#rivervale_lodge

The food was delicious, as always

SallyMae, the Embers, and other kitchen crew have earned her trust...they are nothing short of amazing. Now, Kerri gets all of half a breath before it's time to start preparing for the next thing...and the thing after that...

"Take a WHOLE breath for the lova god," Olgar does not sound so assertive often, but here, he is.

Kerri is pacing, not quickly, but persistently. "I know, it's just...well..." she looks at him. "Carnival."

"Is a whole two weeks away" Olgar says "And.... don't forget, we're a trio here. That means playing the fool can fall on Vali , like he's said before. It IS a holy day and that means Mountain can pull rank. He might like it."

"For that matter, all three of us could split that task if you want" He puts arms around her "Costumes, a lot of food that doesn't have to be as good as an Imbolc meal, and some fun games and we're done. "

"Oh, I don't mind playing the fool, though I'm happy to share the role." A mischievous grin in his direction before she continues. "No, I'm just trying to figure out how much I should work on establishing my own style with the holiday here, and how much should keep tradition in place."

"Well, if you're having FUN with it, that's great, but you looked like you were stressing about it and that you do not need," He gives her a loving pat.

"But...it seems almost lazy not to make an effort to put my stamp on it..."

"Passion before Duty, that's my motto," Her Unseelie husband chuckles "But I think I understand. You want to do your part and to you, making it your own style is a big part. It's how you treat feasts, it's how you direct the chores, it's how you work as a hearth. Doesn't mean you have to do it as a Chief if you don't want to. If you do? Fine... let's brain storm. Take a seat put your feet up. I'll get you a drink. You want a beer from the fridge , coffee, or what?"

She pauses and takes a deep breath., letting it out slowly. "A beer sounds perfect, honestly."

He move s to the fridge and gets two cold ones, one for himself, one for her , and hands hers over, "Ok. Let's talk plagurism. What's the funnest Carnival holiday you've seen, here or else where, that had an idea you liked?"

She takes hers gratefully, finally taking a seat as well. "Huh. I guess...it's been a really long time since I've seen one other than our own, here."

He takes a seat near her, and ponders "Okay, so we have to go back a little. Any ideas you've heard Kealan or the Count use you think are worth stealing?"

"Well, swiping from them isn't really my stamp. But...well, it's awful in theory, but I heard about an auction. An auction of nobles."

"Mmph, that's a problem, if you go on auction thhere's no way I can afford something priceless" Sip

"I'm not saying it isn't risky!" she agrees, but with amusement.

A pause "What about selling three hours of catering and cooking? Dress in a goofy chef hat and costume... and auction that service?"

"You could even paint on a faux french mustache"

She nods, the idea growing on her. "Or a cooking lesson. This really has potential."

"Or a cooking lesson. " He say "Now, regarding the payment and where it goes. We talking money or dross? AND... where would it go? To the Lodge'sa maintaince etc? To something for the childlings? Or to support changelings down on their luck?"

He takes a deeper swig

"I think it makes the most sense to direct it towards a commoner purpose. Honestly, though, I think AnneMarie is the one who manages organizing such things best. I'd happily have her administer it."

"Then ask her help, she'd be happy. Though as a noble herself she might also volunteer for being auctioned off for a service. I mean, if it's not just you offering chores or cooking or something, then we got You, though you were drafted, Vali, Siv, Carowyn, Brogan...Valter...both squires so not sure if they count... and maybe Dagmar if she's here still here. I assume it is not mandatory for them and they can decide if they want to contribute"

"As far as I'm concerned, it wouldn't be mandatory...but are bets are off on the day. I won't have much control over the matter at that point, you know."

"Huh. " A nod "YOu know, I am a commoner"

"You are indeed. You going to claim control over the festivities?"

"If you want, the idea is there" He says "Babe, you're the other half of my heart, and as Fool you may get mocked, teased, and mildly tormented. You bet I awnt to be able to grab someone and chuck them out the door if they go too far, but I also recognize you're a grown ass woman even in motely so I want to know before that night starts what the limits on me are. No harm is to be done on Carnival, but there's a lot of room for interpretation"

"A little unclear on kneecaps," she quips, quoting a certain short-lived TV show. She takes a swig of her beer, looking thoughtfully into the distance. "I spent years watching Brekke put herself out there at the mercy of her people. I can do just the same. Let's work out a signal, though, if I feel I need your intervention."

The quote makes him smile , then he nods "Good one." He ponders "Think of a safe word maybe?"

"Something like that, yes. What would work for you?"

He pauses "Rotting Asparagus"

"If you slip that in, I'll know things need stepped on" He says 'That work for you? Might make sluagh hungry but otherwise could work"

"It's vivid, I'll give you that. And memorable. I think that would do it."

"Works" He says (HOping the ST will remember 😉 ) "Now, as far as..."

The door opens and Tiffany and Vali come in with bags of ... those aren't groceries

"Imbolc went great, and I've got a head start on Carnival" Vali grins "Oh we are going to have fun this year"

Olgar looks at her, "This would be the coup leaders get warned about"

"We were just talking about Carnivale," she says, giving Olgar a gentle kick in the shin. "What's in the bags?"

"Decorations, gear for the games.... that kind of thing." Vali pulls out some garish Madri gras style items "Funny hats. Oh, I bought some Canadian booze too, you know, to support"

Her husband grunts amiably then at the mention of the Canadian Booze , he takes a swig of his beer, "I'll drink to that"

Tiffany snerks, then says "As a firefighter I should be in charge of that, could be flamable."

"Oh, we could make the whole thing Canadian themed to really drive the point home."

"Oh, I'll need more red and white" Vali considers "I suppose that's possible. I'll work on it. I got some plans. Yes sir ree. I know Breekke always wanted to take lead on this because it was 'her duty' and I respect that, but as she's retired, I finally get to go nuts"

Tiffany nods "He's been practicing for going nuts his whole life" deadpan

Olgar looks at his wife, and raises a brow

Kerri chuckles. "Well, Mountain, we had an idea too. Can I run it by you?"

Vali stops "Does it involve an edible moose made out of spam that anyone can take a slice out of ?"

He looks cautious as he asks