#rivervale_lodge

Brekke looks blandly as the goat gets a lesson. She doesn't seem at all concerned.

"Well...I sometimes have concerns about Siv's ego, but her deeds do merit recognition."

Connor trots eagerly up! "Myrtle-Anne! You found my goats? They're playing! Hey, Nonny-Nonny!" And he slows, seeing the chief as well, and stops to bow. "Hello, Chieftain." Formal.

A surprised blink, but a formal nod in return. "Squire Connor. What can you tell me about how these goats came here?"

"Oh, your daughter has folks to keep her humble... " A pause then a smile at Connor

"They're my new friends. The sweet one is Nanny, and the fussy one is Nonny. But sometimes they change names. Dagmar brought them for me from the land of Vali-guys!"

"I see." Her brow furrows a bit as she considers how to parse the truth of these statements...but then again, she did ask.

He pauses, and takes a step closer. "Dogmar Hambonsnatch the Just has retired, you know." A nod.

"He hung up Bugsmasher and has gone where-ever heroes go when they are done for the day."

"Valhowla?" Myrtte Anne says deadpan

Eyes wide, he nods.

A brow at Myrtle Anne, then a somber nod to Dagmar. "Dogmar served well and truly. His tale will be long remembered in Rivervale...and perhaps he may be called upon once again in time of need?"

He edges a bit closer. "If you are sure? He did good?"

Myrtle Anne shows no shame at the brow

"You doubt the Chieftain's word?"

He shakes his head, looking suddenly worried, his brows furrowing up and ears back. "No, no! Please don't be mad."

"I am not angry. But I hope you do trust my judgment."

He nods, but he looks uncertain. "Do you... like the goats?"

"Well, I have only just met them," she points out reasonably.

"But I do believe they may prove to be fine additions here. "

"I hope you like them. Even if they are naughty sometimes. One of them tried to stick her head out and got stuck because she forgot to turn sideways again..." Trailing off on a tangent, as he rubs a toe into the dirt.

"Ahem" Myrttle Anne says "Connor, what's wrong?"

"They eat apples, and hay, and one of my socks...." He looks over to the boggan. "I have more socks, it's okay. It wasn't one of the good ones. It was one I was taking to a friend at Arf Rooms later."

A puzzled look. "Arf Rooms?"

And further curious as Myrttle Anne asks.

"Where Henry the Eighth is, but he's actually the first, and I hear there's a second now too. But he doesn't really rule, they have a lion in a tree, and a lion not in a tree, and Siv, but Siv isn't there now." He explains.

"Earth RUnes" Myrttle Anne says

"Ah!" Brekke is grateful for Myrttle Anne's interpretation. "And you intended to bring this Henry a sock?"

"Oh no, that's for the Gruncher. He doesn't exist though, so you won't see him. I need to see my spooky friend." And he suddenly looks worried. "It's okay if I go? I won't go if you say not to. I won't." He shakes his head and nods, but sounds earnest.

Myrttel Anne looks troubled

And suddenly she understands. "You wish to go, but wish to make sure you have permission."

A deep breath. "I would be more comfortable if you went with a companion, a wilder perhaps."

"Connor..." Myrttle ANne says and dropping lower to childlilng size "Are you worried you're getting an escort because you think the Chief doesn't trust you?"

He doesn't meet her eyes. "I don't mind. Honest."

"Ahh." And she gives the boy a long, measuring look.

Myrttle Anne looks up "Pardon my intrusion, Chieftain but well... just like you can't stop being tall" A shrug

Brekke shakes her head. "Thank you, Myrttle Anne. I did not see it."

Watching Spark play, it is gleeful, but his tail does not wag.

"Connor...Dogmar has done true and honorable service, thanks to your guidance and direction. And you have done equally well as a Squire, yourself. I believe you have shown good sense and reliable behavior."

"If I send you to EarthRunes with escort, it is for your safety, not because I do not trust you."

He looks up at her, and gives a solemn nod. "I... I." He frowns a little, and looks down.

She listens, patiently.

"I don't want you to be mad at me any more. Please." He says, with true effort.

A blink...and she lowers to one knee to be closer to his eye level. "Connor, look at me."

He has trouble, he wants to look away, like a dog that knows it's done a bad thing.

But he manages to look after a few starts. Meeting her gaze at eye level.

"I am not mad at you."

His chin quivers. "I ran off when there was a duty to do, and then I said... I said things. I was a Bad Dog. I'm trying, really really hard to be a better Squire. But I don't know how much is enough." A fat tear rolls down his cheek. "And it's cold now and it's hard and I love my Knight but... even with Yule, winter is hard, and I don't know what else to do."

"Ah, Connor." She sighs, and nods. "Winter is often hard for me, as well. And sometimes it takes a great deal of work to do what needs to be done. Sometimes I need help. And it is hard to ask for help, sometimes." Her voice is quiet and serious. "Is that how it is for you?"