#baronyofthesilverwolf

"He and I share a mutual interest." Calanthe purrs. And she looks at Gwen as well. "It's not unbecoming on you. Like a marble statue. All you need is a little polishing."

Aiden offers, "The thanes that escorted us here are other examples of your kith - your people. Much as Calanthe, Sir Ivory, and myself are similar-"

"-to an extent." Calanthe adds, unnecesssarily.

"Th..thanks?" Unsure at Calanthe's praise. "Yes, they seem nice" meaning the Thanes "Kind of badass actually"

"Trolls can be amazing guardians, Gwen. Some become police men, some become Firefighters, life guards, and more " Ivory says. Then he looks to the Baron "Baron, I apologize again if I was boorish earlier. I do feel responsible for Gwen and worry may have eroded my manners. "

Aiden smoothly replies before Calanthe can do more than open her mouth. "Not at all, Sir Ivory. It is our duty to any fledge, and I understand the desire to look after your, ah - Awakened dreamer, as it were. If you would stay for the night, I would appreciate your assistance - both of yours," Including Gwen, "-in tracking down this potential new gateway. It worries me to leave such a portal opened but unseen and unmonitored. If it truly exists - when that is an easy trip back to your home as well."

(zoom pause!)

"Least I can do, Lord" Ivory says.

"though I will need to inform the Baroness of the trod on her end if it is a stable and regular one" He says

Gwen looks unsure of all this "Marigold says that its almost all very.. Feudal? So.. the knights and baron and stuff is regular?"

He nods to her. “It is my duty as the one who discovered you- that rabble does not count- to find you a mentor who will teach you of our world. After a year and a day, you will discover your true name. Perhaps you are a knight, or a squire. There are even commoners who hold higher rank, though rare.” A pause. “Not SO rare as it once was.”

She nods, but manages a half joke "I'd hate to be rabble"

A smile "There are many fine folks wiht no title at all" Ivory assures "Backbone of Concordia"

He sips his tea. “They were rabble through their actions, not their title, or lack thereof.” A frown, and he stands, moving to the doorway. “A moment.” Stepping out, he has a soft conversation. “...double the patrols on the southern border, and keep watch over the kennels. ...word should be sent to Dark Gate.” “Yes sir.” And the steward leaves, and Aiden returns.

The young troll snifffs the air at the food. "Okay this smells delicious"

He checks a pocket watch to see what time it is.

Late.. the girl may missed dinner

And it looks like the lead steward has thought of this as she checks in to ensure that the little plates of snacks are filled. “Sirs, Miss? It’s past supper time it’s no trouble if you’d like something more substantial...”

Aiden nods to Marigold. “I keep irregular hours so we don’t often dine in state. Marigold can put together a banquet with five minutes and two slices of bread to rub together.” He stands. “If I may place you in her capable hands? I have some affairs to settle.”

"Oh.. uhm.. thank you. These are fine I jjust.." Gwen blushes "Okay, I admit I'm famished I just dont' want to be a bi-err jerk . You sure it's no trouble?"

Marigold takes this as permission. “You just give me an appetite, it’d be my pleasure. That man doesn’t eat enough to keep a sparrow in winter fat, and if it wasn’t for Briar all my skills go to waste. Let’s see, we can heat up a pot of venison stew with sandwiches, unless you’d care for something more substantial?” A curtsey to Ivory. “For you, Sir?”

"Stew sounds wonderful, Marigold, thank you" He nods , his rose like irises shine

She’ll happily serve the sidhe and new fledge, and checks on Aiden in his study.

“Have this couriered over to Dark Gate in the morning. First thing. I’d send it tonight, but if they’re on edge from raiders I’m not risking anyone to an accident of mistaken identity.” Folding a paper and handing it over.

“If you don’t have any stew, then all that nice meat goes to waste, and it’s not season yet for more.” She scolds him gently. And he pats her shoulder, but will join the others to enjoy the late meal.

"Please, Baron. I feel like a real jerk eating when the guy who saved my ass ..rr protected me, ends up starving"

“I’ll give Thane Linnea your regards and save her a plate.” A small smile between bites. “Her squad of patrolmen- and women- has proven invaluable more than once.”

Gwen looks at Marigold "How much trouble is it getting him to eat normally?"

She shakes her head. “He’s off running with his horses, maybe I should hang a feedbag, for the price we spent on organic oats.”

Aiden hides a cough behind his napkin.

Gwen ponders this and gives a troll smile, which is just a light lip flicker but it's obvious.

“How did you and Sir Ivory become acquainted?” Aiden still seems curious. “I mislike something about this. Not you, miss.” He appends. “The lady, and what link she may have to us. This will bear further investigation.” He frowns at this.

"it does seem oddly.. coincidental, even for our kind" A nod from Ivory.

"Oh, I was in a shitty..er bad spot" the troll says correcting her language. "A guy offered to put me up? But turns out he was... well, there are guys who hope to hook you and pimp you out. Then this Albino guy saves me"

“You were lucky to have a Liam Knight on the lookout.” He nods to Ivory.

Ivory hangs his head low "It's part of my House's purpose to protect mortals, but we also , well the right of Rescue is something that drives us all."

A blink, seeing his look of -shame? “What shame is there in that? Unseelie as well respect this. At least, those under my hold do.” A steely glint to his expression for a moment.

"Oh I am not ashamed of that, Lord. " He assures, "Rather, well, I did not expect such a generousity to me giving my House."

“Credit belongs where it is due. You risked yourself to rescue a dreamer from mortals that sound unsavory at best. We are not so rich in dreamers to turn aside even from danger, yet many would. It is to be commended.”

"Thank you, Baron" He says "Alas, dreamers seem to be rarer everywhere"

“Dross seems to be at a premium- and desperate folk turn dangerous. Has Earth Runes seen any evidence of raids on their borders?” He asks, frankly.

"No lord, I Have not heard of anything of that sort. There was an unsavory flesh peddling ring that certain discourage Dreamers... but dross? No.Then again I do not glean the dross often."

(Meanwhile, Calanthe has left, she gave a polite excuse that did not hint at any distaste in dinner guests.)

“I heard of the raids on that enterprise. After they were successful. A Balor element running the show, rumor said.”

"Involved, there was also a known dream rapist Satyr involved " Sir Ivory says "Pardon for the grim mention at dinner"

Indeed, Marigold is giving him a hint of the stink eye for a moment. In front of the poor dear girl!

“I trust he was brought to justice? We are a bit divorced from news here.”

“Perhaps I can show Miss Gwen to a room while you gentlemen catch up.” Marigold offers in supreme sacrifice.

"Yes, he will no longer threaten anyone again" Ivory says.

Gwen has finished her meal "I think the menfolk will feel freer if I do . Thanks, Marigold. The food was great. " And she looks to the guys "Thank you, Baron, Knight" She tries a bow, it's awkward as hell

Marigold bobs a quick curtsey and leads her off to a room freshly made up- a lass with rabbit ears is currently spreading a quilt over the bed that smells of being aired in the days early sunshine.

“You’ll sleep well tonight, and I’m just down the hall if you heed anything. Oh, and... miss.. I am not sure if you have family to return to, in Jefferson City?” Marigold asks her gently. “But, know that you needn’t go back, if they are... unkind. Oh, we’re not perfect, we get all sorts- not us specifically, but fae folk. But you needn’t suffer from mortal concerns any longer, if you don’t wish it.”

"I don't ..wish it." She admits. "Honest, marigold. I keep thinking I'm going to wake up, but even when I'm some giant stone girl... this is.. better than anything I've had. I just hope I'm not too heavy for the bed"

“I’ll be sure they know. Sleep, and pleasant dreams, and pleasanter when you awake. Come now, Bluebell, she can fluff her own pillows and you can gawk at breakfast.” Smiles the Boggan.

Bluebell, far too sweet and dignified to ever GAWK, does steal a glance or two curiously on her way out.

Amazed, Gwen Locklear sits down on the bed.

"Good night" She manages.. and smiles. Well, troll smiles. but it threatens to be a big grin anyway

A flick of a white tail on her way out! “Good night, flowerbud. Morrow is for blooming.”