#rivervale_lodge

Lovecraft finds.. no sign of Dagmar. mmph

*********

KErri gets word, they'll have a guest. Frank is bringing one in.

She makes sure the current census paperwork is safely put away, and makes sure the coffee mugs are supplied and pastries are set out.

Vali , true to his word, has been doing his share.

Kerri never doubted he would, really.

Regardless, the census is one of the few tasks she actively dislikes, but it's getting done.

Gerd comes in "Hearth? All well?"

"Gerd! Yes, well enough. Frank's bringing in a guest. But how about you?"

"Siv did it!" she blurts

Happily

That brings a smile. "That's a relief. Everything's settled? No more obligation?"

"No more... uhm mind you, I think Siv commited theft, but as I was scammed I don't feel too guilty about that. Something else was found, she took it to Baron K and.." A look around "Do you need help?"

"Well, actually, yes. You've heard about this census we have to complete," she says a bit sourly.

"Yup. Uncle Vali think some Nobles are dragging Count Hemlock into something, maybe all of Gardens"

"It's certainly an indication of something deeper. So if they want information, they're going to have to work for it. Would you be willing to itemize the tea inventory? In detail?"

"Detailed I... "A smile "Oh. I get it. I DO love my tea. Must give them every bit of detail I can on it"

"I would be deeply grateful if you would do exactly that," Kerri says, her smile conspiratorial.

"On it" She gets to work and adds "Hearth. I am Emmisary. So if you want a go between for any purpose technically it could be just part of my duty. "

"I plan on it, now that you've got less weight on your shoulders."

"I do" She nods "A lot less. "

"And when you're there, I trust you'll keep your ears open."

"I've learned listening from one of the best " She says as she looks over her checklist

A chuckle as she adds to the list: Plates -- 1 dozen 10-inch ceramic (hand made) with geometric border detail; 1 dozen 6-inch ceramic (hand made) with geometric border detail)...

"Hey, you seen Sylvi recently? I do want to explain things to her. She deserves to know what she flirted for"

"Flirted? I knew she was involved somehow...." She seems about to say more, but instead just looks interested in what Gerd's going to offer.

"Well, flirted is perhaps unfair. Distracted"

"Yes...?"

"There was a guard, from what Siv told me. A guy. Nice eyes. Sylvi made him show up late, so Siv could wear his form"

"...by flirting."

"AH, Hearth? Maybe I shouldn't have said that. You sound a little judgey, no offense. It would hurt Sylvi's feelings if you made it seem..cheap?"

She sighs. "I'm sorry, Gerd. I just...Olgar and I tried to raise Sylvi to be strong and smart as well as body positive. It's a little frustrating to think of her playing the femme fatale in some scheme."

Kerri doesn't seem to be aware of a number of Sylvi's adventures, especially those involving stiletto heels.

Which is probably for the best.

Gerd says "She IS strong and smart. Beauty is a tool her brains put to work when it's for a good cause, but she stands like a rock against things that would break some girl who was only looks. Trust me. I was NOT body positive for awhile, but Sylvi showed me I could be without losing my dignity"

"Or acting like a bimbo" A nod

Gerd doesn't mention that Sylvi can indeed femme fatale with the best of them. Either her mom knows already, or she doesn't need to

"Well, I'm hoping whatever form the distraction took, it wasn't bimbo-ish."

"Every woman has to find her own definition for that I suppose. " with the righteous confidence of a young wilder. Too young to know the true risks despite past life help. She's not wrong, but Gerd is likely oversimplyfing "But you and Olgar done good. She's a natural leader. And if she did play a part normally beneath her for MY sake, that just makes my debt to her greater, doesn't it?"

A look that is simultaneously skeptical and amused. "Interesting argument. Noted."

The crunch of boots on the gravel path leading up from the parking lot.

"Ah, that must be Frank and company."

"Thanks. Working on that diplomatic stuff " She says "oh. I thought i heard Oak Bark"

Kerri heads out of the kitchen to meet them as they come in the door.

Frank swings the door open and carefully toes off his boots as he glances around the room.

Bill E might be mistaken for a satyr at first, but a second glance will confirm a goat pooka. He wiped his feet/hooves before coming in

"THank you ever so much for the lift, I'll give you a five star review on Yelp for this"

"Welcome back, Frank," Kerri says. "The Chieftain's on patrol." She looks to Bill E and nods. "Welcome to Rivervale. I'm Kerri, Hearth of the Lodge."

"Please, help yourself to some food. Would you prefer coffee or something else?"

"Oh I never say know to a nice tin can but in lou of that a sandhich and cofee would be welcome. Ah, tell me where to park it and I'll curl up promptly"