#rivervale_lodge

And so it is that the childlings and wilders of Rivervale come back from School

Kerri has set up a selection of snacks, though certainly the kids would have eaten at the Farm.

Jack Flap comes in "Maan, not fair for them to put in teachers that can catch me"

"That sounds like you had an interesting day, Jack."

Brenda comes in, Lily at her side "That they did. Hello, Kerri. " Adam's mother says

Connor gets a ride on Dagmar's shoulders, if he wants.

Dirk stomps in "What am I gonna care about the War of 1812? All the GOOD Fighting was in World War 2. Nazis, most punchable guys evaarr" he sighs sees the Hearth, goes back out, and makes sure the mud is off his shoes, then comes in

" DEE AYE DAY, DEE EEE DEE, DEE -EYE DICKY DY, DEE OH DO!" He bellows in joy...

And scarpers up the stairs to put away his stuff, singing along the way.

"Brenda! I wasn't expecting you." Kerri gives a smile. "You're helping them out?"

"Yes, my poetry degree makes me worthy of teaching, though I only had a period or two. Miss Puttyroot and others had the bulk of it" A brow "Jackflap by the way scooted out the window twice."

There are cookies and pitchers of drinks. "I don't know if they gave you homework, everybody, but best to get it done early."

A sigh. "Jack, window-scooting during class is not okay."

"I know but the farm was.. it teaches stuff too"

"And.. my pants were all like wiggly" He says

"Wish I was small enough to window scoot. Weather was real nice out."

"It was!" the boy sighs

"Dagmar was quite well behaved and very helpful with the young ones" Brenda says

The sound of footsteps on gravel.

Grunt.

"Well, I suppose you're right, but you have to trust your teachers that they'll make sure you have a chance to learn from all parts of it."

Jackflap says "they made me take a note home for ma and dad" He says speaking of Torin and his lady

Gerd comes in looking a bit tired

Lily seems more excited "There are many slugs and snails on the farm if you know where to look"

And Frank is right behind her, taking care of the door and toeing off his boots before hanging up his jacket.

Sylvi follows Gerd in.

"Well, looks like the whole fleet's in. Gerd, you look exhausted," Kerri says.

"Hey, Mom. Hi, Mountain, sorry, 'scuse me."

Sylvi goes to Kerri and gives her a kiss on the cheek before grabbing a cookie.

"I volunteered to be a teacher's assistant for four classes" Gerd 's eyes indicate this may NEVER happen again

"Of course." Frank rumbles.

"It wasn't that bad, Gerd." Sylvi teases, then mouths to her mother: It was worse.

"They've got more kids than they expected" Gerd explains, "From all over. "

"Yeah, it was like...I get what they mean by a 'magnet' school, now. They all just got attracted to that one spot."

Frank is listening as he appears not to be, going to for a glass of cider before going to his desk.

"You ever have to explain to kid who has NEVER been out of Chicago that a cow is not a monster?"

Gerd says

"Oh, hey, Dirk...I gotta favor to ask you." Sylvi glances around. "Symon, too, but looks like he made himself scarce."

Dirk says "Do I get to punch someone? I haven't done violence in days. I'm getting the shakes"

"Welllll...you might get to scare a whole LOT of people. And help me out."

"GOOO OOON?" Dirk's eyes light up

"Scare people?" Lily's eyes light up

"I think it's wilder scares hun, and you already scared folks earlier" Brenda says

Kerri makes sure that Frank gets a cookie to go with his cider.

Frank's beard moves at the offer, and he takes it.

"Oh! Lily, yeah, you too!"

Brenda sighs as her daughter bounces on soft heels

"Well..." Sylvi takes a breath. "I'm doing these Halloween makeup tutorials, and I need some more models."

"Dirk, I was thinking of doing you up like a completely gross zombie, and then ... well, on the final reveal, you give it a little oomph with your natural talents...."

He looks torn "Make up? I don't know.. that's a bit.. well, a guy wearing make up?" Clearly Dirk hasn't listened to the Rover's talks enough