#rivervale_lodge

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a knock on Frank's door

He answers it.

It's Mountain Vali "Bad time Frank? I was hoping for an update on how things went down?"

"Not a bad time, no. Let me come downstairs, we can talk there."

"Sure thing" And he turns to head down stairs

Frank joins him. "Coffee?" getting himself a cider.

"I wouldn't say no" he says

Frank fixes him a cup and they get set up at the table. Frank relates what he knows.

He listens, then says "So, this was all because of a twisted son of Adam"

"Sometiems it really isn't about we semi immortals" He takes the coffee "Thank you for the drink by the way" A sip

"Welcome, any time."

"I wanted to ask you about July 4th, do you know if Jessica will be visiting?"

"That is her plan, as far as I know. Duty permitting."

"Would it be all right if I extended an invitation to my House sisters there from her hold as well you think? Countess Ellie, her ward, and Dame Ash, my old mentor?"

"I have no problem with it, but Kerri and company are probably whom you should ask." he points out.

"Well, you and Olgar do do the grilling usually" A smile

"Yes." Frank says soberly "We know our place."

"I'll talk to the Hearth then when she gets back" He nods "Fair. Obviously the potential guests might decline"

Frank nods. "Nice gesture."

"Do you and Olgar want a break this year? I could handle the grill" He says

"Mmph. Not ready for the pasture yet, Vali." he pauses "You can bring us beers." he offers.

"I'll get the beers" He nods amused at the 'pasture' part "Any particular brand you prefer?"

"Kerri usually stocks them, or at least puts the list together."

"She mixes it up; she's got good taste."

"I'll ask" He nods "I was also thinking, as Mountain of having a brief ceremony of cleansing for Concordia, voluntary, but with the state of the country Concordia is mostly in, it seemed to me a ritual hoping that our kinain and dreamers thrive in the nation of man, and that nation find its way might be a good idea. I worry it might be too grim though. "

"Mm." Frank nods "I can see the pros and cons."

"I know this isn't your ball of wax anymore, but if you have some suggestions or ideas regarding that, I'm good with it"

"Appreciate that, but I think you're doing just fine."

"Mmm maybe I'll ask Margalita for help. Have cleansing ceremony with fire works? Launch hatred into the sky and blow it up, ceremonial but fun"

"Could be." he nods "Might think about how to mitigate the impact? People with PTSD, animals that are effected...?"

"Well, we'd have to do that with fireworks period. Maybe have the ceremony further out, but a fair point" he ponders "Or... huh. Maybe. not very 4th but a classic for a reason"

Frank sips his cider and nods.

"A bonfire... and some paper, flash paper that coems in colors. Write things on the paper and burn them? Bursts of light in red white and blue"

He nods. "Not unlike Samhain but not inappropriate, I think."

"It is kind of a repeat" He admits "But if it's less... disturbing than the fireworks maybe it's the better way to go"

"Think it over."

"I will i will.. I just want this to work well for everyone" He says

"Of course you do, Vali. The idea comes from a good place."

He sips his coffee "My wife's mad at me" He admits

"That'll happen."

"Yup. I'm patching and mending as best I can" an admission "I recently learned she's not enjoying me being mountain"

"Mm. I know the feeling, or like it. Tough call."

"Well, it means she's got our son more often, she loves Theon, but kind expected a bit more 'me' there"

Frank nods. He gets it.

"You'd think with Summer, as a teacher I'd have more time. That is SO not how it works"

Frank nods. "You'd think, working on the road with communications and all available to me.... but no. That's not how it works."

"Dead zones galore, eh?"

"Mm. Not so much that, no. But driving -is- a full-time job, more than full-time. If you want to do it safely."

"And, I do. So." sip.