#fenixtj

"Earl, pretend I don't hang out at Firnost any more.... what are you talking about?"

"Well, I barely go myself, but there's another troll wilder there using the name Westward. "

Her bafflement is plain. "What? WHY?"

"I don't know why she's using it. I told her I knew the origginal westward and she seemed interested in your .. legend? but i didnn't give your real name because it was't my story to tell"

"Legen..... Earl!"

Jessica puffs.

Earl throws up his hands"I don't know what you want me to say but it's the truth. Either that or someone is playin a very elaborate prank on the two of us"

"Not outside the realm of possibility." she huffs.

"No I suppose it's not, but if it is a prank, I fell for it too."

Jess thinks for a moment, shakes her head. "Whatever. Not really an issue, is it?"

"Well, now I'm wondering if it isn't. If she uses the name while doing ...illegal things and if others do know of it... it couldd have fall out"

"On who?"

"You if folks make the connection" A sigh "I should have done what Zara does and found a way to learn more"

"Earl, I can't sneak off to Firnost and do.... whatever. People know where I am. I'm on patrol, I spar and train, I meet with the barons here and sometimes the Nunnehi, we have festivals and holidays to plan and host..... I'm busy, and if I'm -lucky- I get Fourth of July and Thanksgiving to see my family. Period. Let them come with whatever they think; I have answers."

"Fair point, but you're not the least bit curious?"

"No. I can't go off to Firnost and track whoever this is down. And, you know, an entirely different kingdom well removed from here. What's the point?"

"mmmph" He ponders "I suppose you'rre right."

A shrug. "Maybe. That's how I see it."

"well you said you didn't need further attention, and I thought she might bring some"

"I don't, but that's a personal thing. I can't take time from my duties to .... fool with that. If it comes, it comes; not the first time, probably, regrettably, not the last."

"You sound a bit... trapped" Earl ponders

She shrugs again.

"Have you thought of getting a Regent for when you're aw ay? I know Ellie is your heir but..."

She shakes her head. "I pull one of the others in. Tweak or Mitra... even Tidemarch."

"Tweak in charge of a County" A thought "of all the ways I pictured Da'an going, THAT might be even a bigger shock than how you and I ended up"

A chuff, then

"I... don't call on her often." Jess admits "And if she wants to send someone else to do it while she work on important things well.... that's ok."

A nod "Maybe just talk to her to say hello to her kids. She's very proud of them, nearly as much as her devices I hearr. I don't go there often, usually with Zara and nocker workshop holds are.. loud. Though with her uncles she has got a bit of resistance"

She nods. "The kids are adorable." a smile.

"Is it wrong I almost hope one of them is a troll just to really mess with her head?" SIp

"Probably." but she doesn't sound upset about it.

She might even have had the same thought herself.

"I think it will be awhile before Zara and I have kids. the family is curious. I'm like "She's twenty folks""

Blink. "Kids??"

"Sorry, talking about Boseman and Shuri got me thinking how Zara has folks nosing into her plans, and that got me thinking about any future children we might have and win. I hope if it happens I'm a good father"

"I'm sure you will be, Earl."

"Thanks" A nod "So.. how open is Fenix for Babysitting?" A dry look

"Sorry, what?"

"Ah, nevermind. I was just joking about leaving future Zara junior here on couple anniverseries"

"Let's see how things go. For the record, Zara and you are both friends and I'm happy to help."

"I will" a sip "And, aggain, very sorry about dropping the Baroness and her steward on you. They're great people but I didnn't give many details in that text"

"No, no, that's fine."

"the unicorn infection had it saying the most hateful things about any.. ah, un chaste"

Jess goes a little lavender around the cheeks.

"Um. Ok."

"Yes ah, and of courrse, also trying to kill peoplee. The waters here are amazing"

"Fenix is like that." she says "The Pitt is.... her opposite."

"Seen it once, it's .. invigorating?" Clearly tryinng to be nice

"Not my style, but it's important here."

"Seems to be an outlet I.. mmm" A thought "Would it be tacky to see if you wanted a commison ? I could do some paintings of your holdsif you like?"