#rivervale_lodge

"I am learning to read Troll, I try, but sometimes I just don't know."

"Then...perhaps you can help me. You have helped many in the days since your mistake. You have supported your knight. You have aided the Lodge. You have saved lives. I see all of this. So now help me show my thoughts." She extends her arms to him. "Will you allow me to hug you?"

His chin wobbles and he gives her a fierce hug. "I don't read your words well. All I remembered was the mad. I'm sorry, Chief..."

A sniff. "And I won't STOP. Dogmar is on break but I can still try to be brave like him."

"I do not share my words well, sometimes," she says, hugging him back. "You have done well, Squire Connor. And I believe that Dogmar learned to be brave from watching you."

She adds, "We will need to know we can continue to rely on you. I believe we can. And I think you believe it, too."

Myrttle Anne watches. Her heart going out to the boy but she knows she can't help right now

He nods. "And soon Spark will jump over more than Nanny goats. We have to be ready to go to the moon if he lands there, like the cow." Sniffing, and giving one more squeeze. He can't help the tangents, but he nods agreement with her.

"Yes, you will have to help him learn how to practice his skills while still respecting his parents' boundaries. You can do this?"

"I will learn." A nod!

"Good. We will count on you." She releases him from the hug. "Good?"

Myrttle Anne, having handed the holidays spices and herbs over starts to withdraw

Brekke nods as she goes. "Thank you again, Myrttle Anne."

"You are most welcome, Chieftain." A pause "I took notes" New to childling rearing herself, she truly has

A blink at that...then a nod to the boggan.

And assuming that Connor is reassured, she suggests that she teach him a bit about tending goats.

No doubt one KID will have opinions on goats

(End Scene)