#rivervale_lodge

"I think we will let the construction finish and allow the land a breath to recover before we do too much with flowers there. But your suggestions would be welcome."

"mm and Jack loves the job so might keep him out of more trouble"

"He does." She nods. "He is well-skilled. I will be certain to involve him with the landscapers. Thank you for that suggestion."

"Good. Because the roof climbing did NOT work with his little hooves" A chuckle

A brow. "He has been climbing on the roof?"

"Well, not that uncommon, mom. I mean, one of the first places I went when I came home where was laying out on the roof"

"You had spent so many years out in the sun on the deck of the Kestrel. You were not used to having so many walls and rooms around you."

"With Jack, I think it's different. he loves being out and aobut in the green" Siv says "And from the roof he can see the forest and the gardens"

"But don't worry. I caught him"

She sighs. "Good. And I am glad we have so many healers, for all the trouble that childlings get into."

"I've about decided if I ever have kids I'm going to wait till I'm 30 and have more of my shit together" She says "Ah, pardon my french"

A bemused look. "I waited for far longer. What I have learned, Siv, is that it makes little difference. Past a certain point, one is never quite prepared to have a child. The child will always present surprises." A pause. "That said, yes, I think you should wait a bit longer yet."

"Oh hell to the yes" Siv says then she smiles "And.. you know? You and da have done pretty well. Thanks." Then in Norweigan she speaks "Jeg lærer ikke et nytt språk for bare noen." (I don't learn a new language for just anyone) then she considers "To be fair, I learned that for myself too. But largely because of the heritage you gifted me with. Thank you for that. Was close. Had the Dreaming been cruel I could have been Swedish"

A chuckle at the Norwegian. "Ah, that would have been a terrible fate, indeed."

"Now...tell me...all is well with you and Jonas?"

"oh, there are uncertainties," Siv admits "And, we are more.. experimental than you would like to know of. " She sighs "And I'm feeling a bit selfish about something with him now. See, we returned to Earth Runes.. and suddenly he's working his ass off again with patrols and with Anne Marie. I thought we'd have more us time, but we're trolls and..well, I have my purpose. I realize it's not fair to deny him his." A grumble "But like I said, I FEEL a bit selfish. Is it weird I don't sleep as well when he's not near? I... I don't mean sex. I mean... I sleep better when he's there."

A brow. "It is the same with me. I sleep better when your father is here. It is good to have a trusted heart at your side, at all times. It is not always possible...and it is good when it can happen."

"Aye. And I accept that it can't always...." She shrugs "But it's not right of me to mutter 'damnit Anne Marie' too often. Given how she's become Kerri's indispensable ally in the defense of the social side of things"

She tilts her head at something

"I believe it is likely that he misses you as much as you miss him. But he has much work to do with Anne Marie, yes." Then she catches that look. "What is it?"

"Sorry, thought i heard someone call for me but guess not"

She smiles at her mom "Yeah. it's nice how Jonas sometimes, he leaves to go to his duties but he pauses to look back at me and takes me in... like he's taking a picture in his head to hold onto for his own" A blush

Her mother's expression is one of quiet approval. A nod, and she sips her coffee.

Perhaps a private thought, there.

And Siv notices that, and being Siv, asks "Penny for your thought, quarter for your opinion?"

"Hm." She shakes her head slightly. "It is only that...well...I know the look. From your father."

Siv blinks then she thinks on it, "Da does give you long looks before he goes I. Huh" A pause a blush "Well, maybe that's just what good men in love do."

"It is not just men. Consider...do you sometimes take a moment to look at him?"

"Well, if his shirt is off I have an urge for a hand fan and a cold drink but that's not what you mean is it?" She grins

She clears her throat. "Not precisely."

"But as you said...a moment for a memory that you may keep as you go."

A bite of her lip "Yes. Sometimes I... turn him around and then gaze in his eyes and just.. keep the color in my heart for hours. I like who I am with him, mom. Asgard knows I give him good reason to wash his hands of me some days, and at times he's do dense I want to bounce a rock off his skull... but I at my worst with him I'm still better than I am without him.." A sigh "Talking crazy I guess"

And Gwydion boon shows she believes it

Brekke gives her a long look. "That is love, my daughter. Amazing, is it not?"

"It's the most wonderful thing in the world" She admits "And I want the whole world to feel it"

Another hint of a smile. "A tall order. Suitable for our kith."

"Ha" A smile bold with a hint of teeth

"Well, I'm glad he has your approval. Not because I'd love him less if he didn't, but because I want you to see a fraction of what i see in him. Thank you for giving him a chance, mom"

A brow. "He has shown himself to be brave and honorable, time and again. It was not difficult to give him a chance."

"True. He more than earned it" She says "Now, let's talk about house designs. I'm nosey as anything..."

And the two chat a bit more about plans for the lake house, well, as much as her mom will share

(End scene)