#rivervale_lodge

"Eyes open and more, some are taking their first steps" Dame Gladiola beams, "The runt seems a bit behind on that last, but i think he'll come around "

"I'm glad to hear that. Is there anything I can do to help out?"

"Well, when the weaning starts, which will be soon, the puppies will need their diet supplemented with special puppy food. I have the receipe for that prepared and if you like I'll handle that creation though I'd like access to the kitchen for those periods . The fun part will be the socialization periods. I was thinking perhaps letting the childlings help with that if they can be trusted. It helps teach them gentlity with the very small at the same time it helps the puppies get used to people"

"But I'll supervise them at that. I know my duty" Firm nod

"Of course you may use the kitchen, though I'll ask you to defer to Squire Brogan, Sally Mae, or myself if we say that some tools or supplies must be treated in a certain way. I definitely like the idea of having the childlings help with the socialization, and I imagine they'll be thrilled to participate."

'It'll be nice to work with another Daireann" She observes "And thank you . Oh, uhm.. congratulations to whoever is having twins"

Kerri doesn't register that at first. "Thank you, that's kind of you." Then a pause, and she turns from setting out the mugs. "I'm sorry...twins?"

"Yes, someone out here was talking bout..twins? I wasn't meaning to eaves drop so I didn't get names or anything...but yes Twins? I figured I'd just openly say congratulations so there's be no accusactions of me being an Ailil spy or the like" Good naturedly "Though a troll spy would be silly"

"I don't suppose you know who was discussing it?"

"No, hearth. I don't. I just heard the words" She says, then grows thoughtful "maybe I misunderstood?"

"I suppose that's possible, but it's more likely that it's a pregnancy I had heard of yet. I'll have to do a bit of investigating on my own. Thank you so much for bringing it up."

"You're welcome" She says wondering if she's come across as a buttinski "If you'll forgive me, I'll go prepare myself some food. Since I'm not staying at the lake house I don't feel you should be asked to serve me. I'm here in service to our alliance and for the good of the pups which is my duty. Not as an invited guest "

"Well, you are a welcome guest, however you come here. Come, let me prepare you something, you can tell me what you like.

She leads the way into the kitchen.

"Well, my mother has spoiled me. She says you two have met on the field of cullinary honor before"

"Oh, my, yes...your mother is fierce and talented. Now, what are you in the mood for? A sandwich? Eggs and bacon? Soup? All of the above?"

A curious look then "You ever make Fry Bread?" Few non indigineous have in her experience, but her mom learned how quickly just for her

"Fry Bread? Is it like tortillas?"

A slightly smug look escapes the native girl Mom wins again! then she remembers her manners "It's a dish of the indigenous people of North America that is a flat dough bread, fried or deep-fried in oil, shortening, or lard. Typically Made with simple ingredients, generally wheat flour, water, salt, and sometimes baking powder. It can be eaten alone or with various toppings such as honey, jam, powdered sugar, venison, or beef. It is the base for Indian tacos?" Then she says "if you like, I'll show you how I make them. I can't make them as well as Mom does"

"It's pretty easy" She admits "Just not all know about it"

Kerri absolutely doesn't seem embarrassed about not knowing a recipe. In fact, she looks delighted. "Yes, please! I'd love to learn. Here, let me get out those ingredients for you."

Kerri's attitude actually raises her up a notch in The Daireann's estimation. And she smiles "Well, " She explains as they go int othe kitche proper "If you don't mind me talking about the history? According to Navajo tradition, frybread was created in 1864 using the flour, sugar, salt and lard that was given to them by the United States government when the Navajo, who were living in Arizona, were forced to make the 300-mile journey known as the "Long Walk" and relocate to Bosque Redondo, New Mexico, onto land that could not easily support their traditional staples of vegetables and beans." A sigh at mention of the Longwalk " To prevent the displaced Tribe from starving, the United States government provided a small set of staple food items, which included the ingredients with which to create a simple quick bread which was cooked in a pan of hot lard over coals and became known as frybread. The food eventually spread to other tribes. Boarding schools also helped to spread frybread in Native American diets. Some of us see it as a symbol of colonziation, but many more see it as a symbol of our resilience. Though I'm part cherokee and iraquois myself"

Kerri listens attentively, and nods. "It's interesting that so many cultures have staple dishes that are specifically the products of periods of hardship and struggle." The ingredients are there. "I have several different oils, and of course lard. What would you prefer?"

"Oh, well, what I use normally is..."

(Fade to discussion and Fry Bread !)