#fenixtj

"You're not in charge of Fenix?" She looks alarmed "What's happened? That's not fair. You're a hero!"

"No, Siv, like I said in the call... I have Renaissance and Baron Summerstrike's lands. But not officially, not yet."

"Oh.. I missed that part "A blush then "Wait... you're going to outrank mom? Geez that's got to be weird for you"

"Yeah. Little bit."

"Not to rush but why -are- you here?"

"To warn you, they're going after the Dragon before Samhain... so soon... " A breath "Mom is sure to be one of those going. She..she'ss telling me she'll make it, but you deserve to know it's happening soon. And yes, I wanted to make sure that at least one fief would take refugees in... only this time refugees from Dragon if all goes wrong."

Jessica swallows, and nods. "Thank you. And... yes, of course. We'll take anyone who comes as a refugee."

"Sorry, maybe I shouldn't have said anything, you've got a lot on your plate it's just... well, I'd be furious if you kept something about mom like that from me so... trying not to be a hypocrite right? So...how are things with you?"

"Yes, I understand. And... .well." She motions around. "You've seen. Can you stay?"

"I should text mom and dad and let them know. They've been trusting me more. I don't want to betray that...but I think so. And I see your'e busy, but ... well, I guess I was asking less how your land and people are doing and more how YOU are? you getting enough sleep?"

"Sure, let them know. And... no. But."

"Something I can do to help you here? I'm... very frustrated not being able to do more for Rivervale than I have."

"I ... don't know. Mostly it seems to me like ... well, what you saw out there. Listening to people, trying to keep things together."

"I can help with that," She says "I mean, I don't have authority to speak on anyone's behalf, but.. I get a feel for the crowd. Heck, they don't even have to know I'm your sister"

"You can do that?"

Siv cluthes her own face and makes make up motions.. a bit of glamour and suddenly there's a redcap, a tall one, where Siv was.

BLINK.

"Siv, what have you done?"

"Relax, I'm not really a redcap. If I tried to eat glass I'd regret it. Just learning metamorphsis. Handy art."

Jessica gets up and gets a mug of coffee. "I mean, not how can you hide yourself in a crowd, but how can you get a feel for it?"

"By paying attention, chatting folks up. I'm no boggan nor Gwydion but I can blend or stand out as I need."

"I'm not as good as Sylvi but I AM likable. "

"Well.... ok. But it would be ok if you want to just... relax. Hit the beach. The springs."

"So your orders are for me to goof off, and be of no use at all? Is that something you'd like if you were visiting Rivervale? Or would you look for ways to help?" The cap sis say

"I'm not ordering you. I'm saying either way is fine with me and you are welcome here."

"Plausible deniability, I get it. Clever sis" A wink.

A sigh. "No, Siv. I mean it. I'm not... being clever."

"I'm teasing, sis. I think I can mix a little work and play...hear what your folks are too afraid to say to you but wish they could. The problems they're taking on alone, but don't have to. And at the same time, take advantage of all the under age drinking that goes on."

Another sigh. "Ok. Good. Thank you."

"Okay. Probably joking about the drinking too. " She hugs her. Odd to have a redcap hug her, "I guess I should let you get back to work. Unless you want to talk about how men are idiots. I can go on for a bit on that"

"Maybe after the drinking." Jessica pauses. "Um. Might want to ... be cautious around Phobos and Demos."

"Right. I'll make sure not to flirt" A nose wrinkle. "See you, sis. I gotta text"

Then "Thanks for hearing me out. Always nice to know you've got our back" A smile

"Of course. I'll be out in a bit."

"if anyone asks, Dirkana didn't have much to say" Smirk and off she goes.

"Sure...... " And Jessica takes a moment or two before heading back out.

Sister is here to help. Is there any more terrifying sentence? Okay, unfair. But still

Still.

'Sister is here....' is terrifying enough.

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