#anywhere

The flag on the mailbox is flicked upward, and Aiden watches the trod for signs of opening. Danica looms protectively near Gwen, knowing that this is her first (conscious) trod travel, as well as being unsained. "Whatever happens, stay on the silver path." She nods to the younger troll.

Gwen nods. She's heard how dangerous this can be for unsained.

Aiden steps decisively onto the trod. "Let's go. I believe Sir Ivory may meet us on the far end, but let's be prepared for any surprises."

With the omens reading that this might be a good time to risk the silver..the journey begins

"How odd. That almost looked like a Troll hauling a she-sluagh by one hand and a grand dame over his shoulder." Danica shakes her head and advises Gwen, "Different creatures or facets of the dreaming may take strange forms to attempt to trick you off the silver. Don't fall for it." And on they walk.

"Strange" And off they go

Gwen does need protecting, without the saining to center her, she is subject to the Dream's whims and tricks, the silver more apt to fail her. Fortunately, Dancia grows more solid and stronger to help. Aiden even more commanding and keeping them on Task

"Is all well back there?" The Baron calls back, as he examines the trail. He is no Rover, but he looks over the pathway, judging whether it seems suitable for horses to pass by. Then again, an alleyway in Missouri is no place for even a mild-mannered pony.

"Yes." Grunts Danica.
"Warf." Says Ivan.

....Ivan?

"I... " Gwen looks back

The pup proudly wags his tail. He followed! He TRACKED!

"Ohh Ivan you.. " She sighs "We have Ivan with us"

Aiden frowns, glancing at his watch. The expensive yet understated manual dial spins merrily and somehow seems to be pointing to 13'o'Clock.

"It can sometimes prove unwise to turn back partway. Gwen. You will keep an eye on him. He must not leave the path."

A hesitation, and he clarifies. "If he leaves the path, you are by no means to go after him."

"I will" And then "But..." A sigh and an od "And I won't"

Danica has turned a scowl on the pup that has him looking cowed. "Follow." She instructs. Ivan huffs a bit. He did follow. Isn't he GOOD?

And onward...

Gwen sometimes strokes Ivan. Ready to grab him by the collar or scruff if need be. "Ivan, you are trouble"

Tail a-wag! She said IVAN. That's ME!

A sigh

Overhead, a sudden growl - a rumble... no, a blast! A rocket ship is soaring through the sky, oddly monotone against a brilliant purple sky with stars and planets of every rainbow hue - and a glimpse within the window of the spacecraft of - two furry noses! Ivan stops and howls his tribute to the sky as Belka and Strelka, immortalized in the dreaming, streak overhead and out of sight over the horizon.

Aiden looks puzzled as he watches, but Danica gives a salute!

"woW" Gwen beams

Something about this makes her want to salute too

A small smile towards Ivan.. and Gwen, both youngsters wide-eyed on their first trip through the dreamlands - and they continue onward towards their destination.

Gwen feels more herself. She imagines odd things though.. giants made of rock battling then befriending trolls to unite against something worse "The fell... the..fomor.." Perhaps saying these things outloud should be done cautiously

A soft growl bubbles up in Ivan's throat, almost comical sounding, and he trots a little closer to Gwen, nearly underfoot.

And she's back to the wonder of the now "Sorry I was just.. remembering. It's okay boy" She pets him

Somehow, he is even more FLUFFY on the silver than in mortal lands, if one could possibly imagine it.

"Fluftastic" She admits

Gwen feels more confident and secure

And Ivan seems to pick up on her attitude, and trots gamely at her side. The bold attitude is not unnoticed by Aiden, who hides a small smile. And turns back to the path before them, surely they must be getting close to the destination.

Indeed, they thrive

Gwen seems to move more like the thanes

Danica notices, and alters her stride slightly - less looming over Gwen, and more - walking alongside her. Still protective, but more over the group, and less 'mother hen' over a Gwen-chick.

"Good." She says softly, with a flash of wolf-toothed smile.

A nod "Thank you. I remember more.. I have served before. It's..interesting"

"It is good to remember. Try to hold onto what you can as we leave the silver. Did you command, or follow?" Both acceptable answers, based on her tone.

"It..varied. I followed mostly ithink and gladly, but I remember a squadron, a warband, and they turned to me.. there was a greater leader who trusted me to lead them. I guess I was.. someone's right arm at one time? Never THE leader"

Curiously, Aiden asks, "Do you recall any sigil? Banners, or colors?"

"Black... I remember wearing a sash of black but.. I don't remember the other color" frustrated, why can't she MAKE herself get the details?

He looks pleased by that. "Don't push yourself." He Advises. "It will come, I promise. If not today, then someday soon, or on your saining, or there are ways."

"Thank you, Baron"

She tends to the dog

Ivan prances around her knees. Seeing what he assumes to be the end of the trod, he advises, "Be on guard. We know not what we shall find on the other side. "

Danica adds, "We know what to expect. But never allow expectations to lead to complacency." Loosening her hand axes.

And she readies a grip on her spear, but not in a combat stance