#fenixtj

Jessica stand, regretfully. "I'll go tell Mitra. Then... I'm sorry, but I'm going to need to spend a night at the apartment. I've been in here a month. You understand?" She asks the Balefire.

The balefire.. pouts? But yes understands

"Thanks." Softly, and she goes to find Dame Mitra.

Dame Mitra is talking on the phone, "Yes, I don't care if everyone favors her, I'm not throwing away good money. Put one hundred dollars down on her anyway."

Jessica lifts her hand, acknowledging, but gives Mitra her privacy.

Mitra ssays "Mm oooh.. ah... yeah...50 on him. Yes. Later" She hangs up looking almost embarrassed

Jessica inspects.... um... a wall.

"A little friendly wagering on Pennons"

"Hm? What?"

"Pennons, coming up soon?" She says "Anyway... not wagering on any Pennons I am in, that would be cheating. Just other locales. So...how are things?"

Jessica motions, and they go somewhere private. "Keep a secret?"

She raises a brow "I'm sorry, did I turn into a Daireann when I wasn't looking? Of course I can"

A faint smile; Jess knows that.

"Duke Tierone's been here. There is a new arrangement."

"I figured there would be, but the details? I confess my nature gnaws at me" the lovely warrior knight smiles "Here to save me from that I hope?"

Jessica nods, and they sit.

She sits and does wait patiently

"The Duke sees fit to give me both Renaissance, and Lord Summerstrike's lands which I promise you will need a name-change, with all Balefires, holdings, et al."

Her jaw drops, "Incredible. I knew you were staying if you wanted to. He'd be a fool to throw you aside or ask you to leave but...that means you're being elevated to ..." She says "Oh Jessica, anyone else I'd congratulate. With you I wonder if I should extend sympathies. I know you've never sought rank of such nature"

She nods slowly. "I... didn't. I don't. But. It gets us what we need so......"

"So it seems. " A nod "Well ,you've proven a good ruler, but I do worry how thin you're going to be stretched. You rule from here, I assume?"

"So far.... as much as we have a plan... that's the plan. Um."

"I owe the Co-op a Balefire but... really... Shard built and paid for the Pit... and then I ignited it.... so...."

"The Pit's fate is not set in stone, but I understand. Besides, Fenix likes you. I can tell..sometimes you stare into the fire and you actually smile" Deadpan "just a little."

She nods. "I know." Quiet.

"So.... the Co-op may be moving to Sum... the former Summerstrike lands."

"It's a city, but hardly that big a city" She assures "You'll see them. Trust me."

"I wanted... if there was space, Mitra.... I would have suggested you."

"Thank you, that's ..kind. You were truly thinking of raising me to a baroness? "

"You -deserve- it." Firmly.

Mitra smiles, "i'm begining to think I'd serve better reminding you of things"

"I would be... always grateful for that. Um. So. Thing is.... Um. I can't manage both lands. It's a lot. So the former Summerstrike has to have a..... ok, crap, it's Tweak."

"Unless we find a different and better answer."

"Oh , Let Tweak have Summerstrike's lands. I won't lie and say I wouldn't have plans for it, but if I may? You're missing that this is your chance to take back at least a third of the pit"

"How so?"

"Because, Symond is there to represent the Co-Operative because you couldn't give them all the Pit. Ergo Sum something or nother, with the Co-Op getting sumerstrike's lands, you are well within your right as Countess to say you've kept your word, the Co-Op is fine... and has no claim on two holds or even a hold and a 3rd. A certain young lady Clurichaun is still too young to rule, so you send me as Regent on her behalf. Symond either goes to the Sumerstike hold, or takes over Tweak's workshop below depending on which of those two options Tweak prefers."

Jessica nods. "Yes. That's not.... Yes."

"Are you ok with Abuelita?"

"I find her fascinating. She's born of mortal life force and ancient legend. And she can fight. " She says "My only concern is a I might be a bit bitchy with all the angry energies, but then I am a warrioress. Now Shard might growl, but he respects me as a warrior."

"Oh.... kay......" Jessica tries to put things together.

"ALso, this will placate some of the local nobles... and the commoners will likely be too caught up to complain. Honestly your biggest challenge mabye Tidemarch"

"Tidemarch is not a challenge. Is he?"

"He's the Baron who has been here longest and I wouldn't be surprised if he had his hands in things to bring Summerstrike down. "

"Well we should see to that, shouldn't we?"

"We should.." She agrees (PRESS SEND)