#fenixtj

She straightens up, turning so that her sash is visible. "Representing Rivervale, Lady. Uh, if it pleases thee. I've never met a countess before."

"You're representing Rivervale? How is it we haven't met?" (I don't think....?)

(Nope!)

(Actually, maybe they were both at a party, but didn't interact)

"I think I saw you at one of the shindigs, but you were catching up with the folks 'n all. I'm newer around town, and with Tove and Torin both fawning over the new King baby, I offered to come and do as best I could to not let them down in the troubadour arena."

"In their defense, CJ IS very new. And very cute."

She nods gravely. "He is."

"He's your cousin then, right?" And then, belatedly. "Oh, cheeses. Sorry, I'm Piper. McCormick, though related to the Rivervale Wayburtons." And offers a hand.

"Yes, CJ is my cousin." She takes the hand carefully. "Wayburtons.... right. Pleasure to meet you."

Piper's hands are smaller than hers, petite in fact - but surprisingly strong, in a way. Calloused fingertips show that she works with her hands, if not in a manual sense - she does not shirk at practicing her art.

"You have quite a hold here. Thank you for hosting this event - I'm glad I had a chance to see it, all in all. The brickwork and adobe is lovely - and not half-bad for acoustics." A grin. "Plus, close to the beach is a bonus."

"Thank you. I have to say, Fenix and Renaissance in general is a collective work."

"You looking forward to the competition? I'm getting excited. Though I kinda feel like maybe I'm gonna be the only one on stage without new ink."

Another faint wince, and a sigh. "Do you want the address?"

"You should have the same advantages others do."

She grins and shakes her head. "I got the tip, and decided to pass. I'd picked out some songs in advance, and though I tweaked stuff a bit once I saw the place, I feel like the music I play should come from my heart and inspired by the surroundings, rather than on a hot tip. Besides, what if he said you liked Mongolian Throat Singing? I'd be up all night gargling salt water before realizing it was a prank."

"Besides, I don't have any tattoos yet, and if I got one for a contest and then lost, what if I ended up hating it because of that?" A grin.

Jessica nods. "A tattoo should be something you really -want- for its own sake."

"He's done some nice work, though. I think, when I settle on one, maybe I can come back." A fond note in her voice. "I'd like to visit again."

"Well, Rivervale is certainly welcome here." Not without humor.

"And yes... Duff does excellent work." Is that a note of quiet pride?

"Is he a local? Or someone who came along with you when you settled in?"

"I found him here."

"We find the funniest things along with way sometimes. Folk, too. I never thought I'd make the friends I did in Rivervale. But I'm starting to fit in there, a bit..." Hand going to touch the badge slightly, still a little surprised by this.

"Did you move there recently?"

"About... a year ago?" She looks a little suprised. "Maybe a few months shy. Doesn't feel like it's been that long. But I'm Cali-born and raised, so it's been a real treat to see the ocean again after a New Jersey winter."

"Where in Cali?" Some interest there.

"Not far from San Fran, but I traveled a bit, up and down the coast. Spent a while playing the street musician life, you know?"

"Well, no. I mean, I'm not a musician, so.... but, I grew up in So Cal."

"Really? I'd have figured you as another New Jersey troll. What with the dreams of frosty nordic lands and all that. I don't know if I'm ready for another one of those winters." A pointed shiver.

"Well, we don't get those here." She points out.

"What made you decide now was the time for a minstrel-a-palooza?"

"An excellent question; I'm not sure I did. I think the rest of the staff just kind of.... made it happen. All I had to do was nod and sign things."

"Well, your girls certainly seem excited, and it's been great catching up with some of the competition. So, thank you for having us!" A thought. "Oh, and your Thane gave me a hand earlier. Sir Phobos. If there's a good way to thank him, I'd be grateful of it. I don't know him to even start to guess anything appropriate."

"Phobos? Hm. I guess something to eat would be stereotypical. Maybe something from Apples?"

She looks thoughtful. "I didn't bring much with me, other than my instruments, but that's a good idea. I'll see if I can figure something out."

"He enjoys yelling, and fighting....." Jessica offers.

"Yelling? Maybe I can play some thrash metal for him." She grins. "I don't think it lends so well to the Ocarina or acoustic though."

"Probably not." Jess agrees.

"Maybe I can find a CD that's up his alley though." A smile to the Countess. "Food IS always a no brainer... but when your way around the kitchen means that your food is ONLY fit for redcaps... or maybe sluagh... it's a bit discouraging. I tend to buy rather than bake if I like the person."

"I don't cook much either."

"Because you're too important with Countess duties, or because your staff has barred you from the kitchen as a fire hazard?"

"Um. A little of both, but I'm not sure which started it."

A creeping grin. "We have something else in common then, too. Maybe that's the answer, I just need to score my own 'Freehold where folk will insist on cooking for me."

"Then again, if I spent a lifetime with even occasional access to Miss Kerri's scalloped potatoes - it would be a life well spent."