#fenixtj

"Good! Don't forget it!" Phobos says

"Or else" Demos says "You can leavee the corner now"

Tex turns to see the Freeholder "Uhm...hey Countess" He bows terribly

"Hello Tex. Good to see you. You're settling in, I hope?"

"I like my room" he admits "But I don't think the other kids like me much"

"Why do you think that is?" concerned.

"Well, Ahpuch didn't like it when I Hunted him because he spied on me... and Salma might be mad I ate that book. And I might have taken Ariel's lunch whe wasn't looking but she was the one who left it there! And holger doesn't liek me bullying people" A beat "And Ellie tries to tell me how to be nice and behave and I might have told her she's a prissy elf... but they're just being too sensitive"

"Then it doesn't bother you that they other kids might not like you very much?"

"Well..." A frown "Maybe a LITTLE."

"Maybe it's ok if they are a little upset?"

"But it's not fair! It's over, whey they gotta be huffy still?"

"Maybe they think you might do those things, or something like them, again?"

"I won't eat a book, that leads to boring time outs" He explains

"That's a good start. What about the rest?"

"Well,.. Ariel's lunch is gone now. I can't give that back but.. I guess I can not take the next one." A sigh "And I guess I won' call Ellie a prissy elf anymore...even when she is telling me to behave... but Ahpuch needs to stay out of my room"

"I think that is fair. Perhaps you could make Ariel a lunch sometime? Maria and Rosa would probably help you. Something Ariel likes."

"But it's hard being around food. I'm hungry all the time" He says

"I know." Not without kindness "Demos and Phobos can help you with that, to an extent. But it's part of being a redcap."

"Yup.. and no one likes caps, but I can't even bully or hurt people here..and suff I can't eat. It's like Demos said, being a redcap is like being a wolf and everyone wants you to wear a collar and a bow"

"Tex, I promise you, I'm try not allow for all Kiths." sincerely "Yes, redcaps are more difficult. Demos and Phobos found a way here; they were with me from the start and I value them highly. I want to find a way with you, too."

"If you ever have a hunt, can I help?" He says excited "Demos and Phobos says some redcaps are monster hunters, like monsters that hunt monsters.. and we're GOOD at it. They say I'm too small but maybe? One day?"

"Yes, Tex." Firmly "I'd be happy to have you."

He gives a LARGE yellow grin "Thank you"

"You're very welcome. Now, report to Demos or Phobos and ask what you should be doing next."

"Kay! " he charges off

Could have gone worse....And Jessica moves on to the next item on her list.

A guest...a troll warrioress wearing the colors of red and black, requests haven

Diego is usually responsible for such requests, but being that the warrior is a kith sister, Jessica will at least meet her to welcome her.

"Countess" the woman bows. She looks.. remarkably familar. AH, she has DeBuke features. But the tabard, the outfit scream knight. As far as she knows only 2 DeBukes are knights. One by choice. The ohter adopted in before they discovered he had an ancient oath

"Hello." she offers her hand "You seem familiar; have we met before?"

"Possibly" She takes the hand "Kelby of House Danaan"

Kelby was the name of one of Sylvi's best friends. One who died in battle

"Kelby DeBuke? But......."

"A long story. " She says "It's... let's say the usual cycle of rebirth got interupted. " She winces "Shit. Coy is here isn't he? I forgot. Maybe I should stay at one of the other holds nearby. I don't mean to cause an upset"

"Wait.... your family doesn't know??"

"That not only I'm alive, but I'm a knight of a House few have heard of?" She gives a half smile "No. I suppose one day they will but why hurt them?"

"You think your being dead -doesn't- hurt them? And Sylvi?"

"They grieved and moved on... and.. I met Sylvi" She says

"Sylvi knows!?!?" Jessica's voice is growing louder.

Kelby looks around as if expecting half of the farm to appear "YES.. at least, she might, we met at the yule star."

Ariel comes in "Countess, Tex made me a lunch.. it's.. not very good but he tried and ..." The little satyress stares at Kelby, then drops the bag

"And.. Ariel is here. How did I.." Kelby winces

"TROLL GHOST!" Ariel screams and runs off with the speed of her kith "TROLL GHOOOOST!"

"Crap."

Ahpuch sneaks in, but no one notices and it's only being mentioned so clever players can earn their moment to boast

"I am SO sorry about this" Kelby sighs "Well, that cat is unbagged"

"I was going to say the horse is out of the barn, but yes. Same idea."

"Right. Well, so. maybe I should go to the Pit or Skyhook?"

"You think that's going to help at this point?"

"I mean, I'll support you going wherever you want but......"