#fenixtj

Vaeltilde's singing blade whirls as well and between the two childlings they sever a hand.

Ad Ellie's cry, Salma searches her pockets, and throws what she has on hand at the back of the head of the nearest one threatening her! It's just a book, but a distraction, perhaps!

"Los siento!" She calls - to the book, that is.

"Trollolololo lol lololol lololol" goes the Aesin sword

and the book flies through the air as the Tale of Despereaux whams another thallian in the back of the head.

Neither Salma nor Ariel have seen Ellie fight - it might be at odds with the "little princess" demeanor they've seen, the one who likes dollies and sweets and disney movies...

Distracting the thallian and allowing the other girls to finish him off

Meanwhile, Master Jum munches on the spring powered treat, and his wounds heal

And as the last enemy goes down to Ash's own blade work, she turns and looks over at the Countess and Baroness "Young ladies, we will have a TALK, later. " Then turns to Ariel, "Is Master Jum okay?"

"I am fine, thanks to these people" He says

Sounding just as worried as Dame Ash, "Is Despereaux okay?"

"I couldn't let Vaeltilde go alone!"

"I had to, Master Jum is MY subject" Vaeltilde says firmly

Ash looks around "I don't see your book. I know you threw one"

She gives Master Jum a pat on the arm and makes sure he will be steady before going to poke around for her book, gingerly avoiding the... fight leavings.

oh if the book is in the blood she may cry

Master Jum says "I am sorry to be such trouble.. "

Ellie cleans her blade.

"It's not your fault, Master Jum" Vaeltilde looks him over.

Ariel helps look for the book "Gotta be here somewhere"

"Master Jum, what was going on here?" Ash says

"They said something bout taking my place so they could endanger the little Baroness" the man says "I would rather die than have my face used so, I said. They said thta was part of the plan"

"Well, da'an is kind that we got here in time."

Ariel says "We'll get a new one, Salma"

She is looking under the rug. How would it have gotten there?

Ash frowns and nods "So it seems. Master Jum, I'm going to make sure you get a guard. Or you can come with us."

"no no.. I will not leave my shop," the old man says "Such fine brave girls though to care for an old man like me. I must make each a doll" A smile "Including anotehr for my patroness" To the baroness

Then, a thoughtful look. And she says to Ariel. or at least towards Ariel, "I hope whoever finds that book enjoys it. I brought it to leave in exchange for a new story... maybe I will find another book."

"Please, Master Jum, you are of MY people . It is right to defend you" Vaeltilde says then says "Could you make one with donkey ears? For Salma?"

The old boggan looks at each girl.

Ariel listens "Maybe you will!"

"You make wonderful dolls!"

"Gracias" he says with a smile "You like the purple?"

"Purple is my favorite... Ariel likes mermaids, and Salma likes books."

He makes a note of this, then nods "It shall be done"

Adalia blushes "I like.. I like pink"

A firm nod. "Adalia likes pink."

"Fine colors all"

Master Jum memorizes each face

"Master Jum, are you SURE you dont' wish to come stay with us?" Baronesss Vaeltilde says "it's safer"

He smiles and says to her "little baroness, you and your friends have already saved me. A guard will be nearby. You are a viking princes no? You must see to the wwhole of your people, not just the ones you liike, though I am flattered this old man has made a friend. You will be great, for you have a great heart. Bueno"

Vaeltilde blushes and looks embarrassed, "It's no big thing. Aesin love battle. " BLUSH

"Maybe there's a troll we could send?"

"Probably more than one" Ash assures "Come on girls. " And she guides them, including Salma

A stealthy look at the bodies as they're guided away.

Sputtered out, Chimerically dead.

some of their items still about but for later taking

and the girls go back... they'll have to change into new dresses.

A sigh at the icky bloodstains.

And lost and forlorn, Salma also changes.. only to find Tale of Despereaux somehow magically in her backpack! With another book besides!