#rivervale_lodge

"Once I caught up with him, I made sure he went straight home." Technically true, the best kind of true? But Gwydionn boon or not, Brekke is a mother, and used to evasive talk

She knows her daughter's 'tells'... "Siv."

"Fine. I went to Firnost, with someone... NOT Conner, thankyou, and took a look about. Sword at my side, peace tied, and so on. It was actually mostly empty. Then Conner was behind the bar and..." She sighs "He cut it short. Annoyed me proper I admit it. I had to take him back as soon as I saw. He raced back on the trods so I followed him..."

Oak barks

"With Oak's help" She adds "Can you imagine him going off like that?"

"Not your fault, boy." Frank assures him quietly.

Oak definitely appreciates Frank's words

Brekke listens, nods slowly. "Who went with you?"

Frank looks over, interested in this answer.

As the silence stretches out, Brekke's eyebrow rises again.

A cough "Oak"

Now his expression is a thundercloud.

Brekke's expression doesn't change. She just keeps looking at Siv for a long moment...then she takes a breath and sighs, turning to look at the 'Fire. "You have done it again."

He shakes his head. "I should have... I'm sorry, Brekke."

"Done WHAT?"

"No. She knew what you meant." Brekke says to Frank.

Her tone is somewhat dull.

Siv frowns, "I was told I could go if I brought someone. So yes, I borught someone who can tear an arm off but still let me make some choices without feeling like I might dissapint them if..." Siv flushes hurt

"And yet...you knew well enough that it was an unacceptable choice that you tried to hide the details of your trip with clever wording." Still looking at the 'Fire.

"It was acceptable to me" Siv says "Blast it mom, would you folks have let me go with Oak? or would you have found excuses to .." She clamps then says "I am sorry if I hurt you."

Frank looks away.

THat is true

"I am...yes, hurt. But if you wished to avoid disappointing somebody, you have failed." She looks at Siv, finally. "How many times will we have to do this, Siv? How many times will you...cheat the rules to try to find a way around us?" A pause. "I would have gone with you, had you asked, and had I been available."

"You know I would have." Very softly. "I thought we would."

"I didn't want to be with you hovering over me. I'm not a childling. I'm a wilder! Why can't you see that? Sylvi doesn't have her da over her shoulders every time she's there. Or her mom. It's a HOLD, not a bar of cold iron. I can handle it just as well as any. I've had months to learn other kiths, and what it's like in Concordia, and I've paid attention, but I get treated like I'm eight. And you know, I might not have to work around the rules if the rules were more damn reasonable."

"Which does NOTHING to change the FACT that you DEFIED us YET AGAIN!" Brekke doesn't often let the Gwydion out...but sometimes.... "You did not want to disappoint us? HOW do you expect us to TRUST you when you DO THIS, OVER and OVER and OVER?"

The arm of her chair is taking a bit of a beating.

"OVER AND OVER? Hold on... let's count..."

"The ship and the flood... that's one. You know, saving lives, real evil there..."

Frank stands, stiffly and with some effort. "Siv, please go upstairs. Please don't leave the house until we have a chance to talk again."

He keeps his voice even with effort. "Brekke... please, just a moment."

"Then this? Checking it out for meself because Dagmar won't shut up about it and I need to make sure she can..." She turns as her father speaks

Brekke is out of her seat. "You truly think SARCASM will help your point right now?!"

Frank watches Siv closely.

"To hell with sarcasm ...two times including this one that I count, and once months ago? that's not fair, it's not like I pop out of existence! I just..forget. And not in a hold"

"Ladies. Please." Firmly.

Siv stiffens then quiets.

Brekke presses her lips together...a faint grinding of teeth. "I...am going to patrol." She steps away from the 'Fire and stalks to the door.

"Must be nice to have a choice to do that..." She strides towards her room, her own stalking poise so much like her mother it's eerie

If Brekke heard that, she doesn't pause...and it's good that the door frame is mighty enough to take the SLAM as she goes.

And a SLAM from Siv's bedroom door

Oak whines and looks at Frank miserable

Frank unclenches slowly and sinks to Brekke's chair, scratching Oak's ears. "I don't know, boy. Maybe it's too much coffee...."

A lick.

"Yes." His low voice rumbles, dispirited. "Hey. Can you follow Brekke? Just keep her company."

Frank sends the dog off to mind the lady of the house, and stays where he is, watching the 'Fire, till they return.

((End))