#baronyofthesilverwolf

"Marigold?" Nadeen declares, "We're going to make Christmas happen for a little boy named Gawain. I feel challenged by this and I wish your assistance"

"Gawain?" She looks up from the shirt she was mending. "Isn't that Art's youngest sibling?" She's done her research! "Considering that Art is Arcadian, we shouldn't need to watch the family for any potential kin or Chrysalis, but he looks to be a sweet lad. Aren't they all at that age? Going on 5 actually."

"OH yes, it's a shame a knightly name falls to a mortal, but of all Art's family he seems the most innocent. Gawain apparently is confused, as much as a boy his age can be, why some kids get fancy nice things, others get socks. I do not blame his parents, hard times. But I think, just this once, we can play secret santa and give him a day of wonder, or at the least a gift his parents never could afford and make sure he knows it is from Santa claus. Do you have suggestions?"

Marigold sits back a bit and considers this. "Art hasn't bonded very well with his mortal family, has he?"

"No, and I think it is time we take action. His mother sometimes cleans houses. I will not make Flo feel like she is about to lose her place, but I am considering hiring the woman at above pay now and then if I can find a spot. His father works at the paper mill, at least I think that's what he said?" She's not quite so sure, "They seem decent folks, but have little time for keeping the older lads in line. Gawain appears to be the one bright spot in the family for Arthur. I would like to make sure he has proper musing so his banality stays low... maybe he'll be a dreamer, maybe he won't, but I'd like to get him on a good start."

"Take care that Art does not see it as charity on his mother's behalf. It would be a kindness, yes, but even a young sidhe has his pride." She checks the seam on the shirt she is sewing, then sets it aside.

"Would there be a way to coordinate a Christmas surprise for Gawain, or for the family even, that may come from Art? It could not hurt to help them grow a little closer, after all, that's what the holidays are for. Family. He may not be truly related to them, but if he lets the gap grow too wide for too long, he may well someday regret what he has lost."

A pause "You're more merciful than I am, Marigold," She says "I do not say that as belittling. It's..something I need to find the balance of at times. I'd be tempted to feed the older boys to the Krampus. Mmm two problems... how would Art explain his sudden resources to them? And... won't that risk his pride more with us?"

"If we were to give to his family, he would know, and he would know it came from us. However, if we can find a way for him to provide, perhaps that sweetens his relationship, and he comes out as the giver, pride intact?"

Marigold thinks on this. "Perhaps he finds a job with a bonus, or manages to come into money another way. A rare find of something valuable, or even a lottery winning?"

"I am seeking to help him get a good job. He seems to think it would be just charity, but I told him in this, he is very much a sidhe, we are also advantaged in contacts. He will still have to do the work, but sometimes who you know is as important than what you know. I don't pretend my kith doesn't have priviliage. I quite often count on it. "

A beaming smile to Nadeen. "Privilege is a gift, and you use yours well and wisely."

"Oh you flatter me, but as a noble I consider it my due, but ONLY If I use it well and for the betterments of my lands. I assure you, I fully understand some of the frustration poor Arthur feels. " SHe ponders this though "Do you have an idea for how he might provide?"

"Perhaps he might work in a book store, if one is hiring? He does like books. A resale shop might be a blow to some sidhe's pride, but he may have learned that he must bend a bit. Those have the added benefit of first glance at what comes in, which may include used books, or potentially dross. If he gets a discount, he might be able to also find presents there, though second hand is a tough swallow for some.

You had mentioned using connections. Perhaps there are fae in town that may need a hand around the holidays at their own work or businesses?"

"Perhaps" She ponders "Unfortunately Arthur can be his own worse enemy at times. He has such a clear idea of what is interesting, what is best, that he can leap ahead without consideration for the fall out to himself or others. It's.. not unheard of in we sidhe. We are creatures of confidence in one area or another. It can make us seem impulsive, arrogant and insensitive," she smiles 'Of course, 9 times out of ten we ARE right" A wink, then she paces "I like the book store idea. And as for my connections. Mmm I don't think any run libraries or book stores"

"Ms. Rosemary, that's the clurichaun, is in realty. We might drop a hint if she needs help cleaning/staging houses, for Art's dear mother. Mister Ace runs a sporting good store... might need assistance, but that is not quite Art's forte? Sidney is unlikely to need help at their salon... and that redcap who runs the cafe, Al? Well, let's just say I don't think it's a good fit. Adler and Zelda have learned to work with each other," She comments, naming the Boggan and Nocker duo, "But they might just skin anyone new who messes with their system..."

When did Marigold pour tea? Oh, now it's a gossip session.

"I like that idea about Rosemary, yes. Art's mother's mother could actually get infomal lessons in Staging, and end up making a much better living. We already know she's a hard worker. Brava, I like that one a lot." She ponders taking a seat and realizing boggans can snare you, "Of course, I have some bias against Slaug. I do not deny it. But they also have bias against me, so I'm reluctant to send him to the town historian. Last tthingg I need is speeches against my House from our own fledge." She ponders "He HAS been helpingg OUR library here. I donn't think it's unreasonable to reward him for his work there even if it's been a bit self serving"

"Mm, Mister Aberdeen had come to mind, but I left him off out of politeness. Besides, any books he may have would likely be too dusty and dry for Art's tastes. For most tastes, to be honest. And he may pick up bad habits."

"Yes... " She ponders, "The local library Arty was in when Arthur arrived. What are the folks there like?"

"They were kind and friendly, to be sure, but they haven't two pennies to spare." A soft sigh. "Woefully underfunded, as goes for most libraries and public services."

"I smell tax write off, and more than that, a chance for Arthur. What if I were to make a sizable donation to help them repair damages, get new books... etc, and... set them with a kind ..internhip program? Hinting STRONGLY that Arthur would be one of the two picked?"

"Mmm... and the other?"

"The other would be open to whoever they honestly picked. Looks less suspicious that way, doesn't it?"

"Very true. Now, would Art actually work, though? Or simply get lost in a book?" She sips her tea.

"A fairr point" She frowns "We need to make sure he understands the carrot can get yanked away , set up or not, if he bungles it. That might pay off in more ways than one, teach him a bit more willpower. What do you think? Of course I could end up spending money and failing to help him"

"Even if it does not help Art, it is still a worthy cause."

"Yes. I must be careful not to spread the budget too thin" She ponders

"Have you told Julius and Bluebell about the plans for the guest house yet? I hear that construction is coming along nicely."

A pleased chuckle there "Oh, not yet. Aiden wanted to unleash it on Julius I think. there's something of the hunter in my lord, he enjoys snaring."

"It may take some time to set up a proper fund for the Library, and Yule is only a few weeks away. Perhaps, the library might BE the carrot? If Art shows he can work properly in a paying job between then and now, you may just offer him this opportunity. It would both be a test of his dedication, and a way to make the posting something he may feel earned and not given?"

"But then we're back to square one, what job would he get?"

She blinks. the idea art might just go out and get a job surprising her

"If the reward is working with books, above the cash incentive?"

"Forgive me if I have missed some nnuance. Are you suggesting he get ANY paying job, such as fast food or the like, then earn the library. Or are you suggesting he get the library job somehow while the funnding is prepared, but he must earn it?"

"The former. I would regret him being given such an opportunity only to squander it - and the library DOES need help, not just another laze-about, not that reading is something to be discouraged."

"Mmm," She ponders "All right. But I want an eye on his banality kept. Sometimes mortal jobs turn lethal on us"

Marigold nods seriously. "It is an important lesson... but not THAT important. I'll be sure to have an eye on him. Perhaps we can suggest a few options that looks less than fae-snuffing? There must be signs around town if we look. There is still that rather unfortunate trend of claiming 'people don't want to work', but it may be in our favor this time?"

"Oh yes. " She rolls her eyes "While some of my generationn do indeed slack, it's amazing to me how folks expect mortals my age to accept jobs that simple don't pay ennough for rennt or housin."

"Luckily, Arty has his rent and housing covered. And it will only be for a short time, hmm?"

"this is because I accused you of being merciful earlier isn't it?" A smile

She sips her tea and smiles.

A sip "All right. We'll do it your way. And I'll start on the library help regardless. Tax deductio aside, it's also good will, and yes, a place to encourage drreaminng and.." Her eyes light up "Oh my "

A chuckle escapes her

"Hmm?"

"It's just too delightful. What if part of the donation came in the form of a Tolkein trove? Of course I'm sure the library has copies of the Lord of the Ringgs and the hobbit, but the Simarillion, Farmer Giles of Ham, hie short stories. And books by other modern fanasy Authors inspired by or who cite him as their favorite writer etc? Imagine it, a 'seven steps from middle earth' kind of set up "

"Oh!" A sly smile. "A gift of sorts, in name, to your lord?"

"He'll love it.. and, " Slyly "It will get him out of the stable to see the library himself. I'll socialize him yet"

A hearty laugh. "You are the best thing to happen to that man. Now, let's see... any plans for a Yule celebration, or are we keeping things simple this year?"

"Glad you asked... " she says "We are going to celebrate tthe wonder and the doom of this winter holiday. Ice skating options if we can arrange it, but meal wise? I yield to you, but I want a theme that includes the Krampus, Mari Lyd, a kind of dishes of the cultures those legends are from. Perhaps Leeks for Mari Lyd? A buffet kind of set up? "

"Or is that nuts ? " She asks

"I think it sounds lovely! Now, would you want an actual Mare's skull for the Mari Lwyd? The nacker or butcher that Briar works for might have a source... or is that too authentic?"