#rivervale_lodge

She wasn't blind to the Kestrel being off it's moorings earlier. And that's a problem, as it means someone went joyriding while her parents were on vacation... and it wasn't her. And it shouldn't be possible

She comes in just as Kerri is closing the door after returning from Fenix, looking serious.

"Okay, Aunt Kerri? What's going on. Mom and Da are in Mexico but someone took the KEstrel for a trip and it's tied to King family."

Kerri blinks as Siv assaults her with surprise questions. When Siv pauses for breath, Kerri quietly says, "They came back. They then went off on the Kestrel."

"They're back?" Surprised, then a frown "That sucks. I know it was going to be a working vacation but it was still meant to be a time for mom to relax. Jessica and I worked hard to arrange a good reason for it... a legit reason, mind, but still good"

"Well..." she shrugs. "That's where we are." She heads for the kitchen, absently offering, "Hungry?"

"A bit, but more confused... do you know why they came back? " Her brow is knit with focus at this mystery

"Yes, I just got back from asking Jessica about it." She starts setting out some bread and cheese. "But Siv, it's really not my business to share that."

A tilt of her head, "Not your business to share? Sweet Neptune in a blender, that makes it sound serious. Can you at least tell me if there is some danger to the lodge that pulled them back? "

"No, nothing like that. All's well here."

Siv says "Well, that's a small blessing. You realize I want to go through that door and ask Jessica what's wrong and if she needs help?"

A shrug. "I'm not stopping you. But you know what she'll tell you."

"Yeah, everything's fine" A sour look then a sigh "And it wouldn't do anything but make a bad situation worse. Somedays I think she'd rather eat shit than let me be part of..." A shake of her head 'No that's not fair either. Whatever this is about , it's not about me. I just wish I could make things better "

"Well, you're not alone in that." She's wiping down a counter that's already clean.

A glance. "You know she has the Leanhaun in custody. I can tell you it relates to that."

"Oh" Realization then a frown "Aye. I already wrote up the report on it and all. Mother and da were going to... " More realization "Something went wrong with that, and fast. And you tried to help or at least look into it and you're at least as frustrated as I am. Maybe more so.." She grabs another towel and helps wipe the already clean place "I'm sorry, Aunt Kerri. Here I am feeling helpless and acting like it's a solo condition. "

A smirk. "That seems to be your idiom, Siv." It's not said unkindly.

"Feeling helpless? " She wipes "or being self absorbed? Or both?"

"You tend to feel that your moments of helplessness are unique to you."

"I suppose we trolls can be territorial in unhealthy ways atimes. THat is likely one of mine. Honestly, Coradel gave me good advice about this... stop worrying about other folks opinions so much , that kind of thing. Hard to do when I care so much about those folks but she was trying to help me"

"The Fiona has a point. If you're truly fearless, don't be concerned about some temporary frustration." Another swipe of the cloth. "I imagine most members of that house tend to be rather mellow most of the time, not worried about much at all."

A smile at that "Well, I can't say I've met most of them, member or not, but yes. I am actually pretty mellow belive it or no. " She keeps cleaning "Then once I drop my guard, someone in my family spirals into a depression or drama and I leap into the pool to help... only to be told I'm making waves. VERY frustrating and I'm trying to cut down, but honest to Lyr, some days I think I've got family that couldn't communicate with a dictionary in one hand and a ouji board in another"

A bemused look. "You're not a very patient communicator, Siv. Not with your parents, and I guess not with your sister. You want answers, and you want them NOW, and you become urgent when you don't get them." She puts her dishtowel aside. "I have moments like that, too."

"Now there you ahve me. I am not patient at communicating.. trying to get better" A curious tilt "You hide thos moments well If I may say?"

"Years and years of practice, Siv."

She appraises Kerri, then huffs "Nope, it's not going to be fair" Whatever 'it' is

"It isn't?"

"What is it, pray tell?"

"You're a grump... had a child, and handled more duties and stress than I can imagine and ye still look poised and statuesue. WHen I hit your age, I'm going to look like a blue sea hag from stress and drama. Not fair." A smile though

"Honey, when I was your age, I was a nervous thing. Pretty well organized in my work, but a mess on the inside. You'll find your grump stride when it's time."

"Not TOO Soon, I hope" She says "no offense. " A pondering "I ever say 'thank you' for the example you try to give?"

"Not TOO soon," she agrees. "And you're very welcome. But...I won't live up to my own example sometimes. Try not to be too shocked when that happens."

"I'll try, but it's hard. Sometimes you and the other elders do such a good job of being the ideal that we wilders unfairly freak out when you let the mask slip even a little. We feel very uncertain about the world when one of our pillars bends. It's not right of us, and I'll try, but if I do over react when you stumble, I hope you give me time to sort the shock out a touch. You guys are all on pedestals... you didn't ask to be, but that's neither here nor there"

"I'm just saying...you can be prepared to accept our imperfections, or live a life full of disappointments. Your choice." Then a sigh. "I'm sorry. I've lived with Olgar so long I'm beginning to sound like him."

A smile "First... you're right.. And I love you guys imperfections and all. After all, you guys do return the favor... and no, you're not going to sound like Uncle Olgar until half of your stories start with a beer in your hand and the words 'No shit, there I was...'"

A chuckle. "You assume you've heard at least half of my stories." She winks.

"Okay, NOW some of what your husband hints at make sense!" Delighted

"Ha!" She shakes her head. "So long as it all remains only hints."

"Apparently, there's a story involving jagermeister, a mechanical bull, and two rednecks that I may one day be allowed to know, but he said he wasn't allowed to tell me himself"

"Really? Sounds like a fun story." A grin. "Go, let me get started with dinner."

Her mood seems improved, at least slightly.

"Will do" A smile "Thanks again, Aunt Kerri" A brief hug, and then Siv is off

Both moods slightly better it seems

(End Scene)