#rivervale_lodge

"Well done."

"TEN?" She looks at the certificates again. "Jonas...that is a fine gift." Clearly understatement.

"I had advantages" He says "And time."

Jonas seems to take exta delight in the praise, but he does not linger on it "I'm glad you both approve. It ..fit"

Piper brings out a bag filled with... gift bags. A bit of a sheepish look. “I was travel a lot before Yule... not that it’s a good excuse... but mine are all store bought I’m afraid.”. The colorful gift bags all have long horn cattle, state outlines, tumble weeds... texas themed! And they are handed around. “I shopped at a small guy though, at this artsy little shop in Austin... and it’s all made local.”

Brekke glances at Frank...something marriedbrain passes between them...and then back to Jonas. "Jonas...could you bring Siv and Piper over?"

"Oh, but they're cool!"

Gerd grins "Knicknacks"

Jonas nods "Certainly"

Tove has local HOT SAUCE! Kerri’s is a set of Tex Mex spice blends. Dagmar has a print that has a cowgirl looking at a sunset... not an original, but a painted numbered print. For Gerd, a candle scented with sage and myrhh! For Frank, a length of fine leather - and a texas-large belt buckle. Symon looks a bit confused but amused at the bolo tie with the replica cow skull.

Jack and Connor get CANDIES... and will be surprized that they are secretly SPICY!

And one handed to the chieftain, which is a hand balm made special. “You work so hard... I thought this might be a nice way to treat yourself.”

Sylvi smiles. "I did the same, Piper! The shops near BrightWinds are cool!" Indeed, Sylvi's gifts are mostly southwestern crafts...earrings and shawls and barrettes and blank books...."

Sylvi got a pretty barrette in silver and turqoise!

"Thank you, Piper."

And she definitely didn’t forget Olgar, who gets a bottle of tequila with a worm in the bottom, she’s not sure if he likes tequila, but...

Much appreciation of Piper's choices!

"Piper, when you have time... if you and Siv would follow me? " Jonas wants to lead them to the Chieftain and Mountain

“I tried to think of everyone...” And if anyone was missed, they got something too!

"Saving this for Cinco DeMayo kid"

Piper moves up looking a bit confused. “Did I miss anyone?” She whispers. “I got extra candies in case...”

Dagmar has hoarded her gifts into a happy little pile, looking very draconic in her satisfaction.

"Thank you, Piper," Brekke says. "I will use this well."

She swallows, a little uncertain. Starting to reach for one of the trolls hands... but then just clasps her own hands in front of her, waiting politely, if nervously.

"Jonas, Piper...Siv, come closer?" Brekke says.

For someone who just performed a half dozen shows, she seems a bit on edge in front of ONE girlfriend’s mom!

She steps up, along with the others...

Siv takes lead. ALmost protective of the other two

Brekke notes their tense looks and shakes her head. "Nothing to be concerned about. I wanted to make sure to give this to all of you. From us." She nods to Frank, then offers them a smallish package, about troll-palm size, wrapped in crinkly tissue.

Frank nods. Agreement.

“Oh!” A blush and a tiny smile, feeling a bit sheepish. “Thank you....” Trying for the logistics of them opening it together

Siv says "One two... three" And motions them to each take a turn unfolding

“together!”

However they manage it, it is opened...and within is a decoration. It could be an ornament, or just as likely a year-round wall-hanging. Three hearts, intertwined, their shapes curved as if they are dancing together.

“Ohh..hh....”

Clearly Brekke's craftsmanship...and clearly intended as a recognition and acceptance and welcome.

"Oh mom it's beuaitful"

A huge sniff, trying not to get it wet with tears.

“It’s... thank you.”

"I am glad you like it." Brekke nods.

"Exquisite " Jonas says

"Now...enjoy Yule." She grins and waves them back to the celebration.

She can’t help it, she tosses her arms around the stern chieftain.

"Oh!" Well, that came as a surprise! But she returns the hug, careful not to squish the little satyr.

She gives her a quick squeeze and lets go.

“Thank you again.” A sniff and a smile.

Olgar says "Oh, before I forget" A look at Sylvi "Your mom and I have a gift for you"

Siv says "Wonderful, mom"

Connor watches, trying to stay patient, but whenever he gets too antsy, he gives his shoe box a little shake and watches the colors.

A nod to Siv and a bit of a smile. She is happy they are pleased. She may have been a little nervous about giving that particular gift.