#rivervale_lodge

The Mountain nods as well, "The Mountain would second this suggestion, if the Chieftain seeks such"

Dag gives Symon's hands another squeeze, careful not to crush them overly.

His bones are malleable, his flesh squishy and squirmable. He can withstand a little squeezing.

Kerri listens to both and looks at Olgar seriously for a long moment. "Olgar...would you take this role and serve as Storm to defend and protect our lands?"

Olgar answers with a nod "You offer a burden that keeps me close to home, to serve those I love. It will be a light burden if it is a burden at all, but I take it up seriously, and gladly, until the time comes for someone else to take up the charge " A glance to Dagmar, then back to his wife "If you will it, I will be Storm, I will shield what you rule, I will break those that come against the lodge or its people."

Siv considers moving to her mother to offer someone to lean on discretely, but sees Dad is already on it

Kerri also glances to Dagmar with a quick nod, then reaches a hand out to Olgar. "Then stand here with us, as Storm, Hearth, and Mountain. In service, we support this Lodge, its lands, and its people."

She stands up jusssttttt a little straighter.

Olgar moves to stand among the Mountain and Hearth now Chief, the third required

As Olgar moves away from Brekke, she herself moves a little closer to Frank. She might not actually need to lean on him, but it's good he's close.

"And...it is done," Kerri says simply but with weight of import.

Frank hadn't move from his post at the door, but when Brekke moves closer to him, he moves to her. Just... there.

"A more formal oath working and joining will be done for our New Storm later, and among just himself and his family per his wishes" Vali says "For now, is there any more political matter we must see to before we close the Thing? Does any voice wish to speak regarding such matters tonight?"

Kerri looks around the group. She suspects they're mostly eager for the party, but if a voice needs to be heard....?

When it seems nobody is going to speak up, Kerri nods to Vali.

Vali says "Then as Mountain, and with our Chief's approval given, I hearby close the Formal Rites. The Thing is done." For show, the fire roars in agreement

"And I think, now the party starts up and you guys don't have to hear me talk so much" He says as it goes informal "But I will say, Frank, Brekke, you

deserve every happiness and you will always be part of our hearts here."

"Thank you, Auntie Brekke!" Sylvi calls out with a smile. She hasn't used that name for well over a decade.

Dag coughs lightly.

The back of Frank's hand brushes against the back of Brekke's.

Brekke pauses only a moment before taking Frank's hand.

Siv says "And you better visit on a holiday or two, hurumph!"

((OOC: Rewind to before the closing of the Thing))

With the pause, Dagmar starts to sing - a familiar tune, one that speaks of love of home, of family, of Rivervale.

"In a Gardened land, there lays a place, nestled tween two hills...
and a river runs through the valley there, always has and always will...

Oh with a falcon's cry and a strong oak's side, though battered and a bit torn
I'll know the place that calls to me, and wake inside one morn.

"O Rivervale, wait for me, I'll get to you from the sea and Perhaps place down my oars
A place Stormy shields, and Mountain stone, and Hearth fires that keep me warm.
Rivervale, Rivervale, don't dim your light.
I'll walk the woods behind you, and show up the door some night."

"Where dogs of white guard the porch, and knights and rovers dwell
there's a story waiting, a story of home
and there I hope to dwell"

“O Rivervale, wait for me, I'll get to you from the sea and Perhaps place down my oars
A place of Stormy shields, and Mountain stone, and Hearth fires that me would warm.
Rivervale, Rivervale, don't dim your light.
I'll walk the woods behind you, and show up the door some night."

"There are folks who love me in Rivervale, waiting there for me.
And so I'll go there, save and warm, Father Mountain, Mother Storm..."

Kerri smiles, pleased and impressed.

Once Piper recognizes the song, she sings along - quietly, not overshadowing Dagmar, adding counterpoint.

Siv sings along, though her voice is weak, not just to respect Dagmar taking lead, but for fear she'll crack.

Brekke's free hand -- her silver one -- goes to her heart as she listens.

Others join in, even Dirk? Surely not

She does not try to sing along, but she nods in time.

Olgar squeezes Kerri's hand

Kerri looks to Olgar, proud of her people, and returns the squeeze.

As the song finishes and the ceremony concludes and the Thing is dismissed...Kerri lets out a loud sigh. "Well! That's about all the serious ceremony I want right now. Time for food and party. What say you all?"

"GOod first order, Chief" Vali raises a mug

Olgar chuckles "Gawd I need a drink"

A general cheer of approval as the group breaks up.

A reassuring hand pressed on Dagmar's back, a soft stroke that only she can feel. He whispers up at her, "Though things change, some things will always remain the same."

Sylvi moves to Dagmar. "That was awesome."

"I haven't heard that song in ages."

"Seemed right." She shrugs.

Food is brought out, and there are vegatarian options on one side

She is, however, not letting go of Symon.

Siv looks wistful "I haven't been able to sing it for a long time. Ah well, not my song anymore if it ever was. Tove and Torad helped me with it in the Dreaming. I remember that much. WHen I first sang it... mom and da actually looked touched"

Kerri goes to Brekke for some quiet words.

Sylvi looks at Siv. "Why haven't you been able to sing it?"

Jonas approaches Frank, while Kerri visits Brekke, "Frank? Please DO visit, you and Brekke, often? It would mean a lot to Siv and others."

Siv looks at Sylvi "Because the people I helped make it for no longer fit the roles in the song."

"I mean, they do and they don't."