#fenixtj

*********Sometime later*************

The event at Carnival was ..actually amazing. Jessica was not looking forward to being the butt monkey for the night. But Duke Tierone as leader over even her, played the part of fool. He took the abuses and jibes and slams.

And Jessica got to dress in a costume and observe with no one knowing who she was.

'Not looking forward....' vs. "UTTERLY SHOCKED AND STUNNED.'

Her own costume was modest, and she did what she could both to learn from what the Duke did, and protect him.

She learned a lot. Some of which may have disappointed her. House Liam still faces a lot of prejudice, and the boy is a Liam. So hearing folks sneer about House Liam while folks didn't know SHE was there (Or that it was here) confirmed that the bias was still strong with some. Still, no one did any real harm, that's forbidden on Carnival.

She also learned good things. Lots of praise for things coming along.

Jessica did all she could to mitigate any prejudice, even revealing herself, and to comfort and honor the Duke.

That would have been against the Duke's wishes. He had told her before "They won't respect me if I don't honor the tradition of Carnival. Besides, you think I wasn't insulted before?"

Then she will abide.

But.. she might have had..fun?

Well, she won't suffer through the night, except by proxy.

The biggest wonder was King Alfonso! The mortal enchanted and made king for the evening. To everyone's surprise, he had a drop, just a drop, of fae blood. And he took to the enchantment well...

and he gave some amazing orders... mostly to have fun, but he treated the jester well. He ordered everyone to put 10 dollars into a pot to be taken in the morning to a childrens fund!

He also lead them on a wild rumpus and held painting contests to cover up ugly grafitti ...

it was almost a reverse hunt. They didn't terrorize anyone, they beautified the neighborhood with magic and paint.

And as he was king, folks HAD to obey.

So now, the day after, she's possibly enjoying the hard work and results. Duff, who works best in tattoos, did a darn fine job painting for the orphanage.

And she might, just might, feel a bit gloaty as he sighs "You know what I would charge for this much work normally?"

She rests next to him. She is not gloaty. "I should have known. Or planned better."

"How is it you turn everything into your fault?" He kisses her cheek, "But thank you for not gloating over my forced community kindness"

"Because it is?"

"Jessica, you had a drunk mortal with all the power, how on EARTH are you supposed to prepare for every whim in his head?"

"I should have found the right mortal."

"First of all, the Duke set that in motion didn't he? Before becoming jester?

And..second.. how weas he not your dream mortal? Money for the poor, community improvement? I think King Alfonso was your spirit animal"

"I have to wonder how I didn't see him, Know about him."

"Tijuana is a huge HUGE city. You can't know every mortal"

A shrug.

"Jessica, I care for you, but you think too much of your power... and because you are a responsible sort... you beat yourself up for not living up to that power level's chances"

She rolls to her side, to look at him. "Too much? What else should I do? I find fault with how I prepared for Carnival this year. All of them, really. I wasn't ready. I need to be ready. Next year, I will be."

"Jessica, High King DAVID isn't as prepared as you are for events"

"Well, he doesn't have a better staff....."

"now see, that sort of pride is the only sort you allow yourself, pride in your people " A smile though "Not that you're wrong. Pretty good crew."

She nods, agreeing.

"Are you actually NOT happy with a successful carnival? "

"Of course not! I'm happy with how it turned out."

"Then, why are you chastising yourself over success?"

A sigh, and shrug.

"You beat yourself over not being perfect it seems. And... well, " A pause "Perfect isn't possible. Not all the time for all situations at any rate"

"But holidays. I mean.... I can -know- when those are coming."

"But everything else is in flux. Samhain has the mists. Carnival has a drunk whimsical mortal king"

"But the dates are the same, and can.... should.... be planned for."

"So, because you control when, you control who, what, how, and why? You know that's not the case. You didn't even pick the king..so Who is out. How was also.. you didn't collect him. Too hard on yourself, Ocean Eyes"

A shrug, and she rolls to the other side, away.

He strokes her hair, "Fine. It's all your fault. The county is aswamp in hang overs because you haven't cured those"

A glare over her shoulder.

"I should get going." She slides out, taking the sheet with her to the adjoining bathroom.

"I...shit." He says