#rivervale_lodge

Dagmar has her arms folded, and she's trying not to look at any of the weaving dogs.

Frank's standing there. "Hey. Hello, Dagmar."

"Frank, we're here for Tove." Jaymes says

Brown Dog lowers his head trying to catch Dagmar's eyes with is own big brown eyes.

Satisfied, Kerri goes to the bathroom door. "Tove, if you're ready, I'd like you to come out.

She mumbles a reply to Frank. It might be "hi."

"Well, might want to hang on there. Coffee? Something stronger?"

"I look like a sick blue tang" Tove says petulantly

"Let me see," Kerri says.

Yup. Buff, blue, and spotty

Oak headbumps Dagmar. Anything cats can do, dogs can do better!

Okay, that tree climbing attempt didn't work, but other than that

Cold cloth, dab dab dab, quick rearrangement of hair, another dab dab dab. "It's okay if he sees you're upset. He needs to see that. But you look presentable enough. So...he's here. "

"Want me to go out there and glare at him?" Sally Mae says "Like he was the worrst person on the planet?"

"Be careful with that, Sally Mae. Dagmar's with him."

Tove sniffs, then actually smiles a bit "Thank you both I."

"We'll come out with you, if you like, or stay here if you prefer."

Frank goes ahead and gets a couple of meads. "Dagmar, care for anything? I could fancy up a coffee for you."

Headshake.

"We want to see Tove, Frank. I..." Jaymes glances down at Dagmar and then sighs. Unsure of what to do beyond...

Tove hears the voices, and sighs "Come out with me if you would...but you don't have to" to the other two women,, the she takes a deep breath and chants "I am a viking girl. I am a viking girl" And heads out to see... Jaymes.

Behind her Kerri whispers, "Remember to listen...." Then lets her go and follows her out. A reassuring nod to Dagmar when she spots her.

Frank is saved from needing to respond by Tove's entry. "You two want privacy." He states it, but it's also a question.

Dagmar isn't looking at anyone. Some fidgeting,

"Tove... you didn't let me finish" Jaymes starts to say.

Kerri doesn't look like she's about to leave.

"So... this is my fault?" Tove says then.she looks to Kerri and.. takea breath "i'm sorry, go on"

Fists, white knuckled, and she stares down at her feet.

Her jaw tightens briefly, but a little nod as Tove looks back.

Having 'asked', Frank waits.

Jaymes tries to think. Words. Words to do this right. He needs the words but finally "It's my fault. Your dad is right. I should have not taken you for granted. And in a way, I was. I was scared. And then... when it seemed like I had done the right thing..but not remembered o it I was relieved. I didn't have to find the courage. I should have asked you when we both remembered." A sigh "And then... tonight I almost sshut Dagmar out... and that was ..not a right thing to do either. I want my family back. I need you both."

Kerri tries to keep a neutral expression, but a little bit of satisfaction creeps through at Jaymes's response. Nicely said.

Tove's head whips around, to look at Dagmar, noticing perhaps how still the girl is, then "Oh Dagmar... I'm sorry, are you okay?I was.. a bit surprised into selfishness"

"M'fine."

Frank is as still as a ... well, yes.

Then a look to Jaymes "I was happy too. I think that's what hurts so much. If we start over, what if it doesn't go as well? And yet... I want a proper proposal. I want you as my husband. I want Dagmar as..well, whatver Dagmar wants me to be to hr."

"You'll get it," Jaymes says, holding out the ring "I'll.. get a new ring. one from me to you. But this is too..." a look at the room "it's a bit crowded."

"And on that note...." Kerri waves the others into the kitchen.

A hesitation, and Dagmar follows the others into the kitchen.

A look over Dagmar's head to check whether Jaymes and Tove want to keep her there.

"Wait, Dagmar...I want you to stay for this," Jaymes says "I'm sorry Tove but Dagmar has to..."

Kerri nods Dagmar back towards them, then closes the kitchen door. "Well..." She looks around the room. "That went about as well as can be expected, so far."

She looks up from the ground, a face that is a muddle of anxiety, uncertainty and - fear?

Frank follows along.

"Come first? Of course" Tove agrees firmly "I love her too."

He nods agreement. "I think so." Quietly. He sips the mead, which he did -not- leave behind.

Sally mae paces in the kitchen "He's so stubborn. But at least he's talking"

Kerri commandeers Frank's mead for a sip then hands it back to him. "I think that's more words than I've heard from him at one time. I hope he has some in reserve."

Tove holds out a hand to Dagmar "Dagmar... what do YOU want?"

Kerri sets about setting up a platter of little treats. Nothing too fancy, but they have a celebratory look. She enlists Sally Mae's help from time to time.