#rivervale_lodge

"Went to rest."

He puts a hand over hers on his shoulder.

"He had thoughts to share. I saw it in his face. Did he share them with you?"

"He was concerned that Baron Lowell might use an invitation to Pennons to claim he was our guest at Count Hemlock's celebration."

"What invitation? I..." She pauses. "Ah. Dagmar's. Well...there is some advantage to having him as a known guest, perhaps?"

"He could cause trouble." Frank points out.

"Yes, but still bound by Escheat."

A grumble from the other troll.

A brow. "A minor advantage at most, I agree. You will note I chose not to house his courier here."

"What are your thoughts, My Heart?" she asks more quietly.

"I am concerned for Dagmar and Connor. The boy.... he has no interest in the boy. Why ask for him? To use him? Hurt him? And why Dagmar?"

She nods. "I agree. Connor still hopes for his father's love. I fear this may give him hopes that will likely be dashed. As for Dagmar...she is becoming a known figure, beyond our borders. And there is the matter of Star."

"What possible reason could he have for wishing a bond between his lands and yours?"

"I do not think it is a matter of bond. I think it is...counting coup."

"For fun?" An eyebrow.

"For the boast of it."

"Same thing." Muttered.

"Yes. Sadistic. But not a threat beyond that, I think. As long as he gets a cruel victory, no matter how minor, he will be satisfied. I think."

"Neither Dagmar nor Connor have earned such attentions."

"Mm. You are suggesting they are tools...to win a cruel victory against me."

"More than that, I'm wondering -why-. You don't know the man, do you?"

"Not beyond his visit here."

"Which is why I'm at a loss."

"Perhaps...it is simply that Dagmar has had such success with a horse that he had deemed a loss."

"A petty grudge."

"Perhaps."

A sigh. "We will not learn tonight. It is late, My Heart. Let us rest."

He nods and rises.

She takes his hand and squeezes it briefly before turning and going up the stairs.

He keeps her hand in his, trailing after her with slow and steady pace.

And off they go to well earned rest

(End Scene)