#rivervale_lodge

When Kerri comes in, Gerd looks over at her, "Hey, welcome back. Was the apartment a big mess?"

Kerri brings the pillowcase full of laundry directly to the laundry closet and starts the wash. "Nowhere near as messy as I was expecting, actually."

"Uncle Vali got a call regarding a chimera.,.. so he asked me to man the phones" A beat "The Count called"

"Only I didn't realize it was him at first and might have been a bit blunt" She sighs

"A chimera? Anything dangerous?" Then she stands up straighter as the Count is mentioned. "What did he want?"

"He thought Gerd was some nickname I had to use because I lost a bet," She says before answering "He had heard about the babies. I bet Baron Kealan knew and as spymaster passed it on. I told him the basics. He wants to donate toys to the new kiddos, and is curious what else he can do for Rivervale's newest additions or their parents.. He wants updates" A wince "When we get them. I mean, IT IS nice he wants to help. I just didn't think he'd take an interest, but of course, he would. It's Brekke's grandkids"

"Oh, And the Chimera wasn't dangerous, but it might be an omen? So Mountain reading"

"Well, yes, that's true. He should take enough interest to remember your name, though -- you've been to court often enough." She finishes adding laundry detergent and starts the machine. "I think...we don't want to drown them in toys, but I bet the pediatrics ward at the hospital could use some."

"Hey, nice idea" She says perking up despite her weairness "Messages are still going bonkers. I delievered a letter to Zara in EaRth runes on behalf of Siv. Speaking of which, Flicker flashing has me in high demand. Do you need me to go anywhere long distance? Squire Brogan took the trod to Fenix per your instructions"

"Oh, I'm glad he got there. I didn't want to have to escort him there like a preschooler." She looks Gerd over. "Don't drain yourself. It's okay to say no-I-can't-do-that-until-tomorrow when people are asking too much right away."

"Can I make a slightly snarky comment about the rolemodels in my life not exactly being good examples of that?"

"Sounds like you just did," Vali comes in "Sorry, Gerd. Sorry, Hearth. The omen was an interesting one but I still am not sure how to translate. "

Kerri's retort is cut off by Vali's arrival. "Omen? Is it one you can share?"

"I don't have it translated yet" he answers "But it involved a winged Cricket that I first mistook for a butterfly"

"Deception? Sounds bad" Gerd says

"It should, but Crickets are actually good luck" Vali says "So you see my quandry? Is something good DESPITE a lie, or because of it?"

"Crickets are good luck," Kerri agrees slowly. "Locusts, not so much."

"You think it's a warning of the Cicadas?" Gerd says "DeBukes say they're prepping for it"

"Cicadas would be better than locusts. Noisy, but not a threat to crops and such. They can't eat."

"Oh" Gerd blushes

"Now the birds, they'll eat, but the chimera omen definitely looked more like a cricket to me, with butterfly wings" Vali observes

"If they're chimeric cicadas, though, they might have other harmful properties."

"Cricket with butterfly wings," Kerri repeats, trying to visualize it.

"Yup... rather lovely butterfly wings, flashy" he says "I'm missing something, it may take a bit and more readings. I think it might be related to the new births"

Vali frowns at something... "Pardon. I need to get to work. I'll let you know if I confirm more"

And he moves to the Mountain Desk just like that

Gerd blinks, her Uncle isn't normally so quick to brush others off, even when there IS important stuff to do

Kerri looks concerned at his abruptness, as well. "Get the Mountain a drink for while he's working, please, Gerd," she says quietly.

Gerd nods , "Yes'm." And moves to do so.

Kerri hears noises in the kitchen. Her husband rooting around perhaps? Oh well, he needs to be caught up on things anyway

She nods to Gerd, gives Vali another glance, and then goes back into the kitchen.

(Off panel that is so Fade to Spouse catch up)