#baronyofthesilverwolf

It's well into evening when Briar slips out. The redcap is not normally known for her stealth, but she's wise about it, taking off her shoes and tip-toeing until she's outside, and checking in with the dogs in their kennels. Each one gets a meaty bone snack and a pat, reassuring them. Just Briar here, you know me, no need to set up an alarm.

It works, the dogs settle in to their treats, save for Fort and Mischka, who stand guard - but only against anyone coming in, not anyone going out.

However, there is also Ivan. He ALSO has a meaty bone in front of him, but he seems uncertain.

A snort from Fort. Eat it before one of the pups steals it. Is the advice from the elder wolfhound.

Mischka flicks an ear. Don't go sticking your snoot in a polecat den. His mother advises against seeking unnecessary trouble.

But Ivan? Mmm. What does Ivan think of this?

Ivan is loyal... and doesn't take the bone, rather, he waits patiently and then slips to find Gwen when he can. Smarter than the average dog

He is bound to find her pretty easily. No psychic link, there, but he is a loyal pup and knows her habits. Soon, girl and dog are united, but... drat, without that Psychic link, she just has to trust him. Even thought she is...
1. In bed already, a plush bear from her mother tucked under one arm waiting for sleep to arrive
2. Out on a date with Chuck
3. Out on a late night patrol herself
4. ...other??

"Anyway, Baron, " Ivan finds Gladiola talking to the Baron "that's what she said.''"Redcaps belong in corbies with other redcaps. Not sittin' pretty with tea and cakes and watching prancy snobs!" And I get that she wants a corby one day, but the other talk seemed like she wasn't with US anymore I admit, it stung"

He considers this. "Redcaps are rebellious, and often do best with their own kin. They are...rough edged, and can have trouble fitting in. Still, she is but a childling yet. Let her have her little spats, if she bleeds off tension by stomping around and shouting. My advice, is don't let her get under your skin. She's loyal when it counts, even if she might never admit it to polite society."

"I suppose, but I worry she's run into the wrong crowd. I mean, with anti noble leanings"

Ivan comes in and paws at Gwen's leg

This is behavior the Baron can catch onto as well

Indeed, his eyes glance down, and he frowns slightly at the dog - or is it at Gwen's words. "I trust this is something urgent, to intrude on a private conversation. We've trained you better than that, otherwise."

Ivan wuffs lightly

"Yeah, this isn't a begging for treats thing. He does that wiht his eyes' She rises

Ivan moves to the door and waits

"Mm." He considers. "Dame Gladiola, you may be dismissed."

"Ah, but, a mention. Briar is not your responsibility to chastise. If you find that she is in need of such, you will report that to myself or the Baroness."

A nod "Yes, Baron" A bow

And then she heads out.

Ivan is no blood hound, but he IS a dog, and his tracker works pretty well thanks

"Ivan," The troll whispers "I hope you know what you're doing"

He does know! And he knows that something is amiss, as he trots rapidly down a path. It doesn't take long for Gwen to realize the direction they're heading - towards town. When they reach the main freeway that roughly marks the 'end' of the Baron's owned property, he whines, realizing that the scents of diesel and rubber and asphalt have hidden aught else.

"Sorry, boy.' she frowns but then, concentrates

And Kens for glamour nearby

No glamour, just a long and lonesome road. Cars whizz past occasionally - not as much traffic as during the day, but still, it's a semi-rural county highway, and people tend to speed through.

She triest another spell, one she doesn't quite understand, linking to the spirit world to see what it shows her.

"If there are any spirits that would help me find the location of a nightmare , hunter, and sister to me... i implore you, Aid me in finding Briar"

Gwen holds onto her Spear, the one that links her in unknown ways to the spirits of her tribal ancestors. This is something she doesn't know much about, a link tied to spirits that she has no true fae connection to, but a blood relation. Still, she focuses, thinking of things that tie her to her ancestry, and something stirs under her hands.

It is groggy, hard to reach, but if she feeds in just a bit of glamour, it stirs, awakening. A voice she hears inwardly, not aloud - "We hear you, Daughter of the Earth and the Wolf. What would you wish of spirit realm?" The voice, she doesn't recognize, it is a deep, loamy sound, bringing to mind the feel of rich soil under bare feet, rock warmed by the sun.

"wisdom, about one who is like a sister to me. She loves the hunt, but of late, she thinks blood alone makes a tribe and she grows angry against the homefire. If she seeks others of her shared dream that is one thing, but if they poison her against her homefire and tribe, if they lead her to things beyond the pale... i beg you help? I would not have her go Wendigo"

She can feel the beat of her own pulse echoed back from where she holds the spear, reverberating through her like a drumbeat. "I can help you see into the world of the spirits, or the realm of the dead, or the world where sleepers walk... but the angry spirit you seek moves yet amongst the living. If you seek counsel, we can offer."

"Counsel can be the greatest gift of all. I would not lose my sister in the hunt. She is dear to me. Fierce and free. She accepted me when few do"

Ivan looks confused, and stands nearby

"Your words are truer for the fact I do not welcome them all . I can be selfish hearted. Perhaps it is I who need to learn about sisterhood." SHe rises "I thank you, I will remember to light some sage and speak whatever name you ask"

"If you would honor me, honor the Earth and the spirit of the bear. Seek us again if you need counsel." It has been quite some time since she last tried to speak with the spirits - but she thinks it wasn't the same voice as before. Thought, it was a long time ago... over a year, in fact, as it was when she was caught in a trap of Calanthe's making. A year... it was almost a year ago now that she met her fate. An uncomfortable reminder.

A nod, and she brushes her fears of Calanthe returning to the side. I am no fledge. I am a knight. And while i fail, I do not fall easy "Honor the Earth, and Honor the Bear I shall"

The voice fades and the thrumming beat dies down, fading until it's only her own heartbeat. Still there is a warmth from her treasure that leaves her feeling less than alone.

Familiar hunting grounds. Does that mean literal hunting grounds? Briar roams all throughout the trails and paths, but she remains on the baron's land, normally. A safety issue, that - hunters abound, and a mortal bullet will take out a skulking redcap as easily as a deer. It's not hunting season right now, though.

However, Ivan stares across the road - the other side marking the area that bleeds into Carthage town proper, fewer trees, more streets and homes, buildings and businesses. Could it mean figurative - places she likes to visit?

"mm maybe we need to get a burger"