The 'security system' that Toby had dreamed up had worked flawlessly. The various wards that lay around the acreage of woods, and the house in particular, were designed to keep up intruders of nearly any time - physical, magical, technological. It had been with Xenograg's help that several careful 'exceptions' had been put into the firewall, so to speak - allowing specific access to Wyheree, to Xenograg and those of his house, to Murelle and to those who bore the devices of Eldicor.

The one thing he had not considered, was perhaps a more effective barrier *behind* the door - as the two older dogs and all the pups (now much bigger after almost a year had passed) charged en masse to warn of 'intruders' and to make sure the intruder knew exactly how fierce they all were. The girls helped, but the three of them were so hyped up to see one of the Queen's own that they were making almost as much noise themselves.

Toby chuckled inwardly and shifted himself into the doorway to keep the worst of the noise in, as well as the small army of dogs who wanted to see exactly what an Elf smelled like up close. Once the bemused Elf was safe from rampant noses and tongues, Toby was able to talk with him.

?I have a missive for you from the Baroness, Murelle GreyMantle.?

Toby took the envelope with some surprise, after seeing how fancy the lettering appeared on it, and dipped his head in a respectful farewell to the noble messenger. Closing the door (careful not to catch any inquisitive muzzles or little hands in it), Toby took the envelope over to the small table by the front door and opened it so he and Tabitha could read it (while Maurin, Reinette and Selene both took turns squirming between them to see).

"Well, girls...," Toby said as they all looked up at him, "I think it might be time to do a little fancy Christmas dress shopping." He then went on to show them the letter.

The sounds of their reaction were spirited enough to even make the dogs jump in alarm.