#rivervale_lodge

"And, you're welcome."

"Any advice for a New Mountain?"

"From me?" startled "Um, no. I .... Mountain duties are so far out of my skill set...."

"Let's hope they're not out of mine "

"They aren't." firmly, surely "Mom and Dad wouldn't have picked you if you couldn't do this."

"That's true. It's a great honor and.." A smile " I predict you shall soon be in the clutches of vexation."

"HEY Sis" Siv hugs Jessica from behind "Back!"

Jess jolts, then swats Siv.

"What was THAT forr?" Siv fusses

"Later, Jessica, later, Vexation" Vali chuckles and moves to talk to others

"Your new name. Vexation."

"Rude" She says

"Rude Vexation." she modifies.

"Okay, now I'm obliged to visit you more often and give you a hard time. Repay all debts and all"

"Things are kind of busy right now, though."

"Oh" She sobers and grows more serious "Anything I can help with?"

"No! Um, no, things are fine. Just busy."

"If you're sure? " Curiosity in her eyes

"I'm sure."

"Ok. Hey, try the ribs they go grea with the DeBuke Corn"

"I will." ANd she goes to do so.

MEANWHILE...

Jack clambers next to Frank "Oak's a good dog. He's been by your side mosta the time"

Oak has done admirably in offering canine support

Frank rumples Oak's ears. "He is a good boy." in agreement "How're you, Jack?"

Connor looks a bit jealous of Jack calling Oak a good dog.

"Dad's having fun singing and playing, mom's gossiping and helping folks, so I'm happy. Happy Parents happy..." A pause "Not sure what rhymes with Parents but you get it."

"I do." he rumbles.

"you gonna still look out for us kids even though you're not Mounntain no more? " Curious look.

"Of course." firmly.

"GOOD. Your kids may all be grown up, but if you miss the little ones, Connor Lane and I promise to get in enough trouble so you don't get bored." A beat "Maybe not Lane. She's kind of a goody horse shoes"

'HEY" Lane protests, then adds "Pardon me, Mr. King..."

"See? She can't even get miffed without apologizing," Jack's point is made "Goody horse shoes"

A HUFF from Lane

"Jack. Lane is just fine the way she is. All of you are. We're all different, and that's good."

"See, you're still teaching us stuff and being all wise and stuff" he turns to call out to the twin troll boys, Lucjan &  Lauge, "See, tole you, he's working fine. Not broken or sick or anything"

The twins look relieved

A chuckle. "I'm not ill, no. Rumors to the contrary."

Holger comes up "Pardon, Sir Fraklyn... will, will you still be giving me lessons when I visit? Mountain Vali is very nice but..." A pause "I am used to you and the Chief"

"Let's talk to Vali about it together."

Holger winces a bit, but he gathers his dignity and says "Si. "

Frank regards him a moment, then stands and offers "Come walk with me?" it's an invitation, not an order.

"Gladly" He is ready to follow

Frank nods (and his beard moves a little) to Brekke as they step outside.

And outside they go

Frank just walks a bit with him, enjoying the cooler evening air.

"Holger.... Thank you. For asking me to continue your lessons."

"De nada. I like my lessons with you, Senoir"

"You are a credit to Fenix."

The boy takes a bit of pride but not TOO much "You do me honor. I hope to continue to be. The comtesse she is.. she is a very good ruler."