#rivervale_lodge

Kerri finds Kourtney a gem of an assistant. Of course, Sally Mae looks a bit wistful. She is better than Kourtney in many ways at Hearthing (Though really cooking is a tie) but will never be a hearth. she's happy for Kourtney but it is bitter sweet

Of course, it's not like Kerri is overlooking Sally Mae in favor of Kourtney. There's plenty for everybody to do on a daily basis. But she does understand the outsider-ness SallyMae must be feeling.

Sally Mae notices and shoots her grateful looks while supporting Kourtney.

Kerri does keep sending Kourtney out on shopping errands, but also keeps watch on her glamour levels. Don't want to put her at risk of draining herself if she has a bad run-in.

Brogan, Squire, huffs a bit. He missed the Ronin challenge and finds himself on the side too. "you realize she's learning our recipies?"

"She's a DeBuke. I don't begrudge them that. Good food is just another form of outreach and trade."

"Of course, if either of you want to think up an additional chore or challenge you think she needs to complete...." A hint of amusement in her eyes. Mind, she says this at a time while Kourtney is out and away.

Brogan's eyes light up boyishly "Just a challenge, nothing vengeful, honest"

"Let's hear it." Apparently, she expects to have all such challenges cleared through her, first. "I don't know if she'll agree that you have the right to issue a challenge yourself."

"I was thinking of something somewhat self serving... she has to be judged by childlings, five childlings, five cakes. I arrange it, so by her victory I get glory, by her loss, I get chuckles" the boy says then as if to remind "We nobles are shallow at times"

A brow. "I hadn't noticed," she says dryly. "And what would she get out of it?"

"A chance to be the cake queen, of course" he says "Connor could make her a crown. "

He is still a kid, apparently kid logic dictates this SHOULD work

"Well...how about you offer her that challenge. I'm not going to insist that she take it." Then a curious look. "Is she supposed to be competing against anybody?"

"She has to get top marks from each childling, if any of us rate a cake a 7 or below it counts as a loss for that cake. If she gets 3 of five to rank it 8 or higher, she wins" He says

Kerri nods. "And childlings get cake," she points out, bemused.

"No vengeance for tummy aches," she points out.

He nods "Okay, I guess that's fair. We DID do it to ourselves .. kinda" A smile "Thanks, my liege. I think besides the tummy aches, this is the definition of a win win"

"It sounds like it," she agrees. "But remember, she has to agree to it. I'm not directing her to do it."

"I know, not on your authority." A consideration "yes, that will be fine. " Thoughtful "yes. I can work with this"

A blink. "If there's something ulterior, tell me now."

He gives his best innocence look "Ulterior? me?"

"A-HEM." A steady look.

A blush "Jack was asking for cakes the other day. He wanted one for himself. I told him that wouldn't be fair to give him a cake just to himself so I'd have to make one for every kid. He said if i would I could have one of his 'Heroes of The Dream' trading cards. I told him I'd see If I could get some made." A blush "And I figure if I tell Kourtney how impressed you'd be by her taking this challenge, she'd do it even if you didn't ORDER it."

Kerri listens, and considers...and nods. "I see no harm nor foul here. Carry on," she adds with a grin.

"THanks!" He chirps happily "He's got this one card I reaally want" ANd off the squire bounds to make preperations for his plot..err request

Sally Mae , pretending not to have listened in while she worked, smiles once he's gone"Little dickens"

"He's a schemer, all right. Should start calling him the Artful Dodger."

"I was thinking Tom Sawyer, going to have a picket fence white washed by committee" Sally Mae chuckles Then gentling "Thank you for the soft treatment, but Kourtney will make a fine Hearth. I'll be okay. "

"She will," Kerri agrees. "And you'll be more than okay. You're going to be able to do things many of us could never do. You've got a strength to do what we can't risk easily."

"Well, a few years ago I'd have never believed you," She admits "But nothing like buying a changeling's property and forcing him to an apology to make a kinain feel she's got her own ways and means to make it" A bit smug "Repay all debts works for me too. ANd I... I do love Carowyn and the family maybe twitchy but they'll cope"

"They will. And yes...you're navigating both worlds splendidly."

Sally Mae smiles at that "Thanks. I'll get some cake pans ready" A wink

And all is well

(End for now)