#rivervale_lodge

((Frank & Brekke to <#C9EJS3QAK|>))

"Thank GOD " A sigh "I honor and respect them both, and I get it, samhain is cruel to them, but if showed Frank as Mountain the same...utter defiance and disdain he showed me as Mountain, I'd be invited to the back yard for a thrashing, or get a reprimand from the Chief"

"Well...maybe when you were a childling." She tosses back the shot. "Or a wilder."

"What, you mean last week?" a weak joke, but an attempt "I don't understand how Frank lost his nerve . I believed him, I did, when he said he had other reasons, but now.. I'm wondering if Zane wasn't right. The man seems scared of sharing his wisdom now. Like he's worried it will go wrong. "

"It's like watching a master vocalist afraid to sing ever again because he thinks he went a little flat ."

She shrugs. "It's trickier in this season, as you said. And it was a substantial loss," she reminds him.

"That was not his fault" A frown "Certainly not anymore than anyone else's. "

A sigh. "I agree. But...how easy is it for somebody to talk you around when you're convinced you did something wrong?"

"Mmmph" ("It IS very trolish,isn't it?")

"Mm-hm." ("You got that right.")

Vali takes a drink, "Well, easy or not, I hope Brekke can knock some confidence back into him. Obviously that won't happen until after Samhain. As for the selections... I think I know how to lure Lily into being my assitant/pillar"

A brow. "I thought we couldn't trust her."

"Though having one childling help me will not be enough so Frank and Siv may just have to deal, whether they think they're good at it or not" A pause "I think in small doses. See, my plan for Lily? I'm going to give her the job I used to have at New Agengard. Clearly, we need a spy to report to Symon regularly of our doings."

"And I trust Symon with our lives." he says

Kerri's brows go up...and she grins. "Clever. I like that. And yes, Symon will not turn. I am confident of that."

"THanks Of course, the difference with a troll childling boy taking on the job to a lady's induglence and a little sluagh is the sluagh will actually be good at it. But Kids love playing games, and roles. So she'll be our spy , reveal us to Symon, and have a blast. " Pleased with himself at that notion, then he says "Kerri. I want to thank you. I didn't want to press this matter so hard, but I see that it was like a bandage, needed ripped off quick and dealt with."

"Careful. Don't treat her like a childling playing a silly game. She'll sense that and rebel against it." After his second comment, Kerri nods slowly. "Yup. The time for waffling was long past."

"Fair point. The help will be real." A tired look and a bit scared "I do not want to lose my wife and child to even temporary seperation. God. Never thought I'd be so scared but I don't want to be oathbroken at all, and I never ever want to betray my true heart"

She reaches over and puts a hand on his shoulder. "No, and I want to keep you from having that happen, too. I think tonight is progress, don't you?"

"I do" He nods "And, there is one more guy who might be qualified for Mountain Pillar, and you're married to him. I don't knwo if he's the best for it in all ways, but he's qualified"

She slowly nods again. "I...think you might have a chance to get him, but I didn't want to speak on his behalf."

Then a wry look. "That might make Frank's head explode."

"I'm not sure I can HANDLE him" He admits "I can barely budge frank. Olgar might end up taking over... and he may have a shorter route, but the man is a rover to the bone. He loves you more than life and he still has to hit the Silver"

"Now and then, less than before"

She grins fondly. After a moment, she says, "Ask him. I would say tell him, but that would backfire on you. The Silver will always be his first love, but if he can take on a duty here and be home to share dinner with us each night, I think that will be a strong draw."

"Frank and Olgar working together..." A wicked smile "I admit, MY Unseelie side gets a kick out of the notion. I will consider him, but will still want to train or find alternatives for later. One more important question. Less lodge business, more love advice. Any ideas on how to spoil my wife rotten to make up for my absenttee husband act?"

"Yup. You take the baby for the day and she gets a full spa treatment. Then that evening, you bring the baby here for a sleepover visit, take her out dining and dancing, and a good late night together."

"You would be willing to take Theon for a night? I gotta worn you, he's got mighty bellow" but he looks hopeful

She gives him a sidelong look. "You missed Sylvi's first years. She had some lungs on her."

"And please, make sure Tiffany knows that NOBODY is saying she can't take care of her child...just that she deserves a break."

"I will make sure she knows she's a goddess" He assures and rises "In fact. I'll tend to that now before you change your mind. She's going to get spa queen treatment, and then that night, dancing, dining, all about her. " Vali looks tired but energized by the notion "Thanks, Hearth."

"My pleasure, Mountain. Things will be better."

"From your lips to Da'ans ears" And he heads off

Leaving Kerri to muse if she wants another shot

Kerri nods and does, indeed, consider another shot. However, she instead decides to tidy up and put things away, making sure her kitchen is in order before retiring for the night.

When she gets there, she finds a warm bath has been drawn, with scented oils no less, and her favorite audiobook ready to play while she luxuriates

(End Scene)