#rivervale_lodge

Rivervale Thanksggiving is bustling

The Evil Turkey Incident required some additional bustling, but all's back to regular bustle levels now.

Kerri is directing traffic to and from the kitchen, platters and plates and bottles and glasses all getting to their proper places.

Tove brought spiced ham

The extended King faction arrives with their own contributons - pies, casseroles, and yes, spiced ham because i was already typing this around a cat.

With Jessica here, a lot of questions about Fenix arise

Brekke has long since learned not to offer to help in the kitchen on a feast day. She supervises the bustle from her chair by the fire until the feast is ready.

Dagmar, however, does head in to the kitchen to help!

Yes, Dagmar is absolutely capable and welcome as part of the kitchen crew! Kerri gives her some of the plattering tasks.

Yay! Useful!

Jessica answers all questions patiently. Frank has been home and catching up on sleep but appears shortly and greets guests, family, and friends.

Sylvi rushes in through the front door. "Am I late?"

"Yes. All the food is gone, and it was delicious" Tiffany chimes

"Awww! I...hey!" She gives Tiffany a pout-glare. Then a wink.

"Plenty of work to go around" Gerd says

Sylvi gives quick hugs to everybody she passes on the way to offer additional help in the kitchen.

Jess hugs her back "Good to see you, you look great...." as Sylvi dashes past.

Frank gives her a quick hug, letting her get to work.

Olgar smiles

In a moment, Kerri emerges from the kitchen. "Round one is ready! Come grab a seat, everybody!"

Vali pulls a chair for his wife

Brekke moves to stand by her chair at the head of one of the long tables. Kerri ducks back into the kitchen...and in a moment a parade of people bearing trays of main course meats emerges from the kitchen. The main event has arrived!

Dagmar beams quietly as she carries out two armfuls of BOUNTY.

Brogan comes out with.... smaller plates

Frank pauses just a moment, and takes a seat next to Jessica.

Everyone settles in

Brekke grins slightly at Frank and Jessica and nods. She remains standing until everybody has a seat....and clears her throat at Kerri when the Hearth looks like she might go back into the kitchen for a fifth one-last-check. Kerri, looking only slightly sheepish, takes her seat between Olgar and Sylvi.

Brekke looks at the gathered crowd. Fae of various shapes and sizes arranged to make Norman Rockwell proud.

Even Dirk looks presentable

Brekke clears her throat. "This is not, strictly speaking, a fae holiday...but it is a holiday to celebrate family and the harvest of our year. This year, I have seen the people of Rivervale create much, discover much, and grow in many ways. I am very proud of all of this barony's people. Proud...and very thankful."

She grins. "In the past, I have sometimes suggested that we all express our gratitude before we eat. However, with a crowd so large, the food would grow very cold indeed, and I would not do that to the Hearth's efforts."

"Thank you, Chieftain," Kerri grins.

A nod from Brekke. "And so, please...take food, enjoy, and express what gratitude you may as we eat."

Smiles brreak out. "Hear Hear"

and Siv speaks up as she gets some spiced ham "I'm surely grateful for this food"

A chuckle from Brekke as she sits down. She looks to Frank and reaches to take his hand for a brief squeeze.

"Everybody take some of what's right in front of you, and then pass it around!" Kerri directs.

Both Frank and Jessica do, then pass dishes to each other going the other way, which leads to a bit of juggling, but.....

Oh, that juggling act is replicated many times around the table.

Squash flows, the DeBukes loaned some

"The pumpkin pie is made from MY Pumpkins" Jack boasts

"Well done, Jack," Brekke nods approvingly as she helps herself to some turkey and stuffing.

The turkey is delicious. The stuffing equally so. Touch of nutmeg?

Vali rubs at his forehead forr a moment

Jessica seems delighted, smiling as she eats.

Frank notes this, and glances around at the others.

There are periods of conversation and then silence as people are chewing.

Brekke notes Frank's expression, then follows his glance to Vali. "Mountain...?" she says quietly.

"Sorry, Chief... I had a ...moment." And he puts on a smile "Great cranberry sauce, Hearth"

A brow at Vali...but she goes back to eating, glancing at him occasionally.