#rivervale_lodge

The phone to Rivervale rings AGAIN

On the second ring, it's answered. "King and Davidson residence, Kerri speaking." The Hearth sounds just a little tired. It's been a busy day!

"Silverwolf sends it's regards, Hearth" Nadeen says, then more gently "And it sounds like a bad time on my part."

"Oh, Baroness Nadeen!" Her smile is clear in her voice. "No, not a bad time at all. How are you?"

"Oh, it's been hectic here. Smoke troubles. but we're hardly alone in enduring that . I got a call from Dame Anne Marie?"

A brief pause. "Please forgive me, we've been juggling a number of interesting issues lately, so I'm not sure which one Anne Marie would have called about."

"Some sons of adam and daughters of eve in need of job references so they can get a work visa? She wanted to know if I could assit them in our area"

"Oh, lovely! Yes, Dame Dagmar rescued a truck-full of trafficking victims, so we're trying to manage getting them settled."

"Well, I think I have three possible businesses willing to take at least 4 in. However I called you and not her because, well, I respect Dame Anne Marie, but she did play them up a bit. 'Hard working, talented, and so in need.' So on. I just wanted YOUR view on if she was perhaps overly gilding the lily?"

"Hmm...did she mention names? I've had a chance to speak with most of them at least a bit."

She gives the names, and what was said of them . Kerri can tell in some cases, a few liberties were taken, but not overly much. There's one fellow who was tempted to get sticky fingers but thought better of it thanks to Lily , perhaps that should be mentioned. However mostly the information is accurate.

"First, I want to make sure you know that I trust Anne Marie's judgment about what these people are capable of achieving, if they can only get a chance to get themselves established. I do think she's a bit optimistic about how quickly they might be able to do that, but they are certainly motivated to create real lives here. Admittedly, some of them are motivated to the point of desperation, and they're also dealing with trauma and their own responses to trauma. Those are things that might be helpful to keep in mind. And, Nadeen..." switching to less formal "...we would really appreciate anything that you or your people can do to support these victims. What happened to them isn't their fault."

A pause, then "is it true Dagmar was the one who... rescued them?"

"Yes, it's absolutely true. And completely in character for her, right?" A proud tone.

"Damn it" A sigh "Yes, it is. Fine. I'll take a chance on them. Dagmar would want me to. I'll call Dame Anne Marie and set it up." A beat "oh, odd question unrelated"

Kerri's pleased that friendship and loyalty are the deciding factor.

"Odd question? Fire away."

"Do you know any changelings in your area who might want to take a court position as a troubadour? "

A pause. "Well, that's a surprise question," she says, amused. "Troubadour. Hmm. Well, I think Sylvi might have better connections than I for that question." She's clearly running through the names in her mental rolodex.

"True, but Goldfinch seems to go for the less than courtly minded sorts. "

"That's very true. Hmm..."

After a pause... "Oh! Linwood might be interested. Do you know him?"

"The Centaur? Keyboardist I think? Mmm. Yes, he's agreeable. I may make the offer."

"Of course, if you manage to poach a resident of Rivervale, we may need some sort of compensation," Kerri points out.

An undertone of humor.

"I'll send you a cake?" wryly

"Also, Dame Gladiola will be visting some when the puppies are born to help with training"

"Well, I expect you'll be sending that cake to welcome the puppies," amused response.

"And of course Dame Gladiola would be welcome with our gratitude."

"I'm glad. Our Kennelmistress , and for that matter, my lord, are very particular on the training program. The love? I'm not worried about Rivervale has never been short of that. I hope everyone is well? Yourself included?"

"Well, it's been a bit chaotic as the summer started, but some issues have been worked out successfully. We're getting ready for the fourth, though Olgar's away on the silver...hopefully he'll be back in time to defend his honor at the grill."

"Oh goodness, I remember those duels, the stuff of legend, those grill battles. " fondly "I remember trying to figure out how to play which side for maximum effect. Took me forever to realize it didn't matter what I did really, it was all about the competition with them. At least it seemed... now , I'm going to miss that, but tell me, are you making those little pinwheel pastries again?"

"The competition is the thing," she agrees. "And yes, I have those on the list of things to do. Would you like me to send up a batch?"

"I'd be lying if I said no..." Nadeen says "Oh, and as cakes go, How would you like that..." The chatter turns to a bit of trade so Marigold's honor is not accidentally wounded , and yet the Baroness also uses this as a chance to reminese, and yes, catch up. Kerri will hear how Aiden is doing, how proud Nadeen is of him, and of her people. She listens in turn to Kerri.. and it may drag on a bit, but in the best of ways

As all good gossip and nostalgia does.

(Fade to Good Gossip and Nostalgia)