#baronyofthesilverwolf

Calanthe is surprised, and perhaps a bit suspicious, when Nadeen greets her at the mews and asks about the falcons. She takes a moment to compose her thoughts, as she examines the peregrine that currently sits on her arm.

"I was unaware that you had an interest in the art of falconry."

"Ah, well, as I mentioned before, I lack the passion that has made you a prize winner and expert, but I feel I should strive NOT to be useless in the callings that matter to my new home." She says, "I learned to ride, I know how to discipline my dog, certain basics of falconry I suspect are not beyond me. Is my curiousity unwelcome?"

This she considers for a moment. "I suppose not, if you treat the birds with respect and not as a casual plaything. My hawks are strong, and fierce.. and surprisingly delicate, in their own ways. I do not let just anyone in to care for them."

"Sir Sergei is much the same way," She ponders "he said that a bird of prey is a delicate death"

A momentary hint of color in her cheeks and a curve to the corner of her lips, as her mind turns to the Varich knight. "Sir Sergei is wise, it seems. Tell me, where does your interest lie? General knowledge for personal edification, training of the hawks, or the true noble's joy of hunting with them?"

"I actually have memories from.. before, of hunting" Nadeen looks distant, "Riding on a steed with my father leading the hunt. There was a peregrine, with our house colors, feathers so black at parts a raven would envy, but golden eyes and bands. I would send her high into the air, and she would arc like an arrow above a target, then come down like a spear thrust. Father.." She focuses "Father said the females were larger than the males, and more fierce. I always looked at him smugly at that"

"He was not wrong. Males tend to be quicker in acceleration and turning, much more agile, and aerial. They have flashing flight styles, and rarely are overly aggressive. If you wish to practice catch and release falconry, a male is what you will want, as they have less tendency to savage their prey. Now, females, they are faster than males in a long flight, as they have more stamina, and can better fly into a strong headwind.

A true joy is flying a pair together. The joy of watching a tiercel and formel simultaneously compete to get to the quarry first, then cooperate in catching it? Their flying skills, complementary, an aerobatic male flushing them from cover and the mighty female diving in for the final stroke..."

"Oh that must be beautiful to watch" The Varich admits "Even a bit romantic, a mated pair on the hunt. " Wistful thoughts, then she refocuses "Of course, if you sugggest I learn with a male, I'd be a fool to disagree and I am no fool. What breed do you suggest I learn with?"

Calanthe considers her, then steps back, a wordless invitation for her to follow into the inner rooms of the mews. Inside, the soft sound of sweeping - a young mortal man, probably in his mid-twenties, is carefully brushing out the inside of one of the cells - Calanthe moves past him, leading Nadeen onward. Windows that have been closed or cracked for the winter months are now opened and fresh air flowing in. Even under their hoods, there is a bit of a soft murmur - subvocal cheeps and clicks from the resting raptors, as spring stirs them to liveliness. Perhaps a dozen in total, varying in size and coloration.

"What is it that you would seek? The thrill of the hunt? To learn how to train a hawk yourself? Companionship from a raptor - I prefer them over dogs, myself... or an ornament to increase your own stature?"

She makes a note of mortal man , surprised but not letting it show. As they over to appraise the creatures , she considers, "I would like to learn how to train a hawk , and eventually the hunt, I think. Pyschka is a fine companion, dog or no. And I have jewelry for ornaments"

"Hm. Personally, I dislike training. It is not very rewarding, and truthfully, is a minor part of hawking. Unlike companion hounds and steeds that have been bred to seek a master's command, the finest hawks are both tame, and yet independent. The only real goal of training is for the hawk to learn to tolerate it's handler, and that it must return on command. Everything else is instinct, or not something that can be taught other than by practice and in the hunt. It is more that you, the handler- must be trained to understand them."

"Then again, Fae falcons and hawks are wiser than their mortal counterparts, and that must be taken into account. They are prideful creatures, and must be treated with respect - they will not fawn on you like a puppy seeking approval - rather, they must be courted, not unlike some high-blooded stallions - but more so, for they are still wild at heart."

"No wonder you like them, like you, it sounds like the fae falcon or hawk will have his or her due," It's not idle flattery for she understands that thinking herself, "Neverthess, I believe a good foundation might serve me"

She leads Nadeen over to a hawk she may have seen before - Snowfall, the Gyrfalcon. A stunning specimen with pure white feathers, and a keen eye. Snowfall is neither hooded nor tethered, yet has a perch of comfort. The sidhe clicks her tongue, and the gyr swoops over to land on her outstretched arm.

"Snowfall is my own." Calanthe strokes the falcon's head, and with an unseen signal, she returns to her perch. "I do not often raise young here myself. It can take a hawk up to three years to reach maturity. While we do some breeding, as is necessary to maintain the fae strains, I haven't the time nor inclination to nursemaid chicks. Though, I do hope to see Snowfall's progeny, should we find an appropriate mate for her, in time."

They move on to another set of perches. "Vespa here is fiesty, and a good choice for sporting. She can only take small game - sparrows and starlings on the wing. In the wild they may dine on small rodents, and even insects - moths, spiders, scorpions where they are found. When inspired, she can take prey up to twice her size, such as a dove or wood grouse. Their more amazing nature is that kestrels can see into the ultraviolet spectrum. I have hoped someday to hone this ability towards seeing other invisible traces - glamour, perhaps." The robin-sized kestrel twitters as she is admired.

The next is a stunning mid-sized hawk with a brilliant golden-red eye and striated black and white plumage. "Azora is a goshawk. Once hunted to extinction by the stupidest of mortals who feared for their domestic poultry and offered a bounty on them." Calanthe's eyes flash a bit in indignation. "They are strong and silent hunters on the wing, but willing to even track their prey into the brush, hunting on foot or into the water. Fearless and indefatigable." Fierce eyes on Nadeen, watching her intently.

The third bird that Nadeen views is more energetic, shifting weight from one foot to the other. A handsome raptor with bold brown markings, chestnut and red, with yellow legs and beak, and white on the tail. "Harris's Hawks, or Dusky Hawks, are from a warmer southwest clime. This is why she is so fussy right now. It has been too cold for her to fly on all but the briefest outings, but she smells the spring and wants to stretch her wings. In the wild, they are the most social of raptors, and will hunt as a team, not unlike wolves. Their social nature makes them a popular choice, as they will work well with groups, unlikely to pick fights with other hawks on the wing, and take well to training with hounds and steeds. They are less effective for solo hunts. She is called Lonestar."

"Do any of these appeal to you as a training partner? We also have a peregrine and red-tailed male who you may view if you wish."

She looks amused at something, then says "I am torn between the kestrel, Vespa.. and Lonestar the Harris hawk. Though I am winter born ands he a warmer lass. Mind you, Azora's colorations delight and I would not snub.. but I feel the other two might be more right for me to learn with. Which would you suggest out of those two?"

Calanthe thinks this over. "Vespa would bond well to a single trainer. Kestrels are small, and also tend to prefer nest boxes, and can tolerate a wide climate. Should you wish to learn from her, she could accompany you more openly, and even reside in your chambers, granted that a window is provided. I've given some thought to using them as alerts as well - they are keen eyed, and while they hunt during the day, they can keep watch at night." The tiny hawk calls, klee-klee-klee, a high-pitched klaxon, as though to show off her alarm call. "She is bright, and would train you well."

"Lonestar is a newer addition, and requires some basic training. She is still jessed and corded - else I fear she may fly far and not find her way home. You could learn with her, and train to hunt that which your hound or horse has flushed. If you wish to hunt for game larger than a wood dove, you'd do best with her, as simple size constraints prevent a kestrel from taking large prey." The hawk flaps her wings, eager to fly loose.

"Oh" Her eyes look onto each, and she actually feels a longing, a sympathy for either. One small, and wise. The other eager to prove herself. Both appeal

A soft cooing from further down, and Calanthe strides away to check on another bird, giving Nadeen a chance to consider privately.

A sigh, "As much as I sympathize with Lonestar on some level, if she needs training, she wil need a better teacher than I. Vespa on the other hand may teach me how to handle ohters in the future. Yes, I think she and I are the better match"

Lonestar shifts, turning her back to Nadeen, instead gazing out the screened window. Meanwhile, Vespa chirrups in victory, and takes to the air. The mews are fairly open, though a larger bird would not be able to manuever - she zips around Nadeen curiously, and then hovers before her, maintaining her spot in the air as she examines the Sidhe.

The sidhe examines her back, and ggives a PROUD look, "Judge if you like, Vespa but I am worthy if untrained"

She's talking to the bird. Clearly, Dagmar has ruined her

Vespa circles around her once more, and gives an imperious chirp, seeming to be waiting for something from Nadeen.

Soft subvocal chirps and clicks - it seems that Azora is chiding Lonestar, and after a moment, the Goshawk deigns to move down to Lonestar's perch (as Lonestar is jessed and cannot travel) and preens her. Different species seldom interact in the wild, but apparently within the mews - or within Fae falcon society - they may make their own rules.

She makes sure she has her glove on, proper ,she knows that much she hopes, and hen offers it as a perch for Vespa

The kestrel immediately perches when the hand is brought up. Good, this one is at least somewhat trainable. She hops down the length of her arm, and then flits to her shoulder. The little hawk is now very close to Nadeen, her tiny, sharp beak only inches from her face. A small flap, wing just barely brushing her ear.

Her claws are small enough that though Nadeen can feel them pricking lightly through her shirt into her shoulder, they do not hurt - or rather, it seems that though Vespa could scratch and gouge, easily too she can perch softly.

She does flinch, nor whirl suddenly. One hears stories of would be falconers losing an eye from foolish overconfidence, or rash fear, "Vespa, you are a pretty thing."

Vespa chirrups softly, and leans in to pluck at a bit of hair that drifts free over Nadeen's ear. Then, she returns to her perch, looking pleased with herself, as far as Nadeen can tell.

A note of paranoia strikes her. As it always does. Would the bird steal her hair then give it to Calanthe as a gift to use for a cantrip? When she was at Caer Falken, she had to watch how the Seelie Houses might, in their pursuit of 'honor' put her to use for the greater good. Now she must be cautious of the winter workings. A breath, then "You are a bit smug as well. Ah well. Perhaps we have much in common"

Her hair doesn't feel like it has been stolen. Nor did the small bird seem to have anything in it's beak. But it is small, and the mews are not brightly lit, so one cannot be entirely sure.

Calanthe returns shortly thereafter, dusting off her gloves. "Have you any thoughts about a falcon to partner with? I have to admit, it would be welcome. It is hard to find reliable and trustworthy help. The boy takes care of the cleaning, but he is not suited to feeding, grooming, and exercise. Much of my time is spent here. Not that I mind it." She says, and seems sincere. Indeed, the Ailil sidhe knight has seemed far more approachable then before, here on her own turf and surrounded by her birds.

"A court up high," She nods, acttually a near bow, to the Dame "I can see the appeal. Vespa is lovely, and a bit too pleased with herself. I believe we have much inn common" A smile. Then she sighs "I do admit, I feel sorry for Lonestar, but I think Vespa will be better for me"

A bit of a smirk. "They are all somewhat dramatic, but not without reason. If they are drama queens, it is only because they are queens of the air, and such is their due. Lonestar will survive the insult, though I do not envy her next grouse."

"Mmm.. " She agrees but asks "The boy you speak of? Has he a name? I was surprised to see him here to be honest"

A dismissive shrug. "Just a mortal hireling. Bradley.. something or other. He is paid for his work - quite adequately. But one cannot expect a mere mortal to handle a delicate creature of fae. Ideally... I have considered taking a squire, to train to help care for the mews, but.. where to find a likely candidate?"

"A good point" She says "Gwen and Briar seem to prefer the Dogs. "

A scoff. "Briar is a wildling beast herself, as likely to eat a hawk as to care for one. Do not get me wrong, the savage kiths have their purpose, but it is not within my mews. And Gwen... she has her own duties."

She pauses to check the leather on some leashes hanging, and then adds, "You needn't concern yourself with the cleaning staff. Surely, your new maidservant is sufficient to your own needs."

"More than sufficient" She says "And, though I will not tell our steward so, she aso has taken something of a burden off Marigold." Relieved there

The hint of prickliness that had come out, seems to smooth back down at the mention of Marigold. "See that the girl from Dark Gate is properly rewarded for her cantrip." She remarks, then, perhaps in deference to the Baroness's rank, adds, "If you please. We needs must ensure that she remains on good terms, should Marigold need further treatment. A truly skilled spring worker is hard to find, much less one that is so conveniently local."

"I consider Bridge Sylvi a friend, though not as close as some others and hope she returns the favor. She might brisle if I treat her as if she were on hire. However, she does have a boyfriend, the Storm of Darkgate. I understand he oncne learned from Sir Sergei. I wonder if she's interesed in hawking?" Unsure. No doubt Sylvi could barely stand Calanthe for long, but it's worth considering

"It is perhaps something to consider, though if she has such strong ties to Dark Gate.... you understand, we are on neutral, perhaps even friendly terms, but not officially allied. I would need to consult with the baron and consider whether such trust could be extended. With all due respect to your friendship."

Most of the jesses are hung back up, and a few that show wear are looped onto her belt to take with her. "Now, I wanted to ask you, what plans did you have for Beltaine? I regret that I missed your Carnivale celebration." Said so smoothly, Nadeen might be tempted to believe it. "Marigold has been baking up a store lately... but there must be more in place than simply cookies, I'd dare say."

"Of course" She agrees "As for Beltaine, I needs must miss a part here. You see, Dame Dagmar, my oldest friend, is swearing Fealty to Baronenss Breekke and she liegeship in return. I hope to have transport, magical if need be, to return promptly after the ceremony"

Her brows raise a bit, and then she responds, "I see. Well, if we needs must fend on our own, it is no more so than we have done before you came to Silverwolf, and will after." She gives a small bow to Nadeen. "If you will excuse me, I find that I suddenly have duties that call for my attention."

"Of course," She says noticing the jab

"My thanks for showing me your wonderful world, annd introducing Vespa and I"

"Of course." She replies in turn. "I will ask Julius to write up some care instructions for your reference, though when it comes to Vespa's care, my door is always open."

A nod "too kind"

She holds the door open for Nadeen - it would not be polite to say so, but the dismissal is clear.

From Vespa, a trill, farewell perhaps, as the small falcon closes her eyes for a nap in the comforably dimmed mews.

"Farewell, Vespa. We'll work together soon. I have much to learn" And the bird of prey safe and secure, out she goes

The mortal cleans dutifully as she passes, not looking up, or perhaps not noticing her. Other chirps and trills follow her out though, into the brisk Spring sun.

She kens Bradley, or whoever he is.

A mortal, as she'd said, sweeping, dusting. Wiping away dropping and spent feathers with care - the droppings discarded, the feathers set aside. A faint hint of glamour about him- it could be a cantrip, or remnants of one, or enchantment. It may take time to investigate further.