#salmon-duchy-lands-aka-alaska

"It has to be me, doesn't it?"

A long pause as Brekke regards her. "I...dearly hope it is you. But..." Another pause. "Is that not what you wish?"

A soft chuff of laughter. "Sounds arrogant as hell, doesn't it? I don't know if it's... want, exactly. I don't care about being a Baroness. And I know a lot of it isn't glorious or easy. I've seen that much."

"But it's just - you know how there's some things you just know are right? Things you know you can do, and probably do better than most?"

"Ye-es...?"

"Rivervale deserves someone who loves her as much as I do, when Kerri decides she's done. And... Rivervale deserves the best me I can offer."

A slow nod.

"And..." She falters, nervously searching Brekke's expression. "It's not... I... I know I'm not ready. I know that."

Brekke's expression is schooled to one of listening, not reacting.

"Is it bad that I want to be the best choice?" Shifting a little.

A surprised blink. "Is it bad that you want to excel? That you want to succeed in your endeavors so well that Rivervale would certainly thrive under your leadership? I do not think that is bad at all."

"It doesn't sound like I'm some kind of... schemer?"

"A schemer? Because you are planning for a future of service, and you wish to make a true difference? I do not see it that way. I suppose, though, much depends on your methods for reaching success. There is a thin line there between a path that leads you towards heroism and one that leads to becoming a despot."

Brekke tilts her head. "Do you wish for people to think you are the best choice, or do you wish to be the best choice?"

She squares her shoulders "I want to be as good a Chieftain as you. I want to be that good for Rivervale."

Brekke looks down at her hands, blue fingers laced with silver ones. "I have not always made the right decisions for Rivervale. But I have tried to do well."

A snort. "You did more than well."

"I believe you will as well. When you are ready." She pauses. "You understand that I believe you will be ready, yes? I am confident of it, if you face the challenges that concern you. Such as learning from these other holds."

"Which is why I know it's important I do this, yeah."

A wry look. "Even if I'm totally full of brain weasels about the whole affair."

"Brain weasels?" A brief chuckle. "I understand." She sits back in her chair. "Dagmar, the Dreaming is full of tales of heroes who were told they had a destiny to fulfill, but then chose their own path and fulfilled the destiny that was truly meant for them. I want you to become Chieftain, when you are ready. However, I do not want to...as they say, to railroad you into the role if you do not wish it. And the truth is, as you have more experiences you may decide that you do not wish it. If that is the case, I will respect that choice."

"So if I run off to be a Red Branch Knight?"

A slight hint of a grin. "I had wondered if that was where this conversation was going. I know your reaction when you encountered them."

She laughs. "They wouldn't take me. And I'd miss home."

"I would not be so sure that they would not accept you."

A wistful, starry eyed look.

"Do not eliminate the possibility if it is one you wish to explore, Dagmar. And build your experience as much as you can. Chieftain Kerri will not wish to fulfill that role for the rest of her days, I agree, but I do not think she is seeking to step away from it already?"

"I am not that kind of ambitious."

"I want to be the best, because Rivervale deserves the best. And.... so does CJ." A tiny smile.

Brekke nods. "Agreed." After a moment, she adds, "You know, I hope, that when I was made Baroness of Rivervale, I had almost no experience at all in matters of court or county? I was a knight, and I served my liege. I was also a good deal older than you are now. With the experience you have already, and your drive to gain more, I have no doubt that you will be ready when the time comes. The not-being-ready period may be uncomfortable, but it is necessary."

"Pretty sure no matter what I do, there's gonna be plenty I'll have to figure out. I have watched you guys." Dag rummages in her bag and produces an envelope. She holds it out to the other troll.

Curious. "What is this?" She reaches for it and takes a look at any markings on the outside.

"Open it!" Inside, Brekke finds one of the photos from Dagmar's treasure camera. Four blue faces smile back, with a nub-horned CJ held in a seated Dag's arms as Tove and Jaymes stand behind their children.

"Ah! Look at him." She examines the photo with a pleased expression. "He looks good in blue. Tell me the story of his chrysalis."

"I thought you might like to hear it. So! I was out on Star..."

Brekke settles in to listen and enjoy the tale.