#rivervale_lodge

Frank shuffles over and kisses the top of her head. "Love you Fishie."

A blush purple "Love you, dad." And back to studying.

Frank manages to remember his boots on the way out.

And Siv starts studying.

Frank may find that as he tromps about doing his business, he has a small shadow. The pup pads quietly along behind him, not making a fuss nor any sound, just... accompanying. If he stops to do a task, Buddy curls up nearby. And when he lumbers to his feet and moves on, he is trailed after once more.

Frank is aware. He stops, and crouches, calling Buddy over.

He pads over, his ears a little down- he knows he's supposed to be Connor these days, but sometimes it's just easier... resting his head on one of those big troll mitts if a hand is extended.

A soft grunt. "Easier like this? Fall is hard."

An exhaled HUFF into the hand, and a single beat of his tail.

"Ok. Come on." Frank moves on.

And, his shadow follows.

Siv has been studying for hours, and writing in a little notebook meant for school notes about what she saw and read, but she's pretty sure it's nothing dad wouldn't have caught already.

I'm not good at this She admits to herself, then goes over notes again . If you aren't good at it, at least work hard at it.

The front door opens, and a chilly wind blusters in along with Oak, who wags briefly at Siv before going to drink at the water dish. Brekke follows the dog inside and pushes the door closed behind her, sighing slightly as she does, perhaps without realizing it.

"There's the best mother in the world" No sarcasm. She smiles

A glance over, and she lowers her head. "Hm. You are kind." She gets herself a coffee, and then goes to join Siv at the desk. "What is all this?" She indicates the papers and books.

"notes on the dragon, dad was looking at them. I told him I wanted to help. So he gave me this. Histories, theories, legends, accounts..." She frowns "But I'm not sure I'm doing very well at it. Skalstryke is a horror, even other dragons don't like him."

"Even...other dragons?" She frowns and looks over Siv's shoulder. "I have heard that before, but...which dragons? Does it say?"

"Uhm.. " She sorts through, "He slew the she-dragon Sky Crash. Fought with a Nocturnus? Not sure this is the right spelling."

"Siv....the ones he slew....do the texts mention that they had mates?"

"Well, it's mostly about Skallstryke not other dragons so.. I don't think I have that" Apologetic

"I wonder....if we could entice their mates towards vengeance...."

"Maybe... but if only trolls are destined to take Skallystryke down, how could he or she help?" Curious

"Hm." A sigh. "A good question."

A worried look, "oh mom, not you too"

Brekke blinks at her daughter. "Not me, what?"

"The winter on you? I thought my speech about how you're standing by me like you do would have cheered you some. Clearly I overestimate myself a touch. " She moves up to her mom "Or am I misreading? Hope I am"

Her mother frowns, her brow knit. "It is not something I mean to happen, Siv. I am sorry." A pause. "You know that I have been like this for many years. To think you will change that....I am sorry. If anybody could, it would likely be you. But...it is what I am." A shamed admission.

"No." A HUG, "You've nothing to apologize for. You've got a lot on your shoulders and you're so strong mom, to carry that and your doubts on top of it. I'd free you from the latter if I could. But I cannot...and you will endure it I know. I made the mistake of trying to protect you from the world once...and you gave me a good lesson about it. I remember." A nod "Okay, "We'll learn about this dragon. I'll look into it. Maybe even if he can't fight, he can help. Good catch. No wonder you've got a daughter heading towards Countess hood"

"In spite of herself, yes. I think she would never say she wished that outcome. And you...so savvy and strong-willed. Your path is likely different, but will be equally great."

Blush

"You are clever, my daughter. Far more clever than I. I believe you will find opportunities that we may have missed."

"Thank you. I think I should remind you who just had the idea of looking into other dragons connections." A smile

"Now...permission to bring Sylvi into this?" SHe says "Because Diplomacy with a dragon might be a bit much for me now matter how clever I am."

"I would not thought of it had you not mentioned," she points out. "As for Sylvi..." A nod. "It is not for me to give permission for her involvement, but she does have the skills you note."

"Oh boy. You think I should talk to the Hearth? Or is Sylvi free to just say yay on her own?"

"I..." A pause, and a frown. "I...think Kerri would want you to speak with her. But you wilders have quested without asking permission many times."

"True. I guess I'll talk to Sylvi first. No point in going through it if she's not." Siv says

Then a look at her mom, "is there something you'd like to do tonight? You and dad maybe... I can handle things here for a bit. "

An offer.

A brief, confused look, and a shake of her head. "I will be here, and perhaps patrol later. Please...do what you are thinking."

"I just want you and dad to have some fun" She admits

"Fun? Siv...we have work to do."

"Well, I'm offering to do more of it to give you and dad time for fun. You're going to be risking your life soon so I thought maybe a positive experience berfore hand was the least I could do to help?"

"Siv...." A cautious offer of a hug. "You are a positive experience."

Oh offer accepted, "Well, with some side effects of stress at times I know, but thanks. I won't make you do anything you don't want to do. But the offer is open okay?"

"I thank you, but I should not. I should stay with the Lodge. It is the least I can do right now."

"Ok. " she accepts, "Need me to refill that coffee?"

"I will do it. Go find Sylvi."

"...if you wish."