#baronyofthesilverwolf

Aiden gives Nadeen a smile as they ride along one of the trails together, at a leisurely pace to enjoy the sunshine. The mare that Nadeen rides today had a rather odd name, Amaurëa... but Aiden told her it means 'Dawn' and that she can call her that if preferred. Fae horses, after all, are wise enough to answer to their names in many languages. His stallion of the day is Tinnu, or Twilight.

Despite the pleasant atmosphere, a tinge of worry clouds the Baron's expression.

"Marigold tells me that you've been.... encouraging her to take on an apprentice or two?" His delicate phrasing suggests that perhaps Marigold phrased it differently.

Nadeen is becoming a most proficient rider, and while no equal to Aiden or Dagmar, she is growing to like it ever more. Especially with such company "Oh I'm sure encourage is not the word she used. Tyranize probably came up" A smile leaks out "She is a master chef, it's not unreasonable for masters to have apprentices and indeed, teaching the younger generation might be seen as a duty. Even I know how to cook a little thanks to the Hearth"

"Oh?" He sounds a bit surprised, but interested. "Perhaps sometime you can prepare a meal, if it pleases you. ...Maybe a picnic lunch, once the weather firms up and we're past the muddy season. Flowers should start blooming soon." A touch wistful.

She raises a brow "Sirrah , did you just have a vision of me in a sundress feeding tiny sandwiches on a picnic blanket for two that I had prepared myself? " While her tone is haughty, he might notice a sparkle to her eyes

From the pink tinge on his cheeks perhaps he had not had that vision... but is certainly having it now! "Ah, well. It is certainly... not a displeasing one." Her jest having startled him from his momentary slip towards brooding.

Twilight twitches his ears. (Two-leggers! Am I right?)

"Certainly not. I look wonderful in a sundress" She says "Tell me, do you like the idea of an apprenntice for Marigold? "

"Yes." He strokes his stallion's mane for a moment. "She takes such good care of us all, and always has. But she won't take proper care of herself without us to look after her. It's our duty as well, in return for hers... an apprentice would be a good solution. Perhaps if I suggest it as a way to increase the consequence of Silverwolf. As our hold is growing, it makes sense to add to the staff as well. I had considered a promotion, in title, to 'Senior Steward'... but I fear she may balk at 'senior'." A small smile.

"Do you wish for a personal chamberlain?" He offers. "Even if not residing full time at the hold, someone to tidy your rooms, launder, and any other sundry tasks you may need handled?"

She is SO tempted, to be waited on hand and foot, to be served as was proper, She would be kinder than most would she not?

"A thought was that if it was your own servant, they would answer to Marigold, but may not be fully employed by your needs... and thus have time for other duties."

"I think I should first measure my duties as Reeve before I insist on aid for myself as it may not be needful. " A thought "Steward Emmirtus?"

"Mmm " As she considers his thoughts "The idea of a servant serving two purposes might ease Marigold's ire against it you think?"

"She cannot very well object if it is a Baroness simply seeking her due. After all, Marigold chides me oft enough that I should have someone to help look after me." He gives Nadeen a soft smile. "And I may have found that, without even seeking..."

A bite of her lip, "I do look out for you, but I fear to ruin the ride together if I tell you what worries me."

"Must we?" Almost boyishly reluctant, but he sighs, and adds, "...I do not wish to negate your concerns."

"My concern is for you. And what you did on Carnivale, and continue to do everytime you feel Dahlia's memory will wound too deep. The flowers ARE cominng this spring. And I see that as her Triumph, but you ... why do you let the Chancellior fill you with false courage and unnatural indifference?"

He presses his heel into his mount's side, and the stallion responds by picking up the pace. Not to be outdone, Nadeen's fine mare canters to stay by his side. The brisk breeze has both horses frisky and energetic, and the brief burst of speed works off a bit of their enthusiasm.

And they ride she keeps pace

Finally, they slow back down, and Aiden speaks. His gaze on the trail ahead. "When... my wife passed, I was not in a good place." Aiden's voice is low. "I was a broken man. I neglected my duties, my charges, and those who relied upon me. I was not fit to rule over even my own self, let alone a household, or an entire barony. Calanthe's workings brought me back to myself. Able to function. I am deeply in her debt for saving me from my own darkness." He sighs. "I could never give her what she wanted most... in a way, it feels almost as though I betray her now."

"Calanthe is what she is, dedicated in her way, but ambitious and controlling. You say you were not able to rule your own self at that time? If you continually turn to this false fire you prove you still aren't ruling yourself. I know it hurts, but are not freed from your grief, you have locked yourself in its tomb and put on blinders. You must face this without her aid, you must let the hurt come. Dahlia was a wonderful woman and I can never replace her spot in your heart- but you do not betray her by having room for me there also. I do not think she would want you miserable, but were I her, I would be angry with you for turning to the drug of chicanery rather than saying your true heart's farewell. I am Varich, my House pays a terrible price for our founder's attempt to deny his heart. Do not make the same mistake"

"It is not Dahlia who I betray... but Calanthe." He quietly clarifies. "She has made no secret that she has long wished my affections. She has worked such wizardry on my behalf, but I could never give her what she desired from me. The Chancellorship is but a paltry substitution for the seat she sought by my side. But I could never look upon her as such. For one thing... when I see her... I still see echoes of her sister. In the fall of her hair, in the curve of her cheek. Calanthe's very likeness that she assumed would have me turn to her... turns me away." A hand presses against his chest and he looks away. After a moment, his gaze drifts back. "But you, Nadeen... you are your own self. I see things in you that I never sought in my lost love... but that spark in me feelings I had thought forever dampened. I feel for you not because you remind me of that which I lost... but you stir me anew."

She blushes then says "You do not betray Calanthe, my lord. One is not owed love in exchange for services rendered. Such attempts ultimatley insult both involved. I hope Calanhe finds some happinenss with Sir Sergei, but even if she does not, she does not love you ,she loves her ambition. I .. cannot fault her for having them. The idea of being at a strong Lord's side, making his might mine and mine his appeals greatly. I did not mean to fall in love with you. Marigold would not tolerate me had I not I think. I am my own woman, yes. But I cannot be YOUR woman while you draw strength from Calanthe's wizardry and show me a heart full of false courage and induced apathy."

"I fear you may ask of me more than I can give." Aiden quietly responds.

"Oh Aiden, you are so much stronger than you know..." She says "Calanthe was not there when you put Gildas in place. Her maggic did not fool you when you teamed up with the Darkgate to curb those raiders"

He runs a hand through his hair, and sighs, giving her a small smile. "Nadeen, you flatter me. But so much of who I am is tied to how I've learned to function, for so many years. If I..." He looks out down the trail. "I do not know if I can go back. Or if you'd even like the man I would turn out to be."

"Aiden, have you never considered that the only way out is through?"

They walk onward for a bit. "...I will take this under consideration." He finally answers. A non-answer at best... but said sincerely.

"I know you will" she says then says "I suppose I can't complain about you letting Calanthe run your choices too much then grumble when you do not immediately comply to mine" She looks at him with a sad smile "Shall I change the subject?"

He stiffens a little - his horse snorts inquiringly at the change in his stance, and he leans to pat Twilight on the next reassuringly, clucking his tongue to the stallion. The act of soothing the mount seems to drain away a bit of the tension from the Ailil as well, before he answers. "The cantrips are Calanthe's working... but the choice, the decision was my own."

Looking back over to Nadeen, his gaze searching - and then back to the trail. "Do you wish to ride on further, or head back? We could check in on Joker if you wish..."

She notes the stiffening, and realizes he is makinng excuses for Calanthe and perhaps himself "Given the web of cantrips she has laced through the hold, the mulitple sources .... forvie me, Aiden, but while Ailils are masters of manipulation when they need to be, they are not anymore immune to it than anyone else themselves. However..." She searches his eyes sure this is not a fight she'll win, "One thing Calanthe and I agree on is that Marigold needs assistance. Let's talk a bit more about that, and yes we can see joker again"

A nod, focusing on the issue at hand. "If you choose not to bring on your own servant - that is, a handmaiden, chamberlain... we could look into outsourcing some of the work. Laundry can be sent out for treatment, perhaps even a mortal cleaning crew for the common areas, if no proper kithain service can be acquired..." He looks to Nadeen, his gaze welcoming her input. "Or, if Julius and Bluebell seek permanent outside accommodations, that may cut down on some of the household workload... though I would be loath to have either of them leave the manor as their primary home."

"You should tell them that then, not as a lord but as a friend" She says surprised "I think Bluebell does have her eye on a warren.. err house, but am not sure. I'm looking at some canidates.. tell me , are kinain out of the consideration?"

He is quiet for a moment as he considers this. "Would you accept the added responsibility as Reeve to include any such Kinain in your outreach efforts? They must be closely monitored for signs of being dreamstruck." His tone carefully neutral as he makes mention of such dangers.

"Yes, I worried it might strike home with you. I am no Liam, I fear I might lack the gift for mortal interaction, but I met a girl at a dinner . Seemingly eager to please" A thought "But she was kinian so I was not sure she'd serve as an apprentice. Also, I wondered how she would stand up to any abuse from Calanthe or Briar"

A frown at that. "No one welcomed into Silverwolf manor should fear any abuse. Calanthe may treat fairly... cavalier with her mortals, but to each their own dreamers, it is not for me to judge. Briar is... a nightmare dream." He admits. "But that should not extend to those under our own roof." He taps his fingers on the saddle horn, and responds, "If you have concerns... if you saw fitting to taking her on as your own employee, such would give her the protection of your rank."

"I'm considering it. " A sigh "OH dear, Sylvi is going to have opinions"

"Sylvi? The Emissary of Rivervale?" A curious look.

"No longer, she is now Sylvi, Bridge of Dark Gate. " A smile almost sheepish "And my roomie...well she has her own room"

His brows raise a bit, and he smiles. "I am glad you have a friend staying with you. Marigold was a bit fussed that you'd be off by yourself in that new house alone. As if it wasn't just a short ride away, and with stables besides." He watches Nadeen riding for a few moments. "You sit that mare well." Approvingly. "You have been practicing."

A blush "I have. In truth it seems those I admire most in my life are horse lovers and I have memories, vague ones, of magnificent carriages and stallions" She looks wistful "Fae steeds magiced so they could walk on top of snow and ice as if it were the solidest of ground"

"On snow and ice... that I would love to look more into. Every culture that knows of the noble horse has it's stories. Mares dashing along the waves as though it was soft loam but unrelated to the mischief or manic nature of nuggles and kelpies... golden horses vanishing and reappearing amidst the sands... Turkish and both Chinese and Korean myths both discuss winged horses who have magnificent speed rather than flight... the stallions of Eos who brought the dawn and could run on the rays of light itself..." Lighting up at this conversation. "I will look into your ice steeds. How marvelous..."

"I fear they maybe long lost, lord" She smiles though "And yes, I'll tell Marigold I am not a hapless young woman living alone. Fate forefend. Now, if legends steeds interest you, you are more versed than I, however, I have one you may nnot knnow .. have you heard of Widow-Maker?"

He ponders. He has an idea, but he smiles to Nadeen. "Tell me your tale?" Nudging his stallion to walk a little closer, though without crowding her mare off the trail.

"This is the story of the greatest serial killer in all of Texas... for he was a horse as fast as lightning and just dangerous to to try to ride... they called him Widow Maker for no man could ride him... no man until Pecos Bill" And she relates the tall tale as was related to her

And he delights in the tale! Aiden had suspected that it would be the same horse of western legend, but every tale told changes a bit by the teller - or so an old Eshu once told him.

"If I come across any horse with such a name, I promise to take care before deciding whether to joyride." His eyes shine with amusement.

"You laugh, sir, but if there is any sire to fae steeds in the west, surely Widow Maker bred some wild ones" But she smiles delighted he enjoyed the old story though she's sure he's heard it

And in return, "Have you heard the tale of Aonbharr Mhanannáin?" Giving the name an Irish lilt. And takes a turn telling her of the legendary steed of Luġ Lámhfhada, gifted from the Sea-God himself, and who could run with ease on land and sea, swifter than the naked cold wind of spring.

"As a matter of fact, yes, Siv mentioned such stories...and she's not into horses. "

"Ah, that's the Fiona Sea Captain, yes? Some say that the translation has Manannan traveling over sea riding a chariot by glistening or shining sea-horses merely refers to a figurative wording for crested waves... but I know that the gabra lir, the sea horses, must exist... or must have, once. I wonder if she has seen them."