#fenixtj

Jessica hears voices speaking in a language she has heard, but cannot speak.

The voices seem friendly, even delighted.

Johnny Twofeather and Fawn!

The Nunnnehi and the Centaur are practicing ann indigenous dialect

and having a good time of it

Jess peeks her head in.

They're at the dining area...during an off hour and have taken one end of the big table

That makes her smile.

Of course, Fawn has no chair, not nnneeding one... she does See the troll "Oh, Chi.. pardon me, Countess, please join us"

She manages not to wince. "Call me Jess, or Jessica, please."

"Sorry Jessica" Fawn corrects "Johnnny and I were just polishing our language skills"

"She's really rather good" Johnny admits "How are you, Jessica?"

"I'm good." she says "Ididn't mean to interupt."

"Nonsense" Johnny says "You're curious about indigenous langguages anyway so why miss out?"

"Mind you, I cann't promise how great we are at teaching but we'd be happy to give some basic phrases?" Fawn nods

"I'd like that!" She enters more fully and joins them.

The first thing she learns is how to say hello, more than one way in fact

"One's a bit more formal than the other, for strangers.. the other is for friendns annd family" Fawn explains "You'll want to start more formal. It's presumptive to assume friendship or family rights with one who barely knows you"

"Of course." she nods. While she prefers informality and casual, easy relationships, she understands the importance of making a good first impression as well.

"Some of the old tribal customs border on the puritanical, which sounds nnarrow, but remember there was a fear of disease , other health complications, so purity is more than mere spiritual snobbery; it includes health and hygiene" Twofeathers adds

"Um. What, in this context, does 'purity' mean?"

"It can include virginity.. but not normally that extreme anymore" Fawn says

Twofeathes cougghs in his hand "Frequent showers help"

Jess gives him an odd, confused look, then blinks "Showers. So, cleanliness?"

"Yes" A nod "A big part of it. But also habits.. it varies a bit" He nods "For now, let's focus on the language. to say good bye.." And he tells herr

She practices.

Fawn and Johnny are patient and go over things again and again with her . It would seem Ellie's not the only Countess with teachers now

And Jessica is not too proud, not at all, to accept the information. "So... what language -is- this?"

They tell her

"Have you been using this language in the county?"

"Sparsely" Twofeahers says

"Onnly to say hello" Fawn replies "So far. "

"Who do you speak to?" genuinely curious.

"Well, therre's an obsidian fellow I've met on the street" Fawn explains

"The Local Nunehi," Twofeathers says

She nods. "Makes sense. Ok, let's try again....."

Annd they do, she learns not just words in Kumiai, but etiquette of the local tribes.

She might want to take notes! It's clear to both of her tutors she takes this very seriously.

Constance brings her a small note book and a pencil

Which she uses.

Constance peeks over her shoulder "mmm your handwriting could use some practice... pardon me for saying"

"Compared to your hand writing, Scribe, all of us need practice" Johnny counters "Language first, shoo"

The Scribe, as a troll, is nnot used to being told Shoo... annd raises a brow, but does indeed shoo

"Idon't mind if you stay, Constance; no one needs to read this but me, after all."

"I's quite all right. I have my own tasks to see too, but thank you for offering, Jessica"

Jess nods and goes back to her linguistics.

Fawn says "Constance seems nice. Intelligent young woman"

"Iagree, and she is."

"Now, another word that we know you like means Peace..." And they teach her that one

She works diligently.