#baronyofthesilverwolf

"Oh oh" sheepish and maybe the aspirin is helping quicker than expected "Yes, of course. No don't tell Nadeen. She'll make a fuss. In fact I order you not to tell anyone, this must be our secret. I'll be fine. I will will it so"

"You order me, is it?" She sounds amused, but not offended. "Well, little lord, it seems you're down for the count. As it were. Shall I reschedule your riding appointment as well?"

"Awwww " and from imperious lord to boy realizing he's going to miss his riding "I guess i better. I don't want the horse to get sick"

"Shall I have someone come to keep you company? Rochallor, or Bluebell might raise your spirits, or if you prefer a more docile company, one of the hounds?" They are not normally allowed in the manor, but... "They often soothe the spirit, if that fits better."

"won't they get sick? "

"Oh, dear, yes. But not the animals, it doesn't travel like that. Let me get one of the sweet glennies. Don't worry, they're perfectly house trained." Reassuring herself just as much as him.

"Okay..." A cough "Tank you, Marigold"

"Now you finish all that tea, and I'll have some juice and some nice broth next. Must keep up your fluids."

"Yes Steward" he sips. Oh at least someone is listening to her today. Good

That gets him a smile and a pat on the hand. And soon, a fluffy terrier has been escorted up. "This is Liberty... oh, something or other. I never can keep all of those pompous show names straight. You can call him Lad, or Laddie."

The dog moves over to nose at Casimir's hand curiously.

"Hello Lad" He pets the dog gently

a cough

His hand is nuzzled, then the dog has hopped onto his bed and is sprawled next to him, a solid, warm lump.

"Hmm." Marigold's lips are pressed, but she doesn't complain. "You just take it easy, and I'll give the Lord your regrets. It's only just fall, there will be plenty of time for more rides, actually, soon it will be hunts."

"Hunts" He is stroking the dog between tea sips. The animal does seem to sooth him. Lad appears to be an expert at teaching naps

"Oh, glory yes. Lord Aiden wouldn't be much of a horseman or houndmaster if he didn't hunt. Plus, there's nothing like fresh elk or venison, and he keeps us in sausage and meat for the year over. What's left feeds these ungrateful beasts."

"Oh, briar would like that too I bet"

yes the aspirin is kicking in

She checks his forehead once more.

Sure, they have thermometers, but this is the expertise of practice.

May have dipped to an even hundred for now

The boy has finished most of his tea, but he is in danger of dropping the cup as he is now half asleep between coughs and petting the dog

"That's a good lad." The dog raises his head, but Marigold is talking to Casimir. She takes the cup. "You sleep, and when you get up, you drink every drop of this juice, and have Laddie ring the bell if you need anything else. Do you like to go hunting? If so, I'll be sure that Lord Aiden takes you out. A nice fat duck would be nice, stewed with wild rice..."

"wild.." Cough "..rice"

and the boy's eyes close

She carefully sets the juice where he can reach it, then steps out the door. "You heard him, Bluebell. I was ordered not to tell anyone. So, mum's the word!" Bluebell nods obediently. "Of course!"

"Especially the Lady Baroness. Make sure she doesn't disturb his rest." Bluebell taps her nose.

The two conspirators slip out, leaving the boy to his rest.

Madern stares at the spot there was once blini, "It died so young"

A satisfied belch from the Redcap.

"Only the good die young," Dee says nodding at the slaughter of the blini

She also wonders where a rascally rabbit went. Oh well

Marigold returns and excuses everyone from cleanup, though she murmurs to Madern, "Lord Casimir is taking rest in his chambers, please do not disturb him. "

Bluebell has slipped off!

"Sure thing, Marigold" He nods then whispers "SUre you don't need help with the clean up?"

"Oh, bless your heart. Thank you." She accepts.

"I really should keep on Briar for chores, but I swear she chips as many plates as she collects."

"WHere as I might just borrow one ." A nod and he gets to work

As for Bluebell, she finds Nadeen is not on the premises but if she waits, an hour later, Nadeen has returned looking triumphant

She finds Nadeen an hour later!

"My lady, it is wonderful to see you are well." A graceful curtsy.

"Thank you, Bluebell" She says "Though I am famished"

"Oh, we must feed you. A festival, a feast, that you have escaped the curse."

"I'm sure someone is cursing me somewhere, Bluebell. It's okay. I have a smoothie awaiting me"

"Truly a wonder, that you are no longer a member of the house." She nods and gestures for the Lady to proceed. "Blessed day."

"Else you'd be confined to water and broth, rather than the rich. nourishing Smoothies and meals of good Marigold."

THAT gets a brow, "Bluebell, I know you can't help but be cryptic sometimes but I'll just ask, is everything okay?"

"I am merely pleased that you do not have the burning sun within your sweated brow, the sign of Great House Very-sick."

"I had feared it was a familial curse."

"But oh! You are hale and hearty."