#fenixtj

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Jessica may just have to face the terrible terrible truth. She rather enjoys sex now and then.

Not that she's going to tell any one with goat leggings about it.

And nor does her lover roll over, he instead talks to her, "Do others know nervous you are about this change?"

"I figure everyone who knows about it does." No mistake or doubt, there is a more satisfied, relaxed air about her now.

"They'll probably tell you what I am telling you, you're going to be fine. That's not blind faith, you've adapted to every challenge thrown at your feet with amazing fortitude. ..and "A smile "Sometimes gritted teeth. But experience and past situations prove to me you can do it."

"I know." A sigh.

"Now, where do you think youu're going to have the biggest problems, challenges etc? " He scootches, "I'm curious."

She stares at the ceiling; the sound of the ocean and a warm, salty breeze come from the window. "Not everyone is going to be happy I have a new title. I don't know what the Duke wants to do about the Nunnehi. I think Tweak is going to have an embolism about leaving and I wish I could fix that. I have -no- idea how the very Seelie population of Summerstrike's former fief will take me, or Tweak. I have to visit Tidemarch, friendly-like; that could be awkward. And then there's you."

"I'm..actuallly flattered I'm on the list," he says with no mockery

"The Nunehi policy is one you should push for... you worked too hard for it."

"You're not wrong. Maybe it's enough, at first, just to try and get the former-Summerstrike's lands.... God, we have -got- to get a better name.... to settle down and pacify. -Then- work on establishing lines of communication."

"Mm me? I think you should tilt the electoriate" A grin

"Heck, you can even do it and it be honorable and fair"

"Huh?"

"Jessica, you worry that the fief might be TOO seelie. Yet, you know some changelings who were exiled, and know OF many more... declare they will be allowed to move back...maybe that will work? They'll be so grateful to have a choice they'll rally behind you and tweak"

"I have thought of that." She nods, hair brushing against the pillow. "I will need to take the temperature there. It's possible the entrenched Seelie there will resent that move, especially if they share Summerstike's prejudices."

"All the more reason to defang their power"

"Temperature first." A sigh. "Tweak and I have to visit. As soon as possible."

"I don't want to go just now but...."

"Understandable. Mmm you could even play this as a good cop bad cop situation I suppose"

"If it's necessary to play at all."

"The play is the fun part Jessica. Shaking the anthill, throwing off expecations, or using those expectations to your advantage."

A sigh and a -look-.

"I know, I know, I'm a bad man"

"But that doesn't mean I'm wrong"

"No really my style, thpugh. Thank you for the suggestion."

"It might be Tweak's style...and she will be rulilng"

"Well, over that fief"

"That's up to her."

"Yes. I suppose so.."

"Well, once everything is in place."

"mmm .. .. I wonder if I could spread rumors about how you're the only thing fighting off a crazed Liam Duke from dishonoring the Summerstrike area"

A look of speculation in his eyes.

"Duff, don't help. "

"Spoil sport"

"I don't know that it's going to be an issue. It's a possibility. I want to figure that part out first."

"How can I help , if I can help at all? "

"Well... " a sheepish grin "... this is nice."

"It is" A kiss, brief but pleasant "And jokes about how I am happy to be of service anytime aside- you should visit your apartment, and just ..be with someone now and then. Not just to hold off Bedlam, but to recharge a balance. I am sure Fenix understands."

She nods. "Fenix does."

"So.. Im going to need a movie list"

A shrug. "Games are good too. We used to do singing, some nights; dad plays the guitar. Mom would work on her carvings."

"That sounds almost picturesque" He agrees. "Games? Like boardgames?"

"And card games. My folks don't have a TV."

"mm. Cards I play. Poker?"

"Sure, I know how."

"mmm " Thougtful "Strip Poker would certainly keep me out of trouble for an evening"

A soft laugh. "We didn't play -strip- poker!!"

"I didn't think so, but hey, I'm talking about you and I" A grin