#rivervale_lodge

********************
Evening. Frank has trimmed his beard, slicked back his hair, and now stands looking at the vaguely unfamiliar face in a mirror as he straightens his tie. Clearing his throat with a hint of nerves, he picks up his suit jacket and checks the pockets. Then his other pockets. Wallet, keys, glasses.... ok.

He heads downstairs to wait for his ladies to be ready.
********************

Siv comes down promptly, cleaned and wearing clothes on the modest side. She has been surprisingly dutifiul except for trips to Firnost which she always leaves notes about on phone and fridge

"Siv." Frank stands from his desk at the window. "You look .... very nice."

"Thank you, dad" she smoothes her outfit, "Sylvi says the color suits me in both mortal and fae views"

"It does." a loving dad.

"You look nice. the beard trim caught me off guard"

He clears his throat, and shifts. "Well. Thanks. Thought I would, you know. Clean up."

"What's the occaision again?" She ahems

"Well... it's Valentine's day. It's a mortal thing. But.... I thought you'd like to ... try it?"

"Well, shouldn't that be you and mom off for a couple's night?"

He chuckles. "Maybe.But I'd like to spend it, when I can, with the ladies I love."

"Well, it's very nice of you and this is my first vaelentine's. so"

"Sure thing, Fishie." He grins.

"Ugh" Groan slight head bump against his shoulder

He chuckles. and hugs her.

She hugs back a bit "Also it's good to get mom out and about now and then... it's all patrol, direct others, patrol, war, patrol, tend fire, pass judgment, direct others, She doesn't get a lot of free time"

And they wait for the Chief

(Or...)
"Siv...that is our lives. Our lifes. Yes, sometimes we focus on each other but mostly... we serve."

"I know, dad. And I serve too. I don't patrol because I like freezing weather" She points out "I just.well, you know, mom really works HARD. I ust think she earned a break or a dozen. that's all I'm saying"

"So did you." he points out, trimmed and groomed.

"Well, I get a lot more free time than you and mom even with school counted in..though there was a two week ;period that I felt like I did't. I'm more releaxed now"

(repause)

Brekke eventually does make it down the stairs, though she does so self-consciously, for she is wearing...a dress. Not a chimeric robe or something like that...a mortal dress in a mostly-current fashion. And dress shoes with low heels. This is certainly something that Siv may not have seen before.

"Mom, you look good" Siv says trying not to sound surprised

"Daughter, you are kind." She clearly feels out of her element, but she gives Frank a brave grin. "All right?" She turns.

Frank beams warmly when she descends. "You look beautiful." Quietly.

A smile "You two sure I'm not a third wheel here?"

Brekke colors a bit at Frank's comment, then answers Siv, "You are definitely not a third wheel. We wish you to come out with us. Can you tolerate your embarrassing parents during a nice meal?"

Frank offers to take Brekke's hand, then Siv's.

Brekke puts her hand in his, and...somehow the three of them make it out the door and off to dinner.

"I actually LIKE my parents, Danu help me" Hand in a hand and she goes

"That is a relief," Brekke says seriously. Though she might be teasing.

A slight smile

Frank took the time earlier to put the roof and sides up on the jeep; makes it a tight fit, but the Rig is a bit much to go to dinner in.

Siv squeezes in "My car's got head room right? Youu know, when Ifinally get to drive it?"

"Should be ok."

"If it does not, you could always give it away."

That makes Frank chuckle quietly as he get the door for the girls and then seats himself, keying the engine.

A tight squeeze, yes, but they are settled, and off they go. Dinner awaits!

"Italian ok?"

"Give it away she says" A sigh

And a smile "Italian is fine. We heading to Lucia's parents restaurant? "

"I thought we could. Brekke?"

A hesitation, then a nod. "Yes. Let us do that."

Frank glances at her, but takes her word and they are soon in the parking lot. He gets the doors.

"We get to show support to the fief changelings this way too.' Siv sees that side of it

Brekke nods. "You are right, that is good. And their food is delicious."

"Oh the things we do for duty" Siv says stoically, resolved. Is making fun?

"Also, I forgot to make reservations." Frank confesses. "But I figure we can get squeezed in here."

Brekke chuckles. "Very practical. Fair enough."