#rivervale_lodge

"It just seemed to make sense" She blushes

"It does. I hope I can convince him that it makes sense."

A weak smile "Since it established I am allowed to be scared? Better you than me"

A brow. "Oh, really? Now, about those fitted sheets...." The lesson commences.

"Oh yes, Sorry Hearth"

A put-upon hmph...but then a wink to show she doesn't mean it.

A smile, and Alisa gets to work, she asks "How did you get so wise?"

"Wise? Me?" A shrug. "Years and years of practice, I suppose."

"Rover Olgar says you're the smartest woman around, because among other things you said 'yes'" a bit of humor in her eyes

A chuckle as another sheet gets folded between the two of them. "Rover Olgar has opinions. And he said 'yes' just as much as I did."

"So he was the wisest MAN around" A nod

"I'm sure he wouldn't disagree." Bemused.

"He does not seem overburdened by modesty" A nod "but he's likable. He's offered to teach me more of trods when I'm sained"

"Does that sound like something you'd like to learn?"

"I think it would be useful. And I just want to be sained" A sigh "months to go"

A grin. There hasn't been a wilder yet who hasn't sung that tune.

"It is taking forever" She says sagely "I checked" Quite seirous

"Oh? How did you check, exactly?" Definitely amused.

"A precise measurement of my snowballing frustration on a slide grade coeffeicient. It's science" Deadpan. She's been learning from trolls

"Of course, of course. Mind you, you might want to do some more research into the subjective angle."

"Will it speed things up if I do?" Hopeful

"Probably not. But it might give you perspective. Have you had a chance to chat with any other local wilders?"

"Oh yes. Most are very kind" She nods "Only a few eye me because I'm sidhe and even then I don't blame them. My kith can be dangerous to know and not all of us kind"

"Mm." A very neutral sound. "Well, I'm glad you've met some kind peers. Have you asked any of them how they got through their time as fledges?"

"I have not" She admits "I suppose I shold but I fear the'll tell me they handled it with far more grace and comportment"

A brow. "Do you really think these kind people you've met would be so insensitive as that?"

"Not unkind just... factual?"

At that time, they hear a voice from the kitchen , Olgar "got the groceries you wanted"

"Oh, you should go.. i can handle the sheets"

"Thank you, Alisa." She leaves the girl to work on the task with apparent confidence that it will be done well. In all likelihood, Olgar's going to get teased about some things he's been heard to say.

Ah he deserves it

(Fade to couple banter and groceries)

*********************************

Later, a quiet moment in the Lodge after Kerri has put away those well-folded sheets.

The Hearth is tidying up a few things, but the hall is already nicely tidied.

Frank comes in from patrol... toes his boots off and settles.

A deep cup of cider, a good dog..... nice.

"Frank, there you are." A grin, and she actually gets him the cider. "Good patrol?"

"Yes, thank you."

"The season's baking is coming along nicely. Tomorrow, apple pastries."

"Ooo. That is to say.... As it should be." But he loves apple pastries.

Connor is sacked out on a couch, and one of his legs twitches, like a dreaming puppy. "Apple dapples." He mutters, belly full of apples sneaked and gobbled fresh from the trees, along the way during the apple picking.

Kerri goes over and drapes a blanket over the boy.

Then she gets herself a mug of cider and takes a seat near Frank. "Vali was in earlier. He's very excited; a new Beaumayne sained at SilverWolf."

"Mm. Good."

She nods and sips. "He's also agreed to be the boy's mentor in the ways of their House."

"Of course."

"You've been a House mentor for Liam. Was it difficult?"

"Kerri, what are you asking?" Gently.

A blink, and an embarrassed grimace. "I guess that approach mostly works with wilders." A sip. "Frank, Vali's taken on more than he can manage, in my opinion. In his opinion, too, and his wife's. I was hoping you'd be willing to...help."