#rivervale_lodge

Well, it ain't checkers!

((end scene))

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Sometime later, Dagmar hears...sounds. Thunder?

This while she's still at Rivervale, sounds like it's coming from the sparring area

Well, what's that about? She's avoiding all the sugar inside, so she goes to investigate.

Near the poppinjays and Dummies, Jaymes is wreathed in electricity... he moves and points and the energy arcs to cascade over one then another

"Awwww. Baller!"

He turns. Nods to her, and claps his hand over his head in a ...

Thunder echoes and stops.

A cheer!

Jaymes nods, "Purely Chimerical so the weather channel won't freak out. Still, handy."

"That's cool. Boom. Thor."

"I'm not up to Thor's level, but thanks. Vali tells me you're interested in learning Skycraft in one take or another."

"Dude. Thunder."

"Thor is the best avenger, anyhow."

"I think Frank prefers Captain America, but he would. Not sure I have a favorite. Anyway, I was going to talk to you about something else, but let me tell you if you want to learn I'll teach you no matter what you say to the other thing. Or at least get you started. Okay?"

"Yeah?"

She leans against the fence, watching him.

"yeah. " A nod.

"look, you're in danger, someone is after you" Jaymes starts, "we don't know who or why yet. And while you and Sylvi handled that beetle, if it had been two beetles or something, it might have gone worse. Right?"

"....yeah, maybe."

A nod, "Think you'd be safer at the lodge?"

"I'm not always at the lodge."

"I know, but safer here than the Browns?" He shuffles his feet a bit.

"I... I think it might be hard to fight there. They can't see, right? So they'd think I was crazy."

"You would seem to be swinging at the air, and it killed you chimerically, in a coma. That's if whoever sent it settled for that. ..." A thought, "So...even before we new about these attacks, a lot of us here, thought you might like it better here. I mean, don't get me wrong. There's chores, and you still have to do homework, but We...I think you're an okay kid with a lot to show if you just get the chance. I like you, and respect how you've rolled with some tough moments in life. The Browns seem 'okay' but I think you deserve better than Okay. And, you should have something stable even after we deal with this threat. You reading me so far?"

The large man is pacing as he talks probably not even aware he is doing it.

"The Browns are fine..."

"Yeah, yeah, they are..." He says "But I still think I could do a better job... and of course Frank and Brekke and Olgar and Kerri could tell me if I'm screwing up, assuming you don't. I'm a quick study, maybe not as quick as some. I think..." He slows, and takes a deep breath, "I think , if you're willing, I would make a pretty good... would you be interested in me adopting you? We've talked it over and we'd like you in the family."

"Because of the bug?"

"No, no... yes we worry about the bug, but like I said 'even before' we knew about the attacks, so ... so you were going to get asked, but the question is rushed a bit"

"It was still coming...that make sense?"

She backs up a bit, frowning.

He turns, and waits

"I should head back now."

"No problem, let me now what you decide. I guess. I Just..well, I like you and thought... you know maybe we could make it work"

She stares at him - making no move to go further, now that she's backed up.

She has space, he's not gone within five feet yet, "Look, Dagmar, I get the feeling I said something wrong. I have no training with kids. Not that I remember, anyway. I can understand why that would make you gunshy. I just..." A shrug, "i'm trying to tell you I'd like a chance to watch out for you, to teach you what I know, to learn by being there trying to help you learn. Maybe see the world through each other's eyes. All sorts of...poet crap and sweet Odin I wish I knew how to say this better."

"I don't wanna be your charity case."

"Good. I'm not looking for a charity case. I don't want to be your meal ticket so I get discounts on my taxes"

"Mmmph."

"mmm?"

Her jaw sets and she shrugs.

"Look, you deserve a ... you ever think you're the one doing me the favor here?"

Oh, THAT earns a snort.

"You drew th'short stick, huh?"

"The sho... fine. to answer. No. I want to adopt you."

She glares. "Why?"