#fenixtj

Imbolc at Fenix

The word is, MARVELOUS!

Perhaps the Countess Flamefree was worried about the pomp and circumstance of the holiday. The crowds are bigger! there are more events required! The flames will stop here first THEN go to the other holds!

However, she found out she could dress in Mexioamerican style garb OR a fancy dress, and this gave her options for the ceremony that bordered on the comfier

And the SWATH of musicians, crafts and more means ... Jessica is almost overlooked. Oh she gives two speeches, short ones, but then the crowds are broken up again. And ... well, then there's Elle!

Jes is, as always, just as happy to keep the pomp and circumstance around her to a minimum. She does, however, know and do her duty.

Eleanor is the most polite little scene stealer one could have. Want to escape the limelight, let the little beaumayn step out and charm the crowd with a smile and a wave. Want to keep your speech short? Let Ellie sum it up.

It's not avoiding if it's training.

And Ariel actually got to sing as 'childlings troubadour' and it's not just her archery that is improving! the little satyr bounces up and down and sings "Try Everything" in English.. .and then does it in Spanish! her spanish is much improved too and this touches the locals hearts that the little freckled redhead girl has cared enough to try.

Ellie's spanish is also doing quite well. While reading remains a struggle, she has a good ear.

(And Salma helps!)

Dyslexia reading aids have been brought in to help teach Ellie and let her know it's OK, and not her fault, which it isn't. Mind you, Audible books have been applied CAREFULLY... Salma might get jealous.

But on Imbolc, well, Ellie's Spanish is perfecto! And the crowds refer to her as THEIR little princess

She has been improving. But it is much nicer to have Salma read!

Jessica might be suspicious things are going so well... the troubadours are playing music she likes. The people seem happy. Even Nunnehi reps are there, observing in peace.

As it is, she's just glad things seem to be going well. Not looking this gift horse in the mouth.

Duff approaches her, he's dressed.. nicely "Is it possible to steal you away for one song?"

With some sartorial assistance from Nancy, Jess managed to mingle local flavor with ceremonial formality in a stylish blend. She looks pretty good.

She nods. "Yes." in response to Duff, and lets him lead her to the dance floor.

Duff kisses her hand, and does so. His focus is on her, even the music seems to exist just for them at this moment

Jessica glances around as they dance, kenning her surroundings.

No sign of the brand yet, and Fenix is a bit tired, but hte crowd is lively and positive

Ellie has her trio, and oh, there are churros!

Duff says to Jessica "I think you're getting the hang of these holidays"

"Mm. Thank you." No sign of magic being workeed?

Mmm not even gift of pan, bless Nancy for reigning them in.. at least so far. Oh there are some minor magics used to entertain. Legedermain on a puppet show....

"Oh look" Ariel says as the puppets and marrionetes tell the stsory without any strings!

Jess relaxes, a little. At least she stops kenning.

"Puppets!"

Well, the girls are happy.

Salma is delighted, and starts telling a story for the puppets to act along! It is very silly.

Who ever is magicking the puppets hears... and has the puppets try to follow the story! Sometimes they get it ALL Wrong, then the other kids have to say "no no THAT'S not what she meant" And the puppets stumble and fumble and do it again and get it right.. putting the princess back in place instead of the goat puppet.. who the hero is much happier to smooch

Lots of giggling!

Duff notices Jessica relax a little "Your family is fine now. At least, rumor has it the villains were defeated. Didn't your father call you to say so?"

"He did. I spoke with everyone. Siv's going to come visit soon."

Salma leans in and gives the Goat puppet a smooch of her own. "There, for the Valient Cabracito."

"I'm glad." Duff says "Your family are.. good people"

The goat puppet baass happily at the kiss and pass it on

"Yes, they are." she agrees on a statement of fact.

"And you're proud of them" he says "Even Siv" then he whispers in her ear "but don't worry, we don't have to tell her"

"She knows."

"mm she has a bit of idol worship for you as well. Probably why she torments you a bit. People are drawn to plant flags on the tallest peaks so they don't feel as intimdiated by them"

Jess thinks about it for a moment. "I'm not. But Iguess Ican see why some people might be."

"Mmm well, yes. You're not that sort true" A look at her "I wanted to ask you sometthing about another holiday, your plans."

"Which one?"

"Valentine's day " he says "I want to stteal you away for the whole shebang, dinner, dancing, and a hotel of four stars or more"

"That's not.... you don't need to do that, Duff."

"Why do you act like time with you is a chore? " he strokes her face "I want to spend the holiday with you. I hope you want it too"

"I.... that would be nice. Thank you."