#baronyofthesilverwolf

It is much later in the day when Danica returns, grim faced and weary from the trod travel.

"Thane Dancia, you return" The Baroness observes.

She nods to Nadeen somberly. "The former Chancellor has been delivered into your housemate's keeping. Sir Sergei will see that she is watched over."

"Sir Sergei will attend to her needs quite well. I would like to converse with you, we have much to discuss. However you have been on the road, if you'd prefer a shower and such we can do so in twenty minutes, or we can discuss matters now"

She does not show any hostility

"I would speak with you now, Baroness. You address me yet as 'Thane'." Her tone a bit wary. "I had not expected to be still welcomed into your service."

Nadeen has changed clothes from earlier, an elegant gown flows about her, perhaps cultivated to make her look more the Lady of the Manor, perhaps not, "You have not been dismissed from service, and before the state of that is agreed upon, there is something I needs must do. An oversight on my part," She takes a breath "I wish to apologize to you for lying to you earlier. I do not like how Dame Calanthe used your sister and you, do not like how she manipulated you, but I am not honest as to have been straight with you in all things. I lied to you, about the thief in particular. I Hope you can understand the necessity and forgive me, but whether you do or not that apology is there. "

Quiet consideration. Danica frowns, clearly this does not sit well. Finally, she states, "You were under no oath nor obligation to tell us the truth, should it suit your purposes to do otherwise. I mislike the wasted resources spent in search of a red herring, but it is not given for me to judge your actions."

Clearly, this troll also has her takeaway from years of service to Calanthe - namely, having no reason to trust what she is told, only that she must accept and obey.

"Judgement occurs, whether it is someone's place or not, we make judgements every day. You're a woman of laws and I hope justice. You have seen where they don't coincide. You know from former experiences that laws can be used to bring injustices. I love the Baron as much as a Varich may love, but while we rise to challenges, I do not share the Ailil tendency to always be right or save face at all costs. Whether the ends justified the means, those were the means I used and they took advantage of you. I'm not thrilled with how that escalated. I would like you to speak your mind to me but understand you are cautious. "

"Baroness, I have witnessed one sworn liege take advantage of the Lord of Silverwolf for longer than I care to admit. For all that he wears power like a cloak when he is stirred to action, Lord Aiden has a naivety to him - born of years of tamper, perhaps, or desire that what he wishes is actually what is done."

Frankly, making eye contact with Nadeen. "I would not see another pawn move into place, become Queened, and rule him thusly again. You speak kindly and justly, but I have learned to take the words of the Shining Host with an entire shaker of salt."

"Prudent, and fairly said," She concedes, "I asked for your opinion and you gave it. So your loyalty is to the baron first and foremost? Whever your oaths reside?"

"My loyalty is to Silverwolf. I know the Baron, and trust that he has it's best interest in mind, shall he actually rule of his own volition. You are still new to me, and I am not tempted to easily trust so quickly. Once burned, twice shy."

"You dictumed to shoot at me, yes? you and your sister?"

A frown, and she answers, admitting all with stoic nature of one called before a judge to confess all, with no dissembling.

"I took action under order, aimed to protect the Safe Haven of the Balefire, and under direction of one who rules by Right of Demesne. That it would have violated the Right of Life as well? True. I obeyed orders. My sister did not. As always, the victor of a battle dictates the rights and wrongs. I returned, and will face judgement for my actions."

"I guess I'm asking not if you would have done it if it were only an order, but rather, did you have a choice at all?"

“Her order was laced with Dictum. I could have tried to defy her. I did not.”

"Yes, but it matters... that means the violation of the Escheat was on Calanthe, not you. Right of Life, Haven, AND Demense, violated with a shot," A frown "Tell me, did Dame Calanthe swear back to you when you swore to her?" She knows the answer but wants to be sure ,and to make her points if she can

“No.”

"How convenient for her," Dryly then a frown, "You said you would not have defied her. Did you agree with her command on it's own merit? Or was it just when ordered, you obey?"

“I know that which I was informed, though I do not claim knowledge of Calanthe’s ulterior motives. A powerful Nervosa possessing a wilder Sidhe, approaching both Lord and Bale. I chose to protect Silverwolf’s lord and life’s blood, over it’s Reeve.”

"Ironic. Your sister did what she thought was right. you did what you thought was right. I could tell you I had control and reserves for control breaking... that there were reasons I let a mistress of Spring in, and Rivervale's premeire knight there... let alone her squire. But.. we've established that in yoru eyes, large packets of salt are required for any sidhe's word.." A tilt of her head "Had you shot me, I can tell you the Nervousa would NOT have died with me. But I do understand how you might think otherwise. I think Calanthe saw it as possible and more importantly a way to rid herself of me. I think you were used, but I also don't insult you by thinking you are an unthinking weapon. Your reasons were well thought out ,given what you knew. You shooting at me doesn't bother me nearly as much as I suppose it does. Your loss of control after the shot though did"

A deep frown. "She broke her oath. As one who lays claim to fostering amongst trolls, I would expect that you might understand the gravity of her action."

Danica however, looks uncomfortable.

"I regret my temper." She says, a lot more going unsaid than in her words.

"Yes, I was about to say that while Oathbroken, beyond house Liam, are not trusted at Rivervale, I've never seen them try to beat one to death for it" Searching ice blue eyes "You see why THAT concerns me more about your position than you shooting at me, I hope? One had thought, the other? Only out rage"

Her eyes flash at the phrase "beat to death", yet, she cannot in truth deny it. "You are not of Troll blood. You do not know the flames that burn within our souls when trust is betrayed."

"It is not something that can be denied. I would argue that I would not have killed my sister. I am not an ogre, nor such a monster, as you seem to believe. Dame Dagmar acted before it could come to any such crossroad. For that, I am in her debt." She rumbles quietly.

"You don't know what I believe," She counters, her tone a BIT More commanding at that, "And yes, yes you are in her debt, And No I don't know what burns in you when your trust is betrayed... but it was between her and Calanthe, not her and you. And I've met one Ogre, fine fellow, not that Thallian type, of course." She settles herself "The Dreaming punishes oathbreakers as a rule quite well on it's own. And, it seems to be more in doubt than you are. Or did you not notice your sister was not blinded?"

"Her Titan's strength left her, and the stench of the oathbreaker was upon her. In the heat of the battle, I saw nothing more. Together we swore to serve. Her betrayal reflects upon more than just herself."

A hesitation. She questions,

"My sister. She is not blinded?"

After the heat of the battle, Danica had retreated, and did not take part in the celebrations to follow. Indeed, so had Linnea, but their own separate ways.

"No, she's not," A brow "Perhaps, because she was still serving the Lady of the Hold, not the present one, not the future one.. if that is to be among my titles, but rather, the past one. I think the Dreaming knew she was serving Dahlia and took that into account."

Then a sigh "I understand your rage, but I would have your sisterly bonds restored, on both sides. You are sisters, and I cannot believe you do not love each other."

Deep frown. "If da'an is just, she will be given chance to atone, and swear anew to restore her honor."

Clearly, Danica does not hold much faith that da'an is always just.

"What would you have of me, Baroness? If I am to be cast from Silverwolf, I shall request time to put mortal affairs in order." Tone steady, without judgement, ready to accept what comes.

"What what I want from you in the long run, I must earn, and repair. I will talk to the baron about it, but I'd like you to resume your duties. Know that your sister will be swearing to me. And I to her. Unless the baron wants her oath as well" A shrug "But she will resume service here. Will you be able to continue working side by side with her? Or will this rift grow toxic?"

"If da'an itself does not hold her as a true oathbreaker, and should you accept her oath? I can do no less. I bear her no ill will. She is my sister. Nothing will change that."

A smile at that, "Well, that's a start. Now, as for you, would you be more comfortable swearing to me, the baron, or us both? I mean to keep you in service here. The oaths will be more fair, and if Fealty, they wil lbe returned with Oath of Escheat" A frown "Had Calanthe sworn the Oath of Escheat, she'd not dared abuse you as she had."

"I would swear fealty to the Baron, should he accept my oath, and grant his in return. I would that we had been able to protect him in the past, rather than be instruments used by his Chancellor. I cannot change the past, but I would choose to serve him directly, in the future."

"I find that acceptable and while I would have been honored to have you sworn to me, I quite understand and am not insulted in the slightest by your preference. You are right. He's a good man, but he could use friends looking out for him. I'll make sure he agrees to this set up." And with that "Regardless, you are once again, and I suppose always were, a thane to this household" She offers her hand "Welcome back, Dancia"

"It may be that a year and a day is ample time for us to learn of each other. If you were to ask me again at that time, I may have a difference answer." She offers, taking the hand and shaking firmly.

And a firm shake it is, even if one hand is subsumed "I may do that. " Then admitting "Also, it would break Gwen's heart to lose either you or your sister. She admires you both. And She really wants you both there for her saining. Go clean up" A smile "It looks like it was a long road back here"

"A long road behind us. And a long road ahead. Thank you, Baroness. I will do so."

A nod at that.

She must talk to Aiden. About thanes. Both sisters are right... in their way. Dancia is more ruthless and cynical.. but perhaps that is just who I want sworn to guarding my soon to be other half

Danica moves off to find her quarters.. and perhaps, to find her sister.

Nadeen's kestrel, Vespa, has found her side, as has her faithful bear... er, dog.

Nadeen tends to both, of course, even as she seeks her lord

Gwen arrives with Lavender... unaware yet of the changes

Pyshka may seem a bit put out, as the Kestrel insists on grabbing tufts of fluff to line her nest.

"Vespa, I'll get you some other fluff" A huff from the Varich "And before you ask, no not my hair, no matter how glittering perfect it is... long , sexy, clean, shining, and managable"

Landing on her shoulder, the kestrel does groom at said hair for a moment - but without stealing any.