#rivervale_lodge

When the toasts are done, Sylvi whispers to Siv, "Your dad's actually almost kind of smiling, isn't he?"

Tiffany moves to give Frannk a hug "Thank you for not making him go Klingon on you"

Siv looks back "yeah, and if he's happier, then.. you know, screw my complaints earlier" A whisper and smile

"Oh wow" Vali says as his wife says that.

Sylvi gives Siv a hug for that.

"Klingon?" Brekke enquires.

Frank looks quizzical too but says "You're welcome, Tiffany."

Siv returns the hug

The gifts, it's decided, do not need to be opened tonight, and none are offended

The chatter has resumed, and Kerri encourages all to eat as much as they like, "there's plenty, thanks in part to the generous contributions from many!" And yes, the tables are overflowing with the barony's culinary bounty.

Indeed, and all of it quality. Folks would be surprised (Save for Kerri and those that worked with her) that some of the pastries that are so light and creamy came from Dagmar! The Pasta from Lucia's family is intoxicating

Adelaide and Nadeen talk shop a bit, , sidhe will sidhe...

And at some point during all the hub-bub, Brekke draws Frank aside, stepping outdoors and away from the crowd for a moment.

He is drawn aside.

She turns to look at him, a measuring look like one the balefire gave Vali. "You are happy?"

Inside , Siv ttalks to Jessica "how is Fenix?"

Frank is quiet a moment. "It is bittersweet. I am content. I am happy, with you."

She nods. "As I am, with you."

"We're good. Um. You know, things are fluid. Progress, of a sort, with the Nunnehi. EarthRunes has made a few requests, which we were able to grant."

OUTSIDE: Frank draws Brekke close and kisses her.

(Outside) That suits her well, as she was about to kiss him.

"Good" Siv nods

"Now.. when Da gets back.. " Siv tells folks "I want everyone to..." And a plot is under way

(Outside) When they part, she grins slightly and says, "We should return."

Papers are handed out? folks stare, some dubiously, some grin. Vali chuckles

OUTSIDE: "You don't want to start my required sleeping-in early?" he gives her a surprised, even shocked, face before chuckling and heading back inside with her.

OUTSIDE: "No, but perhaps some camping might be in order," she points out as they go through the door.

"I think so. While the weather is still warm enough."

Brekke grins and nods, and then realizes that there seems to be SOMETHING going on in the room. Papers...and snickering?

As Frank returns, he is greeted by smiles and.. then song as most everyone starts to sing (With varying degrees of success) "Trailer for sale or rent
Rooms to let, fifty cents
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain't got no cigarettes!"

"Ah but two hours of pushing broom
Buys a eight by twelve four-bit room
I'm a man of means, by no means
King of the road!" Everyone likes that line

"Third boxcar, midnight train
Destination: Bangor, Maine
Old worn out suit and shoes
I don't pay no union dues" Even Olgar?! Yes

"I smoke, old stogies I have found
Short, but not too big around
I'm a man of means, by no means
King of the road!" Jack dances a bit

"I know every engineer on every train
All of the children and all of their names" Lane beams
"Every handout in every town
Every lock that ain't locked when no one's around
I sing, trailers for sale or rent
Rooms to let, fifty cents
No phone, no pool, no pets
I ain't got no cigarettes!"

"Ah but, two hours of pushing broom" Siv winkns to Piper at that line
"Buys an eight by twelve four-bit room
I'm a man of means, by no means
King of the road!!" various bows and salutes and lifted glasses to Frank King

Brekke catches on after the first few words, and she gives a slow nod of approval, grinning.

She even joins in!

Frank hangs his head for a moment, then acknowledges the tribute with a wave of his free hand. "Thank you.... thank you all. Most of you don't need to quit your day jobs...."

Siv looks almost joyously smug and laughter breaks out, Dirk responding "I killed a lot of things , but what I did to that tune was an epic war crime"

Olgar pats Frank on the shoulder and hands him a drink

A chuckle from Brekke.

Frank takes the drink, sips, squeezes Brekke's hand.

the party goes informal and each person taking it at it's own pace. Some hang to the sides, some talk on the porches, a few hide in the kitchen a bit

Vali approaches Jessica "Good to see you"

"Congratulations." Jess offers a hand. "Good to see you too."

He shakes it "I knew you'd come, not because of the Beaumayn thing but because you love your dad"

"Well. Yes." blink.

A smile "Sorry, stating the obvious. " loweringg his voicee "But I wanted you to thank you for MY sake as well. I was nervous annd the fact you and Siv are supporting me too, it means a lot"

"Hey, Vali... I mean, any time. You've been there for me."

"Ah" he shrugs "I try. how's Ellie?"

A smile. "She's great. Learning to read by braille, can you believe that?"

"Wow that's.. I knew she was smart but I wonder if SHE knows how smart she is?"

"So much of how most of us measure intelligence depends on written language; I know she has struggled with that."

"You'rre right. I'm glad she's proving those measurements have her wrong" A proud look "Cheers me up. thank you"

"I'll make a point of addressing her on it, see how she's feeling."