#fenixtj

"I think I've made it clear to everyone here what the standards are for behavior towards visitors."

Clem smiles "Thank ye. And I see what you mean, Kelby. They clearly talked"

"You both know we trolls HATE others having to protect us." Kelby points out

"We also know we survive when it happens" Clem says "Jessica's not going to let her household get trashy. You might be the one mistreated, but it's under her roof and she has boundaries to set "

Jessica nods, agreeing.

"Ok, so..... what's next, you think?"

"Next, " Clem says "I suggest we get our seers and other sources to work. You tell Rivervale. Kelby checks out Dark gate. I talk to our mountain.. after I take a soak anyway. Sound good?"

Jessica nods. "Sounds great."

Kelby says "Well, I'm finishing this" To her drink "Just because I feel contrary"

Clem says "Somethings do NOT change" A smile and she clasps Jessica's wrist "Jessica. I know we're allies anyway but.. if you need something, holler. And We're grateful for you putting upwith DeBuke Drama"

"That's what friends are for." Jess assures Clem.

"True enough" Clem says and walks with Jessica a bit

"Otherwise, things are good on the Farm?"

"Oh well, we maybe inviting a LOT of sidhe soon. Turns out one of your people is a negotiator who drives a hard bargain"

Jess looks surprised. "Who?"

"Salma.. apparently she grabbed Emmit by the horns, wrestledh im down and explained talk was cheap, gifts cute, but deeds matter if he really wants to make things up to Ellie"

Jessica nods with a frown. "Salma?"

"Donkey Pooka" Clem says "Apparently as loyal to her friend as the day is long"

"Yes, we've met. I just didn't think she.... wait, who did you hear this from?"

"Emmit"

"Hm. Any chance he exaggerated what happened?"

"Oh very good chance. But the point is she haggled well"

"Ok, that makes better sense."

"I have to admit, Clem, I wasn't thrilled when I heard about the welcome Ellie received at the Farm. She'll be Countess after me; you want to keep Renaissance as an ally, you need her."

"I know, but more importantly, it was just no way to treat a friend of one of our own. Agnes has.. I don't know what's happened but she's learned better even at her age and she wants to make amends for Ariels sake"

"That's up to her and Ellie, I guess."

"Yes, but Emmit was sent as an emmisary of sorts. And apparently Salma stood in for Ellie" More seriously "Your little girl has been through a lot. And she blames herself for things that aren't her fault"

"We're keeping an eye on them. All the childlings."

"I didn't mean any suggestion you weren't" Clem wants to make sure that's understood "But apparently she thought it was HER misbehavior that caused the trouble at the farm visit"

"Did Emmit address that?"

"He tried to...more than once. But .. he thought you might want to know. She closes up like a fan if the subject comes up" Clem sighs

Jess nods. "I've seen her do something like that. Look, I'm not going to -make- her visit the Farm."

"Certanly not, that defeats the point, but we are going to have a ... a tour for sidhe we trust ... and some we're trying to give a chance. Salma insisted. Vaeltilde among others"

Clem says "Looking forward to that' gwydion detector NOT needed

"Might make the school a better environment as well." she points out.

Clem says "We've already had sidhe at our school... we have improved. We just want to make amends to Ellie and Ariel if they will let us do so, and it is their choice"

She nods. "I support the idea, but it's up to her."

"I know. " Clem says "But you understand why this doesn't sit well with us? Terrfifying a child of any kith. Agnes is ready to go into exile whenever the girl visits if Ellie wants"

Jessica nods. "That's not who your people are, politics aside."

"exactly, now that little girl doesn't owe us the time of day let alone a chance to make due, but we hope she does" A sigh

Jessica nods. "I'll speak with her."

"Much obliged. Ariel is visiting hte farm again but only when no one here knows. It's like she's ashamed of us." A wince

"She might not want to make her friend feel like she has to choose sides."

"True. Ariel's a tender heart and wouldn't do that to her. YOu got a good crop of kids here, Jessica. I am very sorry we caused any of them pain."

"I appreciate that, Clem. Thank you."

"You're welcome" She claps the shoulder of her friend "I'm gonna hit that spa, welcome to join me if you like, seeing as it is your place" She calls out "Fontaine, PANTS , I'm begging you!"

"I'll catch up with you later; don't leave without saying good bye?"

"I won't" Clem says and goes on

And Jessica heads along; perhaps she can find Ellie.

Ellie is under the table in the Library, coloring. Ramona is stalking a lizard, and Donquito is sleeping.