#bergen_county

"It was a penny for my thoughts." He explains.

Kerri reaches down to pat his shoulder encouragingly (and gently). Then she makes her way over to Dagmar, hoping Connor will follow.

He does follow

"Dame Dagmar," Kerri says as she gets close.

"Kerri?" She looks up, surprised. Then, a smile. "Connor!"

Despite his worry, he can't help but brighten up and his tail starts to wag furiously.

"Is it time for you to joust against Sir Dimwand?"

"I hear you've done well so far!" A grin.

"I've done okay. Made Kaelan fly, so I think I did my duty."

"Dimwand? The Balor? I heard he withdrew. I was sposedta joust him."

"I'm only getting part of the story about the Balor myself. But...Connor seems to be very concerned about the welfare of the Balor's horse."

"You should still joust him." Connor says. "Else people might start to think you're a'feared of him."

"And if you joust him, you can take his horse when you win! That'll serve him right, right?"

Connor clearly has NO doubt as to the outcome of such a match.

She raises an eyebrow. "I'm not afraid of him, but... is... something wrong with the horse? Is it like Star?"

He considers, then nods.

A curious glance at Connor, then to Dagmar a wry grin. "I've been getting mixed messages. At any rate...there may be an argument that you can claim his horse due to his forfeit? I'm not certain, but I'm about to go speak to the Count about it. I wanted to check with you first."

"I'm not sure if I can do that, Connor. But if the horse is being mistreated, we don't need to joust to do something about it."

Connor gives her a look that is clearly dubious.

"What if the horse just doesn't like being his horse? It's still his prop-er-ty." This last said like a dirty word.

A sudden lightbulb moment. "Ah. Are we still talking about his horse?"

"Connor huffs, "Yes."

"All right. Now. We're talking about something else the Balor has."

"If you took his horse and he wanted it back, he'd have to trade. Like the Cock-a-doodle-Did."

At the ping. "Ah."

"Connor, can you show us the horse?"

"Maaaaybe. It's locked up."

"You have a joust to prepare for. I can go."

She bites on her lip and nods. "Yes, Chieftain."

A reassuring grin. "You've got this."

Connor looks torn. "She needs her armors!"

"I'm mostly ready, Short Stack. Do what you gotta do."

He gives her a quick hug. "I probably won't be back. I don't want to watch any silly ol' joust even if it means Dee gets a flying lesson." Then he re-joins Kerri.

"Let's hurry, though," Kerri says to Connor. "Maybe we will get back in time."

She ruffles his hair. "Go. Be chivalrous."

"I learnt from the best." Trot trot!

"Lead the way, Connor, to the 'horse' that's locked up."

He leads her in a round-about way that just so happens to go past the stables where she can catch a glimpse of the horses lined up in stalls festooned with garland for the celebration. Dee's horse is champing at the bit, a FINE specimin with Silverwolf's livery on it's bridle.

There's also a stallion with the Balor's mark - surely that's his, who else would dare sport a tower and snake? The beast is also a well muscled and strong warhorse. it looks well kept, as one would do so, for such a valuable creature.

He continues on...

Then slows, as they approach an area guarded by a rather depressed looking guard, who is on duty rather than enjoying the festivities.

Indeed, Connor didn't even pause to glance at the horses as he moved on!

The guard looks up and straightens up to bow "Chieftain?"

A nod of greeting to the guard. She looks past him for a moment, then says, "We require entrance."

"Connor suddenly straightens. "Maybe because you're a Chieftain and trusted and such.... " Connor points at a stall nearby selling goodies, and nearby are some food vendors. "This poor lady can take a break."

"It's HARD to miss the party."

"As you like, Chieftain," he opens it "Do you require escort? I..." the boy's words are tempting but he sighs "I must remain on duty, out here or in there but I can't travel from the job" more for connor there at that last

"What if I go get some snacks?"

"What;s your favorite?"

"Coconutties" he admits "But that's not necessary"

"Snacks aren't necessary?!" Connor goggles at this, aghast