#bergen_county

"Horses are pretty magical. They don't care who you are, in the... background sense, right? Just who you are, as a person. They're not like people."

Stormwake makes noises to draw Brekke's attention. He's eager for a joust

A chuckle. "Excuse me," she says to the others, and she goes to Stormwake. "Yes. Soon. Let us prepare." She begins to brush Stormwake down in preparation to saddling him up.

Stormwake , unlike his person, doesn't hide delight in the chance to yeet others.

A soft snort at the other horse, amused.

"Yes, yes. Now, hold still. I cannot clean your hooves when you prance."

"He's raring to joust. I didn't think horses would like it" Lale is susprrised "Armor, noise?"

"Many horses do not have the temperament," Brekke agrees as she works on the hooves. "Stormwake and Star are strong exceptions."

"Stormwake is a warrior. Now, jousting isn't for every horse."

"Just like trail rides, or carting, or racing, or whatever."

"Oh I'd want to be on one that was sure footed, narrow trails or wide" A dreamy look "We could go into high country." A blush "Might help if I got more than two lessons first"

Dagmar smiles faintly. "That sounds like a nice dream."

"And as fae, we make dreams real - yeah?"

Brekke says, "It is not always easy, but yes."

"Oh, of course, if it was easy, it would lose some of the magic" Lale says "The Journey even more than the destination is the reward"

"Can still want that destination, though."

"I've been... lucky. Fae steeds can be really expensive. But they're smart, smart enough to be a partner."

"Hm. We have been lucky, Dame Dagmar. Your strength and skill has been a gift to Rivervale."

Star agrees, they're lucky to have her

A flicker of a frown.

"Well, they're both fantastic horses" Lale says "Thank you, Dame Dagmar, Chieftain Brekke" A look "Oh, will you be going to the story telling contest?'

"Perhaps. There is much happening."

Brow furrow. "That might be nice to watch."

"I was going to try my hand at it, though mostly for fun.It's a late night informal event. " She admits

"I think we will both try to be there. May you do well, Lale."

"You should do it." A firm nod.

"Thank you!" She says "I should go practice! Bye Stormwake, by Star!" Clearly the horses come first in her goodbyes "And thank you Dagmar and Chieftain" And she races off

Brekke glances over to watch her go, but then returns to saddling Stormwake in all his holiday barding.

"Huh. She seems nice."

"Yes. It is good that you encouraged her."

She looks over at Star. "She is eager for the joust, as well."

"Ain't gonna discourage anyone from horses."

"Yeah. Star wants to show off." Resting her forehead against the mare's, eyes closed.

An amused sound at the first comment.

A pause. "You are well?"

"Mm."

Star nuzzles

"Hm." A sound of understanding. Then more quiet work with the horse.

After some silence. "I might not do well with the joust. I'm not as practiced as I was last year."

Listening. Working.

Last year, Dagmar had been on horseback daily for the month leading up to Pennons...

This year, she did spend the bulk of her weekend visits working with Star.

After a pause, "It has been more difficult this year. You have worked hard, however. I expect you will do well. I will not think less of you if others do better this time. True battle is where such things truly matter."

"Mm." The same noncommittal sound.

A pause again.

"I almost did not fight Thelwyf. I almost refused. Perhaps I should have."

Frown. "Why? It was good you fought him. Showed him."

"I thought I should perhaps make a statement. That he lacked sufficient honor to be worthy of the fight, because of his language. But I could not find a way to frame it. His actual words were words of praise, no matter the clear intent of ridicule."

Frown, nod. "I can see that."

"But..." She shrugs. "He was an asshole, and you showed him in a way he couldn't dismiss that he was wrong."