#rivervale_lodge

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At Rivervale, the raiding parties prepare -- those heading to Connecticut, and those going to New York.

Brekke readies the Kestrel and a solid veil.

Olgar has been given a supply of dross. He knows why.

Frank girds his loins.

Meals have been a bit simplified over the last few days, as Kerri's attention has been going into preparing supplies and healing for them to take, especially on the assumption that some of the centaurs may well be wounded.

Gerd has her own armored skirt on, and the hornnshield that gives her her name

Dagmar is not dressed for stealth - her helm sits beside her as she hones Flyswatter's edge, while wearing her full suit of plate.

Connor watches, a bit forlornly... but he straightens up when Dagmar looks his way. "I'll make sure Lane is safe." He nods. "Or else my name isn't Quickdraw McGraw."

Olgar grunt nods at he extra dross

Brekke nods at Connor. "We are counting on you and the others here to defend the Lodge and Lane."

She nods, and pats her chest. "Got my token with me. And I trust you to guard Lane and CJ."

Jordan looks at Olgar "I still think this is NUTS."

Olgar looks at him "Deal's a deal ,kid"

Connor looks a little conflicted at that, but nods solemnly. "I always promise to do my worst."

"There will be help...."

There's a tap down the hall; a rat-a-tat.

And the sound of a door opening.

"The desert is here." Connor announces.

Brekke glances at the inconspicuous door. "Ah. Good."

"I know, kiddo. That's why I trust you."

She goes to meet the arrival.

"Or is it dessert? Did you take cookies?" He asks Dagmar, brow wrinkled with concern.

"She has some, Connor," Kerri reassures him. She's looking a bit harried, making sure everybody is set, but also handing several of the duties over to SallyMae and Brogan.

"Cookies, and armor, and a whole team."

"Hi. Um. I came." a familiar voice from down the hall with Brekke? Frank looks up.

"You're a whole team!" Connor responds. "Well, with me along."

Brogan sighs. Part of him wanted to do warringg but he nods

Sally Mae has no nonsense about this... the hearth holds strong is a motto she's leared well from more than one

"Jessica, welcome." Brekke is already armored, which makes her more imposing than normal. "Come..."

Jessica, unarmored but armed with her maul, follows.

Brekke explains to the others, "I asked Jessica to support Rivervale's defense, as much of our strength will be on this mission. Jessica, you have not met Jordan," she introduces the new centaur.

The introductions are rushed, though. "It is time to leave." A brief nod to Olgar. Kerri has slipped back into the kitchen already.

"Uhm hello" Jordan says unsure of this

Connor stays close by Lane's side. A promise is a promise, and a pinky promise - EXTRA SO.

"Jordan. Hello." the new troll nods greeting.

"Look, " Jordan frowns "I know it may not help much but.. the other centaurs... they will want space if you can give it to them"

"Da'an guard us all and see to our victory," Brekke says solemnly, then nods for the various teams to go their ways.

A pause at Jordan's recommendation. "Space. If it can be done, yes. But we must see them safe, as well. No stragglers or strays who have panicked."

"Um. What did you want me to do?" Jessica asks as she releases her father, who has come forward to hug her.

.... then Frank takes Brekke's hand, squeezes it, and heads out with the Connecticut group.

She returns the squeeze and a look of confidence before releasing him to go.

Then to Jessica, "Be here. Guard Rivervale's balefire and her people. Please," she adds, then leans close to whisper something to her quietly.

Jessica nods. "With my life." she promises.

Brekke clasps her daughter's arm, and gives another confident grin and nod. Then she leads her team to the Kestrel.

Jessica gathers the Lodge's loyal, takes a nose-count and assigns patrols, and gets to work as well.

A skeleton crew to be sure!

Including a winged boggan, an African American satyr wilder with fancy gold armor to match his horns, a Mongoose pooka

Zane comes out "Chief," He tells Jessica .."Err Chief Pro Tem? We may have a problem"

"Zane, right? What problem?"