#rivervale_lodge

Pennons prep is different this year, as Kerri will be a judge

She actually tries to stay out of the kitchen as much as possible if any RV-ers are practicing their recipes.

As a result, she finds herself spending even more time with harvest-themed decoration than she has in the past. The Lodge is practically bursting with symbolic abundance.

And some are... It's hard not lending advice or aid

That said, the cornacopia display is looking awesome

Funny thing (Kerri noticed it first, but others have noted it since): The Lodge's kitchen seems a bit...wider? Some more cabinets have appeared that weren't there before, and the prep areas can accommodate additional people without crowding. Seems the Dreaming is shifting towards the priorities of the current Holder.

Olgar observes from a corner enjoying a beer after a patrol

Kerri adjusts the miniature squashes with one cornucopia so they look like they've been caught in mid-spill.

"nice touch" he observes, "Patrol went well. Word is getting out that the defenses are still solid, and the lessons I offered the Goldfinchers have a few takers"

"Thank you." She gives the gourds a satisfied nod, and then turns to him, resting a hip against the table. "Glad to hear it. I guess I really ought to be part of those lessons, too. Or maybe you could show me the ropes one-on-one." A playful wink for a moment, but then more seriously, "Facing off that corby made me feel really underprepared."

Olgar looks over his wife, "YOu sure? I know you've had folks try to typecast you as a warrioress in your youngerdays. Damned if I'll do the same"

A frown. "That was different. I'm not going to pretend to be something I'm not, but I could use a brush-up on the basics. At least to the point where I'm not useless in a fight."

"Is Sylvi among those who are taking you up on lessons?"

"Not yet" he says "If she ever does. Basil's a regular, but he was training with Brekke so he's ahead of most. Good spear man that fellow. Okay. I'll teach you... trutfhuly , your knife work should translate to a dagger use pretty well if you dont mind smaller weapons"

"I like that. I took a cleaver with me to follow the corby, so...maybe handaxe, too?"

"We might be able to teach you two weapon fighting eventually, and yeah, a handaxe works.. " He looks at her "Of course, you'll have to wear the ultra tight wrestling lady unitard outfit for proper lessons"

"Oh, really?" She folds her arms, looking distinctly unconvinced.

"Does wonder for the breathing" He does not say WHO'S breathing

"Gets the blood pumping?" she assists.

"Something along the lines of Black Widow?"

"Oh hey, if you feel emancipated by that, you should TOTALLY pursue it" He nods

Then grins "Or maybe just sweats, but I don't feel ashamed for asking"

She chuckles. "No, I'm betting you don't. Are you going to put on a gladiator get-up as trainer?"

"For you? Anytime... mmm are we now talking private costumes or Samhain outfits?"

"Hmmm...well, after the mists drop, who knows what I'll decide." She saunters towards him slowly.

He admires the saunter "I am one lucky son of a bitch" He says wihtout shame

"Yes, you are," she says, and then settles into his lap. "And I'm damn glad to have you."

He enjoys the weight of her on him, beer to the side and long forgotten, "Well, I'm glad you're glad. How are you doing? Not sure I asked enough, but while your juggling the change over beautifully, I want to make sure you're feeling your oats and not your 'oh shits' and if you are either way I wanna know"

"Well...what I'm mostly feeling right now..." She trails a fingertip down his chest and then leans in to whisper in his ear. "...I'm feeling like I need you to go rake some leaves when you're finished with that beer."

Looks like the heartless leader is taking hold.

A deep chuckle "ooo cruel... may one hope that when one has done his duty, he gets praise in a pleasant and private form?" He's more amused than offended. Her unseelie side is knowwn to him, and she is not any less passionate for it, just a tad more ruthless

"Depends on how well he does the job." She pats his cheek, then picks up his beer and hands it to him.

He finishes the beer in a single swig, crumples the can with one hand, then throws it at the garbage can...

And it goes in, "I like my chances" He kisses her, then pats her lightly to let her know she's got to move if he's gonna do some work

"Nice shot," she murmurs before the kiss, and after the kiss she slides out of his lap and offers him a hand up.

He takes it, and gets up, admiring her still, then says "Want me to get YOU a beer before I go out to rake?"

He gets an approving smile. "I like the way you think."

And he does just that, grabbing her a cold one and bringing it to her "That's what you keep me around for, the thinking" A wink, when she takes the beer he heads out to get the leaves

"Keep telling yourself that, stud." She smiles and toasts him with the bottle before taking a swig. She appreciates the view as he heads out the door. But then she turns to the kitchen. She knocks before entering to make sure there are no secret preparations in progress...but it's time to do an inventory.

Behind her, the fire slips a bit more towards the season as well... yet it is not the Wretch that influences it most for she is gone. How much further may the hold adjust to a new chief? Well, that remains to be seen.

(End Scene)