#rivervale_lodge

"I can see your concern there, but I bet if they know you're coming ahead of time, they'd love to have you come down. You'd have to be sensitive to things like class schedules and the need to study and so forth," she points out.

"Well, if when I visit I snatch some of Sylvi, Dagmar or Symon's favorite snacks to bring along I bet I get welcome even more?" hopeful glance

A laugh! "Oh, I see! Yes, of course, I can put a basket together. Any specific requests?"

"Well, you know better than I what they like. " Gerd grins

"Oh, yes, but I'm wondering if there's anything you'd like me to include for you."

"I'm fine" She shakes her head "You know i prefer to eat at home. It's a control haven for my condition"

Mind you, she refers to lodge as much as her Uncle's house

Kerri accepts that with an easy nod. "That makes good sense. All right, come join me in the kitchen as I put the basket together."

She leads the way.

She follows

Kerri moves easily around the kitchen, beginning to put together a 'diplomatic offering' for Gerd to bring to the foreign lands of Rutgers. "So, how are things at home, Gerd?"

"Uncle Vali's better now that he's getting some time for living. Which means Tiffany is happier. Which means everyone is happier. Theo's a dear, regardless. Easy going kid. For awhile it was tense. " She ponders

"I'm so glad it's eased up a bit." She regards Gerd's pensive expression, and gives her a look inviting her to share what she's thinking.

"I love the kid, but sometimes I resent babysitting so much." She admits, "And I feel like a jerk. I mean, I LOVE being a big sister to Connor. I'm blood kin to Theon, but I ... feel like a jerk not enjoying him as much?"

"Well, I don't think you have to feel like a jerk about it, but...why do you think it is that you don't enjoy being in charge of him?"

"I guess he's not really talking yet , he's so ..somber, compared to Connor too."

"He does laugh, though, now and then."

"Doesn't he?"

"Oh sure, Vali blows on his belly and he breaks out. Tiffany throws him around he giggles." A sigh "I try it, nada"

Kerri stops. "That's odd. Have you mentioned this to Vali and Tiffany?"

"they have enough on thier plate , they only now just got time as a happy couple again. I just.. is it possible for a kid that young to dislike you?"

Kerri closes the top of the well-stocked basket. "Normally, I'd say no. And...don't mistake quietness for dislike. But maybe there's something else going on there."

"A past life? Maybe he and I were enemies in a past life? IF he's a changeling to be" She looks troubled

"Or...maybe not enemies. Maybe he feels responsible for you? That he has a duty to uphold?"

"wait, what?" She blinks "That's nuts. I'm a troll. "

"So? Maybe he is, too."

"And it's possible that it's something to do more with Vegard than with you."

"Maybe" She says, a brow knit "or he's a pooka and this is some early years prank"

Kerri grins. "That's a heck of a long con."

"No kidding" but a slight smile "I like Pooka"

"Oh, I think I had a hint of that," Kerri says with a wink. "Whatever is going on with Theon, try not to take it personally. He might need something from you that's different than what he needs from his parents. Work with him as best you can, and try not to get frustrated."

"I guess, but my 'I'm good babysiter' cred is dropping around him" She looks to Kerri "Can I tell you something fun?"

"Your cred is safe with me, I know you've got babysitter skills." Then a grin. "I think the phrase is, 'spill the tea'?"

"Well," A wicked look, "As of this month, I am officially, at least as a troll, taller than Siv. And she just realized it. It's driving her crazy. I know it's bad, but I've offered to reach things on a top shelf for her on purpose when she's in the kitchen."

"Ohhh, mischief. Well, a bit of teasing is good for her. And congrats on the new height!"

"Thanks! It's silly to focus on it now, but I was worried I'd be the short one. Siv's fearless, she can take it. I've got a therapist. Best it doesn't happen to me" Innocent look "Right?"

"Being short? Absolutely nothing wrong with that." A curious look. "The therapy is helping, right?"

"Has been for years" She nods "And my therapist is only seeing me once every two months now. " A pause "I should stop going."

"It costs Uncle Vali money he doesn't need to be spending" SHe says "I never realized how much he probablhy spends"

"Once every two months?" She nods. "Well, if you're thinking about stopping, tell your therapist first. Talk it through, see whether you both think it's the right time. But I think that you shouldn't feel guilty about going. Your well-being matters, and it's good for more than just you. We all want to see you enjoying life as much as you can, so I'm sure Vali doesn't begrudge you the cost of appointments."

A grin. "And we want to enjoy you, which is easier when you're here and healthy and whole."

"You just won yourself help with sweeping the floor" She grabs a broom "I got this. Get yourself a seat, or go pester your husband. I think he's outside with his dog"

A chuckle, and she sets aside the dishcloth she'd been holding, giving Gerd a salute. "Yes, ma'am, right away, ma'am!"

And Kerri heads out to visit with Olgar and Echo.

And Gerd feeling warm , fuzzy, and loved, gets sweeping

(End Scene)