#rivervale_lodge

Gerd sighs but nods.

Stormwake ears observe forward as the mare comes forward. He ignores the gelding

Brekke steps forward towards the mare. "Husss, husss....." To calm her, a hand offered to scent.

Her ears go back and she holds still, letting the hand get closer, tensing up.

Vali suggests to Dagmar, "Dame Dagmar, make sure Stormwake behaves unless you're called for would you?"

Dag frowns, watching. Her fingers twitch a bit around the halberd. A nod to Vali.

The hand stops a bit away from her nose, letting her smell it, not touching. Brekke looks in the mare's eyes for a moment, calm and serious. "I will take those, squire," she reaches for the reins with her other hand, to relieve the pressure on the bit.

Perchal watches, his expression sour as he regards the horse, unconsciously rubbing at his shoulder. He hands over the reigns willingly, but remarks, politely, "Watch out, if you will, Baroness, she has a mean streak."

Stormwake does seem to want to stand as tall and impressive as possible. He even grows just an inch taller.

A dubious glance at the boy. "Perhaps that is because her bridle is too tight." She reaches and grips the bridle in a smooth motion, and loosens the bit a notch or two, constantly making those soothing noises.

He is, after all, a size changer.

She calms, just a touch, as the reigns let up, though she does stamp a hoof and shake her head, champing at the bit with an irritated whinny.

Perchal backs AWAY.

"Mm," Brekke nods in agreement and understanding with the horse.

The bit and bridle, to those who know, are both on a touch too tight. Not incredibly so, but enough to pinch and rub and press in discomfort.

Brekke considers the animal, and then Stormwake...then she turns to the others. "Lord Aidenn, I would like to see how these two relate to each other without such a large audience. May I ask you to accompany one of the Lodge on a tour of the grounds? Our Emissary, Sylvi, would do well to show you."

"Oh, a shame..." Disappointed, for a moment, as he truly was enjoying the time with the horses, but then he immediately recovers his dignity. "Of course, Baroness. Though I do wish for just a quick private word with you afterwards, if you will, before we head off." Bowing slightly to the Emissary, young though she is, and joining her.

Sylvi has stepped forward and is all courtier and public relations officer. "My Lord, if you'll follow me? The history of the area is interesting...."

Connor trails after them like a forgotten puppy, unless called back to the stables. Just gazing at the sidhe with those puppy-dog eyes, desperate for a pat.

Brekke looks to the others. "Only Dagmar and myself here, please, for the moment."

Gerd nods "Hey, Connor, wait up"

Vali bows, "But of course," And he withdraws

Brekke gives the mare a soft rein, barely creating any touch at the bit. "Come, this way, please."

Her ears flick back and she hesitates, considering pulling back on the reigns - but the tenderness of her mouth decides it, and she plods along, head down.

Dag bites on her lower lip, holding back any comment until the strangers are away.

"She looks like she hurts..."

Stormwake was showing off, prancing, but he stops as the Mare's reaction, a nicker of concern.

Brekke nods. "The bit cut her. Pass me that water bucket, please."

"Yes'm." She obliges.

Brekke dips her fingers in the bucket, tracing the patterns of a healing rune in the liquid, then carefully loosens the mare's bit further, until it can be eased out of her mouth. "Drink," she urges.

Eyes with more than bestial intelligence watch her - ears flattening as the bit pinches just a bit before releasing, but then throwing up her head as soon as it's free. She almost knocks the water in her motion, but then dips her head in, drinking deep. Was she watered enough on the walk over? The Gelding seems fine, not pulling towards the trough.

Stormwake moves a step closer then stops.

Her tail switches and her ears go back. Oh ho, not in the mood?

"Mind yourself," Brekke holds up a hand towards Stormwake.

"I don't like him."

A frown. "The squire only cared for the Baron's horse, not her. Vengeful."

Nod.

"Which one do you not like?"

Stormwake steps back.

The Heatherbalm she cast on the water should take effect easily, softly.

She drinks deeply, but then stops, lifting her head, muzzle dripping, and lifts her front foot, then stomping down. A switch of the tail, and she paces a bit - antsy, eyeing the open paddock. Her mouth moves a touch... pause, and her head leans towards the Chieftain, teeth showing a touch. Does she move away?

"Either, I guess."

Brekke doesn't flinch. She's still holding on to the bridle. And she...just waits.

Close enough that her breath is hot against Brekke's skin, tilting so that she can keep the large troll in her vision... and then she lightly lips at her sleeve, before withdrawing.

"Bet she was only mean 'cause she hurt."

A nod. "You are welcome." Then she gestures toward the paddock, an invitation.

"I agree. And she was hurt a great deal. Hobbling for breeding...." She shakes her head.

A look to Stormwake. "If we put her in there with you, you will mind your manners. Understood?"

Dagmar winces, jaw tightening.

A stamp of her hoof, head tossed, and if freed of the reins - off she goes! Like a bolt of lightning, she springs to action, freed of the rubbing bridle and cutting bit, and oh, she's a thing of beauty. Should Stormwake give into the temptation and run alongside her, she easily paces him, and draws ahead!