#fenixtj

Jessica gets some good news , from Johny Twofeathers "Looks like our overtures to the natives here are showing merit. The fact we have a bridge..." Speaking of their unique kith/nunnehi friend "Has shaken them I think.. in a good way... we got this as a gift for you" He shows a wreath of flowers "This is a sign of peace"

"From the Nunnehi?" She looks at the wreath.

"Not just any Nunnehi, this was given to me by a flayed man to pass onto you"

"Now, the bad news? That's just a 'wish' not a declaration.. it's a 'hope things stay peaceful' not a 'our tribe swears not to attack forever'"

"Well, it's better than nothing." Jessica says, but seems pleased.

"There' a glamour on it, well, medicine... but I took the liberty of having it omened.. and whispered. Near as we can mull through? It merely sends out a signal to others that this place is no threat to them. It will fade after a season at longest"

"A -lot- better than nothing. Should we hang it outside? A... an announcement? Or sign post?"

"Actually I was going to suggest having it someplace obvious. It doesn't have to be the main event but it shows you take pride in it"

She nods. "Out front?"

"It's your hold, Countess" A smile "Maybe in a window? It can get the light that way and still be some what protected?"

She nods. "I think the honor goes to you."

"Oh.... should we send something back to them?"

"Not yet. I don't want to risk sending the wrong signal" He says

"What signal would that be?"

"I mean.. if I gave the wrong gift without fully knowing what it meant to them" He xplains

She nods. "I understand. Hm."

"On another subject? " He says

"Yes."

"I've been teaching Ariel some archery basics. She's showing a lot of promise. Apparently Elie is insisting on sword play a lot too.. and Salma wants to learn spells and be useful"

"They are quite the trio." With some satisfaction.

"Yes, but Ariel says she has to get good at archery fast so she can fight by Ellie's side because Ellie doesn't want to run this time and have another knight die"

a bit of concern in his voice there

A sigh. "I will speak with Dame Ash.

He nods "They ARE quite the trio though. They want to impress you"

"Mm. I will make plans with them."

He nods "I'll go put this up in a window"

"Thank you."

And Jessica goes in search of Dame Ash.

Dame Ash is... reading.

"Why Jonny can't read" is the title

"Um, Dame Ash? May I interrupt?"

She book marks the pages "Of course."

Jessica comes in. "Thank you." She gestures to the book. "Is it helping?"

"It's scaring the shit out of me" She admits

"Have you been in touch with Vali?"

"He hopes to visit, but he reccomended the book. Jessica, there's a chance Ellie is dyslexic, and she's certainly behind in her reading level.. I gave her some math problems. One question was using just numbers, the next was a word problem. The latter stumped her. But.. it was the same problem."

Jessica nods. "Dyslexia is not a death sentence. A challenge, yes."

"Yes, but I'm not qualified..." A frown "And I want to make sure she understands it is not something that is BAD in her. She's very driven not to fail.. at anything. "

"Sometimes the right failure, early, is the best answer." Jessica points out thoughtfully.

"Yes well, her failure was apparently Sir Gerald dying to buy her time" A scowl "She almost banished her friends... not really, but that's how they took it ,according to some bogganly advice."

"Mmm. You share her kith and House; have you tried to speak with her about it?"

"A little. "

"But I take it, not much luck?"

"Didn't feel like it. I think she might do better hearing assurances from you, Countess. It's your hold"

Jessica nods. "I think I should have some time with her, one-on-one. And with her trio." Not without amusement. "Are they too young for patrols, do you think?"

"THey'd like to patrol the beach, it seems." She says

"Mm. One wonders how much actual patrolling would happen. But, it might be a way to spend time with Tidemarch's heir."

"They're just childlings.. I don't want them without an armed guard while out 'patrolling"

"Oh, agreed."

"And not too far in advance of the Tour, or the Tour will happen while we're patrolling."