#rivervale_lodge

After some time, Oak's ears perk and he starts The Bark of Welcome.

Kerri looks up. "The Chieftain is back."

Wag!

And sure enough, the Chieftain comes through the door, holding it open for Symon to follow.

He slips through when it's barely cracked, looking around for Ann Marie.

Brekke also looks for the Boggan.

"Welcome back," says Kerri. Her tone is more factual than cheerful.

"Right here.." Anne Marie calls from the kitchen

"Brogan's with her," Kerri says. "Dirk and the doctor...?"

Brekke says, "Still at the house. Dirk is guarding. Please contact Jonas and have him go to keep a lookout from outside. Symon, warn Dirk that Jonas will be there and is not an enemy."

Another thought. "Hearth, also tell Siv that she is needed at the Lodge, and contact Dagmar to have her join us here."

Kerri nods and starts the round of texting. She's better at the phone keyboard than Brekke, who is often ponderously, painfully slow at technology.

"Symon, would you bring your mother out here, when she can?" A chance for the boy to have a moment with his mother.

Symon is already heading into the kitchen but nods - he will text Dirk. But first... "Ann Marie? You're okay?" Trying to hide the worry from his voice and present a calm demeaner.

Sooner than they expeected, Siv comes in

Anne marie hugs Symon "I'm fine. Just a bit rattled"

A nod from Brekke to her daughter. "Siv." Not a chilly tone, but there's no smile. Something serious is going on.

He returns the hug, gently as if she was something that would break and not a perfectly stout and hardy woman. "Why you gotta stick your nose in and bother some vengeance-fueled Dairrean lord? Don't we give you enough trouble between me and Dirk?" Somewhat scolding, somewhat worried, and a touch trying to lighten the situation.

"Hey, got the text." Siv nods "Where do you need me?"

Anne Marie chuckles "Oh, you know me, Symon. I'm a rebel."

"We have a problem...but I am hoping for Dagmar to be here soon, so I will explain it once. Jonas is on the way to the Lees' house to provide support," she adds.

Speaking of... Dag enters, with Flyswatter.

Siv nods "Jonas knows the house well" Then she turns as Dagmar enters

A nod to Dagmar, then she looks to Kerri...who goes to the kitchen to wave the mother and son (and squire, if he wishes) to join them.

Symon is in the kitchen, and detaches himself from the hug as Kerri comes in. "C'mon, Mom. Let's figure this out." and takes her arm to walk back into the main room with her.

"Oh my" She says and follows her son

A brief pause to text Dirk not the eat the help.

"What's going on?"

"One moment," Kerri says to Brekke and vanishes into the kitchen, and with Brogan brings out a pitcher of cider (not hard), cups, and a bit of refreshment to put out for people.

When all are settled, Brekke looks to Kerri. "Would you explain it to all?"

Footsteps on the gravel of the path to the front door.

Kerri begins, but pauses to allow Frank to get inside. Brekke goes to meet him at the door.

"Mmph." Frank is welcomed inside.

"We have a problem," she indicates the group with a tilt of her head. "Come listen." And she moves to retake her seat...but only after a brief touch of his hand.

And once they are all settled truly, Kerri begins....

((Is everybody familiar with the situation?))

((Let's say yes?))

((Okay))

Dagmar's stubborn jaw sets, then juts, and juts further. Abusive parent? Scowl. Abusive jerk threatening Anne Marie? GLOWER. Abusive jerk threatening Anne Marie and her family? Knuckle-crack!

"...and so," the Hearth draws to a close, "we must find a way to protect AnneMarie and her family from the vengeance sought by Lord Gildas without causing him to seek even greater vengeance."

"He tries, can I smash him?"

Siv says "Wait, isn't he breaking the Escheat going after Anne Marie when she's in mom's fief?"

Brekke sighs. "It is tempting to say yes. However, vengeance is difficult. If he has family, will they seek further revenge on his behalf?"

"He hasn't gone after her yet," Kerri points out. "Merely indicated that he intends to if he ever has the chance."

"And...he might try if he thinks he can do it without being traced."

"S'fine. We make a big blue wall. And hit him until he stops coming back."

"I feel like this is.. I am sorry for all this fuss" Anne Marie says

Brekke shakes her head. "There is only 'fuss' because you did what was right. Do not apologize."

"Quit that." he says softly. And nods to the Chief. "You've earned this fuss and more. Let someone ELSE help for a change."

"I am willing to champion Anne Marie." Frank says quietly.