#fenixtj

"Understood.... I think most importantly? This will allow the Countess an out. She can side with us without seeming a traitor to GWydion about it"

Jessica nods again. "Good. I can't believe she is ok with wjat Summerstrike has done. Thank you, Constance." She heads for the Pit.

The Pit seems lively thrumming with energy. From Fenix's healing and renewel, to the pIt's fierce fires with a taste for violence.

She seeks out... well, anyone in charge. Shard, most likely.

Shard is talking to Abuela the Guardian

She greets them and then brings them up to speed using the public version of the story.".... so I want you to be vigilant here, and let Fenix know what you need. Ok?"

"You think this could be war?" He says

"I hope it won't come to that."

The feathered dragon curls, "They will not endanger my child. I cannot believe this baron would treat the little ones so!"

"HE sees it as 'educating them' " Symond says with "Furking control freak."

"We are not attacking; we are defending." She reminds them. "I am asking the Countess to weigh in."

"Well, the head hench wench know about this right? The Consortium might have something to say"

"I had Tweak informed."

"Good" Symond looks a bit huffy , "Look. I know you don't want us dealing in weapons, at least not those against the Nunnehi... but you know that's part of what the Countess was hoping we'd do? Duke Topaz has a war to win"

"What has that got to do with this?" Shard snorts

((Afk))

"It means the countess might feel pressure against us and trhis pacificfist stuff"

"Maybe. Or maybe the fact that we have been attacked for a while will suggest a way to peace?" She sighs. "Focus on what we can do, not what we don't know."

"There's wisdom in her words," The dragon of feathers and fangs declares

Speaking of Jessica that is.

"We can do what we can do... the Pit is not a place of war , but battle, and there is a difference mmm?"

Shard nods, "A place to release that rage and need to prove oneself."

Jessica nods. "Stay in communication and let me know what you need, yes?"

"We'll have a list" Symond assures

"Good." She pauses, rubbing the base of her horns. "You know... if an Unseelie troll needed a place to hide, and heal.... there are worse choices than here." Neutrally.

Shard's brow knits "might be so"

Jessica nods, hands still worrying her horns. "Someone thinking that might make this place a target."

"We'll spread word he's not here..." Shard says

Symond snorts "Like anyone will believe that if their mind is made up"

"Be ready to defend, that's all." A thinking pause. "I... No, nevermind. Ok. I've got some more rounds to make. Be in touch."

"We shall" a nod

She heads back to the parlor, hopefully to find Father V there.

Nope.

"Damnit, right... told him I'd get him help. Hold the fort, Phobos. I'll check in again later. I'm going to Fenix and then the church."

And she does, stopping at the Freehold on the way for childling caretakers; Emilo is asked specifically if he will come.

Emilio is quick to assist

Jessica gives him an approving (and gentle) clap on the back, and off the group goes.

They search him out only to find...a hooded monk, very tall, outside the cathedrel blocking their path

Jessica stops some distance away. "Everyone wait here. I'll see what the situation is. If it goes south, get back to Fenix and sound the alarm." She crosses to the monk.

Troll, judging by the blue hands, and under his robes he carries..."Here. " A harsh whisper and handed to her is Father V. "He was injured in a fight. Do not worry about the children, they are still safe, and still unknown... to most"

"Take. Care. Of. Yourself." A desperate order as she takes the limp body.

Not so much limp, as stiff. Near frozen. Winter magics?

"Stasis, so he would not bleed out" The troll explains.

A glance again to his blue hands. There are no tattoos on his wrists. This.. this isn't Duff

Startled, she looks up into the hood; she'd been avoiding it before.

She sees a chin, the top half of the face heavily obscured by hood and the shadow it casts

"Who are you?" Brows drawing down, very much on guard and protective... her mother's daughter.

"The one that fought the thallian that came for the childlings. The Thallian are dead. But your task is only begun. The Tree Prince reaches out his roots to offer shade of a sort . The Summer Lord is mad, but the Falcon finds it's wings ragged and worn. The rogue of marks licks his wounds in the were a westwind flowed through the rafters, and his lies he sends aplenty to shield you. You are on a good path, but it may yet give way under you. Be ready to catch."

A long pause. "What?"

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The shadow knows" He says in that harsh whisper.