#rivervale_lodge

Gerd chops cucumbers as Frank comes in for a snack or drink

Nice thin slices, she's gotten good

"Gerd." Frank greets as he enters.

"Hello, Uncle Frank" A smile "Okay that gets easier the more I say it. I could try just Frank like you said I could but I think if I tried that, I might back slide into 'young man'"

"Can I cook or get you anything?"

"No, thank you." he gets himself a glass of cider.

A nod then "Uhm.. Unnncle Frank? When you give folks a chance to straighte themselves out, how long should you wait before you get worried and check on them?"

"Depends."

"On?"

"Mm. Would it be better to talk to the Mountain about this?"

"Uhm.. not sure, "

"Mm."

"might be a hearth thing, but then againn, mountains handle spirituality so. .maybe finnding a space to sort your trauma out fits that too"

"Perhaps Kerri and Vali might have some insight to help you decide."

"I suppose. Sorry."

"No need to apologize, Gerd. Boundaries. You understand."

"I do" She nods "Take some getting used to"

"Yes, it does." He sips his cider. "Cucumbers?"

"Hearth wanted some cut up. She's running late"

"Mm."

"Gonnna be a BIG Pennons feast"

Frank nods. "Should be back for it."

"Good" A smile "Not the same without you"

A chuff. "I'm not a strong player at Pennons, Gerd."

"You should sign up for wrestling"

"Mm. I will speak with the Chieftess."

"Careful, they've got a brute of a Redcap.. he's been told NOT to bite but..well you know"

Frank nods. "They who?"

"Oh, Teaneck"

"Mm. Well. We'll see."

"Course, Dirk will probably do his side line of dirty fighting and make bank again"

An eyebrow. "Do you think something needs to be done about that?"

"Honestly? I suggest we each put down money on him"

"That is a suggestion, yes."

"I may try my hand at a melee. I won't get far , but I'll be taking part. Also assisting the hearth, of courrse. She's got big plans"

"I look forward to seeing those." Frank sounds fond.

"Oh you'll love it"

"I always do."

"You do don't you? " A smile

"Yes."

"Here... " She pulls something out "Try this éclair. I made it myself, thinking of submitting it to Pennonns"

Frank regards it for a moment, then takes it and takes a bite.

Nice, the custard is sublime

He nods, swallows. "It's very very good, Gerd. It shows not only talent, but hard work and practice."

"Whew. Thannk you" She smiles "Maybe this life I'll be a hearth like Kerri? Well, nott THAT good but.." A smile "Thanks, Uncle Frank"

"Welcome." He finishes the treat.

And she gets tea, he gets coffee, and all is.. well, peacefu

(End Scene)