#rivervale_lodge

Siv gets up early that morning, hoping to ambush one or both of her parents.

Of course, she doesn't wake up gracefully. By now her formally cut hair (Pretty well handled by Dags) has grown out a bit more... meaning the blue has become blonde and blue. She's looking extra frumpy in comfy morning clothes.

A yawn, and she gets coffee. Takes a sip, and staggers a touch. "Damn mom... how does it not burn right through JoJo?"

A chuckle from her mother in her chair by the balefire. "There is no rule saying you must drink it." No written rule, that is.

"Mmm" She says and adds cream

Frank pads out from the kitchen with a plate of buttered toast and a cup of coffee.

"Mom, how long have you been up?" She stretches " thought I beat you this morning."

And a smile for dad too.

A blink, a glance to the window. "The sun is up, and you thought you beat me to wakefulness? Siv..." A pitying look.

He smiles back and offers her a toast; there's plenty.

A grin to Frank as he returns.

A roll of her eyes, then "Thanks, Dad. I was hoping to meet you both. wanted to ask you something."

"Of course. I need to speak with both of you, as well. You first, Siv."

Brekke also takes some toast when Frank offers.

Frank settles down nearby and takes toast for himself.

"I'd like to take the Kestrel on a trip... go on a quest for a week with her. Me, maybe Sylvi if she wants?"

"I haven't been out on the sea with her, or the air, or the Dreaming with her in so long, I feel like I'm turning into a land lubber" a sigh

An interested look. "Hm. Did you have a destination or purpose in mind?"

Frank pauses chewing, then resumes.

"Not particularly, and in case you're worried , not HIbernia," sad sort of smile and sip at that, "I thought about buzzing Sis in Fenix, but it occured to me you guys probably want to visit her yourself if time comes for that. Did you need me to go anywhere or quest for anything?" Curious.

"Well...the timing..." She takes a bite of toast and chews thoughtfully before continuing. "Something has come up that might make it wise for you to take the ship elsewhere briefly. This is what I wished to speak with both of you about, but especially you-as-Mountain, Frank. I have already spoken with Kerri." A sip of coffee.

Siv tilts her head, "Oh?" Surprised "Well, with Dagmar going to basketball camp I was a bit worried about patrols, but Vali thinks he , Lut and Tig can handle most of it. And Gerd is ready to take it up. Though she's still indescive about being a Hearth or MOuntain after all and... oh sorry, rambling. Please, go on, mother"

Brekke has Frank's attention. More than the toast does, at least.

"Hmm." About Gerd, but then she nods. "Connor's former guardian, Matthias, has contacted me. Connor's father apparently has concerns about the boy no longer being under Matthias's supervision, and wishes to come and see the Lodge and review Connor's education."

A raised brow "Connor's doing fine at the DeBuke homeschool I thought. And.. pray tell, where has Connor's 'father' been all this time that he's suddenly a dad again?"

Brekke nods. "It is, I believe, a matter of balancing books. Matthias included a number of checks he received for Connor's care, now signed over to me. They have been sitting for some time, uncashed, and I believe that may be what got his father's attention."

Siv's brow knits, "The man thinks we're babysitters? With Gerd considering him a little brother and all? " a humph "I wouldn't have cashed the checks either unless it was for connor's sake."

Brekke shakes her head. "The checks were to help Matthias afford to care and instruct Connor. It is not the payment that is a problem, Siv. After all, Connor will need some savings as well since his mortal employment options are limited, and much of those checks can be put in trust for him. That his father is at least willing to help support him financially does not concern me. No...I am concerned because he or one of his assigns wishes to tour the Lodge and meet Connor's teachers...and Connor's father is Ailil."

Siv chokes on her coffee, and regrets having sipped at that moment.

A nod. "You can see my concern. I do not want him to know of the ship, and I do not want him to know of Connor's access to the Farm."

Frank chews; he must have known already.

"Aye, the DeBukes can tolerate liam and scathach, hold a grudging debt to SOME beaumayn, and can barely stand Fiona save troll ones.... but Ailil? I admit that out of the Dark Three they disgust me the least, but didn't you two once warn me that if you shake a Silver Dragon's hand count your fingers and then double check your soul?"

"Yes."

A faint smirk. "Something to that effect. With that in mind...I think that having you take the ship for a bit makes sense. I cannot say it does not concern me...but it makes sense."

"Well by all means I'll protect my.. uhm.. our ship" she says "How long do I need to be gone?"

"I do not yet know when he or his assign will arrive. I have not been notified. I hope they will have the courtesy to advise ahead of time...but it is possible it will be a surprise visit. So...if we get no warning, you will need to veil the ship and take her quickly and quietly. I do not think more than a day will be necessary. However, I suspect you wish for a longer voyage."

"I do, but if you need me then it can certainly be a short trip" Siv has matured in more ways than one it seems. Was a time she'd plead for at least three days flat out.

Brekke gives Frank a look to get his input on this.

He swallows, then nods. Sip.

A faint grin, then she looks to Siv. "No more than...five days." Sip.

"Okay" she says with a nod, "I'll avoid the Deep dreaming then. NO need to risk time wakes and chronal eddies"

"Oh! May I suggest?" She starts to say "something about the foot bridge? "

"And you will return the ship as well or better than you took it." A concern that shouldn't need to be voiced, but...

"Yes?" About the footbridge.

"Of course" she says at the mention of the Kestrel.

"And.. I was thinking, can we veil the footbridge? Make a certain Ailil less likely to notice it? OR maybe Mountain Emmit could? From this side?"

A nod. "That is wise...but I am also concerned with making certain that someone is present who can describe Connor's learning. If they come to ask about his education, and we can only speak to the parts we have seen, that will raise suspicions."

"Oh snot, with the DeBukes teaching him so much... well.. damn" She realizes

"Yes. So, I must speak with them. I am thinking...I will host the visitor while one of the Lodge goes to fetch a DeBuke teacher, return, and the bridge can be Veiled. Of course..." sip "...this will be easier if they have the courtesy to make an appointment to visit."

"Aye, but the DeBukes are practical fierce people, and Clem leads them now, and she's taught them better how to adapt with honor" Siv says