#rivervale_lodge

"Feast is ready!" Kerri announces. "Childlings, let the older folks get some first, please!"

Frank sets up a plate for Brekke, and serves others.

Brekke gratefully accepts the plate from Frank, and even gives him him a brief kiss on the cheek before letting him return to work.

His beard moves, softening slightly.

Olgar dishes out something with a sauce that is legendary... well, if you have talked to Olgar

Kerri enjoys a plate of something-with-sauce. She is, after all, a brave woman and a loyal wife.

And the sauce is.. GOOD...the ribs have a layer of something that's... where did he get this? It's new

Frank goes on to set up beer can chickens.

Dagmar, at least, is a neutral party (after all, the best grill-cook is Jaymes...)

"Piper, you hungry? There's sides.... Can I get you a plate?"

Kerri blinks. Olgar's no slouch at the grill but... She looks at him with amazement. "What is this?" she asks with respect.

Olgar grins "Something I've been studying for a bit in my spare time"

There certainly are plenty of non-meat options -- veggies and fruits and breads and cheeses and various seasoned butters.....

Indeed! Marsha brought mushrooms with Cheesey stuffing!

The promised well-aged pudding is at the sluagh table at that...

Kerri grins and claims Olgar for a brief but very firm kiss (that tastes a bit like BBQ sauce. "You're a good study," she says, then lets him get back to work.

Tove's contribution as usual is spicy ... deviled eggs with extra diablo

A kiss back then he lets her go "Thanks"

There's also an Herb rich cob salad. M.A. looks nervous as it's passed by, but seems more assured by the jello treats getting taken

Professor Wayburton nods to Frank "You must be pleased young Colton joined Liam"

"Colton is a valued member of our House, even so early on." Frank agrees.

Kerri makes a point of trying at least a bit of almost everything that guests brought.

Colton blushes ..a far cry from the boy who once was sure he knew more than old pros about the world.

Sylvi gives him a proud smile.

Adam gets Piper a plate of sides, but also gets himself a plate of MEAT. And some sides.

Dagmar is a pretty good sport about the food, though she avoids some of the "weird" things.

Some of the apartment guests brought ice cream

which is chilld, natch

Colton takes Sylvi to a private bench, well, SEMI Private, so they can eat together. Share food. Etc

Oh, she may have been a social butterfly earlier, but right now he's got all of her attention.

Adam seems more settled, laughing easier, not at all hesitant.

Zane flirts with any number of ladies, and in fact tells EVERY Girl they look nice... which they do, and he picks things out that show he paid attention and not just to leer

Dirk pops ribs into his mouth

"Having fun?" Sylvi asks Colton as she feeds him a (not peeled) grape.

He grins at the, then Colton says "I'm being spoiled by the prettiest girl in the world."

"So yes... I'm having loads of fun"

Adam watches Zane work the crowd as he eats.

"Good thing, too," Sylvi says with satisfaction.

Ramona talks excitedly with Eden... except Eden makes goo goo eyes at Tikki... and he looks back at her.

"Oh dear" Anne Marie whispers to Kerri "I do believe that couple is going to be departing to the shadows first chance they get"

Dagmar has drifted off to watch the birds and the trees and the flowers.

Needeen gestures to the place where the horses are...

where Stormwake is fussing over Star, tenderly laying his neck near hers

Adam is observing all the interactions, perhaps thoughtfully.

And Oak eyes two bit, wagging his tail and trying to look sexy.

Twobit looks at him as if he is INSANE... barks at him... snorts and walks off

Alas, Beltaine doesn't guarantee love

(To Be Continued)

Piper does not begrudge Adam his MEAT, and confides that it still SMELLS delicious even if she chooses not to partake.

Connor shyly presents Lily with a bouquet of wilted weeds and dead flowers, topped with a cicada husk he found.

Symon joins at the table but just sips at a mug, having snuck his fill earlier where no one would see. But, he brings up the possibility of Surstromming to the lodge elders, hoping to see some green faces on the other table dwellers!