#rivervale_lodge

That makes her heave a sigh of relief. "I am very glad to hear that. Forgive me, Frank, but I am not ready to turn to an outsider as Mountain."

"Do you know if he has spoken to Tiffany about it?"

"He has, and will speak to her again to ask her to not announce it until we are ready."

"Good. If he had not, I would hesitate to think the agreement is final. But if she has agreed, then all is well." She takes his hand and squeezes gently. "I think he will please you in the role, as well."

Frank nods. "Vali will do everything within his power to serve Rivervale."

"If you have not yet, we should speak with Kerri. There is a transition to consider as well."

"Agreed. A moment." She moves past him and goes into the kitchen.

Oak looks around, wagging. It feels like folks are excited about something? Nervous? So far it's not involving a trip to the vet

Frank chuckles, at ease.

A few moments later, both Brekke and Kerri come into the main room. Kerri says, "I had a feeling something was going on, but...not a bad something?"

Brekke motions for all of them to take a seat at one of the long tables. Once they are all settled, she nods to Frank. "It is your news, Mountain."

Kerri looks at him curiously.

"No, Kerri, nothing bad. I'm stepping down as Mountain. Brekke has asked Vali to step up in my place."

Kerri blinks and takes a moment to process that. She looks to Brekke, who nods agreement, then back to Frank. "Is...are you okay?"

Frank nods. "Vali had the same concern. I'm not sick. At least, not to my knowledge."

"Oh, thank goodness!"

"So...okay," Kerri says, and she gets the same expression she has when organizing for a last-minute feast. "When is this happening?"

"Yes, that is the next question," Brekke agrees, also looking to Frank.

"When it's convenient." Frank says calmly. "For all of us, including Vali and Tiffany."

"Well, then...it certainly shouldn't be this week," Kerri says. "Beyond it being a very quick turn-over, people might wonder if it's a Pranksgiving joke."

Frank nods. "Good point."

"True," Brekke says. "However, Vali will be covering for you, Frank, while you are away. How long do you think this next run will be?"

"I committed to a coast to coast run. I can change that but it would be a strike against my reputation. Which I can take."

Brekke shakes her head. "No need. If Vali is in your stead for a longer period, the transition will be easier for all eventually."

"Another good point."

"And...I don't think it should be on Lughnasad," Kerri says, her voice lower. "Too many shadow-court connotations."

Brekke nods. "What of making the transition official on Fall Equinox, but announce it before?"

"Does it need to be on a holiday at all?"

"No, not really," Brekke says.

"I think a holiday gives you a better chance of everybody hearing about it at once," Kerri points out.

"If that is a goal, Kerri, we can hold a transition here, before the Balefire, open invitation, and immediately after send and post Chimerical notices."

Kerri considers, then nods. "I guess that makes better sense. Smaller event. You never like having a big deal made for you, Mountain," she adds with a smile.

He nods; no, he never has liked the limelight. Jess is not unlike him in that way.

"Of course, that assumes it suits Vali. He has as much or more say as I do."

"No, I do not think so," Brekke says. "He may have say over whatever happens when he steps down. This is your time."

Kerri grins at that. "I can't argue there. Okay, family-style for the ceremony itself." A pause. "But...wait...you're not leaving are you?"

"The Lodge? No. For work, yes but I am not leaving the Lodge."

"Oh, thank goodness," Kerri sighs with relief.

"Respectfully, Brekke, I have to insist that Vali -does- have as much or more say in this. He has a schedule he is committed to. He will be Mountain, as well, and this will be the start of his time. It must reflect how he will begin, and continue, to serve the Lodge. That is more important than my leaving the role."

Brekke considers this, then nods. "That is fair. And wise. I leave it to you and Vali to decide how it will be."

Kerri adds, "Make sure you let me know so I can prepare."

"Of course. I thought in a few days we might all meet, at least the four of us although we might include Tiffany. We can't plan anything that will conflict with her."

"Oh, absolutely!" Kerri says. "All right...let's do that sooner than later."

"Agreed."

"Agreed." he makes it three, and his beard moves in a smile at the two ladies "I don't need to say it has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve with you, do it? Still. It has been."

Brekke almost chuckles. "I am glad to know it, whether it needs to be said or not. Thank you, Frank. Having you as Mountain has given me great reassurance about the well-being of the Lodge over the years."

Kerri gives a wry grin. "Sorry, it doesn't quite feel like a thing that's really happening yet. You've both clearly had more time to adjust to the idea before now. I'm just very glad you're not going to be leaving. I'm likely to still lean on you for advice from time to time." And she gets up to move around the table and give Frank a hug.

He stands and hugs her back. "Anytime, sister-mine."

Kerri releases him. "Well, nothing else to do for it now but get back to work. Oh...is it okay if I tell Olgar?"

Frank inhales and nods "Yes."