Idle gossip is not idle gossip, just depends who it is coming from. My mother who has a very strong personality, is now gossiping about myself and family and yep Elders are "Checking it out". Gossip is and has always been the down fall of many a good people. Elders will never go after the one who gossips. The most I have ever seen is a local needs talk about gossiping. But the damage is done..
Peace be with you.
affectionately: Brother of the Hawk ( I will surrender my mind no more, forever )