#rivervale_lodge

"Thanks" He says and leaves her be

Only to have Olgar show up by the porch and take a spot

"Hi Uncle Olgar. Did you have a good vacation?"

"Pretty good. Not all I expected but nice"

"We had a bit of a drama, but that's for the wife to tell"

"You guys ok?" respectful concern.

"Yeah, we're fine now. Touch and go for a bit but your Aunt Kerri may not be a warrior in the traditional sense but she's often the smartest person in the room, and if pushed, the meanest. Me? Hell, nothing in crete compares to stuff I've seen out in the Deep Dreaming"

Jessica sits with this a moment, then says "So... more like an attack or a kind of combat. You guys against something else." she hazards.

"That wasn't as big a part than ... ah, Kerri will be irked if I steal her thunder on this. She rarely gets a good boast, not that she pretends to enjoy it"

"No, that's fine. I'll wait for her to tell it." she says with an undertone of relief. "Good."

"I'm working on intensifying some trods. Might be able to construct a new one in Renaissance if you like?"

"Hm." Jess thinks about this "Raincheck? I'd like to take the idea home and talk to people about it."

"Sure. I may need some help establishing any fixed point from someone on your side if you do want it" A nod

"That's more than fair."

"Not always safe" He warns

She smiles. "I know, Uncle."

"Yeah yeah... " almost sheepish "Guess you do. You done good, Jessica. I hope you know that too. "

"Thank you." seriously "It means something to hear that from you."

"Well thats a compliment right back at me " He nods "I know the flattery makes you uncomfortable so I won't toot the horn anymore, but glad I said it. How are you doing? I mean, I know how your County is doing, but how are you? Good place on the inside?"

She thinks about that too, and nods. "Yes."

A nod "Good." And he looks out on the porch view with her for a time

It's the same ole view; the same ole blessed, regular, welcome view.

And it's beautiful. Olgar knows the Silver, he's seen wonders and horrors galore, but maybe it's the fact he's a grump/greybeard, but he finds himself far more content on the porch, for a time

Porch-time is good.

A dog comees out, maybe one she doesn't recognize, and sits down by Olgar's side. Olgar gives him a stroke

Echo is happy and wags

Jess glances over.

"That's Echo, he's my dog. Working dog mind you. I'm teaching him the Silver"

Echo wags

"Hello Echo." she offers her hand.

Echo offers his paw

"He thinks you want to shake"

She shakes.

"Ah, you little suck up" He pats the dog even as he says that and his tone is warm "I'm afraid I got a seelie dog"

"Takes all sorts." Jess observes.

"Story of my life" fondly though

Echo stays loyally by.

"Good boy." Jess approves.

Wag

"Yeah, dumb animal would walk through fire if I asked him to"

After a long moment. "Not just him."

"Mmmph . Some folks got better wiser things to do than follow my orders to do something crazy." a smile though

clearly flattered by the comment

"Some do, sure."

"mm" A nod "I'm told you got to spar with your family today. How'd you do if you don't mind me asking?"

"It went well. Pretty much even, but we all learned something."

"Even?" Surprised and impressed "Huh. You girls really have gotten better.. not that you were ever bad. Just your dad is a brawler when he wants to be, and your mom, well, you know there's a reason she's a legend. Pretty much even is... woo. "

"Heck, don't tell Siv this, but some days I worry one of you will break her" a chuckle

"Break mom?" she looks over.

"No, Siv. "