#rivervale_lodge

Jack sighs "Nevermind. I just don't speak it is all"

"you get used to it," Brogan says "Though only trolls seem really good at it"

"Oh." She considers. "Hmm. Practice? Siv is still learning it, so's Tove, and they're trolls."

"I'll practice" Jack says bouncing a bit on his hooves "I wanna be able to speak to my Chief and He-Chief"

"Chief & Mountain are pretty good at it." She settles in one of the chairs, basking in the firelight.

The flames seem bright and almost attentive. Someone is hurt. It will tend.

"Mm." Content.

"THanks again for the rootbeer" Brogan says "Uhm.. since you're here, Dame Dagmar, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure. What's up?"

"has.. has the Hearth spoken of my performance? Am I reflecting well on my House and squireship in her opinion?" The boy says "If.. if you know?"

"She's spoken well of you. Says you're smart and helpful."

"So - probably doing good?"

"Okay. Thank you. Sometimes I wonder. I know she didn't want a squire" He says

"She didn't, but that doesn't mean she doesn't want you now that she has you."

Jack says "You're lucky, Brogan. It must be nice to be wanted. Maybe she'll adopt you?"

"I have mortal parents," Brogan says to Jack.

"Oh" Jack blushes

A sidelong look at Jack. "Y'know, I was in the foster system for ten years, right?"

"I didn't. I knew you got adopted though" Jack says "Sorry, the system sucks. "

"It does suck. And I am adopted now, yeah - but it didn't happen super fast, neither. Not even after chrysalizing, or coming here."

"So, like... sometimes it takes time to find the right place. Doesn't mean you don't belong here now, even if you're in a for-now room."

Jack looks down at his hooves "What if I wish reeaallly hard? or ..or try harder? or be better?"

"I think you are fine. But... you want to be in the right place, yeah? You can't rush it or force it. "

"The Lodge will keep you safe, and fed, and take care of you."

"I ... yes. " The satyr says "I'm safe here." True "And that's..all I should want" Less true.

"It's okay to want more."

"Just understand, like... Chief and everybody, they're working on it? To make sure you get just the right place?"

"Gwydions don't lie, just ask Brogan."

Jack nods and seems a bit subdued but then he does look to Brogan.

"Gwydions can be irritable, and full of themselves, some anyway, but I've never known one to lie and most value honor almost as much as House Daireann does"

The sidhe says

"So - I promise, Rivervale is going to do everything it can to find you a home and a family."

Jack nods "Thanks."

Brogan says "Gwydions are good at their word, and trolls double good."

Jack smiles a bit more at that.

Brogan winces a bit but tries to hide it.

Dagmar notices, but allows the boy to keep his dignity. "Of course, you'll have to let the Storm know how you defended the Lodge. And your Knight."

"Yes." Brogan says, and that brings a pained smile

"Now, Stormwake would have everyone think HE did it singlehanded..."

"Singlehoofed" Jack corrects feeling clever

"Singlehoofed!"

Brogan rolls his eyes

"Well, we know better."

"Star will keep him honest" Brogan contributes

"Also true."

Brogan sips his rootbeer.

Jack says "Brogan can I fetch you something or put on music? No gift of pan I promise"

Brogan says "I'm good. If you guys want to watch something on TV or listen to music that's okay."

"Music could be good..."

The sound of the outside door into the kitchen, bags being set down. "Squire Brogan?" Kerri calls.