#anywhere

"Who goes there? Halt, and be recognized!" A deep female voice rings out in challenge, as Buck walks along a trail heading towards Silverwolf.

"Hi. I'm Buck." The big man ..err Centaur waves. He does have a huge ass hammer hanging from his saddle pack but it's firmly tied

Hoofbeats clop and a lady comes into view - not Centaur, no, but close, so well does she seat her horse, riding as easily as if the legs were her own.

The horse is a magnificent creature, black glossy hide and flowing mane. The woman is impressive too! Not pretty, perhaps, but attractive in the way that some might call a woman handsome. Clean features, strong jaw, and muscular physique. Her long blond hair, tied into a thick braid, is rather striking against cobalt blue skin.

She also wears dual symbols of authority - a Silver, Black and Gold badge with a wolf's head and sun, and a shield-shaped police badge.

"I am Danica, Thane of Silverwolf. What brings you to our Barony, Buck?"

"A quest" he says easy going "One that may involve Silverwolf. I request three days and 3 nights of stay regardless"

Danica looks him over with a careful eye, and nods. "I will escort you. Do you have claim to title, or is it simply Buck?" She gestures for him to join her on the path, which is wide enough for two riders to easily walk abreast. "From where do you hail? I ask that you take no offense at the questioning. We are on alert after a recent attempt at intrusion and theft."

"Just Buck, common as they come. My last main hold was the DeBuke farm, but I did stop at Rivervale."

"Have you come to see the pups, then? Both Rivervale and the DeBukes hold a claim on the recent litter. We had expected the Chieftains, though."

"Oh, I don't represent anyone but myself, but I'd like to see if allowed. Also like to hear more about ..well, I guess your hold's dogs period. I had an omen read for me. Involved a puppy carrying an olive brannch"

"An olive branch? A peace offering, then. I hope this does not portend that Silverwolf is considered to be at war, or feuding, with the DeBukes. Common or not, their hold is to be respected."

"I'm hoping it means the opposite" Buck admits openly "I find honesty the best policy ... I'm a sttraightforwad fellow"

Danica can't help but glance over at him. Buck is probably used to stares, but she is more contemplating, than ogling.

"You must be at least 16 hands tall, if you're an inch."

"If I were pure horse, I'm told I'd be a draft or heavy warhorse" He shrugs "I was always a big man, when I.. woke, It felt right. My kith tends to be strong and hardy, and training with trolls keeps me fit."

"Fit you are." She says, approvingly. "During your stay, you may train with me, if you wish. I welcome new opponents to keep my skills honed." She has a pair of hand axes that hang at her hips.

"We have a young centauress of our own. You will likely meet her during your stay. Her name is Blossom. She has not had the opportunity to meet many of her own kith."

"Happy to take a swing or two... and pleased to meet blossom too. The dogs here, they raise many breeds, or more looking for more to raise?"

Pride in her voice. "Our Baron raises lines of Fae-blooded hounds. The finest hunters and guardians that can be found this side of Arcadia."

"Mmm for a moment I thought part of my quest would involve finding him a rare breed or something and get Silverwolf a favor, but if he already has them..mm"

Her head turns to regard him. "If you know of a fae lineage of hounds that we haven't encountered, I can guarantee you'd have the Lord's interest. Fae hounds breed well, but finding a new lineage is always a great cause for celebration."

"Huh.. Sounds like a good way to earn my quest positively" Buck nods "Well, at his leisure, I'd love to hear what the baron favors hopes for"

"Are you seeking a new home hold? Carthage is quite cold this time of year, but the town, though small, has much to offer. And the Barony would welcome new blood as well. Especially one who can hold their own. If you can wield that warhammer - and I dare say you'd not have the guts to carry it if you could not - another warrior is always welcome."

"Oh, something to be said for discouraging folks by open carry " he says "But no, thanks. It looks like lovely countrry but I know where I want to be when my quest is done."

"Is that so? I wish you the best of it. Though, often a quest will provide you with the answers that are, and not always what we think, or wish them to be."

"Mmm true. I suppose... hope to beat the odds and get my happy ever" A smile "or at least happy for awhile"

His broad grin is almost infectious

"Not everyone gets a happily ever after, but a happy right now is not something to be sneered at, either." She finds herself smiling back a touch, as they can hear the sound of conversation just past where the path turns around a stand of pines. Barking too!

"Hold..." She says, and her mount stops, and she slides off. A soft slap to the rump, and her stallion trots off by himself. "Brego will return himself to the stables. From here, I'll go on foot."

Gesturing for Buck to follow as they approach the kennels!

Buck nods and follows a few feet behind. No master of stealth he, but he quiets so not to rile dogs further

---To be absorbed into Silverwolf!---