#fenixtj

"Dame... I think I'm going to take a hot shower, and then patrol. Will you excuse me?"

"Of course. Would you like company for the patrol?"

She nods. "Meet me at the door in 30 minutes."

And she goes to get cleaned up.

Assuming there are no surprises in her room after Samhain, she meets Dame Ash at the door.

Dame Ash is armed and armored and ready to follow "My liege, just to be sure, you prefer Jessica save in formal court?"

"I do, thank you." she confirms.

"All right. I will get that down," She nods "So, patrols, do you encourage socializing and hob nobbing or distance and focus? "

"Well, depending on the situation. If there's a known issue, distance and focus are best. But, people need to know I am available to them when they need me."

They head out together.... and Jessica acknowledges, at least to herself, that they're heading towards the tattoo parlor.

"I enjoy socializing, makes for good relations with the locals. I always told Vali, befriend the locales, and you have a dozen more eyes before you know it"

"My folks feel the same way; mom's very good at it."

"Oh? I had heard she was quite stoic. shows what rumors know"

"She is." Jessica agrees. "But she cares, and it shows."

"mmm " A nod "Vali spoke a bout her... like a second beloved aunt, he said.... then he added 'then again, both aunts are scary as hell in their own way but hey'"

"Both? Well." Jessica thinks, nods. "Aunt Kerri is more powerful than some might give her credit for."

"I believe he meant the countess of Charm."

"Hm." A frown. "I don't know her."

"Me neither," She admits 'Not in person"

Jessica slows, observing the tattoo parlor from down the street.

Duff is there. No customers today

"Dame, will you excuse me just a moment?"

"Of course. " She says "I'll stay on position here" A nod

Jessica nods and disappears into the parlor.
(Pause)

The bell above the door tinkles.

Duff gets a mop

((Ok, that legit made me snerk....))

Duff greets her, "Jessica, come in. How are things?"

"In one piece, it seems. How was your Samhain?"

"What I remember of it? Quite pleasant."

"Good. Um. Where was it?"

"With you I think... we hunted some folks down"

"Oh!" she brightens a bit "Oh, you were there too? Good. Good."

"Lot of fun... well , i enjoyed it. You seemed kind of pissed but most satisfied when you taught them a lesson"

"Well, yes." A pause. "There's a Balor entombed at Fenix."

"You're teasing me" he says but looks intrigued

"No, really. He was behind all the stuff last night."

"Huh... " A smile "'entombed'?"

"I had him bricked up this morning."

"You're going to think I'm not a well man , but I have to say this anyway 'you are incredibly sexy to me now'"

She purples a little but doesn't seem to reject the notion. "I'm on patrol with Dame Ash."

"That's a pity" He says "Not that I have anything against the lady" He puts a hand around her waist, "Perhaps, I know you are busy, but sometime tonight, I take you out for dinner?"

"Yes."

"Ok, that'd be nice."

"Excellent, I know a little place. You like Japanese food?"

"It's been a while but I remember liking it."

"Well this place is really good, and a bit out of the way but still in the city so... win win" Duff kisses her gently "We'll text later, find the best time?"

She returns the kiss warmly. "That sounds good."

"Good, Samhain and wildhunts are fun, but sometimes i just like great food while I stare into the ocean hued eyes of a beautiful intelligent woman"

The purple stays. "I could say something about what I'll be doing while you and she are eating but...."