#fenixtj

"Mer boys who I can give a few kisses, magic shells I could rub pretending it grants wishes! My good friends beside me and we get to sing, these are a few of my favorite things!"

And gives it a try

More applause!

Ariel perks up as applause comes, then she says to Ellie "If you're going to learn music too, does that mean YOU want to be troubadour?" She looks just a bit insecure.

"What? No!"

"But music is pretty, and Piper gave me this..."

A look of relief then "Music belongs to everyone" The satyress agrees

A giggle covered up. "You sat on the throne that one time, are you going to be Condesa?" Lightly teasing Ariel.

Ariel says "shoot no, I'd be in SO much trouble with Chief Clem for trying." Then she says "Also, Ellie's a LOT better at sitting still than I am."

"I can sit still, but only with a book. Not and listen to everyone complain and ask for things. That sounds much harder."

"It does" Ariel says

"Oh, you have to have Court Face for that."

Ellie demonstrates - slightly dispassionate, neutral, but 'listening"

Ariel looks a bit freaked out "Okay. I think I seen Chief Clem use that face."

"You have to be careful - you don't want to send the wrong message, right?"

"Right" She nods "And you do that really well" Ariel adds

"So, like, if I was thinking about Ramona while someone was talking about, like, how their home was attacked by Thallain, or how someone stole their treasure, or whatever... and I smiled?"

"Oooo" Ariel gets it

"That would be a problem" Ash nods

"You also need to make sure you have recesses. That's time for snacks. If your belly rumbles, they may think you're not listening."

"And, like, you SHOULD listen, but sometimes court goes on for hooouuurrrsss..."

"Also true." She pats her tummy.

"True, hunger can make your brain not work too well." Ariel nods to Salma who is quite wise

"And you can also use Recess to talk to your Gwydion troubador. If you wonder if someone who came with a complaint is legítima - not telling stories... she can help."

"It is hard, not having all of your subjects be pooka, the most trustworthy." A solemn nod, sad faced.

"Yes! And why you have advisors, because they might see or hear or know something you don't."

"Si, you see different angles from where you stand. Or sit."

"See, what would you say if Donquito came to you and he said, Condesa, Princesca, it is most terrible, I do not have any lunch! You may order immediately, that he has a feast prepared. But if you had consulted first with Ariel, she would tell you that he does not have any because he already ate it all, and the lunches for Ramona, Afortunado, and..." A pause, and she looks to Ariel.

"What DID you name your Gatito?"

"Oh, Donquito would. He is a hungry boy."

"A lot of times I name her 'don't, stop that' " Ariel says "But I went with Aria"

"Aria and Ariel, Ramona the pest and Princesca the best, Donkey and Donquito, it is all fitting."

"Donquito is a growing boy." She remarks, and giggles. "Growing ROUND."

"We need to have Azul chase him a bit more" A sigh "But I think Donquito has figured out Azul wouldn't hurt a kitty"

"Maybe we could find a way for him to chase food?"

"oo I bet that would work!" Ariel says

"It seems rude.. food is.. should be, sagrada. Sacred!" She pats at her own tummy. "I keep it safe in here for that reason."

"Well, Ramona likes pouncing him."

"Romana is looking out for his health" A nod

"Yes! Pouncing for exercise!"

"Aria caught a mouse the other day" A pause "Well, almost... she scared it really good"

Giggles.

"She did" proud is the satyress

"I believe you!"

"And that's the only way to protect your grain" A nod "our food supplies could go ..then, why even Donquito might go hungry"

"Maybe Mamacita will give them lessons..."

"I bet she will" A nod "Mamacita Marion is good... though she's not OUR cat. She spends her time in the library with Constance or on Chief Jessica's throne"

"Yes, but she is their mama."

"Even now" A nod

"And I know she can pounce."