#fenixtj

Yes. She above towel temptation.

within reason

"Ok. I suppose it's time to check in around Fenix."

"Want me to fetch Diego or a thane or someone?"

"No, thanks, I want to see the place as well. You want to come with me?"

"Sure.."

And off they go to casually tour the Freehold/Spa and check in with the people there.

They find Ash practicing her sword play

They see Fontaine running fingers over the spa waters. It's just him

((Presumably not in the same place?))

(Nope)

"Dame, all is well?"

"Actually, quite well. Mr. Viggo has been .. an excellent teacher. I find myself with a bit more free time and realized I'd gotten a bit lax in my training. Care to spar?"

"Perhaps later; we're checking in on things. How is Ellie?"

"Even she is somewhat socialzed out after beltaine, I think she loved holding court for the kids, but there must have beenn a dozen at leas around her. She's learningg braille at an amazinng rate ..annd her sword work is fierce"

That brings a genuine smile to her face. "That is wonderful to hear; I'm grateful to you for the work you've done with her, and continue to do. Without, um, prying.... regarding your shared House.... all is well with her there? Her visions... not too difficult?"

" I don't think she's had another vision recently and.. between you and me? I'm relieved. She deserves a chance to be a kid" A bow "And thank you for the praise"

"Good to hear, and completely deserved. I'll let you get back to it."

"Yes, Counntess. Oh... Bevera wanted to talk to you when you have a chance" Naming the Gwydionn troubladour

"I'll make a point of seeking her, then." And she does.

And she finds Bevara in her room, playing thoughtfully a soft tune on the harp.

"Bevara? You were looking for me?"

<SEND>

"Oh, Countess" She rises and bows "Yes. I wondered if you wanted the Beltaine report?"

"Yes please."

"The Nunnehi that visited? They don't know I'm a Gwydion"

"Oooohhhh...." realization "What did you... I mean, it's not like you were spying on them, they were just talking near you.... what did you learn?"

A smile, at her reaction, then she says "Not all of it are you going to like. Now I don't speak certain indigenous tongues and some of them do.. but I can tell you that they do want peace. But the way tthey spoke? They're facing resentment from other nunehi for NOT attacking. The mainland tribes believe there can be no peace with the kithain invaders..but the Baja tribes are thinkinng maybe you and the new duke are their way to end this"

A deep breath. "No, that is good news."

"The bad news is, I don't think hey have the authority they pretend to. The flayed woman who led that delegation? She's a.. minor chief at best?" A frown "I'm sorry but it sounds like you have a countess, or even baroness trying to defy not just one duke, but serveral"

Jessica nods. "If that's the worst of the bad news, it's not so bad."

"Truly?" SHe says surprised "I feared it might dash your hopes. "

"No! A minor chief is more than we had."

"Well then I'm glad to give you the bad news," A nod

She nods back. "Anything else?"

"Actually yes. The fellow you were 'given'?" A brow "He likes you, as much for your kind respect of him as anything else. Apparently if you had cut him open and took out his heart they would have allowed it so.. obviously he was relieved. They also see this as a place of healing. the pitt is sacred for it's war and blood and sacrifice. But Fenix herself is nnot to be used for violence in their view, ever. Fontaine is seen as a child of some water or weather goddess, though he did not encourage that"

She nods slowly. "It... sounds good that my impressions of Fenix reflect theirs. Not that such was my intention but.... I feel like I got it right, you know?"

"You sound surprised, " Bevera raises a brow "Countess, do you now realize that you your vision shapes much? The ruler and the land are one. You cannot help but put muh of yourself into it, and .. vice versa"

"I know. I mean, I -know- but... to see it happening is different."

"Ah, very rewarding I imagine" she nods

"And a little weird. But...." a shrug.

Bevera smiles at that. A bit smug but she IS Gwydion "I forget your kith still has much to learn about the reality of ruling, but you clearly do it well"

An eyebrow.

Bevera sees the brow "I know you worry I flatterr too much, but it's earnest"

"Not sure so much it's the kith as it's just me, Bevera. Still kind of new to all this."

"Its in your blood if it's in any troll's blood" She says simply "New or not, you have ascended to the ranks surpassingg even your mother by dint of hard work, duty, and people's favor. Do not grow arrogant, but you've a right to be proud"

"I'll do my best to be humble." she says..... with just the slightest trace of irony.

"It can be an effort" She nods sagely

"Thank you for the news, Bevera. The good news."

She bows "Always eager to serve"