#fenixtj

And down they go...

Jessica notes the decor, wondering if Duke Tyrion changed it, or if it was always like this. And if he changed it, what that might signal.

Tierone 's voice says "Ah this way please"

9(Yeah, that's the name Imeant....))

Jessica follows the sound of his voice.

And she enters into a chamber where the Duke stands. And around him, three Nunnehi.. whose outfits are very fancy

Jessica blinks. Then bows. "Your Grace."

"Thank you, Countess" He inclines his head "These are my captors. Dashanto, a Chief among the Flayed Men. Culco, a Chief among the Obsidian Warriors, and Hayzlitok, a Chieftain Among the Snake faced. I hope I got those names right"

"Captors, Your Grace?" carefully.

"Oh yes.They took me hostage this morning" He explains "Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thank you. Not just now. Do you wish us to free you, Your Grace?"

"I was hoping you could talk them into not beheading me" he says, "Chieftain Deshanto, would you like to explain?"

"you have been a peacemaker... this surprises us... but you cannot enforce the peace beyond your city, though this young prince tries. If we kill him, you become Duke... then you may extend the peace" The figure explains "No?"

"It seems solid. he dies, the sacrifice brings prosperity" Chief Culco nods

"Chieftains.... thank you for waiting, and thank you for speaking to me. I am honored. Your logic -does- seem solid; in fact, my people have similar traditions when it comes to the ruler and his land.
"However, if you harm my Duke, it will not bring peace. I owe him my duty; I must and will defend and avenge him.
"There is no guarentee that I would be named Duchess after him, and I cannot say for sure I would accept if offered.
"If I have had success in making peace, it is thanks to this Duke. He tries to bring peace elsewhere, you said. If you wish to establish peace in this land, and with our people, it will not come out of his death."

Hayzlitok hisses , then looks over at the Duke "You have wagered your life... and won"

Tierone says "it is no wager when one knows the character of their subjects. She is prudent as well as loyal. And none want this peace more than she.Will you take the scorpion off now?"

The snake priestess/chieftain reaches behind the boy's head and draws forth a small bone white scorpion onto her hand

"Your Grace?" checking to make sure he's ok.

He takes a deep breath of relief "I'm fine, Countess. Thanks to you. I really am glad you weren't busy. Have a seat. Get to know our guests. "

Jess makes sure -everyone- gets a seat and introduces her traveling companions.

Introductions are made. Buce seems to be flattering to the snake faced lady as if she were the greatest beauty alive, but he tends to do that with any lady

Jessica does not feel the need to point that out.

"Why do you wish peace with us so strongly?" Chief Culco asks

"Because I think we are stronger united than divided, and we have enemies and perils aplenty without warring on each other as well."

"What enemies do you speak of?" the Snake woman inquires

"Our people call it Banality; the cold disbelief of the world. There is crime, and drugs, and violence, and poverty. There is ignorance. There are evils in the world."

"Our world had balance before the intruders came, and now giants, like you, try to destroy the old ways and replace them with Western Kithain dreams onnly to leave banality" Chief Deshanto says "Or so it appears to us"

Jessica nods understanding of his words. "I ask you to imagine a world, or at least this corner of it, where we can learn to live together, to support each other."

"Most Nunneh i cannot drink from the fire as you do"

"What -would- help?"

"The return of our glades for a start. Our dreamers left ot us alone for another"

"That latter will not happen" The Duke says

"Would you be willing to share the glades?"

"We have shared enough.. they were consumed and transformed into your balefire"

"We have seen what happened to the northern tribes. A toe hold is given, and the foot comes down hard"

Jessica nods slowly. "I can understand that point of view."

"Are there glades in my lands?"

They frown

then one says "we know of one. It is too much to offer to share"

"Oh, I was not asking for the location, or access. But I would help protect it for your exclusive use."

"And I might need to know more about it to do that."

"We will consider this" They say

"Thank you."

"What else would help? Dreamers are off the table."

"We must be able to influence our dreamers if the old ways are to be remembered"

"Can you tell me more about this influencing?"

And they explain. A chance to share their culture. A chance to restore touches of old religions and so on... and NOt the ripping out heart part

Jess looks at the Duke.

"And....." back to the chieftains ".... if your Dreamers produce Glamour from this influence, what then?"