#rivervale_lodge

"It's all right," Kerri says gently, urging Dagmar.

"Sounds like she came from an abusive situation? Is that what you were gonna say?"

A blink, and she looks to Vali.

"I was going to say 'rigid'... very status conscious. Every kith in its place and every kith has a place. Trolls there are 'allowed' to be thanes , silent and on guard, but mostly silent. Now we are, with a few exceptions, a quiet kith, but because we lean tht way or want to be, not as much fun if you're TOLD to be." A look at Kerri "Chief, it reminds me a bit of how you described Candyland. I think she was taught obedience, not empathy."

Dagmar rolls her eyes and starts spooning cookie dough onto the sheet pan in neat rows.

Kerri's expression gets shuttered for a moment and she absently wipes down a counter.

"Then...we shall have to re-teach her."

She looks to Dagmar. "You remember how it was when you first came here? How you kept asking what the rules were so you didn't get into any trouble?"

"Yeah. I know."

"Kid gloves."

"I wouldn't say that. I didn't have to be gentle with you. I just had to give you clear expectations and communication."

"Well, I'm not you." A scowl, and she crosses to shove the cookies into the oven.

"I'm not saying you are, and I'm not saying you should be. I'm thinking about what I should do."

A frustrated huff.

"Dagmar, do we need to see if the farm will take her?" Vali inquires apparently seriously "No I'm not joking. If she's making you miserable it's not fair to make you feel so in your own home"

Kerri lets the silence draw out for a bit after Vali's question.

"It's fine."

"We kick her out, she'll take it hard."

"It's an option," Kerri agrees. "Not the only option." She takes a seat on a stool.

"Got the damn horse for her, didn't I?"

A blink. "I knew you had her in mind as one who might benefit, but I didn't think of it as for her."

"How's she reacting to Lady O?"

"Well, the other childlings, too, but she's the one that hangs out at the stable the most."

"She does love horses" Vali observes

"Good. Seems good. Lady O's a sweet-tempered mare."

A brow. "Is she hanging out there too much?"

"Probably."

"It's her safe place, I think."

"Okay. I can understand that." A pause. "Dagmar, when she pisses you off, are you trying to stay gentle with her?"

Vali can't help but grunt ("Dagmar's as gentle as a lamb with the smoll")

"Because gentle might not be the way to go, is my thinking. Not cruel. But let her know how to speak to you."

"And how not to."

"I am!"

"I'm being so fucking patient, okay?"

"Because I say anything it turns into her melting down."

"What did she say to you?" Vali asks

"Yes. Don't be. Let her melt down. Honestly, it's probably part of her unseelie nature."

"Nothing. It's fine. I'll be better."

Kerri frowns. "Dagmar. Please tell us."

It's not a request.

"It's fine."

"Now, please."

Jaw-jut.

"If it's fine, no harm in sharing it" Vali suggests

Kerri is sitting easily, and she hasn't moved, but her voice is implacable.

"She's a kid, I'm a grown up, and I need a thicker skin."

"That's evading. And your skin is plenty thick. Tell us."

"You can't send her to the Farm."

"Okay. Why?"

"She's already convinced that she's screwed up here, that she can't be at a place for trolls or be a proper troll."