#anywhere

Later in the evening, after the fireworks, Kerri did a headcount of all the various animals. When Edie came up missing, she went searching.

...and found her, and her new family. "Oh, Edie. Look at them! You did such a good job." Kerri speaks quietly and gets down low.

(Low, for a troll.)

It is not impossible to find signs of activity in a dry part of the stables... the area for 'guest' horses. Clean, dry...

and yes, there is a very tired, but very proud, Edelweiss. She wags her tail gently

As six furry potatoes press against her

Kerri pets the tired momma first, and then says, "May I?" gesturing to the new pups.

Eddie looks worried, but she trusts her people. And allows with a soft wuff

"Thank you. I'll be careful." True to her word, Kerri handles each pup only briefly and very tenderly. Checking that each one is whole and healthy and breathing well.

It is not as large a litter as Oak's mate had, not nearly, but they are all healthy and fit. Four males, two females. It should be noted that one of the males IS a bit on the runty side, and it's a good thing there are only six or he might have a harder time reaching a source of milk. Eddie looks at that one, then up at Kerri as if DARING her to say something rude about him.

Kerri would never.

"You did an excellent job." She makes sure the pups are all tucked in against her. "I'll get you some blankets and some food, and you can stay here as long as you like."

Another tail wag. The horses look dubious, but they can't get to this section anyway the bar down

"Thank you for being good neighbors," Kerri says to the horses as she goes to get the things and to let Brekke know about the new arrivals.

((End Scene))

After a fine meal and travel back to Silverwolf, Art finds himself seeking the Baroness once more. He finds her in the aviary, tending to her kestrel.

Vespa shrieks, a complaint. It has been many days since she was allowed out to stretch her wings properly in the tainted air.

"Yes, I am sorry. Blossom would agree with you" The Baroness takes her bird to glove "A short tour at best though. "Oh. Hello, Squire. How goes?"

A swipe of claws at Nadeen, but her heart isn't really in it. In any case, if Nadeen had been scratched by such a clear attempt, it would have been her own fault really.

Art bows, and holds up the bag that gleams of glamour. "Success. Well, partial. We may need to dial back the scale of the spells, but some dross was given."

True. Then she turns to see the prize "some dross?" A glance then a frown "I confess,Squire. I was hoping for more aid. This is for the good of more than one barony"

"The Mountain asked for a favor in return, but I did not feel confident that it was in my authority to grant. Else, the tith- er, the donation would have been doubled."

"The Mountain ... yes, I suppose she might have a grip on the dross." A frown crosses her perfect face "A favor? " cautious "Did she specify what this favor was?"

Art's expression is clearly intrigued as he relates, "Mountain Wildheart requests the loan of the notes, spellbooks, and grimoires of one Dame Calanthe ap Ailil."

Watching Nadeen's reaction curiously.

At the mention of the name, feathery flutters and scrape of claws on posts, as the raptors stir in response.

Nadeen stiffens every so slightly. Art's training at court and sidhe nature allow him to notice this. Many untrained commoners would miss it entirely. Then she says "You were right in that was beyond your power to grant, Squire. Some notes are to never see the light of day again and are not for even an ally's eyes" Oddly she does not meanthe magics. She will NOT have Aiden's victim status advertised in detail

"She was a master of Chicanery, was she not? Amongst other studies." He inquires. "Mountain Wildheart expressed that she feels that these papers might aid in their fight against 'the fallen' - no, 'The Fell', though I am unfamiliar with what specifically that may refer to."

"As a Beaumayn, I suspect you know them, even by a ddifferent name. The Fomorian Courts. Obscure old lore... Red, White, and Green Courts if I recall. She had no notes on that that i recall." A frown "This is no small thing she asks for. I will seek out the books and consider. For now, take the dross to julius"

Art nods, but hesitates, and offers, "If you need any assistance in reviewing these documents?" Clearly hopeful.

A glance at him, "You want to 'assist me' by accessing hoary lore and magic tomes? Really, Squire. That was... gently done. " A bit amused, but also pleased, "You've matured in your approach. "

"It cannot hurt to ask." He says, with a sheepish grin. He bows. "I'll ask Thistle to bring the gear she recommends to Julius as well, for bespelling when you have time. Though, I would like to observe that if possible." Sovereign, a much more plausible ask there.

"Please do. And... I'll consider your request. It is possible my distaste for Dame Calanthe has caused me to neglect some resources we should have used more fully. A pair of new eyes and an open mind such as yours might be of true assistance there. I will see what my Lord says of this as well, of course. " She inclines her head at the bow "You're dismissed. I'll try to placate the birds abit here . They are understandably frustrated. Thank you for your service." A dismisal, a polite one

A bow again, and he heads out. Seeking Julius, though he does also send a message for Blossom to please attend to Nadeen in the Aviary, seeing that another hand might be useful in calming the fussy raptors and anticipating a need.

Blossom is in full sulk, but she goes. it maybe the raptors are the one thing she cares for more than her own selfish needs

One hopes!

(End Scene?)

(Scene!)