#rivervale_lodge

then she asks "How goes, mom?"

"It goes well, I think. Is that what you see?"

"Let's see, two new fae souls among us, folks able to relax. Dagmar seems in a better place. Jordan actually in a bettter ISH place... actually, if this were a ranch, I'd stick my thumbs in my belt loops , look around smugly, and go 'ayup'"

A brief chuckle, and a nod. "Agreed. Good. And all is well with you and Jonas and Piper?"

"Piper wants to help more around the lodge.. I was thinking on taking her on the 'social' patrols? Where I check on houses and such? Other than that, she's good I think. Jonas is helping Anne Marie.. pardon ,Dame Anne Marie again"

"I think that is a good idea about Piper. When she first arrived, I think she had too much pain to be able to support others well. But now, she is more than ready to contribute."

"Oh she's very personable" A smile "A big hit at the apartmennts"

"And Jonas working to ease AnneMarie's burden is very welcome."

Siv confeses "I'm incredibly proud of both. The barony is better for having them... "A realization "Dad? " She looks at Frank "This monnth trip of yours, it's not set up to miss Higgh Summer aka Pranksgiving is it?"

A brow, and she looks at Frank with the same question.

"No, Siv. Just the schedule of things."

"A very convenient schedule."

"I can wait to leave."

Brekke relents and gives him a grin as she shakes her head. "No need. It is a good schedule."

"Yeah, it's okay," She assures "We can handle any fall out"

"We still have to finalize things. I'll check with you before I say yes."

"Mm." Brekke nods, and Siv detects a bit of married-brain communication there.

Siv looks curious. Sure there's something on another frequency she'l never read, but let's it pass

Whatever it is, it doesn't look bad, per se. Brekke looks back to her. "I meant to thank you again, Siv, for bringing Jessica for the 4th. It was a fine visit."

"Oh she was probably going to show anyway, I just pestered, it's what little sisters do," a curious tilt "Sounds like she neededd a mother daughter talk as well"

"Well, that is not your business, is it?"

A brow raised at her mom "I know that, why do you think I gave you two so much space?"

A nod, approving. "I noticed that, and I approve...but whether she needed any particular sort of talk is her business."

"A point, I withdraw the speculation" She inclines her head "Whatever she did or did not need, I am glad she came"

A smile "it's good around here when she's about."

"I agree," Brekke nods, thoughtfully. "She has not often felt comfortable here for long, but I know that is not a matter of dislike. She has her own path in life, and she is walking it very well."

"She's been amazing" Siv nods "And I proudly tell folks so, since her bragging skills SUCK. Woman could not do a good boas t if you held a gun to her head"

"Ohh, I have heard her manage it, from time to time...briefly. It is not in her nature, though she has much to boast about."

"I clearly missed this" the first surprises her, "Care to tell me over a cup of coffee about it? My treat" an admision "Okay, Jo Jo 's treat"

"I think that is a fine idea. Come, let us do so." Another admiring glance at the mini-rig, and she leads the way back to the Lodge.

Siv smiles, and for once, it is her oft stoic mother doing the tale spinning , and she, the relatively chatty daughter, a rapt and attentive audience

(End scene)