#rivervale_lodge

"Dad, you gotta see this... " Siv calls out

Frank is deep in paperwork, it takes him a moment to look up "Hmm?"

Siv beams "Dad, if you have time, come see?"

And right out she goes

It takes a moment but he sets things aside and rises to follow.

something in the drive way?

As he comes out, for a moment, just a second, he might fear that his truck has been hit by a SHRINKING Cantrip!

But then he notices it doesnn't have the same signns of years andn years on the road, and this is more electric than diesal even if it's like and little clone of his own vehicle

His footsteps on gravel do hesitate just a bit but he follows to get a closer look.

It's a mini semi... definitely meant to resemble the dawntreader, the paint job is spot onn. He looks for...

and FINDS the skyhook maker mark

He considers his next words carefully. "Tell me more about this, Siv?" it is an invitation.

"Well, High Summe is soon, I thought this would be fun for the childlings and you'd get a kick out of it. It comes with a remote so you can hit the brakes or cap the speed from without..." She says excitedly

"Don't you think it'll be fun? And it looks so much like your rig I just figured you'd get a kick out of it." Siv smiles

"I think. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I think. The childlings will have fun, yes."

"Wasn't cheap, but I got a good deal off Mama Captaiz and crew" She looks .. proud? Ah! She must have paid with her own real money

Another pause. Frank nods. "This took real effort on your part, Siv. That is admirable."

"Thanks. Is it ggood tto keep? I can return it"

"I think you should keep it, yes. You have driven her. You earned it. You own it."

"Well, It's too smal lfor me to fit in without shrinkinng.. it's for the kids" She explains "Not me. but I want them to have something"

He nods. "It's yours to give."

"Thanks" A smile "Going to set it up so if it goes too far from the lodge it shuts down. A safety feature. This does NNOT nnened to be on the highway"

"Thank you for that."

"Just being responsible. I mean, if I ever have a kid I'll probably be in panic half the time" She admits "But that maybe is.. like way way away"

Frank is quiet a moment, nods. "One never knows. But, one can hope."

"hope?" A blink, then a blush "Didn't know you really WANTED to be a grandfather"

A pause.

"I meant, one can hope that any .... advance on your part to motherhood is some time in the future. Do you have plans... or... is there something you want to tell me, Siv?"

A blink, then her lips start to twitch, then she gathers it, grows serious and gives her father a side hug "You know, I wanted to laugh at that, but the fact that if I ever DO have something to tell you about that I can, and you'll listen before you judge.. it means a lot to me da. No. I do not have plans to have kids.. just recognizing one day who knows, but a long way off. I take precautions needed for a young woman religiously if that sets your worries at ease. Sorry if I alarmed you, but thanks for carrrying"

Frank nods. And returns the side-hug.

"How are you doing, da?"

"I'm fine, thank you, Siv. Got some work coming up, though, I'll be away."

"Oh? How long?"

"A few weeks. Maybe a month, depending on weather."

"Wow uhm.. that's a long one" She admits "Dad, where adnn what's the job if I might ask?"

"A month is average, Siv. More than that, really. I'm going to haul cargo, this time. Transportation is tight right now but there are in-demand routes."

"Okay . Okay.. but I'm going to miss you"

"I will miss you, Siv."

"Who's goinng to handle Mountain duties while you're away?"

"Vali, probably. For on-site things. He has before."

Brekke spots them both as she returns from a patrol and waves briefly as she approaches.

"Uncle Vali's reliable.."

Frank waves back to Brekke.

She joins them, regarding the mini rig. "This is new...?"

"It is. Siv had it made, and I think it is cause for her to be proud."

"And the childlings might like it."

"Yup. My gift to the local childlings..." Siv beams a bit "What with High Summer on the way."

And she explains to her mom about the safety features like remote brake options annd it shutting off it goes too far

Brekke listens and nods, walking around the truck to view it from all sides. When she notes the Skyhook logo, she glances at Frank with a bemused look. Then she says, "This will be very well received by the childlings, Siv. And it will keep the Dawntreader's place while your father is away." A hint of amusement there.

"Hey, good point" Siv nods