#anywhere

A laugh "I concede that no place has a better footwash than this freehold. Thank you for answering my questions"

"You're welcome. Excuse me."

Well... there is Phoebe

And she goes to meet with Phoebe.

Phoebe is blushing at something, even though she appears alone now.

Jessica nods. "Hello, Phoebe."

Then she rises "oh, Countess. " And she curtseys "I hope you enjoyed the songs? I worried I ventured into odd areas but it's just, I had to do something to stand out so..well, you know"

"No, I understand. May I ask you a couple questions?"

"Please" She says

"If you were to be offered a post here as Troubadour, what would you see your role to be?"

"Oh I'd make you so happy you picked me" She says "I'd sing your favorite songs, and play your favorite tunes. I'd help entertain your folk and rouse them if you like.. I can do so much I know i can. I'd sing soft ghost stories for any sluagh, and happy songs for the pooka... and well, whatever they needed. I can be out of the way as I play too, ambiance isntead of center stage. And .and people overlook Kinain. I could keep an eye out for things you might not know about?"

She nods slowly. "Do you have any questions for me?"

"No not really just that... if you don't pick me, I..would really love to know where you would suggest I go for help next. And.. I'd ask you to tell the girls I'll be fine. They're just children and I don't want them thinking I'm... I don't want them worrying."

Jessica nods. "Neither of us want the childlings hurt."

Relief "Definitely. Thank you"

"Thank you." And she withdraws for 10 or so minutes to consider.

The event is certainly a hit. And she had rewards. Not just the cakes... but small prizes such as a painting by Earl DeBuke (Donated), a set of ornate drinking glasses that actually are perfectly toned for the old 'water ringing musically' thing, and a magical snack pack that when you open produces three twinkies a day. there are others.

Eventually, Jessica lets Nancy know she's ready to speak.

"you decided? Wonderful. I'll make the announcement" She says

----------

Jessica slips away and finds Duff "What, no dance?" he says pulling her in for a kiss "Well done. your people are very happy"

She exhales and leans against him but just for a moment. "Thank you. I was on my way somewhere." A beat. "You want to come?"

"With you? Nothing better." He says taking one hand

She walks with him, but walks with purpose to.... the training yard?

He comes along "I admit, this isnt' where I expected."

"It's ok, you can wait there...." she picks up a practice maul and steps into the ring.

"I don't mind joining you" He says ... "Are you angry at someone?"

"Just going to work out some aggression and frustration before I try to sleep." she confirms.

He grabs a large shield and a hammer "Here then..let the shield have it"

"I was going to use the pell." She eyes it like she might take it out of the ground if she lands a shot on it.

"Fine... but I reserve the right to get in the way and annoy you. " He says and does step aside to watch

She's pissed, there's no doubt; she makes very short work of the wooden mannikin and then glares at the splinters for not putting up more of a fight.

"Coming through" And a bump, not a rush, but a slight shove with the shield "Come now. Hammer away, and tell me, what's the source of this aggression and frustration?" A nod

"I don't want to hurt you." Was that "you" or "-you-"?

"Who do you want to hurt?" He says "Aim at the shield. Worst I'll get is a sore arm"

"C'mon, Duff, knock it off." She rests the maul head on the ground, holding the handle.

"I'll.... I'll find something else. Or just.... patrol, maybe."

"Trying to help, but if that's the wrong sort of help" He shrugs "Jessica... you know how some men are always trying to fix things when the ladies just want them to listen?"

"Yes."

"You don't even seem to want me to listen" He says "This is a moment of triumph, and yet you're angry at someone, or something. What's wrong. If I can't interfere, at least let me..understand" Duff moves the shield back

That is, out of her way

"I.... You have to promise you won't do anything about it. In any way at all. Not get someone else to do something, not get someone to get someone else... nada. Zip. Zilch."

"An actual oath? "

"Your promise."

" Fine. I promise not to do anything about beyond comforting you, listening to you, and maybe distracting you from it... advising you IF you ask me to."

And he kicks what's left of the target

Splinters fly.

"Baron Tidemarch...... pissed me off. And it's childish and stupid but I'm still pissed and I just.... wanted to work it out of my system."

"I see why you made me promise" A nod , he sets his jaw "How .. please tell me more"

She explains.