#baronyofthesilverwolf

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Gwen doesn't know a lot, but she knows when folks are prepping for something big. Weapons being sharpened, food prepared. Strategies being discussed.

And as far as she can tell, no one is telling her a damn thing

Julius is on the phone and gives her an apologetic 'hand wave' away. "Smoke bombs is what he SAID, but I think what he meant might have been along the lines of something more like tear gas, if you can swing it..."

Bluebell has retreated and is fussing over a flower arrangement in a corner. "Hunters hunting hunters, it is not for me, no sir, no ma'am." She shakes her head and will not discuss further.

The sidhe are sequestered away in an office discussing... strategy, it seems, though there is the occasional raised voice - mostly Calanthe's, from the sound of it.

Marigold is puttering around the kitchen. "...and they can't even give me a solid headcount, how many lunchboxes will I need to make? Oh, hello Gwenny dear. Are you hungry?"

"I'm starving.. for information.. what's going on?"

"Bless, no one told you a thing, did they. Come, come, sit and have a sandwich." Before Gwen knows it, hungry or not, she has a turkey club with sweet potato fries in front of her along with her favorite drink.

And, before she withers away, Marigold is sharing the information too.

Well, if Mariggold WANTS her too... munnch

"So you see, these poor lost centaur dears are being gathered up like so many eggs in a basket and for who knows WHAT purpose. And on top of that, think of what that nasty electronic... THING could have done to our own animals? If it went into the mews by mistake, and chopped up a half-dozen of Cally's chickies quick as you like? No apology would suffice, I can tell you."

Indeed, the young troll looks outraged "That's an insult, and evil and.. ooo" her nostrils flare "I'll get my spear ready"

Marigold clucks her tongue and reaches out to pat her on the hand. "Soon, soon enough dear, you'll be Named and ready to fight all the good battles." For some reason, this makes the boggan look sad. "But for this one, we have to ask you to be patient. These brigands have shown no respect for the status of a fledge, and are willing to go to any length. The Baron does not wish you to be in danger, not so close to your saining."

"But.. but .. I've trained. I can fight! What's the point of this stupid stone skin if I can't use it to defend those important to me, to bring justice to those that wrong the people I care about? They have to let me try, they just have to" A stubborn set to the jaw

She clucks her tongue in sympathy. "Oh, and don't I know it. Ready to go out and live your dreams, you're a wilder through and through. And it's hard, I know it, to be told to wait, to stay behind, when those you care about go into danger. But as hard as it is to hear, you're still a fledge, my dear. And that means that in the heat of battle, our fighters would be more concerned with watching over you, then fighting the fight. Until you have your Name and the power and safety that provides, you must let our warriors fight for you."

Gwen gets the feeling that this older grump well understands the feeling of being left behind as folk go to fight, and worrying from home.

"I... but.. I..." A hurumph "This sucks"

Which is , in it's way, a yielding

"That's my girl." Proud. "Besides, we need someone strong and capable here to look after us left-behinds. Who knows if they might try to break into the stables again?"

"I suppose.. defense IS important... " She says "Like. being a goalie while the others are trying to score"

Clearly finding some consolation in this notion

"But .. I never felt so left out before" She admits glumly

"Let me talk to a few people. See what I can do, mmm?"

"What CAN you do?" A surprised look "I mean, you're ggreat but you just said..." She stops "Sorry. I would really like to know I'm being helpful is all"

A brow rises. "So little faith, my dear. This old boggan still has a bit of clout."

"Sorry, Marigold and you're the best.." A munch of food "And not just at cooking thouogh this is really GOOD, thank you"

A smile to Gwen, and Marigold steps out for a time.

Gwen finishes her meal

A little later, it is Danica who approaches Gwen. "Come walk with me."

She rises, puts her plate away and does so without comment

Gwen hasn't spent as much time with this half of the Marshall twins. Danica is more often on the mortal end of things, dealing with her duties as at the precinct, whereas Linnea is hired directly by the manor to guard the property. But she has spent time with Gwen, mostly in weapons training and maintenance duties.

They walk outside, where there is some privacy.

Gwen stands and waits.

"I will lay it straight. I was not in favor of this." She says, bluntly. "But Marigold has argued your case, and I understand how you feel. You are a Troll, and to be told to stay at home and be coddled while others fight battles is... unseemly. It is right for you to feel the urge to fight, to protect that which is yours, and that is not something to discourage. So, I will offer a compromise."

"You may accompany our troops as far as the battleground. But from there, you will accompany me. Bring Ivan, and you are not to leave my side. We will patrol between the target and the nearest trod, to ensure that there is no ambush, double-cross, or additional forces coming to join those that we are broaching."

Stern, as she looks at Gwen. "You will agree to follow my orders, up to, and including, if I tell you to retreat, with no argument."

"We may not see battle. In fact, I hope that we will not. But there is always the chance that our precautions may spell the difference between success and defeat."

"That is, if you really do feel that you need to take part. Otherwise, you will be welcomed to assist in guarding the manor." Danica finally pauses to let Gwen have a word in.

"YES! I mean. thank you, Dame! I I won't let you down.. I'll stick to your side like a tick !"

"Thane." She corrects, but with a hint of amusement. "Don't think one needs a title to have authority. I earned my own, beating out patriarchal and sexist attitudes and rule my department with a blue fist." A grin now as she makes a fist. "You can call me Thane, or Sergeant, both of which I earned without being handed a title from a noble. Something to remember, as your own saining approaches."

"Yes, Thane, " A nod, "And yeah, Kithain society might actually have an edge against Sexism. I hear that Police unions can be a real boys club.." nodding as it's confirmed "Sergeant is... pretty up there " She looks curious "I hope I haven't taken you and Thane Linae for granted? I mean... you guys have taught me all about figghting and defending. I mean, just last week you showed me how to better my counter strikes after a good parry.. "Then a blush "And Linae showed me that just because I'm heavy, doesn't mean it's IMPOSSIBLE to leg sweep me"

She straightens up. "Training a fledge - or anyone who wishes to learn in defense of our hold - is our Duty."

A heavy hand claps her on the shoulder. "Training you, Gwen - has been a pleasure."

the native American girl blushes lightly but this time with pride, "I will do Silver wolf proud if the fight comes my way. You'll see. And if it doesn't? Well, I stay at my post near you."

"Good." She nods. "Until Sunday, then. Stay sharp."

She puts her hand over her heart troll syle "Yes, Sergeant"

Danica echoes the motion. "Carry on." She heads out, a troll of few words.

And Gwen feels ...incredibly proud of her kith. I wouldn't want to be another kith even if I could.

But a certain BOGGAN is getting a hug

She gets hugged back - and a reminder that she shouldn't underestimate the common housefolks!

"I will never doubt our boggan overlords again" Gwen grins

She gets a playful swat. "Get on with you, missy."

Swatted she scoots. She's got armor to polish and a spear to sharpen, and needs to make sure Ivan's barding fits!