#rivervale_lodge

For Frank, preperration for the 'big reveal is all done. All that remains is getting everyone together

Daughters first, though. One at a time, likely; everyone has lives, duties, so on.

And if possible, with Brekke present as well.

Brekke is, yes, present. And she has sent word to Jessica and Siv to come for a meeting, for their father has important news.

Jessica arrives via the door in the Lodge hallway, announcing herself with "Hello? It's me, Jess....."

Frank goes to meet her and welcome her in; coffee is, of course available although he himself is having cider.

Oak wagggs at her

Siv comes in "What's up? Trouble?"

Oak gets welcomed, and can smell all KINDS of things on Jessica's clothing....

"No trouble. Just an update." Frank responds. "Get something to drink?"

Brekke welcomes Jessica after Frank does, and gives her a reassuring look.

"Just an update and Jessica is here? Sounds like a big update" Siv waves "Hey, Jessica"

"Hi, Siv." Jess takes a coffee and a seat.

Then to Siv, "All is well. Get a drink, and come sit."

She takes a seat at the table with all of them.

Frank joins them.

Siv pours herself a coffee. Tempted to get a rum.

But ..no, Java.

"You both look well," Brekke says.

"Thank you." Jess is pretty much permanently tan now.

"Not fair she's as blonde as I am but tans that evenly" Siv envies good naturedly

"But thanks"

"I was pretty pink for a couple of years there, Siv." Jess points out.

A chuckle.

"You're both beautiful. All three of you, for that matter." Frank rumbles quietly.

Brekke colors slightly. "Now, Frank...."

"We had to get from somewhere" Siv approves

Frank doesn't apologize. It's family, and it's true.

Brekke clears her throat. "Your father is a very attractive man," she reminds them. "And...he has something to tell you."

A pointed look at him.

Frank nods. "Jess, Siv, I'm stepping down as Mountain of Rivervale. Vali will be the new Mountain. No, I'm not sick; I'm healthy as ever. I'm not leaving Rivervale, just the position. I will still contribute to the Lodge."

Siv blinks, then blinks again, for a moment her eyes seem a drift

Jess sets her coffee down on the table, and tilts her head.

Brekke watches for a moment, then notes, "I think you may have broken them, Frank."

"I'm sorry, for a moment it sounded like Da wouldn't be Mountain anymore" Siv rubs at ear "Maybe I have bedlam?"

"No, Siv, that's what he said." Jess corrects "Dad.... why?"

Brekke takes a sip of her coffee, listening.

"I believe I am doing harm to the Lodge and Rivervale. As Mountain, I can't support anyone doing harm to those I am to protect and nurture. It is my duty to step down, to avoid further harm."

"Harm?" Siv blinks "Harm to who? Who says you're doing harrm? That's.. that's ridiculous"

Brekke frowns. "Frank...you did not mention 'harm' when you spoke with me and Kerri."

"It is not something I am proud of. I should have been more honest, and I'm not proud of that either."

Siv holds up her hands "Can we hear what 'harm' has been done? Because you've served loyally AND well for years. Mounttain Emmit considers you an equal"

Brekke's frown deepens.

A soft chuff. "Emmit is overly generous."

"Maybe, but he wouldn't say that if you were 'harmful'" Siv points out

"He might not be aware."

"Emmit is not overly generous," Brekke says.

"Frank...I respect your wish to step down if it is what you wish to do. But...I must understand the full reason."

"You seem to be evading on the details" Siv says to her father, then nods to her mom, then back "maybe you have reason but..." A sigh

"We have a strong, smart, clever group of wilders who will be the future of the Lodge, Rivervale... and perhaps the County or more. We need a Mountain who can raise them up, give them the freedom and guidance they need. I am not that Mountain."