#bergen_county

BEYOND Rivervale, the great castle of Caer Falken thrums with excitement! The crowds swarm about looking for places to set up chairs that have not already been claimed, but many hAVE been claimed. By the Barons and Baronesses of the various fiefs that make up the County. By guests invited from other lands. Claimed and reserved!

And, near the banner plot of Count Autumnsbane himself is Rivervale's area! If it seems larger than others? Well, it's known that trolls need elbow room.

In a much further corner (Though still in walking distance) one reserved area bears the banner of an Argent Wolf

And indeed, a small contingent from upstate New York has made an appearance at Count Hemlock's pennons celebration this year.

The Silverwolf delegation consists primarily of the lord of the Barony and his knight, a stone-skinned Troll Fledge out to experience her first Fae festival, a redcap childling who would not hear of being left behind, and an elegantly cloaked rabbit pooka. Rather a motley crew, but it takes all sorts!

On arrival, Briar yanks demandingly at Gwen's arm - threatening to inadvertantly rip the arm of the formal voile that has been put together for her, in the style of her choosing be that gown or garb - and with the Silverwolf crest. "C'mon, you gotta get over to the booths. We can get a snack then look at the blades!" The wildling girl insists.

Lord Aiden has a pair of promising yearlings being lead by one of his stablehands, registered to compete in the races. A striking couple, their silvery manes and tails gleaming and braided with silk. They are taken to the stables, and a gift for the count is delivered as well, a set of silvered horse-shoes and a saddle hand-crafted of fine leather. That handled, he scans the crowd for familiar faces - particularly, eyes open for the Rivervalers.

The pooka trails after the younger pair, but pauses to signup at one of the contests - "Bluebell LaPine" to compete at dance.

Gwen looks at Briar, "Ah, with the Baron's leave?" She's learned not to look at Briar when she eats, not directly but she tunes out the sounds pretty good and she enjoys food herself.

A look at the baron for permission.

Dagmar is making sure the horses are comfortable set in their area - Spark's antics (and wings!) likely draw some onlookers.

Bluebell finds a friendly grump satyress happy to sign her up "Looks like the dance contest is becoming a hit. We'll send word to your camp of when your place in the line up is. Any questions?"

Baron Aiden grants a smile to Gwen. "Enjoy, and remember that in this, wearing the badge of Silverwolf, you are representation of our hold. Briar..." He trails off, and a nod. "Enjoy yourself, and if anyone troubles you, tell them to see me."

Indeed, Dagmar notices Spark getting a lot of attention.

Bluebell taps gently at her chin. "I could not carry the piano and still remain light on my feet... is there music to be had?"

One little sidhe boy beams, "He's the awesomust thing I never ever seen"

It would appear the sidhe boy has a gap between his teeth so wide he whistles a bit. Instead of freakish, it's adorable and reminds one of the windstroms waiting from on high

Grunt-of-agreement. Star and Stormwake are both protective of the foal.

Gwen bows "We won't embarrass Silverwolf, my liege" And she turns "Come on Briar. "I think I smell Funnel cake"

Connor has planted himself by the horses and Dagmar as well. "He's the best bug ever. A'couse he has 6 limbs, I learnt in school that makes him a bug. But bugs are pretty, like dragonflies."

Grin. Nod.

Aiden holds up a hand, and passes over a small pouch to each younger fae - dross and spending money. Then waves them off to have fun!

BLUEBELL gets another smile "As a matter of fact, we have some performers paid at the Count's expense. One of them does have a piano. We'll have it ready for you"

CONNER and DAGMAR learn that the young sidhe's name is "Sylvas" which proves the dreaming can be very cruel. "I'm a SCATHACH" he says.

this is so close to Siv and Sylvi's name that there is panic among some of the audience, others wait for the inevitable mistakes with a chuckle

Connor claps! "I've never met a unicorn! Is that why you like the horses?"

"SHURE" Sylvas says speedily "But not just that. It's a schcret"

BRIAR finds herself eyeing the largest freaking funnel cakes she's ever seen! With toppings of custard or whip cream! Some are shaped like SKULLS

Tove and Jaymes walk by DAGMAR and CONNER "We're going to be setting up the tent to sell carved goods by the crafters. I'll let you know when I perform"

"You gotta, yeah!"

JAYMES knits his brow and Grunts at DAGMAR ("Be careful, but also remember to have fun! We will root for you. WHile I take pride in your victories, I am proud of you period, Little Thunder of Joy to my sky")

Geez, what if someone heard him grunt that?? embarrassing

Indeed, some NON RV troll women see this and smile (Well, their lips twitch) ("Oh how sweet")

Grunt. ("Da-ad!")

Frank goes about unloading things and disbursing them.

Siv ends up helping FRANK "Got it, Mountain. WOw, it's bigger than last year"

"Siv...." he rumbles "... you go have fun."

"You sure, Da? Not fair you don't get any fun yourself. " She's matured a lot. Was a time she'd have run of and thought of helping after, not out of malice but just.well. you know

Briar pulls a handful of cash from her pocket and gives Gwen a grin. "Linnea gave me schpending money. And sho did Marigold. And I even got schome drossh from the Damn (surely she means "dame" here) becaushe I said if I was hungry I'd made a schene." She peels about a third of it off to shove towards Gwen. "I'm sharing so that you don't spill." The redcap clarifies, then orders, "A dozen funnel cakes! And don't be shy on that chocolate glop!"

"Oh wow, " Gwen says to BRIAR "Are you sure even you can eat that much? Even with my help?"

But the Funnel Cake guy is already making it!

Her beady eyes gleam. "Jusht you wait and shee."

Connor waved to Tove and Jaymes as they wander off! Wide eyes back at Sylvas. "A seeeeeeeeecret?" He wheedles.

Dag listens, though she's ostensibly checking gear.

Piper tugs at Siv's hands. "Mountain SAID to have fun, you don't want to be a disobedient young thing now do you?" She beams up at Siv. "I have to go register for the musicians competition, you wanna come with?"

SIV grins at PIPER "Oh I've got to register for Dance, let's go." And they head off

Frank nods. That's what he meant.

DAGMAR feels someone move against her, "Got a moment?" It's NADEEN

CONNOR finds Sylvas will NEVER Betray his Secrets....

"A little bit, yeah. I didn't sign up for much so I can watch the horses..."

if never were five minutes "The Riders of the Midnight trods was like this mostly Scathach set up during the second war when King David was gone? They passed messages along trying to keep the common folk connected. The High King is back but it's still going on. Also? We got the BEST horses" A pause then a look at Spark with a sigh "Okay, but we're in the top 10"

Connor pipes up "A Squire is to help! I can watch too."

Nadeen says "mmm you do have the joust though" And she hands over "And you should wear your lady's token" It's a lovely cloth with slavic runes stitched in

And to his new Scathach friend, "Wooooow. I know a place with nice horses... my..." He hesitates, and finishes, "My friends are there, and they have very good horses named after wolves. Not as good as Stomy and Family, but they have Personality and not just pretty manes."

"Oh!" She purples nicely.