#baronyofthesilverwolf

Count Casimir steps out of the car with his Arcadian daughter. As he's a childling, he has to sort of hop out. He looks about, "It has a good tie to the land"

"Thank you, father" Nadeen smiles

"A bit.. small" he observes

"It's a barony, father, not the great castle of old now lost to us all" She arches a brow, "And you are but looking at the soul of it. The body extends to nearby town, and woods alike"

Chime? A bright pink little Never investigates the pair. They have been checking out the cars as they come in.

The little boy looks up at the Never, "A minor spirit but a good sign" he observes "Greetings little one. No need to bow. I am but a guest"

Aiden bows, appropriate for a Count, but also in his posture the regality of a lord on his own land. "Count Casimir, Silverwolf is honored to host your visit. Do you enjoy the hunt, hawking, or riding?"

"While we do not have the castlery you may deserve from times when all Shining Host enjoyed our seats of power, I trust that we will show you that Silverwolf is not lacking in hospitality." A small inner pang, wishing his Knight was here.

A slightly disappointed chime, but Pink seems content to buzz about.

"Baron Aiden, " He inclines his head, "Much has been made of your horses and hounds by she who was my daughter in another time. I have learned some hawking, and I know how to ride. " He looks about "I am sure this will be far more than adequette, at least it does not shun the fall and winter. Gwydions may see truth, but despite their chosen symbol they do not see far." A nod

"You will find no argument as to the shortsightedness of those wearing the Falcon banner from me." Aiden answers agreeably.

He notices Pink fly off, "flightly little creature..." Wistful "At one time I could have shaped it into something useful, put it to a purpose" Then focusing he looks at Aiden "Yes, well, they're gracious enough hosts I suppose. My daughter co rules with you now? I.. do not see her influence here." Looking at the lay out "It still feels very..celt"

"I have encouraged my Lady to add her touch. Our guesthouse for respite from Bedlam as well as welcoming honored guests outside of the Freehold proper, has been built with a Slavic sensibility, including a banya if you wish for relaxation."

"Ah, that might be pleasant later, thank you" he says "I trust she bargained well for her bride price?"

"Lady Nadeen is a shrewd negotiator in all things." He answer smoothly. "Our Stewards can see you to your quarters, or would you prefer a tour?"

"Your stewards may attend, Baron. I am sure they do you proud, " A pause "Is there, perchance, ice cream on the premises? " An odd mix of old soul noble and boy

Aiden pulls a small cord, one of the more recent installations by Wudlig. A chime that does not come from a Neverlander tolls musically within. "Our head steward, Marigold, is a master of confectionary arts. If there is not ice cream, it will be fetched, but I am certain that she will have handmade sweets that will appeal."

"A weakness of mine" The Count admits "And I thank you for understanding. I'll go to the repast and to quarters after to have my things put in," he inclines his head, then looks to Nadeen "Daughter, we'll talk later. I do thank you for this.. opportunity." And the boy heads off for ice cream and directions to his quarters

Once he's out of ear shot, Nadeen looks to her Ailil to see his response

Aiden watches him go, his bags being fetched and carried by Julius.

"A proud lad." He observes, to Nadeen.

"A part of him will always be lost in the old times, before the shattering, where he ruled a Winter land of wonder and terror alike. He wants what's best for me, but he also wants to make sure I make gains for House Varich doing it. I apologize for his ..approach. An old soul in a young body means pride can border on rudeness." A look about, "He does not see this estate as I do. And I think there are PLENTY Of slavic touches" Nadeen takes Aiden's hand "He is a childling still, he'll be playing with the animals soon enough. I wonder what the Countess would make of him?"

A curious expression. "I had thought we might seek him for our Heir. A step down from a County seat, but still he might rule after our times - a Barony is a far sight better than being unlanded."

"He should consider himself blessed as to even be considered for an heir and ruler here." Nadeen's eyes actually flash, "And he shall hear of it, if he derides this place. This place where the finest fae hounds are dreamed into flesh, and the finest fae steeds bred that lords may take them into victory of race or if need be war. The hawks and falcons here fly far, and our influence does spread and grow. Our people are inventive, thriving, and talented," For a moment she seems rather like a hawk herself, talons flexing that any would deny an ayrie as grand as theirs, then she says "I do not know. I had thought we might ..offer him to the Countess as HER heir in exchange for yet more control over our selection for Baron, but it would be a gamble true. Tell me, what do you seek in an heir?"

"Loyalty." He answers. "They must be true to the land, and our People. They must serve well those who serve well in turn. They must give, as well as take - the balefire must be fed, and not just supped upon, if it is to grow."

"We seek that in common, good" She nods "Does it matter to you which House? Naturally I am pleased Varich is considered, and Ailil has done this land great good so both of those are at top of my list, but I take it you would prefer no Gwydions," A gentle smile "I think father won points with you pointing out their flaws"

"Prefer? No. I would forbid it." He says instantly, then, looking to his lady, he adds, "Unless you had a very compelling argument in their behalf. For no other would I even consider such a thing. I allow that some have been of use in the past, but forget not that the Dragon and the Falcon are ever at war."

Not angry, but with certainty.

"Mayhaps I do forget" She admits "And for that I apologize. It is true, we can be allied with an individual while denying a House progression. I do still hold fondness for certain Gwydion trolls and I will try not to let that blind me. I confess, I was not thrilled wit hthe Games of the Eiluned at the last visit. It is their nature I know and they are Ailil's sister's house. I would not say no, but their games can get tiring. i am not sure how well I'd take to one as an heir and I am sure the countess will push for that. " A consideration "What of Fiona? A bit fash, but not so biased against Unseelie as Gwydions"

"I would consider an Eilunid before a Fiona. Flighty things, they wish to be known as ruled by their hearts, but their actions betray that they are ruled more oft by their... lusts."

He counters, "Daireann?"

"Dame Gladiola certainly makes the House look good, though she has admited herself she is not sure she is an examplar of them. If we found one that put Hospitality over personal pride or vengeance, then yes, I think I'd find one acceptable. " A pondering "Aesin? They can be at war with their human shells, and a bit TOO traditionlist for many's tastes, but they do love the land"

"They love the land, and the creatures that inhabit. I have never known one to mistreat their animal charges."

"So so far, Varich and Ailil are definitely in, Daireann and Aesin approved, Eiluned not too far behind. Fiona further behind that, and no Gwydions" She nods "I am afraid, I simply must ask we also remove Leanhaun from the equation. They're ravenous and while they raise dreamers to great heights it never seems to last."

"Their curse is a shame, and they are to be pitied, but not suffered." He agrees.

"A battle-tested warrior of Balor might serve well to protect our lands." He muses. "Their House has loyally supported Ailil. Though I admit, they are disliked by many and feared outright by more."

A frown, "Balor are hated and not just by the Seelie houses, I fear. It might undo all the diplomacy we've worked hard to achieve. I think I would rank them about where you'd rank Fiona...but for different reasons." She mmms "Liam is out. I know good liam, but as rulers? Who can trust them?"

"Agreed." He says easily. "Dougal has much sway in Apples already. Scathach does not bear consideration."

"Agreed and agreed" A nod "Beaumayn? They're odd... but insightful"

"I mislike the rumours behind their belated return to the Autumn realm. Though, one so mistrusted by Gwydion may have some merit." He says, perhaps a small jest. "Case by case, perhaps- though I feel we are better served maintaining our Unseelie hold over our Barony."

Once more she finds herself nodding "Unseelie Houses should be favored in general. The balance has been thrown off for far too long. At least we know where we agree in general and where we each balk" She says "Communication on this subject is crucial. If I find someone I think is the perfect candidate and you see a problem that has eluded me with him or her you must alert me and like wise I with you"

"Of course. There must as well be a period of observation before any appointment is made."

"And we should see what our thanes say too, for their advice. THey've served and serve you, they've served Calanthe, they serve me. I think they will have insights if we press them for it"