#baronyofthesilverwolf

Aiden extends a hand to accept the page, which he carefully unfolds and shares with Nadeen to look over.

It's a bit of a wild 'train of thought', but there is an artful thread to the scrawls, a story that could be told if only one knew how to read it.

"There's Blaine, and there's the kiln, and Fornax..."

Aiden looks to Nadeen, curious.

Nadeen looks this over as well, "Interesting patterns in this"

Gladiola says "And let us not forget of his courage, shown repeatedly, such as acting as a lure for Thallian'

A nod, and he turns to Art, and asks, motioning for silence from Thistle and Gwen both.

"And how would you define beauty, Art?"

Art answers without thinking - or rather without overthinking, speaking from the heart.

"Beauty is something that can't be defined. It must be recognized as itself. It's creation, and destruction. The birth of a new star, the death of a sun. Beauty is in dreams that inspire, and in nightmares that must be overcome."

He looks to Gwen. "Beauty is strength, but also fragility. It is enduring, yet fleeting."

And, to Thistle. "It is flawed, and more beautiful because of it's flaws. Beauty is broken, cracked, repaired, and stubborn."

Art takes a breath, exhales, and admits a truth he knows in his soul, "Beauty is life."

The nocker flushes pink again, and looks down at her intertwined fingers.

Nadeen can be a sucker for poetry "Well, I had no doubt you were Seelie"

"Ah." Aiden exhales a touch. "Fledge Art, you come before us now Sained. Tell us who you are."

Nadeen llifts her chin to listen

Thistle's back to stubborn-glare.

She's not a troll, but she can be fierce in her own way.

The boy straightens up to his full 5 and a half foot height, and bows deep before Lord and Lady, before sinking to one knee.

"I am called Arcturus Sol-Eltanin, named for the stars and for my mentors, and Seeker of wisdom within both, and beyond. I am a follower of the Dark Star, once exiled, now returned, guided by prophesy, hunted and hunter alike. My House is Beaumayn, and I am a squire in their service."

A squeeze of Aiden's hand from Nadeen. A reminder they should speak together on this

Something tickles Thistle's skin, raising goosebumps, a hint of a breath, as though someone leans gently over her shoulder, whispering in her ear - but there is nothing there, and no breeze nor air stirs the room.

At the same time, Aiden also moves, his head tilted to one side, as though hearing a voice - so subtle, that is may seem only a shift of posture.

A frown, and she looks...

Nothing, of course. Citrine, stymied, outside.

Aiden squeezes Nadeen's hand in return. A communion through their shared touch.

"Squire Arcturus of House Beaumayn. You follow the Seelie Code. Our manor is that of the Sun and the Dragon. Few of Summer souls will find welcome under our banners."

He states, then looks to Nadeen to continue. "However."

Thistle fidgets, anxious.

"However, " She says "You are of Silverwolf if you still wish to be. You have faced your Fior.... you have grown to know it's people as friends, and such bonds should not lightly be torn assunder. As a Squire, you are subject to a hierachy here in ways the untitled may not understand. Can you accept this? And, know also we shall need to find you a suitable mentor for your house matters if Da'an cannot provide directly."

Art blinks back moisture in his eyes.

"Yes, Lady Nadeen. Lord Aiden. I accept."

"Excellent, for it is not just the people beside you who are unseemingly fond of you, but those before you" She smiles just a little "Welcome, squire, welcome home"

"Thank you." He says, solemnly, then turns to face Gladiola and Thistle.

A tenuous smile breaks free.

"You hug his right flank I hug his left?" Gwen whispers to thistle, a battle plan forming

Nadeen takes her Dragon's hand and gazes at him adoringly for what he has done today

He holds her hand, his own expression carefully neutral, perhaps even bored.

"Squire, you are dismissed. I assume there shall be some more celebrating, for all that we have pennons to plan for. You will report to me tomorrow for your lessons, as usual."

Thistle grins, and snares Art into a hug. "You get to STAY!"

Gwen HUGS the other half "Yes! wouldn't be the same without you. Let's get you into the hall and kitchen and tell the others!"

As soon as they're outside the room, he takes a breath! "Did you hear? He's going to continue teaching me. I thought he had given up on me entirely."

"Don't get cocky," She noogies Art lightly "You still need to Stop when he tells you to STOP."

"What Gwen said. C'mon, I bet Marigold has already made celebration sweets..."

"Hey, you'll mess up my braids." He laughs at Gwen.

She does stop then "Fair. C'mon. I've been craving mom's food for so long" And they head to the kitchen

Ivan rejoins them in the hallway, stuck to Gwen's side.

Marigold has not quite started making sweets, but she is instructing Madern with her recipes, to help her catch up on the past few days.

Bowls of batter are being mixed, molds and cutters out, and good smells starting.

"Marigold!"

Madern listens raptly

"Make sure you taste, taste, taste..." She turns to see Thistle. "Yes, dear?"

"Just... Marigold! Art can STAY!"

Madern turns "Hey, congrats, Art!"

"Of course he can." She smiles, her eyes crinkling. "I didn't have any doubt. Not in any of you."

"Mom, Thistle and Art were both amazing"

She noses around, and steals a marshmallow from a prep bowl.

"Oh, all of my youngsters are." An especial smile to Gwen. "My daughter most of all, but yes, all of you."

Gwen smiles, then a look at Madern "I understand you cooked and stuff while my mom was recovering?"

"Junior Steward Ernie was indispensible."