#rivervale_lodge

Gerd takes over morning shift. Emmisary work plus back up Hearth. The wilders have stepped up not just well, but smoothly. Dagmar doing what needs be done without complaint. Siv challenged by her more scholarly side as she assists Mountain work, and finding herself surprised how much of her father's teachings she remembers. She does the work and she also does it well. And Gerd?

She feels almost guilty!

Not that she's done poorly, far from it. Gerd is invaluable in getting folks to colleges or back, making sure messages and food gets to places

This mood is not lost on Kerri as she puts some freshly folded napkins in a drawer. "You look like you might be in the mood for some tea, Gerd," she suggests.

"I..." Sheepish, "Are you sure YOU'RE not a Witch? And I mean that in a good way"

A chuckle. "Well, a kitchen witch, maybe. Or maybe just somebody who has known you for a while." She puts the kettle on.

"We have had a major change over, stretched not TOO Thin, but tight. My work load, High school and Hearth Ember, and Emmisary has all doubled. I'm suddenly ... well, as close to indispensable as I'm going to get." She says "And I am LOVING IT. I feel like such a bitch... you and Uncle Vali do all this work ... Dagmar is hustling , Siv is near comatose.. though that also has to do with the babies coming. And here I am loving it? " A wince "I feel bad for feeling good?"

"Well, you make a good point. We don't have school, so it's less of a burden. But here you are...finding the space where you fit. That's cause for celebration, not guilt." She offers the box of specialty teas for Gerd to pick from.

She picks one with a touch of cinnamon.

And Kerri provides the teapot that she knows Gerd prefers, and lets her set everything else up.

She does smoothly, as she does she says "I guess you're right. It just felt a bit...vulture like. I AM Glad the Chief and Sir Frank got their time together though. Alaska IS beautiful"

A blink. "Gerd, you are far from vulture-ish. And trust me...we grumps are greatly relieved that we know there are so many who can fill in for us when needed."

A brow lift of her own, "You guys have no idea how IMPLACABLE you all seem do you? I mean that with praise. You may BE Greatly relieved, but you appear invincible. I'm not saying you should show any weakness, but now and then, it's good to know you're still flesh and blood after all" the tea is going nicely "If only to let us know we're... not just playing pretend when we do take up slack?"

Kerri quietly wipes down a counter for a few moments. "It's something I think about sometimes. I mean, Sylvi was never going to be happy serving here, in a noble hold, so it was extremely fortunate that Goldfinch became something she could work on. But I hope we are creating a balance between letting-wilders-be-wilders and giving-wilders-real-purpose."

"I think it's in the nature of wilders to be a bit frustrated, or dissatisfied. If we were given less responsibilities we'd bitch about a lack of trust in our abilities. If you gave more ,we might grumble about grump tyranny, but over all I think you guys do well. I can't speak for Sylvi, but I know she doesn't blame you guys for her challenges. I think she realizes you and Olgar PREPARED her for challenges. You are sort of frustrating to ME in that, with the Chief and Sir Frank? When they do hit hard times? They grow more ..stoic? Natural troll response. You? You do the same thing they do but you somehow also SMILE during it? It's down right spooky. I've noticed Sylvi does it too. Hell's gate could be opening and she'll turn with a smile aNd say 'we got this, now here's what I think we should do'. She got that from you. I am not sure I will EVER be able to do that " She says 'Would you like a cup?"

"Absolutely I would." Another pause. "Gerd, don't mistake public stoicism for the whole story. We have our pain and our sorrow and our worries...but they're private. We share our burdens with our partners."

A cup is prepared, the way Kerri likes it, showing Gerd notices these things, "You..do?" She shakes her head "Sorry, of course you do." Now she looks worried again

A sip. "And now you're thinking...?"

"I'm thinking I need to unload on Wudlig more than I do. " Sheepish "Sorry, girlfriend insecurity moment. I also worry I've been neglecting him during my happy time on these things. I need to vissit him soon"

"Well, it all goes back to balance. Enjoy times with him, but also trust him to be strong enough to share your burdens. And be strong enough yourself to help him with his." A sip. "Do you think that's how your relationship with him can work?"

"Possibly? I mean, he's a nocker... he gets locked on a project and loses ALL track of time" A sigh "WHich can be very very annoying. But then I remember that trolls and their duty probably come across similarly. I should ask how he's doing. I think sometimes he feels like he's not contributing enough at Silverwolf, but that's nonsense. Just because they have three nockers doesn't mean he's redundant. NO one can do hidden chambers like my guy" A head toss of pride

A smile. "Then I think you're right. Talk with him. And let him know he can talk with you."

She sips her tea, "I will. Mmm, while I'm there, maybe I can find out if the Baron liked Holger's treasure offering."

The smile slips away. "The Baron is not always the most kind person when commoners not of his household are concerned. I hope whatever happens, he treats Holger in a way that the boy can keep his dignity."

"Have you seen the treasure?"

"The Baron can be prickly, yes." Recalling an incident, "But he's gotten better. I think with Dame Gladiola backing Holger, it should go smoothly. " At the question she says "It's some kind of figurine. Not sure if it's a dog or a horse. I kenned it... it felt..specialized?"

"Specialized," she repeats. "Well, I hope we get to find out eventually."

"oh, speaking of treating boyfriends. Wudlig loves those little crumbly cookies... how do you make them again? The one with the..."

(Fade to Crumbly Cookie instructions and advice)