video @L.Mills

[thestoriesarereal]

[The video turns on to show a little girl wearing a jean jacket with some store bought brownies on a plate. She looks a little nervous, but it fades when she smiles at the camera.]

So...I was told there were other gods and demigods here. And if none of you are busy, I'd really like to talk to you? Cause...I only know of gods from history books and stories, but it would be nice to know what actually happened and what was really embellished--cause author's tend to do that.

[And then she remembers the brownies.]

I've got brownies too! So...your time's not wasted or anything.

[Hopefully Grandma Emma won't be upset about this...her granddaughter basically asking to talk to strangers...

But really, what's the harm?

...And hopefully the gods and demigods like chocolate.]

Comments

[thestoriesarereal]

You think so? [ She would love to hear more stories about Granny and everyone else. ] I heard she was tough too.

We are, and some are for learning...and others are for fun.

[jolting]

She was very tough. [and then, because he can't help himself] So was her granddaughter.

Hopefully you'll find some of the learning ones fun, too.

[thestoriesarereal]

Oh, Ruby. I heard a little bit about her. They were both neat and tough...and I know Henry liked them both a lot.

[ She lets out a light chuckle. ] I hope so, but I think you’ll make it fun.

[jolting]

[he smiles a bit] Henry liked just about everybody, I think.

I'll do my best. Other than Henry, I don't really interact with kids very much.

[thestoriesarereal]

He did. He made a lot of friends and he’s good with a sword too.

Why? You do well with them and I’m speaking from personal experience. [ Teasing. ]

[jolting]

Makes sense. He had a lot of great teachers.

Maybe I'm only good with you because we like each other.

[thestoriesarereal]

I guess.

Well, I’m sure other kids would like you if you were their teacher too...and their friend.

[jolting]

[aw, Lucy, you're a good kid]

I appreciate your confidence in me.

[thestoriesarereal]

[ Henry and Ella raised her right. ]

You’re welcome. But, think you should have more confidence in yourself. You’re great with kids.

[jolting]

Lucky I have you to remind me of that, then.

[thestoriesarereal]

And I’m lucky to have you as a friend.

[jolting]

[and that only makes him smile more. He can't remember the last time he's smiled so much]

Well... I'll let you get back to talking to the gods. I'll look forward to hearing all about it.

[thestoriesarereal]

[Good! He should smile more. He deserves to be happy.]

I'll do my best to write everything down. Though...think brownies will be enough?

[jolting]

From what I've read on gods, they like offerings no matter what form they take. So I'd say they'll be very grateful for the brownies.

[thestoriesarereal]

Even if they're store bought?

[jolting]

They say it's the thought that counts.

Though we'll go ahead and add "cooking" to things we'll learn. Be mad scientists in the kitchen.

[thestoriesarereal]

YES!

[And she said that so loudly and with such enthusiasm!]

I thought about trying to make brownies, but I don't think Emma would want me to use the oven unsupervised...and I don't have a recipe.

But yes!!

[jolting]

Well, you won't be unsupervised around me. And as my assistant, I encourage you to explore and experiment as much as you want.

[thestoriesarereal]

Well, you are the adult. [Joking.]

I can't wait! It'll be so much fun! Sleeping under the stars, and building a campfire. And roasting marshmallows.

[jolting]

I'm looking forward to the marshmallow part. [he smiles at her]

[thestoriesarereal]

YES!

Though, you need to be careful, it can burn easily and you don't want to taste charcoal.

[jolting]

One of your first assignments as my assistant may very well be making sure I don't burn the marshmallows.

[thestoriesarereal]

[Grinning.]

That just means we'll have to get at least 2 bags of marshmallows for you to perfect your craft.

[jolting]

Good idea. More samples allow for more experimentation.

[thestoriesarereal]

Yes, and we should also buy more graham crackers and chocolate too, to go with the experiment.