#rivervale_lodge

"Or am I misunderstanding again?" Raised brow.

A glance to Frank...a momentary pause...then a sigh. "Siv...I am so tempted to let you stay on that train of thought. But that is not what I meant. We were thinking...to allow you to discontinue your formal studies."

Frank nods.

"Thus...'cover story.'"

"Fair. Honestly I'm still not sure. You two threw me for a loop with this one." Siv confides, "I did not expect this option. LEt me ask, do you WANT me to quit school? Because while I do want freedom to make my own choices, I still value your judgement and preferences. I would not be contrary just to spite."

Frank looks back to Brekke.

Brekke looks back at him. "Your turn, I think."

Frank says, heavily. "Siv. I want you to be free."

"And I appreciate that, but I'm not sure it answers my question. Dad... it's not you trying to control me when I ASK what you'd like. That's me taking things into account." Then "Honestly, we both know this is about as foresighted as I get "

"Hm." A bit of humor there. Then Brekke says, "You wish more freedom to travel and explore and adventure. Mortal schooling can serve as a grounding element and a source for necessary information about Concordia. I think...." She stops...and blinks. "I may have an idea...."

A tilt of her head

"Please....." Frank breathes.

"An...independent study? With Vali as your supervising instructor. You will be present for classes when you are home...but it is a ready-made excuse for long absences."

"A year and a half ago, and hot for teacher might be playing" Amusement in her eyes.

"Now, now....we are both being careful here, and would appreciate you being gentle with us."

Ahem "Sorry, sides, he's going to be old and used up soon" Then "Not any better is it? I like the idea.. I do... or maybe as an auxilary to high school at least...so I can 'catch up' etc? But.. what if Vali doesn't stay? His Togail.. he's not said what he'll do after has he? "

"No. This is true. But...well...we could start it, and then adjust if needed. Frank...what do you think?"

"I would.... agree."

"Siv...what it comes down to is that you are right. You are not well-served when we expect you to stay here. You are at your best aboard a ship...and you know my thoughts about you having your own. But...we do not wish to lose you."

"Or keep you..... if you wish to fly."

"It's not a matter of wish, dad.. it's a matter of...need sometimes. Like mom.. if she were cut off from the woods... or you from the road for too long. But... okay. I think what I'll try for is this... I stay in high school for now, make sure Uncle Vali is good with independent study to supplement it. Could happen if he says yes and the school is okay is I graduate early.. for real. "

Frank nods ....agreement.

A blink. And a smile. "Siv...I think that is a fine plan. And I admit I am surprised. I thought you might be more than glad for the chance to avoid school completely."

"I am," She says "But while Sylvi is something of our leader of the wilders, I am still the oldest of age to go to high school... Dagmar has friends and support, but I am her cousin and she might need me. Sylvi might too, for she is far to proud to say so if it comes to be. Other wilders go there, and they look to Rivervale to protect them. Mind you I am only one more troll there, but that is one more troll...and with some kith pride I say that's a lot. Finally we have the Adam situation and he apparently feels treated unfairly according to Dagmar. SHe feels we are too rough on him..etc. Well.. then I should be there to offer a bit of firm kindness to him. Not the sort he wants I'm sure" Wry, then sobering fast, "But the point of the matter is my duties are wider than you both may have realized. The Fief is as you know, larger than the lodge... and where our people go, the more shields the better."

Frank nods slowly.

Brekke's brows both go up...but she merely nods. "I think this is wise of you. And kind. And honorable. Thank you, Siv. We both appreciate your decisions in this." A pause. "You must also help build an enclosure for your ship when it arrives."

"Of course" she says and rises, "I'll leave you two talk things over on your end, but.. thank you. Thank you for talking to me like..well, like I'm not a childling. "

(Pause?)