#fenixtj

"We have failed you" The snake faced woman says

The masked man with the flayed skin agrees "You were kind to us, Countess.. and fought hard for peace. And we failed you"

It is hot in Baja; not even the ocean breeze can do much about it. Jessica takes a drink of water. "Thank you for your kind words, but I respectfully disagree. The failure is mutual and shared."

"I think these opposing Nunnehi have failed to see the opportunity here."

"Truer words were seldom spoken" The Obsidian warrior, Otem? Says

"Thank you."

"This is a difficult situation. I need information, but I will not ask you for it. I must defend my people, which puts us on a war footing when we have come so far already towards peace."

"We cannot share much with you , we fear it would only lend crredence to the pro war sorts who call us traitors" The flayed mann reples

She nods. "Exactly the kind of thing I meant. That's why I'm not asking."

"However, we can give a gift to you, a gift to a host is honored" They nod

Jess nods slowly. "Iwould be honored to accept."

They presientt he with somethin, an Obsidian hand mirror

She accepts with both hands, formally. "Thank you. Will you tell me of this?"

"This ? this treasure is but a toy, something for our childlings, we use it to teach them ..the basics"

"Lovingly craftted" They nod

She looks it over. "Should it be given to a childling, then?"

"No.. I don't suggest that" The lady says "Not unntil ou've had a chance to study it for yourself"

"What basics does it teach?"

"Like most mirrors, but put it before your face"

She does.

And there's an imagge of an old man, and he holds up a flower, and says the word for flower in a very OLD langguage

She has been working on languages for so long that she repeats the word out of habit.

(At this point, I apologize for not seeing the update)

BIC: And the old man smiles, and shows o ther images. It's a language primer, but it also teaches math, annd she suspects tells stories of history and folklore

OOC We can take turns.

Jess nods, eyes wide. "This is... very valuable to me. Thank you."

"Just a child's thing" but she can hear the pleasure in their voice. They have used a custom to get around restrictions and are pleased with themselves "But you are welcome"

"How can I help you? What do you need?" an invitation.

"Learn" She advises "That's one thing, but, ithere may come a time when we call on you to help our villages. Of course, we'll have to show one to you. The warmongers are forcing our hand to share with you more, not less"

"Will you tell your people I'm willing to consider a formal alliance between our peoples?"

"We are stronger together than apart. And... hm."

"We shall tell them..."

"and hmm?"

"I had an idea for the future, if a closer relationship between us seems important."

"We would hear it if it is not too soon?"

"My people have a tradition, founded on Oaths that bind our souls, of adoption."

"We are a bit old to adopt" They say cautitously

"I would say the same of myself, although I was adopted when I was younger." Jess agrees "I said it might be an option in the future."

They ponder this then nod "We will consider it"

"In the meantime, an alliance might make more sense."

"We shall go annd disscuss i with the others"

Jessica nods. "Water for the road?"

They partake

She makes sure they have plenty and sees them off.

(End Scene)