#baronyofthesilverwolf

"Odd, I see it and think of ascension, a climbing, and not an easy one" She says "This is a lovely addition, thank you, Coradel"

"I'm more versed in dance," She confesses, "But I know some bit of art history, a layman's interest"

"I may be tempted to bid upon this one myself." He admits with a small smile, still tilting his head to admire it from another angle.

"Then, if I may be so bold, I wish to make sure you understand what you have. I do not wish you to allow it to go for less than its worth,"

"I would not normally be so crass as to discuss such things, but this painting was last valued at approximately $175,000, and that was about two years ago. The value of Appel's work has climbed, since."

"It is my hope that this will bolster your charity endeavors."

Aiden remains poised and outwardly unphased, even as he exchanges a glance with Nadeen and sips his tea. "It may be that we must adjust upwardly our anticipation for the outcome of this event."

"More than" She says impressed, "Coradel, this is.. far more than I ever anticipated, or expected. " She hides her suspicion, "Are you sure you do not wish to keep it or sell it for your own people's needs?"

"In truth, this comes from my host's parents' collection, and while I certainly could do so, my mother is devoted to charity endeavors, and requested that it move on in that vein when I chose to do so. It's not too much for the scope of your guests, I hope?" She looks between the two of them.

Aiden murmurs to Nadeen, sitting beside her, "As you will, my love." Reinforcing her own authorship as mistress of this event.

"No, we have some among our guests who could afford it with surprising ease," she confesses to Coradel, and puts a hand on Aiden's hand gently as a sign of her pleasure at his support. "But, forgive me, were this a seelie hold we might feel a bit indebted to you for it. Incredibly generous. "

Her tone does convey true gratitude, but also a curious and cautious querry

"Ah, well...as to that...I do have some business with the Baron that I would wish to discuss." She looks directly at Aiden.

He nods, clearly seeing the game afoot. A touch of respect in her bargaining before the subject even comes to light. "How may I assist you, Lady Coradel?"

"It is a matter that is somewhat confidential. No offense intended to you, Baroness," she nods to Nadeen, "but if you would, Baron Aiden, I would appreciate discussing it further while you show me your stables, if you would be so kind." The words are humble, but there's a firmness to the request.

Nadeen raises a brow then says "I'll keep this in holding" Meaning the painting "Until all matters are decided then"

A pause, and once Nadeen has responded, he nods slowly. "I would be pleased to offer you a private tour." He gives Nadeen's hand a soft squeeze, before rising.

The Varich squeezes back, trusting that her message that if the cost for this 'other thing' be too much, the painting will be returned rather than create some sense of obligation, unseelie hold or no, was clear.

"Please," she says to Nadeen, and then, "Gideon, please bring the painting where the Baroness bids, and then await my return."

Gideon bows "Yes, Baroness. " He plans to pop off to the kitchen and wait there, but no need to burden sidhe with more details than they need. Every boggan learns that

If Aiden offers a hand to Coradel, she accepts it, but otherwise she only waits a fraction of a second before rising from the chair unaided. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Nadeen. I do expect to be here for the auction as well, if I possibly can."

He does, though it's nearly as she is already standing.

She takes the offered hand in a smooth gesture, and then slips her hand to his arm as she moves to go with him on the tour.

"I look forward to it" SHe rises and curtseys to both

A respectful half-curtsey to Nadeen (more is difficult when you're on somebody's arm), and then moving away. "Aiden, tell me again what breed that stallion of yours is. I haven't seen that coloring before."

He bows to his lady, and onward, they go to the stable. He politely guides her, past hallways decorated with marble sculpture and vase, paintings and figurines. A subtle underlying glamour in the hold, it's own unique feel and strength.

"Telperion is of my own line. The silver gene is rare, occurring in several breeds but recessive. Most recently, I crossed an Icelandic horse with a Swedish warmblood, though I have high hopes for a similar line with Morgans."

His manner and voice both warm as he speaks of horses, quite knowledgably.

"Of course, one must watch for hereditary issues, but hybrid vigor has been very helpful in avoiding congenital ocular anomalies that often follow silver."

(pause)

Meanwhile,

Flo bows low before Nadeen. "Did I speak out of turn, my Lady? I am sorry... but you see, her herald was puffing her up, and you every bit as noble as she..."

A soft chuckle "Somehow I do not think 'apprentice' anything garners much glory, flo" she rises and moves to the girl to take her hands, older though she is, sometimes flo feels younger "You were perhaps out of turn, but I think you made your point and I am grateful for it. Technically such is our herald's job, but Fiona are often very easy going and I think Baroness Coradel thought a good mark that I had won such loyalty." A smile "No harm done. "

She visibly relaxes, "Do we need a herald, Lady?"

"At this point, no, we don't interact with enough folks socially, but that will change one day I suspect"

A frown "She is very, vivacious, isn't she?" meaning Coradel

"I hope so... as long as I still have my place by your side." Flo says with a small smile.

She listens to the next. "I suppose she is." Hmmph. "If you like that sort."

"Flo, be kind... she is an impressive woman and a hero to her people not just a leader" But she smiles just a bit

(And back to Aiden and Coradel)

""Of course, not all breed true, but with careful study, comes good results." He says, as they turn into the pasture before the stables.

"I've heard of the silver lines, but I've not had direct exposure to them before. I am glad, my lord, that you breed for steeds that are hale and hearty, and not merely outwardly remarkable. Breeding recessive traits for exceptional results can be difficult."

She has not released his arm, and though she makes no outward action that would suggest flirtation, there's a natural sultry quality to the Fiona's bearing that may distract, if one is drawn to such qualities.

"Difficult, yet, rewarding." He guides her into the Stables, and nickers and soft whinnies greet them as they enter, as well as a voice coming from within a stall.

"You were right, Aiden, your bay mare threw a shoe. I'd almost not noticed, so fine is Willy's work, but she must have knocked a stone. Caught it though, she won't founder none."

The boggan groomsman steps out, and then straightens up. "Ah, Lord. Ma'am- Lady." Brushing hay from his shirt.

Aiden nods to him. "Can she be left for now without discomfort? My guest and I would tour the stables privately."

Coradel gives the groomsman a smile. She appreciates a person who knows his business and does it well. And she looks around the stables, enjoying the sights and sounds of good care and feed.

Dolph doffs his hat and bows to the lady, nods to Aiden, and leaves them be.

She can recognize that the folk here do not skimp in care - high quality feed, and a clean, fresh scent - still horsey, but regularly mucked, cleaned, no illness, no filth here amongst the rows of horses. A variety of steeds - yearlings and mares and stallions, geldings and one particularly active foal who bleats for attention.

"Was there anything in particular you wished to see, or shall we speak frankly?" No rush here, but allowing her to get to the point should she wish to.

She releases his arm, drawn to the bleats of the foal. She raises her fingers to the top of the stall door, letting the little one get her scent. "I think speaking frankly will be the best use of our time. I would have your word that you will not repeat what we discuss here?"

A black colt with a star on his head that looks almost like the diamond on a playing card nibbles at Coradel's fingers.

Aiden frowns slightly. "I do not wish to keep secrets from my Lady." A pause, and he continues.

"However, if I have your word that what you wish to share does not relate to anything that may harm my Hold, my or my Lady's houses, or our allies, I will give you my word that anything you share with me today shall not leave this stable."

"I believe I can give you that word, and easily," she says, giving the colt's nose a stroke if it allows. "I cannot foresee how this would impact you in any negative way. In fact, it is a relatively minor matter in the grand scheme, but still...." She turns from the colt and looks at Aiden. "I believe that at some point you have had a foal that was the issue of a mare named Mistletoe, out of Missouri. Is this true?"

His eyes widen, and then narrow a bit. "One moment." He steps into his office - door open, not hiding anything, but searches a shelf to find a ledger dated from a few years past. He flips through, and... finds what he is looking for. The book is closed with a snap, perhaps more energy than required.

"Yes. I am very familiar with the case of Mistletoe." His voice neutral, but his eyes hardened a bit. "I do not know your goal here, but let me be clear - neither I, nor any under me, had aught to do with the mistreatment of that mare."

She regards his reaction, and her expression becomes defiant, chin up. "No, my lord. I am quite sure you did not. I am sure, because I know of the person who did it. Perhaps it will be of comfort that she will never harm another animal, for she is not longer within this world."

He takes a moment, then nods, stiffly. Not an apology, but he offers, "There have been some rumours that I mistreat my horses. There was a case, with a squire, some years back - who I promptly removed from my service. It was, unfortunately, linked to a hold that has little reason to trust my word." He shakes his head.

"Even hints of such rumours can ruin a stable, if allowed to go unchecked."

A slow nod. "Exactly so. And I appreciate that you are candid about this matter. I will return the candor, as we are speaking in confidence -- the one who abused Mistletoe was my mortal host. And now I think you can see the reason why I wish this discussion to go no further than these stables."