#rivervale_lodge

"Oh, I see. Well, you only live like what, a mile two miles from the lodge at most"

"And I can see him plenty, and now I can ride Stormwake lots..."

"But a horse is way more expensive than a dog."

"And, well, there's Snow, too.... "

"True, but Snow is.. well, Snow takes care of herself." Siv tilts her head, "I'm just saying.. you shouldn't think of the lodge as not your place too. It is you know? You're a king!"

"Yeah, but..."

"But it's different."

"Not sure I agree but...how can I help?"

"Well, I mean, I want my own horse, but I don't think I'm ready for one?"

"Possible..." She says

"But most horses don't have just one person looking after them do they? "

"I don't really know. Stormwake is a lot of work, and he's not even mine..."

"That's kind of my point. You work on him, mom works on him.. heck, Even I've taken a brush to him and I'm not even a horse person"

She nods.

"So... so maybe I'm not ready for my own, but I mean, I can dream of my own?"

"Of course you can!" Siv says surprised it need be asked

"And Stormwake is wonderful. I know, I know, everybody laughs..."

"Only because we're overjoyed to see you happy" Siv says "Also, sisters, cousins and lodgemates tease. But you've got nuthin to be ashamed of. Sylvi and you both feel.. free on the back of a horse. I may tease, but then I get teased bout boys and ships right? It's fun.. or meant to be. No. I know you're affection is real."

"So.. well, so you need to get out on the boat."

"SHIIPPP" A smile though

"Right, boat!"

"I get to pick on you being horse crazy again"

She stivks her tongue out

A laugh and hug, then "And never be ashamed of dreaming"

Purpleish

"Hey, I'm the support and morale remember?"

"True!"

"So you have to be inspired or iti'll hurt my feelings"

"Ha!"

"Come on... this isn't where you want to be. "

A grin "You want to patrol near the footbridge with me."

"Sure!"

"And we check it every few hours... to see when Stormwake returns"

"He might be tired..."

"I bet.. but more reason to see him home I guess"

And the two head out

----------

A very tired looking troll walks across the footbridge

Bix does not ride Stormwake, but rather walks him.

Stormwake looks to be worn out

Bix looks up, "The two of you..."

"this is why I prefer cars" he sighs

Stormwake hits the brakes.

Nearly tripping Bix up.

Brekke is putting the finishing tidy-up on the stable.

"Okay I'm sorry. " Bix sighs

A snort

Dagmar doesn't really grumble as she uses a pitchfork to heft in fresh straw.

Then Bix comes into view, with Stormwake looking tired and a bit lathered

Brekke pauses and gestures to Dagmar to take a look.