#fenixtj

"You sniffle like a boy... " The man says "Perhaps you are too many winters from being a brave to be worth the time of the wise and strong"

Azlo whines "I'm not whin..." Then clears his throat and more gently "I will not whine."

Jessica is watching carefully; if Azlo thinks to look he might realize she is learning too.

"I accept your hostpitality ahnd will comport myself in a way that will not shame the great wheel or my tribe" Azlo says

"Until the sun sets" he adds

Jessica nods. "John, Jeff.... let's find a place to speak privately. Azlo, will you come with us?"

"If you hope to interogate me and have me betray my people then it breaks the peace" Azlo says stubbornly

JEffry frowns "He isn't far off, Chieftain. ..pardon, Countess. He is here as a guest now, as one of the participants. And one does not interrogate a guest"

Jess looks at them all with open puzzlement. "Which is why I asked if he would come with us vs. having him taken. I thought we could talk. I have offered, and he has accepted, hopsitality."

Azlo frowns "Then why am I being taken from the party? " and he pouts

A sigh. "To speak privately. But if you do not wish to speak, so be it. Enjoy the celebration."

She stands.

"Fine. I'll go with you to speak privately... but I won't betray my people's secrets... and if the cake's all gone after I'm gonna be sad"

She glances to check with Jeff and John on this.

Jeffry says "I guess it depends on what you want to speak to him privately ABOUT, Countess. "

"Share a meal, some food and drink, learn more about him and his people and share more about ours and myself."

"Right.. he's a kid.. he wants to be part of the party" This from Longfeather

"And he will be. He can be. It's up to him. And I can have cake sent."

"Then.. I'd like to just go to the party" Azlo declares "I dont' want to know about your people or your people to know about mine. I don't want to like the enemy. It would be awkward"

"For the record, you are not my enemy, nor are your people. Enjoy our hospitality, Azlo; if you wish to speak, you know how to find me. Please don't hit anyone with your stick; they might not understand." She nods and stands.

"I can't use the stick NOW.. I'm a guest" he sighs

He moves off to claim cake

"you look frustrated" Jeffry says

Jessica nods.

Duff observes with a frown "of course she's upset. She busts her asses to help provide peace and gets a constant tease...she gives.. they consider. she tries, they shrug. They DON"T Butcher us, and act like she should cheer. It's not half way, it's not being assholes and the local tribes want a prize for it."

"They see us as invaders and oppressors, Duff."

"Everyone oppressed and invaded someone else... the Aztecs weren't just taken down by spainards, they were taken down by other tribes that were tired of brutal oppression by the Aztecs. The Aztecs invaded areas that were owned by other tribes.. .and those tribes fought... frankly? If the European kith had NEVER Shown up.. the Nunnehi wouldn't be talking Medicine wheels or unity ...they'd be fighting over glades and other glamour sources. I guess it's the half mortal in us all.... we look for someone else to point at as an excuse for being bastards" Duff says

"He NEVER needs to be in our meetings in the future" Culpepper says

"Not the diplomatic ones" Culpepper clarifies

"I didn't invite him to -this- one." with an Eyebrow. "Thanks for your support, though, Duff."

"Alright, break it up. Go have fun, everyone."

Duff says "You're welcome. " A look at her "how MUCH fun?"

"on that note" Culpeper coughs "Pardon I'll go keep an eye on Azlo"

"Me too.. maybe we'll get a clue into his culture" Longfeather says

An eyeroll. "Thank you, John. Jeff."

And when they've gone, to Duff. "Public fun."

"You are getting adventurous. I approve" A stoic nod

"You know what I mean."

"I do" he takes her hand "ANd I suppose I should apologize or something but it does annoy me how little you get back for your effort"

"Just means I have to figure out another way. Or try harder."

"One thing I do admire about you...if you ever bump into a wall...it moves before you do"

"Can't be easy for you." Quietly.

"And I'm so amibable? Who am I to throw stones?"

"True."

"If either of us wanted Easy? We could get it"

She nods.

"Why don't you?"

"Why don't I want Easy?"

"Why don't you just go get it?"

"Why don't you?" He asks