#baronyofthesilverwolf

Gwen knocks on the office door of Julius, hoping to get him alone.

“Come in...” He calls in response - the small office is empty but for the Satyr and a stack of journals - one of which he is annotating and adjusting based on notes from Lavender D’Lorean.

“Just let me finish this thought...” He carefully amends and adds text in small, precise script, dabbing a question mark, and then sets the pen aside. “Ah, Gwen. What’s up?”

"I wanted to talk to you" She says

She does come in then takes a breath "Julius.. I was.. am , still a bit angry at you, sir"

He looks a bit baffled. “Well, I’m no sir. Just a desk jockey, and certainly not knighted.” He tries to think. “Is this about Yule? Bluebell thought you’d get a kick out of the socks.”

They were cute, an argyle pattern with a a dog face, and little rubber bits on the foot bottom in the shape of paw pads. “I know the iTunes gift card was a little impersonal, but I just don’t know what music you might like. If you’re not a listener, I think they do audiobooks too...”

"They were nice... " She says "No I.. " As he goes on she waits and waits then finally says "I was mad because you told on me with Dame Calanthe"

“Oh.” He shuffles some paperwork for a moment. “Gwen, I was worried you’d try to go out after Lord Aiden when he didn’t return. And the Lady is our Chancellor. It was my duty to tell her my worries.”

A frown "If I thought THAT was your reason I'd still be mad. " Then a breath "you did it to protect Bluebell, didn't you?"

“I...” His mouth opens and shuts, and he looks genuinely startled. More shuffling of paperwork, before he gives an answer. “I... we... serve an Unseelie house, for all that we are not an textbook example of what one may expect of the Silver Dragon. When things go well, they are gracious rulers. They are master manipulators and justly proud, and know how to get things done. But faced with opposition, they are quick to quell anything in their way.” He doesn’t meet her gaze, nor speak any names.

“If I must toady to protect one who cannot protect herself, then you’re hearing me ribbit.”

"I didn't know Dame Calanthe saw Bluebell as her..." A frown "Outlet"

“I wouldn’t say that.” Emphasis clear - not that he wouldn’t agree with it.. but that it should not be SAID.

"I'll help protect Bluebell. Even if that means finding a safe place for her." Gwen says then looks at him "I know better how you think now, so maybe I won't share somethings with you like I would have, but i will protect her. One way or another. We both care for her"

“You should be sure to watch out for yourself.” Not a threat as it might sound, but meant honestly. “You’re a troll, but you’re a fledge, and you’re not invincible, no matter what I might have thought when I was your age...”

A sigh. “But thank you.” Sincere.

"You're welcome" A pause "Is Bluebell okay? I mean, after all this?"

“We weathered the storm intact. But it is winter yet.”

He says cryptically, then shakes his head. “My mentor thought I might be destined to pursue a passion as a poet, or a seer. Sometimes it creeps up on me.”

“Things are changing in Silverwolf. We just need to help guide our lieges to make sure that it’s for the better. Sometimes the Elf lords are too ‘Big Picture’. It’s our job to make sure we get there, but take the right road.”

"How can I help?" She's not sure she'll trust him like she did before, not the same way, but still

“I’d say keep your head down, but I doubt you’d listen. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’ve been good for us. Building ties, reminding us why we are here instead of just being here.”

"Thanks.. I think" At the doubt you listen

“Is there anything I can help you with?”

"No. I guess not" She says "Thanks for the gift"

And she takes a breath then stops "Unless there's a task you need help with or want me to pass on a message?"

“If you see Nadeen, please... “ Thoughtful, but he finally just settles on, “Please pass along my regards. Happy New Year, Gwen. And I’m glad you liked your gift. ...it will mean a lot to Bluebell to know that.”

A bit of a smile DOES escape, and she nods then goes.

He watches her, with some concern... before turning back to his ledgers. It’s fascinating, the new intel that Delorean - pardon, Lavender... provided. Once it’s all documented, properly filed, checked and sealed in the archives. Luckily, he does love his work - paperwork and all.