#fenixtj

her eyes open on Zara again

"Shhh..." The sluagh is still kneeling by Phoebe's head.

Jessica moves to stand on the other side of Phoebe. This may not reassure, as she's a very tall person with a massive hammer resting on her shoulder, looking down at the prone girl.

Phoebe doesn't scream, but she does sniff "that wasn't very nice"

"It was not, no. But we had to be certain you were no tool."

"..was I? am I?" Phoebe might not be strong willed, but she knows there are powers that can overwhelm her.. overwhelm anyone.

"You were. You are not."

"I didn't mean to be" she says in a soft voice

"Flame free, does this mean she's coming into Fenix regularly?" Dame Dil asks Jessica

"Aye. They have harmed many, and used many. It is no shame on you."

"Damned if I know. Why?" She responds to Dil.

"I figured we';d escoret her back if so" Dame Dil says

Phoebe nods cautriously to Zara

Then the kinian looks to Jessica "I can sing.. help with the children if you wish? "

Jessica looks at Father V. "She'll need a place to stay. Means of income. She can't stay at the Freehold all the time."

"Well with so many staying home I suppose I could use her for some cleaning and office work, but in truth it would be short lived and very low paying. This isn't really a place for layman to live. But it may buy us time"

Jessica nods. "Let's do that for now." She turns to Phoebe. "Can you speak Spanish?"

"Si. Hablo español muy bien, gracias. ¿Necesitabas algo traducido?" she says

"No, gracias." She switches back to English. "But it will make finding you work easier."

She nods.

"mm" The father nods

"I..admit I would feel safer in a hold." The kinian grows nervous again.

"If someone comes after you, isn't that where they will look for you?"

Reasonably.

"She would be more protected... kinain have fewer natural defenses."

"It would be wise to hide her until we can see who set the mark, at the very least."

Jessica listens to Zara. Nods a bit reluctantly.

"On the nights when she is here, maybe I or some thane could be stationed here? " Dil says "If the father is all right with it?"

"And with the slavers here... aye. She is kin, she is our responsibility to watch and protect."

"Father?"

'I dislike the idea of violence here... I prefer wards, but I would not object to chimerical weapons I suppose.. only on the nights she is here" The father says

"I understand completely, Father."

The sister nods "i shall set my own eyes to work, Father. "

"Ok. So. For now, here. We'll work on mortal arrangements for her... and yes. Some days, I would like you to come to Fenix, Phoebe."

"Thank you" she says relieved

"You're welcome."

A deep breath. "Ok. Thank you, Father. Sister. You know if you need anything, you only have to let me know."

"of course, Jessica. God be with you" He says

Zara has been quiet but observant

The sister whispers to Zara, "i am not adverse to tea should you ever miss the ceremony here"

"Phoebe, I'll be in touch. Zara, Dil... you ready?"

"Ah... we must needs, SIster."

"I am ready, Jessica."

Phoebe nods.

Jessica nods to those staying, and leads those going.

Dil says "Quite ready"

THen she adds "your excellency" with a blush

Jessica does not take offence at this minor lapse.

And out they go...when they return to Fenix. They see Sir Buce standing guard... with his mane in.. ah..rather intricate braids with pastel ribbons.

"Well. That's different." She parks the bike.