#anywhere

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A few scant days before Christmas, the Baron seeks out Wudlig.

the finishing touches on the Never Keep are almost done

Wudlig wipes his brow, thenn looks up, rises and bows

“Journeyman Wudlig.” He says in greeting , and looks over this… creation

The piping is large, and there are orbs big enough for four nevers here and there, in clearer parts one migght see bright strings, jingly tassels, and bits and bobs. There is also some kinnd of grama phone wired to it to pipe music in "Almost ready, my lord."

He circles and examines, reaching out to tap curiously at a bit of reflective metal that catches the light. “Fascinating.”

He straightens up, and considers the nocker. “Tomorrow is Yule. I wished to let you know, in case it was not clear, that the holiday is your own. You may choose to celebrate with us, or if you prefer, you may go to friends or family.”

"Thank you, Baron" He bows "I may split the day if that's not offensive, part of it here, part of it with my girl friend. " He looks at the device "Baron, abou the project? It'll work, but it's not going to be the biggest draw of nevers in the area even then"

“I’ve noticed. Thistle is apparently a person of interest to small ones. But I did not come to speak of her. Your paramour is Gerd of Rivervale? If you wish, you may invite her to visit your new posting.”

"Ah, you figured it out. Yeah, the things adore Thistle. Good sign in some ways given her brush with an autumn person," He gives an Eel smile "Thank you, Baron ... I'll let her know"

“If she agrees, and she wishes.” He clears his throat. “She might bring a guest along. Marigold prepares victuals for a veritable army.”

Still examining the Whatnot that Wudlig is working on, as though simply making absent small talk.

Prroud of his work AND his girlfrriend, he nods "Well, normally I like her to myself, but Gerd might bring along..." Realization sparks in the nocker's eyes and he bows. His Bannerhouse knows Ailil better than most, and you don't fling that you think you figured them out to their face, even if you do think they're clever "She might bring along a youngster. I know how Marigold adores kids"

The Baron nods. “I am grateful for your work.” He says, referring of course to the never villa.

“It may not draw the nerves away from Thistle, but it should distract them from our work when she is here.”

A nod

“How is her work coming along? I know that Thistle has had her trials…”

"As a rule, nockers can be furkin territorial at times, Baron, even to their own kith" He scratches his chin, "She's creating, stuff in the kiln room goingg on, but she's not talking about much. " A troubled glance in his masked eyes, "She needs time... but I do worry she turns her frusration on herself too much. All nockers are furrkinng frustrated. Just we usually direct it at the object comig out wrong, sometimes we snap a the tool we're using despite the old addage... but hers.. it's directed inward, at herself. I'd honesly feel better iff she yelled at me for getting in her way" A grin at some old memory of his own apprentice days then a shake of his head "But she's talented. Look at the Never Villa? See those tiny strings there? those are chimes... their ownn wings will stir the noise.. that was her her idea. "

A gentle tap at the strings, and he listens to the chimes. “Thank you got your input. Many in my Barony are not comfortable bringing issues to light. The.. prior administration did not welcome such. We are trying to change this. If anything comes up that needs attention, please ensure it reaches us. Let any locals you speak to know the same. Other craftspeople, perhaps.”

He is stiff and a bit stilted, but seems sincere.

"Thank you, Baron" A nod "You have me part time menntoring her, so while i don't knnow how good I am at that, not my forte, I'll definnitely give it my best. Willy seems to be a haven for her"