#rivervale_lodge

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Frank is at work in the yard under the hot sun.

Those roses won't prune themselves...except for the ones that will.

He can hear Brekke's familiar footsteps approaching as he works.

He stops to wipe his face, then hands, then looks to her approach.

She is there, carrying a mug of coffee in one hand an offering him a glass of cold cider in the other.

A small smile (his beard shifts) and he approaches to take the glass. "Thank you."

She gives a small grin in response. "Welcome." She looks at the part of the yard he was working on. "Going well?"

"Mmm. Just maintenance work."

She nods, and sips her coffee.

She doesn't say anything, giving him room to speak, if he wishes.

Meanwhile, he waits for her, resigned; 'I'm sorry' has been said.

"I have spent time thinking." he says finally.

"You are correct in what you said about Jessica. But I cannot agree entirely when it comes to Siv. I should have seen what she needed, where her Da'an was leading her, and helped her get there. For a father, it might be understandable. For a Mountain, it is inexcusable."

She considers that. "I do not know if Vegard would agree. But I do not know if he would disagree. I know he agonized over missteps with young Vali."

Frank nods; his memories match.

"Whether or not he agreed or disagreed, Vegard would understand my decision. But yes or no, understand or not, Vegard is not here to have a say." Frank point out. "He passed the mantle to me, his reasons were his own. And I am passing it to Vali."

Brekke nods slowly. "Fair." After a pause, she says, "Frank, when you spoke of doing harm...you do not mean that you intended harm." Looking for confirmation.

"I do not." he confirms "I've never intended to do harm to any here."

"Even Olgar." he has to confess.

A nod, and a slight grin about Olgar before she continues. "And whatever you may feel about your competence in the role, you have never neglected your role. Do you agree?"

He takes longer to think about it.

"On the occasions when I recognized that something was part of my role, and needed my care and attention, no. I have never intended to neglect my role."

"Then by my measure, you have done all I might have asked from you as Mountain. I wish you had told me your feelings sooner...but you are no failure in the role."

Some tension relaxes out of him. "That.... is good to hear."

"Mm. It will be better if I can hear that you agree," she prods him gently.

Another long thinking pause.

"I have had successes as Mountain; I have done good. I know this. But the harm I have done weighs on me. I do not think there is a scorecard, per se. Not.... a balance sheet. I have lost faith in myself as Mountain, Brekke."

She thinks a long moment. "I cannot bring myself to call any of your actions 'harm' when your intentions have been to help. But I know that does not matter. I know what that weight feels like."

"Frank...I do not like that you have lost faith in yourself, and I do not like that that is the true reason you are stepping down as Mountain. But I will not deny your right to pass the mantle on. I wish, My Path, to see you happy."

He reaches slightly, to see if she'll let him take her hand. "I do not like it either. But there it is."

She does take his hand and gives a gentle squeeze.

"I hope that time and distance from the role makes you see it differently. But that is to be seen." A pause. "You know that Siv is very angry. You will have to speak with her."

"It hurts that she cannot accept my decision. Whatever the reasons for it may be."

"I think she cannot accept the idea of you causing harm. It is not how she sees you. I agree with her. I cannot accept it, either, but I know I cannot convince you otherwise."

"She cannot accept it because it conflicts with her basic and earned identity."

A brow. "Or perhaps because you are wrong."

"I like my reason better." not without humor.

A brief chuckle. "Well, that is a battle between you two." She squeezes his hand again, then releases. "I must patrol. Talk with her."

"I will not battle over this, Brekke." he says calmly.

"Good patrol."

"You may not. She most certainly will." A nod at his last comment, and she turns to bring her coffee mug inside and get Oak. Off they go on patrol.

Frank nods to himself; this is likely true.

And here he stands with his cider in hand..... he tidies up the garden equipment and takes the glass inside to wash up. No sense in letting the bugs have it.

He washes up; the glass, his hands, a scrub to clear the sweat from his face.....

And...in comes his daughter.

Siv sees her father, and seems to study him, then opens the fridge door and gets a soda

Frank sees her come in, finishes drying.

"Good morning, Siv."

"Hello, father"

A corner of his beard moves.