#darkgatefortress

Linnea looks over the entryway to DarkGate. She’s been by here before, but on business. Well, this is business too. Just remember that, and you’ll be golden. Why does it feel so different though? Usually Julius would be on courier duty. But, trolls to trolls, so here she is. Or rather, they are, as she glances over to Gwen.

“You have that basket from Marigold?”

"Yes." She says hoping she doesn't look nervous.

"Your purpose here today, please? " One Thane says

Gwen looks at Linnea. She's the one in charge out of the two of them

Gwen does lift the basket

Linnea straightens and shows the emblem on the envelopes she bears, matching her own - though her personal mark has a war hammer etched underneath the paw and horseshoe. “Invitations for your chief and storm, good thane.” Double checking, “And your, Uh. Wudlig.” Unsure if that’s a title in German or perhaps Dutch she isn’t familiar with.

"I'm afraid Journeyman Wudlig isn't present currently but we'll hold it in trust for him. Did you wish to speak to the Chieftain in person?"

“If I may. And spearmaiden Gwen has a basket for Hearth Marseilles.”

"Of course, the Hearth is this way" he gestures "And the Chieftain this way" Gwen is sent to wander to the kitchens. Linnea follows the thane

The Dougal that awaits them is a burly shouldered fellow, tall, but smithing has built up his arms and shoulders to impressive conditions. They find him working a smithy "Mmm?" He looks up "Ah, a guest. Linnae is it? I am not sure we've met formally, Thane. Is it thane? or is there a title I'm neglecting? I am Chieftain Hewitt.. technically a Baron too but they prefer lodge workings here." He offers a warrior's grasp

“Thane Linnea Marshall of Silverwolf. Granddaughter of Matthias Strongarm Marshall, returned to the dreaming.” A hand to her heart at the last. “In service to Silverwolf Barony.” She grasps his arm firmly in return, adding a bow in acknowledgement of his rank.

"Respects to your hold and your line,Thane. " Scottish accent strong but intelligible

“If you happen to see me and not be recognized, you’ll know you’ve met my twin, Danica. One braid, two axes.” She explains, herself bearing two braids but one hammer.

“I’m here to deliver a few invitations to a small fete being hosted by Silverwolf, in recognition of the giving of thanks for new neighbors, ties, allies, and friendships that have been made over the past year, and we wish to foster and kindle.” Offering the invitation that bears his name and title, and reads much the same - in fact, she may have coached herself, as she certainly appears more warrior than public speaker.

The Chief’s invitation is a welcome from the House of Silverwolf and invites him to join them for feasting, an autumn ride and light entertainment. “The viewing of the leaves is probably less of a draw for you.” She remarks, a little bashfully. After all, they can see New York’s splendor out their windows.

Speaking of hammers, she notes a fine collection here. Smithing AND Weapon types.

She openly admires them. “Your work, Chieftain?”

He takes the invitation and looks it over "This is most gracias. We are not a social bunch, we Darkgaters. You know, of course, we cannot abandon our lodge in too great a number..." Still "But we do appreciate having a sensible lord who has shown good support and mutual respect. " Then at mention of the work "Oh aye. " Pride "Can't be a Dougal without a craft. I'm rather 'old school' in that department. I can see you're a woman what swings a hammer yourself, and knows quality. "

She beams and releases the peace ties from her hammer, offering it to the Chieftain to examine. No treasure, chimerical in nature, but well forged, has seen action, and well maintained.

“A hand-me-down, but it slams raiders as well as any new would.” Proudly.

“Indeed, while we may have future festivals where the entire hold would be invited, we recognize both the holiday season and the need to maintain security, and thus have extended only a few invitations to this initial small gathering, to those specifically known.” A touch apologetic. “Our own Steward, Hearth in all but name, sent a few snacks over and also also tucked in some letter for your hearth. She may be plotting to feast your fellows as well, if accepted. She is a boggan of some reckoning.”

He looks it over, "Oh by the Dreaming, this is the right balance for a weapon of force" He flips it about and givesit a practice swing "Could crush a skull like a pudding." then a chuckle "Speaking of puddings eh?" As she mentions the Hearth "Marsiellies is a proud tempermental chef. Your fledge may have to explain to him it was no sleight on his own cooking. But I'm sure it will be well. Talent recognizes talent" A nod "Give me a moment and I'll have a letter of acceptance to send your lord. Do you have a back up weapon to the hammer? A fall back?" He returns her hammer with a nod

She runs a hand protectively along the haft. “I worry that the ebon may crack in time, though I oil it well. To be truthful, it felt almost like I would be cheating, to look at other weapons. Not that a hammer can carry a grudge.” She says, fondly as she ties it back. “Unless it can.”

“Marseilles? Is that a French name? Marigold studied in Paris in her wilder years. Mari always knows what to say.” She seems confident that Marigold will come to terms, Hearth to Heart.

"Should it ever crack, bring it to me. I heatherbalm weapons like some do flesh" He says "And the reason I ask is, it occurs to me, a gift to show respect, much as your Hearth has given, is fitting." he moves to a wall "Perhaps then... a shield" And he pulls off a viking round shield with the norse rune of protection that seems to flicker over it like a shadow as it moves "Ironwood and mithril banding. Good work this. " He offers it to her "Take it, for yourself, or on behalf of your Baron's hold. It lacks fancy fluff, but there is aristry in the strenght of her, and you can see the beauty under her strong dutiful fronting if you look"

Her eyes widen. Oh, there is desire for that fine piece. “It is too much.” She says, even as she accepts it to run her hands around the banding. ‘Far more than a basketful of scones or even a brace of wild turkeys - though you’ve never tasted her turkey wild rice stuffing.” She hesitates, but nods, not wanting to reject the offer on behalf of the barony even less than she craved the shield.

“I am in your debt, Chieftain. If there is aught that I can do for you that does not conflict with my duties and oaths, you have but to call.” This last, perhaps might as well go unsaid from troll to troll, but in her defense, she spends so much time outside of a PROPER lodge.

"There is no debt here, it is in our interest to see that warriors ready to take a stand should the darkgate fall be well readied. Your hold's quality shows, I mean no offense. But this way we may perhaps contribute a bit to our own avengers and thus have our due back to the forces that might overwhelm us. But you are welcome anytime, Thane. And you do your hold proud in your dignity and decorum. Truth. I fear you maybe hassled by our lads for you are a right bonnie lass as well as a warrior woman of merit. Should they hassle you, well, I doubt you need my aide there, but kindly let me know before you crack a skull for one that eyes linger overlong."

“Eyes that linger may do as they may. Hands that linger unwelcome may find they need a balm for a finger or two.” A pleasant nod, they understand one another. “Nothing that would take one out of commission for patrol, of course. I’ll be sure that Gwen knows as well - though a fledge, she seems well capable so far to look out for herself. Still, one worries about the ducklings, even the ones with spears.”

A small blush at the compliment. Her own eyes having lingered on his broad shoulders, appreciatively more than leering though.

“Ah. Here, for Storm Colton and Journeyman Ludwig. Wudlig.”

He's a strapping fellow, and nods approvingly of her talk of how to handle folks "I thank you for leaving them serviceable. " And he takes the other invitations "I shall pass these on as well"

Gwen peeks in

Linnea waves her in hurriedly. “Chieftain, meet Spearmaiden-Fledge Gwen of Silverwolf. She has not her year and a day, but has already fought well in defense of hold and dream.” Proud.

"Chieftain" She almost bows but instead gives the trollish salute. She is carrying a much bigger basket than she came with

"I have heard of her part in stopping the raiders. No small thing for one so new" The Chieftain returns the salute

Gwen blushes in her cheeks

“I hope that the Hearth accepted the pastries?” And the letter from Marigold, which introduced herself, bemoaned a lack of proper appetites to appease, and requested his lenience in allowing her to share a taste of what the select few would have if they came to the fete with those left behind. tempered with a request if he would provide one of his specialties for the feast. Ah, Julius has done some research, and Marigold as well.

“What did you manage to gather up?” Surprised by the bundle.

"He did..and.. returned ..well, he said he didn't have ONE speciality and .." She sighs at the supplies "Thsi happened"

Chief Hewitt looks amused "Ah, Marsellies. Your pride fills our bellies"

Something DOES smell good. “Gwen fights with spear. If you would give your opinion on her weapon? To me, it seems sound and has proven worthy, though I always feel like I hold a toothpick without something with HEFT in my own hands.”

She offers it , point up. He takes it and looks over, then says "This is a very old memory... but it has gained power with each new life. When she is sained, it too will remember itself in fullness"

Linnea smiles and nods. “Not so very much longer, though it may feel ages. I cannot wait to see who you may become, having already impressed us so much. Danica as well.” She says to Gwen, quietly, but proud. Realizing that they may not say it aloud, but as the Chieftain praises Gwen, that sometimes it does need to be said. After all, Gwen might not speak fluent eyebrow yet.

Gwen says "it's an honor to serve." Stoic works better if you don't swell with pride, but swell, just a bit, she does

"Come along, then.. I shall give you both a tour of our hold. It is not picturesque.... but it has it's moments. Duty abounds here too, as it clearly does in Silver wolf"

And off he guides them on a tour of sorts

(End Scene)