#rivervale_lodge

For Frank, the meal left some great left overs, and he and Gerd got some work done.

For now, he is sitting down to read. Oak has put his big head on Frank's big lap

Frank ruffles his ears absently.

Oak wags happily at this.

"You two are like two peas in a pod" Siv comes in, looking a bit weary but in good spirits

"Thank you; that's a compliment, I think."

"Actually, as I adore you both" Siv smiles "I suppose it is. " She bends down to scratch Oak on his chest, then kisses her dad on the forehead "How are things?"

"Just fine." a pause "Do you know when your mother will be back?"

"Soon, I hope" She says "I admit to being curious myself. But when's the last time she had a break from the usual?"

"True." he says stoically.

"If you miss her, maybe you could visit?" Siv offers "We can handle things here"

"Mm." after a moment he shakes his head "If she needed me there, she'd call me."

"SO, what if she doesn't need you, but would still like your company?" Siv points out "Piper doesn't need me in the audience, but she likes it. Jonas doesn't need me on his errands, but he likes it when I drop by to say hi"

Frank thinks again, then shakes his shaggy head slowly. "I don't want to intrude on Jessica."

"Okay" She nods "Fine . As for my patrol, it was largely uneventful. " She admits "Checked on that family you helped.. the christmas tree thief? They're actually doing very well. Asked me to tell you so"

His beard moves, visibly. "That's good to hear. Thank you."

"He's having a barbecue with some other neighbors visiting when school ends. He's invited us. I told him I'd pass it on."

"We could perhaps drop in." Frank is a little cautious "I'm not sure what company he normally keeps."

"Me neither" She admits "But it sounded like the parents of his kids schoolmates?"

"Mmphm. Not a guarantee. Still. Could stop by."

A nod "You want to tell him that or shall I? Or just leave it be? I didn't mean it to be a source of stress"

An easy shrug. "If you patrol past there again, sure. Mention it. If I find myself there, I will."

"Sounds good" She pats Oak one more time "I'm going to shower, change into something nice." She remembers "I suppose I best write down the patrol went down well for the records while mom's gone. SHe'll appreciate it I think"

Frank nods. "Log book is on the desk." He indicates the Mountain's records.

She moves there and writes it down, "Bet Mountain Vali was surprised when mom told him he had to keep records as part of the job" Amused

Frank rumbles slightly "Don't see why he would be; he saw what I did, filled in for me before."

"I think he figured he'd get to be more fast and loose with it" Siv says after thinking it over

"Hmmphm." Frank doesn't think much of THAT attitude....

"Relax dad, he's gotten with the program" She smiles

"Good to hear."

"Anway I..."

the door opens and Tove comes in looking in a rush

Frank looks over, sitting up. "Tove?"

"I'm sorry, I need a baby sitter really quickly. I am.. it's complicated. But I have to leave CJ for a bit. Jaymes is still at the store. COuld one of you..."

Frank glances at Siv, stands. "Of course, we'll come. Would you like one of us to come with -you-? Is Myrtle Anne alright?"

"Myrtle Anne? She's fine. I could have asked her to babysit I suppose but the lodge is closer" Tove answers looking relieved, "And thank you both. CJ is asleep rightn ow but he'll wake up soon. I'm so sorry for the bad timing. I'll make it up to you both"

"We'll, you're family" Siv says as if making it up was silly

"Tove, do you want company on this... errand?"

"No no, I've got it," She says a bit hastily "Door is unlocked. The pantry is yours, that sort of thing. I should be back in 4 to five hours. Thank you both" quick hugs to both and.. she heads off in a hurry

Siv raises a brow that looks surprisingly like her mother's , or perhaps not so surprisingly

Then she grunts, now that Aunt TOve is gone ("What was THAT about?")

Frank shrugs (Baby's alone, need to get over there) and gets his jacket.

She nods and moves on, getting hers as well, "Need both of us? Should I relieve you of a shift in two h ours?"

"Relief might be welcome. Could call first if you wanted to."

"Well, call if you don't need me otherwise I'lll show in two. Good luck. He's gotten bigger and Louder" A smile, to hide concern for Tove

And off Frank goes

The ironhawk house is currently devoid of anyone but CJ. Oh, and pets. Twobit looks agitated. Brown Dog worries. Odin? Odin the one eyed cat, abides

Frank makes himself known to the pets, greeting them, and then goes to find CJ.

CJ is in his bedroom, but stiring with almost troll like alertness. Not quite two years old, but so much larger than most kids his age he looks it. Troll blood is strong in him.

Frank peers in; one does not raise a troll childling on a ship without learning to peer silently and unobserved.