#rivervale_lodge

"Or...well, you were sort of riding around, looking at things through Dagmar's eyes for a little bit before you arrived. Maybe it has something to do with being joined like that, and it's not your father's doing at all."

"I just... maybe ..maybe I'll be free at ssaining..." A pause "Not fathre's fault but mine? that.. that would be..better" odd to say but she seems comforted by the idea

"...Why is it different, Nadeen?"

"You said it, I'm not your Dagmar. I'm younger than you. I'm part Sam, and you know what Sam is."

Her tone isn't loud or angry anymore. Just... flat.

Sylvi bites her lip, watching Dagmar.

"Because you're sworn back to my father, Fealty to him, and he would have sworn vasalage to you. " A sigh "And.. Sam is a decent girl who got a lot of shit her way. You need to stop hating her just because she's weak"

"I don't think that oath lasted. Just the one to you."

"Maybe I..." nadeen sighs "I thought you both knew, I thought everyone knew about my shame, and now I've blabbed it. Lovely." A deep breath "i'm sorry Dagmar. I shouldnot have shown resentment to you. As I said, it was my father, or..maybe Sylvi is right and it was my own doing. Either way it's not your fault. I just.. felt humiliated"

"Well, when you get sained, you have the power to release both of us. I don't."

"How could we have known, Nadeen? And like Dagmar said, we were a little preoccupied."

"I didn't know telling you to get back was going to be such a burden. If you had gotten hurt, then I'd be oathbroken."

"I just didn't want you to get hurt."

"I..." A lowering of her lashes "I'm glad Lupita is all right and you kept her from killing anyone And..yes , I suppose I..was self absorbed. I regret my behavior"

Her jaw is sticking out again and she scowls at her math.

"I apologize, Dagmar. I was not only ..incorrect, I have been boorish and insensitive to you. I am told we sidhe can be self important, but kith is no excuse when you acted quite heroicly for all"

Blushing furiously, looking almost meek

Sylvi clears her throat. "Dagmar...she didn't mean to piss you off, and she's apologized."

"S'fine."

"I understand, words don't undo deeds. I.. should go." Nadeen says

"I said it was fine!"

"Um...Nadeen....you've got your textbook....want to stay with us and study? We're trying to get our work done before Imbolc so we don't have to worry about getting it done later."

She rubs her nose with the back of her hand, scowling at the paper.

"I...don't think I'm " Nadeen says "I thank you. Uhm..do you mind if we study together, Dagmar?"

"It's study group. Everybody can do study group."

"Sure then, thanks" She takes a seat

"Cool. I'm going to get some snacks. Dr. Pepper for you, right, Dagmar? Nadeen?"

"That would be ffine, thank you, Sylvi. You're very gracious"

"No problem." She doesn't mention it's easier than picking up the pieces later.

"...Dr Pepper would be nice."

A huff. "This is stupid. I'm stupid." She pushes the book away.

"Your'e not stupid. I just ruined your mood by being.. well me," Nadeen says "how werre you doing it before I showed up? Go back to that"

Sylvi heads into the kitchen to put together a platter like her mom would.

"I dunno. I suck at math."

"How would ..." She takes breath and says it without malice or rancor "How would Symon do it?"

"He does this whole thing..."

Sylvi's back with a plate of cookies, also balancing three soda cans. "Here...chocolate chip."

"Ooo..." She reaches to give a hand. "Thanks, Sylvi."

"Then... pretend he's here to advise"

"And thanks, Sylvi"

"Mmmph."

"No problem." She settles things and takes a couple of cookies for herself, plus a can of Sprite. Trying not to interfere with the conversation, she sits back down at her books.

"...you gonna be here for the party, Nadeen?"

"Yes I should. It's part of our culture. " A look to Sylvi "And I might want to see Sylvi in Firebrand garb"

"There's outfits?"

"Yeah. It's sort of...kind of a gown with a tabard over it. Plus the balefire brand, of course."

"White usually, to show purity"

"Oh..."

"Which is kind of judgmental in its own way, but...well...tradition."

"It is" Nadeen says "And hardly followed. I mean, Fiona are often Firebrands and while House typing might be rude, let's face it, it's always spring in Lionland"