#baronyofthesilverwolf

Gwen looks dubious at the response but lets it slide

"Maybe a short horse that's... not quite as... tall... as some?"

This does intrigue Aiden. He looks to Dee. "There are american ponies that are crossbred from Shetland stallions with Arabian-Appaloosa mares. They are said to be fit for riders of smaller stature. Else, a fine Arabian or Paint might be found that tends towards fewer hands in height..."

"Huh, well, my liege, you know some of those we've invited will likely be more than hoping to wheel and deal in horse flesh and that does include at least one Appaloosa breeder we spoke of earlier"

"Yes. An interesting challenge." He looks intrigued!

Lavender does too

Nadeen says "Ahem, the acid dripping stopped yet or is that going into the garage?"

"I have shelf space in my studio!"

"Why don't you take it there real quick" Nadeen nods "Before it..drools again"

"Gotcha!" She heads off with her prize.

In the meantime, Art picks up a gift.

"Oh! That's from me!" Calls Bluebell.

It's a copy of Watership Down! He looks a little uncertain of why he was given a random novel, but he smiles, and thanks her graciously.

From Julius - a box set that includes The Count of Monte Cristo, The Man in the Iron Mask and The Three Musketeers.

Marigold has gifted him a book on Astrology... oops, maybe she missed the mark there? Or maybe not.

There seems to be a theme...

"Oh" A look "Arthur, " Gwen says "I don't always know what you like, besides stars and such. Which you may have got enough of, but I... I got something for you"

"Oh! Thank you!"

He looks at her, pleased!

She offers up a small package "It's downloadable, but I put it on an old CD too.. every hear of Symphony of Science?"

"I have not."

"Well, the creator goes by 'melodysheep' and they take like old Carl Sagan or Hawking quotes, and make music out of it... I stumbled onto it and thought of you. "

"It's kind of old now" She says

"I have not had much exposure to mortal music. I will enjoy the adventure." He accept graciously!

Gwen clearly is unsure he'll like it but clearly hopes he does

He does look rather intrigued, and places it carefully amongst his books.

Marigold glances over the tables to see if anything has been missed...

One box Marigold notices not because it hasn't been touched, but more that it hasn't been seen until now

She peeks at the box, checking for a name.

No name, just a black bow with purple wrapping paper and a tag that says 'To Acturus'

Art looks at it. "I know that folk are supposed to beware unexpected gifts from the Fair Folk... not sure if it counts for us..."

Nevertheless, his curiosity insists, and he pulls loose the bow.

A scrap book of black, with a purple star design in the center

He picks it up, a little perplexed, and looks inside.

On the inside of the cover are the words "Welcome Brother, we knew you were coming but someone else baked the cake...." And on the next page? Artwork...

A spirit glowing like a star being cast into the air again by a great wind...

He smiles down at the book, a feeling of warmth showing in his expression. Then, he turns to the gathered friends, and bows to them all. "Thank you so much for your gifts, your kind words, but most of all your warm welcome. Yes, even you, Briar." He adds, as he sees the Redcap open her mouth. She shuts it, and shrugs.

Resisting the urge to read through the entire book right then!

There were under that, words that said Fate wasn't gentle with you, we suspect, but it was meant to be

As he closes it and addresses others, Nadeen looks curious "Most gracious, Squire. " An amused glance at Briar's reaction

"You earned it, Arthur. Rough start, but you've become a hero " Gwen says and looks to Thistle "you both have"

He smiles, and says, "More cake, anyone?"

(Scene!)