#rivervale_lodge

Dagmar races along Star, going over the hurdles set up. Jumping is not something she does a lot of. Fortunately, she had an advisor.. more than one. Vali gives his advice "Good, trust Star. She knows what you want of her and she knows she's the best"

"She doesn't need reminded!"

Star nickers smugly. No baby fat on her at this stage!

"Oh, you."

"Well, fine, as long as YOU know she's good and feel comfortable" Vali smiles "Leaping doesn't come up in jousts, but there maybe other events.. and I bet you'd like to be in on some of them"

"Totally!"

"Good. Well, she's a warhorse, some folks aren't go ing to think she'll be any good at this event."

Star snorts. Not good?

"Sorry, Star, but heavy warhorses tend to have a rep for not being so bouncy" Vali says

Another series of logs and other low obstacles awaits

"And I'm a heavy rider..."

"All trolls are" He nods "Even the smallest trolls ain't petite"

"But, win or lose, I bet you'll have fun at it" Vali declares and backs up to let the horse and rider have another go

"Mmph."

And soon Dagmar is riding and practicing again

And STAR is on her game- she will prove she is the Queen of Horses! Oh, and her rider isn’t piffle either...

The low barriers, and logs do not intimidate the mare. And the pacing of speed and timing of jumps is quite a fun test

It took her a little training to understand the joust- running towards a dummy on the field spooked her initially. But now, bolstered by confidence in the rider who guides her, she whinnies a challenge at the wicker and wooden opponent as though it were a rival mare, and thunders onward!

Dagmar sets the practice lance, holding steady!

"it mocks you, Star" Vali calls out "Your foe mocks you! He says you are knock kneed and your mane is a touch tatty"

Sensing the shift in weight as they close, Star adds a burst of speed at the last second!

"Dame Dagmar, the foe just insulted your mother's cooking" Vali declares

She ignores Vali- focus is on the target.

GALLOP!

And like a streak of light, horse and rider work as one and the lance holds true .... and strikes the target!

And BLAM.... the lance hits square on, the lance almost vaporizes under the amount of force provided... and the target is.. now in two pieces, and both of those pieces flat to the side

"Holy shit" Vali mutters

"It's supposed to break, Vali."

"Yeah... break, not disintegrate" He says

Grunt.

As they circle around past the fence, Star eyes Vali’s arm where he leans on a rail. Maybe she hasn’t forgotten that mane comment.

Sir Vali notices the look, "Amazing speed there too, Star. I think.. no, I KNOW you both will do Rivervale proud"

"We sure don't wanna bring shame."

"You'll bring honor to us all" he says deadpan

Gerd says from her spot where she's been observing "Okay uhm.. Dagmar, do you want some food? I had an apple for Star, but ah.. a monkey took it" A sigh

"The apple was lonely!" is heard from a few trees over

"Snow!"

"VERY lonely" Snow calls back

Vali says "How about I get a new A-P-P-L-E"

"Star sure earned it." She pats the mare's neck.

Vali nods "She did. Besides. I need in her good side again" And he goes "Gerd will get you troll snacks"

Gerd snorts "it's SCONES, not troll snacks... cinnamon ones because I .. argh. Uncles" For he has kept walking

Gerd turns "Want a scone? " to Dagmar

"Sure!"

And so Dagmar gets to wash her hands, and have a well earned cinamonn scone.

And Star ? Vali didn't earn the title 'the stealthy' for nothing.. while Snow is distracted, he gets her a big crisp apple

And Star is placated from his earlier remarks. Crunch.

Vali nods "Thanks for looking after the little one" He says "We're fond of her." A gentle pat, and he leaves Star be.