#rivervale_lodge

Kerri knows only a few signs in ASL, so she relies heavily on others as interpreters. She turns to Hesso now and then to ask what Talare said.

Hesso translates 'she said the food was excellent and it's amazing Rover Olgar isn't fat '" He says , the humor of it easing his tension

Kerri's eyes twinkle a bit. "He burns it off," she says, giving her husband a wink. "Another helping for anybody?"

Talare gives a hand motion that she's pretty sure means yes

Yup, she knows that one, and puts some more food on Talare's plate.

Eulalie says "They eat like this all the time' She tells the others 'The Hearth here makes loads'

"Well, I like to make sure we can provide."

Hesso nods "No seconds for me. Need to stay lean and trim, so I don't get slow"

"Well, in that case, you can help me clear and wash," she says, recruiting Hesso as she stands.

"Oh... oh, yes, Hearth" he rises with his plate

She gives him a nod and gathers up some empty plates.

Hesso follows her gathering up others.

In the kitchen, she moves with ease and confidence, and she gives him clear directions for what she needs him to do. Soon she has him set up to wash as she dries.

He looks about often. Even here, he seems on guard. It's natural for trolls to be guardians, but the tension is almost contagious

Almost. But she makes a point of not giving in to it. "What do you think of the Rovers so far, Hesso?"

"It's the most important thing a troll can do" He says earnestly

A blink. "Oh? Really? Hm...I'll try not to feel insulted that my work is less important." She seems more amused than insulted, really.

"No disrespect meant. It's just , Rovers know that really no place is safe, and they guard the roads and ways and trods to save those who are most vulnerable"

"Oh, it's absolutely essential, and we'd all be in trouble with the Rovers!" She dries and puts another plate away. "But there's got to be life worth protecting, hasn't there? And it's just as important to do other work to make that worthwhile life happen."

"I...." He pauses then says "I guess?"

"Certainly," she says with confidence. "I can think of many non-Rovers we wouldn't want to live without. Not all warriors, either. Oh, sure, they can all fight when called to do so, but they have a wide range of skills."

"You know Eulalie. Has she told you about the Farm?"

"Everyone knows about the Farm, wel, every troll. But I don't want to be a farmer"

"I'm not suggesting you should. I'm just saying there are a lot of important and respectable roles for trolls. Rover is only one of them."

She puts away a platter. "That aside, though, what have you done so far with the Rovers? Anything interesting?"

"I didn't mean to offend" He says and grows more reserved, more guarded "Standard training" An answer more brief

"Oh, it takes a lot more than that to offend me," she assures him. "Do you get some down time?"

"I use it to practice"

A slight chuckle. "Doesn't sound like down time, then."

"Well, Eulalie and the others are stiff competition as it were" He says "Though Talare seems to be less competitive than some" A slight note of disapproval

"Competition?"

"Well, " He frwons "It's more serious than that. If Rover Olgar decides we're not up to it, he can suggest we not become rovers and his voice carries a lot of weight. No one wants to be sent away'

"Well, true...but there's a great deal of work to do on the trods. I don't think one needs to view it as a competition." She stacks some bowls. "Did you know any Rovers before now?"

"Before rover Olgar? Yes. One. "

"Oh? Who was it?" she asks lightly, putting the bowls in a cabinet.

"Hastien, from Brightwinds? " Naming Olgar's former trainee now in charge of the area near Sparrow's spot

"Oh, yes! I've met Hastien. He's a fine Rover. How did you meet him?"

"He saved me" A troubled look "After I..well, nevermind. He saves a lot of people"