#rivervale_lodge

"But this is also why I suggest you give him a role to play in your plan. He will fulfill a task as part of a team, and you will be able to predict his involvement."

A brow. "I do not think she is wrong. Can you do this with a clear head?"

"A fair point about predicting his involement and... he knows stuff" No denying that

As to the second comment "mother, I'm a Fiona. We excell when running on passion"

"And I am Gwydion. It is taking a great deal of strength to resist the urge to go to Teaneck and demand immediate access to this assassin." Her hand clenches, then releases. "But the Spymaster requires time to do his job well, and I would get in his way. All I ask, Siv, is that you not get in your own way."

Off in the distance, but approaching, the rumbleroar of the Rig's motor.

Brekke returns to working on Stormwake, but nods toward the motor sound. "Your opportunity arrives."

"I understand, and see your point and..." the rumble roar of the motor "Poop"

Her eyes flick to the side, towards the sound.

A brow to Siv. "Do you wish me to be there as you tell him?"

"up to you, you and Dagmar may have stuff to talk about " She understands

"We don't. Do the important stuff."

Siv nods and heads towards her dad

Brekke finishes with Stormwake and puts him in his stall, making sure he has plenty of water and good oats. "I will follow you soon," she says to Siv.

When Siv goes, Brekke asks Dagmar, "All is well with May?"

"She's doing much better, even without the Dreamcatcher."

"I need to find a guardian for her, at college. Keep her safe."

"Mm. She is returning to California for college?" A pause, then she murmurs, "Perhaps Jude would know...."

"Maybe?"

"I would like either a kithmate or a housesibling, I think."

"Mm, well...many of my contacts there have left or passed, but Frank may have stronger connections. And Jude...he is not of our house, but I suspect he would be able to help find someone suitable."

"Maybe someone in the House?"

"I.. really, I've not done a lot of stuff with Gwydions outside of here."

"Hm. We should address that."

She shrugs. "I mean, I have a title, I belong to the House... it just... " A little brow furrow.

"Sometimes, I dunno, maybe I want more?"

"More...service? Or broader recognition for service?"

Frown.

"Like... "

Brekke listens.

She huffs. "It's not very... I know it shouldn't matter."

"I'm proud of what I've done. Do."

"But is it wrong to want to be... important? A little bit? Like... known, and demanded, even?"

"And I love Rivervale, I do. This is home."

"I do not fault you for wishing to do larger things, and for having renown for your works. Not at all." She considers. "Count Hemlock knows you and your name and your acts. But I understand that this still makes you more of a 'local hero,' yes?"

"Yeah."

"And it's not like Hemlock has ever called on me for anything, either."

"It's kind of silly, wanting to be some big fancy hero. And I know from experience, fighting and adventures are often scary, and hard, and not fun or glamourous in the thick of it."

"Hm. If I did not know you well, I would be concerned that you were more interested in the glory than in the actual work, but I do know you well, and I know that your urge to help others cannot be denied." She taps idly on the stable door. "The timing is difficult, as you return to your studies soon. But I will seek out what needs are present in other Gwydion holdings. Unless...do you have a specific service in mind?"

She shakes her head.

"I just... seeing the Red Branch, right? I... I know, school makes things hard. I just feel ready. Ready to be something more."

"Maybe not a Red Branch Knight, that would mean giving up here... but just..." A frustrated noise. "You know?"

Her brow furrows. "Red Branch is a hard life. But yes, I understand. And I feel I may have failed you, in not providing this before now."

"Chief, in no way have you failed me."

"I am proud and honored to be your Knight, yeah?"

"Mmph. But the opportunities I have offered for your advancement have been small. I think..." she pauses. "I have assumed, Dagmar, that you would become Storm after me. But that does not mean you simply wait until that day."

"I want to be Storm, Chief - but I am not eager, given the cost for me to take it, you know?"

A brow. "It would not require my passing, merely my stepping aside. But I think you would not wish to be Storm yet. You need to build your story out there," she says adding a gesture to the world beyond the stable door.

She looks outwards and sucks her lips in around her teeth. A nod.

"You were a hero long before you became Storm."