#rivervale_lodge

Said in awhisper, but fierce

He starts to say something, but then gives a thin lipped, unpleasant smile. "We are on your hospitality, and as you say, it is your horse he has wronged. Do you find it fair, Baroness, that you shall punish the lad?" Perchel GULPS, but looks unsure, looking from Ailil to Gwdion and back, which wrath he might fear more.

Brekke ignores the squire. "I trust that the one who showed such lack of skill will be carefully retrained at your hands, Baron."

"Stormwake, this is for Star. Wait your turn." Sugarcube held steady, no sign of bit or bridle...

A huff from Stormwake, but he behaves

"You can rely on it." Cold anger simmering - at being chided by the Troll - his equal in rank, but STILL.... and at the squire who caused it. "Perchel, ready Snowmark." He nods to the gelding. "We'll depart shortly. And I hope you are ready for a walk, as I shan't ask any of our mounts to carry you. On our return, you will be grooming every inch of hide in our stables, and polishing every inch of tack. Should I see one hair out of place, one spec of dust on a bridle, you shall start over again. And should I ever hear of you mistreating a mount again in my stables, that will BE the last moment you spend in my employ, or any other that involves a horse. And if you think you still wish to try for that Knighthood without a horse, you may well attempt it, as I AM well known in the community and no one will sell, rent or borrow you one if I say nay."

Connor cackles, then covers up his mouth as he interrupts the solemn moment. "Neigh..."

Oh NO he doesn't. Diffident at first, when Stormwake goes for the sugar, she surges in and nips it right off Dagmar's hand.

Stormwake flicks an ear at Dagmar knowingly. Did he know she would do that? Well, trust a horse to know a horse

"Shhh, shh. It's okay. Now, this one is for Stormwake." Indeed, sugar for the stallion.

The Statllion eats it quickly. That girl is fast!

The boy quails - it's one thing to be scolded, but in PUBLIC, and in front of COMMONERS... the shame.

Brekke is a grim, stony witness to the squire's scolding. "Connor...come say farewell to the Baron."

Gerd nearly swallowed her face in oreder not to laugh

His earlier good mood has faded, and cold politeness remains. "I trust you will continue you training and studies, and do your best to uphold the Lowell name." Curt to the boy.

"Nice to meet you..." Connor responds, quietly, and that's all he has to say.

He is about to turn, and then pulls a small parcel from his pouch and holds this out to the boy. "Here. I trust this will make up for the missed years. Do not expect such every year, as you are granted more than your fair share." This, quietly, though Gerd or Brekke may overhead. Connor takes it, looking a little confused. "Thank you?"

That's enough apparently, and the Baron straightens up to make his farewells. "Chieftain, I may call upon you on the landline to discuss further as needed, but it grows late, and Perchel has a great deal of work to do when we get back." "When we get BACK? But it will be midnight?" The Squire squeaks. "Then you had better be ready to start."

"Understood. Baron, thank you for your visit, and thank you for bringing the mare that we might care for her and help her improve. Please call as you desire. I am sure Connor would like to hear from you, as well. May you have safe travels on the path back."

Vali has come on the scene, he bows.

And at that, they pack up and head out, (after appropriate pleasantries) leaving behind an unloved horse and a loving boy, neither of which he deserves.

Vali whispers, but the Chief can hear "So, that's done then. The poor fool."

And Vali actually sounds like he pities the man.

After they have left, Brekke crouches down (creakily) to Connor-level. "Connor...I cannot make him love you. Neither can you. You did beautifully, but he has not the eyes to see how wonderful you are. I am sorry."

Well, "Star" is stabled with care next to Stormwake, left with a bucket of sweet grain and an armful of hay and plenty of straw bedding.

Stormwake, of course, is used to such service.

She settles in well, still wary of what the ploy is here, but enjoying the treatment.

Gerd nods at the Chieftains' words, "His loss, little brother. "

Connor rubs at his eye a little. "I didn't want him anyways." (a tiny ping)

"I understand." Brekke rests a hand on his shoulder. "However, there is another one here whom he did not care for, and she will need to adjust as well. I think, Connor, if you are willing, you could read a story to Stormwake and the new mare who is staying with us."

"I do like stories. Can you put this away for me? I don't want to drop it in the horse... stuff." He offers the small packet to Brekke, to look at later.

"Of course. You could open it now if you wish?"

He looks at it, and giggles. "He can't even count." Pulling open the wrapper, he pulls out a length of leather. "Oh! It's a new leash!"

Brekke's eyes go wide. Is that actually what it is?

Actually - there's an extra bit of leather, and it doesn't look right as he holds it up - no, it's a bridle! And it gleams with a touch of glamour. A treasure, it seems.

He drops the wrapper to the floor and playfully rests it on his head. "I'm a pony. Where's MY sugar cubes?"

Stormwake does nuzzle Dagmar, as if to show Star that this one is a good one.

She huffs - for now, it's enough that she's nuzzling her oats - and his too, if he's not quick.

HIS oats. Those oats are your oats. These are his. Mmph

"Interesting. Connor, would you bring that to the stables and hang it up near Stormwake's bridle? We will look into its power more later. But you have a horse to read to now."

"Okay. I'll read just two stories. No more than three."

And he hurries off, calling, "C'mon Gerd, let's go read and eat sugar!"

"No sugar," Brekke corrects as they go.

So THAT's why the sugar was missing from the stables. And they thought that Stormwake had found a way to get to it.

Gerd laughs, and follows

She reaches down to pick up the wrapper from the gift and glances at it.

Vali says "I can name five Ailil I've met that I like. T hree I trust. The two tonight have not changed that figure."

Brekke frowns at the paper. "Vali...this cannot be correct." She hands it to him.

A raised brow "It could be... but there are two options that come to mind Either he's spent a lot of time in balefire's power so aging was halted... utterly, not all allow their childlings to age.. or... " A look "He's another Jude... Faerie Eternity. I do not know. "

"Hm." Then she sighs. "Well...perhaps it will not matter for a time, yet. Excuse me...I must inform the Hearth that she need not prepare to feed any guests."

And, Dagmar is invited to stay for THREE stories that they read to the horses. Only he forgot a book, so he meanders along with making one up, though it's sure to be amusing.

"Good night. Chief." Vali says "I have some news to talk about later, but it can wait."

Dagmar is okay with it, listening. Possibly being a lap.