#rivervale_lodge

"Just being a troll doesn't mean you can't ever get help from your friends."

"That's what the Baroness says" Squirm

"Well, maybe she's right."

"You like helping your friends, right?"

Gerd says "When I was younger, I hid some pain and problems from good friends. It was easier when I shared" A nod to Dagmar

"I do" The childlings nods "It makes me feel good"

"So, don't you think it makes your friends feel good when they can help you?"

"Well," A long thought "MAAAYBE"

not wanting to give that full admission

"Think about it."

"I will" She says "Oh, and I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do all the talking"

"It's fine, kiddo."

A smile at that

"I learned a lot listening" Eir Frey nods along "You folks are generous. I hope if you need healers you let me help there. It's what I'm good at"

"...Do you know Primal, or Spring?"

"Spring" A nod "I can brew an herbal tea that will have folks jumping"

"Chief - Brekke, she's also the Storm - and Hearth Kerri, who you met, are both Heatherbalmers. Sylvi uses spring."

"I know some primal, but not enough to heal."

"Hup, Pup, Hup, Pup, Hup Hup Hup!" Singing a marching chant to himself, as Connor approaches the freehold.

Ashblythe goes instantly attentive

"Company, HALT! Back in line, Soldier!" Yet, only one set of footsteps heard.

"What's that? The chow bell? Alright then - DISMISSED!"
"Yippee!"

"They hide their numbers well" The blue childling strains to hear the others

The door opens, there is only one boy there, and he closes it after him, pausing to wipe his feet. "Oh! Dagmar! We have pests?"

"Connor! There's treats! And new folks."

"That's what I said! Guests!"

He leans around his knight, tail wagging, and gazes at the newcomers - then stops his gaze on Ashblythe.

"...Wow."

"Guests. This is Eir Frey, Happy and Ashblythe. They're from Texas, Gerd brought them."

The girl feels ugy again at the wow and covers her face

He moves over to Ashblythe, circling her a few times. "Wowie wow wow. I've never seen a girl like you. You know what I mean?"

"You're so..."

"So...."

His tone clearly admiring, "STRONG."

"I know I'm ug..." A stop "Huh?"

He NODS. "Lane has powerful hooves, and Lily can squish through anything, Kassidy is learning how to be a pirate... but none of them have shoulders that look like you can pick up ALL the groceries in one GO!"

"Well, I CAN... don't you have any childling girl trolls?" Ashbltye says

"You're like Dagmar." Admiring. "And she's the strongest Troll lady in the world. AND -my- Knight!"

A smile at that.

Then, he laughs! Oh no, is he laughing at her?

"Did you know you have a purple ribbon in your hair? That's silly. You're from Shiny Sands, everyone knows their colors are blue an' silver' and feather. Wait, is feather a color? (he GASPS) DID SOMEONE COLOR MISS DERRYFAIRY PURPLE?"

PROUD look from Gerd to Dagmar ("Your squire, my brother")

Dagmar puffs up a little too. ("Good kid.")

"Oh, that's Irene's doing she .. likes purple. " smile that makes her look a little more pleasant

"Wait" Ashblthe says "You're Connor, the secret leader of the shadowpaw" A chin jut "Are you being nice for some machination? SOme.. subter fugey? "

A puzzled look. And a bit of an accusatory glance around the room. "There is no shadowpaw!" He announces over loudly. "It is all a hoax!"

She holds up her hands, palms out in an 'innocent' gesture.

"Why, if there was such a thing, they'd have been rooted out by now, surely."

"Mmmph' the Childling crosses her arms "I will break no law of Rivervale, but I have my eye on you, Squire. And your 'Secret' I would use air quotes with my fingers but my hands are crossed about myself to show my on guardness. .. your secret society is now under scrutiny. If you are a force of evil fooling this good knight, I will learn of it; And if you are nice.. well, then I will uhm.. protect you so your good work can continue while I'm here"

Then a firm nod

Gerd sips her tea to hide any smile