#fenixtj

"Jessica, you might want to point out they've been a help to you already. "

She nods. "Yes."

"Thank you. Oh... the kittens. We ARE keeping them all yes?" As if it's quite important

"Yes." Good natured resignation.

"Thank goodness. Apparently the children are worried they can't pick their favorite kittens partly because they could just lose them" Ash says

"It is worse than that" Maria says "Pardon the intrusion"

"What now, Maria?"

"It is Salma... she has talked to Rosa. She is afraid that, if Ellie has no need of her, she will have no home. Not that Ellie would do that, but that...Ellie might send her away to be protected."

Ash sighs "Oh dear"

"We explained to Salma she is here because you are a good liege and would take care of any childling without a home" Maria says

Jessica nods. "I will make that clear to her."

Maria nods "I do not like this whipping boy/girl policy. You are right to stop it." HURUMPH and a mutter in SPanish about anyone doing things to an innocent child being fed to rats.. MEAN rats... half starved

Jessica takes a breath. "I suppose I should go speak with them. Apart, or together, do you think?"

Maria seems unsure.

Then "I think, apart. At least at first. Salma will just think you are checking things through Ellie otherwise, and Ellie will worry about what her friends migth think of her ,or NEED from her"

Jessica nods. "That was my instinct too. Perhaps apart, and then a group outing? Yes, armed, Dame." She forestalls "But something at least intended for some fun."

"WONDERFUL, now all is fixed and in the hands of such skilled nobles" Maria says "We boggans would be lost wihout you but now we know you will handle it"

"Laying it on a BIT Thick, Maria" Ash says

"Si," Maria admits "I need to get more sleep"

Jessica gives her a dry look.

Maria shrugs "WE DO believe in you, Fuegalibre. "

"Gracias, Maria."

The boggan bows and withdraws

"Want to come with me?" She offers the Beaumayn.

Ash watches her go, then turns "I think I'll leave it to you on this.. I don't want either feeling rushed or pressed. Mmm boggans. You think they own the world but let us use it because they think the rest of us are adorable and need the play time?"

So Jessica has a mission.. or two...(End Scene)