#rivervale_lodge

"And I hear you are indispensable to Countess Ellie."

That makes him blush "This I had not heard, I do not know if i is true but thank you"

"It is what I have heard."

"You're welcome."

"I have known Vali since he was about your age." Frank muses.

"Was he a good student?"

Frank chuckles. "Perhaps. I was not a teacher, then. A student, more like."

"Oh.." A pause "Was this before the beard?"

"Mmmmm.... " he thinks "Yes. Or at least, it was a much smaller beard."

A nod "you were a hill then" Sage childling wisdom

A soft chuff, amused. "Perhaps I was."

"You didn't seem comfortable with the idea of talking to Vali. Can I ask why?" gently.

"He is a good man, I have seen him before. But I like you better" he admits "And you are patient with me and tested." A hought"ALso you are tthe faher of Countess Jessica. It makes me feel closer to her to learn from you and the Chieftainn"

Frank nods. "That makes sense."

"I do not mean to insult the new Mountain" He adds

"I don't think he'd be insulted, Holger."

"Good. So.. will you still teach me when I visit?" Hopeful

"See it from my point of view, though? He's in charge of our Lodge's spiritual and emotional development and growth. I'm happy to continue our lessons, but he should understand what you're learning and how I'm showing you, right?"

"You mean, I should ask him if it's okay if you keep teaching me?"

"I think the three of us should talk together. Bring him up to speed. And, I would not be surprised if he had important information to include."

"One reason you're here is to get additional perspectives, right?"

Holger ponders this "I suppose that is true. The Countess Jessica wanted me to learn about the ways of trolls in ways that would not be as easy as Fenix"

Frank nods. "She has to run a far more eclectic hold than the Lodge. And, she has a whole County to consider."

"Si, she is MOST Busy" A nod "What with the nunehi themselves divided, she has much worry"

"Mm. I'll talk to her about that. Meantime... how do you feel about talking with Vali and I?"

"If you think it is best, then it probably is." He concedes

"I appreciate that vote of confidence, Holger, thank you."

"Should we talk to him another night though? I hate to intrude onn the party too much"

"Yes, let's do that. Speaking of which, should we get back?"

'We should. You are much honored and I have taken you away. They will think now that you are not mountain I am trying to offer you another job at Fenix instead"

Frank chuckles, and they turn back towards the Lodge.

Once there, Frank ensures Holger has a beverage and a cupcake or something similar, and other childlings to talk to before he goes back to his cider.

And just so, he and the twins end up nodding and browing and giving soft ggrunts

Vali does turn to Frank and asks "Everything okay with Holger?"

"Yes. We'll talk about it later, the three of us, but everything's fine."

A nod from him "Sure thing, Mou.." A chuckle escapes him "Sorry, habbit. Sir Frank"

"How about 'Frank.' We've never relied on titles, Vali."

"All right, Frank" A smile "You and I have some gifts but thankfully folks are okay if we open them later"

"Yes." And Vali knows him well enough to realize he's slightly uncomfortable with all the fuss, but....

Frank scans the room, sees Brekke in conversation and nods.

Vali assures Frank "It's cool, Frank. One of the reasons I had it so we opened the gifts in private later was so we didn't feel like we had to put on too big a show .. we'e grateful for it even unn opened and they knnow tha"

"Thank you for that." Frank nods.

"Did it it for me too. I'm happy to play the clown but...well this is sacred"

"There's a time and a place, yes."

"Just me, or is Siv showing a gift for ceremony?"

"Mm?" Frank looks towards his youngest daughter.

Even in Party mode, Siv seems to be walking about, answering questions about the lodge and ttroll customs . Making sure folks are comforable

"Ceremony? Not sure... parties,yes."

"I meant the toast and song and how she brought you and I breathing space all night without choking us off" Vali adds "But this too"

"She's always been a social creature."