#rivervale_lodge

(Unpause)

"Congress," she mutters, trying to remember if she's met the person. Of course, such mortals are important factors in keeping a locale in order, but...she may have overlooked this factor.

Frank assuredly hasn't.

"Yeaaah" siv winces "Good news? Harry's one of you, mom, though mortal"

"Such people are difficult to predict. I might invite the congressmember to visit the Y, along with family...but a politician of a conservative bent might see it as a place to shut down."

"One of...me?"

"Apparently he disagrees with his grandfather, he's anti global warming, pro environment, really cares about the planet"

An interested look. "Indeed? Hmm." A pause. "He must visit the Y then, regardless of family. I must meet him."

Siv blinks, then looks to her dad "You want to try to arrange that or shall I?"

Then she looks at her mom, "If he doesn't, I will. Sounded like a chief order there, mom" A fond smile

A grin and a nod to Siv. "Please do so."

"Will do" A thought "Oh, Nadeen called, said the puppies weren't born yet, but that the mother is coming along fine. Hopes we're all doing well"

"Have you told Oak?" She looks to see if the fae hound is in the room with them.

"Oh, no I didn't" she says, and looks over at Oak "Mishka's fine. And you're not a dad yet, but soon"

Oak has indeed perked up at this conversation. A smart boy, Oak

Brekke grins and nods. "Good. I will let Chieftain Clem know that she will have a litter pick to make, soon."

Oak wags. It sounds like the pups will be assigned to good people all around so far.

"How is Nadeen herself doing?"

"Oh, glorying in her rule, and... going to college. Taking courses in a communication major I think she said? "

Frank inhales, just a contented sigh.

"That sounds very good. I am glad for her."

"She's still fond of us I think. Oh, she wanted hints on what Connor might want for Yule?"

"Oh!" she says with realization. "Connor's first Yule after his father has remembered. I hope the Baron remembers this part of the role of father, though I think Nadeen will remind him."

"Pretty sure she'll poke one of those perfectly maniicured nails in his ass if he forgets"

"Siv," Brekke shakes her head in gentle chastisement...and hides a grin behind her coffee mug.

"Hmmph."

"A theory" Siv says faux contritely

Frank reaches up and behind, touching Brekke's fingertips with his own.

She looks down, keeping the touch lightly.

Siv notices this "Think I'll go on patrol, then head to the apartment" Giving them some privacy seems the right thing to do

"Siv...?" Brekke stops her before she can go. "How does all stand with you and your partners?"

"Better" she nods "much much better. Piper's trip ... well, it was a strain, wondering if she'd be back, but she was brave, faced an old fear and ..and the three of us are communicating more than we did, more clearly. Piper's busy helping with dreamers at Goldfinch, which made her nervous... but she's helped Linwood muse this really nice lady. Jonas is helping Dame Anne Marie again, bit swamped. We're trying to line up our hours off"

Brekke nods. "This sounds to me like loved-ones who are supporting each other in their pursuits. I am glad, Siv."

Frank nods.

"Yeah, I had a bit of a reality check. I mean, I should be better at this. Fiona trained? But I fear I am not always as alert to the minutae of my partners as I should be. I must improve there"

Brekke looks to Frank, then to Siv. "It will come, with time and attention."

A somber nod, then "Kassedy is doing fine. She and Brogan are kind of becoming friends. Which si weird, because he's a lot more proper than she is."

"Hm. That may be good for both of them."

"Proud of her. " A smile "As for my job? Learning a lot at the marina. I can dismantle a speed boat motor and put it back together again"

Frank sips.

"Owe Dad a lot for that head start. They say I had good fundamentals"

"Your work, Siv. You put in the time, and the effort."

She nods. "Years of experience and a willingness to do the work will take you far."

"If I recall, you lit the fire under my ass to get me to put in the time" She says 'OH. Mom. I almost forgot"

"Forgot...?"

"I visited Jessica while you were at The Count's Council... got some books The Free Flame Journals"

"The...?" Her brow furrows. "Is that not what Jessica's people call her?"

"It is." Frank rumbles.

"It is, and this is the work of Constance, their scribe. She's a keeper of the Scales, you know? " naming the troll group that records crimes and heroic triumphs so justice can have context "I got the whole set up to the current thing. It's Kings history so I got copies."

A blink at Constance's role. "I did not know that. You have read these books? They are...accurate? And fair?"