#rivervale_lodge

Siv's jaw drops

Brekke is quiet.

"Too often I alienate. My first reactions are often too rigid. And of course, I understand that for some it can be difficult to trust me, to open up to me." He holds his glass in both hands, looking at the floor.

"I would prefer this conversation and my reasons remain between the four of us. But, in a nutshell, those are my reasons."

She stands and paces away a bit.

"I have tried for years, and not entirely without success. We have fine wilders here, as I said. But I do not think I am the best Mountain for this place, although the duty has been the honor and privilege of my life."

"You told me..." Brekke says, her voice tinged with anger, "...that you merely wanted to step down, to return to the road."

"I do wish to step down, and I do plan to return to the road." calmly.

Jess sits and watches, thoughfully.

"Da.. you and ma are trolls... so am I. When I sprung ssome...pretty non traditioanl stuff on you, it may have rocked you, but you.. you never shut me down, you always tried to see my point of view without sacrificing your own best wisdom ..."

"You did not tell me the entire truth."

"Wilders aren' easy for anyone.. not even other wilders. Hell, Aunt Kerri can ttell you.. and she's considered 'hep' by most"

Then Siv realizes her mom has the floor "Sorry, mom." And quiets

"I didn't think anyone said 'hep' anymore." Frank observes before turning to Brekke. "I should have. I was afraid." quietly.

Brekke shakes her head at Siv's apology, forgiving it.

"Afraid?"

Frank nods. "I was afraid you would think less of me, think that I was giving up."

Siv curls her legs under her in her seat

She is silent for a long moment. Looking at the fire, she mutters, "You should have trusted me."

"Yes, I should have."

'which Wilder... told you that you failed them?" Siv asks, a bit clipped

Another long pause. Then she looks to the girls. "Daughters, I am sorry. I did not understand what was to be said here."

"No one has told me I have failed them, Siv." patiently.

Jess looks up at Brekke. "Why apologize?"

"It's okay mom, it's good it was found out," She looks at her dad "Fine. Which ones do you feel you failed? Specifics. Not... this .." she makes a hand wavey 'nebulous cloud'"

"Because, Jessica, I did not know your father was going to reveal painful thoughts that he had kept hidden from me. I had thought this would be a...pleasant announcement."

"My apologies, girls." Frank says "I wanted to be honest, finally, but.... perhaps I should have figured out how to put it differently, if at all."

Siv rubs at her horned head, then looks at Jessica "You see what he's doing right? the non answer? The avoidance of details?"

"I see what he's doing, I think." Jessica says quietly.

Frank takes a deep breath. "Siv, I'd prefer not to go into the details. There's no point to it; water under the bridge."

"The water has taken out the bridge, it seems."

"there's EVERY point to it..." Siv claims "You have built a case against yourself, and have no evidence. You have tried and convicted yourself, without a fair trial with those who rely on you as Mountain to be jury. "

"I'm stepping down as Mountain, Siv, not being executed." Frank points out.

"Brekke, girls, I would like this to be a pleasant announcement if we can make it so. I am content with my decision. Vali will serve very well. I remain at the Lodge. I plan to work, volunteer, I'll be around to assist Vali should he need me, I'll patrol, perhaps visit with Jessica more often....."

"Vali will serve well. Are you content?" She turns to look at him. "Truly?"

Siv's eyes narrow "And you don't see this evasion as... dishonest?"

And the Gwydion boon is almost visible in her eyes.

Frank nods at Brekke, meeting her eyes with his. "I am. It is bittersweet, of course, and I'll never do anything as important in the rest of my days. Being Mountain of Rivervale is eclipsed only by being father to the girls, and husband to you."

"It is.... a relief to know that I will be able to continue to contribute to the welfare here."

He blinks and looks to Siv. "Yes, Siv. I have been dishonest. I've said so, and that I'm not proud of it. I've lived with shame and regret."

"I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about how you won't give ANY Details when I'm damn near begging for it. " She rises and sets her coffee mug down "This is wrong. If you want to step down because you want a rest that's one thing, but I refuse to believe you have 'failed' the Wilders"

She sighs and lowers her eyes. "You should have told me."

And she nods agreement with Siv.

Frank looks back at Brekke sadly. "Yes, I should have."

A deep breath and she looks at the girls. "I believe...that if he felt the need to conceal this, then yes, he will be more content no longer being Mountain."

Jessica nods agreement.

Siv is taking long slow breaths

then she says "Well, Congratulations doesn't seem to fit really"

"You'll pardon me?" Siv begins to walk to the door

Frank sighs, but doesn't speak to stop her.