#baronyofthesilverwolf

He nods in clear approval. "In my kennels, and in kennels that I am willing to do trade with, there is no docking of ears or tails." Aiden says, firmly. "In my years of running working dogs, I have never seen an injury caused by an intact tail that would necessitate it's removal, or causing such discomfort as to mitigate the social cues lost with it's removal.

While I do not deny that there may be a time when a specific beast may suffer injury that would best be healed by amputation, we Fae are blessed in healing above and beyond what mortals may master, and to resort to such is none other than a sign of being miserly or laziness, neither of which is an acceptable habit in a master of fine beasts."

Gwen nods . They do have an advantage thanks to healing by balefire or cantrip

"Now, in horses, there is the subject of gelding. Some argue as well that this is an unnecessary procedure. I do not agree. Stallions, by nature, are high-strung and spirited. They make for fine and fiery mounts. However, not every horse's line - indeed, most lines, are not fit to be continued. If every buck was free to cover any mare he wished, we would be awash with poor specimens. Gelding calms the beast, but more so, steadies him. A gelded colt will grow with more even lines, without the extra muscle upon his neck and forelegs. He will have focus, and not be forever distracted by mares and driven to seek fights and conflict. And still, the decision to geld a beast should be made with careful consideration of the factors and the horse's AND stables best interests in mind."

"Hounds are more biddable, more willing to answer to order and instruction. I have found it less necessary to sterilize any of my beasts, other than in cases where some genetic issue may preclude allowing the line to continue lest it pass on harmful genes."

It is a boring lecture, perhaps, but Aiden is intent and interested.

Not boring to her, though she fears her heavy body makes her less ideal a rider, but while the dogs have her heart, she sees the horses as a crucial part of Silverwolf and thus, they deserve her attention and focus. Also, it's nice to see her lord light up. She is less in awe of his god like beauty than she was, time helps with that, but she's grown to care for this sidhe who is a mix of stern and gentle. And not for one moment does she consider him anything less than expert "Dogs are rather malleable, gentically speaking, it's why we've got such diversity... you could take a group of relatlively healthy mutts and in a hundred years turn them into a consistent brand new breed and.. I' msorry lord you know all this" A blush then "The horses I didn't know about the gelding but now that you mention it ,I've seen the effect. "

"Now... I've done some research, and it seems that I can acquire the ownership of these dogs - legally, that is - for a pittance of their worth. The question is, once I have done so, what use to make of them? You spoke truly that we have not extended inroads into Terriers in any of our current lines. And yet, they may make valuable coin in trade, either back to other holds in Hibernia that may see the value in continuing a fading line, or in local nobility... indeed, or even Common folk whose souls harken back to Éire, as a piece of their fae heritage."

Indeed, he has a bit of a fond expression as he watches them himself.

"Eire is Aill terrain, well not just theirs, but it seems to me that's a well made point" She smiles at Fort "Irish canines of any sort might be a source of pride there. My thought would be definitely keep at least one breeding pair for Silverwolf. The longer view as it were." A consideration

"Let us watch them for a time then, and you can tell me which of the pairs you feel may be worthy of becoming a Silverwolf line."

"I'll read up on the breed" she promises. This is a major test of her ability, and also a great honor to be allowed to do so. She also adds "And this time I won't get so attached that I end up adopting one of your dogs even with your permission" She pets Ivan . He is still her best boy.

That said, yeah, she'll have a favorite terrier within a week

"I intend to plan for your saining to be held on weekend next." He offers to Gwen. "I will speak to Nadeen to see if that suits her plans, and if so, you may tell her of any you wish to invite." A pause, and he allows, "Your mortal companion is welcome as well."

"Thank you," a smile slips on her face as Chuck is allowed

"You will, of course, take care to monitor him at all times. Both to ensure that he is not accosted or trifled with by other guests, nor he the same, as well as to ensure that he does not become dreamstruck. You must..."

He trails there for a moment, an empty expression, and looks - frustrated. Bordering on angry.

"Yes, baron" She nods somberly "I don't want him hurt. And I don't want him to embarrass me or act up"

"I... yes. Of course." He stands up, and nods to Gwen. "Please find appropriate kennels for these new hounds. I have business to attend to."

"Baron, " A pause "You know that if you ever .. have troubles beyond our usual duties, I'll help, right? A lot of us would. We're here if you need us."

He gives her a searching glance, and then nods, before striding away curtly - heading towards the Manor.

She looks at Ivan, "Ivan, I don't know about you, but somehow I get the feeling my saining is the least important thing going on"

She turns around and looks at the hand ful of Glennies, "All right, let's take a look at your names as you were given them and set you to work"

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Aiden storms through the Manor, looking for the Chancellor. A chill breeze seems to follow in his wake, or perhaps that is just the effect of the stormy expression.

He finds her in her workshop. Calanthe, with nearly as angry expression herself, is making a careful inventory of her instruments, equipment, dross and treasures.

A large shadow trails after him, as Danica places herself outside the doorway, a silent guard.

Calanthe looks up at the Baron, not rising nor bowing as she pages through a bookshelf, checking for any missing volumes. "Yes?"

"I would speak to you of yesterdays events."

Calanthe shakes her head. "Do not concern yourself. I will ensure that all is put to rights." A dismissal in her tone.

"Dame, you will address me with the deference due my station." His voice snaps at her.

There is a hesitation, then Calanthe stands, sets aside her notepad and bows, slowly and low, to the Baron. "What would my lord have of me, My Lord?" She says, with a hint of sarcasm. "What does my Lord wish that takes precedent over the safety and protection of our hold, and tracking down our... "one eyed slenderman" criminal miscreant?"

He approaches swiftly, startling the Chancellor, who backs against a wall and nearly knocks over a series of crystals displayed on a shelf.

"I have trusted you since the beginning to have our hold's best interests at heart. I would trust you still, if you will but give me the least leave to do so. There are HOLES... GAPS.... in my BRAIN." He does not shout, but his anger radiates louder than volume would express. "My grief is not muted, that I may function properly and see to the needs of my hold. My memories are stolen entire, and leaving me..." He breaks off, turning away.

"You will fix this."

Calanthe's eyes flash as she glares at the back of the Ailil Baron's head - arguably, the safest place to glare.

"What do you think I am trying to do? The first step in resolution will be to find the culprit that shattered my spells, and then I can work to lay them back into place."

Aiden interrupts. "You will not."

Silence from the Chancellor. "My Lord. How many years have I known you? How many years have I served you well, and protected that which you hold dear?"

He rounds on her, "I do not know! Perhaps that has also been stolen from me!"

"Aiden, please." She says, her tone pleading. "Give me a week to research and rectify this. Then, we can work together. We will properly unwind these strings, and move forward."

A frown. "Twenty-four hours."

"3 days." She argues back.

A sigh. "Three days. And you will work with me, AND my lady. I will not have her excluded further on this."

Calanthe's mouth screws into an unhappy frown. "Three days." She agrees.

The Baron exits, and Calanthe calls, "Danica."

The shadow moves in, and nods to her. "My Lady."

"We have three days of freedom in which to fix what has been broken. I will need my thanes to see that I am not interfered with. Am I clear?"

Danica nods. "Yes, My lady. We will obey."

"See that you do. BOTH of you. You are dismissed."

After the Thane leaves, Calanthe draws forth her spellbooks, working notes, and manuals of gremayre. Inventory will have to come later. She has work to do.

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