#baronyofthesilverwolf

And so Thistle is on her own again, or perhaps accompanied by Lavender. The Baron and Baroness left to discuss things to themselves, and to make plans.
(scene)

Thistle's phone rings. It's Dad!

"Hey?"

"Trina... we're heading home tonight. Janice and I. We need to talk to you, and Frankie." He sounds tired. Tired, and defeated.

"We have paperwork to get through here.. I didn't want to... not on the phone... did the Hospital call you?"

"No call from the hospital, no..."

"Um, you guys want spaghetti? I can make that."

"Or mac and cheese? Maybe that's easier if you're both tired."

"Baby, listen. I have... it's bad news. The baby, it... she... she didn't make it. Janice is okay, thank god. I didn't want to tell you over the phone, but... I'm so sorry. I'm sorry."

A long pause.

"Oh."

"I'm so sorry, honey." Dredging up enough will to sound strong to his daughter. "We will be home tonight - it might be late, but. Wait up for us? We need to tell Frankie."

"I'll wait up. I... I'm so sorry, Dad."

"We'll be okay. We have each other." The sound of conversation bleeding through the call. "I have to talk to the nurse now. Sorry. I love you. Tell Frankie... tell Frankie we love him too."

"Love you."

The call ends.

"MARIGOLD?!"

"You need mom for something?" Gwen asks peeking out

Marigold is talking to Julius. "I don't know, I've never TRIED to let my baked good spoil. How in heaven's name would I know... "

She may not have overheard, but Gwen certainly did.

Gladiola wants to intrude on Thistle, to tell her how sorry she is, by now she's heard of the baby and theft of same, one hopes. But its not her Thistle wants help from, so she assumes Thistle does need Marigold and goes to intrude with her mom and julius "mom? I'm sorry to interupt. Thistle wanted your help. Sounded really worried. I think I can take some of your food and leave it out right if you want. I know it goes against your nature"

"Hey Gwen." Frown. "I.. yeah, I need some help?"

"Gwennie, dear, this is a political matter. These have to be just so else it might be insulting, and on such an important day...."

Marigold, of course, knows about the babe. But she also knows that as Steward she must keep all of the balls in the air, and to back out of an offer of hosting a Togail for a certain Sluagh, well, it might be a political nightmare.

But, she immediately sets down the notepad when Thistle comes in. "Thistle, dear, how can I help?"

"How is Artie? Recovering well? I was so worried about the poor boy. And little Frankie, and you of course..." Wanting to mother them all at once.

"Well, you've got my help if you want it, Thistle" Then a beat "And unless their lordships say otherwise.. HOW you want it"

She tangles her knobby fingers together. "Marigold, could I ask a favor?"

"Of course." She says instantly.

"Artie's awake, and feels bad about messing up the cantrip. Um. The Baron is upset with him, and wants to delay his Saining. And. Um. make mine sooner." A flicker of a frown there.

"Dad and Janice are coming home tonight, so I need to get back to Watertown, and they think the baby is dead, and I... I don't think mac and cheese will cut it, right? Or spaghetti, and I was wondering if maybe you could make something for them to eat that's... uh... appropriate?"

Gwen can catch a glimpse of the notes her mom was writing. There are recipe notes that mention fermentation and soured creams, and a note about guest lists, and details about setting up a guest room, and proper lodging for a visiting noble, and potential supplies for a hunt... where does she find the time in the day?

"At least better than I can make."

Marigold cannot help it, she's giving Thistle a hug, a firm, warm, no-nonsense, no escape one. "Of course. They must eat, and they must keep their strength, and get through this. I'll see to it. They'll be taken care of."

Gwen is in awe of her mom.

A sigh of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Marigold."

"Mom's the best" Gwen whispers

"I'll put something together now for dinner, and have more on the way." She nods, and heads straight to the kitchen. Julius asks, "But, the Seer from Bold Heart..." He sighs, and shakes his head. "I'll take care of it." A nod to Thistle and Gwen. "Can't offend the Countess's representative." He explains in apology for his abruptness, and heads off to do just that.

"THank you, Julius" Gwen ssays

"Sorry."

"I... sorry."

Chime? Citrine pats at the blue spirals.

Gwen looks at Thistle "You've done nothing to be sorry about. This just.. is terrible"

"I didn't mean to pull her off of something important. I just... I'm not a very good... Janice cooks fancy, and she's going to be upset..."

The Nocker rubs at her face, scowling.

Citrine pats her cheeks, and lands on her shoulder, her wings a soft buzz-whir that settles as she perches.

A teal and a green never have appeared, and are playing leapfrog in midair, not picking up as much on the tone of the room.

"Your sister is important too" Gwen nods

"I haven't even met her, and it's... everything so furkin' fercacta..."

"If that means what i think it means I agree"

She swallows. "I should get my stuff ready. I only have so much time before they get home."

"Want help?"

Text bleeps, one after another, Thistle's phone, AND Gwen's.

Gwen is surprised, and looks