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Description

Previously:

(NOTE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING STILL IN WINTER, BEFORE OLYMPICS)

*************************

When the kettle was almost full she turned off the water and put the lock on. Lyos reply and the sweet little kiss on her cheek brought a brighter smile to her face. ''Im surprised with both your cooking how anyone get anything done instead of sitting in the kitchen, stuffing their faces'' She smiled heartily as she put the kettle on the stove. She knew she had to spill the beans eventually, but it was hard to find the right words. As she stood by the sink, her eyes drifted to the strawberries and she couldnt reist stealing one and take a thoughtfull bite, not even sure where to start. But Lyo looked like he was waiting and she owed him an explanation. ''Its... its no secret that because we're also funding rescues and rehabilitation of horses, we arent exactly.... rich'' Her eyes rested on the juicy strawberry that now had a big chunk bitten off. ''We used to break even every year, but we had a draught this summer that ruined a lot of the hay we produce ourselves, so it became an extra expence. Which by no means would ruin us but...'' Helena's eyes stared emptily out the window, seeing the mountainscape rising mightily behind the stables. ''We got a new tax system, and... it hit us very hard. Before, they didnt count barns, insulated sheds or stables as housings, but the new rules are now stating these buildings as housings or plausible housings, meaning I have to pay taxes for every square meter of the barn, including the hay loft, the few sheds we have, the stables and even the old outhouse.'' She sighed, feeling defeated by the political system and lack of understanding from the higher-ups in the financial department.

Lyo noticed in what loving way Helena handled that kettle, and he was much the same, didnt like to replace something thats perfectly fine only coz it got old. It was a very saying trait about Helena that she kept things like that kettle, like her beloved old car. It showed loyalty, dedication and appreciation. And he valued all of those traits so so much he wished he could tell her how much. He listened to her very closely and a lot of things seemingly made no sense. Firstly why would anyone make such a crappy system. were people dumb lately? secondly he didnt understand why she didnt just tell him? He was no one to brag about it or rub it under anyones nose that Imperials wasnt exactly in a financial crisis but surely Helena knew that she could have asked? It sort of clicked in his head that maybe she did not, to not seem like the kind of friend who depends on anyones monetary support and money topics were anyways always a touchy subject. Sometimes he even felt a bit bad about it because a lot of their capital..was not from legal sources. While fellow stable affiliates are battling financial crisies due to politics left and right. He had a feeling that offering to help her out by a credit or something, would ruin the purpose of her honesty, because she did not say it for that reason. He was thinking about it how he could support them and give them more publicity so they could get back on their feet with their own strength . "I can't ...understand why they do this to stables that are such an important part of the culture. If anything, i'd expect support for the work you do, and not..a punishment." he frowned.

Lyo was absolutely right in both his statements. Helena should have said something instead of taking on the entire weight of the problem alone. Yet she did, to not show weakness, to prove for anyone in her family that had still doubts about her running Nattvik, and because asking anyone about fundings or funding programs would be hard proof for those who did not believe in her. But how could she explain all that to Lyo? She peeked at him, with warmth, with apologies, regrets and gratitude, all at the same time. ''They did it to save money they can spend elsewhere. They argued that they are taxing the rich people and the property sharks that ruins the financial market, but instead of hitting them, they hit us, farmers and tourism in particular. Two of my neighbours had to send their sheep and cows to slaughter and sell their forest to pay off a loan because of these taxes, and even that was not enough. They are forced to move to the city to find work, but no one wants to buy property out here, so they are stuck without work and with property they cant sell that is a money drain with no use.'' Helena grabbed a couple of her favourite tea cups and plates from the top cabinets. ''In that regard Nattvik is lucky. I can still pay my staff but not for long. The entire summer I was in dialogue with the bank, which prevented me from being at events I really should have attended. We got a new bank representant who couldnt care less about anything farm related and he is sitting on his own little castle in the middle of Oslo. We applied for non-governmental funding at eleven different organizations and sponsors. I put all my hopes in that at least a couple of them would provide enough sponsorship for us to go to the most important shows. Nita, Kaisa, Ask and Syver all decided to work one month free so we could afford the starting fee at the most important shows, but the sponsors all declined and we didnt get the entrance fee back.''

She took a deep breath and forced away the tears that threatened to return. ''I am so sorry I didnt say anything... But... but I didnt want to make anyone feel sorry for us... I didnt want certain people to be right when they said I would eventually fail because I am too young to manage a stable, and... i didnt want anyone to think I was begging for money or scare away the few clients that are still here. I.. I regret not telling, but I feel like such a failure. I could lose Nattvik for real if I dont do something soon....'' She dropped her head and stared blankly at the teacups, not knowing what to say, but hoping her apology was enough.

"I understand" Lyo said - in that typical hungarian accent. But it was the only thing he could say for a little while. He didnt want to make her feel pitied, because he did not think so. "I think..it is brave of you to try and solve it on your own, it would be a lie to say i wouldnt have tried the same. " and how many times he rather tried it on his own than admit he was not enough. "Money topics...somehow...never seem like a pleasant one and perhaps even more easily shared with those that equally struggle than those who have a certain.." he didnt know any better word "privilege. ..either for lack of being able to relate or the suspicion that its an indirect way to ask for gold.." he sighed. He was sneakily sliding the dough-bowl towards helena because the best part in baking was putting your finger into all the cake to be. "Listen i... i respect your decision, i really do. And i don't want to offer anything you don't wish to accept, but i can offer sponsorship. And i can offer bringing your banner to shows that RPS is funding. For..publicity. " he looked at her both seriously but very softly.

''Damn your compassion'' Helena giggled and felt a couple of tears run down her cheek, in utter relief and being moved by how casual and understanding he was. At least these were more happy tears than feely tears? She dried them away with her elbow, still smiling. ''I think... no matter how rich or poor you are, money will always be difficult to talk about'' Helena sighed and shook her head. ''I was an idiot and didnt even tell Ask or Syver untill a few months ago, bless their souls they already knew from seeing the papers but didnt want to make a move that would imply not trusting my decisions. I wish they shook me up tho, everyone needs a tap on the nose to see more clearly now and then'' She shook her head at herself, peeking at the bowl of dough, noticing how childishly much she'd fancy some of it right then. To hell with decency, Helena scraped a finger along the inside of the bowl, pushing the bowl back to Lyo, highly suggesting he joined this dough tasting party. The dough, tasting maybe even better than usual with the newly gained ray of hope had Helena slip a moan of tasteful pleasure. Why did cakes have to bake all the time anyway. At Lyos proposal she felt her heart skip a beat and she felt moved, very moved, almost so that she couldnt quite reply at first, just look at him, teary and endlessly grateful. ''Are.. are you sure? Thats already a lot to ask, and a lot of you to offer?'' She wouldnt deny, it would help them endlessly to get their name out there even when they couldnt afford participating themselves in all of the bigger competitions. Would Lyo even realize just what a big favour this would be for Nattvik?

What Lyo felt was deep honor. That she allowed him close enough to be honest...to allow him to offer support, to rely on him even though the had a fallout that would have driven ..average friends... apart. If anything, he felt even more drawn to her. Distance was never something that made his feelings fade. He loved to feel her touch again. "We will do Nattvik justice to show this assholes what you are made of " he said and cuddled her protectively.

She snuggled him back, making sure he knew just how treasured he was, and how much she valued his protection. Maybe one day it could be said in words, but right now they didnt stretch far enough or state it with enough weight. Lyos remark had her laughing silently, grinning against his chest. ''With your help, they will tuck their tails and run'' She replied, feeling a little more confident. ''I dont know what I'd do without your help'' she whispered, feeling her energy coming back every second they spent together. The poor cake on the other hand seemed to be the only one in the kitchen that as of now, didnt get even half of the appreciation it deserved

**********************************************************************

COLLLAABBBB with cyprussian who saved lyos face in this one XDDD

***

To all them new followers on my gallery,

here's some appearances that Lyo and Helena shared before things were put on ice:

Description

Previously:

(NOTE THAT THIS IS HAPPENING STILL IN WINTER, BEFORE OLYMPICS)

*************************

When the kettle was almost full she turned off the water and put the lock on. Lyos reply and the sweet little kiss on her cheek brought a brighter smile to her face. ''Im surprised with both your cooking how anyone get anything done instead of sitting in the kitchen, stuffing their faces'' She smiled heartily as she put the kettle on the stove. She knew she had to spill the beans eventually, but it was hard to find the right words. As she stood by the sink, her eyes drifted to the strawberries and she couldnt reist stealing one and take a thoughtfull bite, not even sure where to start. But Lyo looked like he was waiting and she owed him an explanation. ''Its... its no secret that because we're also funding rescues and rehabilitation of horses, we arent exactly.... rich'' Her eyes rested on the juicy strawberry that now had a big chunk bitten off. ''We used to break even every year, but we had a draught this summer that ruined a lot of the hay we produce ourselves, so it became an extra expence. Which by no means would ruin us but...'' Helena's eyes stared emptily out the window, seeing the mountainscape rising mightily behind the stables. ''We got a new tax system, and... it hit us very hard. Before, they didnt count barns, insulated sheds or stables as housings, but the new rules are now stating these buildings as housings or plausible housings, meaning I have to pay taxes for every square meter of the barn, including the hay loft, the few sheds we have, the stables and even the old outhouse.'' She sighed, feeling defeated by the political system and lack of understanding from the higher-ups in the financial department.

Lyo noticed in what loving way Helena handled that kettle, and he was much the same, didnt like to replace something thats perfectly fine only coz it got old. It was a very saying trait about Helena that she kept things like that kettle, like her beloved old car. It showed loyalty, dedication and appreciation. And he valued all of those traits so so much he wished he could tell her how much. He listened to her very closely and a lot of things seemingly made no sense. Firstly why would anyone make such a crappy system. were people dumb lately? secondly he didnt understand why she didnt just tell him? He was no one to brag about it or rub it under anyones nose that Imperials wasnt exactly in a financial crisis but surely Helena knew that she could have asked? It sort of clicked in his head that maybe she did not, to not seem like the kind of friend who depends on anyones monetary support and money topics were anyways always a touchy subject. Sometimes he even felt a bit bad about it because a lot of their capital..was not from legal sources. While fellow stable affiliates are battling financial crisies due to politics left and right. He had a feeling that offering to help her out by a credit or something, would ruin the purpose of her honesty, because she did not say it for that reason. He was thinking about it how he could support them and give them more publicity so they could get back on their feet with their own strength . "I can't ...understand why they do this to stables that are such an important part of the culture. If anything, i'd expect support for the work you do, and not..a punishment." he frowned.

Lyo was absolutely right in both his statements. Helena should have said something instead of taking on the entire weight of the problem alone. Yet she did, to not show weakness, to prove for anyone in her family that had still doubts about her running Nattvik, and because asking anyone about fundings or funding programs would be hard proof for those who did not believe in her. But how could she explain all that to Lyo? She peeked at him, with warmth, with apologies, regrets and gratitude, all at the same time. ''They did it to save money they can spend elsewhere. They argued that they are taxing the rich people and the property sharks that ruins the financial market, but instead of hitting them, they hit us, farmers and tourism in particular. Two of my neighbours had to send their sheep and cows to slaughter and sell their forest to pay off a loan because of these taxes, and even that was not enough. They are forced to move to the city to find work, but no one wants to buy property out here, so they are stuck without work and with property they cant sell that is a money drain with no use.'' Helena grabbed a couple of her favourite tea cups and plates from the top cabinets. ''In that regard Nattvik is lucky. I can still pay my staff but not for long. The entire summer I was in dialogue with the bank, which prevented me from being at events I really should have attended. We got a new bank representant who couldnt care less about anything farm related and he is sitting on his own little castle in the middle of Oslo. We applied for non-governmental funding at eleven different organizations and sponsors. I put all my hopes in that at least a couple of them would provide enough sponsorship for us to go to the most important shows. Nita, Kaisa, Ask and Syver all decided to work one month free so we could afford the starting fee at the most important shows, but the sponsors all declined and we didnt get the entrance fee back.''

She took a deep breath and forced away the tears that threatened to return. ''I am so sorry I didnt say anything... But... but I didnt want to make anyone feel sorry for us... I didnt want certain people to be right when they said I would eventually fail because I am too young to manage a stable, and... i didnt want anyone to think I was begging for money or scare away the few clients that are still here. I.. I regret not telling, but I feel like such a failure. I could lose Nattvik for real if I dont do something soon....'' She dropped her head and stared blankly at the teacups, not knowing what to say, but hoping her apology was enough.

"I understand" Lyo said - in that typical hungarian accent. But it was the only thing he could say for a little while. He didnt want to make her feel pitied, because he did not think so. "I think..it is brave of you to try and solve it on your own, it would be a lie to say i wouldnt have tried the same. " and how many times he rather tried it on his own than admit he was not enough. "Money topics...somehow...never seem like a pleasant one and perhaps even more easily shared with those that equally struggle than those who have a certain.." he didnt know any better word "privilege. ..either for lack of being able to relate or the suspicion that its an indirect way to ask for gold.." he sighed. He was sneakily sliding the dough-bowl towards helena because the best part in baking was putting your finger into all the cake to be. "Listen i... i respect your decision, i really do. And i don't want to offer anything you don't wish to accept, but i can offer sponsorship. And i can offer bringing your banner to shows that RPS is funding. For..publicity. " he looked at her both seriously but very softly.

''Damn your compassion'' Helena giggled and felt a couple of tears run down her cheek, in utter relief and being moved by how casual and understanding he was. At least these were more happy tears than feely tears? She dried them away with her elbow, still smiling. ''I think... no matter how rich or poor you are, money will always be difficult to talk about'' Helena sighed and shook her head. ''I was an idiot and didnt even tell Ask or Syver untill a few months ago, bless their souls they already knew from seeing the papers but didnt want to make a move that would imply not trusting my decisions. I wish they shook me up tho, everyone needs a tap on the nose to see more clearly now and then'' She shook her head at herself, peeking at the bowl of dough, noticing how childishly much she'd fancy some of it right then. To hell with decency, Helena scraped a finger along the inside of the bowl, pushing the bowl back to Lyo, highly suggesting he joined this dough tasting party. The dough, tasting maybe even better than usual with the newly gained ray of hope had Helena slip a moan of tasteful pleasure. Why did cakes have to bake all the time anyway. At Lyos proposal she felt her heart skip a beat and she felt moved, very moved, almost so that she couldnt quite reply at first, just look at him, teary and endlessly grateful. ''Are.. are you sure? Thats already a lot to ask, and a lot of you to offer?'' She wouldnt deny, it would help them endlessly to get their name out there even when they couldnt afford participating themselves in all of the bigger competitions. Would Lyo even realize just what a big favour this would be for Nattvik?

What Lyo felt was deep honor. That she allowed him close enough to be honest...to allow him to offer support, to rely on him even though the had a fallout that would have driven ..average friends... apart. If anything, he felt even more drawn to her. Distance was never something that made his feelings fade. He loved to feel her touch again. "We will do Nattvik justice to show this assholes what you are made of " he said and cuddled her protectively.

She snuggled him back, making sure he knew just how treasured he was, and how much she valued his protection. Maybe one day it could be said in words, but right now they didnt stretch far enough or state it with enough weight. Lyos remark had her laughing silently, grinning against his chest. ''With your help, they will tuck their tails and run'' She replied, feeling a little more confident. ''I dont know what I'd do without your help'' she whispered, feeling her energy coming back every second they spent together. The poor cake on the other hand seemed to be the only one in the kitchen that as of now, didnt get even half of the appreciation it deserved

**********************************************************************

COLLLAABBBB with cyprussian who saved lyos face in this one XDDD

***

To all them new followers on my gallery,

here's some appearances that Lyo and Helena shared before things were put on ice: