#rivervale_lodge

"Jack, what did Vali say about Jessica?"

"That he didn't want to trouble her.. I think"

Frank sighs and takes the full popcorn kettle off the burner, pouring it into two different mixing bowls.

He adds melted butter to one and tosses, then adds the cheese shavings to the other, tossing.

"Oooh that smells STINKY good."

"Did you write a letter to Santa, Mountain?"

"Mmm?" it might be he has something on his mind. Probably focused on mixing the popcorn just right.

"Santa" Jack says

"Oh. No, No I didn't. I'll stay up and talk to him when he comes."

"Oh.. wow. You have Santa chat privlieges?" Suddenly FRANK is just.. even more awesome

""We're old friends."

"Torin says Santa either knows Odin or borrows his stuff"

Frank gets them each bowls and scoops popcorn into it. "Maybe he does. What to drink?"

"uHm.. hot coco? does that go with popcorn? or should we go with orange juice?"

"Warm cider?"

"Cider! Yes! No! With sticks in it?"

"Cider? Sure"

And popcorn and cider..cheezy popcorn at that, are enjoyeed

Frank restrains himself mightily from using the phone. Or charging through the door to Mexico.

Popcorn is munched! And tossed, to catch in mouths... some of the time!

Jack seems to be determined to distract Frank and does trhow a few at Connor (And the other dogs)

Connor is good, but Oak is the BEST. He doesn't miss a single corn.

Frank's beard moves a bit; he's smiling but there's always some distracted air about him.

"How do you know Santa? Aren't you afraid that if you see him, you won't get presents? Like light up shoes with flashes when you walk?"

"Oh, Santa and I go way back. I used to help out. And no, not afraid of that. See, I have everything I want and need already."

"Oh." A glance at the large man's large feet. No lights?

Nope. Socks.

A thoughtful look.

"Well, if a troll's shoes lit up it's be such a big light folks would think it was morning"

"SO Christmas would come... early!"

A big grin!

Jack blinks. Once again, his friend is a genius

Frank rumbles a chuckle.

Connor slyly sets his foot next to Frank's... sizing up.

Tiny paw. MASSIVE foot.

Inna sock.

"If you ever get lost, check under his shoe" Advises the satyr

"Boys, will you excuse me?"

"Sure!" Jack says

Frank nods. "Enjoy the popcorn, and clean up after yourselves please. Kerri would appreciate it." And he leaves the kitchen towards the main area of the Lodge.

((King of the Road))

"Wanna see how much popcorn it takes to fill up a REALLY big boot?" And the boys are left to their mischief!

"I hope he doesn't go through the door. he'll step on their quest"

"He can't go through if his boots are missing." Thinking.

"Have boots, will travel."

"No boots... no travel?"

"no travel!" He nods "No boots!" And they go to steal the shoes

"Better take everyone's to be sure." He notes.

"We can put them in the hayloft to stay safe!"

"Your'e right. Wouldn't be fair to take just one persons" Jack goes along