#bergen_county

Dagmar snatches some food, shoves some extra in the bag.

Takes one step and...

mom ears!

"Dagmar? You're not heading out to the horse rescue THIS early are you?" Tove says

In point of fact, Dagmar was not. She was heading to the stables at the lodge to pamper THEIR horses first. THEN to the rescue

"Not exactly?"

"Dagmar, I know you love horses, and you have duties, but.." A pause and she tries to think how to word this "There's more to life than critters?"

"Well, there's Connor..."

"No basketball, so."

"Yes. There is Connor" Tove nods "But how do I say this? If you're going to take Connor to the rescue a lot as well, which is your right... I worry you're going to neglect family time here."

Brow furrow.

She tries again "I want to have meals as a family at our table whenever possible and I'd like to see you at the house at least a few hours of the day when you're not sleeping?"

"I mean, sure? I didn't..." She frowns. "I didn't mean to screw it up."

Tove moves to her at that and gives her a hug "Hey now, not what I meant. You're not screwing up. YOu're the most dedicated duty bound girl I know. " She pats "I think I'm just feeling selfish. I want to have moments with all of my family together. " A smile "You know I miss you sometimes right?"

"The horses just take a lot of time..." She confesses. Not a complaint!

"And you love every minute of it, don't you?" she smiles

"I do. I mean, but it's... they need me, right? And it's probably good there's no basketball this year."

"They do need you, but don't neglect other dreams. " A frown "And yes, sorry about the basketball. Lupe May and you must be frustrated"

"Well, I mean, I don't really have time for it..."

"I guess that's part of my concern. I don't want you commiting so much of your former free time to the horses that if somethings come back you feel like you're violating some duty to enjoy other things. Does that make sense?" SHe motions to the table "have a seat. Your dad will be down for breakfast when he's done changing CJ"

"I mean, okay. But they need me. And I have a squire now, too." She does at least sit at the table.

Tove starts making an omelet but talks as she does "Yes, and I know Connor is a help, and also you can't neglect him. I'm proud you have a squire and think the Chief is right you're a good influence on Connor. " A beat "Cheese or no cheese in your omelet?"

"Cheese please."

She breaks out her daughter's favorite cheeses and starts mixing them in

"And with Spark, I mean... Spark's my responsibility, too. Connor is still a kid, even if he's.. you know, Connor."

Sizzling sounds, ooo good smells

"Spark confuses Raindrop. She doesn't know why he doesnt just fly already. I think it's best he doesn't"

"He's too little!"

"He'd get hurt if he tried yet. Half his feathers are fuzz."

Grunt of concern and steps ("Everything okay?") Her dad comes down carrying CJ

"Morning Dad. Hey CJ!"

"It's fine, " Tove says , "Just our daughter's protective streak showing when it comes to Spark. Usual in your omlet my love?"

A nod and "Yes"

CJ Sees his sister and grins . New Diaper , people to fuss over him. He's good

Dag holds out her arms in a 'gimme' gesture towards CJ.

Jaymes raises a brow "mmmph' and makes like he might keep CJ, then a twitch of his lip and he hands him over.

Oh CJ has gotten bigger.

"Suuuuper baby." She 'flies' CJ before drawing him in for a cuddle.

Delighted baby sound!

A little grin.

She is now officially the COOOLEST BIG SISTER IN THE UNIVERSE!

A little nose-boop with the tip of her finger.

Whoa! BIG blue eyes

And he tries to grab the finger!

Another flash of smile, baring wolf-teeth. She lets him grab it.

He caught it. He has no idea what to DO with it, but he got it

"He's getting a strong grip" Jaymes observes

and yes, pride in his voice

Tove comes in and sets the omelets down

"He does." She nods. "You think he'll be a troll, too?"