#salmon-duchy-lands-aka-alaska

And so, Dagmar and Brekke spar , it's almost like old times again, though this time it is far from Bergen! Brekke can see Dagmar's skills have NOT atrophied, and Dagmar can see Brekke 's own prowess are not dimmed by 'retirement' in the least.

If anything, Brekke's style may have become more...playful? It seems that having stepped out of the role of Chieftain has removed some tension from her movements.

Just a bit, though. She can still deliver a wallop if Dagmar's not careful.

Dagmar is aware.

When they pause for a break, she asks, "Have you been training anybody to fight? Or to joust, for that matter?"

She shakes her head. "Not really."

"There's Joust Club, but now I'm travelling."

She nods. "You will make room for sparring in your travels, yes? Especially with those whose styles are greatly different."

She nods! "Figure I'll have lots of new knights to try against."

"Yes! Do not overlook the wily commoners, though. They also have much to teach."

"I hear you have seen Dika-Hannah."

"She's nice."

"And I certainly don't underestimate commoners, c'mon Chief."

A slight chuckle. "I know you do not."

"Just - Vali has me set up for a bunch of Gwydion holds. So. Like. This is a chance to get to know the House?"

"Mm." She nods thoughtfully. "I never sought out higher title than I had as Hemlock's knight. When he bestowed the barony upon me, it was a surprise, and...it was awkward, for a time. I think you are wise to become comfortable with more of the House."

"Don't have to like politics to know that you have to play them, I figure."

"Or to be aware when they are playing you."

A grim look and a nod.

"Even if this feels a wee bit like training wheels, here."

"Does it? You feel coddled?"

"I'm not sure what I'm accomplishing."

"We already have good ties between here and home. And you and Frank are here. Sylvi did a lot of work, before."

"Mm. These are true points. Do you feel you know what to do when arriving at a less familiar hold as emissary?"

She chews on her lip.

"It's.... more formal than home. And..."

"And, like, I'm expected to be... fancy?" She rubs the back of her neck.

"This does not sound as though you are confident."

"I get it, I think. Because it's not me that's due all the fuss. Not really. It's the Lodge."

"So I'm symbolic of the Lodge. Which is..." She scrunches up her face.

Brekke waits until she finds her words.

"Which is I guess different from how I'm used to being."

Brekke nods. "And you are different from the others who have represented the Lodge here. They are learning different facets of Rivervale from each emissary and visitor."

"I have a suggestion, if you wish."

"Yes!"

A bemused look at the enthusiastic response. "I do not know what it will be worth. However, as you note, some holds are more formal than others. I am not a good teacher in the arts of sidhe manners -- they often puzzle me. But you may wish to seek out the Baron's steward. They would be able to help you understand the workings of the hold's more formal aspects, and perhaps give you guidance for visiting further holds."

She bites on her lip again and nods.

"I'm going to see the Nunnehi, later. I was invited for a ceremony."

"Why the concern?" Indicating the bitten lip.

"I don't want to screw anything up."

"I'm maybe a little worried about the more formal holds."

"Which is why it makes sense to use the first hold as a place to research. Draw on voices more likely to be familiar with the formal ways."

"The same is to be said of the Nunnehi. Their ways are different. Dika-Hannah has been a good friend to Sylvi and Rivervale; listen to her guidance in how to act for the ceremony."

"And building bridges with them is important. Do we have any near home?"

Brekke inhales deeply and looks off before answering. "If so, they did not reach out to the Lodge. Perhaps I should have made more effort to seek them out." A speculative glance at Dagmar. "Perhaps that will be part of your legacy, in the future."

"Maybe."

"Dika-Hannah seemed to recognize my Falcon mark."

"Which - werewolves, they're tied to wild places, too."

A nod. "Likely a good place to start looking, asking the Caern-folk if they know of any Nunnehi."

She nods.