#fenixtj

Jessica thinks about this and nods. "It's a good idea, Diego, I like it. I want some steel underneath it, though. Armed patrols, and let's set up some observation at the obvious entry points around the fief. I want to know when they get here and where they are and if we need to respond with force.... I want to be ready. I hope, however, the, um, spirit of the day will carry us through, hm?"

"So have scouts guarding the pooka, and as soon as the Leanhuan's mob gets violent use it as an excuse to get violent yourselfes," Siv says "Works. They aren't expecting you lot to know, so this should be enough to have them break it up fast" A smile

"No. We don't need more violence here. But I want to be ready to respond if violence is offered."

Siv says "Fine, but if you knew Leanhaun like I do you might realize that they've got a really good habit of winning the peace" Her sister's normal jovial mood is not there at that line.

"I had always heard the Leanhaun were..kinder to commoners than most houses" Diego says "Of course, I am a rebel who thinks the whole noble system should be brought down."

"There's family history, Diego. You've met my father."

"A solid man," He says, "And not afraid to get among the people."

"That describes dad, all right" Siv smiles agin then a look to Jessica, "Do you need my help further in this?"

"Aren't you going to spend Highsummer at Rivervale?"

"Not if my sister needs me no," Siv glances over to Diego "SHe's been with this long as I known her. I blame the fact we didn't share more of our childhoods together... i would have been a good influence."

"No doubt," Diego says not hiding ALL His amusement

Jessica gives them both a look that is Brekke to the T.

"You'd be welcome, of course, if you want to stay Siv but I don't think -need- is the right word."

"Well, then if you're not sure you need me, I'll mom and dad if I can spend HIghsummer with you."

Jessica nods. "It's good to see you, though. Heading back now?"

Siv gives her sis a hug "Aye, it's still time before High summer, and I don't know what's going on with mom and dad, but I want to see it safely resolved. Hopefully they're patching it up without me, but in case not..well... what do you think? Two by four upside their heads to get throught? Oak wood, or would pine do?"

Jessica shakes her head after returning the hug. "Stay out of it."

"Well, you know they think better than I," A begrudging admission "But it's powerful hard. They're almost as hard to reach as you some days, and I don't mean by phone. " SHe looks around, "You do know mum dad, and to a less important degree I are proud of you and what you've done here right?"

She nods. "I know. Thanks."

"Long as you know... and the thanks for letting you know about how proud we are of you? Or Thanks for bringing you valuable intell about the ravaging/rhapsody mob on Highsummer?"

"Both." Then a beat. "The last part is the most important. The intell. How did you find out about it?"

"When you're in disguise as unsseelie Ogress while infiltrating an evil baroness' lair, you get invited to a lot of parties.. pardon" she sniffs "Swaaar raaaees" illicting a mock snobish tone, then shakes her head "BUt you are welcome and I'm.. VERY lucky I could help on that one"

Jessica nods gravely.

"Okay. Stay in touch, call mum and dad at least once a week...don't forget my birthday is December 17th. Try to have a little fun you're own way. And tell Duff that I'll be coming by for that tattoo, please."

"Um."

"You and DUff break up or something?" Alarmed at the um

"Nooo...." Reluctant to talk in public; a King to the roots of her hair.

"Right..." Siv pulls her sister to deeper in the hold "Later , Diego" And marches her sister to a private area assuming her sister doesn't put up a fight

She does not, but is dragged along reluctantly.

"ok. We're alone now. WHat's going on that has you umming? What's wrong? And don't say 'nothing'... by wrong I don't mean the usual King defintion of 'ragnorok isn't here today- we're good'"

A sigh. "We aren't really.... talking. We haven't exactly broken up but...."

"Oh.. what happened?"

"Pretty much what I figured wpuld, eventually. Instead of working with me, he went off and did his own thing. "

"isn't that one of the things that attracts you about him? his lone wolf nature and that of all the folks in the fief he DOESn't have to answer to you?"

Not said cruelly, just earnestly

"..... yes....." blushing.

"Frey knows I have no idea what to do with Bancroft some days... we may break up due to distance.... but if it helps you're not the only girl who is drawn to a man AND wants to bean him for the same qualities. Look, if you want more say in hsi world... your'e going to have to have him have more place in YOUR world...it's a mutual influence or it's naught in a lot of ways or you'll end up with just another subject and sis? Your trollish ethics AND love of bad boys won't flow with that.

.. on the other hand..." She continues

"If you feel what you have isn't love... but rather a sense of... convenience for you, then you should let him down gently. Because both you and he deserve the real thing, or at least..to explore and search for it. And then you get a bit more serious and tell him if this is going to work it has to work as a team even if he's not a subject"

She sighs "Am I making any sense or just cracking fortune cookies open?"

"No." Subdued. "You're right."

"I wish I weren't... I'm at a crossroads with Bancroft. He.. he went to avenge me when he thought I was in a coma. He stood up to DAD."

Jessica winces.

"You iknow mixed up that is? to hear from my parents about how Bancroft was saucy to them... and all while I assure them I will talk to him all I can think is 'my god that is hawt'?" Embarrassed blush "But he wants me to change my life utterly... and leave for HIbernia and I just... no. It's not fair to him, he fought for me.. and he's still not going toget me."

"Its not about being fair. He can't do anything to 'deserve' you. You aren't something to be earned or won."

"I guess...but he's such a GREAT guy, and I do love him but ... maybe..." Sullen "I just want to fix it so it's perfect"

"I don't need perfect. Just...." an irritated grunt.

"just..what?" Curious tilt

"... I don't know." Still irritated. "A partner? Like mom and dad?"

"Yeeah... they're.. theyr'e good" A nod "I think that's part of it ... Duff.. does some things he does and does them to help you... but in defiance of you..and..i would guess that leaves you conflicted."