#fenixtj

Dame Dil waits patiently

"Sorry. Yes to Diego, and I'm on the way. Dame, do we have anyone who can be spared to run a few messages around?"

"Well, me if you like," Dil says. Beltaine or not, she's determined to prove her dedication

"It shouldn't take all day." Jessica offers. "Take this to Constance with my apologies and ask her to make copies for all Freeholders in the County; Tidemarch, Mitra, and Tweak. Then you take the copies and deliver them to same. Can you do that?"

"Gladly, your Excellency"

"Thank you, Dame. When you return, come see me..... and I'm sorry to interrupt your holiday, and Constance's. Please offer her my regrets."

"I shall, but like you said, we should get it done quickly" She assures then stops "Countess. Folks are curious. Is.. Is young Countess Elenaar your heir?"

"No."

"Okay" She says "Thank you for letting me know. " She bows and turns to do her duty

Jessica takes a moment to compose herself, a deep breath, and she sets off from the comfort and privacy of her room to the mayhem of May and Beltaine.

She finds the party has started, not quite wtihout her, but with dances and frolics and sports

She puts a smile on her face; not altogether insincere, this IS a good holiday.... and joins in.

Wrestling challenges if she wants. King fo the Mountain. (No pun intended) and... cards! Among the sports.

Dances await of all sorts.

And contests in crafts and more.

Jessica makes the rounds and participates; if she runs into Duff and they travel together, that's acceptable.

Duff takes her to the mating tree

There's a large tree... and apparently it has ribbons.. and a sign that says "the Mating Tree"

He looks at her "There is no way this is your idea"

"Woah, hey..... no..... No no no...." She balks.

"I was curious" he admits

"About what?"

"Where the hell that came from?" He says "And yes.. if we go under its shade.. are OBLIGATED or ... I mean, if we're obligated, Duty IS Important..." amused?

"Duff....." warning.

"Oh fine I..." there's a ringing sound

A pooka has an ice cream machine

Jessica takes the opportunity to go AWAY from the tree to the sound.

Duff follows her.

The pooka looks up 'Freeflame... joyous day to your day of maying... would you prefer the road that rocks, the vanilla that creams? the Berry that Straws?"

"Um... chocolate?"

the pooka grins "Triumphantly chosen o slayer of a thousand balor" ANd he gets her a scoop! Nay, two! Troll sized ccone "Sweet Cone or Waffle? Or just open faced ice cream in the hand?"

"Cone, thanks."

Waffle Cones for some, sweet cones for others. She gets her cone and... then Duff gets his, Chocolate as well

The pooka says "Look at the empire you have forged, " he gestures

And.. if she looks, she has to admit, folks appear happy

A small smile. "-We- forged." She demures.

"You DO remember! I was worried you had forgotten!" The pooak beams "Rebels fuss, traditionalissts fuss... too many smiles, and happiness can be deafening" He says "This is a day of Summer Triumph and Commie lovers... gather the warmth into yourself for any cold times coming. It is okay to do so.. I looked it up. "

Jessica nods. "Joyous Beltaine to you." She encourages, and moves on as she enjoys her ice cream.

The Llama waves to her farewell.

Duff says "Nice fellow, that boggan" Enjoying his

as they walk away

Jess pauses. "Boggan?"

"Yes," he looks back "If he's boggart thallian in disguise I'm impressed. But as he didn't charge for it I doubt he is." If she looks back, she sees the Llama Pooka isnt' there. there's a boggan acting as if he's been there all morning

A frown, and she stops eating the ice cream. She motions Duff to stop as well.

She looks all around the gathering, scanning, taking it in.

All is happiness and joy

"What's wrong?" He asks as he looks around

"I got my ice cream for a llama pooka."

"There wasn't a boggan anywhere around."