#rivervale_lodge

"It absolutely is." A pause. "I guess you could say that screw ups are normal, natural, a necessary part of life. They show you're learning, growing, trying new things. The problem comes when you don't let your screw ups teach you anything. If you don't learn from them you don't grow, so they, the screw ups, they are just failures at that point."

"So I guess the question is, what did you learn?"

"Limitations mostly, and not to go into that sort of thing without back up," She says, "I think maybe by trying to help Erika I made her feel challenged, and ..folks don't like having what they think is part of them questioned."

She sips her lemonade slowly.

A small smile under his beard. "Does that apply to you, too?"

"Course," she nods.

"But sometimes people have to learn the hard way like you said"

Frank nods. "Some of the best lessons come that way."

"I guess if I had to do it again, I'd have back up, and try to find a way to make Erika feel less attacked. I'm not sure how though" She admits.

Frank nods. "Well, you have time to think on it. Can we talk about this again?"

"I guess." she says, "I can rest by the fire right? I mean, even I know i kind of need to."

"Of course you can." Firmly.

"Thank you. And I'll talk to Uncle Vali about what I tried. He'll be worried, but he often is." She says "Thank Siv again for me if you see her first? I... I AM grateful she rushed right over"

"Hmmphm. I am glad you are well." Not quite agreement.

The teenager nods "Me too." And drifts quietly to petting her dog.

With their talk over, Frank is free to go talk to his youngest daughter, or seek someone else out, or just take Oak for a walk, lord knows Edelweiss won't be leaving

Frank does go to see Siv. If he can find her.

Siv is leaving her dad the room, but he finds her out back sipping her own lemonade and enjoying the sun.

"Hey." He joins her.

"Hey" she looks up, "how is she?" Worried about Gerd "Better?"

Frank nods. "Better, and getting better."

A look of relief on Siv's features, "Good. Whatever possessed her to take a risk like that?"

"She wanted to help a friend."

"Kids" Siv shakes her head and drinks her lemonade

"Mmm." Dryly. "Could ask and answer exactly the same about you."

"I was performing right of rescue for a fellow changeling and a lodge sister to boot, da. Would have broken the escheat NOT to go." She closes her eyes and faces the sun, "Oh this is great bikini weather forming up"

A heavy sigh. "Siv, I'm worried about the way you drive."

"It was an emergency, dad." Siv blinks suddenly feeling like an ambush is happening.

Frank nods. "She called you, you took off to help her. Which is fine; it's good. I'd have liked you to reach out to someone else, as well. Sylvi, one of us, even Olgar. Back up."

Siv stiffens a bit "dad... no one else was available at that particular moment. Do you not think I can do it?"

"I know you can." Firmly. "You could have left a message."

"I did" She says

"And before you check your phone, I didn't leave it with you" she takes another drink "or mom."

Frank manages not to reach for his phone. "Ok." He says simply. "That doesnt really address your driving, though. "

"Yes it does... I just said, it was an emergency. of course I flew like a bat out of hell, she could have winked out entire"

Siv is staring at her father like he's lost his mind, "You mean to tell me that If I sent you a text telling you I was having trouble remembering myself, you'd have played it cool, got into the car and done the speed limit the whole way?"

"No. If you sent me that message, I'd very to you fast, any way I could. My concern about your driving is broader than this incident, though. It is reckless."

"I do like speed, yes. But I've got good eyes, great reflexes, and fantastic spatial awareness. I know you worry, but I can handle it."

Frank sits quietly for a while.

Siv sighs "I'll try to slow a little if it really worries you"

"It does worry me, yes." Frank confirms.

"Okay. I'll take it slower more often. Maybe I'll be safer for you on the high seas later this summer" A smile

"Are you planning a trip?"

"A few... let's see... visit sis, visit a fiona hold..." She reminds "quest with my boyfriend maybe"

Frank takes a deep breath, nods. "Ok. Appreciate it if you slow down."

"I know, and I willl..because I know you worry." she gives her dad a hug "I'll be okay though, dad. And my summer won't be all used up. I plan to be around here too. Honest"

"Good." A hug back and soft smile "We need you."

a hug back, "Good to hear," she says "But I imagine you folks would do okay with out me"

"Better with you." He assures her.

that does make Siv smile "Thanks, Dad. You know what I always say.... I may see ever sea the world has to offer , but this will always be my home port"

"And you will always be welcome."