#rivervale_lodge

"They look lovely" Squire brogan says "Jack will be dancing" he says this rather dead pan

He nods and sits again.

"Do we get to make jack of lanterns?" Kassedy hopes

"Jack may have been dancing already, which might have something to do with the harvest." She moves through to the kitchen, cradling the bounty like a treasure.

"Absolutely!" she says to Kassedy's question before the door closes behind her

A few moments later she returns, arms empty. "It looks as though there will be plenty for everybody to have a jack-o-lantern, and many more for pies as well."

"FUN" She smiles

"I look forward to it."

Brogan says "Among the Dairean, Samhain is a time to honor the dead, not dress in sillyoutfits and eat candy" Then he smiles "Sometimes I'm glad this isn't a Dairean hold"

"Acorn and butternut squash, too." A satisfied look as she runs through the list. "Kale, but I'm not sure you'll be so thrilled about that."

Then a grin to Brogan. "And we are glad to have you here for it"

To Frank, she says, "I think I should take the childlings on an apple-picking trip in the next day or so."

"That sounds like an amazing time." he agrees.

"Yes. And we'll need plenty. Brogan, think you'll be ready to help me can a good supply to put up for winter?"

Brogan has seemed to be in a much better mood of late, "Certainly, Hearth" he looks at Kassedy "She prefers Hearth to Dame. I don't understand it, but I respect it. Please remember"

"I will" Kassedy says

A grateful nod to Brogan and Kassedy.

Vali comes in papers in hand, notes, "Less than a week until pennons and I.. oh hey guys"

"Hello, Vali."

"Hello, Mountain," Kerri says. "Everything okay?"

"Oh, the Count has decided since Frank is no longer as fun to pick on, it's my turn" Mountain Vali says "Frank, have you EVER Had to.." He looks at a scroll "perform a blessing of your hold's culture and tradition in both an entertaining and educational manner so we can have a more inclusive pennons and all learn'?"

"He wants you to what?" he blinks.

The Hearth also blinks.

"Oh, that man!" Her frustration is palpable.

"I am, and I'm reading it here and not believing it, 'To perform a blessing for pennons in a manner proscribed by your individual hold's custom and traditions in a manner both entertaining and educational'.. what the heck? What's Teaneck going to do ? Dress up as extras as a James Bond movie while they tell us things are on a need to know basis? And I can't pass this off... because our customs and ways and traditions are literally Mountain work, at least in this. " A look to Kerri "I really thought you were exaggerating about the Count"

"Inclusive is important, Mount Vali Sir" Kassedy assures him "And I'm sure troll ways are lovely." A beat then curious "Is there some .. ceremonial dance?"

"Not even if they paid me" Vali replies to the little girl regarding the dance

Frank smooths down his beard, which also covers his mouth for a few passes.

"Well. A pennons blessing. That's ... do able."

Kerri sighs heavily. "Dance, monkeys, dance," she mutters.

"This is a directive to each hold? Or is he calling out Rivervale in particular?"

"Yes, I suppose it is. You've done some wonderful ones for Imbolc, Frank" Vali nods "I may crib a few notes"

"Oh, each hold... so I can't throw stones.. I GUESS" Vali says "But near as I can tell, mostly it's going to be used by the sidhe nobles as a 'our house is the best' kind of thing."

"Feel free. May the best warrior win, honor upheld, prove their merits with their bodies, so on."

"Acts of valor celebrated in song and story, etcetera."

She thinks for a moment. "A boast would be appropriate, if I'm honest, but I think it might be misread."

"I don't mean to be rude, but you all don't boast well" Squire Brogan says, then stops "Well, Maybe Lady Captain Siv"

Vali is writing 'honor upheld, prove merits with their body, acts of valor celebrated in song and story'"

"Boasting." Frank agrees.

A blink at Brogan...and then she looks to Vali. "What if...Vali, what if it's a childlings' pageant?"

Vali stops "I'd have to at least introduce the kids, play narrarator to their spectacle... but.. that might work... kind of like a play . They could be ancient heroes in troll legend"

Frank doesn't follow, and so looks to Kerri.

"is that what you meant, Kerri?" Vali asks

"Yes! That way, we not only present the strength of our culture, but also charm the pants off the audience."

An eyebrow.

"Have Rivervale childlings perform the blessing for Pennons?"

"Under Mountain direction" Vali says "I have to be a part ofi t, or I'm shirking"

"Oh, I'm not saying it's not fraught with potential peril...but I'm kind of loving the concept."

"I've always wanted to be in a school play" Kassedy admits

"Under Mountain Direction minimizes the peril," she agrees.