#baronyofthesilverwolf

Squirming "Well, uhm.. I think others are better diplomats"

"Why do you feel that?" Refilling Gwen's tea. "You're young, you're pretty, you're a good fighter, and they're our closest neighbors. We won't ask you to broker a 2020 version of new accords, but who knows, you may find a friend or two."

"Mariiiigold.. I am not that pretty. I mean, yeah I got that exotic part indian thing going kinda... but most guys aren't into statuary"

A huff. "So now I'm a liar? Think of it this way. We're already looking at a curated section of the population who believes in magic, delights in lovers with horns and goat legs, fangs, even wings and tails, and welcomes folk with skin of black, brown, cream, green or blue. You're not strange. You're a delight."

"What? NOoo... I wouldn't call you a liar.. " Oh she's on the ropes "Well I....okay " A blush "I guess I can visit. I just.. you know... I'm not that extroverted."

"You could take Briar with you." A little grin, "Between the two of you, you should average out."

"If you feel stir crazy at all, you can also go into town. Calanthe still goes into her office a few times a week - the remote working just doesn't do the trick when it comes to musing. It's no big metropolis, but there are some nice little stores and shops you could check out, if you'd like a change of pace."

"I know, musing is hard now but I don't have to muse folks my own age" A sly smile "I could muse folks your age who try to matchmake for me"

Her mouth opens, closes, and she puts a hand on her hip. Finally she smiles. "You're incorrigible."

"Be careful there, I might just think you're having good ideas and put you to work visiting old ladies who are shut in due to the virus, and then all your free time will be spent holding yarn and carrying groceries."

A sheepish laugh "Sorry, Marigold. I couldn't help it." Then she says "Huh.. yeah I could help some senior citizens"

"Even socially distanced, there are folk that could use help with yardwork, or, oh, snow is not far off."

"Leaf raking I can do, Snow shovelilng too" Easy peasy

A smile and she leans in. "You should see the little ones play in the first REAL snow of the year. Pups, foals, or Briar, it's a delight."

"A safe path from the mailbox to the door is a lifesaver - literally! For many older folk. And back in one of the barns, we have a pickup with a plow attachment. When the drifts get high, we do a few rounds to clear out the side streets. With people stuck at home in quarantine, it's probably not as urgent, but my thought is that it would still feel nice to not feel forgotten and isolated on TOP of everything out. And lest you think we've gone Liam in altruism, there's a touch of glamour in true gratitude to be had from mortals, even these days." She adds, but with a smile.

"And otherwise Danica gripes that the emergency lines are clogged up with calls for snow support - but I think she likes to help just as much. Her protectiveness extends over the entire township, not just our Hold."

"Yeah, she's a workaholic" A nod and a smile "Sure, I like the snow"

That seems to moved on from the 'go visit Darkgate and meet boys' talk

She is free... for now.

Dun dun dun

-------

And so it is, Dame D'Lorean arrives at the Silverwolf barony.

Julius, the Steward in training and resident Satyr, is on hand to greet her. A pen is stuck behind one ear (rather, lodged in his curls between an ear and a horn) which he doesn't seem to remember is there, as he has another in hand and a clipboard.

"You'll need to let me know of anything you need. If it's feminine concerns, it's still my job to see you have what you need, but you can also speak to Steward Marigold, though I'm here to take more of the day to day inventory and such off her hands. And don't be shy - we've seen fledges come in with only the clothes on their back, if you need something, tell us so that we can provide, rather than be embarrassed of your lack. Remember that you'll be representing Silverwolf, and it is both our responsibility and pride to see that you are kitted out appropriately to your new role and fitting rank."

A grin as he finishes a bit of a speech.

"I'm definitely more the clothes on my back kind of girl," She says looking around "This place is gorgeous. The horses are amazing! I mean, I knew he had good ones but these are like the sons and daughters of horse royalty..well, armor on my back really now that i think of it though it's kind of dented ..when can I start working with the horses? And oh..." A blush "Nice to meet you," She offers a hand

she seems full of nervous energy!

He grins and shakes the hand. "It definitely seems like horses are your passion... but I would be remiss as a proper Pan if I didn't ask if you played at all? It would be nice to get some music back into these halls." The satyr admits.

"Well, a little" A smile "It's not my thing but I do play."

She gapes around and stares, rubbernecking without shame. Trolls try to be stoic , and someitmes fail . Satyrs tend to be out there. Nervous energy continues

He makes a few notations on the board, and then grins at her energy. "Want a proper tour?" He sets his clipboard and any baggage she came with aside, and gives a little stretch.

"is that a pick up line?" She says on guard but not offended.

"Afraid not, my lady is Bluebell of the Dance, and she seems sweet and mild until she thinks I'm catting about. She accepts that I may roam, but to bring, or find, any lovers in her own home? That would be a dangerous proposition - for my health and wellbeing, that is!

What I meant is, it's a fine fall day, we can take a run out to the far stables, past the kennels and back, and give you the lay of the land on your own two hooves for once." A grin.

"Bluebell? My god, she danced I saw the.. she was ... yeah, you mind your fuzzy tail . You don't want to lose her. " A smile "She was so shy after she kicked as too. it was sweet." At mention "On my own hooves? Well, okay."

A grin, and once her belongings, such few as there may be, are secured, he sets off at a light (for a satyr) pace and watches to see that she keeps up. "D'Lorean - that's an interesting name you've chosen. Are you hiding some Chronos mastery behind your jousting skills?"

She laughs "It's ah.. a sign of respect to someone I knew" She keeps pace, getting into the run so he doesn't feel too restrained.

"Down that way you'll hit the main road into town... it's a ways, but a nice jog when the weather is perfect like today. I love our Fall, crisp and clean, and all the trees change... further down past Thousand Lakes you'll find some vineyards." A touch of envy in his tone. "Maybe someday we'll expand, we have the space for it! Think of it, Silverwolf Winery." Julius grins.

"Well, you've got a dancehall ..." She moves smiling at the scenery

"Bluebell is ecstatic about that. No more shoving around tables and chairs to make room in the dining rooms..." He rubs his lower back with a grin. "She seems an odd duck at first, but you'll figure her out. As pooka go, she's not too prone to trickery, at least, not the mean spirited bit, but she can be hard to understand at times."

"I'll be honest, Pooka confuse me most of the time, but who am I to judge ? I broke out into tears once at a suburu dog commercial. the one where they send their little puppy to obedience school the first day?"

She takes a running leap over a low barrier ...having fun

He grins and takes a runner over that one too! "If you like puppies, you'll be in luck. I think Baron Aiden has another litter planned for the spring - not sure if it's sighthounds or scenthounds this time, but an interesting change from those puffball warriors he has prancing about now." Telling her about the poofy yet deadly Ovcharka pups.

Ovcharka pups catches her interest "Are those the little grrr ruff growl warnnings I got when I came in? Hah. Dogs are okay but I prefer horses. And some breeds argh. Every corgi I've met tries to herd me"

A laugh! "I don't think we're in much danger of Corgis here, even with their Fae associations. Swedish Vahlhunds, now, those are cool looking. Can't say I'd appreciate the herding though. So, tell me about D'Lorean. Where did you hale from, how'd you earn your knighthood? Or should we have a welcome party so you can share your tale once and not a dozen times?"

"oh. I.. you know, not much to tell" She says "Just your average commoner knight only with a love of jousting. So, Swedish Valhunds , never met those"

"I'll have to find you a picture later. Imagine if you crossed a wolf with a corgi - cute at all get out. So we have hawks, hounds, and horses - good for alliteration. I've heard that some holds are playing with revival of old style renaissance Hunting cats, trying to breed back to fae strains, but as of yet that's not part of our offering. Which is just as well, because Lady Calanthe hates cats. Me, I think she just can't stand any creature with as much attitude as herself around." A grin.

"Ah, a shame. Cats are nice... when it's in season"

"Season?" Trotting along easily - it IS a lovely fall day, and the trees show a riot of colors.

"Just a joke, meaning they pick the season"

A grin. "My brain went to "Duck Season - Rabbit Season!" And then he ducks his head a little and turns his eyes up. "No offense, M'Love!"

"Wow, you have it bad" A smile though

He laughs, and nods. "Guilty as charged. Girls like her only come along once in an incarnation, and I'm lucky to have found her. And doubly so that Silverwolf found her first. Else she might be married to some mortal dullard and trapped."

"I hope you and she wow each other for many years to come. I don't think I ever found one to put above all others. Maybe one day"

He beams at her. "I wish you luck in that, and much fun in the search!" Rounding a corner, "And here are the stables. We have a few folk that come in to help out at least part time, but Baron Aiden takes an active hand in the running, and Dolph is his lead hostler. I believe they've already got that Stallion set up in the paddock there. Hard to miss him - until it snows, of course."