#rivervale_lodge

Dagmar has to get used to Siv getting back. In her efforts to HELP.. Siv has kind of gotten in the way. Sure, the horses are let be, but some of Dagmar's patrols have already been taken. And while she'd never mess with the Hearth, some of the kitchen tasks Dagmar assists with... taken.

Dag might quietly grumble, but she doesn't outwardly complain. Few boggans to notice THAT dynamic.

However, Nadeen approaches, her little dog with her. Oddly, it seems Nadeen has taken her teaching duties of the pup VERY Seriously. Also, Nadeen cooes over the animal a lot. Kind of firm teaching, lots of snuggles

Then Nadeen sees Dagmar and clears her throat "Dagmar? do.. do you have a moment?"

"Hey Nadeen! Always. What's up?"

"I have plans. I thought you might want to hear." A breath and she looks around "Connor's not in ear shot is he?"

"I don't think so... he was at the stable..."

She moves along quietly with Dagmar then says "I, I've been told I should be honest with you. That anything less could hurt you deeply. I should KNOW this. ... but I worry I'll hurt you even if I am honest. " A breath "You know I'm Unseelie right?"

A nod. "You're Varich. But S-.. I have other unseelie friends, yeah? And I've been unseelie."

"Yes, you have," a thoughtful nod "So you understand I still have ambition? Some others might think of as selfish?"

"Well, I know you want your own hold."

"Yes. I think I have a way to get one," A confession "Or at least a way to share one" A nod

"Oh yeah?"

"Calanthe is making a play for Silver Wolf Barony, and she hopes to use your squire to do it. " A frown "I'm sure of it. I think if she can't get Aiden to marry her, she'll try to use Connor as a regent and get rid of Aiden. I don't want that to happen. Either"

A scowl. "I don't trust her."

"You're wise" A nod "She's ambitious. And doesn't care if she breaks Connor's heart for all her pretense. or so i believe" A breath "now, here's the hard part. I have an idea how to stop her, but I worry you'll be offended."

"I am really worried about her hurting Connor, yeah."

"He wants them to love him, so much.."

"I know" A sigh "And that might never be. I think somehow the Baron is angry at Connor for the loss of Connor's mother. I don't know how that makes sense, but trust me when i say he resents Connor. He sent Connor away because he couldn't be a good dad. A father should not be so angry at his son. I hope I'm reading things wrong but I don't think there's much chance for Connor being welcomed by his dad."

"I don't think there is, either, no."

"Baron Aiden doesn't like imperfection." A glance towards the stables.

"his standards are high and sometimes I think he is too hard on himself" A frown "But, on my idea how to stop Calanthe" A breath "I think if he and I began courting, it would throw a complete wrench into her plans. Then you and I would have a new hold to play with as I'm sure he'd understand about US. I think I can defeat her with politics, and maybe gain my ambition, and a place where you'd love to visit me "

there. it's out. Quick. Clean. Clear! Surely it can't be misunderstood, can it?

Bluescreen.

"...oh..."

Watching Dagmar shut down she says "I love you. THis is a truth. You would not be any less in my heart for my being married, and I'm sure he'd understand that I would insist on seeing you. " A worried look, "Dagmar. I , don't want to hurt you. I could do this to help us both. AND Connor. And I ... I would still be yours. I am not breaking up with you or you me. I am not planning on.. well , I think it will be a celibate marriage... probably"

"Oh.."

Searching gaze, trying to find something.

"Well I..." SHe starts, frowns, and tries again. "Well, I guess we both sort of knew we weren't getting married."

A stop "Wait, did you.. did you want to?" A stunned look, as if she had totally missed " I mean, not NOW , of course, but like , did you think one day we..."

A blush "Did you think one day one of us would propose to the other?"

Shrug, scuff. "Didn't think so. Just, like, I mean... I dunno, I didn't think about breaking up, neither. I dunno."

"We're not beaking up, at least.. I dont' want us to" She says feeling alarmed. THere's a definite sense of growing worry inside her

Shrug.

"You're a Baroness, you should have a hold."

"But we're not breaking up, right? Youre' not dumping me? right?" Alarm

Dagmar shrinks. "No?"

"If we get a vote, I vote no we don't break up" so alarmed she's willng to resort to Democracy "Didn't you hear what I said about us staying together?"

"Yeah, I heard."

"Well, what do you think? I mean, is it, doable? Do.. ar eyou okay with this?"

"I... I mean, I guess if... I..." Frown.

"You need a hold, and we need to protect Connor..." Furrow.

A look, "And I also want you happy. I want the trifica, or there's no point. And if you can't be happy wit hthis yo uneed to tell me so I can find other ways"

"I... I guess I just didn't expect this to happen so soon. I thought there was more time."

"It may still take time. Courting among sidhe can take awhile" She says "And even then.. who knows? He may decline" A flash of hurt pride at the very notion then a sigh "But , I did come at you rather suddenly with it, I know. Perhaps you shoudl talk to the Chieftain? See what she advises?"

"Oh..."

"As for connor, there are other ways to save him from Calanthe. I'll work on some other plans too?"

"Mm."

"Unfortunately, I have to use methods Seelie Gwydions can tolerate" A sigh

"Oh... like, oh, no - you can't kill anyone." She nods.