#fenixtj

Jessica is used to the DeBukes wheelbarrowing in food supplies... but it's not often Clem herself. Of course, Clem is using this as an excuse for them to chat

A small smile. "Hey Clem!"

"Hey, Westward," A smile back "I know you folks grow your own corn and good maize at that, but seriously the crop we've got is so sweet is' almost candy and not to be missed so I brought extra corn on top of the usual... also thought if you had time you and I might squeeze in a chat ?"

"Of course." She helps off load the supplies at the kitchen, and while there puts together (or, fine, lets the staff put together....) a container of drinks and snacks to take with them to a shady spot in the sun of the former spa's atrium. "Here ok?"

"Just fine, and quite lovely." A look around "I thought My farm was the best at life magics, but for shear healing power it's hard to beat Fenix. I do envy that part.. "

"Well, there's balance. You've seen the Pit." She points out.

"Oh been there.. makes me nervous I 'll end up showing my mid riff and punching someone in the hole" A light blush

"Mmm." Jessica sets out the stuff, takes a bite. "How's the Farm?"

"Oh very busy, but also restless. The wilders want to DO more, see more. The Elders don't like new fangled things like some of the crops we're trying. I told them, drought's gonna hit the southwest hard... we need to grow things that the Southwest relies on to be ready for demand. Avacados don't mean we're hippies for lands sake." A sniff "Though I know for a fact some of our elders WERE hippies.. " Clem enjoys a sip, "ANd of course, the Maude babies seem to have everyone delighted and worried. Caesar might yet entice the mothers to take the kids off farm. Not sure I'm crazy about ALL of them going but that's not a hill I'm going to die on. It's up to the parents and all the nosy aunts and hurumphy uncles will have to deal"

Jessica nods. "We've got more Childlings here, as well. As you know."

"Yes, and that's part of why I came here, to talk about Ariel in more detail, and get your feel for this Ellie Girl."

She nods, takes a sip of lemonade. "What about Ariel?"

"Well, I do have a plan to let more wilders go out and see the world, I wasn't really sure about the Chilldlings. Yet, Ariel has asked if she could stay here for the summer ...at least. Says she has a friend. Ariel is a good girl, not a DeBuke, least not by blood. She came to us for a haven and home with her brother.. he was a troll she a satyr. When he was sained, we discovered he was a Fiona knight, but as he wasn't a DeBuke we..tolerated it. I know how snooty that sounds. Past lives can't be helped."

Jessica nods, perhaps reserving her opinion on 'snootiness'.

"I think Ellie needs friends... and Ariel might want a place less, trollish... where being a satyr isn't atypical but rather just another kith's take. But, I want to make sure Ellie's a decent influence. I've got some elders worried Ariel will end up a converted royalist and sworn out of naivity"

She nods slowly. "I will tell Eleanor that I wish her to avoid taking oaths from others for a year and a day, and to consult with me after that before doing so. So we can talk about it."

"Thanks, that does ease some worries" Clem says "Now, this Eleanor , I know she's new to you, but does she seem like a nice girl?"

"Yes." Jessica nods.

CLem nods "Any other impressions or things you think might I should know about her?"

"She's Beaumayn."

"Beaumayn " A nod "That house has done mine a good service, and to this day I am not sure why. Did they see it would make us tender? Or did Sir Vali just want to help other trolls even if it took sidhe to do it? I don't trust them, and yet their actions have been good to my folk, and I do feel a debt. Seems I could rationalize risking Ariel to repay a debt, but why should she bear the risk for my debt? On the other hand.. is it a risk? And rather would I be cheating her to... oh I don't know" A sigh "What do you think?"

"Vali.... he's solid, Clem. I would absolutely trust him with my life. My life, or the lives of anyone in my care. I have, actually, done so in the past." She sips. "I don't worry much about the why of what he does."

"He's an odd duck" She says. "But I also meant about turning Ariel over as long as you'll have her and so on I guess?"

"She's not a hostage." Dryly.

"You're not turning her over. Coy is going to be her guardian slash mentor. She can stay here if she wishes and you, on behalf of her family, approve. Vali doesn't represent all of House Beaumayn and as far as I'm concerned what's between the DeBukes and House Beaumayn is between them and not me. I'm neither DeBuke nor Beaumayn."

"If I thought she were a hostage you'd have an Iowan raid..." A snort "Fine... fine. I do see your points and thank you for letting her stay over. "

"Our pleasure."

"Now, three days is a guest.. longer than that seems like we ought to be making some things worth your while or at least help. What can we do to help with the childling supplies? They need blankets, toys? outfits? "

An eyebrow. "Clem, you just finished delivering, like, a couple weeks of produce. And from what I hear, -you- need childling supplies back at the Farmhold. Look, if you can just get Ariel's personal stuff here, that's plenty."

"Already in a bag... and the food was another bargain" Clem says "mm truth of the matter is, what i hear of this Ellie makes me feel sorry for her to a point. I don't trust most nobles, but I'm not without heart. Why I even feel a smidge of sympathy for this friend o mine who got herself roped into being a Countess just because she was too good at her job"

Eyebrow.

"We're friends, Westward, I reserve the to raz you" a smile

A huff, amused.

"Nobles are people too. Most of the time."

"Most of the time" She nods "Now I know you're proud, but I am offering help and not just with Ariel. You can bet if we start hurting I will let you know and see if I can count on your help. Not because you owe us, but because we're friends"

"And you would have our help." Jessica finishes her sandwich. "Clem, right now we're good thanks to your help. Honestly, one childling is not going to break the bank here."

"Ah, but you have two... and a county to run rather than just one hold. And I have a dozen pushy aunts and uncles to help baby suit ant tutor. But all right. LEt's talk shop in the other area... how are folks taking this new Countess child showing up on the political part? I ain't blind. Folks will make connections whether they are there or not"

A sip, a shrug. "I imagine the news is making it around. I'll have to bring the Baron and the Freeholders in to talk but ... I haven't yet. I don't really know the girl that well."

"Play with her" Clem says "No better way to get to know younguns than let them play... even if you don't join them in a good game hopscotch or skip rope, which I do find fun now and then... watch them play, show them things beautiful or fun.. and see how they see them. Take the kids to a zoo.. and you will learn which animals are their favorite, and why... and it will tell you a lot about how she sees the world."

"Maybe an outing." Jess considers. "I don't know if I'd be a very good playmate."

"Don't worry, they'll give lessons" Clem says

"I suppose."

She seems dubious.

"Jessica...I have seen you have fun." BROW

"Not sure the girls would have fun the same way, is all."

"No...that's true... but you'd be surprised how much fun it can be just knowing they're having a blast. Good for the soul." She says "I can tell you, Ariel enjoys singing and music as much as any satyr, but she also loves disney movies with happy endings and brave girls learning to become women..."

"Oh well, enough on that... youll learn her likes soon enough. I suppose. How are YOU?"

A deep breath. "Oh, I'm fine. People make sure I eat. And sleep. And breathe." She brightens. "I have had a few successes that please me."

"ha. I won't pester you too much about having 3 squares and naps... what's the successes?"

She relates about Jeffrey Culpepper in general terms. ".... so -maybe- we have a way in with the local Nunnehi now."