#baronyofthesilverwolf

"Go see if you like" she offers

Another bow, and she flits off, her small tail whisked like a white flag as she hurries away.

Aiden looks to Blossom, having been examining the artwork. "Are the changes not to your liking, Blossom?"

"It's .. okay" She pouts "I liked Dame Calanthe's art fine though" A bit of a huff

Aiden exchanges a glance with Nadeen. "Blossom, do you understand why Calanthe is no longer here?"

Nadeen looks att the girl symapethetically

He waits, expecting an answer.

"No," Blossom is still a child and children don't always take changes well "She was nice annd kind and a hero and now she's gone and it's like she wasn't ever here" A hoof stamp "it's not fair"

"Come. Walk with me. Nadeen, I shall rejoin you shortly." He gestures to Blossom to follow him.

"yes, " nadeen sighs "Perhaps thtat's for the best" A bit of her joy dimmed by the childling's wrath

And Blossom follows

A press of lips against Nadeen's hand, before he departs. Leading Blossom to the Garden, where they can walk outside, in the open, but with privacy.

The girl's hoofs dig a bit at the earth "am I in trouble?"

"No, Blossom. But I would speak with you honestly, and truthfully, of Dame Calanthe. I would ask that you not judge my Lady such as I have just seen, until you have heard all there is to know. Will you hear what I have to say?"

"Yes, m'lord" She says earnestly. Someone is finally talkingg to her , telling her. She hated being left out almost as much as she misses Calanthe "is she okay? She's not dead is she?"

"Blossom." He sighs, searching for the words. "Dame Calanthe was... Is, of the Shining Host. We are shaped in great beauty and molded with power, with which we are given to rule and protect our people. But we are also human, linked to the frailty of our hosts, and possessing of their weaknesses, and flaws."

"Calanthe sought to protect Silverwolf, but she was blinded by her ambition, and shortsighted. She could not, would not work with those who offered their hands, and might have actually caused far more hurt than she fixed."

He stops his slow stride forward, and looks down to Blossom, expression grave. "By her orders, Baroness Nadeen would have been killed. Not chimerically. Her mortal life, extinguished, and soul lost to the dreaming. And all for naught, as this would not have fixed anything - if Calanthe had only been wiling to see the truth."

Her jaw falls then "But.. but what bad thing did Baroness Nadeen DO to make Dame Calanthe have to do that? She must have done SOMETHING"

He gives her a solemn look. "What action would you think suitable to justify such a response?"

"Calanthe acted in greed, in foolishness, and in desperation, mislead, but perhaps not in malice. I choose to believe so. As does Marigold."

"We all make mistakes.. and.. and..." Then tthe girl admits "I LIKED Dame Calannthe she was nice to me. She made me feel special. She saved me once . I know she did bad bu..she als odid good. Doesn't it.. balance?"

"Da'an... Fate, was called to judge her actions. Blossom, to answer your question - no, she is not Dead. She has been transformed, and will not be returning here. You may yet meet her again someday, but not for a long time. But she is alive yet, and safe in the keeping of one she trusted."

"Perhaps you are right, and that good you saw in her, was the balance that saved her."

"Maybe?" A sigh then "Do.. do you think ... could I write Lady Calannthe letters maybe? Send her a card?"

He considers. "I would like you to know, that where Calanthe would have taken life to try to protect, Baroness Nadeen acted in such a way as to have sacrificed herself in the same place. You may not like her, but you will respect her, as long as you are part of this hold. Do you understand?"

She lowers her eyes "I understand and I like her okay, just I .. Calanthe was special" A sigh

He rests a hand on her shoulder. "I will see that your letters are delivered." Kindly.

"Thank you, Baron. " A smile despite the tears, then she looks past him "Uhm that's new" Squintingg

He turns to look where she is looking.

towards the back of the garden, but surrounded by a riot of rosebushes and flowers that bloom there more so than anywhere else. there is a bench statue. Three figures.... Dahlia side by side with Aiden, and in their laps, with a flower being up to his mother, is a very young Connor. Dahlia is laughing with delight, and Aiden smiles at them both

Aiden stops, gazing at it quietly. Then, he steps forward, and runs a hand over the figures. Stroking Dahlia's hair for just a moment, and then resting on the boy's head.

He clears his throat, but voice is still thick with emotion when he speaks. "Blossom, I would be alone for a while."

And Blossom, nods "It's very nice" She smiles "And yes, Baron. I best go see the ballroom" And off she goes

He sits beside the bench, surrounded by flowers, and remembers.

Leaving Aiden with this display which he miht suspect is a gift from Nadeen's subconsious respect or his own wish not to forget again

(Scene)