#bergen_county

She rubs at her nose

"I get why you want out of that house, yeah."

"I feel like such a wimp" She sighs

"..why? Because you are grieving? Varich can't swear Truehearts, but that doesn't mean they don't have feelings."

"Hell, didn't you tell me that part of the Truehearts thing is because of grief?"

"I did. Or perhaps the fear of feeling that pain again, not that it spares us"

"Maybe. But walling yourself off and acting like you don't have a heart won't make you happy."

"And hurting... hurting sucks, but it doesn't make you weak. It means that you had something real."

A smile at her "You're pretty wise, you know that?"

It's a weak smile, but sincere

Shrug. "Probably just stole it from Kerri."

"Steal from the best" She says "What you said? About not walling yourself off? It's what I have to do with Aiden" She sighs

"I need to convince the idiot to feel"

"And sidhe are stubborn."

"This one is he thinks grief is weakness and..." realization "HEY"

Smirk.

Playful elbow

Innocent look.

"As if trols had room to talk about Stubborn" But she is pleased

"Thanks. I came to make you feel better, instead you make ME feel better. Same as it ever was"

(End Scene)

...........................

And by the stables, Dagmar tends to the horses!

Brekke is pleased to see this. She approaches and surveys the stable area, nodding. "Dame Dagmar. All is well with the horses?"

"No flying yet, but he keeps flapping." She reports as she brushes Star.

"Hm. It is good exercise for him." She goes to Stormwake and strokes his forelock and nose.

"It is. Not sure if he'll stay once he figures out how to be airborne..."

"No? I think he will have difficulty finding hay in the clouds."

"Not to mention a good currycomb."

"True. Silly thing can't take care of himself."

"It is good that he lives with those who can, and he knows it. For now." A pause. "I have some questions to ask of you, Dame."

A little brow-furrow, but she answers "Okay."

Brekke does not look overly dire. "I understand Baroness Nadeen is to relocate to SilverWolf."

Grunt. "Yeah."

"Mm." A nod. "I do not know what this means for you. I know you have been sworn to her...?"

"We didn't have any current ones, since my Saining. I guess she's free to do whatever."

Another nod. "I am wondering if you would consider another oath. But I understand if that is not something you would wish."

"Another Oath?"

"If I were to protect her, I'd have to go there..."

"I did not mean to her. I meant to me."

"I..." Blink. "You?"

A nod. "Liege and Vassal. It would grant you greater strengths. I have no doubt of your loyalty to Rivervale, Dame Dagmar. I do not seek to demand an oath. But if you wish it, I would be glad to agree."

She bites on her lip.

Brekke raises a hand to forestall the concern. "And if you do not wish it, I will not take it ill."

"I.. yeah." She nods.

"I.. like, I mean, I love it here. I love Rivervale, and it's home. And I trust you, and it would be an honor..."

No lies!

A pleased look. "It would honor us both. I know you to be a fine and true knight. Good, then. Do you wish others present?"

"We may set a time for a formal ceremony."

A frown. "I want to talk to my parents."