#rivervale_lodge

Tension seems to go out of the dog, not entirely, but the rigid ready to fight or defend look eases as Dagmar and Frank, especially Frank, tell him the puppies are okay'

Kerri returns with not just cocoa but also a large platter of bread and cheese for all. "Perhaps Oak should visit soon. Nadeen says she's hoping the Chieftain will come up soon to see the puppies."

Frank takes a couple pieces of cheese and offers them to Oak.

Kerri hands the cocoa to Gerd.

"Ba!" CJ points at the food!

"Ba , indeed, little man" Gerd says to CJ as she take the hot chocolate "Thank you, Hearth"

"Ba-read, yes. Okay. And cheeeese." She snags and offers him a piece.

Oak wags at the idea of visiting

Frank looks at Kerri "Myshka is well also?"

Oak is now sitting down next to frank, doing that 'lean' dogs do

Frank frowns, still offering Oak CHHEEEESE.

"I'm told she's well. I didn't see her myself."

"Mm " Gerd sips her coco

"I think it's probably best, given the circumstances, that she not be forced to deal with too many strangers around her pups. But I'm sure she will welcome you, Oak."

Oak chomps the cheese and wags

thump thump.. he needed that

Frank pets Oak.

More tail wags at that

CJ eats the bread, messily.

Gerd whispers to Dagmar "You know? I think Frank and Oak are a lot alike. He gets stressed over his kids too"

"Dads." Wise nod.

Nod back, though she lost her father, seeing Uncle Vali scrambling over Theon has made her aware it's a universal affliction

"Myshka is well too." Frank assures Oak.

More wags, and he eyes other bits of cheese.

BIG hopeful eyes

...The toddler might drop food.

Indeed, has.

Gerd smiles " i should have brouht Edelwiess"

At that moment, sounds in the kitchen

Which Kerri might want to check

And she does! "'Scuse me!" Into the kitchen she goes.

While the others talk... annd pet Oak... Kerri must deal with a dread discovery . One too terrible to mention save by PM

Gerd sips the coco "So, Dagmar? How's Lupe and May? I don't see them much"

"Doing okay?"

"Cool"

"Basketball and school, so... " Shrug.

"How's it goinggg with May's new boyfriend? she inquires "Romana says she saw her makinn out with a guy at the mall?"

Boyfriend? May has a new boyfriend?

"...new boyfriend?"

"Yeah.. I thought you knew?" She says

Frank clears his throat with a soft rumble "Might go unpack. Laundry and all, you know."

"Okay, Uncle Frank" She nods "Sorry, girl gossip"

"She didn't say anything." Quiet frown.

"Romana says he's an older guy, not liike.. EEEEK old but college age maybe?"

"Oh, and Latino maybe?"

"....College aged?" A furrow between her eyebrows.

"Nothing to apologies for, ladies. 'Scuse me." with a beard-shift that might be a smile, he stands, takes his bag, and heads upstairs.

"like a college freshman I.. hold on" She texts.

Oak follows Frank

And.. soon, Romona is texting back to Gerd...