#fenixtj

"But I want the final call to be mine."

"mmmm" A frown "so what power do they have beyond advice? And what incintive is there for them to show up for such a powerless position?"

"The opportunity to influence decisions, tackle real problems, and make a difference. Diego.... haven't I relied on you and Phobos and Demos, and Nancy, and others? I don't turn -only- to Sir Jack, or Father V, or Dame Mitra, do I?"

"No, you don't, but it's a hard sell, Jessica. Maybe, if there were some day to day operation they could be handled it might atl east seem like something." a brow "Might do yOU some good too. If you focus on all the little things, you end up dropping big ones"

Jessica nods. "I agree."

"Now, we're voting in representatives who've lived here a year and are wilders or older. That's the full list of qualifications. That's not a lot to go on and I'm going to need to get to know them, their strengths and weaknesses. Then, yes, giving over parts of the day to day operations of the -County- not just the fief, is in order."

That seems to mollify "All right. I"ll get back to work on this and come up with something I odn't like and you don't like... and who knows, maybe that will make it the right thing"

Jessica chuckles. "Maybe so. Thank you, Diego."

"You're welcome' He takes his papers and goes

Ash approaches, the Beaumayn has been a hit with some of the childlings

Jessica greets her. "Good morning."

The older woman smiles "Good morning to you, excellency"

Vali's former mentor has fit in well enough.

"I trust your Samhain wasn't ... too unpleasant?"

"Nope. Holed myself up in a private room like a big ole coward" A smile

"I haven't done that, but don't think it didn't occur or doesn't appeal."

"Lack of rank has it';s privlieges" She admits "A knight gets away with somethings a higher noble doesn't"

"What do you think of Renaissance now that you've seen it unseelie?

"Truthfully, it's hopefully named in some ways. There's a great dearth here, a want. And yet, some amazing creativity"

Jessica nods. "I'm not sure you're aware, but it was a Balor holding before now, and a Fiona holding before that, but Common-held prior to the Resurgence."

"Most things were, prioir" she says

"True."

"But if you mean 'I should have seen it before in Balor's hands' I can concede the point. Of all the Shadow Three, Balor is the most blatant in it's corruption"

"Well, they can't really hide it."

"So they celebrate it" She frowns "I'd have sympathy for those stunted, or even admiration for overcoming a challenge. But they seek to hinder and warp everything around them..." A scowl

"Agreed."

"Anyway.... I called the place Renaissance to indicate a change from those days."

"It's a fine name" She says

Jessica nods.

"Jessica... have you given more thought on what knights are definitely in your service? I don't mean to press, but I can't help but wonder"

"No, that's perfectly ok to ask, Dame. Truth to tell, I've been waiting for everyone to take our measure, and for us to take yours. Where do you see yourself fitting in here?"

"I assume you'll need a knight to lead patrols, an elder to lend advice, and someone to look pretty. As a sidhe grandame knight I can do all three"

A chuckle. "A savings to be sure." She agrees.

Ash smiles "Exactly. I can tell you I've had visions, but as I can't tell you ABOUT Those visions, that leads to trouble"

"I understand; Vali explained."

"Yes... I think that was the most frustrating part for him..." SHe sighs "As if it wasnt' for us all. If you can accept that, then I think I'd be a good knight in your service"

"I know Vali's been a good friend to Rivervale; I think we'd be honored to have you here."

"THen let me know when and where to swear. " She smiles, "I've been watching ... the place is not ideal, but the people? The people respect the hell out of you, and they look to you. To me? that's more important than if the toilets seats in a hold are diamond plated"

Jessica nods gravely. "Dame, what do you think of establishing a commoner's advisory counsel?"

"Advisory? Wise. Titles do not give one a monopoly on good ideas, and high seats sometimes miss angles"

She nods and drinks her coffee.

"I made Phobos a knight last night, apparently."

"That's ..interesting? There are redcaps who are knights. Some respected, almost all feared"

"That's Phobos." She agrees. "I'll knight his brother, too, if Demos wishes."

"You're telling me this to make sure I can be tolerant of other kiths? or just filling me in?"

"Or" She smiles 'Because I DID ask"

"Both, all."

"Fair" She nods "I hope they continue to serve you well. And I can adapt"

Jessica offers her hand.

She shakes it