#baronyofthesilverwolf

She blushes and is pleased, "You, my lord, have more poet in you than you reveal. I'm glad you like it. How have you been? If I might inquire?"

"Apparently in need of a break. Clearly I've been at this too long today." The box tucked with care into the office, he returns and his arm to Nadeen. "Walk with me? If your travel here was not too strenuous."

"It was not" She takes his arm and leans against him, "Your dogs are clearly sharp, so this is a fine time for you to rest"

A smile "And vain as I am, I think I am among the best company you could do it with"

A blush "Rest, I mean"

"Indeed, I do find you easy to speak to, my lady. And your company is a salve to frayed nerves. I think, perhaps, I should hire more staff to help with the running of the barony, but it is difficult. I mean not to sound like a micromanager, as a mortal might say, but... it is hard to delegate tasks I am so accustomed to, without finding myself fraught with worry that they may not do the job right. My household is superb, but I am loathe to hand over any tasks related to the horses and hounds. I had thought to take a Squire, once... that did not go according to plan." A frown.

"Yes. I remember," SHe ponders 'But some squires work out quite well. Who knows? Maybe a better fit awaits. I can keep an eye out? Oh, and , if I may say, I think you have a redcap who might openly grumble but be pleased to help Gwen with the dogs"

He ponders a moment. "I had wondered where Briar had gotten off to, Gwen is a fine fledge and a deft hand with the dogs, but I missed Briar when we were butchering the latest delivery. She's good with a blade, quick and precise, and I would rather she lend practice to a hanging side of beef rather than to the next unlucky trespasser."

"They say that if you declaw a cat - nasty practice, that - it learns instead to strike out with it's teeth. I have wondered, with her jaw healing, did that contribute to her learning better how to fight with a knife? A curious proposition, though not one I'd venture suggest anyone repeat."

"I know she's eager to get her teeth back" A nod "Mm she might need practice with her teeth. I wonder if Dirk would give lessons?"

"Hmm. A good omen in that name, perhaps. A dagger of the highlanders, shorter than some, but none the less deadly. Who is this Dirk?"

"Dirk is... Dirk. Peacekeeper Dirk really, an enforcer for the Lodge and area, technically a Bolt of the Storm if you recall the Troll honorifics? He's a redcap, a wilder. Not as bright as Briar, but quite a beast even without weapons"

A small frown, "I had concerns. Many corbies are like wolves. Smart, and deadly dangerous... but some may leave an injured member behind - and some may cull them from the pack. Briar is of Silverwolf, and I would not risk her."

She looks at him with admiration, "There is.. concern that Dirk is Seelie. Or at least close enough that he might be hunted by his own. I think.. it would work "

"Perhaps so. A pack of their own. " A more formal tone, "Liaison, would you be so kind as to make an overture into this venture to Peacekeeper, ah, Stormbolt Dirk of Rivervale?"

"I shall" she nods "And of course, you may want ot meet him and decide for yourself. He is..rude, rough around the edges, and simple at times to forewarn"

"I will keep this in mind, and try not judge him wihtout that understanding." He nods.

As they walk, he mentions, "I have visited Earthrunes, and their scholars are assisting in review, and repair of my research into the horses I seek. Have you thought further of the potential of an expedition? I know that your host parents might worry, though there is always a way to convince Mortals otherwise. Are you still in schooling?"

"Remote schooling" She waves it off "And I know a changeling with teacher accreditation I can get help from. My host parents well, while I do not mention it to the Liam in my area, I have used what is needed to keep them orderly." Nadeen says "And yes, I've given a lot thought. I would love to join you, perhaps take Dagmar along, or I can lend support here in your abscence"

“I had thought perhaps it would be best to send an entourage. And not myself. I don’t feel...” he frowns, looking off into the distance. “As much as this quest matters to me... there is my Barony to look out for, and a new fledge. She is as yet unsained and it would be a fools errand to take her on such a journey...”

"Oh thank goodness" She says, clearly relieved

"Not that I doubt your prowess or powers, but I am glad to hear it"

“Your Dagmar. She is fond of horses, that much I gathered. How well does she work with them?”

"Gently. She might not always be as firm with them as some might think needed, but if she had to be as steel to save one? You'd find none more resolute. But she is greatly taken by horses.. I think she sees in a horse freedom and wonder. They seem to in turn like her. Why her work at the rescue has been proof it's not just fae steeds"

“What rescue is this? A local charity?”

"Oh, of course you might not know..." She ponders how much to say then decides to be honest "it's some matter of secrecy on how it came about to our attention, but suffice to say the Bergen County Horse Rescue is now partly under our charge. A good thing too. " She explains the state of abuse of some of the animals

He listens, politely at first, and then his expression darkens. “Feeding off the horses. How low can a creature sink?” A shake of his head. “You are lucky that the wolf-folk left the horses alive. Some of their Bands would see them as tainted from the vampires touch- as bad as if corrupted by Fomorians. They’d only see one path to cleansing.”

His voice quiet, though they walk alone. “There are some bands in the woods - not near, but not terribly Far either. We have a... mutual understanding. We do not trespass on their sacred grounds, and they respect ours. If you ever travel north of here to camp or hunt, I will show you the signs I know. And for the love of Da’an, I don’t think you would, but never hunt wolves or bear. There are some areas where it’s safer to hunt nothing. They worship different animal spirits, best as I understand, and the taking of even a rabbit might enrage them.”

"Much appreciated lord" Her eyes widen at this valuable news "Yes... the wolf folk are not always good with the trust of domestic animals so you see why they turned to us. I fear Dagmar is working herself to a frazzle with them" A frown at that "But that comes of caring so much for them. "

A nod. “She seems not fond of Silverwolf. If she were to come on this expedition, would she understand that the horses- if found - are to return to our Barony, if at all?”

“I do not doubt her honor. Neither as a troll nor a Gwydion. But equally, we have learned that folk oft chose their own interpretation of duty. And I have sought too long...” a sigh. “I do not know her. I feel that we have an understanding and respect, Nadeen, so I would value your opinion.”

"I confess, I find flexibility a virtue worth cultivating, but I assure you, Dagmar would not seek to cheat you. Would she love more horses near where she could be? Yes. But not for some coniving way. But for the love of the creatures. And she'd not cheat you, or the horse "

"I can tell you, that your former squire? Earned her wrath GREATLY."

His jaw tightens, and he is silent. A long moment passes, and she may suspect he will not speak, but finally he responds. “That boy, Perchival. He was... unfit. I regret deciding to take him to squire simply on recommendation of House alone. It was a mistake.”

She sees that, then "A mistake undone and corrected by his dismissal lord. I assure you, I think highly of your handling of it. I bring it up because you asked of Dame Dagmar's priorities. I am demonstrating that like you, her priority is the health and safety of animals, and as they will be safe with you as I can attest, then.." A pause "Forgive me, Baron. May I bring her by sometime? ithink you two should meet here. Get to know each other and sooth the Gwydion Ailil divide just a bit"

“A fair request. Yes. Gwen should meet more trolls as well.” He says, nodding.

"Wonderful. And yes, Gwen has two fine thanes here to emulate, but a few more kith sisters could only serve her well." She says "now, Lord. You need to take a rest from training. So... in keeping with this, I hereby shall steal you away for a long talk over snacks and drinks. Marigold will supervise and make sure you do not take advantage of me" Coquettish

A soft laugh. “You are my guest, so it would be rude to deny you provision and company. And Marigold would be glad to see you.” Agreeably, he escorts her onward.

And in they go, for drinks, and pleasant conversation, and so Marigold might see the new shotglasses and decide where to put them