#bergen_county

She glances to see Dagmar's reaction.

Dagmar stops in her tracks. Her expression is stoic, though that isn't uncommon for when she's processing something.

She stops a pace later and turns to look at her curiously.

What leaks through is complex - a mix of guilt and hope?

"Who... who would you be thinking for Storm?" Trying to be casual. But also, clearly Chief is going to STAY Chieftain...

"Well..." She looks off into the distance for a moment, arms folded. "Olgar has filled the role on occasion....." she trails off, sounding uncertain.

"Olgar makes sense. He would be good at it." It's the truth, but...

"I mean, yeah. Of course Olgar."

"But..."

She looks at her again, a brow raised. "But?"

Dagmar frowns and looks away.

"Speak your mind, Dame."

"It's... I mean, I'm sure you know better than me. Is there going to be a problem with him being a Rover, too? Will he have to give that up?"

A slow nod. "It is possible. That is a sound consideration."

"In truth, I think it is not always best to pass a task on to the next oldest. A Storm who is a wilder will be able to serve longer, yes?"

She fidgets and nods. "In theory."

A brow...and a hint of a grin. "Dame Dagmar, I wish to name you as Rivervale's Storm, should you still wish to do so when you finish your schooling."

She tightens her grip on her halberd.

"I.... I.. I d-don't know if I..." She frowns.

"I want to, yes."

She nods. "As I said, I do not ask for your commitment to this at this time. You are entering college. It will be a strange and complex time in your life, which is already strange and complex. You may come to wish for other futures. But I wish you to know that this is my hope, and that I want to make sure you are ready at that time if you choose to take on the role."

"I don't think I'm at all ready. I do patrols, but that's not..."

"There's more to it."

A slow nod. "That is why I am saying this now. If we meet on weekends, I can help you to be ready by the end of those four years."

"I... I would like that, very much." Cautious.

Brekke regards her for a moment, then rests a hand on her shoulder and nods solemnly. "I know that, with you as Storm when the time is right, Rivervale will be well-protected by a strong heart."

"I love Rivervale."

A softening expression and a nod. "I know you do. As do I. Together, we will care for her and her people and creatures."

"But..." she says, releasing Dagmar's shoulder. "First you will focus on your education."

She exhales and nods.

"It's too good an opportunity to throw away."

"It is that. Also, it will give you greater access to the broader world. Having that will make you a better Storm. Perhaps a better one than I have been."

Snort.

"Chief, you're Brekke Shacklebreaker."

An amused brow. "And you are Dame Dagmar Hammerstrike. Already a young legend at an age before I had even begun to imagine my true nature. I am not being modest; it is my hope that you surpass what I have done as Storm."

"Arguably, it would be better for the Lodge if I have a quiet run."

"No wars, no legendary dragons, no incursions."

A brow. "Would it? Is this your dream?"

"...No."

"But I mean, for the hold. Right?"

"Perhaps. But I am not certain. There is much of the Lodge that is a Dream of security and hospitality. But there are also dreams of strength and honor and valor that speak to us. These are difficult to achieve without some conflict." A pause. "Besides, what are the chances of a quiet run?"

"Point." Her mouth quirks upwards.

An answering grin. "I am glad we agree. Come, let us continue our patrol. Signe grows restless," she says, indicating the pup who has been trying oh so hard to be patient while the two-leggers talk. There are smells to be smelled!

And squirels to be given chase to curb their arrogance

"Well, we can't have that."

Dagmar stands just a little taller (not that she was short to start with!) as they resume patrol.

"Now, let us speak of Storm duties beyond moments of crisis...." And Dagmar gets a brief Storm primer as they patrol.

And as they continue, the speak of the future.

((Fade))