#rivervale_lodge

"Just the once."

"Well I'll be." She says "Thought Chief Clem was yanking my chain on that story" A nod of respect and she looks about for more work

"That was with Stormwake, not Star."

"Well, you got good horses. Back on the farm we got some too, Lanark, old stallion, still the toughest piece of horse you're likely to find, he's sired a few more. Frankly I think Rover Olgar would get more done if he rode a fae steed on the silver but he tells me when I make it, I can ride whatever I want on the silver. Hes good with the walk"

"Sylvi's talked about Lanark. I've ridden Blueberry."

A pause. "First horse for me, actually."

"Oh Blueberry's a sweetie," Not unfond "She taught me how to ride"

"Likewise."

"Reckon she's taught dozens by now"

A hint of a smile. "Probably."

"Oh, I got a carrot in my pocket. You want to give it to one of them? They've been well behaved"

"You can. Make friends."

She offers the carrot to Star, "Oh I've seen star before, not sure I'm a friend, but she's okay with an admirer"

"Who doesn't like a bit of admiration?"

Star nuzzles Dagmar one more time, as if saying don't be jealous but I'm taking that carrot, and then star does so

"Yeah. I want to do things with my life" Eulalie says "Make my name"

"There you go , Star" She adds

"Being a Rover could do it. Lots of heroism potential. Not always glamorous, though."

"Don't need no courtly approval " A nod though

And the carrot is consumed

Dagmar wipes her face off with a rag - dust and sweat are a tough combo.

They are "Hotter than I expected it to be, this being up north" Eulalie admits

"It's still summer. Not sure if Iowa is much further south, really."

"Actually I guess it's not" She admits "Just the accents throw me off"

"Whatchu talkin' aboud?" Laying it on thick.

Snerk

And she continues to work

Footsteps approach, heavy troll steps and lighter canine steps. Stormwake raises his head and nickers.

Dagmar tenses up slightly. Subtle. Easy to miss.

The stables are, by now, immaculate.

And Eulalie does. she barely knows Dagmar ater all so she misses it

"Eulalie," Brekke nods a greeting as she gets to the stable. She ducks inside and spots who she expected to see. "Dame Dagmar." One hand bears a jug of lemonade, the other a couple of glasses. "The Hearth suggested you two would appreciate these, as long as I was on my way here."

"Chief."

"And yes, thank you. Kerri's thoughtful."

She sets both down for the girls to help themselves. Oak arrived with her, but has gone off to check on Edie, keeping a respectful but concerned distance.

"She is," Brekke agrees. She regards the stable. "Very clear. Good work."

Grunt. ("Thank you.")

"Chief, thank you kindly" She takes a glass, "Got rid of that stump, the little one?"

Stormwake nickers again, and Brekke goes over to stroke his nose.

"Mm, good," she says to Eulalie. "Filled it in?"

"yes, ma'am" Eulalie says "Packed solid"

"Good. Add more after the next rain. The soil will settle."

"Will do, Chief"

She looks to Dagmar. "You brought in the mortals, I am told. Well done. How did it come about?"

"Accident."

"Accident?"

"I overheard the two who were holding them, so I acted."

"Mm." A nod. "Good. You took an opportunity."

"They had guns, and I figured I didn't have a lot of time. Honestly, pretty lucky they conked out on the first blow. Probably less lucky for them, long-term."

An amused sound. "They earned it, I think."