#rivervale_lodge

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In the morning, Frank sees a sleeping Siv, a working Vali at the desk

Vali rubs at his eyes

Frank pads down in thick socks to pour a cup of coffee. "Morning." his voice pitched so Siv will not wake; years of practice assists him in this.

Vali says "Good morning. I knnow you don't txt, but have you heard the reports?"

"Haven't seen anything since I slept." Frank points out "What news?"

"Not surre where to start; let's start with end. New trod open from this barony to Silverwolf barony, firebrands for apples are safe and most on their way to carry their goods to the holds of the land, with Rover Escort. Olgar is fine and dandy. White Witch defeated, eternal winter delayd"

Frank sips "Can you elaborate on the White Witch piece?"

"Memories are jumbled, but ..I guess from the reportts, the narnian one, or at least, formorian energes in that form. Buck discovered her plot.. Olgar got warned... and held back some chaos. the white witch found a way to release other chimeara on the silver... was going to keep imbolc from happening to spread winter? At least that's what they recall"

"Mmm." he nods, sips "Sounds about right."

"Looks like the Baron Aiden sent word to Earthrunes, Brightwinds, some Aesin place and more to gather his bear dogs to help"

"Mm. And they responded?"

"And how, of course Sylvi and Piper went too but the Baron didn't call them. Trust Sylvi to never be discounted"

A fond, deep rumble "Indeed."

"Piper went too?" his voice drops just a bit softer, aware of Siv's slumbering presence.

"Surprised me too..." Vali smiles and looks pleased

"How long has she been asleep?" softly, about Siv.

"I'm guessing all night. About time .She hadnt gotten enough sleep the last 3 nights."

A silent nod, and Frank indicates the kitchen; inviting Vali.

Vali gets the hint and follows

(IN THE KITCHEN)

Frank goes about gettig cereal and toast.

"You sleep or eat recently?"

"Less than I should, but the wife threatened to shoot my ass if I didn't get att least 6 hours"

"Smart of her."

"She handling the baby while you're here?" an eyebrow.

"Actually, Myrttle Anne and Torin are babysitting. Tiffany and Margilitta have been hunting violent chimera nnow and then, but they seem to be cleared up"

Frank nods. "Good bonding for them."

"Oh well, they're tight. like a crazy aunt big sister .. Of course, Margilita is a wilder now so she wants in on the figghting. " A sigh "tiffany figures better to approve and guide then deny and get her rebelling. Tiff's right. "

"She is." butter and jam on toast "Get something to eat."

"you sound like Kerri" But he does so "Anyway, I should get more sleep, but for now I got enough"

Frank eats, careful about crumbs and his beard. "Sounded like things are at a point where you could put your head down for a bit."

"I'll wait a bit yet. till more of our folks get home. Gerd is going up there to flickerr flash folks who need it"

"Mm. Only a few hours, if anyone needs a lift." he offers his driving services.

"Well, with the new trod big enough to take horses on, it's less than that offer noted" he smiles a bit "How's my mountaining so far, Frank? If I dare ask?"

"I can't recommend comparing yourself to other Mountains, Vali."

"Looks like you're doing just fine from here, though."

"Fair..."

"And thanks. I think I've been surprised a lot more than a Beaumayn is expected to admit"

"No House is omniscient, must less any one Fae."

"Thank goodnness for that" he says "Oh, aboutt our Fledges, Alisa , Nolan and Audrey ended up a fight with a killer reindeer... the skywolves came to the rescue"

"Mm. Might have missed more of that than I caught. What happened?"

"well, while some of us were fighting Sovi yeti, apparently anotherr spot spewed forth killer reindeer Chimera, maybe the ones the White queen used for her own sleigh? not sure the source, but with fangs . They wyrded and went after a hitchhiker, mortal, and the kids drew them off, lead them to the woods, and Jumper or was it Farhowl... saw they needed help. the pack feasts well"

Frank nods. "You have assembled these tales for Brekke?"

"Wait, is that parrt of the Mountain job? Magic, rituals, spiriuality... no one told me scribe."

"I found it to be wise to collect the deeds and accomplishments of the Lodge. Our history and successes, lessons learned.... the better to guide and foster, to teach."

A shrug. "Perhaps that is not your way."

"Well, most of my writing is for novels.. but she'll want updatesa and recorrds might as well be me. And... yeah, can't lean from the past if we don't respect it. Looks like I have more work today"

"Could nap first. Might be good timing to ask others to jot down what they recall. First-hand accounts you can draw on to prepare your own records."

"Not until more of our people are back" He says