#bergen_county

"It is not a privy matter." He clarifies, lest they feel that they must withdraw.

And he inclines his head to Siv. "Lady Captain."

"Oh, if they, could stay for a bit? they've been kind, mlord" Dame D'Lorien says "Please ah, an honor"

"Certainly. And it is an honor to speak with you. You rode well today." And he double-takes a little at the horse she is grooming. "Your mount seems much improved, or perhaps it was a bad vantage point I was at."

River is still old, worn, and near the end of her life. But yes, better

"Oh, that was because of Sylvi, she.. used Spring magics. I am so grateful she did. I fear I near killed River"

River swishes and snorts as if to say nonsense. I nearly died because I'm old.

"Ah. She looks much improved." Admiring the horse - he can see a glimpse of the steed she once was. "I wanted to inquire if you may be interested in a commission. If you do not have other prior committment." A pause and he adds, "Or house, or personal commitment that would forestall you from being associated with my own house."

Brow furrow.

"I have no House, Baron. A..commission?"

Siv 's own brow furrows , less expressively than Dagmar

"I have come into possession of a fine jousting steed. And as yet, Silverwolf does not have any riders trained in the sport." He gestures to the stallion he leads. "It was a minor frustration to see so many fine contestants but not be able to participate. If amenable, I would have you ride for our barony."

Deeper furrow.

"This, ah.... "Speedball"..." His nose wrinkles at the name. "Was wasted on that rider. Worse, he may have been ruined as a mount if left to continued treatment as such. I couldn't stand to watch it."

"Lord Aiden does care greatly for horses, and has an impressive herd." Dagmar concedes.

"Speedball? That poor horse" A shocked look from the satyr then she looks to Dagmar, then says "Baron, this is generous beyond.. I would not take too much charity. For River yes, but I want to be a fighter not a beggar."

He shakes his head, "It is not a gift, as such." He clarifies, "I wish to have a jouster for my House and Hold. This stallion will be a fine addition to our bloodlines, but would languish at pasture without a hand to keep him in condition. I would have you ride for our house, taking him under your care. Details can be drawn up, but you would be welcome to reside in Carthage, or if you have other lodgings, to stay there granted that the stablery was suitable to my inspection. I would invite you to ride for Silverwolf, upon... dragon and stars, I cannot call him that." Annoyed again by the name.

"Perhaps something to celebrate his liberation or at least elevation?" Siv suggests "Namewise"

"He is a very nice horse." She lets the stallion inspect her hand.

D'Lorian looks over at the Two Rivervalers "it's.. a very generous offer." Then to the Baron "I am, I would be honored. Thank you. I accept. I will do your Household proud"

"Perhaps Niphredil, or Aeglos, if we followed the naming customs of our current lines. " Thoughtful, but looking to D'lorian for input.

Dagmar sees this is a medium warhorse, the short cut on the mane makes him look a bit military... but it seems intelligent, and wanting to do the best job if the rider will just let him

"Or Maethor, for a warrior... though I would take his rider's input - Dame D'Lorian, the first refers to his snowy coat. What would you say?"

"Oh, do those mean anything?" Curious from the knight satyr

"Oh" She ponders

"Aeglos, is snowthorn." He looks to the Horse as well to see if HE has an opinion.

"And Niphredel, Snowdrop, or 'white tear' - both plants, styled in Elvish speech."

"Tolkein stuff, like the movies." Dagmar 'helps.'

He inclines his head to Dagmar, glad to see that the younger crowd keeps up with the classics.

The horse seems to like Aeglos, at least, if ears perking attentively means anything

"Snowthorn, is it?" He pats the stallion's flank.

"Snowthorn.. Aeglos" A nod to Dagmar from the satyr "Tolkein is cool."

He gestures to Gwen for her to join into the conversation. "This is fledge Gwen, Spearmaiden of Silverwolf. Gwen, have you met Dame Dagmar?" Drawing her in.

Gwen steps forward, the stoneskin figure gives a troll salute "Dame. I think we've seen each ohter about"

"Heard a bit - secondhand, mostly." She offers out a hand.

Gwen takes it "Your fight was... the battle against the Rover. Amazing"

D

D'Lorian says to the Baron, "Lord. I would like to arrange for River's retirement at a children's ranch for River. it was suggested by Dame Dagmar"

He raises a brow. "I was going to offer pasture for her as well, but if you prefer this? She is yours to see to as you wish."

"It is good for children to learn to ride. Lest the dreams of horses falter."

And a small, knowing smile. "I believe I've heard of that ranch. They do good work."

"I think.. she would be happier with kids, sir. To ride a little but be loved a lot" D'Lorien said

He nods, approval. "Walk with me to our pavilion? I'll settle Snowthorn, and we can speak details... after you've enjoyed the remainder of pennons, that is." He adjusts halfway, realizing that the younger and less curmedgeonly folk may actually enjoy the celebration more than just sitting and talking horses for hours.

"Oh, thank you, Baron!" D'Lorean says "For the opportunity and. you wont regret this! Snowthorn and I will prove a wise choice"

A nod. "I believe so as well." And he heads off.

Siv bites her lip, wondering if she should advise on the nature of Ailil

Then she realizes the time, then moves to Gwen and Dagmar "Dagmar, Dance. I have to get to it. See you"

Gwen says "oh! Bluebell!"

"Dance! Nadeen's dancing! Let's go!"

And everyone scrambles to anywhere..err to hte dance area