#rivervale_lodge

From the kitchen?

A forgotten french toast bake in the oven that somepup was watching...

She pulls the pan out, and carries it straight through to the yard.

it's not burnt, not yet, but it is definitely caramelized.

She was just in time!

Another 5 minutes, scorched. 10, burnt, and 15 on fire!

"Mmph."

Well, the tray can be served. Syrup will help. Butter too.

There is a knock at the door

"Who's there?"

Jack's voice calls out "Shadow paw has called for aid"

Layne's voice "And Shadowhoof has answered!"

Outside the door, with extra toys an food and nice things are the local childlings. Squire Kassedy, Jack Flap, Layne, and even Cleo! They've got toys, food, and shampoo and clothes. They've got some spare clothes in bags that are second hand but clean.

Maybe some of their parents/guardians will note some of those outfits as missing, but, well, such is the price one pays.

Well, Kassady maybe not. She knows better. 😄

"Come on in."

Dag circulates - folks are sitting, are eating, working through turns at the shower....

They are surprised to see KIDS come in with the gifts and clothes and things.

But also delighted

Soon Benigno is in front of the TV in the lodge watching a DVD...

encanto

The boy is RAPT.

"He has excellent taste" Cleo observes

Kids are also non-threatening to adults who have been through a lot.

Sam is clealry a grown-up!

She's 18!

From the look on the migrant boy's face, he may have never SEEN a show with kids in it who look like him.

Squire Kassedy says "Sam? I know we're on secret muggle alert" A little girl can couch the right of ignorance that way "But if you need anything cleaned, Cleo still gets an urge now and then and I don't mind helping"

"Can we keep the truck?" Connor asks, curious.

Layne stays out of the crowded areas but she's good at carrying stuff. Jack Flap suggests fruits and veggies for folks. Odd kid

Only the keenest eyes, ears or nose might notice the pale little girl watching from the shadows of the rafters

Agila says "Are all these children family to you, Sam?"

The women are taking the shower first and in turn

"Uh, let's see.... cousins, basically."

"Or cousins of cousins. You know how family gets."

"I don't think we should keep the truck, Connor. I'll see what Frank and Brekke think."

Lily sees one fellow taking too close of a look at an antique, silver-chased candlestick. Perhaps he can't be blamed, he's been through a lot, and these gringos have so much...

Lily tuts, and sets a small working... and if the fellow looks again, the Candle will reflect his dead abuela's face, looking not angry, just VERY dissappointed

He recoils, trips over an ottoman (unhurt, and quickly finds a better way to occupy himself. Hey, laundry. He worked at a laundromat. Soon the washing machine is humming.

If he shows initiative, perhaps these gring- these Americanos will help him find a job.

Lily gives a humph and whispers to herself "Manners maketh man, and sluagh? We maketh manners"

Sons of Adam would be such savages without sluagh

Agila says "Oh I see, yes, families and then there are families"

"Exactly. They helped me, once, when I was lost."

Cleo's little heart is in full boggan mode, call of the needy in overdrive

And Kassedy? She's a Liam, and puts on the most adorable assurances

Otto showed up late, but gets to work right.. oh is that Encanto? He sits down to watch

The phone rings

"Hello?"

"Sam? It's Anne Marie. I sent some help over but I'm on my way anytime you need me. Can you tell me more about the situation as to what sort of help they'll need? "