#baronyofthesilverwolf

After a moment, he nods imperceptibly. "Have you given any thought on the DeBuke's, regarding our mews? If they have any young folk that wish to learn Falconry, we might offer a trade in services - their assistance with the falcons in exchange for practical experience. While they could learn on their own, and clearly have in the case of that 'Teesha', they are unlikely to have the range of raptors at their disposal that we have here." Nadeen sees that look in his eyes, not exactly plotting, but political gears turning.

"I think the problem with having a DeBuke here with any regularity is that eventually their refusal to call you baron or the like might prick your Ailil sensibilities" She tells him "they would recognize us as hosts or holders. Would you be able to put up with that?"

She can see he has something on his mind

He considers this. "Honestly, that is a bit of a conundrum. I understand, conceptually, not being willing to accord obeisance to a liege who one may not feel has earned the respect due a title. But to refuse to acknowledge that a title exists seems beyond stubborn, and to the tune of denial of something the Dreaming itself recognizes. Is using the title itself so repugnant to them?" He sounds more curious than offended, at least in this non-confrontational, hypothetical experience.

"I'm afraid they're a touch delusional about the Dreaming's will" she admits "it's a terrible blind spot but when their founders fought in the Accordance war, it was onn the side of the rebels, and unlike other holds, they never surrendered nor signed the accord. They built up, faced some stagnation, but seem to be thriving again. "

"I am not blind to the fact that Silverwolf has our own stagnation, but now, in no small part due to your influence, we shall thrive. We have already started an untraditional tradition of unlikely and unusual allies. The DeBukes are a bit of an unknown quality on the political scene. They are, in a way, making their political debut by starting to open up, and we are at the ground floor. It may be an opportunity to strengthen our ties, providing them with the autonomous backing their seek, and at the same time allying ourselves with a stronghold that most nobles have discounted as pastoral and seen only for the possibility of the bale, and not for the expanded benefits of a partnership."

"Well, the real winner maybe Marigold. Oh, she needs no lessons in cooking, but as standard as it may sound, she could get some of the best corn , squash and wheat at reasonable rates from them. On top of the pork products that Briar brings. I.." realizaion "My word. I wonder if we're being shown trust BECAUSE of Briar? How odd"

"Marigold told me that the visiting chef mentioned that they have a new addition to the farm. Some sort of chimerical Unicorn that can purify and enhance the quality of already top-shelf grain and fodder. My horses deserve the best fodder. While she is interested in their produce, as for me? I want access to this silage."

A momentary pause as he considers this, and smiles. "Is that so? Clever girl."

"Our own little velociorapter" She smiles "Ah, sorry, movie refference. Mmm I wouldn't have thoght of the Silage"

Dogs bark, announcing an arrival

Sitting with Nadeen in one of the kennel adjacent offices, ready for the visit. "Shall we? Our remaining pups have to make their own debut."

Several pups have been gathered for Sergei to make his choice from. The Dusky pup is withheld, as are the silver-paw and golden pup. The Varich Knight is presented with frosted-sugar pups, two with mixed colors, a set as alike as twins but for a chin marking, and a blazed dog.

And Sergei has not come along alone. A dog is with him, a magnificent Bernese Mountain Dog, roughly of age with Pysckha and Ivan

Aiden cannot help but admire the dog!

It's got beautiful lines, a bit less brown than some of it's breed, but as that means more black, the Aillil might not mind that

Aiden nods in greeting to the Knight, allowing his Baroness to greet first her house member. "Sir Sergei, a pleasure to have you visit under less urgent circumstances than the last time."

Sergei bows, and the dog bobs it's head, though clearly pleased to be here it also wags

"That it is, Baron, though it was a noble endeavor and your service to Apples bales should not be forgotten in crying clarion" He looks to the dog at his side "This is Rheinfelden's Moon Rising. He will, if you accept him, make a fine Sire"

"He's lovely" the Baroness observes "I lack the judgement of you two masters of breeding profession but he has alert eyes"

With the introduction, Aiden does not hesitate to move forward, first offering his hand to the dog in greeting, and once thus met, examining his form, posture, confirmation. "A fine dog indeed. How DID you manage to acquire such a beast? Those breeders I have managed to contact in the Alps have been unwilling to let any of theirs go for some generations."

"The galican confederation is often hostile to nobles. I was fortunate however to have a third party , a commoner of great worth, interact in my steed. It did cost me a lovely hunting hawk but in the end I gained more. Moonrise, that is the Call name currrently but can be changed, is of a set of siblings. I keep the dame for my baroness. "

A glance to Nadeen, a fraction of a brow raised, at the mention of working with worthwhile commoners. Like one says, a DeBuke in the hand is worth two in the... wait, how does that go?

Nadeen looks over at him, her eyes dance as if to say 'yes yes, you're right again, my dragon, commoners can be useful, now don't gloat too much or I shall torment you lightly later'

"Moonrise appears a fine dog, though I will of course test his temperament. I dare say we have a deal. Now, here are the pups of Mischka's line out of the DeBuke's Oak. They are already a magnificent lot."

"I see that," he observes as he bends down "I wish to partake in this grand venture, of course, but perhaps you would tell me which might thrive best in Fiona grounds? Very social folk, unlike myself"

"Else, this pup..." He gestures to the "Good" twin, without the goatee, "Is sweet natured and gentle. I do not doubt that they would show their mettle in combat, but may be more suited to a guardian nature than a hunter."

Sergei looks at both, and runs fingers over them, almost clinical, and yet, there is a rare warmth in his eyes. It is possible animals are where he shows affection, to a point. "Mmm both fine animals, I am not overly soft myself. Fanuidhol, and ..."

"Eren Luin" Gladiola says, with a sheen of sweat on her brow. She must have run here from over a mile to get here inn time not to miss this

Nadeen nods then, her eyes narrow at Gladiola "Dame gladiola, isn't your school in session?"

Gladiola coughs "I .. got permission to come home early, Baroness."

A soft touch in the small of Nadeen's back, unseen by the others. "Dame Gladiola, Sir Sergei is looking for one of the pups who will fare well in a social atmosphere. How do you feel of the choices presented?"

Gladiola looks up, "Of the two he is looking at now, Baron? or the whole grouping? "

"Your thoughts on the whole, please."

To Sergei, "Dame Gladiola has been overseeing this litter since birth."

"It's been a great honor to be trusted so" Gwen says firmly, "Sir, another option might be Hithaeglir... "She hopes she pronounced that right "the frosted one of the .." She almost says donuts "Also naturally friendly, expressive. But frankly, all three are amazing options and it becomes a matter of personal taste. They are all still guardians, and that friendly disposition is more for those they see let in than those skulking"

"As it should be" Sir Sergei nods

the Varich knight runs his hands over the frosted one.

meanwhile, otther puppies shuffle, Blaze has a hopeful look. He says tto his mother I want to serve. Is.. something wrong with me?

Mischka lowers her head to lick Blaze on the nose. You will do well, but must find the right Person.

Blaze gives a soft wag

"Someday, my Person will come..."

Sergei runs the dogs through a few tests of sorts, seeinng how they react to sudden moments, or Moonrise

The first is excited, this is a game, and they are eager to play, even if they fumble - the most energetic! The second watches a bit first, and then joins in, a little more cautious, though they try to lick Sergei a lot - possibly wiser?. The last, Blaze, watches him to see what it looks like HE wants the pups to do, THEN reacts. Loyal!

Sergei actually smiles?

He says "I will not lie, Baron, these are all such fine creatures I wish I could simply sweep them up. However, I must not waste your time. I must select not just for myself, but for he Baroness and her hold. This one...." he gestures to the no goateed twin "Seems almost too gentle and yet, such a sweet disposition with such a bloodline might make a grand guardian for the garden area, where childlings play, and our healer tends to the wounded. Eren Luin, yes? I will take him"

"Ered Luin." Aiden corrects politely. "From the Sindarin of Tolkien's elves, Ered for Mountain, and Luin, for Blue - the Blue Mountains, . Perhaps it is fitting for a Hold that, while nominally Fiona, hosts a Liam Baron."

"Ered Luin" he nods, taking no offense what so ever "Yes. Perhaps Da'an has its place in this, or at least does not oppose. " He actually strokes the dog, and scratches under the chin "Ered Luin, we shall pick your call name as pleases the Baroness Coradel" A look to Baroness Nadeen and Baron Aiden, annd then, to Dame Gladiola "This is an exceptioal liter. While I shall miss Moonnrise, I think I am more than justly compesated."

"We have recommended that the pups stay with us until 6 months to complete their training, if you are not adverse to that notion."

"I am not adverse, per se, but my own training methods include teaching guardians," he says "I would think you would focus on those whose dogs cannot get traininngg?"