#anywhere

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Stepping out from the trods, Frank's memories of whatever happened on the path from Rivervale to DeBuke terrain are fading already. For example, why are he and Olgar wearing baseball caps with elaborte felt antlers?

Frank frowns, feeling the hat.

"I swear that traveling stag party is a menace. " Olgar muters, taking the hat off "you okay, Frank?"

Frank loses it too. "Yes. I believe so. You get that a lot?"

"Not along that trod, no. I'll have to make a note of it" A sigh "But in general? More than you think. THe dreaming is full of weird stuff

"No kidding." Frank nods. "Stop in at the DeBuke's and... wait, check the basket for a moment. Anything in there shouldn't be?"

He looks in, "Nice catch." He pulls out what appear to be a set of playing cards, "THese are new"

"Check 'em?" He pokes around the basket too.

"I mean, Dreaming wants to gift the DeBukes through us, I'm ok with that. But, not looking to smuggle stuff into their Farmhold."

He opens them, "YEah, I'll keep these." he tucks the cards away. ALl else seems good

"Ok. Let's make our manners." Frank heads for the Farmhold.

"Oh, we're already here" Something shifts from the patch of woods before the farm, "Least wise I am" It's Clem, "Mountain, Rover, what brings you?"

Frank offers her a bearded smile and a hand. "On a mission. Thought we'd be polite."

"Well, that's right kind" Clem is not in her typical gear, there's actually a hide leather armored vest over her shirt. Unusual for summer starting. "I suppose I could pry, but if there's one thing a sluagh friend has taught me, it's that if folks want to tell you something they'll tell you. Unless it affects us?"

Frank shakes his head. "Not that I know of. Everything ok here?"

"Security's beefed up. Rivervale trod is considered the safer one so more muscle on the other. Some threats have been made against Kin, directly and in- so we're on our guard. One who made the threat is currently not a problem though- She's hopefully going to grow from the experience."

"Only trouble on the path here was a stag party, goofy adult whimsy" Olgar informs her, "Just escort childlings and young wilders maybe but they'll be gone in a few days"

"Might take this basket up to the house and Hearth Agnes, if that's ok."

"Well, of course, Rivervale folk are always welcome here," CLem says "Sorry if I seem less social than usual. Lot on my mind. Won't let it affect my work. This way" SHe escorts them talking "How is everyone at Rivervale by the way?"

Frank considers the question. "Good. Siv's .... we're all learning how to adjust to life now."

"You know if you have stuff you need to talk about, and you don't want to talk to Emitt, I'd be happy to listen."

"Well, you tell her Auntie Clem wishes her well. Sylvi too I hope?" At his offer, "Maybe another time, Mountain. Kind of you to say"

"Sylvi's a handful trying to drive me nuts, she's also a joy so.. go figure" Olgar says "And don't smirk."

Clem carefully hides it

They get to the lodge proper, and see Chief Agnes. She is looking tired, but her features brighten as she sees guests, "Mountain Frank, Rover Olgar, please, sit down a spell. I'll cook you something right up"

"Thank you, Agnes." Frank offers the basket. "From Kerri."

"That's so sweet, got a group of boys I'll have to threaten within an inch of their lives of they'll swipe it fast " She take it and sets it down.

"Now, pork chops and greens strike you as okay for a meal? If you prefer I can get you a hearty turkey soup. I know chicken is prefered, but well, long story, wild turkey got abundant."

"Pork chops sound great, thank you."

A quick meal, one she had already been ready for but in greater number and later is soon served. Olgar will never admit that anyone is better than his wife, and it IS subjective, but if you like midwest classics, it is very very hard to beat Agnes.

"Mm." Frank wipes his mouth and leans back. "Wow, Agnes."

"Oh you boys eat light and are far too kind" but she seems pleased, "Now, we making small talk or you have things you need to do?"

She's not giving them the brush off

But she clearly realizes they're not here on anything official deBuke wise

"We are on an errand, yes."

"Can we help you then somehow?" Agnes inquires

"You have!" Frank gestures to the remnants of the meal. "Safe passage to speed us and a full stomach!"

A nod, "Just so. if you need anything on the return trip, food , stay or what not, let us know."

Clem says "And say hi to everyone when you do get him? Feel like I've been a stranger"

OOC 'Bout what time do you figure it is by now?

OOC: They left at ten? First Lunch crowd for DeBukes is coming in?

*nod* Ok!

IC: "We will, Clem, and Agnes, thanks again. We'll get out of your hair, be about our business."

"Pshaw, never trouble making sure good men have full bellies. Off with your fuss" The stern old woman says, probably quite fond/Clem smiles

Frank tips his head, and steps out onto the porch, waiting for Olgar.

The crowd of DeBukes, childlings mostly comes in.. Olgar joins him after doing a head count "Geez o pete. We sure there isn't some rabbit pooka in their blood line?"

As they make their way towards where the Uber will be a few miles down the road

"They have at least one eshu, I think." They walk to the Uber pick up.

While they wait, some official looking aggro company jeeps drive by. "you gents lost?" Cold. Hard. And Frank realizes what this is. These guys are security guards for the nearest big Aggro corps. They have no right to hassle folks, no legal right, but they count on folks not knowing that. NO doubt the company wants to discourage either folsk from visiting and trading with a truly indpendent farm, and/or stop potential GMO thieves from stealing grain by extending their reach beyond the legal limits