#rivervale_lodge

Tiffany munches popcorn while she bounces Theon on her knee, observing the show to come.

"So you see, Kerri," Vali explains with a voice oh so reasonable "As it involves inventory for the Barony, supplies and resources, the chronicling and the paperwork for the upcoming census falls to the Hearth, not the Mountain"

Kerri frowns. "I though they were inventorying chimera. As in, the creature variety."

"They are, and some of them provide meat supplies if hunted, others can be domesticated. And so on, much like a Hearth would be required to account for livestock. Because you're the expert in resources, Hearth Kerri. Everyone respects that about you." he says

Munch goes the popcorn, Tiffany looking back and forth

She purses her lips a moment before saying, "I see. This wouldn't have anything to do with you trying to get out of a job, would it?"

"Whatever gave you that idea?" He says looking juuust a bit hurt, "I'm just trying to hold true to the traditions of troll lodges and respecting the old ways of our roles and positions. And you ARE one of the best when it comes to these sorts of things."

Tiffany offers some of the popcorn to Kerri while she considers an answer

Kerri's expression is a little sour as she accepts a few kernels of popcorn. "Vali, you don't need to flatter or scam me. I'll do my share of the work. But you have a role in this, too."

"Have you seen the formal list of items they're looking for?"

"I prefer the words praise and entice," He says "Sounds more dignified on my part. And... what do you think my role is in this?" He takes some popcorn too, "As for the formal list... yeah"

"So...I already keep a pretty thorough inventory of resources that are specifically Lodge-related. I can coordinate with Sylvi and AnneMarie to get lists of their resources, and I'm happy to do that. But I think it would make sense for you to gather the information on the people and critters, don't you?"

She eats the popcorn, but doesn't seem to be enjoying it or the discussion much.

"I concede a lot of that, but Mountain duty isn't that much about social interaction, which honestly, I'm a lovable guy, but I don't pretend to have your people skills. You also keep good records on what we have, and what we don't. I've seen you use it to bring total strangers up to speed."

"As for the critters, you manage dog food supplies with a lot of attention I've noticed?"

Munch goes Tiffany

"Mountain duty is about the history and the magics associated with a Lodge. Fae and chimerae fall under those categories pretty smoothly."

"And it's summer, Mountain. You have a little more time to compile a list."

"Oh you'd THINK so, let me tell you, the school system here seems to think my summer consists of paperwork and prep for next year. They're pushing texts books on me that are crap so some corporation cane make more money and give a kick back to the administration... The school board has a stock holder member in it" He grouses

"That, Mountain, doesn't mean you don't do your share. And I seem to recall that Dagmar has agreed to assist with these efforts, so I imagine she'd be willing to help you. Within reason."

Tiffany interjects to her husband"Yes dear, and that's totally KERRI'S problem to help with because she has so much pull in stocks and the business world...and Chimera are made of wheat snacks. " Then she looks to Kerri, and says "You helped buy us more time and I bite the hand that feeds but I do hope to see him... but he does work harder than a sled pulling team in rocky terrain" Exagerating "Maybe as a concerned parent you could complain to the school board about waste?"

"Well, I'll see what I can do about that," she says to Tiffany, "and I certainly want you to have time to see him. I'm hoping that we can get this all done in less than a week."

Vali looks vexed, but then nods to his wife, and then to Kerri, "Okay. I DO do my share. We just disagree on what my share is. But you're right. Chimera do techhnically fall under spiritaul things from a certain point of view. Paperwork does look to be a nightmare though. Any suggestions on streamling that?"

"Well...." She considers, and then a slight grin. "I suppose we could recruit some of the wilders. AnneMarie could certainly sign off on it being community service hours for anybody looking for scholarships."

"I don't know how much time SallyMae has available, but we can ask her."

A sigh and she shakes her head. "I just don't like this."

"I don't either, it stinks of higher up games" He nods sympathetic, then says "And good idea about credit! " mmm "Wonder if Jonaas would help when he gets b ack"

"Jonas? I don't really see him as the paperwork type, but maybe?"

"Oh no, but he knows the wilds"

"I just don't know what decrees they're going to make about things belonging to the County, not the Barony, and what they're going to just claim by fiat...." Her eyes suddenly go wide. "Oh, hell. The Cauldron."

"And he did do paperwork for Anne Marie" A thought "The Cauldron?"

"Oh no" he says

"Right, right," she says absently about paperwork, but her thoughts are on the item in the kitchen. "If you were a Countess, would you snatch that up for yourself?"

"Or, a Count, in your case."

"I can't see anyone NOT wanting that treasure" He admits

Then a smirk "Ah, speaking of scamming?"

A troubled frown. "I can't lie in this report, Vali."

"Why not simply list EVERY single pot, pan , spoon, etc... mundane or otherwise, and slip it somewwhere in the middle of that boring list?"

"No dishonesty there"

"Besides, the priority is on chimerical creatures"

A blink. "I...I could do that. Maybe." A pause. "I should run it past the Chieftain."

"Sensible" he nods and thinks "Look, if I may? I know court politics, and you're right this reeks of it, but if there is anything I can do to help there, let me know. Or borrow Squire Valter. He knows court stuff too"

She sighs. "I should know more about it than I do, but I'm out of practice."

"You try to avoid it, and given 'Candy Court' I don't blame you"

A nod. "Well...okay. We have a plan. We'll turn to our respective resources to make sure this gets all done. When's it due, do you know?"

"Fortunately the schedule is flexible so far" He says , "We have to have everything done by (Insert nebulous date depending on RL intrusion here)"

"That should be plenty of time. Which means it won't be, but we'll do a bit each day. It'll get done," she says confidently. "You and I should check in often."

"Sure, " He says "Tiffany can bring the popcorn"

Tiff grins and wags "See, I knew you two would see things my way"

A wry chuckle. "It's a deal."