#anywhere

"I have never even had "fudge"." Big brown eyes filled with sadness.

A sigh then "I'll contact our Chieftain, and see if IF she agrees to this. And even then it'll be a whirl wind tour at best I'm sure"

She beams up at him, tugging at her ears. "If they are any near as nice as you, Thane, I know we will love the visit."

"Just don't jump ahead now" he says "The answer probably WILL be no"

"Oh." She blinks, and her eyes are downcast. "That is okay, I do not mind. It is important for her to learn about this too. La depresión." Disappointment. "If she became too happy, ay, then she'd never know how to weather the troubles to come." She curtsies to the Thane. "Still, is worth a try?"

"You, young lady, are rather charming yourself." He says "I suspect when you're older, whatever Beau falls for you will have to get used and be happy with being the second smartest person in the room at the least" Coy rises to a full stand "yes, I suppose it's worth a try."

She nods solemnly. "I will await your word, Senor DeBuke." A smile up at him, and she curtsies again to him and then to Jessica. "Please do let us know!"

A nod from the Thane.

And she hurries out, a spring in her step!

And the Thane turns to Jessica "We may need more grass land at the farm, because if that little lady gets her way, the elders are going to have a cow, one each, breached birth with horns"

Jessica nods. "I understand." A pause. "You, um, might mention, when you speak with Clem, that eventually.... as it stands now.... if the Farmhold wishes to keep Renaissance as an ally...."

A brow "Pardon? Not sure I follow"

"The Farmhold chooses now if they want to keep Renaissance as an ally." Simply.

"I can make sure Ellie is open and welcoming of it, but once she is Countess here I cannot help."

"Ah, for a moment I thought you were saying YOUR allying was depending on letting the girl in." Relieved "Truth..and a good point to bring up. The farm has gained much from access here. New lore, new contacts."

"No! No." She nods. "Right. Maybe that will help."

"Sure thing. Ah, that in mind, your permission for me to visit the farm today? Get someone else to cover my shift? I'll advise them about Adam and Zane"

"Do you need to?" Eyebrow. "I mean, sure, fine, but ... well, what does the Farm care?"

"Oh I mean, I'll advise other guards about Adam And Zane while i'm out. I' was going to tell the Farm about the request of young Salma on Ellie's behalf"

"Ah!" Jess chuckles. "Right. Ok, thank you."

"My bad. There's a reason I am happy to leave notes and organization of facts to Constance" A smile "Anything you want from the farm while i'm up there? Apparently the girls want Fudge"

"Don't we all?"

"Lots of fudge" He makes a note taking her at her word and then heads off.

Jess sighs. "That's probably going to be a LOT of fudge...." without much regret.

The balefire dances, and Jessica sees the image of a rose. It's not a Leanhaun Rose, she knows THOSE too well

Jessica looks at the 'Fire with a frown, and goes to it. "Hey....." gently; a special tone she uses only with the Bale. She reaches into it, trusting.

And she sees Ellie talking to a rose.. and the rose is green as the balefire..with a red stem and petals

And the flames dance along Jessica's hand harming her not

Jessica looks to see where Ellie is; is the real, or a vision the Beaumayn is having, or in the Dreaming, or....??

The hold's paved courtyard... /parking area?

It seems real

The flames are soothing, calm. It's not alarmed

For a moment though.. they dim, as if something.. is invested

as the little girl rips out the flower.. and goes about her business

"You sure?" A soft murmur; not doubting, but confirming.

Resolved certainty

"Ok, then." She agrees.

And Jessica watches glimpses of the girl's actions.. her odd placement. It maybe the hardest work she's seen the little COuntess do not counting her battles

And yet, Jessica notes, Ellie does not whine. She does not complain at the effort.

Indeed, the room choices also... there's a reason for them. Jessica's not sure what.

Or maybe, maybe Jessica is.

Then an intrusion, "Ah, Freeholder?" Coy has returned

"That was quick."

"Actually.. looks like you've been staring at the fire for a time. All well?"

"Mmm? Yes, fine. Thanks." A final brush of her finger tips in the flames, and she stands. "All is well?"

"Actually, I think Clem upped the ante ... would you be willing to ahve a day when the elders of the farmhold, say.. ten of them , came to vsiit? "

"-TEN-?"

"During that time, where some of the ..traditionalists roam these halls, Ariel could show Ellie and Salma around the farm with less chance of negativity"

A pause "Could be 8.. ccould be twelve"