#baronyofthesilverwolf

(At some earlier time)

Aiden is sitting in the office at his kennels when the Dame Calanthe comes to visit him.

Distracted, he doesn't even look up when she enters. "Mm. Just leave it there, I'm not hungry." A tapping foot and cleared throat, and the Baron looks up to see his sister-in-law standing there.

"Oh, Calla." Looking up distractedly. A frown, and he sets his paperwork aside - a small headache forming. "If it's about the new bird, I already approved the funds for the mews expansion. You needn't bother me with such trifles, Julius should be able to handle the accounting by now, and is quite aware of your allowances"

A flash of annoyance goes unseen, and the Knight steps forward and sets her basket on his desk. "I brought you tea, and some snacks. Marigold said that you've hardly been touching a thing. Surely you have time to eat with your sister?"

And now he sets his pen aside. "What is it you want?" Calanthe gives a petite pout. "Surely I could just beg some company? You know it's so dreadfully dull here." Sliding into the seat across his desk and setting out cups for tea without waiting for an invitation.

"I had thought to speak to you of a small matter that concerns me. A matter of squires."

Aiden's expression goes from a frown to something rather chillier. "I thought I had made it clear-" She holds up a hand to still his comment. "Oh, I know. And I truly AM sorry about my misjudgement earlier. I merely thought that the gift might remind the boy that he has family, true family, and obligations thereof." A sharp look at her from Aidenn, as she continues, her face a mask of delicate concern. "...I worry about him. Down there, learning da'an knows what, and now tied by oath to a Gwydion. They say that she's the heir to the Barony of River Vale, you know."

He sets aside the cup that he was picking up, and gives Calanthe a sharp look. "What is your point?"

The knight lifts his cup, and delicately pours in tea, and a touch of cream. "The King family is nothing if not ambitious. Their eldest has taken rule of a County Seat in Tijuana. The second born aspired to Knighthood in the Fiona courts. And now they've all but settled the line of inheritance to keep Gwydion rule over their little corner of Apples - Gwydion tainted by Liam, that is - and seek to embroil your blood in this as well." Quickly adding, "Whether or not he has been acknowledged or recognized as such, it is no small secret, my Lord brother."

"If they thought him worthy of being Squired, there is a perfectly suitable - and far more appropriate- Knight here." A delicate hand touches her chest. "And he needn't have bothered with all of the FUSS of a surprise visit, when I'd be happy to go to him whenever he is in a mood for one of those silly little pooka jests. He could stay at his little rustic campground, but learn from a PROPER Knight."

The Baron rubs his forehead. "Appropriate or no, the boy is already Squired. What would you have of me, to march down there and demand that the oath be broken? Hardly possible - impossible in fact, now that you've offered a gift and necessitated that I profer a more suitable one in it's place. It can be taken as nothing other than my tacit approval of the squiring. It's DONE, Calanthe. You never had an interest before, and it is rather late to develop one now." He sets down his teacup with a saucer rattle that would make a sluagh wince.

A sigh from ruby tinted lips. "Is it? He shows no sign of aging. He may not reach majority in our lifetimes, you realize? I know that you cannot stand him, but he is the son of my beloved sister. You have her garden to console you, all of her little play-pretties. May I not have him as my own? A spinster aunt, there is a void in my life, that maybe a child could fill. I could provide him with the structure he has been lacking."

He exhales, keeping his temper - a Gwydion he is not, and he maintains a cool head. "You have your birds, and your duties-"

"What duties?" Now a hint of petulance in her voice as she laments. "Paperwork - tedium! Groceries lists and dog food orders, and scarce even a hint of another living soul to speak to! It's banality central in your own home, and it shall be the death of me. Pray, we MUST return to proper society, else the name Silver Wolf will be all but forgotten. Or worse, seen as weak."

Aiden gives glance out the window, and checks the time on his wall clock. "We've only JUST returned from Midsummer-"

"-Which is your playground to show off your horses, and not at ALL the same as hosting a proper gathering in a noble hold! We grow forgotten, and weakened in the eyes of our neighbors. New holds appear, and power lines spread with no strong hand to keep them in check. Have you even paid a visit to this new Lodge on our doorstep? They call it a Fortress, you know. A military stronghold - and they claim fortifications needed to protect against some secret threat. I see a gathering bulkhead of power - and where is it like to strike? And who are they allied with - again, eyes go to River Vale."

A stronger frown creases his face. "If this truly concerns you - and it is not just that you are a hot-house flower wilting for lack of admiration? Pay a social call to the Fortress and see if you find any truth to your concerns. In fact, see if they have a leatherworker who can outfit my Ovcharkas, if you need a reason. Or better yet, consult with Leander-"

Calanthe gives a laugh. "I don't need a reading to see my future. I have a clear vision, and only needed your support."

"Seer Leander is an honored ally and my trusted advisor. You will respect that." Baron Aiden says, but before he can speak further the clock strikes, and sets up an answering howl. "See, now I've missed beating the clock to suppertime." He stands, pushing away his cup. "Briar, it's feeding time." The yound redcap peers around a corner where she was waiting - and perhaps, listening. This makes Dame Calanthe frown.

The Baron continues to her, "Visit, or do not. But if it's attention you seek, mayhaps call your hawking friend, the Varich. Or play your dance card at other halls. I do not care to have my privacy invaded with the trivialities of hosting. Moreso that it already has been. Now, you will excuse me." His dismissal is clear, as is the line on his forehead that shows she's given him much to think over.

The Dame bows and watches him go, Redcap stomping after to head to the freezers where the dog's meat is kept. As the baron disappears into the kennels, Dame Calanthe gives a thin smile of her own and sets off to look into her own affairs.
______________

Another time, and Nadeen Dancingsnow, Baroness without a Barony, walks along with Oak by her side. The Great Pyrenees wags happily, catching new smells of horses dogs and more in the distance.

They approach the Silver Wolf Barony, with Nadeen saying "A fine fellow you are, Oak. I need you to understand, no biting these people unless I am directly threatened and even then..." A stroke

And they close further "Yes, I know, he's an ailil, but for once put aside your Gwydion imprinting and accept it is not as simple as good and evil"

Oak snorts, but moves along with her.

"As it stands, the's liable to be irked when he finds out about the Colt. But better he hears it from me. I need to establish a rapport."

Oak's keen ears and nose will hear and scent another dog, and a fae, tromping through the woods nearby, not caring to hide their passage.

He turns and looks that way, and barks, just once, an annoucement less than a warning.

Nadeen readies her mask if need be. It coudl be a mortal , She doesn't have his scent of smell

A rustle as they turn in Nadeen's direction, and cross onto her trail. A short redcap, face bristling with metal and leather, and a mighty oaf of a dog, more than half the young girl's height. "Oh, it'sh you." A frown from Briar. "You're on the guesht lisht. That means I'm not allowed to bite you." Sincere disappointment. The adult ovcharka rumbles a deep growl towards Oak, a warning in her tone.

"Unlesh you're invading with an attack dog?" Briar asks, hopefully, a hand out to set on the dog's back.

Oak holds his own stands but does not grow more agressive, yet. He's been told not to.

"Actually, no, this is Oak, a Great Pyranness... and Fae hound." She says "The Baron wanted to see him" She adds "intact. But don't worry, Briar, I'm sure you'll get ot maul someone in the next few days. just hopefully not me or mine"

"We get whole carcashshesh in for the dogs. I get to break 'em down. And see how they're put together - and taken apart." Gleeful joy in that. And then to the dog, "Mishka, Lyezhat." A simple command, "Down", in Russian. But the dog instantly stops her growl.

"The pupsh were annoying her so I took her on a patrol. He'sh training them." And she starts in that direction. "Your dog is big but too white. He'd look killer covered in blood. Hard to keep clean, though."

"Well, he has blue tinges to our eyes, but yes," She strokes Oak. "And he has been covered in blood before, he's fought a Linnorm, he's fought thieves and raiders. Yet somehow keeps a chummy demeanor"

And they move towards the kennels

As they approach the way that Nadeen recognizes as heading to the kennels, a voice is heard calling commands, and they onto the following scene. Out in the larger fenced in run, all six of the pups are lined up, sitting, and watching the Baron is varying levels of attention. He is talking softly to them, and gesturing towards a standing figure - it's more of a stand with a hide tossed over it, bulky and looming.

One of the pups yaps as they come nearer, and stands up. Aiden's voice rings, out, "Pyshka! Myjesto!" (Stay!) A small whine, but the pup returns to it's spot.

Oak may take note of that figure. He's smart - it's not alive. But it smells... bad. Wrong. Like a bear, maybe - or an animal, but something twisted. The smell is fresh, as though an active threat.

Aiden steps to the fenceline and bows to Nadeen. "Baroness, I had not hoped to have the pleasure of your company so soon." Keeping an eye on the line of pups.

A low growl from Oak at the scent of the wrong

"Oak, shh" Nadeen says to him and Oak quells only a little, then she says "I do apologize for the rudeness of my abruptness, but I have news, Baron Aiden, and I wanted to show you Oak. That...target... Is it, Thallian or something?"

Indeed, he admires Oak. "If you will but give me one moment..." Turning back to the pups and a few quick commands in succession! "Vperyod, Ohranyai - FAS!" (Forward - guard - ATTACK)

And the pups bound forward! Two hesitate, eager to sink their teeth in, but gallumph over to stand near the Baron and his guests, tiny chests rumbling with high pitched puppy growls! The other four bound over to leap upon the figure, small teeth worrying, pulling, tearing down the hide cloak and biting at it.

His accent is not great, but the commands are legible if she speaks Russian.

She admires the puppies

Oak approves, and gives the pups a friendly wag

Kneeling, he pats each of the guarding pups, and releases them with a word to go and chew and bite at the cloak as well. A word of praise to them all, and the pups set up a clamour, and start wrestling amongst themselves in play, save for one that keeps chewing at the cloak with mock-savage wrestling pounces.

"Your advice was invaluable. A combination of smell plus a more targeted prop... and the training is coming along very well indeed."

Mishka, the dog by Briar's side, gives her tail a wag too. Head high, and proud.

Oak is a bit of a goof so he is happy to see the puppies but does not impose on them but he is friendly to them.

"AH' She smiles "I'm glad, I see they're enthusiastic" Nadeen does beam "That one seems VERY assertive" to the one that keeps chewing at the cloak

"She's her mother's daughter." A nod. "You've met Mishka? She's the mother of my line, a magnificent beast. Oak there is quite something to behold as well."

Noticing Briar. "Briar, see that the props are put away if they leave anything worth salvaging? And I think an extra liver ration. They've done well today." The redcap gives a lazy half-bow/half nod and heads to do so.

"I have, she's got glorious lines" A nod "Please, feel free to pet Oak and check his own lines under all that fur you'll find corded muscle and intelligence in his eyes. "

Aiden steps around and joins Nadeen as the pups play, then race off for lunchtime.

Offering Oak his hand politely - yes, he has washed them free of any of the smell of the training props, he knows to wait and not manhandle the dog directly before being greeted. Once thus permitted, he will gently run his hands through Oak's coat.

"Marvelous. Both livestock guardians, but they split out... some five thousand years ago, at best. His coat is smoother - less upkeep. Mm, not as dense. Perhaps not as good a defense? Strong lines..." He kens as well.

Oak sniffs the hand and gives the goa haead, getting the scent

Oak shines with glamour when kenned. And he's intneligent. A snort at the 'not as good defense' theory but he takes the stroking stoicly. The fact a female dog is watching might have him on even better form than normal, but, when and if expected, the muscles under don't lie. This is a son of a son of a son of a guardian line that has held back wolves and more for generations

"The fur has seemed to turn some aside before. Notice the blue luster in the snow white fur when the light hits it." She says

A thin smile at the snort, and he offers to Nadeen, "Feel his fur here, and compare to Mishka's ruff. He is not lacking, surely, but the Ovcharka have developed a thick double-coat with coarser and tighter layers. It makes them more work to groom, and they need additional care in the summer months. That's why this litter is most likely destined for Canada."

"Oh," she says "And suddenly I envy Canadians" Nadeen says with a smile

She does feel the ruff," I see what you mean."

"Still, while I don't know Mishka, Oak is incredibly clever. He recognizes scents, has a code of barks for stranger versus greeting those he knows. He can track quite efficiently compared to most of his breed and has an.. emotional intelligence as well. One can barely beupset and then they find a gentle furred face in their lap"

He listens, nodding. "Ovcharkas are similar in ways, but they are not bred as companion dogs. They'll be more stubborn, and strong willed - which is what one may need in a territorial guard, ready to make decisions left on guard. Intelligent, yes, and can be trained to be gently and patient, but they are not recommended for unskilled owners. Strength of will - they must respect you, or they may not listen.

And she sounds fond of him at that

"Ah, yes, I know the type." Wryly "some trolls are like that"

A bit of a dry chuckle. "Stubborn, but once well trained, an invaluable resource. My thanes are the bones of my holding. Perhaps I do not acknowledge them enough." Thoughtful. "My sister complains that we will be seen as weak for maintaining a distance. And for assuming a common element to make the base of our household. Baroness... Nadeen. What say you on this? Your opinion has been valuable already, if I may inquire again."

"In truth, Baron, I understand the desire to be among fellow sidhe, but what I've seen of your common element shows a group of efficient and supportive individuals who lend their own gifts to you and your hold with every advantage. Your House is not trusted by many of the Seelie, a consequence of it's reputation of being master manipulators, as if only Ailil manipulated" A roll of her eyes "And yet, there is Bluebell, warm, and friendly.. a commoner who disarms and if she's IS manipulating she's so good at it all forgive. You have a redcap who is fierce, and yet her honesty is ..almost refreshing. You once said you were not an ideal son of your house ...and i Pointed out that no House wants mere clones. That there is strength in breaking expectations. Your garden serves you well by challenging the preconcieved notions folks have. " A pause "I think, I think a soft thanks to them would be fitting of a thoughtful man. Or a statement of pride in their efforts before them works too. " A frown "As for Calanthe? Mmm I hestitate"

His expression softens a touch as she praises his house. "Yes, my people. They may not be members of the house, but one can scarce life in a household colored by any House without taking on some of it's traits, nonetheless. Even one so lapsed as I." And a small frown as they turn to Calanthe.

"My sister is somewhat of a mystery to me. She runs hot and cold, and spins the thread of intrigue as one born to it. She's been a great boon to me, running the household that I may dedicate time to my own pursuits. But perhaps I have neglected her as well. She is not hardly a spinster, a wilder yet.. some hints she have dropped seem to indicate that she longs for a proper match. Though why she would look to me to arrange such - permission, yes, but arrangement? I'm certainly her superior in title, yes, but I've scarcely made inroads into the local holdings to see if there even IS one that may seek a match. Though, I had wondered if Sir Sergei was hinting at courtship."

"Dame Calanthe has, ambitions" She says stroking the dogs, "And she is sister to your late wife, a sister in law? No?"

"Mmm, yes. Calla and Dolly - pardon. My lady, Dahlia. They were two sisters as alike and different as you could possibly imagine. I know full well that they had intended to make a match between us fae-blessed, but Dahlia... she caught my heart. Tender and sweet, I swear that she never had an enemy in her life. Calanthe, bless her, is more thorn than rose sometime. Both parts of the same lovely plant, but one sharply prickled to guard, and one spreading petals and life."

And he with an effort brings his focus back to Nadeen, and their conversation. "Pray do not misunderstand. She has been an invaluable asset to my home. I would fain be loathe to lose her, and yet, I would be reluctant to get in the way of her own growth."

He offers, somewhat awkwardly. "I hope I do not discomfort you in speaking of matters of the heart. I fear you put me at ease. Should I worry that you seek to bleed dry all my secrets?" A small jest, to his apology.

"in truth , Baron, it feeds my vanity that you open to me," A blush delicate as a white rose shading pink "The reason I ask is that, it is possible Calanthe believes you should wed her. You see her as a sister, I think she sees you as an ... " A sigh "As an opportunity. You must realize you are quite the catch? "

He blinks, and gives her a quizzical look. It takes a moment, but he settles on a small smile. "I think you must be mistaken. Calla is my beloved sister. But she knows that I have no intention to wed again. It would be..." There is that distant look again. "A disservice to any. I know as well as any Ailil the benefit of marriage to solidify a political alliance and strengthen bonds between households. But any further marital tie I might make, would doom the lady to a loveless marriage. Nor will I sire another child." He stands, and paces, letting his fingers brush through Mishka's fur as he does.

"I fear that the Lowell line of Silverwolf ends with me. Not that there is any danger of that anytime soon. I am in very fine fettle, and my seer foresees no enemies as yet swarming outside my gates."

And he looks to Nadeen, turning the conversation deftly her direction. "Speaking of ties. Are you, perhaps, visiting to announce as well the answer to my request that you may serve as Liaison?"

"I..." She looks torn, "First, Lord, if I may? There maybe a lady out there who would marry for reasons other than love. Provided she were allowed a dallaiance for such on the side. But..." A light blush "I fear I grow too brazen in the converse. I am indeed allowed to serve Rivervale as an emissary and Liaison to Siverwolf, my loyalty still to them, but I am a go between at your disposal . However, that is not the other big news. Regarding the colt. "