#rivervale_lodge

Olgar gets the kudos, "Hey, no problem, Chief. The dogs worked well for trailing the boy, and the boy...well, he was all duty minded on his mission but also honored the Escheat ... Jessica has helped raise him well. Little guy is so earnestly Seelie I fear he's lost" Dryly

A bemused look. "A tragedy," she intones.

"Hell, even Dame Gladiola shows a depressing lean towards the Summer and she's of an Unseelie house. Guess that's what makes me such a lonewolf" Says the man with a loving wife, a daughter, a lodge, a dog, and young rovers that are sent to him for training and more than a few who have already learned from him.

"Doubtless," she agrees, sipping her coffee. As Dagmar has gone with Kerri into the kitchen for a moment, Brekke asks quietly, "She did well, by your measure? I have heard from Mountain and Hearth, but I would know your thoughts as well."

Olgar ponders, "I'd say, over all, she stuck to routine, to the tried and true. She did that damned well, but she also got lucky in that there were few out of the box challenges that I'm aware of anyway. THat said, she was good. Definitely."

"Hm." A nod, and a glance toward the kitchen. "She has shown her ability in crisis many times before, though."

"Oh, definitely. Folks tend to underestimate her brains too. The girl scratches out solid ideas routinely and can practice guile. I think some just look at that huge polearm and forget about that."

"It happens," she agrees.

"She did you proud." He nods "To be fair, they all did. Sylvi had Goldfinch step up their own patrols and coordinate with Dagmar. Dirk's been on a tear as Peacekeeper. I'm trod side but the ground game was pretty well covered. Apparently there was some kinain bully situation but that got taken care of with Dame Gladiola's help too."

She nods slowly, getting a distant look for a moment. Then her expression refocuses. "All is well-managed, then. Good. Perhaps somebody should have contacted us for the matter with young Holger...but it seems that it was not necessary to do so."

"Bad timing, Chief. Jessica sent him over... he came here to hang with you guys... and you were already gone. Then he went off questing. Kid is a troll. Had his mind set I guess."

"We would have returned, if needed. But it was not needed."

'Nope. Heck... I dare say the break was needed. You two look a lot more relaxed and at ease than I've seen you in half a year" Olgar nods "Amazing what a vakay can do to recharge you now and then. The trip for the Meditaranian did wonders for me and Kerri, though, true to form, it turned out to be a bit of a working vacation"

"Hm." A nod, and she glances to Frank who has fallen into a light doze on the floor, sprawled among the dogs. "It was needed. It was good."

"Maybe do it more often than once every four years?" a chuff

She gives him an odd look, silent. Then she nods and looks to the Balefire. "Wise advice."

"Sorry Chief, mostly taking a poke there. I know I don't practice that particular preach"

"No apology needed," she assures him sincerely. "But yes, you and the Hearth would be wise to continue to do so."

"I'll do what I can" He nods "I think the embers of the Hearth are plentiful enough we can get away with it yearly. "

A pause. "I must encourage Dagmar to seek out more Bolts of the Storm, for the same reason."

"Mm, a test of her own leadership with a project of recruitment?"

A brow. "I had not intended a test. A...task. And a necessity."

"Well, Squire Valter has been solid.. not sure if you want him as a Bolt, but he's an old hand who follows orders. He didn't even blink when Dagmar directed his patrols, and made suggestions when asked. Dirk? Dirk seemed to go along with Dagmar, he respects her might and always has. But he had side projects I don't know if I wanna know. Basil's really bloomed under some of that Spear fighting practice with you, but he gets caught up in protests of this or that"

"This is why I say there must be more. All have their own needs, their own duties to other parts of their lives. Dagmar's schooling calls her away as well, and..." a pause "...she has expressed that she craves greater quests. She can do mighty things, and she should have the chance to do them. Here, or elsewhere. She is young...." she trails off.

"mmm... not sure where you're going with this, but she is very glad she has you for a liege. And I don't think she regrets her Oath. The fact you're wishing her a chance to stretch her legs, broaden her mind, and expand her soul is probably a big reason why. You're not robbing her of her youth, Chief. But I get you... how about that archer kid from the DeBukes? Ives? He's did his year here... but he might come back. Had a bit of a crush on Dame Gladiola, but otherwise has a sensible head"

She tilts her head. "Perhaps. I think I have a preference for those who have already resided in Rivervale before they are called to serve her. But that may not be a fair or sensible requirement. Merely a bias."

"Sensible enough, you want folks tied to this land. I think the DeBukes have a similar bias. " He nods "Well, maybe Tikki would help. Rikki's brother is almost the opposite of his sister. All that aside... Dagmar would probably know the younger warrior set better than I would. " he says "Good to have you back, Chief. I'm gonna head out for a brief patrol. You and the fire got more to talk about I'm sure" A nod to the bale

She regards Olgar a moment, then nods. "This is true. Good patrol, Olgar."

Olgar nods "Thanks." And out he goes.

And she does, indeed, take some time to share her thoughts with the Balefire, only.

(Fade to a private talk)