#rivervale_lodge

"They're all getting settled?" She shifts her weight, and absently chews on a hangnail.

"That is my understanding. Some still abide at the lake house, but Kerri and Anne Marie together are working out the details."

A nod. "That's good. I'm glad we could help. This part - the after part? - is a lot more complicated."

"Yes. More rules and bureaucracy. I will leave it to the experts in such matters."

"Yeah..." A hesitation?

"Hm?" A brow, inviting her to continue.

"Um. Nothing." ping

A pause. "Eulalie, please check the paddock fence for wear. Repair what you can, let me know what you cannot."

"Sure thing, Chief" And off she goes

A little ways down, Eulalie sees a black cat-shaped shadow using one of the paddock posts to sharpen her claws....

Dagmar sighs through her nose, wrapping her arms around herself.

Brekke notes the posture. "What is wrong?"

"I lost my temper on Sylvi the other day."

"Falcon-lost it."

Her brow furrows. "I have not heard about this. What happened?"

Eulalie says "No, bad cat" And gets some water to sprinkle on this strange cat

HIlariity ensues (Exit Eulalie)

A frown, her gaze sliding to the side.

"We got in a fight."

"She called me a coward."

"I lost control, and I shouldn't have."

Her fingers dig into her upper arms. "That's why I was out there, I wanted to cool my head and wanted space."

A frown.

Her tone is much lower now. "Why did she call you this?" The beginnings of anger, but it seems directed not at Dagmar, but at Sylvi.

A grimace. Shame written clear to someone who knows how to read her.

"I have neglected a Dreamer."

A long pause. A conflict between her people, an insult to her knight, and a confession of neglect, all within a few breaths.

"Why did you do so? I do not see how that makes you a coward."

A furrow between her eyebrows.

"I... " A frown.

She puts a hand up to stop Dagmar.

"Wait."

"Let us ride and talk."

She looks up, off-balance and uncertain.

She moves to start saddling up Stormwake.

She swallows. "Yes, Chief."

Star nickers and moves into place to be saddled.

Brekke is quiet as they prepare, but does not seem angry.

Dagmar prepares Star for the ride, quickly and ably.

Even though the day is muggy and normally Star might be finicky, she does not put up a fuss.

Soon they are outside with the horses and mount up. Brekke says, "Oak, stay with Edelweiss."

Oak wags and goes back. Signe looks hopeful though

Dagmar's shoulders are curled, marring what could be otherwise excellent horsewoman's posture.

Star blows out her nose, shaking her mane at the poor set of her rider, though she follows as instructed.

"Signe, come." A glance to Dagmar to see she is ready, and she urges Stormwake into a trail walk.

Signe the grimpaw follows dutifully

Dagmar follows the lead.

It's a humid day, but the wooded area is cool and quiet as they ride along.

Indeed, the sun breaks just enough through to cast lovely patterns

The horses pick up their feet with a bit more energy, enjoying the cool ride.