The hounds may not happen again, if Pippin's defenses are reliable. But I'm quite sure there will be other threats (aside from those we already know about).
The lighthouse seems to be the de facto rallying point, since it also contains the infirmary. But a secondary location just in case the lighthouse is compromised is probably a good idea. Maybe the white house (where we're currently feasting)?
I'll sign up as a fighter. I have considerable first aid training, too, but as we have at least a couple of trained doctors as well as people who can heal others magically, I think I'd be more useful as a fighter.