#fenixtj

And everything is thrown off, just as they're getting ready to go on the tour. Quite literally as the girls are trying on nice dresses and carriages are ready- Jessica has her own wardrobe prepared ... (There's a question of elegant gowns versus ARMOR shining). When Thane Coy DeBuke gets news "I... may have to return to the farm"

"Something wrong?"

Coy nods "yes, I just got the call. Hearth Agnes had a heart attack. The family is shaken about it"

Jessica looks horrified. "Coy...."

"She's alive, but weak as a troll woman can be," he says and lowers his voice, "Apparently she had a tremendous shock that set it off. Maybe she was due one all this time and something would have set it off if not this, but no one saw this coming. I know my duty is to stay here but the whole Clan is in turmoil. That's why Clem couldn't come here in person"

"I understand. I didn't anything could shock Agnes that bad. Go. What do you need?"

"I think I can arrange for a replacement for me, another from the Farmlodge. Sir Charles? He's not a DeBuke by blood, he's Ariel's older brother. He's wearing his Lion openly and upsetting some... so they'll probably be happy to have him here and he did want to see Ariel. He's got some training at defending the farm and is no slouch with sword and shield"

"He should be with family, and we can't wait for him."

"Well, then I should stay here?"

"No, -you- should be with family too."

"You'll be down a man, one who needs to provide security" He frowns

"We will make it up."Jessica mentally runs through the possibilities.

She could ask a Rivervaler to take up the slack. Not mom or dad, of course. Gah.

Sir Buce.... Demos.....Oh. Damn.She sighs and steps away to make a phone call.

To Duff.

Duff picks up the phone "Duff's Tattoos, yes we are open'

"Hi. It's Jess."

"Jessica, how are you?"

"I'm ok. Everything is fine. Iwas wondering if you could help with something here? Coy can't come on tour. Would you come instead?It'll be a couple weeks, maybe. I understand if you need to bee at the parlor;"

"I... you want me as a Thane?"

"Um. More like a ... combat partner?"

MMm "You know what, I think I have somoene who can fill in for some basic tats.. and with the COVID business is nearly dead anyway. " A beat "I might chase you around a bed room while you're trying to rest"

A pause then "And you're making that face, I don't even need to be there to see it. Yes , yes. I'll be your combat partner"

"Are you sure? You can close the shop for that long?"

"Jessica, you're just going to have to suck it up and accept the fact I care about you."

"I do, but if you can't come I can figure something out."

"That's the beauty of it, now? you don't have to. when do i need to be there?"

"As soon as you can."

"I'll be there within the hour" He assures "We've got this." And he hangs up.

Jessica gets Coy moving.

Salma is seen in a bit of a fuss, talking to Constance. "Yes, I have a book... but I don't have all my books. What if I finish one? What if I need to look up something that isn't IN one that I brought? I need at least tres... no, quatro, that many cases to fill, por favor. Or we cannot go, the tour simply cannot go on."

Coy gets moving. Earl will pick him up

Constance says "Has it not occurred to you, Salma, that other holds might also have reading material you can read while there?" A smile threatens to escape her otherwise placid expression

She pauses mid-complaint. An ear raises about a half-inch. "Oh? And these, they will give them to me?"

Hopeful!

She attempts, "A gift to the countess, surely."

"Lend" She says

"Donations for the betterment of the Great Library of Fenix?"

"mmmm" Constance looks intrigued at that notion "I doubt the Countess can insist on literature as tribute. More is the pity"

"She need not do so, I'll take care of it." A smile to Constance!

Okay, that breaks out a smile, "You can negotiate, of that i do not doubt, but remember, you will be a guest, one that reflects on both countesses"

"Do we have any trade stock? Maybe the dusty old boring ones?"

Thinking of the US history books Dame Ash is so fond of...

A consideration, "Well, we do have more than one Copy of The Hobbit, and The Adventures of Pippi Longstocking"

She looks somewhat stricken. But after a moment a looong sigh. "If they do not have these, it is important that they have one, too.... but those are VERY good books, so will warrant more in trade."

"We'll gather a few books for trade, ones we have copies of already and ONLY those books are to be traded." She says "Salma, you understand, finding good homes for books can be a very heavy burden. It's like finding the right home for.. oh, puppies or the like. you have to make sure they'll be appreciated. Are you up to this burden?"

"I am. Books are far more importante then -puppies-." A solemn nod.

"It can be heart breaking work" She says "One grows attached. You take a book, care and love it, and then, when someone else can give it a good home, even knowing it might be for the best... it can be hard to say goodbye." A nod, "Believe me. I know. I once gave a beloved copy of Anne of Green Gables up to a friend"

"I do not know this Anne." Salma gives a sad look. "So I do not understand. Perhaps, Miss Constanza, you will help me to understand?"

"I think perhaps I might not be above reading you some of it, if you like? It's..rather advanced for your age though" warning