#fenixtj

"Well, you were mostly dead. I think that offers you an excuse mmm?"

"Maybe."

"I was surprised to see you. Well, anyone, but especially you."

"Jessica, why are you surprised I returned?" He seems a bit confused

"Because bad people are trying to kill you. Not that this time is different, except for the whole thing with Summerstrike and all."

"Have you been to your shop?"

"Summerstrike is defeated and no longer a threat," He says "And yes, briefly."

"I've been briefed. Now. And, good."

He looks over her, and frowns, "I thought the scaring of the arms would heal faster than this." He rises and limps over, running a finger along them.

She tries to withdraw but the damn door is behind her. "Why are you limping?"

He notices her attempt to withdraw, "My leg is.. not what it was" A shrug "I'm sorry. Would you like me to leave ?"

"No. I want to know why you're limping." Now her position on the door is a friend.

"I told you, my leg is hurt. Before you fuss, it won't heal. It LOOKS fine, but ..well, a sinew of sorts is... gone"

A long look.

"The important thing, Jessica is that your fief is safe. That's all you want, I know."

"Don't do that Duff. I know I'm .... contradictory but I swear to God if you don't answer me......."

"You did it." No question, no doubt.

Whatever "It" is.....

"It happened in the Dreaming I..." Then her accusations a scowl "They told you?"

"You quested for a cure for me and the Countess, and you were the one among those who did that actually found it."

"Yes." He says simply and shrugs "i'm told it was very heroic."

"By whom?" An eyebrow (she can't help it).

"Jessica...what are you feeling right now?"

"Swear to God, Duff..... Who told you it was very heroic?"

"Mitra, among others. Now, could you answer MY question?"

"Yes."

"Jessica" his turn to put that tone in his voice, "Unless you've joined House Eiluned..."

"Duff, there aren't'.... I can't.... It's all .... a lot. Ok?? A LOT???"

"A LOT!"

"I imagine." He says

"But if one of those emotions is anger I'm not sure why"

She looks ready to fight. Well, not physically but.....

She takes a deep breath.

"I'm not angry at you."

"I was surprised, that's all. Tell me what the story is now? Between us, what's .... we had a fight, you went rogue, childlings..... what happened after that?"

"I think we can drop the story... I've been delcared innocent of all charges etc etc...."

"By whom?"

"The new leader of the Principality, Duke Tierone ap Liam" Amused, "Did they tell you were in a Principality now? My god, SIdhe hubris is a power isn't it?"

"Duke Tierone did that?" Blink.

She leans harder against the door.

HE moves ot her side and puts an arm out for gentle support- nothing more, just support "Yes. The Baron Summerstrike's madness has been exposed. The childlings were saved, not kidnapped by me , and others know it. I should probably go do something horrible to restore my reputation."

A deep breath.

"Well. Good."

"Not... no, don't do anything horrible. Please."

A chuckle at that, th roaty and loud in his throat

Still leaning on only the door.

But a sigh at that chuckle.

He eyes the way she is leaning, "Jessica, take a seat. This is YOUR room, rest.. it's okay. You might need a bit more"

She pushes herself up a bit on the door. "I should.... um, I should probably go down to the kitchen. Um."