#fenixtj

"Alas, encasing them in Amber until we're ready to thaw them out is considered rude" A sigh

"It is."

"The sluagh improving their standing here isn't really a concern, for me. The Ranters, however...."

"The sluagh are known to join the ranters in droves" he says "however, yes, I canunderstand you must have your priorities"

"And the Ranters are a threat to every noble" He paces again

"Common, or Sidhe." Jess agrees.

"We may have to lure them out" he says

Jessica looks grave.

"Not with the childlings , of course, but there are magics that might allow a double"

"I should send a message to the other Freeholders. Even Tweak has taken a type of title; she might be tarred with the same brush."

"Mmm I will give credit to skyhook... if some sluagh ranter tries for Shuri, I think they'll find new inventions of pain"

"A Ranter of any Kith, yes."

"The Pit can defend itself, certainly."

"It would welcome the fight" A nod "Yes, Fenix"

A frown. "Fenix has defenses, but it is not a place of combat. It is more a place of healing. Ying to the Pit's Yang."

"So you think any attempt might be there.. and here? " A pondering

"If it were up to you, would you not strike in two places to add to the confusion?"

"Depends on the forces they can spare, but it's a logcal guess, yes"

"I don't see a down side to being prepared for such an event."

"I am not disagreeing. I just think maybe having a double for the childlings might be wise. Guards shapeshifted perhaps"

"Can we fool sluagh with an illusion like that?"

"With shapeshifting, metamorpphosis we might."

"In order to draw the ranters out?" Jessica thinks. "Hmm."

"Vaeltilde will complain, of course" he sighs "That girl wants to smite evil in glorious battle. I swear she will make a grump of me"

"She can smite when she's bigger."

"I dislike that the ranters are so far advanced here that they can stage something like this."

"It's possible they're not that advanced so much as they have sent a force here..." He ponders "it could be two or three cells working together." A thought "i wonder... interesting. What if that is a way to find them? Non Locals? Perhaps even non mexicans?"

"How do you mean?"

"Merely that we might find some new gringos among the crowds. "

She nods. "Look for newcomer Fae, those we haven't met or don't recognize."

"Exactly. Paranoia is a tool, one that can cut the user, but still a tool"

"It's a good idea, I think. I'm going to send word to Fenix, and the other Freeholds. I don't want to be blindsided."

"If I might suggest?"

"Please."

"Masquerade the word as a simply 'update' as if it were nothing un usual... and others at least, to outside eyes, as messages of your progress. We don't want the Ranters to grow suspicious"

She nods. "Certainly. Good idea."

"Deception has its uses in these games. "

She looks slightly pained. "I was thinking of it more as being.... cautious."

"It is that" he says perhaps willing to let her label it for sake of her inner harmony

She nods. "Baron." she offers her hand "I'd like to meet and talk again before we continue. Perhaps you could show me some of your Barony."

He takes it "Agreed. You have so much to see. I am proud of so much of it, you will see why soon and perhaps share in that pride."

"I am sure of it. I'll find Constance and send word as we have discussed."

A bow when the hand shake is over "And I will make sure my most trusted know of this and ONLY they"

"Keep a watch over Vaeltilde."

"That you need not tell me, Your excellency, but yes, and you for your dear Elenoar"

Jessica nods and goes in search of her party to set up protection for the girls, and to have Constance scribe a few letters. She also calls/contacts Dame Mitra.

(To be continued)