#fenixtj

A smile, at the offer of informatlity, then a sympathetic nod "Who can, Jessica? Take me" A low whisper "Jack is dancing with Natalie. They've probably had sex. I was the one who told him our relationship was private, and non exclusive, so why is it I want to kick her in her innocent fuzzy ass, and have him tell everyone I'm the only woman for him? I set this up. I Put up the rules. And yet I'm not happy that I got what I told him I wanted"

"Maybe it's not what you really want." Jess points out matter of factly.

"Yes, and that's a pain in the ass.. because apparently I don't know what I want. " A pause "Do you think Tweak;'s hold could build something to replace men? Some sort of golem that feeds ups grapes and strokes our hair after a hard day at court?"

Jessica covers her face. "I'm -certain- she would come up with something. Do you want to ask her?"

"No, with my luck and a nocker glitch involved, within five days it would start hanging out at a bar prefering a toaster's company to me"

Jessica bursts out laughing!

"Sorry, Sorry, I'm not laughing at you...."

"It's okay if you are" A shoulder bump, friend to friend rather than baroness to countess

She laugh tapers to a chuckle, but she seems in a positive mood.

Mitra doesn't talk shop, but rather just some of the nice things about to day... "And you know I've been grumbling that our food at the pitt isn't the best? Well we got a new cook who might give Marie and Rosalita a run for their dinero. "

"Really?" Jessica tilts her head "Mmm. Maybe a holiday competition sometime?"

"Oh my, wouldn't that get the ladies " Meaning Rosa and marie "and their backs up? Me I was just going to say don't neglect some of the food from the Pitt this time, but you know? That might be a great Pennons moment. If that's not too far off?"

Jess nods "Pennons might give your crew a chance to gear up and practice." soberly, almost.... teasing?

A sly look back "oh I feel a gauntlet being thrown down"

An INNOCENT look.....

A soft chuckle "You're on"

Jess nods and takes a sip of her wine.

And a sigh.

"mmm ? " trying to read the sigh

"Nothing. Beltaine. I just hope I'm not doing any damage."

"Damage to..." A brow

"The County."

"Maybe I should have Tito Woden check but.... I feel like if I am, and I know, then I'll have to do something about it and......." she makes an uncomfortable face.

"Jessica, you have done more for this county than any ruler.. ANY.. " A firm look "You have the least corrupt least selfish rule. Bad things may happen, but ...hurt this place? No. I don't think you could"

"Thank you. Maybe it's sad, but I think I needed to hear it."

"You're welcome... and it's not sad.. yes there were stinkers but some rulers tried too who weren't so bad. You still beat them all for quality and care"

"Thanks. I hope you're finding the Regent rule rewarding?"

"Actually its both rewarding and a challenge. I want to prepare Sayda , but I don't want to jade her. I need to have others respect her so when she steps up the transition will be smooth. Somethings a child shouldn't deal with, but at the same time she won't be a child forever"

Jessica nods. "I face similar challenges with Ellie." and she tells Mitra anything she hasn't yet about Ellie's clash with Dauntain.

"Oh good lord, that must have been retroactively terrifying"

"I heard about it, of course, but not in such detail.." She says "Sayda got into a fight on the street once. Another girl was bullying a boy. She mashed the little snot's instep then head butted her. I fussed at her about how somethings require subtltey and maybe let me know... but I was so damn proud "

Jess nods. "It was terrifying, yes. And it sounds like Sayda's actions come from a good place even if they are.... direct."

"She's a good one. She's ..learning MOSTLY the right lessons.. I too worry I don't always make sure she learns options"

"And Ellie is a good one too. You have every right to be proud"

"Ellie did the work herself; I just provided her opportunities."

"that is no small thing, opening doors, lighting the path so she CAN Walk through them"

"Let's just keep lighting those paths, then."

"Oh yes. " A nod

For a moment, just a momennt, Sir Jack looks at Mitra, they exchange a gaze. She does not nod, or shake her head no... she holds still.

And then, Sir Jack moves to ask another lady to dance

"asshole" Mitra mutters, whether it's fair or not

Jessica exhales softly.

"Sorry" she says to Jessica "Now.. about the kids"

"What about them?"

"They're a nicer subject than me gripinng about men"

"This is true."

"I think maybe I'll have Sayda drop by to visit more ofen if it's okay?"

"Absolutely! And Ellie and her entourage can come to the Pit. If, um, it's ok."

"Yes, I'll make sure somethings.. are well, nnot too graphic violence... by our standards. But you know Abuella will GUSH over them"

Jessica chuckles. "Sounds like a good learning experience."