#baronyofthesilverwolf

Gwenn watches, winces, but reminds herself that it's typical among foot ball players and infranty soldiers to apply some 'war paint'

"A wise man once said, 'A star shines on the hour of our meeting', and today I am reminded, that the Sun is the greatest star we know. You grace those in your presence." Tiberius takes Nadeen's hand, and - it seems that perhaps he IS going to kiss it, when Aiden shifts, almost imperceptively, and says, "Shall you kiss upon my hand thrice for the three stars of Ailil?" Amused still, but with a slight edge... perhaps... is he jealous?

Nadeen is almost shocked at the notion, and other feelings rise as well, she'll need time to sort them out, for now though she chuckles "I fear for every kiss you grant my hand, I shall have to insist my paramour grant me three later upon my visage. Please, good traveler, do not drown me"

His starry eyes twinkle in a face lined with years, and yet lightened by humor, and the grump chuckles. "I shall spare you, my lady." He releases the hand and gives a second bow to the Baron, a touch more formally, and it seems to smooth over the rumbled scales of the dragon a touch.

"Lord Aiden, I bring word of the quest that you have sent me upon. I have not come in upon the hooves of success, yet I have come to you upon my own two feet. I can offer you my tale of my journey, though there are many chapters left unexplored, and the prologue to the sequel. Would you hear my tale?"

Aiden is clearly eager to hear it, however... he looks to Nadeen, and inclines his head slightly. "Rest, Traveler, and be welcome in our hold. As long as we have waited, tomorrow is soon enough for the tale. Today, we feast to celebrate both Union and unity, and now your return. And..." He clears his throat a little. "I believe, perhaps, I may owe a dance."

Nadeen beams at that

And so it was ordered by the Baron, and so it came to pass! Music is played - with perhaps more enthusiasm than skill, but enjoyable none the less! Bluebell laughs and continues to dance with the childlings until they all collapse into giggles, and Julius courts Dru's attention - that is, to ask her more about mulberries and wine...

Linnea smiles to watch them cavort, and if she is disappointed to not have a dance partner of her own, she doesn't show it.

Of course, the Lord dances with his lady, as well. And again, lest anyone steal her attention away.

Linnea maybe surprised to hear footsteps just as the music starts

the Baron of Darkgate enters in, later than he hoped "your pardon.. I.."

Startled indeed - They were on guard, she should have been alerted! A glance over at Danica - perhaps a touch accusatory, but her sister just gazes out into the surrounding trails, serene, with an amused glint in her eyes. Traitor... Linnea brushes at her shirt, stained from her turn helping at the grill, as she turns to bow and greet him.

"On behalf of Silverwolf, welcome to our celebration." It is good that she issues the welcome, because the Baron is currently softly twirling his lady, and has eyes only for her.

In his hands, a small bundle ... burlap sack, wet and crumpled, but what was a container is now a craddle "And on behalf of Dark gate, I am delighted to be here," Then he admits "Do forgive me, Linnea. I would have been here sooner, but this wee creature was.. in trouble , some monster left it to drown"

the wee creature in question is a kitten... unusual colors to be sure, bit fluffy and ragged

Linnea looks shocked, and then furious. "They dared... did you happen to see who did it?" Meanwhile, reaching to check on the poor wretched creature. And looking over Hewitt as well - is he also wet and rumpled from the river/stream where it was retrieved from?

the thing is exhausted. The baron's leggings and shoes wet but he is well. And.. he says "I didn't get the plate. Only that it was a red pick up with a Make America great again bumper sticker on the tail gate.. a Dodge truck.

"

Linnea glowers, "This is not so large a town that we cannot track this down. A mortal that treats the lives of the weak and helpless in this way will be a danger to other animals, and others around them. And if it is not a mortal? Then they will answer to us for such cruelty."

Gwen says "Should I get something to drink for the kitten? It looks old enough to be off mothers milke, thank goodnness" She offers ready to take thanne's orders

As if her very senses tingle, Marigold appears from around a corner, and fusses at the lot of them! "Baron Hewitt, your legs are soaked through! A good thing you're as tall as you are, a shorter lad would be soaked to his belly button." Yes, the adult man three times Marigold's height is still a lad to her, though respectfully so.

"Gwen, dear, you have the right of it. Come with me, we'll have something in the kitchen to perk it right up. Oh, by your leave, Baron?" the Boggan force of nature asks of Hewitt before railroading him completely.

"Thane, I share your outrage, but I did not mean to dim the mood of the night and..." Then comes Marigold "My lead means little in the demense of another, but I thank you, Steward Marigold... your help is much appreciated. It would seem I am gifting an orphan kitten upon Silverwolf , if the Thane will accept it?"

"We're allowed Pets" Gwen mutters loud enouggh for Lin to hear

Linnea takes a moment to understand, and then the flush of anger from her cheeks is replaced by one of embarrassment, but also pleasure. "I... well, I never..." She looks at the bedraggled animal, and to Hewitt, and her mind is settled, "I would be honored, Chieftain."

"You've a heart as lovely and open as a summer sky, Linnea" Hewit says admiring

Marigold smiles, "That settles that. Now, here we go, let me take the wee one to get perked up. And you, Linnea, come now, you leave our guest soaking on the doorstep. Baron Hewitt, you must go dry off. You'll catch your death of cold. Linnea will show you to a guest room where you can wait while we dry your things." It's... the 4th of July, and while not Tijuana, it is a lovely summer evening. And yet, Marigold seems fit to insist...

"Even if I could say no to such a fine offer, I could not say no to such an escort" he inclines his head, and goes with Linnnea. Once the two of them are in the hall alone "Mayhaps... now that we are alone, and hidden from Marigold for a moment, we might dance ourselves briefly? I can make out some music. Enou to sway by. Would you do me the honor?"

The Thane's cheeks are still pink, and she hesitates for only a moment before nodding. "I must warn you, I am no dancer. When younger, no boys wished to dance with the girl who is a foot taller than them... and I never did learn.." A tentative smile. "However, you are taller than me, and I would wager, sturdy enough to withstand if I trod upon your feet."

"You?" Hewit admires "You're as light as a star's twinkle and shine all the more. " annd he takes her hands annd sways.

She colors a bit, but... does not argue with him. He is her guest, after all, and outranks her, surely it would be rude to argue. And with her hands - usually just large strong hands, held in his larger mitts, Linnea can't help but feel a little... dainty, for once.

"I will ensure that the kitten is well taken care of. You can rely on me." She says, as seriously as accepting any solemn oath.

He is touched "I do not doubt, but should it ever become a burden to yuir duties here, leave me know and I shall find a new home and no shame to you- I do not mean to prey on your kindness. I did not mean to find the poor thing, but.. I am doubly glad I found it if that little one makes you delight. " he looks down on her with gentleness and yes, longing "For you delight me"

A light blush of his own, annd he a chieftain and Master Dougal

Her cheeks color now up to her horns, and she musters her courage to respond, "I... feel the same way. I did not wish to... that is, if it would not burden you unduly- I know that you have duties to your hold and people, above and beyond that of a simple Thane. With so many demands, it seems... petty of me, to wish to have some small part of your time." She does not release his hands though, holding onto this stolen moment for as long as she may.

"I have duties, as do you, but you are no burden... and I would strive to make time for thee, because that would be time and company I cheerish. I fancy you, Linnae. May I give gentle pursuit?"

She gently changes the grip of their hands so that their fingers interlace. Still pink cheeked - purple rather, on blue-grey skin, "I would welcome that."

And he kisses her , but a brush, but there you have it