#rivervale_lodge

Tap tap, tap tap. A large white falcon- a gyrfalcon in fact for those who know- outside of a window, tapping its beak imperiously at the glass!

It swept past the menfolk so vile butchering a bird, and hunkers close away from the carnage. Though on another day, it might well take a turkey itself in flight.

Nadeen no sooner comes down with Sylvi when she the bird tapping "What?"

Kerri is stepping out back to beckon the men in from their debate, and she blinks at the much-more-live bird. "Well...hello?"

"..... further proof of your grilling style......"

The bird mantles its wings proudly- a message tube attached to one leg edged with vicious looking claws.

".... if style is the right word....." Frank rumbles again.

Kerri bends to take the message from the bird. "Easy..."

">"that's from Silverwolf" Nadeen says "may I?"

"Oh...of course...." Kerri steps back to allow Nadeen access to the bird.

the bird holds still, but one must be brave enough to take it, and yes, the note is addressed to Nadeen.

"Frank, the only grill you know anything about is on the front of your truck"

Then to Frank and Olgar, "The Chieftain is here, and that bird should be ready if I'm not mistaken. Bring it in?"

"Got it honey"

And Olgar brings in the bird.. the turkey

Nadeen takes the note

A clack of beak at the bird remarks. But a soft trill, before it takes off again!

A small rolled scroll. “Happy Thanksgiving! Hopes for a lovely day with your family and friends in Bergen, and looking forward to seeing you tomorrow! Love, your friends at SilverWolf.” It has a very Marigold feel, though Calanthe must have agreed to lend Snowfall.

Frank comes in as well.

Nadeen smiles, and repeats what it says to all aloud

"... and I'd still do a better job cooking on it than you do with this one." Frank points out.

then adds "I suspect Marigold is behind most of it"

"This bird is going to be delicious, despite you breathing on it while I was grilling it" Olgar says "Oh hey chief.."

"That's very kind of them. I should have sent something back with the bird, but I will send something along with you tomorrow, if you'll allow?"

Nadeen bows.

"I'll teach you how to do a proper job next year when its my turn." He offers. "Jessica." He goes to greet her, and then Brekke.

And it looks like the crowd is settling into dinner

"Good patrol?"

"Mountain, stop harrassing my husband," the Hearth dictates good naturedly.

Brekke nods, "Good patrol. Better to be back here for this." She indicates the gathering as they settle in, and gives a satisfied nod.

Frank grunts, and leads Brekke to the table.

She takes her seat...and it is to the Mountain to say the inspiring words to begin the feast...

Piper smiles at the Chief. “Thank you for welcoming all us freeeloaders.”

Doomwind comes in, quietly. She is not used to thanksgivings

A slight chuckle from Brekke. "Our barony is the stronger for you all. You are welcome."

So she witnesses mostly and nods. Shoes wiped before coming in, head bare now

And a welcome to Doomwind in their shared language, and direction about where to take a seat (nearby for translation purposes).

And she takes the Chief's direction, grateful for a guide through this holiday that she only knows for it's odd people with buckles on their hats

Frank remains standing near Brekke, with Kerri just a few seats down for ease of serving.

When a moment arrives, he speaks. "We gather together again. Another year..... a year of challenges and successes.... and some failures. We gather again, together. We love, and are loved. That is important. We are parts of other families, who gather together, and who are part of our gathering even if they are away from us. We are together now, in this moment. And we are grateful, and thankful, for the chance to be together in this moment, for this meal. My friends and family, lift your glass." He takes a goblet of wine. "And in thanks say with me.... Welcome, and thank you. We are grateful for you."

Siv or Brekke translate for Doomwind.. and she nods

"Welcome, and thank you, we are grateful for you" Rings out among the many, in more than one language

Frank repeats it as well, lifts his glass, and drinks..... and then the food is ON!!!

"Tofurkey time, PIIPER" Siv grins and cuts her a big helping

“Ooooooooo.”

And cranberries, and taters, and rolls, and sweet potatoes, she doesn’t reallly miss out at all.

Frank seats himself and passes around dishes. He makes sure Brekke gets at LEAST a full plate and helps her feed herself if she needs it.

Piper appoints herself minister of the glasses and makes sure that wine or water, they stay filled with quick hops.

And there is much gorging, even IF the turkey was grilled wrong.

Perfectly. the word he meant was perfectly