#fenixtj

"Jessica.." Mitra says "Don't give up any right of first pick beyond yourself. It sets a bad precedent"

"I plan to consult my friends and those who share the land."

"Alright. " She says "But since I have you here.. what are your thoughts so far? Talk to me first. Consider it 'dibs' on your brain for myself and for the Pitt"

"I have some practical concerns for some candidates. Personal perferences conflict with others. I would like to keep some of the talent I've seen, even if they aren't troubadors."

"And those practical concerns?"

She is, of course, curious.

That can't possibily be a smirk on those trollish lips? "How much of an advantage do you want for your dibs?"

"I'm Eiluned, I want every advantage" she says smiling back

"Right now, I think it would be to my advantage to circulate." Jessica rises, glancing around for Duff.

She sees him, he's looking rather pleased with himself.

He gets a small eyebrow as she approaches.

Duff turns as she joins him, "Pretty good first round. I'm no musician mind you"

"You gave them playlists, though, right? All but Piper?"

"Actually, Piper wasn't the only one who declined." He says "And playlists is a bit exact"

"Who else said no?"

"As a matter of fact, Neema says she might get one later but pass. And Bevera changed her mind...deciding it might put her honor into question."

"Hm." Jessica looks around. "I have to make the rounds."

"I see. want company or is Mitra trying to read your mind enough?" Duff smirks

"I am not trying to read her mind" Mitra hurumphs

"Thank you." Jessica says to Mitra, and then to Duff. "If you like." to his offer of company.

He offers his arm "let's go"

She takes it, a little awkwardly; she was never one for public displays, but here she is....

He does not make a big display of it. She's not appreciate if he did, but the two of them do cut through the crowds more easily than one might...

but what 'rounds' does she wish to make? who does she want to approach or listen to?

Jessica thinks for a moment, and then approaches each in order of appearance; so, the nocker first.

Elias is grinning with those sharp eel like teeth as a lady asks him how long it turned to play "It's not the years it's the practice hours... I'd like to say I picked up everything naturally but there's a lot of work and only a blockhead stops learning."

The lady moves on. ANd he turns to see the Countess "Oh hey! Hoped you like Convoy. I know it was a bit peddle to the 'metal' in a new way but I liked the challenge"

Jessica nods. "I look forward to hearing the rest of your selections."

"Glad. " A nod "I also try requests"

"Good. You have refreshment?" She checks.

He holds up a glass "Juice. I never touch the hooch while performing"

THen a look to Duff from the nocker ,Elias says "That tattoo is pretty boss. I mean, not the worst deal I ever made"

"High Praise" Duff says then admits "I have not done steam punk styles often"

"Hey, it looks furking good... I mean, I could give you pointers on what real steampu-" The nocker starts to say

"Pass" Duff says with a brow

"Fine fine" Elias says

"Good luck on the next round." Jess nods and slight pressure on Duff's arm lets him know she's ready to move on.

"Thanks" Elias says

and Duff catches the clue she sends as if she'd just spoke it in his ear

Duff admits "He's actually rather personable for a nocker."

Jessica nods. "I would want Tweak to meet him....."

"She's around here somewhere but... " A glance "So are your troubadours ..." And they do see Phoebe. She looks shy and happy to be in her corner but she's not hostile

Piper is enjoying a churro!

"Let's move on with the troubadours." And she approaches the next one, methodically.

Dean and Spencer are quite the heart throbs for ladies. But either could be intruded upon without much trouble. Neema is enjoying conversation and coffee

Bevera has wine.

"I love these." Adam crunches happily. "You were awesome, Piper."

“Aw, I just mashed some songs up. Anyone could do the same.” Crunch!

"Yeah, but no one else did!"

“I wonder if we were supposed to bring an original composition...”