#rivervale_lodge

There's a musical beauty to the rhythm and tone and pitch of even the simple words.

Dagmar listens, fascinated.

"From what I hear, there are three versions of the story of Baroness Brekke ap Gwydion- I will relate each , and let you decide which is closest to what you feel must be true. It won't take too long, and ... well, as Chieftain, Baroness, and Storm, she is three women in one, so it fits."

An eager nod.

And the skald relates the tale, three times, each slightly different, each equally fascinating. In one the Chieftain takes on a Nordic styling of saga and glory, in another The Baroness is almost an Arthurian warrioress of legend, her very faith in what is good tested, and in the third, she is a park ranger way in over her head who rises to the impossible.

When they finish, she says "Hope you liked at least one version"

"I liked the second one best, I think."

"But the first was pretty good, too, and the third reminded me of, like, Die Hard in a way."

"mmm okay, I like that comparison, though it's hard to imagine the CHief ssaying 'Yippie Ki Ya mother deleted'"

"Well, like, he's just a regular guy that steps up."

"Yes, that does fit " A nod "The Chieftain is rather humble. I thought she might murder vali when he had her birthday exposed so to speak.

"

"Oh..."

"Well, I think she's impressive. And intimidating."

"She is" A nod "I remember her coming to Thyle. She was... stirring. That story I remember ... I was miserable. My father oathbroken, and I was expected to renounce him. The Chieftain saw us not as pariah and a wretch of a daughter... but as fellow trolls. I knew then, as I stared at her, and Noble Sir Frank, that I could follow a chieftain like her"

"Thyle sounds like it was full of jerks."

"From my view, yes I suppose. I.." A sigh "Might be unfair"

"You have to understand, my father WAS Oathbroken, it.. he did break an oath, but the reason was ...impossible to avoid for him at the time. He did it to save me. I could not leave him, but others didn't carea bout details or minutae. I saw him treated so poorly.. I took a lot of that hate in my heart and held it too close, and hated them back for father's sake"

"They were mean to you. And... I mean, Oaths are important, but aren't you already punished by being made weak?"

"On Thyle, they treated oathbroken like lepers, they were quarentined to the shanties... could not sell goods in the main market. It was like they were afraid it was contagious." A sigh "But I digress. Sir Frank treated my father as a brother, and Chieftain Brekke eyed the flaws in our land, our troll land, and it near to broke her heart. But rather than let it cast her down, she and the crew raised Thyle up"

"Because she's a hero."

Does Two-Bit send up an alarm before or after the knock on the door? Three solid raps.

"I'll get it!" She tromps off to get the door.

"Okay" Tove says finishing the cooking.

The Chieftain stands on the other side of the door, one hand resting on the axe at her belt. "Dagmar." She nods. "Am I interrupting your meal?"

"Nonsense, we haven't even started" She says

"You aren't." Fidget, a glance back at the kitchen. "You wanna come in?"

"My thanks. Hello, Tove," she adds as she enters the house.

"Please, Jaymes isn't here yet if you're looking for him. Would you like some coffee?"

"He's finishing up at work. He's a key-master now. Sounds fancy, right?"

"I do not wish you to go to trouble. And I am not looking for Jaymes, though please compliment him on his new role for me. No, I came to speak with you, Dagmar."

"...oh..."

An eyebrow. "There is nothing to be concerned about."

She brings up her hand, chewing on a knuckle. A nod.

"It's no trouble. Dagmar, would you like some soda?"

She shakes her head. "Nuh-uh."

Brekke nods to Tove. "My thanks." She then looks seriously at Dagmar. "You are of House Gwydion, now. Or, we now know you are of House Gwydion. I wish to help you with the ways of that House. It does have gifts, but also challenges."

Tove nods "my pleasure" And goes to get the coffee on.

"I imagine you have questions," she prompts the new young knight.

She scuffs her foot on the floor. "Are we allowed to lie? I mean, like, notbad lies but just... regular lies?"

A slight grin, and a nod. "I have done so, when most appropriate. But better to be careful in your silence and to be careful in what you say."

"It sort of... twinges..."

"Will I have to go to Bergen for Beltaine? Do I need to swear to Hemlock? Should I swear fealty to you? I'm not bound to Nadeen anymore..."

Brekke gestures for her to slow down. "Easy, now. Yes, you have questions, indeed." Slightly bemused. "Well...you and I should both visit Caer Falken for Beltaine, but as I have duties to Rivervale, none will expect me to stay long, and by extension, none will be surprised if you return with me."

A flash of relief and she nods.

"We don't have to tell everybody we're going, do we?"

"As for fealty...that is not something done lightly. My oath to the Count is an ancient one, made long before either of us drew breath in these bodies. Your oath to Nadeen is released. You are errant. Do you know what you wish to do?"

"I want to help at Rivervale."

A nod. "You do this already." Watching her carefully.

"I.. I know, but I..." She frowns. "I want to belong, like... I..."