#rivervale_lodge

"Stormwake's gonna make his big debut..."

"I mean, I know you won last year, but you'll win better this year, with him, and... and I get to wear a Rivenvale tabard, right? WHen I help you?"

"She would look good in those colors, mom"

"Of course. This is not even a question." Brekke nods firmly.

Dag breaks into another quiet grin and nods. "Okay."

"Hm...I think Adam should wear one, as well, if he is willing. Do you agree?"

"Oh yeah. Matched set."

She nods. "Ask him, please."

"I mean, I know I haven't sworn fealty..."

"I will, sure."

An eyebrow. "It is not an oath I often ask for...but if you are willing, Dame Dagmar, I would be honored to accept."

Siv is very quiet.

She shrugs. "I've been thinking about it. I mean... this is my home, isn't it?"

"I believe so." Though she seems a bit amused by the shrug.

"And Frank said if you swear, you get even stronger when it comes to defending it. So if I swore to protect Rivervale... right?"

A serious nod. "Additionally, I would return the oath of Escheat. Both of us would gain an added obligation...but also added strength."

"I don't think you'd order me to do something bad..."

Eyebrow. "I cannot promise I would never order you into danger, or to act against your better judgment. Sometimes either...or both...might be necessary."

"I'm not afraid of danger." She puffs up.

"This I know."

"But I kinda want to talk to Dad about it first? I've been thinking about it, but with the Dragon, it feels... more pressing, I guess?"

"I don't have the oath to Nadeen anymore. And she'll be sained come November, anyhow."

"I was wondering. When did she release you?"

"When I was sained. Because of Klump..." She blushes. "It was all.. it... I was willing to serve, you know? And I still try to protect her anyways..."

"Ah. Yes." Brekke nods. "She is of Rivervale, of course you try to protect her."

"Well, yes. And she's... she was my friend. And I think maybe she is again?"

"It's complicated."

A slight grin. "I understand. Tell me what you decide, Dagmar."

"For now...will you both excuse me? I have some reading to do." she indicates the notebook and turns to go upstairs with it.

"There will be a quiz, young lady" humor then "Good night, mum"

"Night, Chief."

A rumbling chuckle, and she is gone.

Siv smiles "She's proud of us." Warm feeling for the daughter to be sure. "And they have a better chance of winning, thanks to us."

"Right?" A satisfied smile.

"We helped."

"We all did." A pat on her friend's shoulder. A pause, "Mmm can I at least call you wench when I'm wanting to grief you?"

a wink.

"...please don't?"

"Cupcake might be okay."

Okay THAT Gets a hug "Okay, Cupcake. I'll try to remember no Wench. Though some nockers seem to take it as a title of pride."

"Well, I'm not a nocker."

"You are all troll" No denying "A daughter of the kith if ever there was one. Like mom."

"Oh, I'd like to be like the Chief, someday."

"Or Kerri... or Tove..."

"You'll be Dagmar, but I don't doubt you'll borrow a bit of what you like and what fits you best as what to grow into. " Siv says "Damn, we've got good examples don't we?"

"Yeah, we do. Big damn heroes."

"Oh sure, just because you're a wee bit taller than me making you a bigger damn hero" tease

"But Aye, they are."

"Ha!"

"Don't forget to tell Adam about the tabbard. I think he might get a kick out of it"