#fenixtj

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Jessica sits on her throne..though she hates to call it that

-REALLY- hates it....

Ash and Diego , Constance, and Coy, Tito-Woden... they all hang about

And with purpose

"So.. " The scribe says "The three days and nights for evaluation of the jesters are over. Have you decided, your excellency?"

Jessica stands, if only to get away from the chair, and walks. "Ellie?"

As she walks from the chair... past Diego, his eyes WIDEN

The little Countess enters. "Yes, you called? Oh, hello!" A curtsy to the court.

Some bow back, some merely nod

Salma trails after her, slipping her book into one of the large pockets added to her favorite frock, and pauses seeing the crowd... stepping back and to one side.

"I wondered if you had a preference for jesters."

"Well, I do... though I would first say that they are all very fine."

"Oh, certainly!" Jessica agrees. "Each one brings a different.... light."

Ellie nods, earnestly.

Ariel bounces in, seeming to have decided blue jeans and a loose T shirt work for court

"Well... Bonk is the most enthusiastic, with the biggest and most energetic pranks. And Slap and Dash are a very talented couple, with very entertaining talents that would be a delight at a festival."

"Yes." Diego says "Bonk indeed has.. enthusiasm" Another glance to Jessica's pants

"And Tonto is the kindest, who jests to bring smiles."

Salma nods, her ears perked. Hand slips into her pocket and she holds onto her book protectively.

Constance shoots Diego a dissaproving look, but he does that 'head jerk' eye direct thing.. and then SHE looks and HER eyes widen

Ariel says "Bonk is fun funny, Tonto is NICE and Funny. And Slap and Dash are COOL and funny" She says "So I don't know who to vote for"

yes. She says vote.

"I think, long term, nice matters a lot."

Jessica nods. "Tonto, then. But we will ask Bonk, and Slap and Dash, to return for the holidays? Highsummer, and Carnival next year?"

Salma notices eyes turned, and slips along the wall, moving to where she might get a glimpse...

Ellie nods enthusiastically. "I think that would be good, yes!"

"Then let's have them in, and I'll tell them."

It would appear the Countess' pants seat have sat in some sort of bright pink paint or dye. Her firm rear thus looks much like a valentine heart

Phobos goes to get them

And the jesters come in. Bonk carrying a hammer almost as big as he is, albeit a rubber one.

Slap and Dash are in high court jester outfits

And Tonto is Tonto.. his own motley more modest but his smile making the gentle giant look oddly adorable

Ellie smiles in delight.

Salma's eyes go HUGE and she covers her mouth in astonishment.

A glance at Salma and a head-tilt.

She makes a motion, brushing at her rump. An ear points towards the Countess...

Jess turns and retakes the damn chair, because that's how things are done.

Her own little ropey tail twitches anxiously.

And a look of relief, as Jessica sits.

The exceptionally keen eared might here a very slight squish sound

The Jesters all bow

She turns to face the room again. "Thank you, all, for spending the last few days with us. I'm pleased to say that all of you auditioning have a place with us."

Salma looks at the Jesters, seeing if there were any 'tells' in their faces at the squish sound...

Surprised looks at the annoucement mmay ruin Salma's attempt to read them

Oh well, you can't win them all. (Eeyore look)

"I've chosen Tonto to stay with us all the year... with the exception of Highsummer coming up, and Carnival next year. Bonk, Slap and Dash, I'd like you to be here on those holidays."

BIG EYES when Jessica's turn reveals the heart!

"We'd be honored!" Slap and Dash say in that' in sync' couple thing kicks in.

Bonk says "Holdays, a kind of jester rear guard? Noted and accepted"