#baronyofthesilverwolf

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So it is that Hearth Kerri came through the trod to pay a visit

She did call ahead. Hopefully somebody will be able to pick her up, but if not she can certainly walk from the trod to the manor.

Dame Lavender , satyress and knight, greets her , on horseback "Hearth Kerri! An honor to see you. I've been told to give escort to you to the hold. "

"Hello! Thank you, that's very kind. All is well, I hope?"

"Can't complain" She says "Though I'm SO glad Dame Dagmar will be available more for JOUST Club" Happy "How are you guys in Rivervale, Dame?"

Kerri's not the equestrian that other Rivervalers are, so she isn't exactly graceful getting into the saddle, but she can manage well enough.

"Oh, this is is Mallorn" She gestures to a very tall horse

Mallorn looks like an easy going fellow, but 'right sized' for a troll

"Thank you, Mallorn," she says as the animal cooperates with her.

"Need help in the saddle?" an offer

"I've got it!" she assures. Then to answer Lavender after she's in the saddle, she says, "We're doing well, thank you. And our wilders who were off at college are back, so it's nicely crowded around the Lodge."

A grin "permission to make an informal observation?"

Bemused. "I don't outrank you, Dame, and this is your territory. Feel free."

"You talk about their return and crowding like you are happy just doing a head count, like a mother hen or a head mare of a herd" A smile from the satyress "Is this a grump thing, a troll thing, or a Hearth thing?"

Kerri gives a surprised laugh. "I suppose I do! I guess...it feels similar to the satisfaction of having a well-stocked pantry after a lean time, so it might be a Hearth thing. Or just a Kerri thing."

"Well, it's a NICE thing despite my teasing" They ride along side each other at an easy pace. Enjoyable weather today

Kerri trusts Mallorn to know where he's going, so she doesn't fuss much with steering. "I'm certain Dagmar's chomping at the bit, as it were, to do more jousting again."

"I hope so. " A nod "I've got some new moves that are sure to counteract her obvious advantages in size and strength" A beat "I've got an idea that MAY counteract her somewhat... " Another beat "Okay I've got a hunch or two that might let me eat dirt a LITTEL less"

Dogs bark in greeting, on watch

As they close on the hold proper

A chuckle. "I'm guessing you don't want to let me in on this idea?"

"Oh look, there's the Baroness" Dee says whimsically

I'll take that as a 'no', Kerri thinks to herself.

A wave to the Baroness!

Indeed, the Baroness is near the garden and comes forwaard to greet them. Nadeen smiles. She looks radiant and over all ... content. But she does arch a brow as they come in on horse back "Hearth, please, be welcome!" A look to Dee "Dame D'Lorean, you were to escort her, yes, but I thought you'd chauffer her?"

"Who wouldn't want to ride on a horse instead, Baroness?" Dee says baffled at the notion

"It was lovely!" Kerri assures as she dismounts. Her smile is a little tense as she takes a few steps -- even the short ride made her a bit sore. "Baroness, it's wonderful to see you."

"Dame, thank you so much for the escort," she says as she hands over the reins. "And thank you, Mallorn," she adds, petting her steed's nose briefly.

Mallorn leans in happily to the stroke before parting

"You're welcome, Hearth" A smile from Dee. She KNEW folks prefered to ride. "is there anything else, Baroness?"

"No, Dame Lavender. Go about your regular duties" The Baroness says. Once the satyress does, the sidhe turns to Kerri, and as it is just them, says "Apologies for that. Would you like to sit on the garden bench or have something softer?"

"Just a bit softer, please," Kerri confides quietly. "I don't think I've ridden at all in...well, years."

Not too surprisingly, she does have a basket on one arm, the contents covered by a checkered cloth. "A few cookies," she explains, offering them over.

The contents are, in fact, beautifully decorated lemon cookies.

Nadeen takes it, feels the weight "A few eh? " A smile "By Hearth standards. Oh my they look delicious. Let's go in. I'm afraid Marigold is out, or she'd reciprocate. Please, follow me. I think the Parlor has what we need. Shall I have Flo bring us tea or do you prefer coffee?"

Ha! I win! Kerri thinks at the news that Marigold isn't present. "Either is fine, so I'll have whatever you're having."

And she follows Nadeen to the parlor.

"Coffee, I think, for old time's sake" When they enter, she directs her kinain maid to please get the beverages to the parlor. The Hearth and the Co-Ruler enter into the parlor where there are two troll sized chairs to pick from. One with a rather nice cushion to put one's rear on. The other wooden but still shaped nicely.

Kerri selects the cushioned chair, not too surprisingly. "You're looking very well, Baroness."

"Thank you, Hearth" She takes her own seat nearby. She waits until the coffee tray and cups are poured, and the Maid steps back so it's just them before continuing "You look good yourself. " Then an admission "I may yet give in to demanding a hug before this is all done, undigified as it would be. "

Kerri laughs a bit. "Dignity be damned," she says. "And please, I'm just as happy with 'Kerri' as with 'Hearth' here, so use whichever you prefer."

"Well, it's just us, so first names are fine. It's good to see you again, Kerri." She sips "I confess, I do think of you and the others I DON'T get to see at Rivervale. I hope all are doing well?"

"Yes, everybody's fine. The Rutgers contingent just returned recently, so summer season is in full swing." She gives a few more updates on the Rivervale crew before adding, "Have you heard about the census?"

"Rumors mostly, looks like the focus is on Gardens? Here in the Golden Sigil Duchy it's not yet been mentioned"

She nods. "It's still very much in the counting stage for us. No news really on how the numbers are going to be used...well, no official news. Plenty of rumors," she agrees.

"It's an odd thing," She admits "It bespeaks of a major shake up at the Ducal or even kingdom level, and that always sends ripples to the baronies. I imagine RIvervale is a bit tense about it. "

"A bit," she admits with a sigh. "A major shake up at that level might mean little difference for Rivervale, or enormous difference. Part of the tension is not knowing what caliber of disruption to expect."

"I don't suppose you have any insight about likely outcomes? You're so good at patterns."

"This pattern is too big for me to grab at" She admits "And we're not as politically connected as we could be though we are more so than before"