#rivervale_lodge

"And from failings survived, even stronger growth"

Frank nods.

"Story of my life too" He nods, he winces

Another chuckle.

"I just realized, after things are official, when Aunt Thea hears about this, she's going to do that brow thing"

"At the least"

Frank's expression grows more guarded. "You would know better than I."

"She's part of my family," he says simply "if I were the type of man who cast out family that I love, I wouldn't be the kind of man worthy of Mountain"

He has to nod in agreement. "Yes."

"Thank you , Frank. Both for the honor and the trust"

He offers his hand. "We'll need to speak with Brekke and Kerri."

He takes the hand, shakes it, and rises "Yes. Need their input"

"I'll be in touch."

"And I'll be on patrol" He nods "And talking to the wife"

"Thank you."

"Until then, Mountain" A smile and wave, and gone

Frank sips his coffee, taking a reflective moment.

Oak moves to his side and sits waiting for a pet

And he gets gentle rubs and strokes for his ears.

He loves it... leans in. Canine bliss

That's when Jonas comes in with the gun

"Mountain?" He starts to say "Do you think the DeBukes would want this? I took it off a rather cruel and idiotic young man who thougght shooting at hawks would be 'fun'"

Frank blinks. "I... I would imagine they could find use for it."

"I'll drop it off to them then, thank you. Anything you want me to tell anyone there? Messaes for their Chief or Mountain?"

"Give Emmitt my best. I'll want to come see him in a few days."

"I'll let him know"

Jonas then starts to turn, then pauses, andn says "Sir?" A breath "I.. think you should know. Your daughter, Piper, and I maybe..formally moving in together at the apartments."

Frank watches him a moment, then nods. "Thank you for saying."

"I have nothing but love and honor for your daughter. I thought... i thought it right you know" he inclines his head and heads out to o to the DeBukes

Frank nods his head in return, his fingers never pausing in petting Oak.

Oak gets it. Sometimes folks NEED to pet their dogs, which is good, as dogs like that, but he gives a soft thump of his tail as if to assuere Frank it'll all be good.

A chuckle. "I know, boy."

Frank can hear voices outside the Lodge -- Brekke and Jonas in brief conversation as their paths cross.

With tthe Chief probably beingg told of APartment plans before Jonas goes

And so it is that when Brekke finally enters the Lodge, she does so with a very thoughtful expression.

Frank is waiting with a mug of coffee for her as well as his own mug.

She notes this with a grin, and goes to him to accept the mug. "I just had interesting news from Jonas," she says carefully.

He nods. "I think I have had the same news. They are moving to the Apartments?"

She nods, but gives him a curious look. "I was not sure if he had told you. I expected you to be a deeper shade of outraged, if so."

"Why start now?" wryly.

"They are moving to a more stable housing situation. They have work. And they work for each other." a shrug.

Another nod. "Agreed. It is...not a poor choice for them all. If they can manage that relationship...." she trails off for a moment. "I do grow concerned about Piper. I keep thinking of Almond and his doomed romances. But she is not he, and perhaps it is not fair to make the comparison."

Oak moves to the Chief's side to say hi and wag

"Siv is a big girl, and a Fiona. Perhaps we should ..... no. Perhaps we should stay out of it unless invited in. And even then......"

Oak gets a ear-scruffle.

"What were you going to suggest?"

WAG WAG WAGG BLISS

Frank shakes his head. "If we are concerned about Piper, it is more likely we should be concerned because Siv is Fiona, not because Piper is satyr. Almond has two strikes, in that regard."

"That is fair. And our concern is not their concern, I suppose. We must only provide support, in both good times and bad." A sigh, and she sips her coffee.

"Yes." he agrees "Before Jonas came in, Vali was here. We spoke. He asked for, and I gave, my blessing to become Mountain."