#fenixtj

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"So let me understand this correctly" Mitra paces "We may have a lot of kithain guests, some in need of balefire, many in bad health...come in all at once and have to stay here, or at the pit. But... you're not telling me where they are coming from?" The warioress looks annoyed "Or who we are working with exactly? or why? "

"Partly for your own deniability...but mostly because it's true." Jessica says, evenly. "I don't have all those details."

'And you didn't ask?" Mitra says "Apologies, it's just.. I don't understand your kith's tendency towards complacency at times"

Jessica watches the 'Fire a moment, nods. "Maybe not. Maybe it's kith? My parents didn't always have me but... when they did they were Mine. I come from all Trolls. There's... a culture there. I guess you have your own among Sidhe, and in your House but... for what it's worth... I'm ok with being like this.

"Of course, and I am sorry, I don't mean to disparage. And I suppose it's more an Eiluned 'thang' than a sidhe thing. House Eiluned is ever questioning, ever probing, curiousity is every chimerical bone. We find some other houses very frustrating too." She says "I'll hopefully learn in time. Well, with the Pit open, we have more room, and this hold is meant for healing and comfort. " Indeed, Jessica has noticed ever since Clem gave her the news that the Bale seems almost eager for the challenge. COuld it be jealous of the Pit? Impossible. Hold don't get jealous... do they?

"There's a....balance here. If you look for it. I think?"

"mm? you mean between the holds or kith and house?"

"Not... not between Holds but... together. All of them together."

"Sounds like you have a theory?" She inquires "Go on"

"Well, just that... there's a ying/yang thing. Peace and healing or war and violence." A stop. "You think.. is it possible we could... combine them?"

"Literally? No. Jessica, theyre not that close to each other... You have banal streets and mortals in the way for blocks and blocks. "

"Politically, well, you're establishing dominance in the best way you can while still honoring your agreements"

A sigh, a little one. "I guess you're right."

"Jessica? My liege? Are you...what is it your' hoping for? "

"A united fief?"

"Who is to say you don't have one? It's not ideal, it's not perfect, but you have a young childling growing into her part of the rulership you can guide and teach, or hire teachers for and she may grow recognizing your authority. You have Shard who 'fought for it' but still might pay tithe. And the Cooperative knows darn well that you're a lot better to work with than the other two options. Still, you really want to bend the other hold to your will?"

"Why can't we have a yes on supporting the fief? Why can't I be the best of choices, instead the lesser of evils?And no, I don't want to bend anything... I want to -be- it."

"Jessica, you can't be bound to two holds at once. That would be like if Hemlock had a tie, spiritual, to Rivervale... AND Caer Falken. If sidhe could be tied to more than one at once don't you think we'd have done it during the accordance war? That's why we need the system of lieges and vassals. I mean, if you really felt ambitious you could push for position of a countess and bring the Gwydion Fief and Varich ones to bend knee, but being it? I'm no sure I understand how one could begin."

"But doesn't he, Dame Mitra ap Eiluned? Doesn't all authority flow from the Crown? Isn't that what vassalage is?"

"Oh Jessica," A surprised look, "You do want to be Countess. Or..at least baroness, and Shard and the others sworn." Then a smile "this is ambition, it's nothing to be ashamed of.. but I admit, I'm startled"

"I -don't- want that." She insists.

"You sure? It sounds like you envied the count's control over the baronies and fiefs under him. "

"Not a matter of envy, that -is- the system, isn't it? A Freeholder has -a- Balefire, Barons and above -may- have more than one, usually cared for by proxy Freeholders. Right? We just had Imbloc, where the King sent the Duke, who sent the Countess, who sent us, a Brand from Tara Nar."

"It is the system, but remember, you wanted to be different"

"I do. I am." She believes.

"You are" A nod "but it does make everything uncharted for you to some degree... harder. IT has benefits too, but it's a challenge too"

"I know." Wry.

"Just saying.. I believe in you, but you also bring it on yourself" a smile

"Fair." She agrees. "Anyway. I don't think it has to be a choice between Balefires; I think there's strength in unity. Since I'm in charge here, whatever my rank or title, I'm going to BE in charge. I delegate pretty well, I think, I just hope no one thinks that means I'm not the authority."

"May I make a suggestion? or three?"

"Sure. That's your job."

"Assign a liaison or contact, send one of your most loyal folks there as a regular thing. It shows your dominion, much like the Countess sent me to you at first but in a way that can still be seen as helpful. Just do it, have whoever deliver the news, and act as if it is not soemthing you needed to ask about. Should they complain, tell them you will consider assigning another"

Jessica gives her a rare grin. "Feeling at loose ends, need something to stay busy with, Dame?"

"Ha. No. YOu'd be lost without me , but Buce while not the sharpest tool is loyal to you, or one of the caps."

Jessica pauses, thinking. "Wait. You said to send someone as a regular thing, but it's not like you'd be -gone.- You're a warrior, it's a place of battle and combat. What if we did that? Someone else could liaison with the Countess. Another Sidhe, maybe, one who needs a bit of responsibility and.... Alejandro?"

"Are you trying to get rid of me? " Amused

"No! Come on, Mitra, you know that's not it. But the Pit and the Nunnehi are two of the biggest projects right now, next to the Caravans and this thing my folks and the DeBukes are doing. Ok, we have a lot on our plate....."

"All right, I'll be your right arm there then" she says "YOu are my liege and my friend. Mmm Alejandro is older.. and he has manners. Yes, I think he might be quite polite"

"Think about it, see what holes you can poke in it?"

Amused 'Are you trying to tease my House curiousity, or put it to work for you, or both?"

"Mostly the latter." Not without amusement

"Well, mmm yes I think I can learn a few things. Might even enjoy it."

"Let's look at it, but... at first glance there's something to be said for the idea." Jessica nods.

"I think you're right. Mmm okay. Anyone to assist me? "

"Who dp you want?"

"A rich duke who is into warrior women who dress in sable and argent, but that's neither here nor there right now" Wryly "For an assistant? I'm not sure. Our scribe might be very cross if I took her DeBukian paramour" Then a pause "Is DeBukiean a legitimate adjective? Feels like it should be. "

"I think it is now." Jess agrees. "Well come on.... your not taking him, I'm assigning him. And, he's still in town for Pete's sake! He's not moving to Mexico City.

Amused look "It's my experience that even troll wilder women can get a bit fussy about their paramours being shuffled about, but I thank you for biting that bullet."

"What?" A bit defensively.