#rivervale_lodge

"And he is not weird, Dagmar. Just...unusual."

"Sir August. House brother."

"Right!"

"And yeah, so, we were testing it - it said in the note the captain could send it to any body of water. So, well, that's how we went to the Dreaming..."

Another side glance to Frank, then she says to Dagmar, "In the future, it's probably wise to advise people before you go."

"Well, we weren't expecting a giant squid attack."

Then she blinks. "Wait...any body of water? And it changes size....hm."

A giggle. "So, what - you think she could sail it in a bathtub? That'd be hilarious..."

"A hoot." Frank agrees.

"Well...maybe...or perhaps even smaller." Then she shakes her head. "Well, neither here nor there for right at the moment, and I don't want to be giving her ideas. Or you, Dame. How is Stormwake?"

"He's good! We went all over. I think I want to learn how to jump. He wants to jump, I can tell."

"Dagmar, I understand you spoke with Brekke and Adam. What is your impression of him?"

A grin at Dagmar's enthusiasm, but Frank changes the topic, so she listens in while flipping another page. Squid with pesto....hmmm....

"Mmm."

"I think Adam's nice."

Frank listens, treating her just like he would an experienced wilder, or even a grump.

"He works hard. He'll listen to me when I give corrections, which, like... a lot of guys wouldn't?"

"He really wants to show he's okay. Wants to do stuff. Be part of things."

Frank nods. "You're working with him on combat. What about on the rest of our society?"

"I tell him stuff...." She frowns, a crease between her brows. ""I.. uh.." Purple. "I may have screwed up, a little.. I tried to explain why he gets the vibe off of you, y'know? Trying to make him less nervous, but..."

"It's ok." Gently.

"But I don't think I'm the best teacher."

"It's ok." He repeats. "Can I make some suggestions?"

She nods.

Kerri glances up briefly, but then turns back to her research. She may be listening in a bit, as well.

"Have you discussed the Escheat with him?"

"Yes! We did."

"And, like, the difference between musing and ravaging, because the right to Dream is to protect him. Sort of."

Frank nods. "Good. What about the Courts?"

"Oh... not those, not yet. I should."

"Maybe he'd understand Dirk better, then?"

"It might help him as he interacts with us, yes."

"Although Dirk... um.. I mean, it's hard to tell with a redcap.."

Frank nods. "I understand he's had some issues with Dirk."

"Dirk's an asshole. And a bully."

"I don't know all that's happened.. but you know Dirk can't resist talking shit."

"If I may?" Kerri interjects. "Part of that is his kith, yes....but he had a very difficult life. I think you know what that is like, Dagmar. But your kith is part of what you draw on to resist your less-good impulses."

"Oh, I get him. But that doesn't make him less an asshole. And I think Adam should be allowed to talk back. Like.. at school, Dirk ain't his boss."

"Chief, you, Frank... you're the bosses here, but... I don't think any kithain gets to boss around any kinain, just cuz?"

"...yeah?"

"Is that what's happening? I mean...there are matters of rank...but I think there are matters of rank among mortals, too, especially at school."

"At school, we're peers. We oughtta be, at least."

A skeptical look. "I've heard Sylvi tell it otherwise. Peers, yes, but not everybody likes everybody else, or treats each other equally."

"Well, no - not everybody likes everyone. But I mean, like, Adam can stand up for himself. If Dirk talks shit and gets in a fight, well, he earned that."

"Not everything has to be run up to the grown-ups. No offense?"

A deep breath. "Perhaps. But...Dirk will win. Do you really want Adam to deal with that at school, especially with an audience?"

"Not everything should come through us, no. You're not childlings. But...Adam is a special case, because of his sight."

A huff and a frown. "Well. Well, I mean, it wouldn't be fair for a troll to get in a fight with him, but.. but redcaps don't follow Dagda."

"And Dirk doing the eating thing, that wouldn't be fair, either. Which... which is why it's bullying, ain't it? Knowing that you're kicking someone who can't retaliate?"

"It is." Kerri nods. "And I don't think Dirk would eat him. But...well, I don't think Dirk has ever really tried to bully you. Redcaps, when they get going? It's..." a deep breath "...well, Adam would likely embarrass himself out of fear, unless he's made of stronger stuff than I suspect."