#rivervale_lodge

"Mmm Symon is a fine young man." SHe says with a nod. "Now I'd also suggest keeping an eye on Sylvi. Not because you should be like Sylvi, you're NOT Sylvi, and don't really want to be because Dagmar is just fine thank you. But she is more 'expert' at social situation, and if she's relaxing and laughing or what not, then you know she's less likely to be breaking any social taboos. Look to the experts. Like Kerri? In a kitchen, you watch what she does to learn right?"

"Well, yeah..."

"See if it works. LIke I said, don't try to be that person, no one says you have to be sheeple, but watching for examples might make you feel more relaxed on how far things are going. DOn't let them make your life choices, but ... I've learned how to get around here by seeing how the pros do it. Oh my I was nervous when I first came"

"But Sylvi's..." A sigh. "I'd rather hang out with Symon at a party. Parties are hard."

"Sylvi most of the time, I mean, she's my friend and it's fine.. just..."

A huff. "Parties."

"I love parties, so I am not that good at relating to you, I admit it. " A gentle smile "honestly, for me I don't see how you stay so calm in sporting events. See, all that pressure for the team woudl get to me. SO everyone has their areas of doubt. And yes, I know Sylvi can be very... well, she's like the queen bee at times. She likes the buzzing."

"yeah." A sigh. "She's so good at it. And she's pretty."

"It is an edge" She admits, "Your style is more like your dad's I think. Now he .. he perches. He finds a spot and settles in? You notice? And then he doesn't budge. Folks have to go around him... and that's fine. Why should he have to move? "

"He shouldn't."

"he shouldn't. And doesn't. So maybe that's how you might want to handle it. Perch, have your fun, and don't apologize for it. I THINK your father has fun. Turns out we DeBukes are a bit less stoic than a lot of Rivervalers." SHe makes a motion over her face to show a stone faced look "Woudl not want to play poker with either your dad or the chief"

"Oh, man... I dunno... like, if I fib just a tiny bit, even, y'know, like... like saying something's fine? I just.. it's like a twinge, right?"

"Oh, you'll have to ask the chief about that. " She ponders "I was raised pure commoner and all and not a noble friendly way... though they don't bother me so now. Met too many decent ones to hold onto that."

A frown. "You think the farm would mind me now?"

She ponders then answers "no. THe farm is land, and animals, and crops... and several people. SOME of those people would be nervous .. just like they're nervous around the chief. MOST of those people will consider you a Rivervaler, and more like to call you Thane or just Dagmar than Dame or Lady... but you are their ally and they wilcome you with talk and a smile. One or two? Set in their ways and I'm embarrassed to say, kin to me, will be bigoted and narrow minded to the point were they don't see reason but that is THEIR problem. Nothing wrong with you. You are a fine young woman, and you care about the Code of Dagda just as much if not more than they do."

Truth.

She believes it.

"I... I don't wanna be called Dame or lady all the time."

"But... but is it wrong that I kind of like it?"

"I mean, sometimes?"

"No, not wrong. Just because I or anyone else doesn't understand something doesn't mean it's wrong. Did I mention I dont' always get sports? Doesn't make you liking sports wrong does it?"

"No..."

"What is it you like about it? " Curious

She rubs the back of her neck and shrugs. "Knights... knights are heroes. I want to be a hero, too. And... and it makes me feel good, to think I'm.. I'm good enough to be one?"

"But I don't.. I don't want to have it be like I think I'm better than anyone else... I just..." A huff.

"Sound like you don't think you're better, you're just glad you know who you are, a bit more, you're glad to have a goal that makes you happy. And there is no sin nor shame in that. If more folks strove to be knights like the good ones in stories, then it might be a better world. "

Amused "Though, it will come with problems"

"What do you mean? What kind of problems?"

"Well , the Dreaming has a sense of humor, or so my Uncle Emmit says. It could be you're going to have to rescue some silly damsel who got herself trapped in a tower. You may have to punch a dragon out"

"Oh, that'd be -awesome_ though!"

"Well it sounds like hot and sweaty work and danger to me" the kinain says

"But it'll be cool."

"Sounds like being a knight definitely suits you, and the good kind, not the sort in dark and barbed armor that terrorize the land" She says "I have noticed knights seem to get into more trouble than thanes. Not that knights can't be thanes, but thanes seem to have a more steady work schedule."

"I think Dad will want me to ask before going off on a quest, though."

"Probably, at least until your 18, maybe even then. Your father is a good man, but he's still a father and they can be very hard to manage sometimes" a smile "Look, if anyone here comes looking for a knight, I usually direct them to Sir Vali, but I can direct a few to you if you want?"

"Yes!"

"I've fought plenty, I'm good at it."

"I know, before you were sained you were fighting. Now you have lessons with the Chieftain on whatever Gwydions secrets and all.. and I think that should be your priority, but if i hear of something local where a knight mighht help, I'll pass it onto you if I remember. What with your dad and tove making kissy faces all the time like the ywill be, you might want an excuse to move about" A wink

"Oh god, yeah."

A soft chuckle one with out malice and some sympathy "How are the chilli fries?"

"Should I try a different cheese next time?"

"Good!" (Gone!)

"Nuh-uh, they were great."

"Whew." Another thought "Actually, if you are feeling anxious, I do have something I need done, but it's just a delivery"

"Sure! What's up?"

"I reminded myself, when mentioning sir vali, that I had a chore for him. If you'd take this over to the lodge..." SHe reaches into the fridge and pulls out a box "I'd appreciate it. "

"Sure. Can do." She takes the box, and goes to peek inside.

Inside the box is food , of course, a dozen frozen mini ice cream cakes

"Ooo..."

"Now they all need to make it there, and quick. Vali will know what to do with them"