#baronyofthesilverwolf

-----------

The great hall of Silverwolf is alive with activity, the scents of pine, spiced cider, and freshly baked honeycakes mingling in the warm air. Garlands of evergreen boughs and holly drape the stone arches, while clusters of crimson ribbons and golden bells add a festive touch. The hearth blazes with cheerful intensity, casting flickering shadows over a towering Yule tree standing proudly near the far wall. Its branches glitter with chimerical ornaments: delicate glass baubles, enchanted stars, and strands of shimmering silver thread that seem to hum faintly with magic.

Bluebell and Julius weave a dance together as they work to hang garlands (some ending up upon Julius's horns), and Mavis stands with Blossom at the base of the tree, discussing the best placement of each ornament.

Thistle has a box of delicate ceramic ornaments - horses and hounds, barded with holly or mistletoe or silver bells.

Very specific horses and hounds, upon inspection.

Mavis pauses to look over this box, examining them.

The horses are cast - three basic poses - but the decorations were added on top, and each are hand-painted to resemble various steeds in the Baron's stable. The dogs are likewise.

A delicate hand lifts one, and carefully turns it this way and that. "Delightful." Mavis says. "Are these meant to be hung, or will they stand? Perhaps along the mantle?"

"They could do either, but I thought they'd be nice on the tree..."

Mavis considers this, looking over the branches. "Blossom, what do you think? If we move the garland just so, it should put these creatures at roughly eye height?" A pause as she considers the trolls of the barony - "For most."

Like his ceramic counterpart, Muppet is wearing a pair of antlers with christmas lights. The terrier is nosing around underfoot, curious about all the activity.

Muppet sniffs and wags

Blossom mmms "Well, the best decorations have a reflective shine"

"They're glazed."

Blossom sniffs "Well, it's pretty, but you should have BIRDS too, not just horses and hounds .We DO have hawks and falcons you know?"

"I'm not a damn boggan." The nocker bristles, as prickly as her name.

"Never said you were... they get things done faster though" Blossom says helpfully

"Yeah, well, ask one of them." She scowls. "Whatever. Get something shinier." Holding the box protectively to her chest, she stalks off.

Even as she does, there is a ringing of bells - someone at the front door!

Muttering expletives under her breath, she yanks the door open. "Yeah, what do you want?"

BLossom looks at Mavis "Artistic types are SO tempermental. Tiring really"

The door swings open to reveal a striking figure: an elegant lady with a commanding presence, though she is only a bit taller than Thistle herself. Her crimson velvet cloak drapes gracefully over her shoulders, its gold trim gleaming faintly in the firelight. Beneath the cloak, her gown is a shimmering golden-red fabric that seems to catch the light. The gown’s layers are intricately embroidered with delicate patterns of swirling gears.

Her face, though youthful, carries an air of nobility—sharp cheekbones, a strong jawline, and lips painted a soft rose, and of course, delicately pointed ears that belie her kith if the rest did not. Her silver-grey eyes are bright and cheerful beyond her noble demeanor. Her dark hair is pinned up in an elegant updo, though a few wisps fall free in soft curls that gleam like polished bronze.

"Ah, how splendid! What a charming hall you have here—so festive!" the sidhe wilder exclaims in a voice that is light and melodic. "I do hope I’m not interrupting."

BLossom looks to see if it is a sidhe? You gotta bow to them, they're the bosses

Thistle blinks, fading back a step. "I... I'll get the Steward."

A hand reaches out to grab one of Thistle's, and as she moves, click-tick-ticking of clockwork is heard. "Oh, please don't go!"

It IS a sidhe, indeed!

A slight head-tilt.

She swallows. "I'm pretty sure you need a proper welcome and announcement, Lady."

Blossom Curtsies

Putting one of her legs across another while the back two hold her steady, and lowering

The lady’s mischievous smile grows as she glances around the room once more, her silver-grey eyes gleaming with amusement. She leans slightly forward, her voice lowering to a soft, teasing tone. “Oh, a proper welcome, is it? Well, then, call me... Lady Cogwright. It's what suits me for now, at least.”

(wits + kenning for Thistle!)

She watches Blossom bow, and a delighted grin flows over her face, and she drops Thistle's hands to clap at that, amused!

"These halls are so grand, and yet, it all looks so small." She muses.

Mavis has also sunk into an elegant curtsy, and then rang a bell for Marigold!

/roll 6

There is something very familiar about this sidhe, though Thistle could swear she's never met her before. It's puzzling, right at the tip of her memories but just... not quite clear.

A small frown.

"Oh! the Tree! Look at the tree!" Her laughter rings. "It's so bright!" The elegant lady actually bounces a bit.

Thistle retreats, but not entirely. Her uncertainty and curiosity keep her at the fringes of the room. She'll at least wait for Marigold to show.

"Lady, what's your name if I may ask?" Blossom says

The lady’s giggle rings out like a bell, light and melodious. "Oh, that IS a puzzle, is it not?" she muses, eyes twinkling with mischief. "What is my name? A riddle it shall be!" She claps her hands together with delight, as if the very notion amuses her. "Perhaps you can figure it out before I reveal the answer!"

Muppet barks. Which is his guess. Her name is Arf?

She narrows her eyes, something feels off about this visitor.

A pout at Thistle. "I hate it when you go all frownsy. Isn't there cocoa, and cakes? There should be cocoa and cakes!"

Muppet suddenly springs up and greets the lady properly wagging

"Noble steed!" She pats him on the head, admiring. "So small you are!"

Marigold has bustled in and offers, "Lady, do come out of the doorway. Shall I take your cloak?"

Muppet takes the pats like an old friend has come to visit

"Do I... know... you?" Her plumed eyebrows are scrunched down, and her spirals are shimmering in murky cyans.

“Well, now… that is a curious thing, isn’t it?” she muses aloud, clearly enjoying the mystery of it all. “We’ve met before, haven’t we, Thistle-mine?"

Marigold awaits, but the lady has not taken off her cloak yet.