#baronyofthesilverwolf

Before he can elaborate on the offer, Marigold steps out. "Ernie, Danica has something to say to you. But... if you would come speak with me first, please?"

"Oh" He is caught off guard, but cleans his hands and dries them off "Of course, Marigold. Anything you need"

She raises a plumed brow.

"Keep an eye on the cat, for me would you, Thistle? Or maybe just have Muppet keep him humble. Please?" And he joins Marigold.

Muppet looks up at Thistle, a little confusion on his floppy face. His collar is missing.

Meanwhile, Marigold steps with Madern into the kitchen, Danica having vacated for the moment. "Can I fix you a cuppa tea, or something to drink, dear?"

"Oh, fer f(*^...." She goes to find Muppet's collar.

Not really waiting, she puts on the kettle and fixes a plate of assorted scones.

"Anything soothing, please. It's been the worse day I've had in years," Around Marigold he can gripe a little, but he also wants her to know he's grateful for her kindness, "And thanks. Don't worry. I'll be able to handle the pastries tonight for dessert." He was looking forward to showing he had paid attention to her lessons

She settles him in a chair with a cup of cocoa - not what you think of in the summer, perhaps, but it IS rich and soothing. "Never you mind those, dear." The boggan grump settles into a chair beside him, and sighs a bit. "Ernie... it may be my memory going, I'm no spring chicken these days, but... I'm not sure if we ever discussed where you came from. Not storks, or the birds and the bees, though I'm certain Julius could have that chat with you if needed - not that I expect it is at your age - but... before you joined us at Silverwolf?"

He blushes at the birds and bees bit

Ht takes the cocoa, "We're talking about this now?" A stunned look "Seriously, what did Danica accuse me of THIS time being from an organized crime family?"

"No, no." She says, soothingly. "I just realize that it may be overdue to know a bit more about you. Knowing a fellow's backstory can help best understand them, you know."

A pause, and, "You are not, I trust, from the families of Maranzano, Profaci, Mangano, Luciano, or Gagliano?"

"Well, for me, everyything before the trods I was on blew up and sent me here from doesn't seem to matter much" He admits "I considered this my home after that." At her list of families he says "Not sure I could even pronounce em. But no."

"I didn't expect so, Ernie is a good, solid German name. The five families tend towards, of course, Italian."

"Am I wrong in assuming that you came from a commoner's hold? One leaning seelie?" She guesses, "Just based on your own behavior. Or... have you had previous fallout from noble courts? If you don't mind sharing. I'm not looking to pry open any wounds."

A slightly cautious look "If you mean have I been the first one questioned when something went missing in past holds. Sure. I'm a piskie. It's like every one thinks the pooka was first on a prank. Marigold.. this feels like an interogation, and while you're not shaking me by my collar or threatening me, it is really the LAST thing I want right now. The wounds that are opening now are from the last 8 hours."

"No, not at all. I just..." She sighs, rubbing one of her wrists. "I'm not interrogating you. We all know that we have been, in days long past, known as the 'fair folk'. But as you may have seen - in a hold run by nobility, especially those of an unseelie nature, things may often be far from what's considered 'fair'. Duty may give way to passion - impulse, reaction - and honor falls to the wayside of self interest. I am not excusing Thane Danica of her actions, but I wish to frame them within this context. Silverwolf IS an unseelie hold, and the higher ideals often upheld by other courts... may not be interpreted the same within these walls."

She holds up a hand so that she can continue.

He clamps down on what he was going to say.

"You were mistreated, that is the truth of the matter... and with each breath, you called for justice. Though, what justice is to be had in an Unseelie court where the winter fae rule?

Now, had this matter had been brought before m'lord? In his colder days? I don't hesitate to say he'd have sided with the Thane no matter the case - for what is the opinion of a most junior hold member, common-kith? Against a valued member of the hold, serving him for some 20 years, and with invaluable ties to mortal law enforcement?" She shakes her head. "Even your protests would serve only to fuel the fire."

"With that said - we are not the hold we were years ago - nor should we be. Change is good, by our own doctrine. While we still honor the Silver Dragon, M'Lady's influence has brought light back into our hold, and with it illumination to see what may change for the better - and the Varich teach that ones common retainers, one and all, are to be honored and respected in their place."

She pauses to catch her breath.

"When you get to grump age, you'll find, as I've found, as all will find in time, that it becomes harder to change your ways. Danica has served under house Ailil for a very, very long time. In this manner even the unseelie can become as hidebound as the stuffiest Gwydion."

She sighs, and gives Madern a small smile. Marigold looks tired, from the concern or from exertion, it's hard to say.

"I would understand if you chose to leave after being treated so poorly. All that... old woman's chatter of mine, it's not an excuse for it, though I hope it helps to frame where we may have failed you. But I hope that you stay, my dear, even if that is unfair of me to wish."

Thistle was right. He realizes. MARIGOLD doesn't want him to leave. And that means... he probably won't.

"I had a whole response worked up. How I've been among both seelie holds and un. And point out that 'Seelie' doesn't mean good, and it doesn't mean door mat. That Repay All Debts should scare anyone with sense if they think about it." He says wanting to stress that truth but without temper. He continues....

"But Danica doing this DOES hurt the hold. It means , at my most forgiving, I'll avoid her... meaning less communication between co workers, which means more blindspots. " A breath "I WANT an apology and I deserve one. But more than that, Danica needs to change or she's going to endanger the very hold she protects as she gradually becomes the one every one works around rather than works with. No, Change doessn't happen easy..."

"But yeah, I don't see how I can't make SOME complaint without endangering my home by negligence. I DID think about just leaving... but I've got friends here, and ... the greatest mentor in the world" He looks at her "So.. how do YOU think I should approach this? Go to the Baroness instead?"

"I would ask that you work this out with Danica directly. While I don't dare make assumptions as to how our lieges may handle things if brought to them, in my experience - it seldom bodes well for any involved.

Mind you, I do have the authority in my own right to handle disputes amongst the staff here. Else nothing would ever get done if we had to go to the high lord and lady every time there was a question or quarrel."

"Huh. And if I haave you do it she'll grumble the fix is in most likely, but then that's what an Unseelie would do so I'd be playing by that court's rules I figure. " He says "I think part of the problem, besides her being a bad cop in my opinioin, is she seems to think I'm a MOOCH here. What's my official position here? I've been called your assistant, and I wore that with pride, but she seems to equate that with your charity case."

"You have been my assistant, and that's no small thing." Marigold says, "I hate to admit it, but I wouldn't be able to handle half as much without your help - that is, I hate to admit needing help. We boggans, we're supposed to be the ones doing the helping." A sigh. "That is something we will need to nail down, it is true."

"Do you want me to come with you to speak with Danica? Or do you prefer to speak to her privately?"

"We need to so I'll have SOME protection in the status quo." He ponders "I think I'd like you to come with me. I don't trust myself around her, and I don't trust her period.. Maybe you'll keep me on smarter behavior" Then he adds "And... sorry if I was snippy earlier with you. To answer a few of your questions earlier about my past: We Piskie tend to be semi nomadic, that's one reason I'm often out on the town. Before I landed here, I would visit a noble hold but I wouldn't say I was of it. Not like others were. Willows was where I got trod dumped from as you may recall, but my old crew is scattered all over now. SOmetimes I write" He shrugs "So.. if I'm vague on 'where I'm from' it's because that itself is vague" he finishes his hot chocolate, "And You DO do the helping all the time. And no one does it better. I'm just proud to be able to repay mentor so I've gotten way past Sphaghetto pasta bake level." He assures her.

She winces a bit, giving him a smile. "And -I- am glad that we didn't have to have the "Box Mix Hamburger Helper" talk more than once." Fondly. "Of course I will come if you wish. Though, I do hope that you may consider... if not forgiving, at least accepting what she has to say. Brusqueness aside, she IS a good... well, let me say, she is an EFFECTIVE Thane, and has protected our hold many a time from dangers."

He looks a bit dubious at part of that but then "Well, I have to concede that if something threatens the hold directly she'll put her life on the line. That's not nothing.. Still it seems like the victim.. that's me, is expected coddle the bully, that's her, and I can't say I care for it. Still, I'lll consdier it."

"And thank you" He helps her up "I'll try to be charming but I'm no Prince"

She accepts his help up, her knees creaking a bit. "Did you finish your cocoa, dear?"

"I did" he says and puts it away "I'll wash it later. me doing the dishes will be a productive way for me to spend some energy " He doesn't say anger. Unless she delays, he takes Marigold towards Danica's door, and then he knocks.

Danica is waiting in a chamber nearby, Marigold directs him to that room. He may note - the boggan does not offer tea or cookies to the thane, but she takes a seat aside near the door, and appears to be busying herself with a bit of sewing she pulls from her apron, giving them space to talk.

Danica rises when they enter, and gestures towards a chair opposite where she was sitting. "Please." She says to Ernie, a bit stiffly.

The PLEASE surprises him and he nods "Thank you."

And after a glance at the chair he sits in it.

The silence stretches out between them for a long moment. Finally, Danica looks at him. She shifts in her seat, then begins.

"I need to speak with you. I've had time to reflect on the incident earlier. I realize that my actions were... out of line."

She shifts in her seat, the apology... not quite begrudging, but not coming easily to her.

"I came to a conclusion too quickly, and the situation was handled poorly. You didn't deserve to be treated that way, and for that, I am sorry.

As an officer... as a thane... as a Troll, it’s my responsibility to maintain control and professionalism at all times. Here, I failed to do so. I'll be taking steps to ensure this doesn't happen again. I hope you can accept my apology."

He looks surprised, then says "I admit. I came in here with some ... let's just call them hard feelings about how you treated me, and we Seelie can be a bit..unforgiving. BUT.... " he admits "Even if I didn't care for how you acted... I know that the idea of your gun being used to hurt an innocent probably had you on , well, let's say on Edge. May I ask details steps you're taking to ensure it doesn't happen again? I don't doubt you, but I think as I'm involved, I'd like to know more and might be further reassured."

"I understand your concern.

In response, I will..." A slight grimace, but Marigold clears her throat, and Danica continues, " Be undergoing training in conflict resolution and stress management - these are offered for any officers in my district to take advantage of

I.. we.. have also considered a potential to improve our protocols. Given your direct involvement in this matter, there may be a role for you in helping us shape these changes."

Marigold nods encouragingly, as the troll speaks gruffly.

"Marigold has proposed that you join the staff in a position where you might assist in overseeing security operations. In this capacity, you would serve as a liaison between myself and other Hold members, helping to ensure that proper standards are rigorously upheld. It's a position of importance, and your input could be crucial. It will be similar to a steward position, though a proper title may need determining."

Danica looks over to the boggan, "As for Marigold herself, it is past time she accepted that with an increased staff, 'Steward' is no longer appropriate and she should be hold Chamberlain - in charge of delegating more than doing."

A soft tut from the boggan, "Too much fuss, in my opinion. Do I -look- like my ears are pointy enough to be fussed over a title? Pish and tosh."

He looks impressed at the conflict resolution and management bit. Then, surprise as HE is brought into thinks "You want me to be a trouble shooter? Someone who looks for breaches in security so the holes can be plugged? Did I get that right?" A look at Marigold "Chamberlin or Chattalaine wouldn't be so bad. And you know your daughter would be super proud....."

But then he swings back to Danica, "Thane... first of all.. just to get it out of the way, your apology is accepted. For the sake of the peace in the hold, and because the fact you're seeking too learn better methods is promising. But Im not sure I'm qualified to help with security, and it's not whaT I ... it's not my joy per se. I wouldn't want to stop cooking, for example. I'm no master burgular... I mean, I can pick a lock and sneak sure but I'm not sure I'm tactically minded enough."

Marigold suggests, "Have you heard the phrase, 'be the change you wish to see?' This is your chance to do so. Now, if you chose not to, that's fine as well, but it is an opportunity worth considering. And of course, you mustn't make an immediate decision."

Danica listens, then says, "Aside from the hold itself - if you were so inclined, you might be able to make a career for yourself on the force. Not as a beat cop, but detective work might suit you. Especially with your... skills of blending in."

And there Marigold does it. She didn't say 'put up or shut up' but rather 'be the change you wish to see'. But they're a coin flip away and both valid, "I'll consider it, Marigold. But maybe consider the good you could do in a position of more oversight still?"

Marigold raises a brow at him. "Are you turning my own words back on me, m'lad?"

But she smiles.

To Danica he says "I'm not so inclined.. frankly, there are too many flaws in THAT mortal system for me to feel like association would be a good fit. Now, a private detective? Maybe... it would pay less, have less power, but I would know my own conscience as a guide."

A smile , boyish, at Marigold "Lil bit. "

Danica nods, and perhaps looks a bit relieved at him not wishing to join her force. "If you choose to pursue training in that regard, a recommendation from my office will go a long way. You may have it."