#rivervale_lodge

"The Ocean Magnificent?" amused.

"Well, I find the Ocean magnificent. But perhaps one is so named in the Dreaming?" The amusement is mutual, but she's still taking in his costume, his hair....

He starts to look a bit self-conscious. "I... don't remember."

"No..." But it doesn't seem to matter.

He clears his throat softly "Is... something stuck in my beard?" he murmurs.

She blinks, and then clears her throat and looks away, aware that she's been acting somewhat besotted.

In point of fact, there are small pearls and gems on in his hair and beard; sea-treasure.

"You two collaborated," she observes.

A small shrug. "Eventually. I thought she might be missing Piper and Jonas, you're dressing with the other leaders so...."

She nods, and says quietly, "It was the compromise that seemed best."

"Compromise? I suppose."

"Didn't intend it that way, but... yes. She'd rather be attending with Piper and Jonas rather than I."

"Instead of the Mountain insisting on bearing the burden all himself," she clarifies.

A soft puff, almost a snort. "I did try to tell him."

"He was persistent," she mutters.

Frank nods slowly, taking a deep breath.

"Thank you for trying."

"Trying what?"

"Trying to counsel the Mountain."

"Ah." another shrug "You're welcome."

She nods, and the bells on her cap jingle. She looks upward towards them and sighs.

"It is only one night." he tries, as he has on Carnivales past, to comfort.

"Yes," she agrees, and looks again at him appreciatively.

He flushes lightly, purple tides under blue.

Her own slight blush complements her motley.