#rivervale_lodge

"Oh, aye - you win." A grin, teasing gently.

"Yay?" A chuckle.

"I do not know the prize, alas."

"Well, it makes dad happy so, to him I guess I'm Fishy"

"And... I mean, sometimes it's nice. Not that I'd say so..."

"oh heavens no, you can't let them know"

"Exactly! But... it can be a bit like coming home after a long journey. A... safe port?"

"Exactly like that" Siv says surprised someeone gets it "That's why my parents don't have to worry about me leaving forever. I could travel a thousand seas and yet when i t came time to rest, they would be the place my stars led"

She nods. "I love my family. I like being able to go home, at the end of the day..."

"Vassar, or any place, is going to be scary. Isn't it?"

She gums on her lower lip and nods.

"Have you.. told your folks that you will be scared and want their strength? I bet, if you told them that, they'd remind you that college is just a long journey, that your port still waits any time you need it"

"I'm not scared..." An expression that wars between pride and stubborness and shame.

"Though speaking of home..."

"Well, maybe THEY'RE Scared. I know my folksa re sometimes, for me." then she looks at the time "oh lord. I've been gabbing your ear off"

"Oh, Papa is unflappable. But Mama... maybe..."

"Talk to your mom. If she's anything like mine, she'll.. she'll not necessaryily understand you, but she'll definitely love you and want things to be right"

"And she definitely might need to know you consider her home port"

"Well... maybe."

"Come on, we're done here. Get dressed. I'm going to use walking you home as an excuse to explore" Agrin

"I'll have to show you the Orrery - everyone marvels at it..."

"Oh? " Grabbing her coat "Worth the hype?"

"Yes. And I know the secret way to the top."

"I am all ears, well and height" she says as the two of them ready and then head out to the trods, a note left for her parents.

(End Scene)