#fenixtj

Jessica is at Dinner, delicious food, but again, politics comes up.

Leanhaun, Balor, and Ailil are not unheard of here.

Oh no, bold as brass.

She eats as best she can.

Salma has slipped off from her seat - the meal looked delicious, but there was that platter of chocolate looking brownie-delights... surely no one will mind if she takes one early to share with her amigas...

So it seems that the childlings were allowed to eat the same time after all... Perhaps Vaeltilde insisted or wheedled.

Or Salma just slipped up sat down and folks assumed it was time to feed the kids. Who knows?

One Daireann woman is eying Jessica then says "My lord Baron. Is it true the Countess won her hold at first in battle?"

"Ask her yourself"

Jessica turns to the Daireann politely.

"Well, your excellency? Is it true?"

"It is."

"Mm I would love to test myself against you" She appraises the troll

"We had the advantage of surprise, and numbers." She takes a bite.

"Ah, so not as great a legend as it could have been" The Daireann Dame says

Ignored by the grown-ups, the childings eat brownies. Clever Salma!

"I'm afraid not."

Vaeltilde seems NERVOUS.. she has never defied quite in this way before.

"So, Countess, what do you think is the greatest thread to the county?" The herald asks

"Disharmony. I would see Renaissance be a unified community, not divided."

Well, if the Countess eats...

Ariel gets some rice krispie treats too. She doesn't know who put them there

Those are important, they store better in pockets for later than brownies...

The Baron Tidemarch nods "Yes, and yet, like seems to seek like. YOur own views do not blend well with certain Houses Perhaps a bit of separation is for the best?"

"There are different roads to the same destination."

"This, I agree with" He says

Ash is staring away from her table to a small table, as she sees little hands grab things, and vanish

"As long as all those on the journey agree."

"Oh, these are delicious."

"Now there is the problem" He nods "But we can lead as best can" The baron says

Then suddenly, 'these are delicious' pops out from a table during a silent lull and... well, not EVERYONE hears it, but many do

And the Baron turns and says "Are there..childlings in here?"

An eyebrow. "Countess? Girls?"

"Vaeltilde, a ruler does not cower" The Baron says

and Vaeltilde winces, then rises up to curtsey "Forgive me, Countess Jessica, my liege Baron. My guests were hungry and I thought this one time, an exception might be made"

Eleanour rises.

"I see" The Baron looks at Ellie "And young Countess, have you something to add to this?"

"I decided to eat the brownies. And they were delicious."

This breaks out some chuckles all around.

Ariel pops a finger out of her mouth and hopes that Salma has the Krispie treats squirreled away

"Baron, my apologies for this infringement on your hospitality." But, her voice and expression are mild.

No scowl.

"It would appear not to be your doing, your excellency, but perhaps it was unreasonable of me to expect the childlings to be fine with a later meal." He ponders this then says "Vaeltilde. A test. Let us say I am not impressed by your reason. I find it insufficient. What other ratioanle would you present?"

Vaeltilde looks uncertain for a moment, as ALL eyes turn on her, studying her, testing her worth by whatever she says next.

Salma gulps hurriedly - out of nerves, or because of a mouthful? Why not both?

She squeezes Salma's hand.

Jessica takes a bite, glancing around the room.

"You.. you said it yourself" Vaeltilde says nervously "The Countess I mean... we need harmony, unity, and what sort of message would it send to NOT eat together too? Are Childlilngs not changelings? Clearly we are so.. to send the right message of harmony, and to please Countess Jessica, it is almost required lest we not only insult a guest, but defy her vision rudely. "

An eyebrow.