#rivervale_lodge

Frank sits, reading. Oak lays nearby, snoozing. A glass of apple cider sits at hand. His glasses are perched on his nose. A quiet evening in the spring.

A familiar pace crunching on the gravel of the path outside.

He smiles, and putting his book down, stands and goes to fix a mug of coffee.

She opens the door, and a breath of spring evening air comes in with her, the sound of the early spring peepers making their creaking sound in the darkness.

Signe accompanies her person, wagging happily herself.

Frank brings her the coffee, and offers to take any garments she cares to shed.

A grin as she sees Frank. She bends down to pet Signe and then passes Frank her cloak in exchange for the mug. "Thank you."

Signe enjoys her pets, then dutifully goes to a corner, pondering if she should wake her father because good dogs shouldn't slack

He hangs up the cloak and gets a treat for Signe and Oak, tossing them to each pup.

Oak wakes up at THAT! And catches smoothly

Signe catches hers as well

"You will spoil them," Brekke chides mildly, not really concerned. She heads to her chair and sips the coffee gratefully.

Squire Brogan peeks out of the kitchen "Do either of you need or desire food?"

"Already done." Frank admits easily to Brekke, then pauses to let her answer about food.

"Thank you, Squire Brogan. If there is something small. A danish, perhaps? Something like that. I do not have much hunger."

Frank nods to Brogan "I'd like a sandwich, please. Maybe some fruit."

He nods "Yes Chief. Yes sir. Be just a bit" and he departs to tend to it

She waits for Brogan to return to the kitchen, and then looks to Frank again. "Your day went well?"

"Thank you." he says before Brogan goes and then nods to Brekke "It did. Maintenance, mostly. You?" he moves to allow her access to the Balefire and her seat.

She makes herself comfortable and nods. "A quiet patrol. And no further news from the County. Yet."

Frank nods and shifts his seat to settles at her feet in his customary place. "There are worse ways to end the day."

She nods and rests a hand atop his horns. A quiet moment. Then, "When are you planning your next run?"

"This coming week."

The food comes out, and is put by their sides with a bow, and the squire departs

She nods. "I thought it would be soon."

"Thank you, Squire."

A nod "Most welcome" And off he goes

Frank sips his drink, slides the sandwich towards Brekke. "Bite?"

She shakes her head, indicating her own food. "I am fine." She eats some of her own, and nods for him to eat his.

His beard moves slightly, and he eats some fruit. The apple is sweet.

"Where does the road take you this time?"

"Mmmm.... Grass. The old route."

"It is what is needed, what is useful as cover for what I seek to do."

A brow. "What is the true goal?"

A small movement of his beard; a smile "To help others."

She grins and shakes him gently by the horns. "As always. But you cannot say more?"

A soft chuff. "I cannot predict whom I will meet on the road. But I do not go with an agenda. Not for many, many years."

A nod. "Fair enough."

"Mm." her foot gets a firm squeeze.

She finishes her late snack and regards the balefire, comfortable.

"Sandwich?" He offers the rest of his; most of it is available.

She shakes her head. "No, but thank you." A pause. "Bed? When you are done."

Frank sets his sandwich to his side. "Done."

A grin, and she finishes her coffee. "Done," she echoes, and stands.

And the two head upstairs, leaving the dogs to settle in before the balefire.

(Fade to 'Bed')