#fenixtj

Elsewhere, Jessica nods. "I think I have felt something similar when I spend time with the Balefire."

Otumzu nods "The bale is not so common with us"

"Do you understand what it is?"

Not judgemental, but seeking a common language.

"It was once the lands power, balefire is how you seize it" He says "So the Nunnehi cannnot use it- or so I was told"

Two featherers explain "That's not intentional, certainly not in the countess' case"

She nods. "It's interesting to hear it put that way. This Balefire was here when I came to the place." she points out "I can honestly say I didn't take the power from the land or the Nunnehi deliberately. For that matter, I'm not sure it could be put back."

The nunnehi exchange nods

"That said, in the interests of peace between us I'm open to hearing what your people's needs are, and how we might be able to help each other. But perhaps Beltaine isn't the best time to formally negotiate?" with some regret "It is a celebration, and I didn't mean to derail it."

"Agreed" Otumzu nods "This is a time to know your people and their joy."

"Please, I hope you.... all of you... will do so. Meet the people here, get to know us."

"We will mingle" One snake man says

"Have you had any refreshments?"

"The round ones.. the..buggins? They poured us drinks" Another Nunehi says

"Boggans." with a smile "Dreams of the hearth and home. Please feel free to help yourself to whatever you would like."

"Otumzu, you too." she includes.

"YOu are too kind. Let me know if I can fetch some of these foods and drinks for you" He says

"I'll get my own, thank you." she smiles, her tone friendly "Go ahead, enjoy."

And he heads off, as so the other Nunehi to mingle

Jessica will take a cup of sangria at this point, watching the Nunnehi and her Fae interact.

"Hey," Mitra settles near her

"Hey!" She perks up a bit. "Your idea was a good one. About Beltaine."

"Thanks." A nod , and she smiles "Of course it does unload the bulk of the work on you and your crew? "

A shrug. "Comes with the job."

"Yes..." A look at her "I don't see Duff. Bad fall out?"

"Mm." she nods, her expression even "We're taking a break. At my request." she speaks quietly and it might occur that she is confiding in Mitra as she rarely does elsewhere.

Mitra nods "Understood. And.. sorry it was needed" Softly said. Friend to friend

"Thank you."

Another nod , and she does change the subject "did you see Elle at the childling court area? She's ruling with a dainty fist and a contagious smile"

A chuckle. "I haven't looked in, but I can see it in my head."

"Oh yes, Vaeltilde, Tidemarch's ward? practically reporting with her over a tea set with koolaid"

Another chuckle, and a smile. "It's good they are bonding. Tidemarch and I aren't but if the next rulers could be.... that would be good."

"I think yes, it bodes well for the future" A nod "Of course, Sayda is with them, and credit to Ellie, she does not treat Sayda as lesser just because she's a Clurichaun heir"

"I think Ellie's..... earlier experiences make her less likely to judge on the basis of Kith, but more on the quality of character."

"She certainly has a varied little court"

"That is a good thing." she nods to indicate the Nunnehi mingling.

"Yes, this is quite the cherry on your ambitions." A beat "did they really offer you one of their own to use for..coupling?"

High purple cheekbones. "Yes."

"Well, he's good looking enough" an side glance and mutter "But clearly they don't know you well yet"

"Clearly." with an eyebrow "You want him?"

"Apparently he's mine for the day for any purpose." dry "Way too close to slavery for me."

"No I have my own ..drama" a pause 'But thank you, you are a generous liege." amused then "I doubt they see it that way, but yes i can see why that would be a turn off. "

"Not his fault." she points out "Just.... yeah, not great timing."

"Maybe he'll visit on a day when it isn't his duty to serve" She considers

"Duty or not won't make much of a difference, Mitra."

"pardon?"

":Oh you mean for romance.." she says

"Sorry, prickly subject I shouldn't have hinted at" She apologizes

"No offense taken, Mitra." her use of the personal name vs. title indicates the informal Jessica is inviting the same.

"I mean, I'd welcome his presence but I'm not looking for, um, companionship. I can't figure out how to make that work."