#baronyofthesilverwolf

------------

The afternoon of the Saining has come more quickly, and the hold is bustling with Kithain (and Flo!) putting on finishing touches on decor and their outfits as well. The weather is lovely - sky clear and blue, and the only clouds that dare are little fluffy things that putter across the sky. Then again, Gwen might have taken it personally if a storm tried to rain on this occasion, even if she had to Discuss it with Thunderbird himself.

Banners and streamers in rainbow colors or bearing Nocker regalia festoon the grounds, and chairs, tables, and a dais have been set out on the expansive and well manicured south lawn. A pergola has been erected for those who may wish to stay out of the sun, as well, though it does not have the very best seats.

Thistle is checking it out, but trying to do so on the down low.

This... is for her?

And Thistle sees part of the display are samples of her own work on exhibit.

The Baron is fussing his his cravat, it WAS perfectly straight, but now it's crooked again because he wouldn't leave well enough alone. He catches Thistle's eye and steps over towards her.

A small frown at that.

She straightens when she spots the baron.

The Spriggan-Detector is in a place of honor, now with a "PATENT PENDING" sign affixed in front of it. The Never Playground has been cleverly moved to a central spot as well, both to show it off, and distract the little ones from being TOO annoying to the guests!

(Chime!)

The Baroness glides out in a lovely summer dress, though she sees Aiden and his tie and moves towards him as much as to get a chance to fix that pattern as anything

Thistle tugs on the hem of her vest.

Thistle may notice other little rainbow pops around... on those who call Silverwolf manor home. Friendship bracelets on wrists of adults and children alike - even Briar, though hers is ALREAY grungy and dirty, and a basket set out with more, that every one who attends may choose one to wear. It is possible that someone, or several someones, were up many hours weaving!

The Baron has a rainbow tie clip that Nadeen has fixed once again. He smiles to his lady.

To Thistle, he simply says, "Today is your day. It is a cause for great celebration, no matter the date upon which it falls, or any outside matter than necessitated a scheduling change. I would tell you to make us proud, but you already have - and in sooth, today is not about us." He inclines his head to her graciously.

"You have made our hold shine, Thistle, and you have made it better for being here among us. Not just in what you've crafted, but who you are," Nadeen like wise inclines her head

PINK spirals.

"That's... really frikkin' nice of you. Both of you."

Marigold passes by with a tray she is taking to a table, and scolds them all in a friendly tone, "Save something for later, you two. Thistle, I think your guests have started to arrive."

And Marigold is ready for them. She has swallowed her pride and asked Marseillus to send one of his sous chefs to help out for the occasion, and between them and Madern helping out, the tables are groaning with hors d'oeuvres, charcuterie, fancy snacks, and even just bowls of Thistle's favorite junk food.

The table showcases a masterpiece of confectionary genius. A steam-punk flavored cake with sprockets and gears of chocolate and caramel glass that actually turn, spun sugar pixies, and at the very top, a candy balloon that actually floats, trailing bits of edible gold and silver glitter as it circles the cake on a licorice anchoring rope that prevents it from drifting away. A little card by the cake states that it was provided by the countess! She apparently spared no expense.

Willy is dressed... you know, nice. And lurks at the back.

Dame Gladiola is in her knightly best, but she too wears a friendship bracelet.

"Holy Codswaddles, Marigold, did you engineer that absolute unit of a cake? Lookit that.... that sprocket's even got a little sproing outta chocolate..."

Marigold beams at Thistle. "No, but it does my heart well to think you gave me credit. It's a bit... fancier than I could have managed overnight - no, Countess Elsinore insisted, she had it commissioned special." Marigold leans in and whispers though, "Though I expect the fondant might be a touch dry to allow for all the adornment." A slightly wicked chuckle from the older lady.

"Looking good, sparkle girl" Dame Lavender D'Lorean smiles from her own spot

"Oh, right. Everything's got a flaw. You would make a tastier one."

Bluebell is starting to escort in the Guests of Honor! Possibly more mortals at one time than have visited since the time Bluebell snuck in an entire schoolbus load of trick-or-treaters as a gag.... but this time, each one holds a silver and gilt invitation.

Ted and Randy and Karen! Janice and Greg, and Frankie! Diane... and NAN!

Perhaps a surprise, but a delightful one, is that Thistle's own elderly grandmother is a Nocker. She is enlivened a bit with the touch of Enchantment, but it's not until she is at the Freehold proper where the Balefire can just reach her, that she reawakens - weak, but THERE, yes, there are spirals on her cheeks, and her already white hair goes even wilder and poofier, as her knobby ears poke out under her the sun visor from a downtown Casino cruise.

Nadeen feels the self-satisfied purr of the balefire, proud of itself as though this was it's own idea.

"NAN!"

"Eh? Trina? Ay! Get over her, you little rascal. I ought to take you over my knee, for holding out such a surprise on me. Then again, I'd just about have a heart attack. HA! Serve all those nurses right!" Given that Nan has never raised so much as a finger in anger, this is comical.

A smile at the bale from Nadeen

After the influx of mortals, Sylvi arrives. Apparently she got invited as a friend of the hold, but on very short notice indeed!

She wraps her grandmother in a tight hug.

When she spots Nadeen, she gives a wave and a bit of a grin.

"You look amazing! Wait, wait, I gotta show you my studio!"

"Don't FUSS over me, dag-nabbit. I've lived my whole gorram life and now I'm retired. It happens to all of us! I'm just happy I get to revisit the old days and see my favorite Granddaughter become a Nocker, carrying on the old tradition." Well, Trina is her ONLY Granddaughter.

Not far behind Sylvi, Chief Hewitt chuckles as he is escorted in by Thane Linnae

Linnea is wearing a gown instead of her armor, but it is a clever thing that works chainmail in along with strong fabric in a way that is both protective yet feminine. It is no cocktail dress or ballgown, but she looks happy. Having Hewitt on her arm probably helps!

Sylvi glances behind her and spots the Chief and Thane. "Oh! Chief, glad you're here." She seems a bit awkward suddenly. "Hello, Thane Linnae."

"That's an amazing outfit," Sylvi adds.

"Ted, Randy, Karen! You gotta meet my Nan!"

"Anita Saltpetre!" She introduces herself as, and comments to the kids, "God, they make 'em younger every year!"

She herself is in an understated formal gown but with a border of graceful yellow birds in flight at the neckline.

"Saltpetre!" Delighted.

"Holder Sylvi. I hope Goldfinch prospers "

That from the Chief

Linnea beams at the praise and shares the information about her Tailor!

Nadeen makes introductions to each, yes the mortal famiily currently enchanted, and a smile to Sylvi "Sylvi, thank you for coming. "

Chief Hewitt pauses for a moment, happy is he to have Linnae on his arm, but his eyes move to the displays of Thistle's work