#baronyofthesilverwolf

Aiden seeks out Nadeen...

Nadeen is not easy to find, at first, but then she comes on the scene, clearly she's been out and about.

Based on his current outfit, he's been out riding - though that's not unusual. "Nadeen, do you have a moment? There is something I would like to discuss with you." He has an envelope in hand.

"For you, love? Always. I've been spreading word of the Bounty," SHe moves to the envelope and looks at it

It is addressed in childish scrawl to Santa, and it is opened. He offers her the letter. "This, from young Rochallor... I took the liberty of reviewing the contents."

SHe reads it "oh dear"

He nods. "I admit that it is something that perhaps we should have addressed before now." He sighs. "My thought is that perhaps we should see if there is a suitable mortal family looking for adoption. It is potentially a danger to both Rochallor... and I suppose Blossom, as well, to keep them without more mortal interaction - more so for Childlings than for older fae..."

"Of course, they must be kept within the Barony." He says, as a matter of fact.

"My dear, there's a reason so many holds have fledges who were, for all intents and purposes, kidnapped from mortal family, that policy has shifted, mercifiully, and that's good but... any mortal parents will think they are in charge, and may in a year decide they can move job locations or hte like. This is a true can of worms" She frowns, "Kinain perhaps, a kithain seeking guardianship is best, but mortals are not as in our power as they should be"

A small frown. "Do you not think we can manage any mortals appropriately? Even strong willed, they are still but mortals."

"I long for the dreams were mortals worshiped us as gods and offered up their strongest sons as our foot soliders and their lovliest daughters as hand maidens, but things are more complicated in this world," She takes his hand "And, we are each of us influenced by the human echoes within us too. I merely point out mortal guardians might act in ways we don't predict. Do you know any particular mortals that long for a child?"

"Rochallor deserves a family, if that is, in fact, what he wishes and not a misinterpretation of his intent. I had thought of those currently with us... Julius and Bluebell need room to explore their own relationship further, and I would not saddle a young couple with a child unless they had approached us first with the intent."

"Dolph dotes on the lad, but is but a single fellow..." He looks distant for a moment, "And the boy wishes a mother."

Aiden shakes his head. "I am afraid that my dealings with mortals are primarily business, not social..."

"That last was my thought, mmm but you are not wrong... he deserves a family," She stops "What do we know of Dolph's own family? HE is single, but has he kin that might serve and would be interested? Dolph could play the uncle if so, and keep a half eye on the boy's mortal fate?"

Considering, "He has a grown daughter... I do not know her marital or relationship status though?"

"A fair point" She ponders "We can't force it. Why don't you ask him? And yes, we'll start to shop around for the right mortal parents but our standards must be high. We already have one under us who has a hard family live. I'll not add to it."

Then realizing he may not know, she says "I speak of Arthur. I'm working on it," She relates his family situation to Aiden

"Family is not always the blessing it should be." He nods slowly. "If it was truly a hardship or dangerous situation, we could remove him easily enough. But perhaps it is good for him. He is not as tied to his host memories as he might be - having a large mortal family to interact with who will be more accepting of eccentricities may serve him well throughout his fledgehood."

"Well, I hope to show him the power of larges and connections, but Marigold has made the point he must earn some of such to appreciate it. As for his mortal mother, I think I can arrange something with our local realtor and have been talking to her. She might learn how to stage houses, that alone will increase her 'market value'"

"Do you think they are open to accepting another child?" He thinks, then shakes his head, answering his own question. "Possibly, but if they are strained as is - even if an adoption came with monetary relief - Rochallor deserves attention and care, not to be one of a horde, even a beloved horde."

A smile "You treat Rocholar with kindness and concern, this delights me, but does not surprise. Blossom too, though she rather enjoys being 'unique' I think. Vain sweet girl. I think Arthur's family is somewhat full up so to speak."

"He deserves... the family that every child should have." Aiden clears his throat a little and looks away.

She strokes his face, "Your see something of another pooka boy in Rochalor, don't you?"

"I should not project. Rochallor is his own person. And yet, how can I not think of him?"

"Then reach out to he who you think of. Connor. Connor loves you. And while he remains steadfast to duty and stands by Rivervale, it does not mean he loves you any less. Indeed, I have noted an almost Ailil pride in him at times. He stands strong in his choices and faces the consequences."

"Does he?" A touch of bitter regret. "I have given him little cause to."

"You and he both are victims in that," She reminds, "And you are both proud so neither of you wants to be called that, but you were, victims of magical machinations, memory alteration and more. " Her eyes shimmer "I can forgive Calanthe for having me nearly shot. I can't forgive her doing that to you. My dear lord, I have watched you. You care for every creature or person under your charge, from fae hound to servant to me... you bind yourself up in our prosperity . It' s a great quality in a leader. Only darkest cantrip could have kept you from doing the same for Connor and it did, sadly it did. But you must see the options of the future, not the burden of the past. You can interact with him now. Get to know your son again, let him get to know you. I can assure you, he's a delight. It is by knowing him I got to first see your resolve, it is by knowing him I first got a hint of his mother's warmth."

"He chose Rivervale." He reminds her quietly.

"He is sworn to a knight of Rivervale, and she to him, as a squire. " She reminds "He did not choose Rivervale to spite you, or abandon you. He chose Rivervale to live at, but that does not mean he does not want you as a father. Far from it"

He reaches for one of her hands to squeeze, even as he looks away. "...should he choose to visit for Christmas or Yule, he will, of course, be welcomed by Silverwolf."

A nod "If he chooses to visit for Christmas or yule, it will be because he wants to know his father." A kiss on his cheek

He leans in to her. "It is not always pooka who have trouble saying what they may mean. I am grateful for you, my love."

"And well you should be, I'm amazing," Her eyes dance, "Now, what gift should we get your son? Whether he comes here or not, Yule will be soon, and he is your son. What would you bestow on him be it presented here or sent to Rivervale?"

"Ah. A gift, yes." A flicker of amusement in his expression, and he says, "I do not suppose the gift of a mountain dog pup might cover the obligation to River Vale." He holds up a hand to indicate that he jests, at least partly.

A soft laugh "Oh, it would delight him, but I am not sure the Chieftain would fall for it" A thought does sink in "Though, show him the pups and dogs and see which he hits it off with perhaps?"

"Does the boy have hobbies? Does he hunt, fish, fight? Travel, sports?" He looks a bit uncertain.

"He's an eager to please lad" She ponders "He is happy when others are happy. He hikes, but he helps the others with what they love too. Often turning anything into a romp. I know he likes climbing trees, board games, things like Red Rover..." She considers, "Ah... there is the Shadowpaw clan"

"The... a Clan?"

"He's a childling, and imaginative even by childling standards. The shadowpaw clan seem to be his constructed ninja/samuraii/ranger clan... which he runs, but is kind enough to call shadowhoof when talking to a satyr friend. All the childlings agree he is the leader of the shadowpaws ,and they carry out secretive missions such as doing chores they weren't asked to do, or working together to steal a pie from the kitchen window before the birds can get it. "

"Mm. Do you think, perhaps. A trip? Is there somewhere he may wish to go?"

"I think for that, we might want to coordinate with his knight" She ponders, "But knowing him, he might want to take friends anyway. You might end up babysitting, my love" a smile "How would you feel about forced social requirements?"

"I had thought something for the lad any myself. Would his Knight not allow him that much freedom?"

"I think she might. I'll ask her. She is a troll, they lean towards the over protective but curb themselves."

"I confess, I would be less eager to host an entire party of children... but if that is what he wishes? I am sure we can.. arrange something?"

"if need be on THAT, I'll go with you and try to pull the other ones off you while you and Connor get a bit more father son time. But yes, I think we'l ltry to get something just for you and him" A thought "Maybe a movie?"

"A movie? Ah. Perhaps. He would enjoy that?"

Aiden trying to think when the last time he went to the cinema was...

"Perhaps a show? Or... hm. Has he been to the amusement parks? The Disney ones."

"I don't imagine he has... " SHe says "If he has I forgot. He might like htat a lot"

"And you? Would you enjoy such a trip?"

"I thought this was for you and he? But if you end up with more.. yes, I might come along"