#baronyofthesilverwolf

"Come, Kourtney, let me write up a few recipes and pack you a basket to take home..." Marigold ushers the visiting troll into the kitchen.

And off Kourtney ggoes

As dinner moves more into casual conversation at the table, Aiden turns to Thistle. "Fledge Thistle, I would ask that you coordinate a visit from your brother and stepmother."

"Oh.. should I, uh, do the thing for them?"

He considers. "It is not necessary, for my purposes. They require a guardian for the times when you cannot be by their side. I have decided to gift them one of our dogs. It is sensible, as the beast will still be nearby if needed for stud, but will free kennel room as well for new litters. If you wish to have them enchanted to explain the need, you may do so. Otherwise, if the lady of the house needs convincing, a simple cantrip will do."

She rubs the back of her neck. "It... it might be kinder, for Janice, to, uh... not."

"Would you prefer your father to come?" He asks, not unkindly.

"I mean, we could do that. Or Janice, just.. with the thing? It seems mean to make her remember."

"I will leave it to your discretion." He nods.

"However, Frankie must come, that the dog may meet him and be properly introduced and assigned as guardian."

He glances down at Muppet, who is politely waiting by Thistle's chair in case any beef might happen to drop.

"Oh, yeah. It should be the right dog."

"Frankie's a good kid."

"Good." He pauses a moment, and looks to Artie. "I would suggest a guardian for your family as well. What would you say?"

Art looks surprised. "A dog? I... honestly hadn't thought about it. I think if it were for me, I might be more interested in one of the birds, they are quiet, and intelligent..."

"And my hounds are not?" Aiden asks, amused.

"Uh." Art glances at Thistle. "I didn't mean that of course... I just never thought of myself as a dog person?"

"I don't know if the birds are really that quiet."

A pause.

"Bet Wayne would like a dog?"

"They don't bark, right? They just, twitter, and sing?" Blossom might be rolling her eyes right now.

"And SCREAM."

"Oh. Riiiiiight." Briar is snickering now too.

"Wain WOULD like a pet. I would end up caring for it, though. He is too small, and my parents are too busy..." He considers, "But if it keeps them safe? I can certainly see that."

"Then it is decided." Aiden nods. "You must bring young Wain as well, to meet the dogs."

A sulk threatens, but doesn't manifest.

"It's too far for him to walk, but I can see about getting a ride. I might need someone to convince my parents. They do not think they can afford a pet. I mean, they can't."

Aiden speaks up. "You needn't worry about expense."

Art looks like he might argue, but nods. "I suppose if you say so."

"Gertrude can't handle a kid."

"Perhaps Gwen will give me a ride. He's big enough that he no longer needs the children's seat."

A grin over to Thistle. "I t hought Gerty could handle anything."

"Welllll..."

"Probably, but not legally?"

He laughs. "I'll talk to Gwen."

"Yeah. Best plan."

"Gwen drives like a grandma."

Art snickers and covers his mouth while he does so - luckily Gwen is now speaking to Aiden about the dogs and their development.