#rivervale_lodge

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Later in the evening, Kerri is finishing putting dishes away, humming quietly to herself in the kitchen.

The sound of foot stomps

Olgar's

She takes a look at the pantry, mostly full of pressure-sealed jars of roc stew and dry jars of roc jerky. She's going to have to find a lot more ways to keep the meat interesting.

A pause, then she clears her throat and calls out, "Olgar?" The come-here-dear tone is clear.

Trained after years of domestication, Olgar peeks in "Yeah, babe?"

A grin. "Just checking if you wanted anything else for dessert."

"Ooo " he wars with health and hunger "I'm patroling closer, worry I'm gonna bet soft... and yet, your blueberry shortcake IS so very good. Are blueberries in right now?"

"They are, indeed," she affirms, smiling, then nods him to one of the stools at the center island. "Grab a seat, I'll get you some."

He takes a seat and smiles "Okay. Either I did something good and don't know it, or you're about to ask me to do a big 'honeydo' " A chuckle, mostly teasing. They have done things for each other just .. because

A slight chuckle, but no reply as she sets about serving out a helping for both of them.

She brings the plates and forks over, joining him by taking a seat on a stool opposite.

"How have patrols been?"

He answers before digging in, "Solid. I grouse about my lighter work load, but the newer blood really are doing well. Some of the smart asses call me Coach, but I put up with it. " he confides "I think my ego will have to deal with the fact that in the long run, 3 students being brought up to speed is probably going to be MORE than enough to baLance me not being on the farther paths anymore. I mean, I only put up with sso much lilp... and when they do something bone heeaded, I give them what for so they don't get killed later." A shrug "But .. truth is? Promsing... really promising"

A grin. "Coach. I like that." She takes a bite, listening to the rest, nodding. "Good. I'm glad. I'd hate for you to be resentful of them, or not able to trust they could do the work."

"Sometimes I get a bit envious" He admits "Then remember exactly how many times I nearly died, or slept on the cold hard dreaming ground, while I was wanting nothing more to get home to you and Sylvi. ANd that helps knock the rose color off the glasses. Nostalgia can fib like a pooka"

A nod, and she rests a hand on his hand. "I'm glad you always made it back."

He takes her hand and grins "So am I. Have I been moaning and muttering around the Lodge without realizing it? Babe, the last thing I want to happen is have you feel guilty as if you took something from me . I AGREED to work closer. And I wanted to. I need to get used to the new pacing , sure, but if you're feeling 'guilty' or something like that.. dont. You're too smart to be stupid like that. " He says firmly and gives her a light kiss on the ...cheek?

Probably nothing wrong with that. They're about to eat dessert. He clearly loves her.

But.. it IS just the two of them. The Cheek? Really? Not the lips?

No, that's silly. The cheek is fine. Especially as they're eating. It's fine.

"Well, I know it's been a bit of an adjustment." She takes another bite. Then a tone shift, "Anything else new?"

"Well there's that Serenity girl, but I figure you're more on top of that than I am. I'm trying to be more social since I can't just offend folks, then run to the silver like the old days. Now THAT is a reason for nostalga, but you'd be proud of me. I'm being fifty percent a gent...which is up from my old 33%"

Unbidden, she suddenly remembers their first kiss, which was arguably ungentlemanly...even though she welcomed and encouraged it. "Fifty percent? Impressive." Another grin as she focuses on her dessert.

"Don't worry, I'm still 75% savage in the bedroom" he winks

A grin and a nod as she takes another bite. She hasn't released his hand.

Which means his own dining is slightly, not entirely, hindered but he does take a few bites of his and savors "mmmm damn, so good. I could eat a pile of these as big as my head if I didn't think to stop myself"

A chuff of humor. "And then I'd have to Heather Balm your poor stomach." Another pause, another bite. "I spoke with Anne Marie today. She was letting me know her strategy for Serenity."

"Oh good. I admit, I'm a bit worried how the hell we're going to cover that. I know Jimmy is teaching her tricks of the trade ...fame's a nasty holder on in this day and age of internet. Makes me realize why Frank and Brekke are looking forward to alaska. What's the plan with Serenity?"

"Well, at the moment, it's internet silence and looking into emancipated minor status. I'm not sure I entirely agree, but...Anne Marie knows what she's talking about."

"Well, if you disagree, bring it up. Anne Marie usually wants what's best for the people, not her ego. " he advises "And your'e no slouch" He gives that hand a squeeze back

The fact he is finally squeezing her hand back is almost a tangible relief, which, as any grown woman knows, absolutely silly.

Still happening though.

A slight grin. "Thanks. I suppose if I can take recipe tips from her, she might be able to listen to opinions from me. But still, she knows how relocation and new identities work better than anybody else in the barony."

A nod at that "She's good." he admits

She puts her fork down. "Anne Marie also mentioned that she saw Myrine, the satyr fledge."

"Oh yeah, proffessor Garb. " He nods enthused "Boy I was out of my depth talking to her mostly, but we got to talking about feminist studies and while I'm a layman I at least studied the material. Brainy lady. I think you'd like her"

"I might." She falls silent for a moment, then lets out a long sigh. "Dammit," she mutters, pushing her plate away.

"Okay, something IS eating you" he says, "I thought maybe I was imagining something. What's up? "

"It's stupid. I know it's stupid. But...well...I don't think she meant to, but Anne Marie got in my head, and...." she trails off, not looking at him.

Now he rises, comes behind her, and wraps arms about her while she sits, saying in her ear, "Stupid or not. Talk to me."

She reaches a hand up to cup his cheek for a moment, then urges him to take the stool next to her, rather than stand behind her. "Please."

He does, and now looks her in the eyes as he 'rejoins' her there. And he waits.

His features, that blight, she saw past them right away. OTHER women didn't. Just her... or so Kerri thought. Maybe some others see past it too?

A deep breath, and she finally looks at him. "It's stupid," she reiterates. "But Anne Marie said something that made me feel..." she searches for the word. "...uncomfortable. And I really need to talk with you about it."

For a moment, despite the fact she's a nice lady, a knight, and a friend of his wife, Olgar wants to drop kick Anne Marie into the lake and save Gerd a flicker flash. But he doesn't say that "You talk then. I'll listen."

Olgar has to wait as Kerri makes two...no, three false starts before she finally gets out the sentence, "Anne Marie's fairly sure that Myrine is attracted to you. Very attracted." There's tension in her voice.

Olgar was ready for a lot. A long list of concerns, worries, or what not. This? This not on the list "She what?" He says, then realizes that may not help and tries again "She what?" Comes out again anyway