#fenixtj

"Yes, but when you walked in here, you did it to propose. I was wondering if that was the custom of your people. What -are- your customs of, um, courtship." the lavender, which had subsided, colors her cheeks.

"In truth? not exactly.. in the very old days, the parents of an eligible bachelor would solicit the help of a matchmaker to find a prospective wife for their son (usually at around the age of 20). The matchmaker would put the two families in contact, after which point, if the marriage was deemed favorable by the community, the parents of the groom would provide a dowry-like offering to the parents of the bride. If they accepted, the marriage process would begin. Someone who was knowledgeable in the Count of Days would select a favorable date on which the wedding would be held. On the day of the wedding, the families and other people who were invited would gather together to feast, drink, and celebrate, however the wedding procession itself would start at night, as the bride would be carried in by the matchmaker." A pause "Of course, unlike moral matchmakers, ours used cantrips to divine if the natures of each were aligned well"

Jess is a little awkward about it, but she nods her understanding.

"That is less likely now, but there are a few professional matchmakers left. And what is good for the community is considered still a factor."

"I think there is a lot to recommed that system."

"Should I seek a match maker for us to see if we are compatible?"

"We, um, we don't .... that is, -my- people don't use matchmakers. But, I suppose you could; cantrips might be used among my people. Maybe. And, um, the good of the commuity comes first."

"See, that's part of what I'm talking about." she takes a drink of water "You have consulted your community, but I have not consulted mine. And I have an additonal level of concern. Two, really."

"You have a point about your community. What are the other 'levels of concern'?"

"My liege, and my family."

"I see. I should speak to them?"

"NO" she clears her throat "No, no.... that's a significant step. We're still at the 'figure out compatability' between -US- stage."

"Then, it's a date" He nods

She actually squirms. "Yes." she agrees nevertheless.

"Wonderful, this ____day night, would seven or eight be better for you?"

"Seven?"

"Seven it is" He rises "Thank you, Jessica, the food was excellent, the companny more so" A beat "is it customary to kiss your hand before I part or would you prefer a confident smile, head nod and departure?"

"Um. The latter, I think." She stands as well.

Otem gives a confident smile, a head nod, and then he departs

Jessica sits down again.

"How'd it ggo?" Nancy was nearby but not close enough to eavesdrop with detail

Jess leans forward, head in hands. She rubs the base of her horns. "We have a date."

"Well, that's great. About time you get on that metaphorical saddle again" She nods "he SEEMS okay.. is he a jerk? We can find a way to ditch him if he's a jerk"

"Thank you, Nancy." dry "I can handle it if he's a jerk. And, I have no desire to be in this saddle again. But, here we are."

"Well, if you're in the rodeo anyway, might as well ride em cowgirl" She says helpfully (?)

She gets a -look-.

"La Chapuleh is cranky" She observes then says "It's just a date, Jessica. Just, enjoy something about it, the company, the food, and/ or the entertainment and you'll be fine"

"I suggested a -treaty-!! A formal alliance for mutual protection!!"

Nancy grows more serious "And in a world of a history of alliances by marriage, a date surprised you? I don't agree with it mind you. I think you should marry for love, bump uglies for mutual fun, but I don't think this is a surprise regardless."

"It is damn well a surprise to me." firmly.

"Shall I get you some of Kerri's special, or would you prefer Diego's finest?"

"Neither, thank you. I'm going on patrol." she stands.

"I hope you find something that deserves hitting"

"Mmph." Cranky indeed. She gets her maul and heads out.

Nancy looks to the balefire and walks over to it now that Jessica is gone "Okay. She seems to have given up on love. Could you at least let her enjoy getting rode hard and put away wet? A part of her is wound so tight she's going to pop"

The balefire flares a bit, as if informing Nancy she is free to mind her OWN biz anytime now, thank you

Nancy huffs "You know I'm right" but she trots off

(end Scene)