#rivervale_lodge

The Rivervale crew returns from a long funeral, Brekke and Frank glad to avoid EBG

Brekke enters the Lodge and moves to the Balefire, reaching a hand to say hello upon their return. Her expression is pensive.

Frank hangs up coats as needed, and goes to get a glass of cider and a mug of coffee.

When he joins her at the 'Fire, Brekke looks to him. "I am glad we were there. I am troubled by how it went."

Olgar helps Kerri with things

"Mm." Frank nods "What do you think?"

Sylvi also helps out by bringing things into the kitchen. The DeBukes would not let them leave without an armload of pies.

A sigh and frown from Brekke, and she looks at the Lodge Balefire again. "Perhaps Agnes waited too long."

Siv went back with Jonas and Piper

"For her family tradition, perhaps."

In the kitchen, Sylvi helps out, but she may be unusually quiet, but she doesn't seem sad. Kerri looks from her to Olgar. "I don't think I've heard the two of you this quiet in a long time."

Brekke looks to Frank. "The DeBukes seem to think it is a very bad omen. You do not agree?"

Sylvi blinks at her mother, then deflects. "Yeah, Dad...you okay?"

Olgar ponders "i don't know... I liked a lot of the praise for her after, but ... it seems like the DeBukes ask enough in life, what's with the 'shoot your spirit into the fire' on top of it? She'll be back either way but... eh.. the world is more than their farm and even if it does help keep their family together it ... seems a bit controlling"

Gerd says "I returned where Uncle Vali found me... Rivervale probably is happy to have me returned here in their way?"

"It's worked for them all these years." Frank rumbles.

Sylvi bites her lip, listening. "I kind of see what you mean, Dad. But...it's how they got by, right? For so long?"

((Brekke)) A brow at Frank. "But...?"

"I don't know, Brekke."

"I wish I'd had more of a chance to talk to Emmitt. Maybe I'll call on him in a few weeks."

((Brekke)) "When it is not so raw, yes." She nods.

"There's power in all sorts of rituals" Vali says "Sometimes its not so much Da'an and Dreaming but in easing grief"

Tiffany rubs her heels "You mean tell them she's at the rainbow bridge? huh which for trolls works"

Kerri reaches out to give Gerd a side hug. "We are deeply grateful to have you."

Gerd hugs back

"I just wish I could have stayed to help Kourtney. she's got a brave face but this is her ... well, she's Hearth. For real"

Sally Mae is not here, likely helping Kourtney with that very thing

"Mm."

Brekke gives the Balefire another thoughtful look.

"It was obvious that there was some... concern among the DeBukes that she didn't go into the 'Fire. They have had many changes in the last few years; this was one more."

Kerri says, "Kourtney will do well. She's trained, and more to the point, she's what they've got. The DeBukes might give her a challenge, but they won't disown her if she burns the bread."

"Kourtney Burn Bread? the Cullinary ronin?" gerd huffs "Never"

"Perhaps that is all there was in the mood of the room." he sips.

"Mm," Brekke nods. "They do not adjust to change well. Of course, I do not, either," she admits.

"I cannot say I do either."

Her brow furrows, and she looks to him again. "You asked me...some time back...if it was time for us to go. I know it is what you wished. I do not know if you still feel so. But...I am still not ready yet." Apologetic.

"It is not what I wished, Brekke, no." firmly but gently "It was asking the question. That is all."

"Whatever I do next. I want to do it with you."

She grins slightly and reaches to take his hand.

He entwines his fingers with hers.

"I am not ready either." he admits.

She takes a deep breath and exhales. "Good. There is still more for us to do this time around the wheel, I think."

He lifts her hand, kisses her fingers.

A loving look in her eyes. Then, "I should do a patrol."

"May I walk with you?"

"I would welcome that." She finishes her coffee and prepares to head out.

He gets a jacket for each (if needed) and walks out with her.

And the two share the beauty of the woods of rivervale for a time, perhaps enjoying life's rewards with learned appreciation

************