#anywhere

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At the coronation, Frank sees a sulky Siv.

During a break in the official proceedings, Frank approaches.

Siv is swirling a glass of what looks to be spiced rum.

She gets an eyebrow.

"I'm 18, it's legal in mexico" She puts it down on a table though still looking Sulky "She is impossible to help out at times."

Who SHE is easy to guess

"Might ask if she wants the help, first." Mildly.

A huff " She wanted to avoid the crowds. I helped her avoid the crowds."

"Without asking her."

"Little hard to slip it into the conversation" Mutter "I guess I should have ..it's just..mmph"

Frank nods. "I know. I struggle with it too."

"It's just she... she doesn't take help even when pressure is near to breaking her. It's like she sees needing help as a weakness when instead it's a natural condition. We all need help now and then."

She eyes that drink she just sat down.

"True."

"So why does she act so..closed off, and not just to me? I mean, I get it, I'm the grown sister out of no where...but you and mom, sometimes it seems liike she's even more guarded when we're around. I think she's great, but I never mistook that for perfect."

A sigh. "Years ago, after she chrysalized.... I tried to hold her too close. She reacted by pushing away. She joined the Peace Corp for a time; forged papers, of course. Then she did that thing where she stopped using her name..... I think perhaps she wants to keep that distance, keep that independence."

"I can understand wanting space I guess, but bristling like a hedgehog or shrinking like a violet is not.. argh." A sigh of her own, "And yes, Dad, you can be protective, we all can. We're trolls. I just worry you know? She's got a few friends, but she still seems to be so damn alone at times. I wish more than anything she could find the right fellow if Duff isn't it. I know a 'man doesn't solve all problems' but .. there's strength in findin a trueheart. And I think she's scared of relying even on that."

Frank can't help a scowl. "Hmmphm."

"Jessica needs some solitude, Siv."

Okay, NOW She grabs the glass, "I gave her that by impersonating her and buying her space. She didn't care for it. " A sip, "And there's needing solitude sometime, and then living in it constantly. Not sure the latter is healthy, at least not emotional loneliness."

"Can't demand that she be social."

"Again, I offered her an out for tonight" Yup. Bold as brass, having a glass. Further, she doesn't choke on it. One might suspect this is not the first time she's had rum. "I guess mostly I'm mad because I hate being helpless to help. She won't let me where I can, won't move forward when I can't. Exasperating. Honestly, what is it with young women just letting good advice go in one ear and out the other while they stubbornly go on?"

Surprisingly, Chimerical lightning does not strike Siv.

"It's a mystery to me." Frank agrees.

A near chimeric halo casts over Frank. Possibly which ever saint is watching over him was a father. Siv doesn't notice it "I AM proud of her. Fit to burst."

"I am, too."

"And did you see mom? I thought she'd float off puffing up with pride like that" A smile "Not without reason. She's done so much good. Fighting vampires, driving off Shadow Court lackeys, trying to keep the hate in this city down when so many dark forces encourage it. Looking for PEACE when war is in the very soil. And she acts like it was 'just duty'. I Wish she'd be less nonchallant about it, not because she deserves a good brag though she does, but because it's already set the bar waaaay too high"

"For whom?"

A blush "Well, I can tell you being her little sister is intimidating as heck"

"It's not a competition, Siv."

"And good thing" She says "No not a competition. I know I can't walk anyone's path but my own. But still... you and me, both kind of over shadowed. And from them I don't mind, but not when they neglect themselves"

"Thank you for that, Siv." Dryly.

"You were the one who gave me that speech, remember?"

She reminds

"Yes, but it's always refreshing to hear you're overshadowed when the reminder comes from your child."

"Never as a father" She tips up to kiss his cheek, "There you're the tops. Good reviews straight across the board this year."

sincerely and winsome

Frank vents an amused puff.

"Again, thank you."

"it's okay. Go on, rejoin mom. This is my last glass, promise. Also my first tonight." Assurance "I need a clear head."

"You're a grown wilder, Siv." Frank puts a hand on her shoulder and then, yes, turns to rejoin Brekke.

She looks pleased at that, but true to her word puts the empty glass down (after wiping it) and then turns to keep an eye on events

(End scenelette)