#bergen_county

Amused smirk (Almost wish you would just to see the look on your face)

Then she sighs "No, Da, you don't."

A nod.

"But we've established we have different means. And to a light degree, variations on values, or definition. "

Then a pause "I'm doing better at Earth Runes"

The last delivered with the tone of ..offering? not a peace branch, but to see perhaps if he's happy to hear it, happy for her sake?

"Good. You will be good at whatever you set your mind to, Siv."

"Including Parent management?" A toucho f humor

Eyebrow.

"Ahem," She says "Righto. " then "Thanks, Dad. So, I've been meaning to ask something, and this might sound odd. Mom's Norweigan, I know her heritage more or less, and I've explored it but... well, what of your side of the line? Mortal blood or not. I mean, Americans are hybrids and right proud of it but any part of your own heritage you cheerish? I mean... go back enough are the Kings actually related to real mortal kings?"

Frank shakes his head. "I don't know. I don't remember grandparents. My parents died when I was young, as you know." (He was older, or her age, when it happened.)

"I know" She nods "it's just, I got curious about mom's side, then I got curious about yours... and wondered if you ever were too? " A smile "But then again, you're rather a lot of heritage yourself in yourself. "

"Concordian mutt." with a faint smile.

"Makes for stronger resistance I hear" A smile "My father is clearly from a Hunter Gatherer trucker tribe of semi-Nomadic and nomadic culture. There's a rather intricate honor system, and a rather polygot language with terms like 'that's a big 10-4' and 'Breaker Breaker, bear trap on US-51'. You know the thing that worried me most when I was impersonating you was that someone would strike up a conversation using the termonology that would be typical for a trucker but way over most of my head"

"Hmmphm."

"i'm not teasing you," she says "Well, not much. " She clarifies, "Seems there's codes about helping each other out, etiquette about who goes when and lines not to be crossed. I thought that 'knights of the road' talk was a bit of a coincidence with you, you being an actual knight, but, corporate demands aside, that culture appears to actually exist some what. Is that what you like about it?"

Several more steps. "I grew to appreciate it quickly, yes. And now, it is one of the stronger appeals. There are regular opportunities to help mortals. That is an appeal as well."

"Do you ever fear it's going to die out? Everyone talks about self driving trucks on the news and like"

Frank shakes his head. "I am not worried about that, no. People will always need help; there are roadside organizations I could go to, but I don't think I will need to."

"The form changes, the essence remains pure?"

His eyes slide to her, either consternated or impressed, perhaps both. "Something like that."

"Sorry, between Sir Bachdion's lessons and Jonas I'm having a lot of philosophy and other academia thrown at me"

She looks sheepish about itt

Frank clears his throat. "House Fiona's studies are often overshadowed in notice. By their, um. Physical pursuits."

"They are more intellectual than I expected," She admits "Actually, I owe you thanks for making me learn how to study with all that lore and old writings. I was ready for the dueling and athletics"

A grunt.

"I'm even studying law, fae law really, as nobles see it"

Another few steps. "Why?"

"Because if I become a Fiona, while I may not be titled, it is also possible one day I shall be a knight. I will be expected to enforce the Escheat, defend it, and if need be, judge people by it. Further more, House Fiona is a commoner friendly house. Did you know more Fiona are chosen as champions or seconds for Commoners in trials, be it by combat or debate, than any other House? Many a time when a Knight of another House has issued challenge to a commoner who overstepped, only for the Fiona to step up to make it at least a fair fight. Many a time, a Fiona is asked to serve as Reeve and plead before a local lord for a more progressive policy. I must learn laws, their wording, their origins and original intent, so I may make an INFORMED choice to defy one or enforce it"

They walk for a time. "Mmphm. Good reason."

She nods "Aye. I find myself convinced more every day that Fiona is a very underestimated house"

"Course, they do bring it on themselves at time. Fiona promote themselves as Lovers, Fighters, and Party Boys and Girls... in that order. "

Frank nods. "I am aware."

"Dad, did you know some few Fiona are celebate? Utterly chaste?"

"I have heard.... something to that effect."

"You could have warned me, I almost got recruited" A shudder

A grunt.

"I..." she looks unsure what to say "is there something you want to know about my training or Earth Runes or..well, I worry I'm either boring you or at risk of telling you things you don't want to hear?"

"No. I am interested. Please, continue."

"Well, the Swashbuckling dueling obstacle course? It's great! BUt... it turns out the pooka love it. I didn't have the heart to bully them off it, you know? They're all in cute animal forms and big eyes and ..well you know. But the Baroenss said to learn to weave around them without hurting and see them as yet another challenge"

Frank nods. "That seems a reasonable compromise."

"You are very dexterous."

"Thank you. She said she never saw a troll do a back flip over her, or anyone else either, before" She says proudly "I think folks forget gymnastics and acrobatics also takes a lot of physical power, and that trolls have"

"In time, size might interfere." A mild warning, the voice of experience.

"Aye yes, I shall grump and grow brittle" A sigh

"Eventually."

"Fear not, father. I come from a highly adaptive warrior line." A smile 'ALso ,I don't plan on having kids ever, that should help keep me younger longer"

Frank nods.

"On the other hand, who knows, one day I might feel different, but not for a long long time" She looks at her dad "Do.. do you and mom ever wish you had Jessica and me later or anything?"

A puff of amusement. "Jessica was born when I was very young." (Her age....) "And you were born when we did not expect more children. No, Siv. Your timing, and Jessica's, were just right."