#fenixtj

Meanwhile, at Fenix... Jessica has enjoyed Clem's presence. And Clem has enjoyed much of what Jessica has to show, to a degree "So mush urban sprawl.... I mean, it's a lot of people but ... I think I'll take rural anyday"

The jog to Jessica is the new normal...to Clem, it's a land of squalor and want mixed with rich tourism in striking contrast. Crime ridden streets and families working out of their holes. Clem doesn't know where to look for the displays of brilliance and artistry, doesn't yet see the power of the dreams

((Jog = they are out on patrol/exercising or typo?))

Jogging, though it could also be a patrol, showing Clem the area

((Cool.))

Jessica takes a drink of water from her holstered bottle and nods. "If you want, we can take a route later that gets out into the open land."

"And there's the beach."

"It's your turf, I'm good with any. And I dont' mean to disparage. "

"I don't feel insulted." she points out "It's a challenging place. There -is- hope and beauty and wildness here; just not easy to find."

"I see, the rarity making all that more wonderful huh?" they move past a locale's attempt to make a mural, it's hardly perfect, but it's bright and defiant against the squalor

"Can do." She nods. "Dreamers here are easy to lose and hard to muse."

They do head towards the beach, a more rocky and thus private area... Clem's glad of that "Okay, I'm not as ocean crazy as your sister but this IS nice." she admires

"How's your Primal?"

"Um. I can Whisper things, and Manifest elements. Why?"

"I was thinking I might give you some lessons" Clem says with a smile "You interested?"

"Give me lessons?" A bit puzzled. "I, um, I'm not that good with magics, Clem. Might be an exercise in futility."

"Truth to tell, that's why I was thinking you might want to bone up on it... Jessica, I'm a bit worried about you. One thing I've noticed about Countesses... whatever I may think of titles, most of them have either powerful arts, or are way better than your average warrior to back up that ruler ship. I ain't say 'all power comes from the barrel of a gun' not a fan of Mao, but I do believe that you need a few aces up your sleeve."

"also, you're my friend and while I can't fuss and fidget over you, i can help you find more tools to handle things on your own" she grabs a small rock off the beach, hurls it into the air and into the water! the water bubbles...and a porpoise springs out heading towards the sea.

Jessica blinks.

"Um."

"Won't last long... drastic transformations wear off faster an mineral to animal is pretty drastic. I was thinking of teaching you oaken shield. Interested?"

Jessica is quiet a moment, then nods. "Yes. Um. Clem, it's going to take more than one lesson....."

"Tell me about it, you Cali girls are not known as braintrusts" straight faced, then a slight twitch of the lip

"Look, I know I'm not a great warrior -or- a great magician."

"And may never be, but not for any failing on your part... best is a narrow peak and dangerous to climb for... better? Better we can do. Don't worry, This gives me an excuse to drop by... get you started a bit further on the path."

Jessica takes a deep breath, swallows, and nods. "Thank you."

"You're welcome" she says "And sides, it's good training for me too."

She does look over the water, "And this might be a good place to start... waves help clear the mind"

"They do?"

"Well, the sound is soothing I think" Clem shrugs "Maybe not for you? We'll practice any place you want." And they do practice.

Lessons on how to draw on the power of oak, to feel like you have roots...

to draw up the shielding... protection magics... those are coming easier.

a montage that..sadly, does not end in mastery!

but progress is made.

until Jessica realizes they've been at it for longer than she intended to be out.

"Oh Jeeze.... Clem, look at the sun. I need to get back, I'm sorry...."

"No no worries... duty first ..." She moves with her.

They arrive to see Phobos looking unsure. And Thane Coy looking disgusted

"What's wrong?" Immediately.

"We got an offer for a kid" Sir Phobos says "One that might keep the Countess..err the kid one, entertained"

Coy snorts "This fellow is asking for a FINDER's Fee"

The 'fellow' in question is a troll.. clearly unseelie.

"-What-?!?!"

his green tinged skin and brutish jaw , he maybe more handsome than olgar, but... "Your excellency... " He bows clumsily "Just the lady i hoped to see. have I got a deal for you. I hear you have a countess childling now. Word is maybe an heir, maybe just a special guest you want the best for. A sidhe? now you don't beat sidhe kids.. so how are you going to teach them? the answer? A whipping girl! " He scoots out a little girl about Ellie's age, maybe a touch younger. She appears to be a donkey pooka.. or burro pooka, with her ears laying flat almost hair like "See how cute she is? When your little ward misbehaves, you take this one, get a a switch or board, obviously nothing inhumane, and have at her rump. Might want to lift the tail"

"This educates the sidhe childling... lets her know her actions have consquences for others." The ogre guy explains

the little burro girl fidgets

Those close to her (in proximity or emotionally) recognize an unfamiliar rage in her ink-black eyes. They've seen her resigned, successful, exulted, angry and even furious.... but this is burning beyond all that.

"Now, I figure a fair price for a finder's fee, a bit of dross, some cash is fine... but I'm telling you, this girl is docile.... and knows the job." The Ogre grins "Best part? Feed her as a burro and it's dirt cheap! No upkeep"

Sir Phobos shrugs "From a certain point of view it makes sense ..though I didn't know childlilng sidhe didn't get spanked"

It takes a long moment before the Countess (the big one) speaks.