#fenixtj

"Yes, your..." A breath "Yes your excellency. I'm called that. A friend gave me that name."

Ariel says "They called her Splotch which is like, SUPER rude."

"I don't think Phoebe is too much like Phobos."

"Feee-beee."

"It's mean!"

The last, agreeing with Ariel.

Jessica takes this in. "You were held by the Balor? Where?"

"I.. was not held so much as born and discarded " She says "My father was Arawn Paler"

Jessica's eyes narrow. "I have heard the name."

Phoebe lowers her eyes "I do not deny he was an evil man. He saw me as nearly useless... had I been born kithain he'd surely have put me to more use. I was not. Instead I was discarded to the mercies of any of my family who wished to abuse me. I was something of a thrall. When he died, then I was..liberated. but I have no home, no future. "

"How did you come to be in Renaissance?"

"I fled to an area where he was not known to have great influence or reach... it wasn't easy and took months" Phoebe says "But few expect someone to smuggle themselves INTO mexico"

"Fair point."

"Phobe, if you understand what I do of your.... connections, you will understand why I can't let you stay here. For now. But I know someone I am willing to ask for more information, and based on that, I can readdress."

"I do not intend to throw you out of Renaissance. I will make sure you have a place you can rest, and food, and some safety. At least until I know more."

Head tilt, squinting. "Is that a ghost-raven? Why is it white?"

Jessica looks around in 'that' direction.

Phoebe swallows, "I... I can sing. I had hoped to earn my spot.. if you give me a ...' then she catches herself, "Forgive me, Countess. My manners erode when you are being more than fa.." She turns and looks about, fearful

"Oh, she CAN sing!"

"Ghost raven? I don't see no..." Ariel squints, then says "Oh yes.She's got a voice like a disney princess"

Jessica doesn't see one either. Mmm

"I don't see anything, Ellie. Eleanor." She corrects herself.

"Sorry..."

Phobos comes in "Where do you want me to put her, boss?" He clearly means Phoebe

"Could she spend the night until she has a place to go?"

Dame Ash has arrived, clearly she was looking for the girls. But she sees Court is going on and does not intrude beyond arriving

"Do we have a safe house available?" She asks Phobos.

"Father V could put her up"

Jessica nods and addresses the room; both childlings, Phoebe, and Dame Ash. "Father V is a good choice. He's a healer, in his own way. I'll be in touch with my contact and we'll see what happens."

Phoebe inclines her head "Thank you. I..understand you must take percautions."

To Phoebe "The Balor, and that one in particular, made victims of many. I am willing to have you stay if you do not, and will not pose a threat. You understand the need for caution."

"I would abide by whatever rules you demanded. " She says startled that she is still being considered, "Beggars cannot be choosers I know. I would like to earn my supper, so to speak. I am told I sing well. Perhaps as a minstrel?"

"We'll see."

She nods and stays kneeling until told to rise

Phobos says "Want me to haul her over to Father V now?"

"Would you see if Father V can come here? Meet her?"

"Sure..." He grunts "I guess you can handle her if she tries something" And he bows

"I'll do my best, Phobos. Thank you. Phoebe, are you hungry or thirsty?"

"Yes" She admits

Jessica nods. "You should tell us from now on, when you are. Ariel, will you go let the kitchen know and ask them to bring something?"

"Yes, Chief... I mean, Countess.." And she moves "I can run real fast you just watch" zoom

"Thank you for listening to our petition, Countess!"

"You're very welcome, Eleanor. I regret needing to be so careful, but I must."

"I understand. The Balor are very dangerous."

"Yes, very" Phoebe whispers sadly.

"And it sounds like even if you can't stay here, she'll find somewhere safe...." A little dent between her eyebrows.

"I will do my best."

An earnest nod from the childling. "I know you will."

Food is brought out, smelling of finely done seafood.

"Phoebe, go ahead and eat and drink."