#rivervale_lodge

She winces "Well, I didn't win so... I don't think I need to tell the judges. I DO need to never do it again.. "

"I'm sure you'll know what to do when the time comes."

"You think I should go to the judges, don't you?" Dryly

"Does what I think matter?" his beard shifts slightly.

"I respect you, and your judgement, of course it does, Mountain"

Frank thinks about it, really thinks. "I think you should tell Kerri and let her guide you. Accept her judgement."

"might take her mind off the fart tarts" A sigh "And yes, that term has caught on. Don't know who started it"

Frank sighs. "That was.... an unfortunate series of events."

"No kidding. Crazy Pennons."

"How are you feeling now?"

"Like I want a nap" She admits

"Why don't you then? I checked. There are leftovers and we're a lodge of wilders and grumps. For the most part."

"I don't deserve a nap" She sighs

"Says who?" with a raised eyebrow.

"My increasing sense of guilt" wry

"Then you're still feeling swamped. Ok. But remember, a good nap can help that. "

"Fine. I'll take one, Mountain"

"You've had a long day. Your students learned. Your business is still in business. You've had insight on how you might reach more of your students, and more effectively. Sounds like a good day. To me."

She smiles a bit "You sound like Carowyn there."

"Fancy that."

"Mmph. Liams" But no bigotry in that tone, rather fondness "I think I'll take that nap. " And off she goes

So tired she forgot to give a more gracious exit. Yes, she's overwhelmed

Frank goes from the kitchen out to the main room and to his desk. He jots a quick note, and Flickerflashes it to his House brother, Carowyn.

Sir, when you have a moment would you please contact me in the most convenient fashion? It is not an emergency, but I have a matter to discuss with you.

And, in about ten minutes. The phone to the lodge rings

Frank rises and goes to answer it. It's a tight fit.

"Hello, Mountain?" It's Carowyn

"SIr Carowyn. Could we meet?"

"Yes sir. I think I'll be done with my shift at the convience store in an hour. Unless you want to come here? BUsiness is light"

"I love a good convience store. Be there soon."

Heading to King's Convenience, Frank soon arrives. True to his House Brother's word, it's pretty dead. No customers in

Frank enters with a tinkle and nods. "I'm Frank." Of course they have been introduced, they are House brothers. He's giving a use-name.

"Gary" He says "What can I do for you sir?"

"Looking for some advice."

"Well, I'm not a bartender, but if you buy a slushie I'll see what I can do"

"Ice tea instead ok?" Frank gets one, pays for it.

"Sounds good" And he wipes at the counter "Now what's the situation you need advice on, Frank?"

"I have a friend who's feeling overwhelmed. Understandably. Takes on a lot, is genuinely responsible for a lot. And, in truth, there isn't a lot my friend can delegate."

"What would your advice be to my friend?"

A frown "your friend might have to prioritize and drop the least needed duty, or the one he or she enjoys the least. Not able to delegate you say?"

Frank rubs his beard. "There's a natural reluctance to let go of any duty we've taken up willingly. Beyond that... most of the responsibilities are unique to this one person, yes. Maybe take on some help to nibble at the edges but the meat of it? Square on those shoulders."

"Oh now if he or she can get an assistant, that's wise. Why, Sally Mae has taken a huge load off Mrs. Davidson's shoulders"

"True." Frank cracks open the tea and takes a drink.

"Now .." he charges Frank. Makes a bit of money for Jaymes "It notice no names mentioned so I wont' ask. But is sthere something I can do for this friend of yours besides play bartender?"

Frank thinks.

"Mm. Maybe. Not yet, I think."

"Let me know if that changes, please. Sounds like someone could use the help"

"Well." Frank takes another drink. "Keep your eyes and ears open. We'll see what happens."

"Surely will. Anhything else you'd like to buy? Our Buddy Plushies are great little stocking stuffers"

"Thanks, no. I'll get out of your hair. Visit the Lodge soon?"

"Going there tonight actually" he says