for being cool about the challenge"

"It was fun!" Kerri assures her.

As Kerri heads out, Gerd looks to Frank "We're really blessed to have Kerri"

"We are." he rumbles.

And the two work together in companionable silence

(End Scene)