#rivervale_lodge

And the pictures come out beautifully

The night grows dark, but the bonfire stays bright, sparks spiraling up towards the stars. Kithain and kinain drink and laugh and sing long after the sun has gone down, and even after some start nodding off to doze by the firelight, the heartier (or just plain stubborn) souls still speak in phrases made less distinct by ale and mead.

It's late when Brekke moves to speak with Dagmar. "Privately, a moment," she says with apology to Symon if he is still nearby.

Symon pauses, and looks up at Dagmar, then steps back slightly, "I'll be nearby." He whispers to her.

Brekke nods her thanks as he gives them space. She knows he will likely be able to hear them, regardless.

A small frown, arms crossed around her torso. "Ok?"

Brekke cocks her head at the guarded posture. "This is not easy, is it."

"I'm fine." ping

"I'm..." Sigh. "No."

A brow at the lie, then a nod. "No." A pause, then she rests her silver hand on Dagmar's shoulder. "I think part of you does not forgive me for this, and I understand. I am sorry for any hurt I am causing in this. I wish you to know...the Dreaming blessed me when you joined us, and more so when you swore to me, and I to you. I will be your liege for all time, if you wish it. Distance does not change that. But if that is not what you wish, now or in the future, this I understand also."

"I don't want to lose you! I'm your knight!"

A pleased expression, and a nod. "You are. And I am very proud to say it is so." She brings up her other hand, revealing a cloth-wrapped item, about the size of Dagmar's hand. "For you."

"I..." She swallows, and holds out her hands to accept the item.

Brekke places it in her hands. When Dagmar unwraps it, it reveals a beautiful carving in a style that is distinctively Brekke's. It is of Dagmar herself, stylized as an old Norse hero, with enough features of her armor (and the presence of Flyswatter) to make it unmistakable. Each line, cut, and curve is precisely finished, and the oak wood is polished to the point of glimmering in the firelight.

"oh!" Softly.

"It is not much..."

"It's wonderful. Thank you."

A nod. Her hand remains on her knight's shoulder for another moment, and then she steps back. "We will visit. And I charge you to share news with me."

"That means using your cell phone." A light tone.

"It does." The burden in her tone is facetious. Then a wink. "I will improve."

A small smile.

"Now...I give you back to Symon. I hope he will remind you that I wish to hear from you, even when you are not certain."

The last may have been a gentle instruction to Symon assuming he's been eavesdropping.

A subtle shift in the shadows.

"Symon always leads me wisely."

"Of this, I have no doubt." A nod to both her and her shadow. "We will speak soon." And with that, she turns to return to Frank.

She bites on her lower lip, watching her Chief go.

A soft touch on her arm.

Her hand covers his, and some tension ebbs from her shoulders.

Frank is there for Brekke to return to.

The revels gradually grow quieter, but some stay by the bonfire straight until sunrise, drinking and reminiscing. Kerri, the new Chieftain, is among them, feeling a new flavor of stewardship over the land and the people of Rivervale and reluctant to step away from any of it. Brekke and Frank, however, did retire at some point in the evening. Nobody is quite sure when.

Dagmar stays out late - probably nodding off by the fire unless someone shepherds her away.

Siv has an idea, and only now that her parents are gone does she allow her false smile to break away completely. She gives Dagmar an understanding look, and shares in the sadness inside the happeiness

And Kerri finds warm support from all. She's always had friends, now, she has subjects, but they welcome her and trust her.

(Fade to a new era)