#fenixtj

Jess sighs. "Kerri's cooking....."

"And Sylvi's become a real friend... she cut my hair, you know..." And a few minutes spent with recent news, pleasantries from the hold back East.

Jessica listens, asking a few questions to clarify, but mostly listening.

And eventually Piper realizes she has taken up enough of the Countess's time, and lets her continue on her way.

"We'll talk more another time, Piper." Jess promises.

"I hope so. Siv's a good friend, and I wanted to know more about her big sis." A smile, waving her on.

And off she goes!

-------------

Jessica realizes today is the day! JUDGEMENT Day

Crap.

The goodnews? She's got help from an old Friend.

Mitra looks over the list "It's amazing this isn't riddled with spies from every possible faction, but it looks like Diego, yourself, and Phobos of all people have made sure there's no 'I'm not an ailil agent, really' glaring on the list"

"Be thankful for small favors?"

"Well, I managed to discourage some too. Still.. " she looks over "Neema has been known to keep company at Selkie Rock, that's Jude's territory. She may have old loyaltiies or friendships. Phoebe, well, Paler kinian.. you've looked into that...so far, so good. Dame Bevera... Gwydions can be useful... but she could be loyal to her House over you."

"As she should be, perhaps."

"Just something to take into account" She says "What else? Oh, Dean. Did research.. he got knifed by a Balor in the throat...cold iron. I dare say he's happy with your policies there."

"Mmm."

"Elias Hazard... had a falling out with his father who thought he should go Dougal."

"Who is his father?"

"Huud Hazard, a nocker who has come from a long line of Dougal loyalists. However, apparently Huud wanted his son to MAKE the instruments first, play only to show they worked. Elias wanted more... he wanted to be the musician."

"I can respect that."

"Not me. The other kith should know their place. Trolls should stick to guarding" Straight faced

Eyebrow.

"oh please, you've missed my dry wit and deadpan delivery" She says

A small smile. "I missed you." she admits. "But, you're right here."

"True"

A smile "And as I've served TWO fine trolls we both know I don't believe rubbish about kiths staying locked in."

"Everything at the Pitt is going well?"

"Crowded, but well... I've kept tabs of visiting Nunnehi. There have also been some kiths from other lands that don't fit the standard set. Sayda has been surprisingly quick by the way. A young girl she is, but she wants to be a good ruler."

"Good to hear. I was worried she might be a fish out of water due to her kith."

"That's why she works harder at it , I think. My god but she can piss folks off when she wants to"

Eyebrow. "Oh? Is that going to be a problem?"

"Actually, I think she can use it to her advantage."

"Hm. At the Pitt? I can see it."

"She's learning how to fight, with fists and blade alike. I know you might find it brutal, but given the nature of our world and that hold it's a must. One thing you WILL like is she has been pushing the 'honorable' side of warrior society"

"I understand the necessity." With a soft sigh. "Yes, I regret it... and more, that she must learn such skills at such an early age. But it is necessary."

"Some might even say it's her Da'an" She says and she notices the crowds "Well, ready to begin? Today is the day. And don't forget, you're allowed more than one troubadour."

Jessica takes a deep breath and tugs at her voile. "Ok. Let's do this."

And trumpets are sounded, word goes out...

And Piper.. is in a small crowd of troubadours, surrounded by dozens and dozens of people

Jessica takes her.... chair.... with as little ceremony as possible.

She is in her element! So much time isolated away due to the quarantine, now she laughs, and chats, and skirts from group to group. Admiring this instrument, and showing off her treasured guitar as well.

Adam hangs around Piper, absorbing the working of this new court.

Ellie holds Salma's hand as they find their place to watch. Because, of course Salma will be at her side. Where else would her amiga be?

Piper finds that Neema is a social woman though that.. history is there, Elias, like most nockers is happy to tell folks what's what

Salma scans the crowd, looking for Ariel.

And the only childling among the Troubadours is Ariel.

"Oh! our Amiga is with the players!" Salma points her out and waves!

Standing there wearing a symbol of a donkey over a purple star with musical notes on the side.

Salma's eyes grow WIDE.