#baronyofthesilverwolf

Nadeen is proud indeed. And nods to confirm the Baron's words

Steeling his guise, and pointing to Nadeen, as he had pointed to the items to fetch, as he had pointed towards the dummy she had just shredded with her fangs.

"Pyschka, Fas. Attack!" He commands sharply. This time, translating. "Attack!"

Nadeen holds perfectly still, yet does not tense. Relaxed, confident.

The watching Aesin observes, intent, a hand at her throat in surprise.

The dog tilts her head at Aiden, and hesitates.

"FAS! Pyschka. FAS!"

She turns, standing between the two and sits. Defiance?

Aiden draws his sword, and takes a single step towards Nadeen.

Now, with a flash, is when the dog moves. With a leap she is upon him - her weight bearing him easily to the ground, and has her jaws clamped onto his sword arm. She growls, and her eyes go to Nadeen - awaiting her Mistress's command.

Aiden remains very, very still.

Nadeen says "Enough, Pyschka... release"

The tone is not harsh, but it is firm

She releases, and moves off of the Baron - a faint whine, a touch apologetic. He sits up, rubbing at his arm.

"Impressive, Baron. VERY impressive." Mother Estrid comments.

He explains, "I know that many bear little trust for house Ailil. But any beast that I raise, I guarantee loyalty to the new master. Unquestioning, even over the one who raised and trained them. For that reason, I am very selective of who we consider for our guardian hounds."

"Baroness, thank you for your assistance. You've been a credit to Pyschka's continued training as well."

"Your suggestions proved most helpful in that training, Baron. " And she motions to her dog "Here, Pyschka. Good girl. You did well" And her dog gets some pets

That's right. The Varich is going to fuss over her poofy killing machine. Someone going to make something of it?

The Aesin nods, a look of comprehension. "That explains the rumors, then. Well. One never should put too much stock in commoner gossip. Boggans are such useful servants, but they tend to only share half the story, and the bits they omit as uninteresting may be the most important of all."

"We'll take two. The big male, and the one with the brindle markings."

That would be, Ivan, and Alexei!

"Ah, Baron..."

A cough "If you have a moment?" She says "Pardon, Mother"

He nods, but before he can confirm - "Certainly. Pardon." Bowing his head, and stepping aside to Nadeen.

"Your thoughts, Baroness? They are both fine choices."

"Unless - if you know a reason I should not sell to Mother Eriksdottar? Julius has researched, but if there may be something you find amiss?"

Nadeen puts a hand on his side, and speaks softly "I do not think Ivan would be the best pick for her, given he has already formed a mutual attachment to one of your trolls" This is utterly silly. I barely know the girl. Trolls endure well. They're positively noble about suffering Then she thinks of Dagmar, and how she so often takes strikes to the heart and does not even defend herself from them Stupid lodge has ruined me "Gwen is quite fond, and his loss would bring her much sorry though she would endure it if you asked. But Ivan chases after her on trips. He sneaks over to her while she's on duty and waits with her. I think he has already imprinted."

He listens, and gives this serious thought. For a moment, he looks upset. Is it his fault for allowing the fledge to interact unsupervised? Or Gwen's for tempting away the loyalty of a hound known to be bred for sale? But he thinks it through, and nods. "Loyal to a fault."

(Does he mean the trolls, or the dogs?) And smiles to Nadeen, unspoken thanks.

Returning to the Aesin, he advises, "Ivan and Alexei are both strong males, and may contend with each other. And alas, I fear Ivan may already be spoken for. If I may - Alexie, and Nochka, the darker female - they would work splendidly as a team."

The two dogs, hearing their names, have trotted over to greet the Mother.

Ivan, meanwhile, is sneaking up on Pyshcka. Or, he thinks he is.

Pyshka might be distracted for once. She did good yes? But that was tense and she's still so young. There's only so many surprises a young dog needs in her day

POUNCE! The two fluffs go rolling, like the overgrown puppies they are!

A disdainful snuff-snort from Alexei - and then attention rapt as the Aesin speaks to them, him and Nochka! Who knew she knew his language? And without even the sparkles that the other tall ones use!

Pyschka boopa her brother's nose with a paw even as she gruffs at him. GAH. Brothers!

The contents of the conversation is known only to Mother Eriksdotter, Alexei, and Nochka. But the two tails wag, and the Aesin lady nods to Aiden.

"We have a deal."

He looks relieved, concerned she may have thought this a bait and switch. "I'll have the paperwork drawn up, and we'll work out the details. It is a pleasure doing business with you. And I know they will work out well."

To Nadeen, he explains, "Their land includes a herd of elk that are sacred to their family, and have been set upon by poachers. These pups will grown into fine guardians, for their land and creatures as well.

For all that Ivan is bigger, Pyshka may be smarter, and ends up on top! He whines a bit - she wins - and licks her nose.

"Pyshka, a lady doesn't gloat..." slip of a smile "Too obviously"

And She looks at Aiden "Nochka might indeed be the better choice. Ivan can be a touch too independent thinking"

The Mother watches the puppies for a moment, and the Baron and Baroness for a moment longer. Now she understands the terms of the sale. To include a snow-white elk hide - rare, and costly. But she sees a lady before her who would look stunning in such a cloak. She wouldn't be a Mother if she didn't recognize some things. Almost like a Hearth, if she would deign to compare herself to a common troll. But of course she would not.

Aiden spares a smile. "Ivan is good for Gwen. Between the two of them, we already have as good as third full Thane. And Pyschka, I shall need to appoint her as Ambassador to your Emissary as well."

Ivan, already sure that what happened was a draw, considers his brotherly duty done. His sister seems a lot less stressed now. Go Ivan. Go Ivan. You're a smart pup. Woop

wagging tail and all

Pyshka trots lady like to Nadeen's side and looks shyly at the Baron

"Well, Baron," She says "If you'd be so kind as to assure my dog there are no hard feelings? She IS fond of you, you know?"

He crouches, and with all dignity, pats her on the head. "You're a fine dog, and did just as you should. Continue to make me - and Nadeen - proud."

Pyshka wags and somehow looks even puffier than before. Particularly in her chest region

Nadeen moves to Mother Eriksdotter, "I do apologize if I inserted myself in this moment ungraciously, but I am still glad we met however briefly. I so rarely get to meet others of Unseelie houses where I call home"

They're all good dogs! Even the last two pups, who are looking a little abandoned. The Baron gives them extra pets.

She nods to Nadeen, respectfully. "That was quite a display. I thought for a moment there, he had gone mad. Though a dog that will attack even a noble on command may be respected, I would just hope that such a beast should never reach the hands of a commoner."

"I am glad that the rumors I heard were just that. It seems that the Baron rejected a buyer, and they were... displeased. I shan't sully by repeating the nasty claims, but... I will be sure to let anyone else worthy of owning such beasts know that they can trust Silverwolf."

"The Baron is a fine judge of character, but of course, as I've been invited for dinner before, I would say that" Humor

A smile. "So I see. If you ever make it up to Northern Ice, do visit. Our herds, even those not for hunting, are magnificent, and where else than Northern Ice can you see the Northern Lights?"

"It sounds breath taking, I thank you for the invitation. May the Jotuns fall before the sons and daughters of the Owl" She has done much study on the houses after all

Farewells are made, and the Baroness makes a note to ask just WHO was rejected, for now though, there are puppies to be petted. The last two will be assured they two are wonderful

(Endish scene maybe ) 🙂