#anywhere

"There must be, yes. Little Joe cannot be the only troll, and satyrs are fair fighters... clurichain, too, if we have any."

"Alas, many of the trolls seemed to be serving Harkson. I'll ask around to see if any were trying to be the good cop in a bad system"

"I would rather not have Balor sympathizers."

"Don't discount pooka, either."

"Well, we do know of one LION pooka so it's not like they can't be of tougher animals" Dubh says "Though.. honestly Vince is more a lover than a fighter. And yes I feel silly saying that"

"But it's not wrong. I mean, especially compared to Temerity."

"Temerity? I wonder.. ooh no not likely to switch holds. She's devoted to your father"

A pause "how about Jennette?"

She closes her eyes. "She has Ludmilla. so has ties there."

"Ragnall, though - he might show up yet."

"Maybe Ludmilla would come over too? We want to revie chlildings... and Mr. Baxter is the other warder"

Feathers slick. "Maybe." Faint.

Dubh notes the feathers "Were they rude to you?"

"What? No. Never."

"your feathers slick. You don't want them here "

"They are both lovely women. And yes, a couple."

"And.. you don't want them here" he repeats noting she dodged that part

She drifts over to the open window, looking out over the hills. "It's complicated."

"I know. You threw them together, intentionally... " he sighs "I see that that complication troubles you. I'll find someone else"

"They're good for each other."

"mmm" he nods, but his tone indicates he knows there is more . he moves on, for her sake "Maybe other truthbranches? There aren't many but.."A thought "Oh I don't know.. his skin might not liek the climate"

Eyebow.

"He's a good warrior, and a Truthbranch" A shrug

"...Ivory?"

"Well, even if he can't stay, I could appreciate the temporary help."

"Related to Miss Zara.." he says

"And trained by the Count, so quite able with a sword."

"I'll send a message and see what he thinks. Maybe he'd take the night shift?"

"Maybe."

He nods and bows. He'll see to it. And.. he has overstepped. She'll need time

(End scene)

Gerd looks with Connor "Wow, Nice spread"

Nadeen talks to Dame Calanthe "An excellent display here, Silverwolf should be proud"

“are we supposed to eat it, or admire it?” Connor says, drooling.

“And you as well, I cannot deny your help in getting the ball rolling.” Calanthe offers graciously. “Oh, someone do give the boy a plate.”

GERD takes a slow breath "it sure is.. a lot"

"I'll get it for him" Gerd takes another breath and sets up a plate for COnnor . She knows what he likes

His tail wags!! And Gerd will notice as she goes through the selections, care has been taken with each dish - and of the desserts! So many. Pies and tarts, delicate confections and cakes, but an emphasis on autumn fruits and spices, and no chocolate or cocoa.

Gerd notices. It's enough to tempt anyone.

"Here we go ,Connor. Don't forget to say thank you, and maybe grace. Though. I must remind you, Anubis is not the God of Dogs"

Nadeen chuckles to the Dame Calanthe "I think in the end, Aiden will love his hounds and horses more than he does tight shoes and crowds. But would we want to dchange him?"

“No, that’s Wolfenoot.” A cheeky grin. His nose in the air drawing him towards the roasted meats and breads. “Please and thank you and you’re welcome.”

Gerd rolls her eyes at the Wolfenoot bit

Calanthe nods. “He does care for his beasts. Alas, that is why he has me, to take care of the actual business.” Julius, filling a glass, rolls his eyes a bit behind her back.

Gerd seems to have found her center, and moves to find.. Marigold

Marigold is leaning into an oven, and at the sound of tromping calls over, “Stir that large pot, please!” Delegating without sight even.

"Miss Marigold? I'm Gerd. You may not remember me, Rivervale? Dagmar..pardon DAME Dagmar's mother and our Hearth Kerri have food to add to the banquet if it's no trouble?"

And she stirs the large pot with some expertise

She pulls out a loaf that is braided and formed to look like a wolf! It goes on the countertop to cool.

“Thank you dear. Gerd, yes, Connor’s sister, of course I remember you. You’re seeing that nice young Combecatte lad.”