#baronyofthesilverwolf

---fade to repairs!---

Nadeen peeks into the dance area while on her way to the library "Bluebell, I don't know how you found out I'm tutoring Arthur, but if you and Dame Lavender switch the ringtones on our phones for each other even one more time, there will be consequences"

A beat "I mean it.. no more 'hot for teacher!'"

"I would never get caught doing such a thing."

"Uh huh... so you hope" And off she goes

In the library, Art is showing a book to Thistle.

"The cover for this one was completely missing, but the rest is in good shape. I think it was a vintage, or antique volume. If We can get a new cover made of leather, like thin leather, do you think the Bookbinder you made can attach it? Or can it only do paper stuff?"

She slides into the library gracefully

Thistle chews on her lip. "If Book-Bind-o-matic Beta-plus can't, I think I could..."

"Maybe it if's very thin leather?" He looks up and stands as the Baroness comes in.

Aiden steps in a moment later, having come from another hallway. "Regular leather cannot be used - what Willy has for the halters and saddles is not appropriate."

The baroness smiles at Aiden

She taps her chin. "I've been reading about it - there's limp bound with soft leather, but there's also a hard binding, with wood and leather..."

"Like, a garment weight?" She takes the book, turning it over and examining it. She does not seem to have noticed Aiden and Nadeen.

"The Baron August of Earthrunes seems to have made a study of the practice. He had a volume repaired for me some time ago. You might ask his advice." Aiden says, speaking up.

Art nudges Thistle!

"OH! Oh, mierda..." She scrambles up to her feet.

He smiles to Nadeen, and gestures for the two to sit. "Please, relax. We have not called on you for a formal reason."

"Well, not too formal" the baronness adds

Art bows to them both in turn. "Did you come to check on the progress?" He gestures to a wall of finished books! Nearly three shelves, now. A large table is set out with others in progress, and there is also a bin of unsalvageable pieces.

"It's most impressive" She admits

A corner has been set up with dangling strings of beads and bits of wire, tiny mirrors, mostly scrap. A couple nevers zoom in and out of the spot, tinkling merrily.

"Thistle set that up after one of her little friends - a yellow one? Got stuck in a paste pot."

A sigh. "Ochre."

"That's right." He nods, wiping his hands off on his trousers.

Aiden looks amused. "As long as they are not causing damage, not creating a nuisance. I am not sure we could be rid of them if we tried, after all." An appraising glance at Thistle.

"They're really harmless. And I mean, also helpful? Not very helpful, they're idiots, but they mean well."

"Recently, they raised the alarm to save a Kinsmann of a fledge. that earns them some grace" Nadeen observes

Art speaks up, "Actually, it was the Sniffer that Thistle created. But the... what do you call it? The plans were based on how the Nevers... acted? Brilliant, even if I can't understand how it worked myself."

"Yes. I was going with that ... but you did say it better. Regardless, it would seem Dame Gladiola has priased Thistle for courage as well as craft. A bit of a reward is coming, but that's not why we're here"

A glance exchanged with Thistle, wondering if they are in Trouble!

Aiden speaks up, "Nadeen, would you like to speak to Art first, or shall I let them know of the upcoming changes?"

"Do go on, Dear." She encourages

He nods. "We've decided to formalize some of your fledge training to allow you each to learn more directly with mentors of your own kiths. Thistle, you will be working directly with Willy and Wudlig. Art, with myself, and with the Baroness."

Art BLINKS, looking over at Thistle for her reaction.

"...Oh. Hunh."

"Like an apprentice?"

"Very much so. " Aiden nods. "Which is not to say that you will not still learn from others, in fact, I depend on the entire Manor to contribute to your education. But you may primarily be working with your new mentors."

"In addition, we will plan trips to other freeholds for you to learn elsewhere as well." Clearly taking to heart the rumor he had heard about Silverwolf childlings and fledges being... something along the lines of uneducated bumpkins.

A little brow-wrinkle.

"Arthur , you'll have training in key aspects of rulership, and courtliness. Both of you are encouraged to learn how to ride horses, at least the basics though I udrestand Thistle may prefer vehicles. "

"And Thistle, I will expect that you will continue your craft. I am pleased to say that there is MUCH interest in your Thallain detecting device. In fact, orders have already come in, in return for services that the Barony was in need of. Even as a fledge, I trust that you will be able to replicate the device?" He asks. "It may be greatly needed to help ensure safety of other kith and kin."

"I should be able to, yeah."

A delighted smile from the Baron. "I am very glad to hear it." almost blinding!

Art speaks up, "She can make anything work. You don't have to worry about it!"

Shrug-shuffle.

Aiden looks at her. "Are you displeased by this assignment? Either for the crafting, or the mentors?"

"We do want your input"

Art speaks up, "I'd like to keep learning alongside Thistle. Can we still work together, as on these books and other projects?"

"I'm not displeased, not at all."

"Yeah, I do wanna do stuff with Art, too. We chrysalized together, right? We're a team."

Aiden nods. "Please do not hesitate to speak with myself or Nadeen if you have any concerns. Or, if the mentorship pairing does not seem to be working out. We will take your opinions into account."

"...Did, uh... did Willy agree to it?"