#bergen_county

CJ 's eyes widen .. Ears can WIGGLE? HOLY FORKING SHIRTBALLS!

Connor's forehead wrinkles up. "I have a job. And I can win a dog show, I'm sure of it. Just let me try. Do they give prize money, or just ribbons?"

"I like ribbons. Oh! I need one for Star's mane. She keeps eating the flowers I put on Stormwake."

"Wait, what is it with you two and talk of jobs?"

"Dagmar always worries. I thought that was part of her job."

"Because we oathed. So it's my job to make sure he's taken care of."

Now Connor looks a little worried.

"And I... I didn't think about the money and stuff until after, but I am now, and that's why I was saying I won't make extra trouble..."

"I thought -I- was supposed to be helping -you-."

"I am going to give Gerd such a pinch" A sigh from the kitchen and she comes out with a tray and sets it down before them

Before they get their hot coco (Or hot Strawberry milk for Connor) , Tove sits next to her daughter while taking CJ back "Okay, you two. Let's settle something right now. The Chieftain maybe a baroness, but she is FIRST and foremost a chieftain. She does things the troll way first. True?"

"Sure?"

Connor is a little sad to give up the baby so quickly, but he settles and listens.

"As a chieftain, she makes SURE that her warband is provided for. Not you, SHE does. With Hearth approval, she has to make sure each person has a roof over their head, a place at the table, and by the balefire. That is the old way, the way LONG before the Sidhe decided to play dress up" Firm

CJ cheers his mom on... or it could be a gurgle

She worries at a hangnail, still unconvinced.

"You are changelings, both mortal AND fae combined, and the mortal side is not something to ignore. This means, on the MORTAL side, Dagmar, yoru father and I care for you" a look "As for Connor's care, the Chieftain took him on as a ward of the lodge. He's your squire, but she has a separate understanding ON HER HONOR to care for Connor as a ward still. She might be insulted if folks thought she was now abandoning that"

"But... I... what if..."

Connor gives her arm a tug. "No What if."

"I just want to have a plan for when the bad stuff happens. That's... responsible, right?"

The boy notices, and reaches for her hand, if she'll let him take it rather than worrying at her nails. For his own reassurance, of course.

"There's not a what if..." A firm look "You are still a teenage girl, Dagmar. your Chieftain knows that. Connor is right, he's here to help and LEARN from you, squires do tasks for their knights, not the other way around, knights do make sure their squires are provided for sometimes but that's errant knights, a liege lord like the Grimhand knows she has not just you, but your squire to tend to. It is part of the contract between lord and knight... SHE will prepare for times of want for all. "

"I'm sixteen..."

"Yes, six-teen-" She says slight stress on that latter part of the word "You have sports and school, and dates with your girlfriend. Connor is welcome here, and he will never suffer for want of food under this roof, or did you think family obligations only went one way too? We would have fed him before he was your squire IF need be, but I'm sure he's staying at the lodge with the chief"

"Chief said that even IF Carthage stopped sending the boarding bucks, I'd always have a place. But they do send them."

"Good point, Connor," She nods

Softly. "Sorry."

And hot drinks are handed out "Don't be sorry, you're trying to be honorable and a good knight but squiring is new to you. We'll all learn together"

well, not AS hot as it was but still not 'just warm'

"Connor's real good with the horses."

"Is he?" Impressed sounding

"Not as good as Dagmar. I need a boost to curry the top-sides, she can just REACH."

"Ah, but can she check under benches as easy as you?" A counter point

"That's what the steps are for. And I think I got Stormwake convinced to become Connor sized for a bit, so you can learn the proper way."

"Oh my, is he going to let Connor RIDE Him?" A bit worried there "He tends to buck anyone who isn't a warrior.. though, he has made exceptions for childlings when you guilt..er talked to him"

"Well, as a squire... my squire..."

Eyebrows. She's working through thoughts, and trying not to drift back to the tangle of money-worry.

"I don't need to RIDE, but Stormwake became Stormy one time and it WAS fun. I have my own feet to keep up if needed."

"I could reach his mane then and braid all the way to the top.

"Sure. But Stormwake needs to learn a little, too."

"True. "

"He can be a real brat, sometimes."

"Maybe Gerd will lend me her old bike, and I can ride behind you. Oh, and I could put a bell on it, brrrrrrrring brrrrrring."

"That too. But, well - I was thinking about giving Nadeen the foal, but maybe it'll be more suited for you? It will be a few years before the baby will be big enough to ride."

"I don't want to take Nadeen's pony. She needs to keep up with you." A solemn nod. "A Knight's lady trumps a squire, I'm sure. I could check the rules in the deck of cards, but I'm almost positive."

"Dont' forget, the DeBukes might be happy to stable a pony if need be, or lend one out" A nod

"Oh, Connor, have you met Blueberry?"

"Last time I was there, Hearth Agnes didn't like my -balance the dishes on my head- trick for washing up. I only dropped two cups and they didn't even break, but she told me to go wash my head in the river instead." He relates solemnly. And then looks thoughtful. "Sounds like one of Snow's friends?"

"Heh. No, Blueberry is a horse. First one I ever rode, actually. She's very calm."

"She's sweet and friendly and enjoys letting folks ride her. " A nod "not much of a racer compared to some"