#rivervale_lodge

---------------

The horses maybe surprised to see odd security growing on them. In addition to the usual patrols, it would appear at least one patrol is added to circle about the horses etc .

The Dogs and horses are forced to get along yet more as Oak yawns and makes sure the big hoofed things aren't escaping somehow.

A marker, bearing the symbol of Rivervale has been put up. It flickers faintly of glamour.

Star keeps an eye on the dogs, but doesn't seem offended by their presence. The new marker is more interesting, and she nibbles curiously on the edge of this before deciding it can remain.

Whatever it does, it doesn't appear to harm the horses. But, having nibbled on it, Star can now claim it as is horse right.

Dirk walks up "Hey stupid horses" HE says, no other animal can be as cool as Scrot. "Next time you get horse napped, like let me fucking know so I can get in on the fight. Sucks Dagmar gets to have all the fun."

Stormwake snorts.

"Horses are assholes" Dirk says and walks on in to see if he's got food the Hearth left out.

Star snorts after the redcap as he leaves, and leaves a pile of plop that may reflect her opinion.

Alas, not where the cap would step into it

----------------

Jaymes says to his daughter as they head to the lodge, "What's this you wanted to ask me about?"

"Okay, so..." Brow furrow. "Chief.. she asked..."

"Now, Star would still belong to Chief, but, like... like she'd be mine, too?"

"For doing knight things?"

Jaymes ponders "So this is to recognize how you saved the horses and other things in the past?"

Hangnail-chew.

"I think so."

"I'd have to care for her, but I already do a lot with the horses."

"Mmm" (Intereesting)

"You do" He nods. "Do you like riding Star?" A brow

"I was worried I was too big for her... she's smaller than Stormwake or Blueberry."

"Clearly you're not. The Chieftain would never endanger an animal like that and she's ridden on Star herself I think. So, do you like riding Star?"

"Oh, she's wonderful. Not as powerful as Stormwake, but fast. Smoother gait."

"Mmmm" A nod "Then if the Chieftain is offering, and you love the horse, it would be wrong to refuse I think. "

"But is it.. I mean, is it fair?"

"Yes." he says, simply, not mocking, but as if that is all there really is to it.

"Horses are expensive, though."

"The food and stabling are covered. There is no dishonor in this, for you care for them and this is labor that might ordinarily be paid for. What's more, the DeBukes share their feed and things out of alliance. A part of you thinks this is too good to be true. It is not. It is true and good. Bad things happen whether we wish them or not, we can only be ready for them. If you want fair, then you will accept when good things happen but you didn't expect it. That's as close to 'fair' as life gets, and it is an unsure thing. Treasure the good and don't worry about the math of it."

He coughs. That long speech was atypical and he now wants a drink.

She mulls this over. "Hard to trust good stuff."

"Yes" He agrees, then says "Does it help to think that you will be a better knight with a horse at times? You could not have saved Vali without a horse. You could not have saved Stormwake with out Star."

"If you have Star for your use when you like, we both know you will use her for the lodge's sake anyway and not just enjoyment, though there is no shame in enjoying a gallop. After all, Star enjoys it."

Frank and Brekke might hear the talking of Jaymes and Dagmar as they close in. They certainly hear the 'greeting woofs'

"Star needs it or she'll get fat off apples."

"There you have it" He agrees and opens the lodge door to let her in.

"...bet she'd looks amazing with wings..."

"Wings? " then as they see the Chieftain and the Mountain he nods "Chieftain, Mountain."

"The treasure - that saddle?"

"Oh yeah" A nod

The Chieftain turns from conversation with the Mountain, both of them looking somewhat amused by something that was just said. Of course, you'd have to be familiar with them to recognize that expression as "amusement."

A nod from Brekke. "Jaymes. Dame Dagmar. Welcome."

"Chief. Mountain."

"My daughter tells me you wish to bestow something upon her? " Brow "Is this correct?"

Frank clears his throat and leans away from the Chief.

"Jaymes. Dagmar."

Brekke sets down her coffee mug and turns to face him fully. "It is correct. Jaymes, you know that your daughter performed a rescue last night. She saved Stormwake, and captured those who would have taken him. This is hardly her first service to Lodge and barony. If I could knight her for each time she has earned the honor, she would be a Dame many times over. She has more than earned the gift I wish to give her. With your permission, I would have Star be her horse henceforward."

A proud look in Jaymes' eyes. Frank and Brekke have daughters, they can see him stand a bit straighter as pride swells his chest and recognize the whys "A knight should have their own horse if possible" A nod "it may make her even more effective."

"Yes," A nod as if it need be said.