#rivervale_lodge

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"Frank, have you some time today?" Brekke asks as they finish their warm drinks, hers a coffee, his whatever suits him at this time.

He nods. "I do. How can I help?"

"Two things." She sets aside her mug. "I wish to make sure that you have met Lady Autumn if you have not already. Then, we should visit a local shop. The proprietor, Hemmingway, may well be a dreamer. I want to make sure he is in good care."

"Of course. Whenever you are ready."

She nods and rises, ready now. "Signe, come."

Lady Autumn is outside, but in view of the window. Some leaves have changed a bit early but most have not, yet she touches trees as if reassuring them that the autumn to come is not to be feared

Frank follows.

Signe bounds up happily

And goes duty mode

Brekke leans down to give the pup a scritch, then takes a leash with her for when they are in mortal areas.

Outside, she seeks for the chimera she calls Lady Autumn.

The CHimera is not hard to find, she turns to see Brekke and the others. "My kind hosts. How fare you?"

"Very well, Lady. I wished to make certain you have met my trueheart. This is Sir Franklyn. Frank, Lady Autumn. She has haven here for this season."

The Chimera is powerful, potent, and stronger than many. She sees Frank and looks at him curiously "You feel of my season"

Frank bows from the wait.

"I have that honor."

"Ah, a Liam," She says "Uprooted but never truly broken. It is an honor, Sir Franklyn. Your house prepares well for the cold when others act as if it will never come"

Brekke looks pleased by her courteous greeting of Frank. "Lady Autumn was attacked by a corby when she first arrived," she explains.

"Ives DeBuke and Squire Valter intervened on her behalf."

"And I have been most spoiled since" The Lady of Autumn confides.

"Honored, Lady. Not spoiled."

"Thank you for your kind words." he responds "Is there anything you find yourself in need of?"

"No, I am recharged and ready to begin helping to turn the trees of Apples in Earnest, still a bit early. I shall have to walk north then work my way down again. However, I have taken a liberty I hope you will forgive? You will find every nut bearing tree for well over a mile about your hold to be of particularly tasty flavor this fall, and quite filling. Walluts a specialty. Send forth whoever you wish to collect this bounty while it is my season and you will find them plentiful and ready. There is no magic in them beyond of course Nature's own oldest of magics we take for granted, no healing of wounds instantly or such, unless you add that. But a bounty it is, and I hope it can be put to good use"

A blink. "That is a great gift! Thank you. That shall be a task for the Lodge as a whole to undertake, and we look forward to it. I offer you thanks on behalf of Hearth Kerri, as well."

"Do you wish an escort as you go?"

"Nay" A look at them both "It is kind to offer, but I am restored and will be careful. You are to me like two trees joined. Treasure each other's closeness even as you continue even in slow seasons to grow and learn of each other. Watch out for parasites or rot that might rob that union of health. I do not fear greatly for either of you there, you are stronger together than apart. You will weather any winter if that holds"

"Thank you." he rumbles.

"Winter comes for all in time," Brekke points out. "But your words are welcome, Lady. Safe travels, and fair season to you."

And Lady Autumn bows, and her form turns into a chimerical breeze adorned with bright leaves flutering.... a breeze heading north

Brekke watches her go. "I am glad for her visit."

"Come...let us patrol on the way to Hemmingway."

Frank walks with her.

"Her presence seems a blessing."

It is some distance, and as they get closer to the business district, Brekke puts the leash on Signe. "For mortal laws, girl," she explains.

A nod to Frank. "Agreed. I suspect that whatever Kerri creates for Pennons, it will feature this harvest of nuts."

"I hope it does; that would be fitting."

Signe is leash trained and takes it well

The air is brisk for the end of September, promising more to come as October approaches.

"Will you be here for Pennons?"

As they move along, they see nearby the 'natural park' area that Jack Flap and other Local Kithain put into motion

"Yes. Plan to, anyway."

ANd there, near Yew And Baker street, they find it, a small shop that could overlooked, but with accompany smells that can't be... 'The Yeast Also Rises'

"Good. Ah. Here it is. Siv found this place, brought back donuts."

Brekke picks up Signe and carries her as they enter the shop.

Oh now this is demoralizing, but Signe accepts it

"Good donuts?" He's eaten more than his share of bad ones on the road.

"Very."

And within the shop they see....