#baronyofthesilverwolf

Willy is getting the hang of her days at SilverWolf. For most of the day, she's left in blissful isolation to work through the day's tasks, with time left for her own projects.

Today however, when she reaches for the next old shoe that needs to be re-shaped, she sees someone waiting and watching. The Baron, in fact.

"Shit!!" She drops the shoe back on the pile. "I mean, shoot.... I mean..... my Lord."

He blinks, a bit surprised. "Did I startle you? That was not my intent. I would like to speak to you about a project, but did not want to interrupt your work."

"No, that's ok, that's fine.... I mean, it's your place. What project?"

"It is my Barony, but we have set this up as a workshop for you Craftsmen without the freedom to create... well, we might as well buy supplies from a big-box provider. I would like for you to consider this as your place."

"If that's what you want, my Lord."

A small frown, but he nods. "What I need is..." He taps his foot a bit, thinking. "Have you read the Game of Thrones books?"

"No. Heard about them."

"Mm. It's not that important. But... there was a piece in there about a man who was a dwarf. He had had a custom saddle made for himself, and also coordinated for a custom saddle and tack to be made for another man who suffered from an injury that took the use of his legs. With a smart horse, properly trained, and the right equipment, even a cripple can ride."

"Yeah, no sweat. I mean, mortals already have stuff like that."

A frown. "Do you mean to say that I should seek out something mortal made?" Perhaps misinterpreting. "I would like for you to make it. We need gear that is customized to a specific fae, to be outfitted on a fae steed, and will withstand a visit to the dreaming."

"Yeah, no, I kin make it. Customized and Fae-focused."

"How long do you think it would take you, assuming you have the materials needed at hand? Our Wanderer is already getting itchy feet, I believe."

Willy scratches her head. "The eshu in the chair?"

"Correct. Tiberius the Wanderer. He has been trapped in his mortal mein for too long, and trapped in a chair for longer. We will set him free with a steed as his legs, to travel the dreaming for a quest long overdue. I know not what he shall quest for.... but he is Eshu. Perhaps the quest itself is it's own goal."

"Huh. Yeah, sure, I can do it. He ok with it? I'm gonna need measurements and need to know what he can do."

"He is." A nod. "And he will have his choice of several steeds. Do you have an opinion? I have a few prospects. One is a gelding called Bandersnatch. He has the look of a sway-backed nag, but is probably the cleverest horse to come through our stables. Another is a sturdy mare of Belgian Draft heritage. She is strong, perhaps unimaginative, but steadfast. And the last is a stallion, a spitfire with spirit and strength, but perhaps not the wits of the other two."

"Oh......uh, nah, I dunno. I mean.... I work with horses but don't ride 'em much."

"We may have to change that. If you are to work with our fae steeds, I would like you to have a complete understanding of them. Even their gait can differ from their mortal variants, and how they take to shoeing and farrier work."

She rubs her back of her neck. "Yeah, if you want me to......"

"I do." He nods. "You needn't be an expert rider. But knowledge of your charges will inform your work, I believe. ...do you disagree?" He asks, curiously.

"No. I -can- ride, just don't do it much."

He nods. "If you have any disagreements with my methods, I would like to hear them. I do not promise to change my requests, but I would hear what you have to say. I know horses, but I respect that you are the craftsman here." ... "Craftswoman." He corrects.

A shrug, she scuffs the floor. "Either way. No big deal."

"Miss Willy, please. Look at me." The baron gazes at her directly.

She looks up; might be looking at his ear.

He speaks earnestly. "I trust my people to do their work properly, and in order for you to do so, I need to be confident that you have what you need, but also that you have the freedom to do what you know best. If there is a problem, I expect that it will be reported for resolution, and not ignored for sake of simplicity. You can speak with with Steward Julius, or Chancellor Calanthe, if you prefer."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Thank you. I'll send Tiberius by later for measurements and to look over the horses."

"I'll start getting material together."

"Ah, and we have a new foal in the stables. He is called Joker. If you wish to see him, he is in the maternity double-wide stall at the end."

She nods. "I'll drop in."

The Baron nods, and then (thank GOD) he leaves, and she can breath again....

She -does- take a moment to relax, just a bit. Then she starts to make plans and gather materials.