#rivervale_lodge

He looks over at Eddie " I thought it was the dog." A sigh "Mortifying"

Edelwiess gives a canine snort

"Oh." A nod.

"Timing." Frank observes.

"It was a colossal misread" Vali says "And if I had known, there would at least be some resources ready for all involved"

A brow. "Let us hope there are not too many more subject to this 'timing.'"

Then she shakes her head. "It is a surprise. We have responded to surprises before. I do not fault you, Mountain."

"Nevertheless, I don't like dropping the ball when it comes to friends and their families," Vali answers "So... I tried to think how I could make up for it, if not required for you, to make me feel better." Honest about that part "And I do have two things to say that might help."

Curious. "I am listening."

"One, I am having some insight to Piper's offspring... that means unlike Siv, I can read said offspring...two, the fact I can read the off spring means it is likely, not CERTAIN, that if the birth occurs, there will not be the same vulnerability to banality Siv suffers."

A blink. "I...I had not even considered...." A frown. "I should have...." Then a slow breath and a nod. "That is good news, Mountain, thank you."

"The other thing , because I think Jonas has, understandibly, been too distracted to remember himself, is this: Has anyone asked Jonas what the hell he was questing for? And just what 'prize' he brought back?"

"I have not." Frank admits after a pause to think.

She shakes her head. "Perhaps Siv or Piper have? But...no, I have not."

"I was on the road when he left."

"And Olgar doesn't quite remember. I asked" Vali says "I don't think Siv and Piper have asked either. I have a feeling, whatever it is, it will help" He bends down to pet Edelwiess, "I'll leave you two to talking. Pardon for intruding. I just didn't want to neglect it and you know, apologies for wrong signal because of this snowball scene stealer"

Eddie looks a bit smug as she gets an ear rumpled

"I will ask him, Mountain. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Chief. Mountain Emeritus" A smile at both, "Signe, don't eat me"

Signe Grimpaw gives an almost Brekke like turn of head (to substitute for Brow) as if to say ("I shall consider your request")

"Do not, Signe. We still need him. For the time being." A hint of amusement.

Signe's turn to snort, but a canine grin escapes her

Vali smirks, and heads off

After Vali leaves, Brekke turns to Frank. "That sounds good," she says, but cautiously.

Frank nods. "It does. Although I wonder now if Siv's frailty is related to conception or gestation in the Dreaming, or both."

"I doubt we will ever know for certain."

Frank nods agreement.

A final look at the puppies, then a change of posture. "I should be on patrol."

"Or the fact she was borth and grew up there. Or all of it."

"Mm." Frank doesn't straighten from his lean on the stall door. "Want company?"

"Your company would be welcome," she nods, grinning slightly.

Eddie AND the pups have fallen to sleep in the shade

Frank stands, then, and moves away with Brekke.

There is enough cloud cover to ease the Summer sun today. And a light breeze to help further. The patrol will be pleasant for this, but even more so for the mutual company

(End Scene)