#baronyofthesilverwolf

Baroness Nadeen Dancingsnow ap Varich goes alone...well, Pyschka goes with her. so not alone, towards the hold she feels a bit awkward going to now. Before she came here with only purely poliiltical options. Dagmar and I, we're at least on a break,are we over? Am I betraying her to consider. A sigh

Knight Calanthe greets her with a small bow, heading in the same direction for a time. "What brings you to Silverwolf today, Baroness?" It looks like the knight is on her way in from the mews, still having gloves hanging from her belt, and in a pleasant mood.

"A desire to maintain cordial relations on a political level, and , in truth for my own enjoyment. You look in fine spirit, Dame Calanthe. Clearly you and Silverwolf continue to prosper," She nods respectfully

"Well, I still think that the notion of ties for competitions that had clear winners indicates judges that are wishy washy or afraid to offend. Not that I didn't get the better of the prizes when I took the Falconry meet, but I DO wonder what wonders that egg may have wrought."

"A new Chimerical bird of prey, I'm told." She answers "though I have not seen it"

"It has hatched?" She is clearly curious, but sighs. "I suppose it shall be many seasons before it is up to performing level and may make an appearance at another competition, if at all. I would have liked to see that."

"They seem skittish to open their trueholding to sidhe though the school in the more mundane realestate next door still takes students" Nadeen says "You may have to wait a while longer as you surmized"

"I had heard they were working at that. Our Steward was curious about the potential merits, if it truly is open to all, and not just to select ally holds they consider non-threatening. I suppose it might be good for Briar to get out more, but our newest troll is shaping up to be a fine thane. I would be loathe for them to fill her head with anti-noble sentiment when she's still within that volatile fledge stage."

"Well, Rivervale is an ally to them so we have an advantage. I would be lying to say they relax equally, but they are willing to work with others . Trial periods and the like" Nadeen says "How is Briar? Has she had her braces removed yet?"

"Not yet. The orthodontic offices are having some issues with staffing." She frowns at this. "It's hit everyone in the medical sphere of course, though I've been lucky in that there is much less need for PPE in my line."

"Indeed." She nods "the farm is woefully modernist. I don't doubt there would be some influence put upon the young, but at the same time their young have been told to be on good behavior and are trying to open their minds. Who knows? MAybe House Ailil could improve it's reputation among them, you know as well as I how the Unseelie Houses are often cast in the role of villain."

"I rather suspect the Baron prefers it this way. Unpopular holds are seldom called upon to entertain, nor invited to events that draw him away from his beasts."

"There is an elegance in reclusive holds at times" She says looking about "But I do despair of the ignorance of some Seelie freeholders. " Her eyes drift and she wonders what would be an acceptable balance of interaction for Aiden's liking. Probably as is, but he might tolerate the foray now and then. "And I think the Baron and his hold gave respectable showing and then some at the Pennons. You yourself might have found the judges timid, but you made an impression and showed the quality of the fine mews here. And I was rightly trounced by Bluebell, and feel no shame for her dance in the name of the Silver wolf was masterful. And, of course, the yearlings race. All grand displays."

A smile at that. "He's already had multiple inquiries after those two horses. It will be interesting to see if they are sold separately, or they may be a delightful matched pair that may command an even higher price."

"For many I expect it has been a relief to claim the stay at home orders as an excuse against returning to the nest. Familial obligations to host families can be rather tedious. I was considering a small fête. Though, I suppose being of a tender age and still living with your host's parents, you have mortal obligations next week."

In truth, if the Liams knew how she handled her parents, they'd probably be sputtering. Not that Nadeen abuses them, but they are handled more than once "I might be able to mix two events into the day though I'd have to eat lightly at one. I'm about ready to leave the nest, as it twere"

"Oh? Have a new perch in mind? There are always those pesky mortal concerns, for as we all know, one cannot live on glamour alone, and woe to those who try. I was blessed to be guided to a host that comes from a family of wealth, which in turn guided me to my own lucrative career prospects." A thoughtful look at the baroness.

"College seems a must. Too much status bound in it you know?"

"Scholarships are easy enough to nudge in the correct direction. Unless you have a patron already?"

"I've made some arrangements" She says "Though I thank you for your kind wisdoms. "

She inclines her head at that. "That's good to know."

Inwardly a little annoyed that her curiousity is yet unsated. How do Boggans and Pooka do it? By abandoning any dignity and groveling for crumbs of detail, she supposes.

"I have yet to finalize the plans..." A small frown at this, annoyance at whatever barrier she faces. "Though feasting will be a certainty. Marigold prides herself on her treatment of wild turkey."

A glance, then "Marigold's talent is excellent. It might be too cold to have an outdoor fete unless physical activity was involved." She ponders "You have yet to finalize. Perhaps something in a hunter's hall theme? To differentiate between the more traditional farmer harvest angle?"

"That is a splendid idea. Would you care to assist in planning? Of course, you simply must attend. It can be on the day following if Thursday really must be spent with mortal tedium." Jumping on her suggestion to attempt to rope Nadeen into a confirmation.

"I suppose I couldn't say no to a Friday" She admits

Sweeping along smoothly on that train of thought. "Think you your House kinsman Sir Sergei may welcome an invite? The expansion to the mews is nearly finalized and I'd welcome his review of the plans."

"Ah, I see. you hope to use me as a go between. Well, a lady is forced to make such overtures with decorum, are we not?" An understanding smile "I shall inquire on your behalf."

"Dame Delorean had mentioned inviting Dame Dagmar. It seems that she made an impression upon her at pennons."

A wistful look "Dame Dagmar never fails to impress most I think. I will ask her as well, but I would not hold out hope. She has not just the lodge but her own family that she holds dear to tend to"

"A shame. It would have been an entire corner of the table to talk horses et nauseum without boring the rest of us. Aiden has been deep into his maps and scrolls lately in planning. He's far more interested in that than a mortal holiday."

"Do let me know if other names come to mind. It would be a shame to not provide due diligence to the spread that Marigold is bound to produce." And, a small smile. "The mortals call this a day to reminisce on peace between the pilgrims and natives. What better demonstration than Gwydion and Ailil breaking bread at the same table?"

"A fair point," She concedes as they approach the barony proper "Perhaps I can talk Aiden into putting his maps and scrolls to the side for one day if I am there" A smile of fondness "A challenge never scared a Varich"

A small crinkle on her brow. "Perhaps it would be politic to invite a delegation from Dark Gate. With them our near neighbors, it may be insulting not to at least extend the offer."

"They do seem to be lacking the niceties. " She agrees "No reason at least one of their number can not enjoy"

The Dame ponders for a few moments longer, reviewing her political acumen. Wondering if she's missing some invitation that may cause dreaded insult. Dame Dagmar would be welcome to bring her squire, if she so chose - but certainly it would be easy enough to occupy him away from the baron - throw him a bone, as it were. A blanket invitation to the primary Rivervale lodge may be a bit much, but safer, as they likely will choose not to attend, then it is neither a direct rejection nor an offended lack of invitation.

"Thank you, Baroness. Now, I'd best let the Steward know, now that I have a rough idea on heads to plan for. If you're seeking the Baron, he's with the hounds."

"Of course" She smiles, "Thank you, Dame. " A look to her dog "Come, Pyschka. Let's give you a chance to nibble on your siblings"

Calanthe heads in, and shortly thereafter, "For HOW many? And in a WEEK? You don't do anything by half measures, do you? You're lucky we had a good fall turkey season... oh, I'll need to get them brining now..." and the bustle begins.

As for Nadeen,she goes to the hounds , no doubt her own dog giving a bark of greeting announcing her

The Baron actually has company, a noble Sidhe lady in leather and fine furs, who is watching the dogs at play. She has long and braided blond hair, fair skin, and a golden torc accented with amethyst gems.

"All of them have shaped up to be fine beasts. Equally suited for guardians at home, or even to be trusted on solo patrol, though one of course needs must train the proper route. They understand as well as any Fae-touched hound, and are eager and willing to learn. Fierce, but protective. I think they may suite you well, Lady Estrid." Aiden offers commentary to her observations.

Atthis, she pauses and waits

and tries to appraise the house of the lady. She motions her own dog to behave. It would not do well for bad behavior to undercut the sale

"It's more properly styled, "Mother", but Lady is acceptable." The sidhe comments, watching over the dogs. "And you say they can travel trods as well? Will they not be distracted by chimera off path? A beast that flees off the silver at first chance is beyond worthless - worse, a danger to travelers who may need to rescue them."

The Baron looks up as Nadeen approaches and he smiles and bows, gesturing for her to join them. "Mother Estrid, may I introduce Baroness Nadeen Dancingsnow ap Varich? Nadeen, Mother Estrid Eriksdotter ap Aesin, visiting from the lands of Northern Ice."

The lady watches the dogs at play, and asks keen questions. She affects nonchalance, but desire is clear - she would like to make this deal.

"Mother Eriksdotter," She gives a curtsey "I knew few Aesin, so it is always a delight. I see you know quality. Silverwolf's hounds are top tier"

Pyschka sits by her mistresses side. Looking majestic and a fine example of her breed. Something is going on here . Important. She senses what her person wants. So she is business now.

Biting Ivan's ears can wait till later

Ivan and his other 4 siblings have trotted over, tails wagging at the sight of Sister and Treatgiver.

The Aesin bowed her head politely. "A moment?" Aiden requests, then steps aside with Nadeen.

"May I ask you - and Pyschka - a favor of a demonstration?"

"You may, of course, though as behavior goes she knows sit, heel, stay and the usual, she does" A light blush "Get on the bed" A whisper "I am not as skilled at training as you are, Lord""

"You'll need to do nothing other than observe. However... Nadeen, do you trust me?" A sudden, and rather open ended request, which he swiftly clarifies, voice lowered - this conversation just between the two. "That I would not allow any harm to come to you."

She looks at him, then "Yes, with my life" Dear Lord, I mean it

He touches her lightly on the arm, and nods, before stepping aside.

He calls to Nadeen's dog, "Pyshka, Komne."

She glances up to Nadeen, then trots to Aiden's side. Her plumed tail swishes at the prospect of this game.

Explaining to the Aesin Mother, "I originally trained them in Russian. The school of thought is that a dog who knows commands in one language cannot be countermanded by a stranger who does not know what triggers the dog will recognize. However, they have proven so intelligent that it was unnecessary here, at least if you intend each dog to answer to someone specific. They are intensely loyal, and do best if they have a central authority. However, if you wish for any of your staff to command them, you may use the training language, or re-train in any other language or cryptic command set you prefer, they will quickly learn."

Aiden then runs her through a short series of commands, in Russian.

Sit. Stay. Jump. Heel. Go there. Fetch. Guard. Find.

Even not understanding what he is saying, the Aesin looks impressed, as it is clear that the dog understands each word. Nadeen, who speaks the language, can be proud of her dog, who obeys each flawlessly - even through Aiden's accent.

"Pyschka was raised and trained at Silverwolf with her litter since birth, until she was assigned to her new owner, the Baroness Dancingsnow. She has been with Nadeen for only a few months."