#rivervale_lodge

"We'll see."

"We going to let the Childlings decoratee it? "

Frank nods. "Probably. Tradition."

A smile "Layne will love it" They circle back to the lodge, and there on the porch is Brekke

She is, indeed. And yes, they are not the only ones thinking of holidays; she is taking a quiet moment to carve an ornament. At this point it looks roughly like it might be a snowflake.

A familiar set of footfalls on gravel.

Siv smiles

She grins before looking up, knowing their steps. "Good patrol?"

"Pretty despite the lack of snow"

Frank nods, climbing the steps to touch Brekke's cheek with his fingertips.

She colors at the touch and reaches up to put a hand over his.

Then she clears her throat, and answers Siv, "The snow will come, soon enough."

He'll stand beside her and let her keep his hand as long as she likes.

"Looking forward to it," Siv smiles "Alwways makes Piper cuddlee up. She's such a sunbunny"

A brief amused sound.

And that's when the phone inside rings

"Mm." a soft grunt "Want me to get it?"

"If you would not mind?"

"Not at all." And he steps inside to do so.

Siv looks at her mom "Carvingg's looking grand"

And Frank picks up the phone

"Thank you," she says to Siv, turning the carving in her hand. "It is still rough."

"You'll smooth it out" Siv smiles

"May I ask who's calling?" in basso profundo.

_"Gwen... from Ithaca?" She nnames the ciy

"Yes. It takes time." A pause. "Siv, is there anything you wish for a holiday gift?"

"You know? I really am coming up blank" She admits "I am blessed with two great parents, Piper, Jonas... friends. I don't know." Thouhtful

"Ah. I recognize the location."

"This is Frank King."

"Ah, Sir Franklyn, it's Dame Gladiola. It's about the dogs? Oak is a father"

"He is?" he sounds pleased "Are mother and babies well? How many?"

"I am glad that you are so pleased with your life as it has unfolded," Brekke nods. "Perhaps a scarf, then." A slight grin.

"Well, they're safe NOW, yes, just fine. And it turns there were ten, not seven" She sounds excitted

Siv grins back at her mom, a bit wider in it, "if needs be but..." A thought "You know? Maybee I do have an idea"

"Then may I hear it?"

"How about a quest? You and me? Sometime? The two of us. Something for Rivervale surely, but... you pick. Mother and daughter team up. I promise not to be a pompous snot this time" She says "What do you think?"

"Hm." She gives that some consideration. "Do you have a quest in mind? If not, we can consult with Mountain Vali to see if he sees a need."

"nothing specific but the company"

A grin and nod. "We shall do so, then."

"Safe now... was it a difficult delivery?" concerned.

Siv smiles "Takk, mor. " And she hugs her mom, "Annd yes, Mountain Vali will have an idea that can benefit the lodge annd barony I'm sure. Makes it feel even more right"

"Mm. Is there anything you need from us?"

She returns the hug. "I agree. A quest simply to quest always feels empty to me. But we will do something that means more than that."

Siv almost glows "Purpose is the very balm to a troll's aching soul."

A brow. "Aching soul? I thought you were just saying all is well."

"I will. Unless you'd like to speak to her yourself?"