#rivervale_lodge

Frank is still lingering in the the stables, overseeing the puppies and new mother, when another set of footsteps approaches, very familiar.

Brekke steps in and takes a spot at his side, also watching the pups.

Shared quiet.

"How are you?" He's asking for her state of mind, her emotional baseline for the moment.

She considers a moment before answering. "Still stunned. But well enough. And for you?"

"Still stunned."

She looks at him. "But not well?"

"I'll get by."

"Yes. But what troubles you?"

He lifts an eyebrow at her "Siv's the father?" dryly "To start with?"

Brekke blows out a breath, nodding slowly. "That is...something I do not wish to consider too deeply. But she has always been a creature of the Dreaming, and thus always a surprise."

"That is true. They are -not- in a good position for this." he sighs heavily.

She regards him a moment. "In what way?"

"Every practical way." simply "Financially, housing, education, career...."

"Perhaps. But then again, they are not so different than Kerri and Olgar were when Sylvi was born. But, like them, there will be a support system to help. All of us."

A thought. "Should we find a way to offer them housing here, at the Lodge?"

"Would that be safe for the baby?"

"Hard to say," she allows.

"Mm." Frank looks again at the puppies.

"There is time. It may not be easy, but we have always found ways."

THe puppies are young, still furry potatoes , they'll gain more shape later, but they're cute and full of potential

"Not we." Frank points out calmly "They. Although they will have us if they wish it."

A brow. "We," she emphasizes, "have faced difficulties before. And we have come through them. And we will help them, one way or another."

Frank, still watching the puppies, nods.

A bit of quiet.

Edelweiss licks them all, though she fusses and nudges the runt back to proper position , seemingly lovingly vexed with the extra work the little one is requiring. She just wants to care for him and protect him.

A slight grin, appreciating Edelweiss's maternal instinct.

"Well. The Dreaming seems to have decreed it to be so." Frank sums up with finality.

"I agree. And...I think they will be good parents. In their way."

Frank nods. "The baby will be loved."

Brekke nods. Then a new thought. "If they came to live with us at the Lodge, there is now the Lakehouse as well. They can bring the baby there for periods of time."

"They could live in the Lakehouse." Frank points out.

"I do not know. The understanding was that the Lakehouse would be available as temporary residence for diplomatic visitors to Caer Falken. It has not been used thus often, but that was the agreement."

"I could speak with the Count..." she trails off dubiously, and frowns.

Signe turns, she's stayed a distance from Eddie and her pups but still stands 'guard'. Her action ins't one of worry, just alertness. Someone is coming

Brekke notes this and turns to see who approaches.

As does Frank.

Vali comes on up "Hey, sorry to intrude. "

"Hello, Mountain. It is no intrusion."

"Hello Vali."

"Talking about the new puppies?" A look over the litter, "Or the new baby?"

Frank's expression is impassive.

A brow. "Yes," she says unhelpfully.

A nod "I wanted to apologize about that" Vali says "I...don't share all my visions, but I try to share the good news ones in general or at least help people prepare. I set things, resources, at the ready so when it can be revealed, folks are ready. This time" A weak chuckle "I screwed up. Sorry, Brekke. Sorry, Frank."

And he pings true, remorseful

Her brow furrows. "Screwed up?"

Frank pulls a piece of hay from a nearby bale and tucks it between his lips.

"You...knew?"

"Yes, and no" He sighs, looking embarrassed, "I have always had trouble reading Siv's future. Part of her weird... pardon me, unique situation. So this time ...I had a vision of new life, of seed taking root... I figured A birth was coming..."

"...and you thought Siv to be the mother?"