#rivervale_lodge

Dagmar is put to work, and probably can't shake Luisa's song out of her head having seen Ecanto. But prep is going strong, and besides, the stables need decorating too right?

Dagmar LIKES being useful.

And Star likes being combed, with respect

While other areas of the county have a cold drizzle , the barony seems to be colder, producing a light snow. Spark prances about in it happily

Stormwake even plays with his son a bit

She does try to decorate - not the stable, but the HORSES.

Star looks dubious at first but she trusts her person

Setting up a lovely family portrait for the chimerical camera, with the trio offset against a background of snow and pine trees.

Oh very nice.

Stormwake nuzzles their son to get him to hold still

A santa hat for Stormwake, and bows and jingle bells and poinsettas for Star

Spark has an elf hat!

Spark is pROUD of his hat, but wonders if it's edible?

Dag takes a few pictures, catching Spark in a silly pose.

Stormwake endures his hat with dignity. Star poses

"You all look WONDERFUL."

And the pictures come out great, because Spark's wings scatter snow on his parents at leastt once

"I don't know how you do it" Siv says from behind her "Those horses can be stubborn but for you? Sweet hearts"

"Well, they trust me. And so I need to make sure I don't betray that trust, either."

"You never would" Siv nods sure of it "I need to make sure Kassidy can ride."

"We could do lessons. Star's steady."

"If you'd be willing to lend her? She's your steed"

"Stormwake tends to be a brat with riders he deems unworthy, and it's a bad habit."

Star stamps a hoof

"Pardon, you're her rider" Corrected

She scritches Star's forelock. "That's a compliment, Star."

"Earth Runes has more horses, as does the Farm - but I don't think the Farm would welcome your squire."

"Star has been doing well with Connor, so he can learn before we start working with Spark."

"Well, they're starting to accept Liams, but that does' mean always a warm welcome true" Siv pats Stormwake "Stormwake just has high standards"

Spark flounces. He and Connor will be a lean mean rider and horse team!

"It's still a problem. I am fond of him, but... well, he's CHief's."

"Ma and he get each other I think. You know, when they win at a joust, I think Stomwake does all the boasting mom kind of WISHES She could do.." more pattinng "Star's the best training horrse we got though"

"Star's the best horse we got." A grin.

"I did not say that" Siv smiles though "And you are So biased.. but loyal"

"Very biased."

"Let us never fight about who has the best cat. Tis a war of attrition no one wins" A smile

Truth to tell, Mackerel has a lead in mousing, but Odin is wiser

"Oh, well, all cats are best cat. Just ask them."

"this is true. More like they talk tto each other about who has the better trained person. Mackerel makes it so I can't use a lap top"

Siv seems at ease

"I appeciate the horse lessons help. Kassidy likes the sea, who wouldn't? But sometimes I worry I lack in a few areas..."

Gerd comes up "Hey? Sorrry to botther you guys.. but I needed to talk to Dags"

Siv arches a brow and gestures for the younger wilder to play through

"I've been invited to visit Wudlig for the holidays... at Silverwolf. Yule..today. And it was hinted I could invite a guest, perhaps a childlinng." A brow " I think they're hoping to have Conor for both Yule, well, for a part of yule, and Christmas. I thought I should ask you how you felt about it, as you're his knight, Dagmar?"

"Me? I hope he gets to see his father. But you'll need to ask him - I won't force it. I think he'd feel better going with his sister, though."

"Versus, y'know, alone."

"Oh definnnitely" chin jut from Gerd "I get that Nadeen is half in charrge now so I'm sure Connor's safe with 'that woman' gone, but he shouldn't visit alone"

"Agreed."

"Marigold seems okay... and that rabbit pooka?"

"Bluebell's nice" Siv joins in