#rivervale_lodge

"It does, doesn't it?" he admits "The tree deserves a bit of sweat to honor it's life"

"Mm." agreeing, Frank swings the ax.

And jonas swings his own, with the branches removed, they can work on the trunk

It's going to be some work; thick, old wood.

In the cold no less

Activity will keep them warm.

And that they have. The hot drinks they got helped too, well, for 15 minutes or so.

After that, they have to rely on motion.

He can tell Jonas still wants to earn his respect but the Wilder isn't obsessed with it and doesn't let it get in the way of getting the job done

Which is just as well.

Finally, as they finish it off, more footteps , Sally Mae "How long have you two been at this?"

"Hm." Frank stops and straightens, glancing at the sun. "Couple hours?"

Jonas nods

"Looks like several to me" Sally Mae says "Here, let me grab some and help you carry it. I was worried you'd be late for a meal"

"Are we?"

He doesn't argue with Sally Mae helping.

"Not yet, because I came to make sure you weren't" the Kinain

"Thank you."

Jonas gets a chunk too, and layers it onn the sled

Frank works steadily.

Soon theyre all taking the wood back to the lodge

Frank pulls the sled.

Oak walks up, looks at Frank, looks at the sled.

"I think your dog is worried you might steal his job, Frank" Sally Mae smikles

Oak wags

"You want it?" just checking.

Oak wuffs! He can do it!

"Even the dogs here are workaholics" Sally Mae comments

Frank nods, and hitches Oak up.

"No judgement, Sally Mae, but you're something of a workaholic yourself, hm?"

A light blush "DeBuke camp will do that to you"

Oak enjoys the work

"True. Good people there." as they walk towards the Lodge.

Oak has been trained well and is smarter than a non fae dog. He seems to be rather trollish himself, strong, and not afraid of looking out and hlping those he loves

"Good boy."he murmurs.

WAG!

"Peas in a pod" Sally Mae says "Did you know he'll be the one picking which puppy comes home from Silverwolf?"

Frank glances from Oak to Sally Mae to Oak in surprise. "Does -he- know?"

"He was with them.. how much he understood I'm not sure" Sally Mae says "Course I thik i's moe like 3rd pick"

Oak actually manages to look a bit eager nervous. One of those was an ear biter.... anotherr fell asleep on him. This this fatherhood stuff is complicated, man

Frank drops a hand to the dog's ears and ruffles them. "He'll need to spend time with them."

"I think Gerd may take him up there a few times" Sally Mae says as Oak leans in

"Gerd? Hm." He walks on with Oak.

"Well, she'll be visiting anyway"

They get to the lodge, get the wood off the sled and load it up

And after, they troop inside to warm up, careful to leave boots and such where they will not make a mess.

The warmth of the fire fills them all and soon, folks are gathering for a fine meal.

(End scene)