#rivervale_lodge

As the boasts continue, both Dagmar, Siv, and Frank will likely recognize Brekke's slowly growing tension.

Dagmar is not much help, she's wearing a deep frown.

At one point, Brekke hands her tankard off to somebody nearby for a refill on her mead. When she gets it back, she slowly stands, and then looks about the group, holding eye contact for a moment with each in turn.

Siv tilts her head curiously' "mor?"

She looks at Siv, then gives a slight grin and a shake of the head: all is well.

Eventually, she clears her throat. "My boast is of a great task that has been nurtured over...well, many years. And no, despite what the Count thinks, I am not speaking of my golf score." A bit of a wry expression.

"My boasts for much of the rest of the night will be of my trueheart, of our daughters, and of our grandchildren. But I wish to make this boast first." She clears her throat awkwardly before adjusting her stance to something more solid.

A chuckle at the golf score comment but only brief

"This boast is one of battle...and glory...and love...and loss...and challenge...and failure...and redemption...and rest...and so much more." She speaks slowly, seeking out each word.

Amber eyes fix on the older Gwydion.

Siv readies a mug and looks intensely at this, enraptured . Her mother doesn't open up easily.

"My boast...is this Lodge." She gestures to the Nordic structure standing bold against the sky that has now gone quite dark and star-speckled. The light of the bonfire flickers off of the windows and the front door, catching in the carvings on the sills and doorframe. "It was smaller when I first knew it, and it has grown through glamour's power and the skill of many hands." A nod to Frank specifically.

Siv shoots her father a look full of pride for him at that.

"My boast...is the balefire held within its walls. The Lodge and the flame grew together, and the strength of the fire's glamour has supported many, healed many, soothed many, and uncovered many dreams." She closes her eyes a moment, inhales, exhales...yes, she can still feel it, though it's no longer hers.

"And my boast...is the people of Rivervale. Some of you began here. Some came from far lands. Many have thrived here. Some...are no longer with us. For those who travel the wheel, we hope they will return to continue strong stories. But among those of us who are here, or near, Rivervale's people have shown cleverness, and resilience, and strength in many forms. The people of Rivervale are a source of great pride."

"I am..." A pause, and she restarts. "I have been the first Chieftain of Rivervale, and yes, there are many quests and battles that I could speak of. But my boast instead is that the Dreaming has deemed me worthy of that role, worthy of this place, worthy of your company. It has been a very, very great honor." A slight catch in her voice, and she clears her throat before silently lifting her tankard and toasting all of them. Then she sits, and takes Frank's hand.

His grip is strong, sure, and warm.

Frank himself sits quietly, lending his strength and support to Brekke with his presence.

Hers is uncertain until she borrows his strength.

Siv looks at her parents and raises her mug "Hear hear! To my parents, whose blood sweat and tears helped fuel the flames in which we all bask, the warmth they leave will linger for generations to come!"

A silent "thank you" to Siv.

"To Brekke and Frank!"

"To Brekke and Frank!" Vali adds

"To Brekke and Frank" Lut and Tig say almost in unison

"Hail to the Kings!" Dirk grins "HA, see, it works because... well you know!"

"To Brekke and Frank!" Kerri says as she stands.

A laugh at Dirk from Sylvi. "I like it! Hail to the Kings!"

Frank endures all this stoically.

Yes, the stoic is strong in this corner.

A deep inhale/exhale from Brekke. Good. That part is done.

Even Olgar joins in a Hail to the Kings with a grin.

Sally Mae is near Clem, but moves about to refill drinks and bring more snacks or food

After the round of cheers, Brekke finally half-grins and says, "Enough, I beg of you! Please...take a look at our beautiful grandchildren!" A hopeful distraction.

Proud parents beam at that, and the distraction works on them

Dirk is less impressed, "Pretty sure any of us could take THEM in a fight" Perplexed

"Don't you dare" a Fledge speaks up, Serenity not sure she was allowed but no one seemed to mind much

Ylva , for her part, is helping Sally Mae and Brogen with clean up duty, but it must be said she's been so often caught up that she pauses a lot.

And Vali sseems to guess a bit of distraction is needed "We need to get Theon, CJ and the twins together for a big picture sometime"

Kerri keeps one eye on the Hearth crew for a while, but eventually allows that Sally Mae and Brogan have it well under control.

Olgar gives his wife a grunt ("Let me know if you need me to fetch something")

Jonas nods "I suppose the very youngest generation should get a picture or painting together, perhaps a wooden emboss?"

Brekke looks very interested at Jonas's suggestion. "I would commission such a piece, yes."

"I do not have the skill for that sort of carving, myself."

"might be a bit much for me too" Tove admits

"Something to look into," Vali nods

Clem says "I know someone down in Iowa that's pretty good. I'll give a ring to him if you like? "

Kerri says, "That would be great, Clem. Anybody we know?"

"Old Boggan, Mr Wabash, Don't think you met him, Kerri but he does good detailing"

"Well, we'll be happy to talk with him. Thank you."

"I could get my fancy camera. It's in my bag."