[twenty seven] Mama-Bearing It Up.

[goodgrasshopper]

[The video clicks on and shows Charity Carpenter, sitting at her kitchen table and smiling politely at the camera.  If you look behind her, you can see bread rising in loaf pans.]

Hello.  I understand my daughter Molly is a warden here.  Oh, dear God, child we will be having a talk when you get home about the kinds of deals you make to keep your

Comments

[you_run_i_chase]

Molly's a good kid, Charity.

[goodgrasshopper]

Thank you--I'm very proud of her. [Despite our differences about her vocation.] You must be Miss Parker.

[you_run_i_chase]

That's me.

[goodgrasshopper]

[She smiles] It's nice to meet you. Molly is quite impressed by you. You taught her how to shoot?

[you_run_i_chase]

I did, yep. It seemed like a good thing for her to know, given how the Barge works.

[goodgrasshopper]

[Have another smile.]

I think you're right--even with what little I've learned about this place. Is she any good?

[you_run_i_chase]

Yep, she's actually pretty good at it.

[goodgrasshopper]

That's very good to hear. It might have been nice if she had gone for something more... classical, but I'm glad to know she can defend herself.

[you_run_i_chase]

Yeah. What do you mean by classical?

[goodgrasshopper]

Her father was an expert swordsman. I enjoyed sparring with him.

[you_run_i_chase]

Ah. I'm pretty damn good at fencing myself. I've got a sword, if she's ever interested.

[goodgrasshopper]

[Have in interested look, Parker.] Are you? I imagine that's something to see.

[you_run_i_chase]

I do it in heels and stilettos. You bet your ass it is.

[goodgrasshopper]

[Charity laughs.] That's... extremely impressive.

[you_run_i_chase]

Well, I figure if you're going to need to fight, you might as well practice in what the hell it is you're going to be wearing.

[goodgrasshopper]

[More laughing] I usually just stick to practical shoes, but to each her own.