#rivervale_lodge

Sylvi's off to the side somewhere, watching like a hawk.

Brekke and Kerri stop before the balefire, and Brekke looks to Vali.

Frank takes a post near the door.

Vali steps forward, "I speak as Mountain, as here by observe to all that the Ancient Rite of Thing begins. Chieftain Brekke Shacklebreaker, you come before the fire, bound to it by a triumphant duty, and wondrous honor. Are you prepared to release this bond to the care of another? "

Brekke takes a moment and looks around those gathered, making eye contact with each before she speaks. "This place...these people...have been my life and my passion for a very long time. But now, it is time to entrust all of this to one who is worthy of the role. Yes. I am prepared."

Dag's hand seeks Symon's. Her face is neutral, her posture upright...

He nods, and looks to Kerri, "And are you, " He pauses only a moment then continues "Hearth Kerri Davidson, prepared and willing to take up this burden of honor, this happy weight, upon your shoulders and brow, and into your heart?"

Not one, but both hands wrap around hers, giving it a squeeze of reassurance.

Kerri looks first to Brekke, then to Olgar and Sylvi (Sylvi giving her a sincere thumbs-up in response) before speaking.

Siv is as rigid as a rod but looks the soul of support to her mom

Olgar gives a soft nod to his wife. He'll back her play come hell or highwater

"Mountain, this is not a duty I sought for myself, but it is one I am ready to take on, for Rivervale and her people. Yes, I will do it, and joyfully." A smile, and she looks to Brekke, whispering, "Thank you, Chieftain."

Brekke grins and nods, murmuring, "Thank you, Hearth" in return.

"This is not a breaking" The Mountain tells the room, "The chain holds through out eternity, but the next link is ready to be forged before us. Your consciences clean, your hearts open, and by your will, we begin the ending, and move towards ending the begining. Chieftain, take a small fraction of the bale into your hand, and offer it to the Hearth, clasp, and pass on the duty in your own words. THen, Hearth, you accept, and having taken that bit of the fire that was hers into yourself, return it to the bale. "

Dirk peeks out of the kitchen, but keeps his yap shut

Brekke nods and turns, going down on one knee before the balefire. She starts to reach out, but pauses, her head bowed. Eventually she murmurs something, but only Kerri, Vali, and Symon are likely to hear the waver in her voice: "Goodbye, old friend."

The balefire seems to ripple as if in response.

Finally, she reaches into the green flames and slowly draws back, a flame dancing in her palm. She rises carefully.

She turns to Kerri, takes a deep breath, and says, "Take good care of them all. I know you will."

Siv has moved near her father

Kerri nods solemnly. "I will, with all that I am." She reaches out to accept the flame.

The flame , for a moment, seems almost to stick to the hand it has known so long as a friendly caress, but then... for it knows Kerri too, it begins to bridge from one hand to the other.

Their hands clasp, and Kerri gasps slightly at the rush of glamour.

Brekke's eyes widen slightly. "Oh..." little more than a breath. She draws back her hand...and the flame remains with the new Chieftain.

Brekke takes a deep breath and puts a hand on the mantle, steadying herself.

Frank's attention is riveted on Brekke.

Kerri feels the weight of the extra burden,, but also the strength of it

And Brekke feels... not weak, so much as... less strong? But it is much the same to a troll

Dag takes a half-step forward, catching herself.

Vali nods to Kerri, and gestures to the flame in her hand and to the bale proper. A sign she must now return it to the bale from which the power comes

Olgar watches his wife with a mix of pride and some other emotion he isn't sharing

Kerri's eyes are locked on the flame, entranced by this new, deeper connection. It takes a moment for her to acknowledge Vali's gesture, but then she nods and kneels, returning the flame to the fire.

"The fire is entrusted, then passed, then returned. That is the cycle" Vali says "Brekke Shacklebreaker, you are Chieftain no more, but pay your respects to she who now is , and declare it so all may know your successor by word to follow the deed."

Kerri stands again and turns to look at the others in the hall. In a way, she seems to be seeing them differently, somehow.

"Yes, Mountain." Brekke's voice is a little rough, but she stands tall once more. She steps a bit away from the balefire now, facing Kerri. "Hearth, I honor you as Chieftain of this Lodge. Your word is law among your people. Your duty is to them, and theirs to you. As you lead well, the land will thrive." Brekke turns to the others now. "Know that this is now your Chieftain! Honor her, and help her to lead well."

Gerd gives Symon a look , miming covering her ears

A faint clap from Symon, perhaps a moment early - but with the effect that it is actually heard instead of being drowned by the response.

His cloak IS drawn up over over his ears.

Sylvi lets out a WHOOP! and starts applauding loudly!

"A cheer for our new chieftain!" Vali says, perhaps a bit slow as others do wooph and cheer. Symon however, was ready

Olgar claps loudly "To my wife!" A grin

Frank applauds somberly.

Siv applauds, though not as loud as she might

And when it dies down, Vali holds up a hand , "Brekke, to who did you leave the role of Storm?"

Piper has her hands full rocking both babies which have woken up with the cheers! She says, "Not me!" With a grin.

That gets some chuckles

Brekke actually chuckles at that, as well. "Piper, thank you for stating your preference." Then she looks to Dagmar and gives a reassuring nod before saying, "Rover Olgar, step forward."

A small quirk in response to Brekke's look, almost a smile.

Olgar steps forward.. his own outfit , now that apron is gone, he wears his rover armor and looks ready for a fight, or to take up a duty.

Brekke reaches out and rests a hand on Olgar's shoulder, then turns so they're both looking to Kerri. "Chieftain, the choice of Storm is no longer within my power. It is yours. I can offer you this wish: Olgar has been stout of heart and strong of arm. He has put himself between Rivervale's people and the harm that would come to them. If you agree, I say he should become Storm as I depart."