#fenixtj

"She could be a symbol, make sure you have a grip on what she gets to represent" he advises, then sighs "I'll see if we can get a few more childling suitable materials.Children, even young tyrants, need toys"

"And other childlings."

"Mmm yes." He ponders "Yes, that's a notion."

"I'm going to let the Duke know about her as well."

"Seems wise" a nod

"Thanks." Wryly.

"I'm full of obvious statements, alas, cassandra like, they're not always heeded" He says "mmm childlings" And he nods "Anything else you need from supplies or foods? I'm told we need materials for more churros?"

A puff of amusement. "They seem to be popular." She agrees. "Maria and Rosa would know what else we might need."

"They're the ones who told me about the Churros, but I'll ask if they wish more " he says "Oh, the DeBukes brought in corn. It's actually good"

Jessica blinks. "Crap. What happened to Caspian?" She rubs her horns. "This has been a hell of a day......"

"Caspian is still here." Diego says "Telling everyone the story of your great rescue of the innocent"

A soft groan. "Great."

"The Pooka here love him" A nod

"Crap, that reminds me.... have you seen Sir Buce?"

"I have, should I send for him?"

"If he's not busy? Thank you....."

"Why not... maybe he'll want Churros.." The steward says and moves on.

And surely enough, Sir Buce trots in soon after

"Great Empress, I am but a weapon for you to draw in the war for love and beauty and the protection there of! Take me by the hilt, and lift me high."

he bows

"Um. Thanks." Jessica arranges to talk privately. "Can you tell me what happened with Siv?"

"AH, well, lady, as you know I would never tell a falsehood, but at the time, she was quite a bristle and ready to buck, if I may be so informal? Some there at the establishment did make play for her stabling, and she did not wish to be stabled, nor saddled... and insult was given to her, and accepted. Twas a merry brawl"

"Yes, I saw some part of that....."

"By such, bondings might arise and so... after our deadly battle... she and I did converse... as is the nature of we knights" A shake of his head "She expressed displeasure with all kin everywhere.. and and also spoke of her fragile shell so easily cracked by them. I am reluctant to go into more... but I did take the liberty of going on a soft trot about the thing until she worked out her steam thusly... every women hates a chance to voice frustration to an open ear"

Jessica nods, following carefully.

"And mayhaps I explained to her that a Fiona cannot , should not, deny any love, even if that love means a local noble takes on the mantle of Bossy Bear guardant"

"Sir......" A breath. "Out of curiousity, do you think I should tell the Baroness of EarthRunes about what happened here?"

"As well as any warhorse may" He says looking sheepish, but he nods "Would that my tongue were truer than a Gwydion's"

"I don't -really- want to cause trouble for her....."

"What thinkest the Baroness will say?"

"Guess it depends on how I put it."

"Aye. A slippery thing... this act of heroism and defiance... " Buce says

"Bloody insubordinate, that's what it was....."

"And were situations reversed? " He asks "She the Countess you the Loving sister?"

"I know how to follow orders, especially in a combat situation." Jessica folds her arms over her chest.

Buce nods "And do you believe she will learn to think as you do should her baroness take her to task? Or will it merely be a bridge aflame?"

"Big bonfire, yep."

"Love you the bridge so little?"

Jessica sighs. "So, no. Don't tell the Baroness, and I guess not our mother either."

he puts a hand on Jessica's shoulder "If you feel your sister hems you unfairly in the name of love, then what cheat to go to one you BOTH love for a third opinion? Is that not what chieftains are for? to guide daughters?"

"This wouldn't be a mother-daughter issue; at least, not strictly."

"Whether it is or is not, would be a matter for she I think... but my point being you are allowed to turn to more than a mule headed equine for input" A nod

"You spoke with her, and you're Fiona. I figured you had a good chance of .... of understanding her point of view, and being able to express it to me."

"Oh, that..." A frown "Lady I am sworn to thee, so it is the same.. and, of course.. I am the hateful sister." Trying to find words, "So it is the same?" A thought "But were I she, and she me? "A brow "Nothing on this universe could stop me from being by thy side in battle, not even a dictum thousand fold"

A sigh. "I suppose that's what I get for inviting her along."

"That is something to consider.. but then again, thy precogiition is so full proof above all others"

"I'm not really blaming myself, Sir Buce. Just.... you know. Lessons learned."

"If I take this up with either the EarthRunes Baroness, -or- our parents, it escalates. Suppose I'll just .... let it go."

"mmm " A question "What does it cost thee not to go to them?"

"What does it cost?" A shrug "She might get herself killed."