#rivervale_lodge

Jaymes enters the lodge

Frank, travel-duffle on the floor near the door, is pouring a travel mug of coffee. There's a cardboard box of supplies on the table.

"mmm. Heading out?"

Frank nods. "Work."

"Where?" he inquires in that long winded way trolls have

"Mm. Usual route; up to Maine and back."

"Hauling both ways."

A nod at that "You'll be missed. If you need snacks or the like for the trip and don't have it already I can give it to you at cost"

"Thanks. Kerri loaded me up." he indicates the box.

A sniff, then nods , then... "You seen Symon around?"

"Can't say that I have."

"I know he has a new girlfriend, but he's hardly been to visit Dagmar at all" A frown "I think she's troubled over it. But..you know Dagmar. "

"Bottling it up?"

"Guarded" A nod "Though at least she likes the new Nanny"

"Settled on one?"

"Demetra... elderly satyr but still fit for her age. We try not to overuse her, but she's been a godsend for taking pressure of Tove ."

Frank nods. Good.

A nod as well "CJ likes her" ("The Nany's good with him and he enjoys her company which as you know can be crucial") then a mm ("Tove may want to go touring again. I'm going to miss her but I want to support her")

"Long distance can be tough." he observes.

A nod "It would be much like one of your longer hauls I think"

Frank nods. Likely.

Ives enters in, the DeBuke has long sense learned the ropes thanks to Tig and others, and is quietly confident in a way few lads are. He doesn't do his usual upnod of greeting, rather he seems distracted

The boy hums a tune , and walks into the kitchen as if the two grumps aren't even there

Mmm ("Some girl, you think?")

Frank looks up after Ives, shrugs. Maybe

"mm"

Frank sets the travel mug next to the box, and the duffle next to that.

"Anything you want me to keep an eye on while you're gone, Frank?"

Frank thinks about it "Suppose not." he says "Been doing this a few years, before your time. Lodge team pretty much has it covered, and we're even bigger now than we were back then. More hands."

"Thanks, though."

"Fair. Good point. Meant more like walking your dog but guess that IS covered"

Frank nods. "Lots of company on patrols."

"In that case, I'm going to see if I can track down Vali. You be well"

"You too." he shoulders the duffle and picks up the box, then the cup.

And the two brothers from two different lifetimes part

(end Scene)