#bergen_county

Dagmar does not like change

And now it looks like there's change coming

AGAIN

This is highly inconsiderate, and rude!

So what's a girl to do?

Ride horses, obviously.

Today it is just her and Star, out in the woods.

Star certainly welcomes it, racing along with her, they both know the woods well by now, patrols here are second hand.

She allows the mare a gentle rein - letting Star set her pace. It's nice to run!

Star has a blast, leaping over the logs that have fallen and now have moss over them, only to weave about near the stream, and they even dare thicker woods because she's just that good!

and they close onto an area... one Dagmar knows and adores.

Klump's anchor!

She pats Star's neck, reassuring. "Hello?"

"Hello, Little Thunder, " A familiar and welcome voice eches about the place, and a large figure comes out, Klump smiles

"Hey Klump." A smile for the glome. "Guess our feet led us here. You've met Star."

"I Have, she shines as pretty as her name, but moves more quickly than they" Klump motions "If she likes, there is a spat of mushrooms here that are safe for horses, she may like the taste. It will do her no harm" He gestures to the mushroom patch

"We'll see if she likes them..." Dag dismounts, and guides the mare to the treat.

And the Mare bites down, savors... mmm is it worthy of her? this food? Maybe one more... munch... two more.. yes

Klump chuckles "I think she likes them. How are you, Little Thunder? How is it at the lodge?"

"Oh... oh, yeah, you know. The Lodge."

"All as it should be then, that is good" He pats the boulder near him "Have a seat if you like, little thunder"

"I guess." Noncommittal.

"mm?" The large rock dream tilts his head

"You guess you might want a seat?" A brow knit "Ah, you guess all is as it should be? You think so fast little thunder"

"How are things here?"

"I find I miss the little stone. I hope she is happy whereever she is, but... I missed having another of the slow empires here, even one new come to it. Sometimes," Klump admits "Sometimes I fear I could have done more to make this place more a home for her"

"She wanted excitement. Some people do."

"Yes, I suppose. I always thought it was exciting here, to see the skywolves chase the starlings, the laughter of young people by the lake" A sigh "But you are right. People must be free to seek out their own ways and happiness, but I do miss her"

"I feel like going far from your anchor is hard for you, though. She wants to see people, she was a person. Magic is odd."

"It is," he nods "Odd and wonderful," He smiles as Star dines on the mushrooms, then looks at her "How is the even littler thunder? CJ?"

"Walking!"

"Walking? " A surprised look "Already? But it's only been a year or so... is that normal for your kind? I thought they aged slower than deer and walked much after"

He seems FASCINATED

"About a year is normal, yeah. Deer walk right away, but humans take time."

CJ talk is safe! "He's also getting chatty. You know, 'mama' and 'dada' and, um... 'Daga' - he's not good at R's, really..."

"Mmm daga, that is not a bad name, he will learn in time" A smile

"He refuses to try 'Sam,' so that might lead to some interesting explanations downt he road."

"mmm yes... how does he feel about sis? "

"Too many S's."

"you have a challenge "A nod "But in time he will be spitting upon you lovingly calling you sister, it maybe a bit"

"Oh, I've been spit up on plenty."

"They are spewy if adorable little cubs, are they not?" A nod "I would like to see CJ walk. Not.. all change is bothersome. If he can walk, soon he will run, and your friend star can tell you what a joy that is"

"Him growing up is good change, yeah."

"You are growing too, Little Thunder, taller I think" He still towers over her, one of the few beings that does.

"Six-foot-two. Tove measured."

"I have basketball camp coming up."

"And even taller as a troll" A nod then "This basketball, I have seen you play it. You yeet the ball well."

Grin.

"Yeah, helps being tall with that. Though Lupe's really good despite her disadvantage."

"Yes, she is... "A pause "Compact"