#rivervale_lodge

Frank nods; he's game.

"Sparring against each other?" Jess asks to clarify.

"Game either way" Siv says

But looks at her mom to answer that officially

Brekke nods. "That is my intent. A bit of exercise."

"Just give me room to move about again so I have a chance of avoiding you trains" Siv grins though, not scared in the slightest

"And give you an advantage?" Brekke says with a hint of amusement. "We shall see."

"Come," she says, standing. "We will walk around from the front. I think moving through the kitchen during this preparation would be unwise." She leads the way through the front door.

Jessica nods, and follows.

Frank gets the door.

Siv grabs her rapier and goes

Fun was had, as Jessica got to test her might against her sister all legal like! Well, in truth they all got to test their mettle and metal alike . Jessica has clearly improved over the years, and Frank and Brekke more than Siv can tell that!

Siv gives a good accounting of herself, and takes hits with a grin and ready to try agian

Indeed, Brekke is impressed with both daughters. Her husband, of course, is always impressive.

And of course, everyone is careful not to actually -hurt- anyone.

Siv wipes her brow... "Okay, I need to learn how to read that feint better"

"Dinner is almost ready" Squire Brogan calls out

"You deliver feints that are difficult to read as well, Siv," Brekke says. Perhaps she is being kind, or it might be sincere.

"We shall wash up," she assures the squire.

"Feigning with a maul takes a lot of practice." Jess points out.

Siv chooses to see it as sincere, "Thanks mom"

Brekke nods agreement to Jess, and does not mention that she was more than once finding it difficult to parry her elder daughter's blows.

"Well done, all, ladies." Frank rumbles.

Once all are washed and suitable for the feast, they settle in at the table, along with all the various locals who prefer to feast at the Lodge rather than their own homes. There is more than plenty to go around. Sylvi, of course, is there, though she hosted a more "Charlie Brown" style friends-giving at Goldfinch earlier in the day.

"Not bad yourself da, you know some mean moves" Approving and then she cleans up

And yes, Jaymes and Tove enter in with CJ, Vali comes in carrying his son, his wife behind him

Dagmar is carting the Ironhawk contributions - cheesy spinach casserole and extra rolls and pup-kin cookies and an apple pie....

...And curried butternut squash. 😉

"Dagmar," Siv waves "You missed the sparring"

"...That's a new tradition, ain't it?"

Kerri helps arrange the Ironhawk offerings along with the wide array already on the table. She gives Dagmar a wink, knowing how she likes to contribute to the Lodge's bounty.

"It seemed appropriate," Brekke answers Dagmar. "Some families play football before they feast, do they not?"

"There's some new recipes." She offers. Shy, or perhaps backwards-boasting.

"Oh, yeah, I can see it."

"Well, watch out for Da's left back hand if you go against him. Snaps back like a cord finding release" Proud actually

"I noticed," Kerri replies to Dagmar about the recipes. "I look forward to tasting them."

Tove smiles "Dagmar helped a lot in the kitchen and had some great ideas"

"She usually does, in my experience," Kerri says. "There, that should be everything."

Vali says "Smells delcious, Hearth"

"It does, Mountain, and thank you to all who contributed."

Tiffany seems in much better spirits

Brekke stands at the head of the table and clears her throat.

"Thank you, Kerri." Frank rumbles.

"It looks amazing, Kerri, thank you." says Jessica.

Folks settle at the throat clearing

The Chieftain says, "Yes, thank you Hearth, and thank you Mountain. Thank you family and neighbors. And thank you to this Lodge and its balefire, which shelters and sustains us. If any wish to offer other thanks, please do so." She takes her seat, allowing others to voice their thoughts.

Siv speaks "I'm grateful for my family, and particularly this day being one where Jessica visits. I know I'm not the sister she asked for, but I try always to be the sister she deserves" A wink and raise of glass to Jessica "And I'm proud to call you my sister despite my teasing."

Jess lifts her glass to acknowledge Siv's words with a small smile.

Dagmar chews on a hangnail, listening.

Brekke grins slightly at the goodwill between sisters.

Frank stands. "I am grateful for my family. For my employment, that allows me to provide. For this balefire and the Lodge and the community we have built here." He takes his seat.

Kerri says, "I'm deeply grateful for my amazing husband who backs me up even when I take ridiculous risks," she says, giving Olgar a wink. "And for my daughter who is exploring new directions and adventures."

Sylvi says, "Moooooom." A good natured blush.