#elsewhere

The mare puts on an extra burst of speed, showing off.. or just for the sheer joy and freedom.

A whoop escapes the girl

There is beauty in the lines of her muscles tensing before each thunderous footfall, in the song of the hoofbeats and the pounding of hearts of rider and steed. Who needs daintiness?!

Soon it’s time to head back- later than Gwen thought, as the afternoon got away from her. Grey Thunder shows no sign of weariness from carrying her.

Annd a smile, when they get back, Grey thunder will get her gear removed, a cool down, fresh water, annd a brush. And yes, Ivan gets told she still loves him best

(End Scene?)

(Scene!)

Dame Lavender looks for the Baron, she is dressed in her knightly finest and seems uncharacteristically somber

She finds him looking over Mischka. The massive bear dog is now well groomed and primped and gussied up from her trip, her fur as smooth and puffy as a cloud, and making her look twice as large from being freshly dried.

She bows, "Baron" And she can't help it "Gwen and Mischka, it turns out, handled the hard work as it were. Mischka knows her business and Gwen knows more about dogs than folk 3 times her age"

"Dame Lavender." He straightens up to greet her. "The visit went well? Our dam certainly seems pleased with herself, though it is too early yet for any certainty."

"Gwen says Oak will make a fine sire, she liked his lines and temperament. I'd say the visit went well indeed. There was caution, but not rejection, and if I might say, not only did it get Gwen out of the way of the danger here while still allowing her to do a duty that would absolve her too much guilt for missinn it I hope. She studied her troll heritage and her being a troll seemed to cause the Valers to open up to her a bit mroe than they might have"

"Ah. Yes." He brushes some fur from his shirt, and gestures to Mischka - without having to use words, the dog heads back to her own cozy kennel.

"It was perhaps unwise of me to keep you in the dark. I do not regret keeping Gwen away though, and there was true need for her skills, as well as one I trust, and who is trusted in turn by Rivervale, to serve as her escort." An apology of sorts, without actually saying the words.

"Unwise? Not necessarily. My kith's passionate nature means we can get a bit chatty in our way. I wasn't truly offended, if that matters, baron. Had I been here, even without Gwen, I would have tried to protect you and foil Dame Calanthe. I'm afraid, Chancellior or not, she never had my trust nor I hers. I know it sounds a bit unchivalrious but I'll not miss her at all," A beat "but, it's about your restoration I wanted to talk about, and .. perhaps I owe YOU an apology"

He frowns at he mention of distrust, but he can no longer refute that, and nods.

A brow rises. "To me?"

"Yes, Baron, you elevated me, though I dare say with Dame Dagmar's help I earned it or you would not have, you trusted me with the finest horses I have ever had the honor to know , but I .. never swore to you. Partly because of Dame Calanthe's influence, but also because I knew you were not whole. I .. did not want to swear to a lord who did not know himself, who was not fully himself. Now you are whole and restored and I ...well, I would like to swear either to you, or to Silvewolf itself. However I worry you may think that I am a fair weather knight, now that things are on the rise, I approach with this and I realize how shallow that may look" A sheepish look crosses the wilder's features, "I'll understand if you wish to forgo the offer until I've earned it."

"And, I wanted to apologize to you if the reasons and timing offended. "

He is thinking on this. "You do realize, that even without membership in either House, closer association with Varich and Ailil may cause you to be discriminated against. Sluagh will not hold you in their trust, and Gwydions - save perhaps those you have already won the confidence of - may not deign to associate."

"I thought about it, Lord. But, I'm already associated with you and some assume I'm sworn already." A beat "I ...mean no insult to your lady but I wasn't thinking of swearing to her. She is newer to me"

"Understood. However, if you swear to Silverwolf.... ah." A small smile, savoring something that is perhaps still private between himself and his lady. "Our Hold will be recognized as Varich AND Ailil moving forward. I had not yet considered if there shall be a formal announcement. Baroness Nadeen is now Baroness in fact as well as in name - no longer an unlanded Title."

"Wow!" Realization and for a second the formality slips replaced by excitement and warmth "Congratulations, My lord! She's a catch... and you just doubled your hold's contacts. You care about her AND it's poliically smart. See, this is why I say House Ailil know's it's shi.. stuff. "Then she adds "She seems to care for you, greatly, Lord. And Marigold would have sabatoged her if she didn't care for you"

An amused look at that. "Would she, at that? I suppose so."

"I admit that I was of a mind to assign yourself, or one of our Thanes, to my son as personal guard and protection. He deserves as much, and more." A long moment of silence, brooding.

"Alas. I suppose that his Knight will suffice as more than ample entourage." It pains him to admit such, but it helps when he adds, "...For a house of self-righteous usurpers, she... does well enough by him. Were there a Gwydion worthy of trust, Dame Dagmar would top that, admittedly very short, list."

"Baron, Dame Dagmar is one of the best Knights I have met, and a good friend. She IS worthy of trust , I'd swear to it, risk my life on it, and in point of fact, I have the latter and known no regret," Satyr passion mixing with friendship with respect for a peer "If an army came for your son while she was by his side, Well, I almost pity the army, because it's loses would be the stuff of legend," then she adds, "And I am truly touched you'd have charged me with guarding your son. It is needless , see aforementioned destroyed army scenario; but I am honored at the idea. IF it helps rub a bit of flack at the way of House Gwydion though, I remind you that as a Squire, AND your son, Connor is allowed to wear a token of your house and arms. Perhaps a Silverwolf sash or a half cloak of black with silver trim?"

A small frown. "I would not require it of him. He chose Rivervale."

"Sorry, lord. I meant as a gift and maybe a light jab a the gwyds, never at your son who seems to be a great boy. Good Squire too. Dedicated"

"He has serious hustle when there's a job to do..." She tells him realizing the man hasn't seen his son squiring "He makes little jokes but it does't slow his work. And no mean pranks. He's got a good hand with critters for one so young."

He sighs. "I appreciate the intent." And then, he listens.... and requests. "Tell me more, please. I would... greatly appreciate hearing of him. I do not know the lad."

"Well, obviously, I don't know him as well as some, but I can tell you the few times I've been for Joust club, he cheers on his knnight with loyalty, but never scorns her rivals if they be mannerly," She sees she has a way to help the Baron she respects so much "he's a leader too. Has a group of kids there who defer to him. Even Squire Brogan, a sidhe lad, listens to him, but Lane, she's a centaur like blossom, adores him. Lily, a sluagh girl seems to like him as much as that kith likes anyone, and Jack Flap? He's a satyr boy would follow him to the gates of heck, or at least jelly bean clouds "

And she relates the stories of the boy's exploits and good heartednness. Botht Dagmar and Gerd talk PLENTY about Connor

He listens, asking questions, and not paying any mind to the time.

When Lavender would wind down (even if only due to talking her throat dry, he nods.

"I will accept your offer. You may serve as my sworn sword. However, I would have you know that as well, you shall serve as my eyes and ears. It is fitting for a Baron of Ailil to keep close watch over his..." A pause. Enemies? Foes? Nemeses?

Finally he settles on, "...Rivals. You will visit the Baronial holding of Rivervale often as befits your status as confederate of Dame Dagmar, and as suits your Joust practices. I will expect you to report back to me on what transpires there, and any gossip, news, or pertinent activities."

A pause, and he clarifies, "With your judgement as to what shall be of more import to me. After all, I do not have time for tedium, minutia or trivial details." Important to him, he emphasizes. Not, perhaps, to House Ailil?

"Would that suit you, Dame Lavender D'Lorean?"

D'Lorean blinks, and is torn. Her dreams of knighthood involves shining armor annd saving the day, not spying. But then she hears his priorities, and how details are boring.. what'si mportant to the BARON, "Yes, of course.. you want to know what I'm told of important matters like breeding of horses, dogs, possible new lines, the triumphs of it's squires, perhaps?" A smile, fond actually. Dawww.. he loves his kid

A small smile. "You shall serve as Knight and Protector of the Realm when not on other duties. You have served well in your time here, and I expect as much and more from you as my own sword. I shall expect you to answer to me, to respect my Baroness and vassals, and to follow the Escheat and your own code in all other things."

"I would be honored, and will swear at a time of your preference, lord. " A grin "After all, soon it's going to be all about Gwen"

"Very soon." He agrees. "Once she has had her day, we shall have ours."

"Thank you , Baron. And, with your permission I think I'll congratlute the Baroness for her getting such a catch"

A slight flush to his fetchingly angled cheekbones. "Ah, I believe you are dismissed, Dame."

She bows and withdraws

He watches her go, thoughtfully, then returns to his work. The dogs must be cared for, and then the final details for the upcoming Saining must be in place.
(Scene!)

*******

"Flo, I have news for you?" Nadeen is sure the enchantment has worn off

So here she is a her home

Her mortal residence anyway

Flo straightens up, and nods to Nadeen. She's been working on the yard, good exercise, mundane enough, and the hedges are looking great now that the weeds are gone. She did almost pull up some day lilies, but who can tell the difference once the flowers are gone for the season?

"Yes, Miss Tanya?"

"First, please, something you might find amusing" She gives her a fortune cookie to open, of course, it's enchanted

Accepted, and the cookie cracked open. "If you insist." Going along with the joke amiably.

And as she cracks it, she sees he message "YOur eyes will be opened"

And the glow of enchantment takes her "How are you?"

It takes a moment, and then Flo smiles and sinks into a curtsy. "Doing very well, my Lady. I know it's only temporary, but staying at your home has been, well, like a vacation."

"One well earned for the troubles and risk our actions brought upon you" Nadeen declares, "The threat to you and your son is over. Indeed, it should be safer than ever for you to work there though you'll have plenty of time here still. How is Rien?"