#baronyofthesilverwolf

She makes sure drinks are prepared for BOTH of them and they can meet near the fire.

And, thinking on it, changes to something fetching. Sometimes men are easier to reason with when you wear things they like. Olgar would think I'm setting the movement back 20 years Wryly

It's not too long before she figures that Aiden must be near, because Marigold pauses at the door, takes in the outfit - then turns, taking the tea service and pastries back with her. A bottle of chilled white wine a light tray of cheese and grapes left instead.

A smile "Thank you, Steward" As she goes off.

Nadeen actually blushes a bit. Perhaps the outfit sent too strong a message

Aiden steps in, and smiles. "You look lovely as always, dearest." he wears a suit, hat, and has a rather formal looking briefcase for his papers, something that looks more Mad Men era, but 50's dapper is not a bad look, Aiden can pull it off.

Nadeen's eyes glance over him. Yes, indeed he can, and she smiles "You are very dashing yourself, my Autumn Lord. Please, join me for a drink? I am very curious about this new investment idea."

He hangs his hat on a hook, unbuttons his suitcoat, and takes a seat next to her. The briefcase is opened onto the table, and he starts setting out neat pamphlets.

"With our Gladiola looking to spend possibly much of the next few months residing around the Bergen County area, I thought it might behoove us to procure appropriate accommodations. I do not wish to lean upon the hospitality of the River Vale Chieftain, even were she gracious enough to house our Knight for so long a period. Even with visits home, the pups should be monitors and their training started for at least a season until we decide on placements and more formal training arrangements."

He continues, a bit of a sparkle in his eyes. "Then, I realized that there might be a bit of a market in the area. Not within the barony proper, but real estate values in that area are looking to be quite an investment vehicle, should the economy turn the way my advisors believe. Why have our Knight settle for some paltry rental, when we might invest in something that will turn a profit?"

"Intriguing. Normally I would warn of the risk of being seen as encroching on another noble's domain, but I believe the Chieftain 's past with me would help smooth this once explained," She doesn't wish to hinder his excitment. This is the first time she's seen him light up about a subject outside animal husbandry in sometime. "You are thinking of something we can rent out?"

"Perhaps, or simply hold onto and allow value to accrue." A hint of a smirk. "Therein lies the beauty, the chief holds no sway over who may or mayn't buy property outside of her baronial lines. But I do believe the nearness would yet IRK her." This gives him a bit of, perhaps petty, amusement.

"Oh, darling," A tut, "You know I am fond of her, no? " A chuckle "Now, the fact it might irk Count Hemlock? mmm. You do realize the Count's spy master might have agents do monthly drive bys?"

A soft, reluctant sigh. "Alas, I do not think I would wish to go toe to toe with the count. Not with our own Countess as likely to sit back and watch like a cat with cream if we were to overstep."

"Though, the thought of quietly buying up several parcels and having an entire gated community under Ailil aegis within Gwydion lands was tempting." A sly grin. "Can you imagine the fuss as they tried to determine the ulterior motive and plot? There is scant chance they would believe it was just a whim." He laughs at the idea of the frustration, even as he pours Nadeen a glass of wine.

Nadeen DOES laugh at that, "You're outrageous. Worse would be if you used it to buy the good will of the commoners by offering them more than reasonable rates for the first year or so. THAT would look like a plot to win over their subjects." She says "Forgive me for being material, but have we the funds to purchase a house of quality without hindering operations here?"

He laughs along with her. "We are, in fact, doing quite well. The past... well, the past is past. But during my... times of quiet contemplation, Silverwolf was mainly skirting by on interest and prior contracts. Now that we are actively working once more, even if our dross is low, our coffers are high."

Aiden has not hidden any financials from her, but perhaps Nadeen, more focused on the people and the Silverwolf Barony vs. Silverwolf as a Corporation, has not delved far into the mundane details.

Now he shows her, and points out, "It has proven quite a boon to invest into our people. See, for example, the loan to Julius for his winery aspirations? While a gamble, we are now netting a tidy profit on margin for every sale he makes." She sees that, over time, there have been similar investments in other small businesses all across Carthage. All very neatly tying them back to Silverwolf, a guiding investment hand, perhaps, or a neat leash that gives a bit of control.

She glances over and is pleased. While she did focus on the people, INVESTING In the people has paid off, Julius being an example, some of the breadth and reach is further than she expected those "Aiden, you are MASTERFUL." And she means it

Only around her might he show a bit of a bashful blush at the compliment, and admit, "It is owed in no small part to one of my dreamers. We were in the same polo club as boys, and he still retains a love of horses. Ari is in investment banking, and has guided many of movements in this area."

She recognizes the name of one of the few mortals that Aiden has visited from time to time, as one might a 'golf buddy'.

She knows and smiles . "Well, we should make sure Ari gets some of Julius' best sometime." A consideration, "Now, what property are you hoping for? New Jersey's prices are actually above average compared to many parts of the country. Nothing you can't handle, clearly. But I must confess, I don't always like the 'same as all the other houses' effect."

"You know what I speak of. Happens in the cities too. A row of houses , however yarded, that look like every other third house in the area? Nothing unique, nothing with character"

She reviews them carefully "Too close that" Then goes over "That one is in a seedy part of town, not that Gladiola can't defend herself... " A brow "Mmm lovely, but upkeep and staff might be a bit much. We're not moving there after all"

"Certainly not." A soft chuckle. "Our fire would never allow it."

"And while the prices certainly reflect the benefits of proximity to metropolitan areas, I admit, I far prefer our more bucolic surroundings."

"It should be a place where you are comfortable as well should you ever utilize it for whatever purpose" She nods at the bucolic comment

He shuffles with a paper a bit, then sets them down, only to fiddle with a pen.

She looks them over "I don't think we need too many bed rooms. "

Aiden plucks a grape from the tray, only to toy with it before setting the fruit back down.

Nodding to her comments.

"This last has some beautiful country side" She admits "But as Gwen will be there short term. I think sadly no"

"I had, thought, perhaps..." He hedges.

"I think either the Martha Road of the Van Wyck maybe best for the..." She stops "Yes?" curious to his thought

He swirls his glass of wine, looking out the window as he mentions, diffidently, "My son will come of age within a year. If such a property were placed in his name, even in trust for the time being, it may be more difficult for the County or Barony to refute our right to purchase."

For a moment her eyes soften with warmth under their ice hues, then she hides that lest she gush and embarrass him "Indeed. And further, he is a squire and one day may need responsiblities in the mortal world to test himself against. This would be ready when trhat time comes. "

"A clever ploy to hide inner Ailil whiles and use the lad as a puppet, I am certain they will assume. Let them." A smile over to Nadeen. "The Martha property, you say? That one did have a certain charm, for all that is sits on what may be considered baronial borderlands."

"The other, Van Wyck - a bit farther out, perhaps a slight imposition for Gwen. Land, yes, there is some value to that. And they are alike in current assessed value."

"Yes, that's the deciding factor. Do you wish proximity or extra land?"

"Which do you think appeals?"

Which will it be, Nadeen?! The "SUBURBAN SANCTUARY. .. Distinctive Clinker Brick 1922 English Tudor Home w/ storybook landscaping on Dead-End Street" or the renovated turnkey home with landscaping, extra land, a step further from Baronial lands but snuggled up next to nearby Mundane neighbors?

Then again, the closer to the barony, the closer to a handy balefire in case of emergency?

Or is it better to maintain autonomy?

Aiden doesn’t rush his lady, waiting for her opinion which he values.

"I like the Martha property more" She finally says "I think it has more character. Also... it IS closer to the nearest hold in case such is needed."

"I wonder what we can learn about the neighbors?"

He considers, “perhaps, or maybe we should move quickly. After all, Gladiola is eager to see to the pups. House closing takes time… but time is money, and that I have.”

"Well, if it turns out unsuitable for fae we rent out the property"

"All right. Let's be impulsive and make an offer. But no need to go overboard"