#rivervale_lodge

Olgar wanders over to Frank, "Frank, if you need anything taken by trod let me know"

"Will do." He says quietly, attention still on little Frankie.

Olgar chuckles and steps back on that.

Brekke notices Frank's expression and smoothly puts Frankie into her grandfather's arms.

Franki reaches for grandpop's beard

Frank accepts the baby, and its grip.

Brekke's eyes twinkle.

The gathering becomes increasingly informal and relaxed, and gradually other residents of the barony start to arrive for the larger party.

The lttle girl has a good grip, but soon is using her grandfather is a pillow

And not just residents, "I couldn't keep her out forever" Saly Mae calls out, and Clem DeBuke enters in

"Blessings on this lodge" Clem says carrying a present or two

Frank has a wee babbybundle on his shoulder, and seems content to be used as a pillow.

Kerri looks over at Clem's arrival and for a moment almost looks like she's going to defer to Brekke as a matter of habit...but then remembers her position now. "Chieftain Clem, welcome!" She goes over to meet Clem with a grin, but there's a slight hint of caution in it -- where's Clem's mood now?

"THank you, Chieftain Kerri," She says "Or have I spoken too soon?"

"No, you're right, it's...it's a done thing," she says awkwardly with a bit of a self-conscious shrug and a laugh.

Clem chuckles in Sympathy "You get used to it after a time. And there are worse things to be called" She nods "I brought gifts for Mr and Mrs King"

"Right over there," Kerri says, indicating Brekke and Frank, and then leans in to whisper, "Let's talk a bit, later, okay?"

Clem nods at that, then moves to Brekke and Frank, she notices the child on Frank and smiles "Well, nothing we bring could top that, so let me hand this over to Brekke instead." She offers up two boxes.

"Chieftain Clem." Brekke, no longer having a child in her arms, rises to accept the gifts. "Thank you. You did not need to do this."

"You became allies, then you became friends," Clem reminds, "And while you were not all of the lodge, you lead them to this at the time. We don't have to, but we definitely should and did. Sides, it's nothing too fancy" A smile

Brekke nods and takes her seat again, looking over the packages. Are they labeled for each or intended for both?

They are each labeled to both of them, one is light but wide and longish, but thin. The other is more boxy.

As Frank has his arms full, Brekke opens the light, thin box first.

It's a painting, Earl's work no doubt, but minus his usual macabre flare. Rather , it is of the Lodge with it's many members done in remarkable detail waving as if to say goodbye, or welcome back for a while. The detail is amazing. Dagmar is on Star's back. Kerri is at the open door of the kitchen. One MIGHT see a Symon shaped shadow in the shade. And more... it gleams with a bit of glamour.

"In a pinch you could use it as dross," Clem says "But I don't think you'll want to. It changes to match the season, and over twenty folks of the barony will be seen now or then."

Frank's beard moves slightly.

"Oh...." Brekke breathes quietly, and she is then silent for a long pause as she looks it over, noting the details, making sure Frank can see as well. After a bit, she says, "This is...very kind, Chieftain. Very kind, indeed." She clears her throat a moment. "Earl outdid himself. Thank you, and thank him on our behalf, please. I..." she shakes her head, unable to express herself more clearly.

"Earl had help as he'd admit," Clem says "Uncle Emmit put some of the hoo doo on it, and Kourtney was the one who suggested we find SOME way to get as many folks in there. I almost ignored her." A side glance to Kerri, "I should listen to Hearths more often I think." Then she looks back at Frank and Brekke, "But I'll pass on your thanks to all. You know you're always welcome to visit the farm too. Fraid the other gift isn't quite so spectacular"

Brekke looks increasingly impressed as she hears how many contributed to the painting. She finally sets it aside with great care when Clem mentions the other gift, and takes the baby back from Frank so he can open the second box.

Frankie stirs a bit crankily, Grandfather is so comfortable!

But she allows it

When Frank opens it, the couple finds out they've got WARM slippers that are troll sized, hand made, "For those winters when you want something between you and the cold floor, also good for dangling your feet by the fire in"

Frank relinquishes Frankie and opens the gift, revealing the slippers. He chuckles.

"Bah. Chilly floors are invigorating." Brekke mock-scoffs, but looks like she truly appreciates this gift as well.

"Thank you, Clem." He rumbles.

Clem chuckles at Brekke's comment "Maybe only for special occasions then, and you're both welcome, Frank." She says "May you find your joys as you've helped so many find theirs" And she steps back "And I best get out of the line"

"Clem, these both will truly warm us in our new home. Thank you, once again."

Clem nods "Most welcome to be sure." She turns to everyone else "And I wish your new Chief and Storm all good things, for they have huge shoes to fill"

Frank sets the slippers next to the picture.

"We're up to it" Olgar observes

Kerri has had some of the trays of food moved to the tables outside as more people arrive. The weather has cooperated beautifully -- it's a sunny day with a light breeze, mid 70s.

At Clem's good wishes, Kerri smiles. "We do, indeed. Thank you."

Olgar has grilled some and heads out again to do more

Siv smiles "Are we giving gifts now?"

"Gifts are not...we did not expect gifts," Brekke says, looking to Frank.

"No one expects the Gifting Imposition" Tiffany declares as she brings in a pink box.... and the flow of gifts begins.

Brekke's eyes go wide and she colors a distinct purple.

Siv grins almost wickedly "Oh no, people love you both terribly and will miss you so they're showing it and you cant stop it now"