#rivervale_lodge

Sometime after Father's Day

Oak drags Frank in from Patrol, thirsty for some water

"Here." Frank pours some into the colapsible doggy bowl, and then drinks from the bottle himself.

Lap lap lap

"Hot out there, huh?" Gerd says

"Well. Summer." He excuses the heat. "How're you?"

"Uhm.." She looks torn about something "In truth? I kind of want your advise and I can't think of a subtle way to ask"

"Then just ask."

A nod "I got a job offer.. a nice one. In Silverwolf"

Frank nods, listening.

"Marigold, Steward there, is feeling .." She tries to word this politely "She is wanting to lighten her load. As I am hearth trained, somewhat, she'd be willing to finish my eduication kind of. Like Steward School I guess. I love it here, but Hearth Kerri has to wrangle everyone. Her squire, Sally Mae is her right hand already. And you know, Dagmar makes pretty good tacos now. And I get that. I just... everyone's considering college, or has a day job, or has a plan. Except maybe Sylvi. I don't know about her but she's freeholder for Goldfinch so that's plenty I guess. But I don't have many... I don't know if I have a mission here. I patrol some. I am cook number 4. I clean up. ANd I transport folks. But I don't.. have a purpose?"

Another listening, understanding nod.

"And being a jill of all trades or Janey on the Spot is fine but ... I found myself really tempted. I mean, Wudlig and I have our ups and dwons but somehow we're still a thing So that would be nice. But on the other side, serving where Nadeen rules would be.. weird. I mean, what if she says "Do this' and I'm like "Get bent' before I remember she's actually in charge? What if Wudlig aNd I break up and then we end up staring at each other awkwardly? This is a real opprotunity. Even a few months under Marigold could teach me some crazy skills, and not just cooking and cleaning. But I also wonder if maybe I should look for someone else who might help Marigold? It's ..a muddle"

Frank nods "Sounds like an existential concern if not a crisis yet."

"Existential concern's a good term for it" She admits "I know you're not mountain, but you are an elder and you've traveled every where. How did you know where you belonged? How did you know when you found the right role?"

Frank takes a seat on the porch step, and leans over to pour more water in Oak's bowl.

After a time, he speaks quietly. "You may have made a faulty assumption, Gerd. That I know where I belong, and have found the right role."

"But to what I think is the heart of your general trend of question....."

A deep breath, thoughtful exhale.

She waits, curious

Oak drinks

"It took me... I think about two years. To both know and -feel- that Rivervale -could- be a home. Probably three and change to actually accept it."

"I kept coming back here. Kept seeking this place. Kept thinking of it when I wasn't guarding my thoughts."

"Finding the right role took longer. I was pretty thick-headed in my youth. Eventually I realized I was more miserable trying to be other things, and I found, eventually, a peace as I grew into what I am now."

She smiles a bit at that. Not mocking, rather wistful

"But, that's just me. Not saying you'll have the same path."

" Dare I ask if I am thick headed in my youth?"

A bit of her Uncle's humor, a touch of Vegard, but mostly just Gerd

"Not my place to say." kindly.

"Fair" She nods "I imagine I'm on par for your average troll wilder, but but in my own niche" Gerd contemplates "I appreciate your answers and your advice. I think I should talk to Hearth Kerri and the Chief. And, yes, My Uncle Mountain. I worry they'll be upset with Marigold, and that wouldn't be fair. The Steward is just trying to get a breather and yes, maybe make it so Connor and his dad get more reasons to visit"

Frank nods.

"How are you doing today? Did you have a nice father's day?"

"I'm well, and yes I did. Siv surprised us, me, with breakfast in bed and a photo album. Very thoughtful."

"Photo Album? Huh. The breakfast I suspected. Good on her and glad you liked. Connor and his dad had a lot of time together. I gave them some space. I'll give credit, Baron Aiden is really trying"

"They seemed to have a good time. I think that Garden where his mother' statue is is kind of 'their spot' now. It's sweet"

"That is good."

"I never thought I'd find myself rooting for an Ailil to win his son over. But theree you go" She says pragmatically "You want some coffee to chase that water down with?"

"No, thank you. A bit late for me. And hydration is important."

"It is" She nods "Oak knows" Oak looks up and wags. He's had his. "Yeah you're very smug about your two kids. Signe and Echo do you proud"

Oak puffs up a bit at this. He has become the 'old paw' around the pups, and he takes to the role with pleasure. Despite the fact he's hardly an old dog

"Good Boy." Frank offers the ultimate praise.

And the tail speed picks up, creating a slight breeze

Gerd looks amused "I could cast windwalker on SIgne and the squirels would never be smug again"

"You could." Frank agrees, but.. he doesn't recommend it.

Oak mmphs. He's not sure it's good for his daughter to fly.

Gerd notices this "Oh my goodness, you two have so influenced each other"

Siv comes in "Pardon me. Got to look for notes on Changeling Geography. Anyone hear of a Rowing Oak?"

Gerd ponders "Rowing oak? Sounds familiar but no"

"Great me too. I'm sure I'm missing something" Siv says sorting through books and atlases

Frank clears his throat "Rowan Oak."