#baronyofthesilverwolf

Aiden's phone rings.

It is answered! "Nadeen, hello. To what do I owe the pleasure?" He cradles the phone between his shoulder and ear, standing by as Dolph examines a mare who is very round-sided with foal. A hand reaches out to stroke her nose, and Nadeen may hear soft murmuring in the background.

"Aiden, would were it only pleasure that I was calling for for I do miss talking to you. "

"A moment." The phone is muffled, voices, and movement. A door closes. "What is wrong? Are you well - safe?"

"In truth, safety is... no. We are not, but we are arranging to be. We are under pressure from a Daireann who is so overwhelmed with a need for vengeance on a boggan of all people that he has gone as far as to send hired goones to poison even animals."

An exhalation. "Do you require rescue? Extradition? You say, 'we''..." He pauses, and asks a more pertinent question. "Do you have time to explain? I would know the details, but not at the cost of any detriment or danger."

A pause then "We're currently fine. Here, let me explain" And she does, about the dog and near danger to the horses especially. She does not give every detail, but does mention the poison meant for horses going to a chimera. "And so we have issued a challenge... but we need a ground to duel on. If you are amendible, we would use your fief's land"

He is silent for a few moments, processing. Then responds, his voice tight with anger, "Were you not in need of a neutral party, I would be ready to claim insult and injury. To attempt to destroy the only known fae pegasus currently in existence, and it's sire and dam, is to kill a piece of the dreaming itself. But... no. Your safety is paramount, and the more this escalates, the more chance that they will raise the stakes. You have my hold and hospitality at your disposal, even if I must show impartiality. Consider it done."

"Dame Dagmar was the one who suggested you first, Baron. She knows one thing you share is a respect for noble beasts. I will tell her her faith was well placed. And , of course, I knew mine was" gratefully "Thank you, Aiden. I... " her voice wobbles for just a second "it's been very trying"

"Did she? Very well." Intrigued, but only for a moment. "Nadeen... how can I help?" His voice soft, querying. "Is there anything I can send? Guards, warriors, aid?"

"No I.. don't think so. There are some complications coming my way in the future, Aiden. And... I am not as strong as I thought, but I can't afford to be weak right now. When I can, I will tell you more"

He wants to argue, but exhales. "I understand. This much I can do. I will be sending you the information for one of our lines of credit. It's routed through the mortal business and should not be traceable. Use it if you need to - for any of your people. Travel, supplies, a safe place to stay, out of their reach. Until you are here." Here, safe, where I can help you... unsaid, but perhaps carried on his tone.

"I...Aiden, I shouldn't..."

"It's done." His tone firm. "It's just money. As pretentious as it sounds. It means nothing, compared to your safety." Her phone beeps, the information transmitted. "Do not feel obligated, but if it can help, do not hesitate."

"Thank you, Aiden. You are too kind"

"I'll see that preparations are made. Da'an watch over you and yours until you are here."

"And you, lord." She says

A pause, as if he would say more, but whatever it may have been remains unsaid as the calls ends.

Stepping out of his office, he calls to Dolph, "Send note to the thanes to return to the manor. We are on alert. Watch over Nimroch, that she doesn't foal early due to excitement. We may raise the wards."

The sturdy hostler gives Aiden a curious look, but nods, patting the mare's side. "She's fine with me. You go do your Lordin'. Foals will come when they come."

He nods, and heads off, moving with quick purpose. There are arrangements to be made.