#bergen_county

....

So Torin is baby sitting his grandchild, his own adoptive son, Jack Flap is off having fun with childlings his age. But CJ is something of a captive audience.

But Torin Torad makes it a comfy capture, as he regales the boy with a story or two

"So the evil princess had fooled the king, and tricked him into losing his fief. Now, this was not just a problem for him, or even his subjects, but for all who lived in the area.... but Sylvi the Sly was there, and she..."

The story has a lot of leeway in sticking to the exact way it happened. But it does portray the Magical land of the Star Bear as needing heroes.. and heroines, and having dire enemies.

CJ processes this as a child would. There were bad people. Good people were needed to stop them. Good thing a hero was there!

"Of course, Sylvi the sly's family missed her, a LOT" Torin nods

"Course!"CJ agrees

"But if she hadn't been there to do good, and help, I wonder what would have happened?" His grandfather puts on his most perplexed face

"The good king would have lost his land..." CJ offers "Bad guys win. BLAH!"

"You know, you're very right," Torin nods, "Blah, blah over. The forces of Blah would have wrecked the place. It is a good thing Sylvi's family were so understanding an willing to share her with the world. It's hard to be brave like that, to share someone you love with those that need them."

CJ ponders this "Blah can't win"

"It should not" Torin nods "I guess if the time comes when I'll ever have to see someone I love go help elsewhere, I'm gonna need to be brave and miss them even as I support them doing the right thing."

CJ nods, then looks up earnestly "I'll help!"

Torad knows he's biased, but his old heart just swells with pride at the little boy's sincerity and eagerness to aid him. "Thank you. I will need to be reminded a LOT."

CJ gives his grampa a hug "Another story?"

"SURE," Torin says "Which one?"

"How Dagmar saved ALL the Horses IN the World!" CJ grins

"I must have told you that one a hundred times" Torin looks amused

"So?" CJ wouldn't care if it were a BAJILLION!

"Aren't you tired of it yet?" Torin inquires

CJ does not understand the question. How can anyone ever be tired of Dagmar stories? He shakes his head vigorously "NOPE!!"

Torin chuckles deep and rumbly, "Okay... a long long time ago, could be MONTHS... in a place far far away... possiblly more than a block... there was a mighty warrioress named Dagmar! Great were her muscles, and her height went almost up to the clouds, INTO them if you counted her hair, a true wreath of victory granted by Da'an itself"

CJ Cheers, his sister's hair is indeed mighty! And he gets lost in the story anew.

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