#rivervale_lodge

So Vali goes looking for the Mountain.

He can be found at his desk in the Lodge, dealing with correspondence.

"Mountain, do you have a moment?"

"Vali." he puts down the papers "Of course. Coffee?" he stands and crosses to the coffee station.

"Please," He nods "And thank you"

He pours both of them a cup, and takes it to their seats. "Join me."

The younger grump does, "The Chieftain asked me for a talk earlier"

He nods. "Yes."

"She informed me you were stepping down from Mountain. I .. have a few questions for you if I may?"

Frank nods permission.

"Why? " He takes a sip "Why do you want to step down?"

"I feel it is time."

"But there must be a reason you feel it's time. " A sip

"Mm." he sips "Not any single reason, Vali. A totality of reasons."

"Well, they're your own, obviously, but if you're willing to share a few I'd be interested" A sip

"And if you're not, I move on and ask something else" A shrug

Frank thinks about it. "I don't have a neat, clean answer, Vali. I do not think a Mountain should serve in shame and guilt. I feel those things about my service. I wish to minimize any further harm I will do. I am not saying that I have done only harm, or done no good as Mountain. I have done well in some areas. But in others, I have absolutely and objectively done poorly. I think another Mountain might do better and as the current Mountain I have a duty to see better done."

He speaks calmly, even peacefully.

"Wow" A concerned look "Frank, for what i's worth, I think I have to disagree with the 'have absolutely and objectively done poorly' bit. Vegard made mistakes, some pretty crucial ones he thought. If you want to retire because you feel you've done your part, or you want to focus on other things, that's your right, but.. to stop doing harm? I think you're making a mistake there"

His beard shifts slightly. "I'm not surprised you think so, Vali. Thank you."

"Yes, I knnow, the irony... 'you've not made many mistakes but you're making one now" He smiles thinly, a bit of sadness in the awareness "Wish I had worded it better, but you know what I mean. " He drinks a larger gulp "I was worried when I first heard that you might have health problems."

Frank shakes his head. "I'm not sick."

"Good, because I hate Nicholas Sparks movies and don't want to be in one" He tells him, "The Chieftain asked me to take up the role and duties there of. I told her I would, but only if I ggot your blessing. May I have it?"

"Yes, Vali. You have my blessing to become Mountain of Rivervale."

"Thank you" He nods "Whether you believe it or not, you're going to be a hard act to follow, but I'll be guided by your example and hope you will let me come to you to ask advice as I ease into the job"

"Of course. We should talk to Brekke about how she wants to make the transfer known, and include Kerri. And it doesn't have to be like flipping a light switch. We work well together and as long as people are not confused about who is who, I'm happy to work with you as you settle in."

"Thank you, and yes, the Chief should decide how to make the transfer known. I do have to tell the wife I have your blessing or I'll get a look" A nod "By the way, in my first act... you're getting a new honorific Mountain Emeritus"

He seems utterly serious.

"I'd prefer not." the elder Mountain says with firm kindness.

"You're due the honor for years of loyal and whether you believe it or not, effective service, Sir Franklyn"

"And" A bit of humor "It would look great on a placcard"

"I think it would unnecessarily confuse people, and start a poor precedent."

"Mmmph" He considers "Well, I'll think it over but I think for some, I'm going to be seen as an interloper if we don't do something to show respect and honor for your service, Frank. Maybe even if we do. I think it would smooth the transition, annd besides, you're due. " A beat "You told your daughters about this choice yet?"

"I think the transition might be the time to acknowledge my service. And no. I haven't."

"that will be interesting"

"Mm."

"I think I will ask Brekke to join me when I speak with them. Please don't announce anything until we're ready, if I may ask that of you."

"Of course. I'll tell Tiffany to keep it on the downlow." He nods somberly "Frank? I know you were worried about my becoming a father. But .. in truth, I already was looking out for Gerd. And You've proven it can be done. I'll make time for both aspects of me. Donn't worry"

"I'm not worried about you becoming a father, Vali; I know you'll be a great parent, as will Tiffany."

"Remind me of that when Vali Junior is 13 years old and SLAMMING doors yelling how I don't get it and he hates me" Dryly

"Your children being angry at you and your being a great parents are not mutually exclusive." Frank points out.

A smile "I suppose not" Vali drinks the last of his coffee "Any advice?"

"About being a mountain, or a father? Or both?" He clarifies

He chuckles, a low rumble. "Never assume you know what you're doing. In either case."

"You always appeared serenly confident to me" He smiles

Frank nods gravely. "And you have always seen what was foretold." he points out.

"Point" A wolfish grin

He chuckles again.

"Truth, some of the stuff I wish I could see cleary isn't very clear at all, and somethings I do see crystal clear I wish I never knew" A shake of his head "How D'an woks I suppose"

"Allows us to rise to the challenge. Or fall. Growth."