#elsewhere

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Snowthorn is a pro. Probably one of the reasons Lavender is willing to trust him in Willy's care. It's time to give him new shoes, and it's up to Willy to do it!

Gwen has tended the dogs, and now looks over at the stables , curious to see the nocker at work

Willy handles horses with a firm hand. No nonsense and no drama. Her materials are prepared and set up, and she cross ties the horse after an introductory carrot.

Well, Snowthorn appreciates someone who knows what he likes. A crunch. Indeed, it's possible that he's a LOT less trouble for the nocker than his usual rider is

Gwen fights the urge to nod approvingly. Willy might take it wrong

Willy gives the horse a quick grooming while he crunches, working down to the hooves on each leg. Then a hoof pick, going to work and cleaning while she inspects at the same time.

Snowthorn holds with discipline and behaves

Cleaning and inspection done, she starts to work pulling the shoes off and fileing the hooves.

She works economically, efficiently; no goo-goo talk here.

Gwen notes the style. Some animals LIKE goo goo talk, but clearly Snowthorn doesn't need it. Maybe doesn't want it. Fae steeds can be on the snooty side a times

When all the hooves are filed and treated, the old shoes are piled in a spot for recycling and she examines the new shoes carefully.

She nods and loads up her apron to reshoe the horse.

Gwen considers offering to help, but insttead she hangs nearby to make it known that she's there if someone wants something

then she says "When you're done, ihave news, unless you want to hear it while you work"

Willy removes a couple four nails from her lips. "Talk."

Back in they go, and she continues to work.

"Carnival is being held here this year, not typical for Silverwolf I'm told. The theme will be playing cards or Alice in wonderland . "

A grunt as she taps a new nail in.

then she says "Yeah. You might want to lock up your workshop that night to keep drunk guests out. And , of course, we're hoping you'll join us?"

"I always lock up my workshop." she mumbles "Parties.... stupid."

"It shows support for the hold, and , holidays are tied to the magic of the land." then an admission "And I would appreciate it if you helped protect the queen for a day and the Baron turned fool if something gets out ofh and. I know we have thanes for that, but ...well, every set of eyes"

Willy looks up, dark eyes glaring. "Ageen ee ools. Shooent ee o-ect-on."

"I'm..sorry?" Gwen says

NOticing the glare, she's pretty sure she said SOMETHING thatp isseed the nocker off, not her intent, but the words make no sense to her

Willy sighs and spits nails onto the floor. "He don't need protection, it's against the rules to hurt 'im."

She holds the bent leg and hoof between her legs and reaches into an apron pocket for more nails.

"Well, not everyone seems to follow the rules... " A concerned look "So hence my worry. And not justt for him. The mortal.. at sunrise she might be 'fair game' again'"

Willy points her hammer at Gwen. "You know something gonna happen? You gotta say something before hand."

"Oh shit." A thought. "Ailil. Unseelie Court?"

"I don't KNOW I.." A nod. To her, Ailil are the default House. "Had a heck of a wild hunt... but I don't think that's the plan this carnival. I mean, I think some of us are Seelie but yeah, there's a Winter way to stuff"

"Nah, Unseelie Court changes things. For the mortal, at least."

"It can. " A nod "But I intend to make sure the mortal gets home safe. So.. hence my request. Mum's the word, please"

"Yeah, you know me. Blabbermouth McBogganface."

A bit of a blush "Right. Sorry. Hey, if you want help with the costume, let us know. We've got folks willing to help"

"Costume....." muttered scornfully "Carnivale, man....."

"You don't like holidays?"

She seems surprised

A shrug, and she lets the horse stand on one unshod foot.

"S'ok. Been to some that weren't complete disasters. It's an evening off, I guess."

Snow Thorn, thus far, is less of a pain than Dee and perhaps comes across as smarter than Gwen.. by Nocker standards

"It is... and if you wanted to get creative, I bet you could jazz up an outfit with leather and metal to make a pretty good Carpenter from the Walrus and the Carpenter, or do something with spades?"

"Hmmph." fists on hips "So they're doing some damn cute theme?"

"Well, Briar is probably going as the Dead Man's hand card lay out with a skull mask, and other options includ a blood taloned Jabberwockey so I wouldn't say CUTE is required.. .but Cards or Alice in Wonderland is the main theme, yes" Gwen says

A sigh. "Don't sound like much I'd fool around with."

"I understand, not everyone's up to the challenge" Sympathetic tone

She snorts scornfully. "Stupid anyway. Waste of a whole evening."

" there's crafting a costume.. what would someone who knows about leathers and metal work know about that sort of thing? " A slow nod "And, of course, you might have to socialize some... during the one night where you could probably get away with mouthing off at say, a troll girl like me and I'd probably have to take it. You'd hate it"

"I want to mouth off at you, I'll do it whenever I damn well feel like it, Eggs."

"Mmm" A nod "You call me that, but yet I think you'r the one whose afraid of cracking under pressure..social pressure that is."