#fenixtj

.........

JEssica only knows that Dame Ash left in a hurry

She finds someone in the Fenix party to find out if all is well.

It is not... Ash greets her on the side, she's changed clothes. "Sorry, thought if I returned all bloody to the party... it might dim things"

"Bloody? What's happened? Are Ellie and the girls ok?"

"They were SUPPOSED to stay back but yes. They're okay" And she explains what happened, how Ellie had a vision, shared it with Ash. And then Ash went to Save Mr. Jum only to have Vaeltilde rush with the other girls to aid

Jess rubs her horns.

"Yes... I don't have the horns but otherwise I did the same thing" A sigh "By the way, your heir is a fierce little fighter when she gets her dandger up"

"Apparently she'll need those skills."

A sigh.

"You'll speak with them?"

"what I want to do is swat their little behinds or put them in a corner for 10 years" A shake of her head "yes. I'll talk to them. I've sent a guard to protect Master Jum's shop"

"Thank you. We should tell Baron Tidemarch."

"We should. But ah, perhaps privately and not in the banquet hall?"

"Oh, certainly. He and I have some time scheduled pretty shortly here." A deep breath. "We should get to know each other better."

"Won't that be fun?" Dryly

"It is necessary."

"It is" she agrees "Just remember, don't assume he's being rude when he's just being...very Varich"

She does not sigh or roll her eyes. "Thank you. I will remember."

"I know, I know, Granddames and grumps... we're a pain" A look at her

"I didn't mean to suggest that, Dame Ash. I was in earnest. I need to find a way for Baron Tidemarch and I to work together."

"Assumptions and dismissals won't help."

"True" She ponders "I wonder what common interests you two might have?"

"I will endeavour to find out."

"I think he genuinely loves the sea. "

She nods slowly. "Hm."

"Inform Siv you've arranged a marriage to him. "

Staight faced

Dame Ash gets a LOOK. "Siv did come to mind, yes, but not for marriage."

"Oh?"

"She loves the ocean, too. Has a ship."

"Mmm if she can behave herself.. yes, that might be a connection"

"If."

"Do you think I should speak to the girls about what happened?"

"I think if you go fussing at them first they'll be reluctant to get caught.. if that makes sense? Share your concerns, but also admit you found them brave or they preformed well"

Jessica nods. "But would you rather handle it, or would you like me to comment?"

"I think you should comment. You're.... special to her , Jessica. If you want to show her how you hope she rules, you should take these chances to open to her a bit"

Another nod. "I will then, after you have spoken with them. For now, though." She straightens her shoulders "I have a meeting with the Baron."

"So you do. Good luck"

And off she goes to the appointed meeting spot.