#fenixtj

"For what?" A soak of her own

"Giving me some real empathy for my parents."

She turns her head and looks at her friend. "You have to ask for things you want, Clem. A leader can't expect others to read their minds. Trust me."

She makes a face, "Glad I could help." THen sigh "Jessica. Somedays, beyond helping frriends and family and looking after the farm, I don't know what I want. Do you know what you want?"

The other troll is quiet a moment. "You know, I feel like I should have it. A hold, right? A Balefire. My people are ... well, mostly content and sometimes happy and I think things here are improving. Making some headway with the local Fae. Good graces with her Excellency. A lover that... " She blushes a little "... he cares, without losing himself in it. He's a strength for me to lean on. I mean... what else is there?"

"mmm" She considers "So you're saying I need to start searching tatoo shops in Ottumwa then I'll have it all?"

Another laugh. "No, not necessarily. Metaphorically, maybe."

"And, you know... I wasn't looking for love when I came here."

"'Course, don't think I've found it yet either..." Muttered.

A look from Clem "You know, if I Need to learn how to ask for what I want, you need to find a way to settle how you feel and figure out what you want. Just saying you might be happier for it."

She nods. "I know." Resignedly. "I got to where I thought I wanted to be, found out... it wasn't the end of the journey, you know? I wanted to make a name for myself, and I have. But.... I don't feel like I'm... done."

"We're never done, Jessica. Even the grumps? Okay. Accept for a fact you're not 'done'. What do you have that you're NOT giving up? What's on the list might tell you where you want to do next?"

"I wouldn't want to leave Renaissance until we have some kind of accord with the local Fae."

A startled look, "Jessica, I didn't know you were hoping to one day leave this place ever."

"I'm not sure I am! I just... I never thought I'd live in Feathered Serpent, you know? It just kind of... happened."

"And I've I'm not 'done' then maybe I have to go somewhere else?"

"Well, that's true. I'm not 'done' but for me the farm is something I can't give up. Maybe that blinded me a bit to your own take. " A sympathetic look, "But, if you want a new home that's another matter. Now, 'have to go' is strong. If you love BEING here, not just helping the folks and doing your duty being see this as home for your heart? then absolutely you should stay or at least hang your hat. But... Jessica, do you feel trapped here?"

There's a long quiet. "Sometimes." it's a whisper, and a reluctant one at that.

"Jessica, have you told anyone about this? Besides me, I mean?"

She shakes her head.

"Thank you for your trust. " A gentle look, "You're a good leader, doesn't mean you have to lead. My advice, talk to the Chieftain maybe? If you tell your dad he'll show up ready to take you to Rivervale faster than you can say 'zoom', and I wouldn't blame him. If I think of more advice than that, I'll tell you." A nod. "For now? Let's try one of these little bath oils. Lavender?"

(And pause scene)