#baronyofthesilverwolf

In one of the offices attached to the stable outbuilding, she sees a table set for coffee, a large silver urn that steams, a plate of small confections, cups, cream and sugar, and Lord Aiden, sitting at the desk he seldom uses these days, sipping at a cup. "Ah, Dame Lavender. Join me."

"AH" Not who she expected. She checks her hair quickly and smooths it out. She hopes her eyes are clearer than they were. She sits down.

"Good day, my liege" She says

She keeps her voice quiet

He reaches out and pours her cup himself. "Cream? Sugar? Basic Bitch Spice?" Aiden oreads off a small canister, then stops. brows raising. It smells like pumpkin spice, but someone has relabeled it, and his eyes roll upward. "Bluebell."

Dee actually smiles at that. Trust Bluebell to find a way to cheer the room, "Why not the pumpkin spice, just so Bluebell doesn't feel her efforts for naught? Touch of sugar and cream. My lord, you shouldn't be serving me. I serve you."

Aiden gives a small, elegant shrug, his movements deliberately casual. "A knight who serves with honor deserves recognition, Dame Lavender. Service does not preclude kindness." His tone is smooth, but there's a faint edge of amusement as he stirs his own cup, leaning back slightly in his chair.

He gestures toward the confections, and starts pouring a cup of coffee , adding a touch of cream and sugar, and a dash of spice. "The horses you identified are extraordinary. I imagine they will turn many heads when presented in the right setting. Such initiative deserves more than rebuke, wouldn't you agree?"

She brightens "I thought you might still be upset with me, my liege. I am glad though that's not the case," She brightens and dares further "You've seen the papers? Shae's blood is so old I wouldn't be surprised if it went back to the Teutons. And Jax is a true warhorse, while his line has fewer champions that's diamond and rubies... both still of immense beauty."

"Though I will say... losing the joust was regrettable. Not the outcome I hoped for, but perhaps necessary." He picks up a delicate biscuit and takes a slow bite, pausing deliberately before adding, "It is through setbacks that we often discover the most valuable opportunities."

Unspoken acknowledgement in his voice - perhaps a way to offer amends while not sacrificing his pride

"It was, though close , close isn't victory," Lavender takes the drink when offered, and sips it, Basic Bitch isn't bad then she nods "I did manage to best Doomwind of Aesin. It seemed a lot of bets were made against me there. I give a lot of credit to my horse there" A bit of credit to the horses of Silverwolf is probably prudent, and also, in Moondance's case, earned!

Aiden smiles a little as he sets down his cup. "Doomwind of Aesin? Impressive. The betting pools must have been… lively." His tone carries a faint trace of mockery, though not directed at her; more at the audacity of those who doubted Silverwolf.

He steeples his fingers, his gaze drifting toward the stable windows. "Moondance is a remarkable beast, indeed. It takes a skilled knight to bring out such potential, though."

After a pause, he gestures toward the table. "Drink, eat. Recover your strength. The path to excellence is rarely smooth, Dame Lavender, but you are moving forward." He picks up his cup again, taking a sip of the cooling coffee. "I expect nothing less of those who bear my banner."

He discretely does not mention that she was hungover.

For which she's grateful, "Thank you, Baron. Maybe I ask if you have a favorite of the two?"

Aiden inclines his head slightly, with a faint smile. "You are most welcome, Dame Lavender. As for the horses—Jax shows remarkable strength and temperament, ideal for a heavier rider. He could easily bear someone of larger stature into the lists with grace and power."

He pauses, his tone lightly teasing. "Of course, you cannot ride two horses yourself,... even the famed Silverhand nor her successor can boast THAT talent."

"I would not see such fine potential squandered. Perhaps this expansion of the joust club will reveal a worthy partner for Jax?"

A brow lift, then a smile "Thank you, Baron. The Joust Club needs such fine support if the equine sport is to thrive. And yes. I understand... I'd not give up Moondance for all the world, but for me, Shae's truth tempting. I think I shall see if others wish to join us. Perhaps another Ailil Affiliation." She is not of the house herself but affilation yes "If only to remind the Gwydions the value of diversity while gaining in quality" The smile does show she knows she's buttering her lord up, and she knows he knows, but she also means it on some level

Aiden leans back in his chair, his gaze thoughtful. "Consider... while jousting is an art mastered by few, its benefits—coordination, strategy, endurance—serve all who train in combat. I propose we expand our jousting tradition, opening it to squires, retainers, even lords and ladies neighboring baronies. A broader joust club would strengthen skills, foster camaraderie, and perhaps stir some healthy competition."

He sets his cup down, his smirk growing. "Your reputation and skill make you the ideal leader for this effort. Consider it an extension of your knightly duties—one that could elevate both your name and our banner."

A brief pause - "Unless you see fit to reject or decline this proposal?" His tone measured - it allows for rebuttal, but indicates it better be good.

Lavender seems too surprised to rebutt, and she came her with ambition ALMOST worthy of a dragon herself and earned it through audacity and hard work, she then lifts her chin, "I do not control the Joust club as it's leader, Baron. It's been more of a peerage, however, the effort yhou speak of to expand the teaching and breadth? THAT I could do. I'd be delighted in fact, not just honored. I thank you for this opportunity and hope to please you"

"Then appoint yourself captain of the Silverwolf branch." He says, simply. "Take the authority, if no one else has claimed it."

"Captain of the Silverwolf Branch of the Joust Club " she nods "It's another title I'll wear proudly" She is sure Dagmar and Tara will understand as it makes no mark on the Joust Club as a whole

She rises and bows "Thank you, Baron. I may even have a change to my voiile to reflect it"