#fenixtj

A small smile crosses the troll's lips. "Yes. I understand. I would like for all our people to be at peace but there is much to be done before that could happen. I would like to understand you and yours better, and offer you understanding of our people as well."

"We are reserved and private, we do not spin stories as freely to those we do not know as your Eshu"

Almost apologetic in tone

"But.. perhaps we can share more"

"I would like to share with you. What would you like to know of us?"

"We know much already, your kiths, their birthrights. how they fight... what do you think we should know that we do not?"

Jessica sits in the spa room,elbows on her knees. "First... and this is just for me and mine.... that when you need help or healing or if you just want to talk... your people should be free to talk to mine. It may not go smoothly at first but that is my goal."

A tilt of her head

"I think.... all our peoples have felt like they have struggled. Yours, mine, others.... that will be something we have to get past."

"What of your people, these trolls. Have they no speciality?"

"We do." another small smile "We are guardians, protectors. We are Dreams of duty and honor."

"We see you as invaders, the on rushing footsoliders of your masters the shining ones. ... but, well, we do not see with your eyes. Tell me more"

"What do you know of our own war? The war of the Resurgence?"

"Little" She seems interested "Go on"

"Have you met with many Sidhe?"

"Our shining ones."

"A few. oh yes. Not as strong as your kind by half but deadly"

"Not on the battlefield, I mean. Have you met them outside of combat?"

"No" she admits

"Would you be willing to?"

"We must return to the war" SHe frowns "Little time"

"But would you be willing to meet with one of our Sidhe kith, outside of battle?"

"Perhaps if we return here we will." She agrees.

"I think it would be helpful to do so." Jess says carefully "But, you asked about my own people, my kith. Traditionally we have served, one way or another, our leaders. We have been leaders as well. You know of our Duke Topaz?"

"Yes. he has become our mmost implacable enemy. I hope to slay him"

"Do you find him to have honor? To fight honestly and with bravery?"

"He seeks to take our lands. It is not about honor, we do not tolerate the conqueror"

"That's not an answer to my question."

"he is brave. I do not know if I can call him honorable. We thought you served a different duke" Her eyes narrow with suspicion

"I do. But Duke Topaz is a troll, and a leader."

"I serve Duke Tieron, who is Sidhe."

"Yes. I...know." SHe says "A Liam? We are told this means he has no honor? An oathbroken?

"

Jessica nods. "That is what his House carries; they are Oathbroken."

"Why do you serve such?"

"I know better than most how House Liam may be Oathbroken, but members of the House may not be."

"Most curious" the woman nods "We have learned a bit more.. but now we must return to the mainland... and continue to try to kill your kind there. But fear not. This place is offlimits for violence"

"You will understand if I'm torn about that? I wish there would be no more violence. I wish for no violence against my Kith. I am glad we will have no more violence between our people here."

"You run a place of peace. Of course you wish for no blood. But wishing has its limits. Even for us."

"I thank you. And, I agree. So wishing will not make it so; the work must be done."

She nods "Do not raise our weapons unttil we arrive. We will not dishonor this place"

The others nod

"Stay until you are healed, and if we can supply you, I would like to do that."

"We are healed now... thank you but.. you would supply us, knowing we are going to war?"

"I would feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty." She acknowledges "And yes, that might prove problematic in the future. I hope you understand?"

"Then we will forgo your supplies. Save them for your own tribe. We are healed. That is enough" A curious look "They were right. You are.. different"

and they vanish

Jess blinks. They're just... gone??

Flickerflash. they have it too

Jess rises and, following some instinct, goes to her Balefire.