#rivervale_lodge

A phone call at the lodge.

Frank looks up from his reading. Slowly he rises and, as he removes his half-moon spectacles, he crosses to the phone closet and answers. "Hello."

"Mountain? It's Sir Colton" The young man's voice is crisp "I hope this isn't a bad time?"

"Sir Colton. No. What can I do for you?"

"Well, Sir. It being APril 1st we were a little dubious, but I thought you should know. We have ... I almost want to say some kind of advertisement/proclamation from Rivervale that doesn't seem to make sense. "

"Chief Hewit asked me to look into it since I know Rivervale better"

"I thank him, and you, for contacting us. What is the nature of the missive?"

"AHem" And he assumes a 'reading voice' "To who it may concern, father and or mother wanted for one Jack Flap, childling satyr. Father and Mother will be able to stay at Rivervale lodge with said childling provided room and bored" a beat "Bored was spelled wrong for it's purpose" Then he continues in the reading voice "Please come to Rivervale if interested. Trolls or Troll values proferred...so you don't like, mess things up for the people here. Please show up for personel interview and apepraisal. Please copy and post so other fae can see this, thank you," A beat "And it has a pretty decent facsimile of the Rivervale seal on it. Sir? I'm confused"

A sigh.

Frank relates the state of things as it applies to Jack. ".... so his mortal parents are out of the picture and the Fae-friendly homes here are full up. Anne Marie is looking, but.... it sounds like someone else took matters into their own hands."

"Giving the spelling errors, is it possible it was the childling himself?" He says after getting the story

"He, or another childling friend in the area."

"Yes, Sir. I take I should tell the chief NOT to post this up and about?"

A pause. "Sir, it's possible the idea has merit. I would ask Chief Hewit to wait, allow me to speak with our Chieftess. I would like to explore the idea with her."

"Of course, we'll keep it handy, but put it on hold."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Mountain. I suppose I should leave you to your duties."

"Thank you, and Chief Hewit, for the call, Sir Colton."

"Thank you for your time. " A pause, then "If you see Sylvi please tell her I'm thinking of her and will text her later?"

"I will."

"Then thank you very much, and a good day to you" As they say farewells, he hangs up.

Frank hangs up, but his hand stays on the receiver for a moment.

He taps it twice with a finger tip, and then sighs and goes back to his desk.

It as at this time, Tig comes in. The Thane lays something down near the Mountain "mountain" It's a small package

"Hello Tig." He takes up the package, examines it.

"Hello, Mountain."

It's from Siv!

Frank looks at with sad wariness, and checks the address label; to?

Frank King!

He takes a breath, and carefully opens it.

A small note... and..CDs? and a booklet

He examines the items.

A note?

Frank shakes his head with confusion mixed with fondness, and flips through the book.

It's just back up for the CD, some basics in Norwegian and a guide what letters sound like what etc

Despite himself, a puff of amusement.

but he does find written in pencil on one page 'jeg elsker deg' with a note next to that 'you're welcome'

"Is that a hint, Siv?" He murmurs to himself.

He goes to his desk and takes out stationary and pen, seating himself to write.

Dear Siv, Thank you for your thoughtful gift. In all the years we have known each other, I have never explored your mother's native language. I think your example has shown me the magnitude of my error in that. I will strive to be a good and worthy student.

I hope this letter finds you well. All here are in good health and spirits.

Siv, I feel I handled our last meeting badly. It was a shock, one of several in a two day period. That is a reason, not an excuse. I would like to hear of your trip to bring the Dawn Treader home, if you are willing to tell me.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Your loving

"Tig."

Frank is folding and sealing the letter.

"Want me to play post man?" He offers as much as asks

Another sound of soft amusement. "If you are at liberty to do so?"

"Be happy to stretch my legs, Mountain." he nods

"EarthRunes." He hands over the letter.

"On it, Mountain" he says and gethers up more mail due there, and heads off.