#fenixtj

Jessica just can't patrol her entire territory. When it was just tthe area around Fenix, she could, but Tinjuana.. Renaissance is HUGE!

She makes an effort but each baron must patrol their own.

And it's frustrating to her... but there is no doubt she's popular...loved by folks of her original fief indeed.This is a mixed blessing. It seems every boggan wants to stuff her with food and introduce her to a son or nephew. Pooka love is a mixed bag. . Jokes at her expense but also warmth and affection.. Even redcaps give her nods of respect

She has to work at accepting these acknowledgements in the spirit offered, but she -does- work at it with some success.

Much to Diego's sadness, it seems modernist talk has dwindled .. at least openly. No, folks are getting on the reformist band wagon mostly, and the traditionalists are loud and proud. The Nunnehi raids have stopped in the city, Thallian are too scared to be bold in their depredations, even mortal violence, ever present, is down a bit, mostly in the areas where it would affect changelings.

And whether it 's fair or not, Jessica is getting the credit

.... which she does her best to share.

The Duke certainly gets respect. The Wonder Boy is what some call him.

And so she might be surprised to find a message waiting for her from the Duke himself.

Surprised, indeed; consternated! She opens and reads it.

She's been summoned!

She's never been just ..summoned before.

Well, that's not true. the old countess did

But ... Duke Tieone isnt' even in the city (By her request)

Jess prepares with whatever she'll need (based on the summons)and perhaps an overnight bag (just in case) and lets Diego know she'll be attending the Duke.

Diego frowns "what if he's tightening his grip?"

"I'll avoid 'what ifs' and go find out." she says simply.

"You're allowed and probably expected to take a bodyguard or escort" he says

"Do you want to come?"

"I'm not sure I can trust myself to keep my tendencies in check" He says "But i don't want you to go alone. Please, Bring Phobos or Buce with you."

"Will you ask Sir Buce to join me, then?"

"Right away, and thank you" He doesn't bow but he nods and moves on

Jessica waits for him.

And Buce shows up "My lady? You are as radiant as the sun today"

"Thank you, Buce. Will you accompany me to the Duke's?I've been summoned."

"Ah, the Mountain Summons Mohemmed? Of course"

"Thank you. I'm bringing an overnight bag just in case. It's up to you, if you want to grab something."

He motions. "Squire..."
Ahpuch sighs "I'm not your squire" A whisper

"Good lad" Buce says "To appear so quickly. Gather my things"

Ahpuch sighs "I Hope your tail falls off from rot. Is this going to be a thing?"

"Ah, such a chipper boy" Buce beams "Grand isn't he?" A nod to the Slaugh "Off with you"

And the sluagh mutters to go get things

"Ahpuch, if you would help Sir Buce, I would appreciate it." gently and quietly "Thank you."

She was probably heard

Buce says "That little scamp. I first squired him when he was spying on a lady. Such fire needs direction..so.. he squires for me now and then"

"Thank you for taking him under your wing."

"More like a feather now and then"A smile.. and the boy brings Buce's bag to him "THank you lad. We shall make you a true son of chivalry yet"

"Thank you, Ahpuch."

Ahpuch mumbles and bows a bit to her and moves on

"We can take my car. Or I could ride Cinder...."

"This way, my lady, your chariot" he motions

She follows.

For some reason they're heading towards Tweak's area.. by his own vehicle which is, of course, a four-door, three-row, vintage Bronco!

"Oh! This is yours? Of course.... do you know the way?"

"I hope it is mine...otherwise the police shall be upset and they are such pleasant chaps"

And they soon arrive in the neighborhood , white collar urban professionals area.. that Skyhook has taken over

"The Duke is at Skyhook?" Definitely a note of trepidation.

"He is? this could save us a trip"

"Sir Buce, we -are- answering the Duke's summons, aren't we?"

"Like a genie in a bottle" And into Skyhook proper they go.