#rivervale_lodge

"Frank?" Mountain Vali calls out

"Upstairs. Down in a minute...." is the return.

"Okay" He says

And, true to his words, Frank appears from his room and comes down. "Vali. What can I do for you?"

"CHief lem told me, not sure if you heard... Agnes is coming on her final night this week"

Frank pauses in mid-step. "Oh." gravely "I hadn't heard but... thank you for telling me."

"You and the Chieftain, and anyone else of rivervale is welcome to her...send off. She's going to give herself to the flame, as is their way"

Frank takes in a breath. He nods. "Have you told Brekke?"

"I have not seen her"

"Mm. If I see her first, do you mind if I tell her?"

"No, please do. I know you and she are closer to the DeBukes as a rule than I am."

"Does Kerri know?"

"I don't know" he admits "But they told me they already informed Sylvi. She's honorary DeBuke so was told first. "

Frank nods. "Good. Ok. If I see her first... same thing?"

"Sure, and thank you. This is... well, she's had a rich life and given much, but it still , it's going to sting"

"It is. It does." Frank agrees.

"Farmhold is changing, rapidly. CLem's a relatively new Chief, Murry a relatively new Storm, and now... a New Hearth'

Frank nods. "The Universal Cycle; the turn of the wheel."

"Yes. Inevitable, but if I maysay? I am glad to have your wisdom still with me and hope the rest of you stick it out for a while"

A chuckle. "Not planning on going anywhere just yet, Vali."

"And you do just fine on your own."

A smile "Thank you."

"A drink?" He offers to get one for the man

"Cider, thanks."

Vali nods and gets some cider for Frank and a coffee for himself

"Thank you." Frank takes it, and a seat.

Soon, the sound of heavy footfalls outside as Brekke returns from patrol.

And Vali makes a coffee for Brekke and looks to Frank "I leave it to you to tell her then" he hands the coffee to him to give to her

Frank stands, of course, and takes the coffee as he heads over to open the door.

She enters, a few sprays of forsythia in one arm. A pleased look as Frank presents her with a coffee, and she trades the forsythia for it. "For decoration."

A sip of coffee. "The bushes were spreading across a pathway."

He takes the flowers, and her coat if she'll let him. "Welcome home."

Vali sips his own coffee

"My thanks," she says as she lets him take the coat. "Hello, Mountain," she adds as she sees Vali.

"Vali was just telling me..." Frank rumbles "....word from the FarmHold."

Vali nods

She raises a hand to pause him. "Agnes? I have heard. It will be soon."

A pained look to Frank.

"Ah' Vali sighs "Just got word myself"

Frank offers his free hand to Brekke, should she wish it. "Will we go?"

She takes his hand. "We should. I would wish to support her, if there is some way that we can. This...is hard."

vali says "I think Sylvi has... a more primary role as an honorary family member than the rest of us"

"We'll stand with her, for her. It will be difficult, but we have never have turned away from the difficult things."

Brekke nods to Frank, squeezing his hand briefly. A nod to Vali. "Yes, this makes sense. She is bound to them as family."

"Mountain, I think you would be valuable there, but you may be needed here in our absence. What is your preference?"

"I offered any assistance I could give to Mountain Emmit already. He said my presence would be enough but he understood if any of us declined. Tiffany is happy to pass, and would watch the lodge if we required?"

"I will appreciate that. I believe Kerri will want to go as well. Indeed, I would be very surprised if she did not."

"She doesn't like funerals anyway" he nods regarding his wife "Dirk might offer to shield here too. If not Goldfinch. He respected Hearth Agnes but they weren't close.' A fond look "he did mess with her once...she cowed him"

"Did he? I do not know this story." She looks interested.

Frank smiles and takes the flowers to the kitchen.