#rivervale_lodge

Frank takes a sip of cider. "How is the school year going for you?"

"I find my enjoyment dwindling" She admits

"I'm sorry to hear that." he says sincerely.

"It's ok, it's just... my boy friend and J go to different schools:":

Frank nods. "You do get to see each other, though?"

"Not so much, I swear I've got at least three teachers each one thinks THEIR class is the only homework that maters so I end up with an hour and a half for eacch of the three teachers.. so school all day, get home and I get FOUR AND HALF HOURS on top of it"

Frank nods. "It has been ever thus. I'm told college is just as bad, or worse."

"Then the system is and has been badly designed. I'm lucky to see wudlig an hour a week"

"Sorry, you did ask. So much going on with drama"

"Drama?"

"Yeah,. drama. Hardly ever get to see my friend MINIMUM four and a half hours of homework? Trust me, boyfriends are important to teen age girls":

"I am aware." dryly "I thought perhaps you meant the Theatre program."

"Oh.. no.." A shake of her head

"Mm."

"I can't do extracuriclar... I wouldn't have the time"

"Sorry, it just keeps coming back to that" a shrug

Frank nods, not without sympathy.

"Have you thought about what you'll do after high school?"

"Thinking of trying to become a Heart this life. But I'm not sure. MOrtal side, I t hought maybe running a goth tea store"

Frank sips. "That sounds interesting."

"I hope so" She sips, then says "Oh, Frank, ,forgive me. I have to go check on Margillta. Thanks for letting me vent"

"Of course." Frank stands. "I'll take care of your cup."

"THank you" She rises "I hope I didn't keep her waiting long:"

and she hurries to the door

Frank will take the cups and wash up.

(And End Scene)

Vali has a baby in a rocking basinet next to the Mountain desk

"You wanted to see me, Mountain?" Siv looks like the weight of the world is over shoulders "How can I Help?"

"Did you know, that as Mountain, my baliwick is troll spirituality, tradition and custom?" Vali says

"Yeah.. I do..." She looks dubious "I've been raised that way all my life:"

"Good ,, so here is part of what you need to do while your mom and dad away" Vali handswhat looks like school work "Youre going to do a 20 page essay on the Code of Dagda., you clearly need a refresber"

"WHAT?" Siv blinks "You're not serious?"

"FOr oncee, I'm VERY serious. I know you're Fiona you've had well over a week without Piper,,, and you weren't thinking straight, but just like a Gwydion does nopt get to beserk without consequences, YOU don't violate the code scott free"

"But I didn't break the code" She protests

"Respect those of higher station ring a bell?" He says "Because why your mom did NOT want to talk about my concerns for you screwed up . What's that part off Code say?"

Siv's jaw drops, then she clears her throat and recites "Respect Those of Higher Station: This is usually interpreted as spoken, with one provision. The respect associated with higher social standing is something that must be continually earned. This often comes as a shock to many nobles who expect the trolls to bow and scrape simply because they are titled. It is not enough to have rank bestowed by decree; one must constantly attend to their duties should they wish the deference of trolls beneath them and the respect of those above them. This is true for both Courts." she says "See, I just answered honestly. I tried to apologize again she just glowers and.... "

Vali holds up a finger ""So you are saying, your mother has NOT been continually earning respect or attending to her duty? You didn't see the challenge you implied?"

"mother's the best! what?? I cant be the best at one troll thing? I wanted to show here what I could do , maKe her proud" Siv scowls

"Newsflash, that event had next to nothing with who is the best captain. It was about team work. You didn't just declare yourself better, you tried to steal the show because of your insecurites. Your mom tried to LEAD and show what a TEAM can do with their loyal and look out for each other . I feel for you, but you DAMAGED how our hold was seen by the officials. You didn;'t just challenge your mom, you undid her work. GOOD Leaders don't lead from vanity. I Know you didn't mean to hurt her... but it happened anyway. SO... twenty pages. Time to relearn. I know you were not in your right mind. But you need it works both ways. Your mom doesn';t know about Piper's former , I hope, problem. More than that,, you had a squire with you.. ask yourself what you're teaching others. You mAy find it's the wrong lesson:"

Siv blanches "I ..actually Kassedy we talked about. I think she's wisser than I am ,,, how do I make it up to mom?"

"That you'll have to figure out, mad respect to your mother, but some days shed rather lose another hand than share feelings,. if you DO talk to her about it? Don't. Tell her you realize you were rude aNd wrong if she'll share how she feels you'll let her get the first AND Last word. You're like me, you love the sound of your own voice.. Go now, no time like the present to start that Essay"

"Yes, Mountain" She says sourly and goes the door closing behind her.

Vali waits a bit, then says "Still listening , Hearth? If so, how did I do?"

"Came down like an avalanche, Mountain. But...well, I can't say I think it'll hurt."

A nod "Maybe the CHief and Frank having a road trip will buy time for some healing"

"I think that's true on all parts. Come on, Vali...you earned a pastry." She leads the way into the kitchen.

"Thanks. " He wanders in

"Can I take some pastries back to the wife later tonight? "

"Oh, by all means!"

"Thanks, Kerri. All of you have been god sends: