#fenixtj

Jessica goes about making sure her people are well.

Fortunately, along with guards and thanes, healers were ready. Everyone finds spring and heatherbalm flying

Satisfied, she takes a breath to relax. Slightly.

And then gets healed herself. From behind, by a treacherous pooka who stickss her tongue out, and walks off

A sigh.

Duff says "it's almost like someone paid her a twenty in american money to do that"

An eyebrow, But all she says is "Are you ok?"

"Yes. Same pooka snuck up on me" A face

And he looks her over, then grins "Good fight huh?"

She nods. "Got them, and we are all still standing."

"And your backswing is improving"

"Thank you." She answers seriously.

"Your heir should be safe for a bit, as well as Vaeltilde" Duff assures her and gives her hand a squeeze "At least for a time. We will defend them again if need be." A firm promise in his eyes

"Are we good to return to the Baron?" She asks aloud to the others. "The childling were concerned." But she slips her hand into Duff's.

"Seems all in hand" he nods and they walk together

Jess makes sure they-all- walk together.

And they return to the Baron's hold

The girls see them returning..They were SUPPIOSED to be in their room

"Supposed to."

And Vaeltilde says "You were victorious?"

"We were."

"Did you slay the bad guys?"

"Some of them. Some we were able to capture."

Ariel nods

"Glad you licked em"

Jessica nods. "We will find out more from those we captured but for now, you are safer. And, we can continue the Tour. And that means the beach.

"The beach!"

"Can I wear a swimsuit? Can we play in the mud?"

Ariel whoops! "Beach Beach Beach!"

"Yes. And, do you mean sand or mud made with dirt?"

"Sand-mud? I dunno, does it have a different name? I want to make a castle."

Vaeltilde nods "A defensible one is best"

"Yes, you may play in the sand and build castles."

Ariel hugs Jessica's leg "Thanks, Chief Jessica"

A small smile. "Of course, Ariel. You have all been very patient with all the security and politics."

"SO hard" Ariel nods "we were good"

"Except for the grounding" Adala mutters

"And you're -still- getting to the beach." Jessica points out.

"And we are grateful, countess " Vaeltilde says bowing

"Yay!" Ellie does a silly dance of triumph.

"I'm going to take a break, though, just this moment. The Baron is handling our captives; I'm going to clean up and change clothes."

"Okay. We'll dance" Ariel says

Jessica nods and heads to her room.

Still holding Duff's hand.

Duff walks with her, and admits in a low voice "They're good kids. But don't tell them I said so. "

"You should tell them." Jess says.

"And ruin my reputation as a badass?" Hmmph. Ignoring that he did face painting

Ellie is showing Ariel how to do an almain step.

Ariel takes this lesson with gusto

"And then you toss your head back like 'ahhhh'!" She demonstrates.