#fenixtj

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"Lady, you may wish to rise" Maria's gentle voice says

No.....no, looks like she really doesn't.

"Ok. But your family is on their way in"

"Huh!?"

"A patrol spotted the Chieftain, Mountain and Captain"

"Ok... ok, I'm up." And a hot mess. "Coffee ready?"

"Coffee, a change of clothes. We took liberties. Pardon"

"Ok...." she pushes her hair back. "...ok." And she heads to greet them.

Mitra follows "If they ask, I'm the one who decided not to tell them you were in a coma"

"You sure?"

"Well, it is true. The choice was mine."

"Ok."

"That said, you'll noticed I'm armored with shield"

"They aren't really violent people, Dame."

"They're parents, Jessica. And they're going to have a lot of retroactive fear and concern for you on the edge now. And upset that I didn't tell them. They're going to think they had a right to know. The truth is they should be damn proud. You were amazing and you saved the Countess"

"- We- saved her."

"Fair, but you lead. That's what you do" She says.

"Fair."

"Are you planning on retiring? If you don't like the new count or countess?"

"What!? Planning on... no. Not planning on it."

"I was just curious. "

A chuckle "maybe we'll luck out and get an Eiluned Count or Countess."

Jessica gives her a speculative look. "Maybe."

"Not me, very few knights jump to count or countess thank you. I'm quite aware I am no CountessAkanthea."

A shrug.

"maybe they'll offer a promiotion to your mother. She'd have to move, but she's an ideal candidate if the Autumnsbane were willing to release her."

Jessica nods. "She would be. I don't see it happening but.... she'd be great at it."

"I doubt it will too. She seems to be very much..well, more woody haven than big city"

A smile. "She is."

"Ive been there once or t wice. Beautiful location really if you're into that. Do you miss it?"

"Sure."

"Well, thanks giving isn't so far. Take a week off"

"Probably, yes."

"Excellent. I notice the marks on your arms have almost completely faded."

"Thank God. Um. How does the rest of me look?"

"Touch up the hair a bit more... your left"

She gives it a shot.

"Better... and ease up. It's your family, not a firing squad."

"I know. Just a busy day."

"Don't let yourself feel overwhelmed if you can help it. Most of it is now in hands much more titled than ours"

"I know. " And she does try to be a bit more confident.

And off they go.

(Back to PBEM land)