#rivervale_lodge

The booze shirveled the bits, but good to get them out manulally so they don't inflame

"What he believes in can be broadened by taking some more opportunities," she points out, then says, "Drink!" as she goes after a stubborn bit.

"I will not disgrace myself, no. I am not an object to be pittied nor some lickspilttle.." he drinks "And okay"

"No, you are not. So...what do you believe in?" she asks as she works, adding "Drink!"

"I will serve here though. Your Chieftain, impressive woman. Not just for her legend, but the area, it should be..." he drinks "Okay. All concrete... but she has made it more garden like, no one talks of that. I believe in ... I believe I was put on this world to be a shield and guardian, I am sure most trolls do. I cannot save the world... but I can save my own and those that have put their trust in me. That which I care about, my passions, are also my duty. He who brings war to me, I will defend myself and see if he reconsiders, he who brings war to the weak and mild in my charge? Him I will offer little quarter to. The Code demands I accept an honorable surrender, but how honorable can an offer of surrender from a bully who goes after the weak be? One comes after me, I use what force is required to save myself. If they come after... one who trusts me to protect, who needs my strength, then I have no shame in breaking an arm so they cannot do so again as soon as I have left my charge for food or sleep. War is not play, war is war, and those who bring it should be made aware of how serious it is"

"Oh dear," Eir Frey says "He's being honest. I think the booze has nestled in."

Kerri gives a bit of a wolfish smile as she finishes up. "You really need to go drinking with my husband," she says to Squire Valter.

"Eir Frey, I think we're done. Do you want to double-check?"

She's found her glasses, littlle bifocals and looks "Oh my, clean as a whistle. Swelling will go down without any trouble"

"Good. Please give that cookie there to Squire Valter. Squire Valter...Eat."

"Your husband's a rover, hono.. honorable trade" He takes the cookie, raises it 'Okay" And eats it

Eir Frey fights a smile at that

She explains (if Eir Frey doesn't already know), "I bake Heather Balm directly into those cookies. They're handy for people to take along. This batch is getting a bit old, though, so might as well finish them up."

"A bit stale" drunken honesty "But the wound is small so good"

"Finish it all," Kerri says, watching the wound.

The wound is small, and cleaned, so it soon reknits and there's barely a scar

"Yes, your HeaRthness..." The troll looks tempted to say more but isn't THAT drunk

"There we go." She tidies up, disposes of the moss and debris carefully.

And taking the wiskey and shot glass away, gets Squire Valter a large glass of water. "Drink."

He drinks, then blinks "Okay.." Less enthused but nodding and he hands it back "I must... return to patrol" he stands, holding steady but by the way his eyes move the room maybe spinning a bit

"Nope. You're off-duty for an hour. Plant yourself near the balefire, please."

She doesn't offer a cot. That would be degrading, to be on a cot in the middle of the day.

He finds a bench and plops on it "As.. .you command, Hearth. But I won't shirk.." He does position and... actually goes to sleep, head on the table

"He's kind of adorable like this" Eir Frey says, then looks to Kerri "Young woman, I thought you folks would need a healer, but I worry I'm redundant"

"He is, I have to agree. And redundant? Not at all! You just taught me how to deal with a new problem. I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do -- I hadn't considered moss and alcohol. Clever!"

"Well, that was a matter of herbal studies, that young Jack Flap is going to outdo me there one day mark my words and I dare say Myrttle is already my equal, but maybe I'm useful" A chuckle "I've been hoping to talk to you more regularly actually. I'm more of a healer than a cook but with the right glasses on I can still sew or quilt. Is there anything I can help with here with those skils?"

"Oh, there are always going to be times where we need all of those skills. And I have to confess that I've never been particularly good at sewing. I can do a practical repair, maybe the occasional lumpy throw pillow. I wonder if you'd be willing to teach me to do a bit more?"

"I'd be delighted" She says "It's harder we trolls, our fingers are large by default even when they are slender, but it worked around with patience. My eyes will eventually go on me entirely so it's good to pass it on. Especially in this day and age, it saves you a fortune. I knew one little girl who got teased for not having designer jeans, which were the same as regular mind you, poverty shaming.. old as time... I helped stitch designs into them. Worked wonderfully, and in time the girl learneed how foolish folks are who don't look twice can be"

"That's lovely. I'd love to learn that." She looks at her large fingertips. "Though I suppose it'll be a learning curve. What do I need to get?"

"Well, not a thing really, I have supplies"

"I do have some mending to do...."

She smiles "Be happy to share. If you like it, then you can buy some for yourself"

Soon, the senior trollizen is talking to the hearth about who makes the best sewing gear in her opinion and what a good starter set would be.

(End Scene)

Dagmar has been... scarce.

So when she enters the lodge after an afternoon with the horses, she's not exactly looking for company.

She is, however, looking for snacks.

And thus it is that she finds Kerri in the kitchen, wiping down countertops. "Dagmar." A grin. "Come on in. Hungry?"

"Oh. Hey."

"A snack would be nice?"

"You got it." And soon enough, a plate of danishes and a Dr. Pepper are on the table in front of her.

She's wearing a Scarlet Knights hoodie. "Ooo, the cheese ones are the best."

She sits with her plate, but picks at it instead of eating.

"I know you like those." She notes the hoodie. "Have you started practice at Rutgers?"

"We had this whole intensive pre-camp. But I don't need to be back until Friday for the last part of Freshman Orientation."

"There's a satyr on the team. She does a couple things."

"Mostly jumping, which I guess makes sense. Fast as hell on hurdles, too."

"You guys are good teammates? Or are you competing against each other?"

"We don't do the same things, so nah, no competition. I'm focused on throwing." A pause. "I'm gonna miss basketball."

"Not that I regret picking track and field, but... you know? It's different."